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17
Jul/13

Mariano Rivera Takes Field in All-Star Game to Enter Sandman and Huge Ovation

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Mariano Rivera has pitched in the final All-Star Game of his Hall of Fame career.

The New York Yankees closer is the best of all time, and he made one final trip to the mound during the Midsummer Classic on Tuesday night.

Citi Field erupted when Mo came onto the field, with both fans and fellow players saluting one of the greatest players in baseball history.

As Rivera made the trip to the mound from the bullpen, all eyes were on him, and it ended up being the best moment of the night.

Rivera knew that this would be his last All-Star Game, and he thanked the crowd for their support.

Twitter absolutely exploded after Mo took the mound.

The 13-time All-Star commanded the respect of baseball fans during the game, and they were more focused on him than Neil Diamond when he came on the big screen.

Mo has earned reverence from his peers as well, and they did what they could to make this moment special.

If that weren’t enough for you, NL All-Star and veteran Michael Cuddyer called this an incredible moment.

While Mo pitched the eighth instead of the ninth to ensure that he did in fact make an appearance, the unusual circumstances didn’t temper the moment.

We said goodbye to one of the greatest players of all-time tonight, and it was a special moment indeed.

It might have been just another stop on Mo’s much ballyhooed retirement tour, but pitching in one more All-Star Game in front of thousands of adoring fans was the best way for him to go out.

You couldn’t have scripted it any better.

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17
Jul/13

MLB All-Star Game Video: Manny Machado Shows off Leather and Arm with Great Play

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Manny Machado did it again.

The Baltimore Orioles‘ talented young third baseman showed off his cannon of an arm during the 2013 MLB All-Star Game.

Machado robbed what looked to be a clear hit for Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, who hit a rocket down the third base line. Goldschmidt looked like he could cruise into first, but Machado took away the hit.

Machado’s play at third is arguably the play of the game for either side, and even his fellow All-Stars had to be impressed.

Machado floored even the best players in the MLB, which isn’t an easy thing to do by any stretch of the imagination.

Announcer Joe Buck said he doubted that any other player in the league could make that play, and it’s tough to think of anyone who could have.

Even Jon Paul Morosi chimed in on Machado’s throw.

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen Machado make a throw like this. Just about one week earlier, he threw across his body from foul territory to take away a hit from New York Yankees third baseman Luis Cruz.

There might as well be a permanent Manny Machado segment on Web Gems after this play, as he seems to show off his arm on a nightly basis.

I think fans would agree with me there.

Machado’s play recorded the first out of the seventh inning, and David Wright singled right afterward. If he had not made the play, there’s no telling whether or not the NL would have scored.

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17
Jul/13

MLB All-Star Game: US Flag Unveiled That Practically Covers Entire Outfield

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The New York Mets broke out an American flag that can only be described as massive.

The 2013 MLB All-Star Game got kicked off with a typical patriotic salute on Tuesday night, and during that tribute the mammoth flag was unveiled.

The event staff at Citi Field apparently subscribe to the theory that bigger is better, and in this case it sure is.

The flag that was used before the game practically covered the entire outfield, and was likely among the biggest ever used. Heck, if it were any bigger it might not have fit on the field!

According to the New York Daily News, the flag was held by 150 servicemen and women. U.S. staff sergeant and Boston Red Sox fan Mike Dambra was among the men and women to hold the flag, and he said that it came as a complete surprise.

The MLB All-Star Game is really for the fans more than it’s for the players, and opening with such a special patriotic introduction was perfect.

When players were being introduced, many starters jogged onto the field holding American flags of their own. This added to the spectacle, and was not missed by fans.

Among the players who came out with a flag was fan favorite and one of the most beloved players in New York Mets history: David Wright.

Wright has stuck with the Mets for all 10 seasons of his MLB career, and the fans were giddy with excitement to see him play at home in the Midsummer Classic. To have him be one of the players coming out with a flag was a classy move.

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17
Jul/13

Cliff Lee Ready to Tear Heads off with Glassy Stare During All-Star Intros

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Cliff Lee was not happy with his reception at the 2013 MLB All-Star Game.

The Philadelphia Phillies pitcher was booed by New York Mets fans (as expected), and he responded with a death stare that would make even Kobe Bryant jealous.

Scary stuff.

Other players might be happy (or at least show some emotion) at hearing their name called before an All-Star Game, but not Lee. He didn’t move a muscle when his name was announced before his fourth Midsummer Classic.

Lee’s look didn’t go unnoticed, and Twitter loved his stare.

Pictures and screen grabs of Lee’s face exploded like a bomb on Twitter, and everyone had to show just how angry he looked.

Maybe Lee really doesn’t like the city of New York. After all, he chose not to sign with the New York Yankees during his free agency in 2010.

Amy Nelson clearly loved Lee’s reaction.

Lee’s face will go down in history as one of the most unique reactions to an introduction at an All-Star Game.

Lee looks like he was just called for jury duty, not introduced for a game for which it is an honor to be selected.

Perhaps the thrill of being named to the All-Star Game has worn off for him. Perhaps he didn’t appreciate his welcome. Perhaps he ate some bad sushi earlier that day and was regretting it.

Any way you look at it, Lee simply didn’t look like Citi Field was where he wanted to be on Tuesday night, and nothing said that better than the evil eye he gave.

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13
Jul/13

Matt Thornton Trade Shows Chicago White Sox’s Fire Sale Has Officially Begun

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The Chicago White Sox made their first of many moves before the 2013 MLB Trade Deadline, dealing reliever Matt Thornton to the Boston Red Sox.

The ChiSox sit 13.5 games back in the AL Central at 36-53, and the team is about to have its own fire sale, dealing its current pieces for future ones.

The White Sox received outfield prospect Brandon Jacobs and cash in the deal, according to Bill Baer of NBC Sports, proving that the team wants to dump salary and get young prospects.

According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the team has said that everyone is available via trade except ace Chris Sale and first baseman Paul Konerko.

The White Sox made it clear that they wanted to move some pieces around when that news broke on June 27. However, 14 days later Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports said that he expects Sale to also be moved before the deadline, which would mean that the White Sox are even more willing to trade than first expected.

Dealing Sale would be huge for the team, as he would easily be the best pitching option available and would bring in a few elite prospects, according to Ken Rosenthal.

Matt Garza is an oft-injured rental. Yovani Gallardo has a 4.85 ERA. Kyle Lohse is 35, Bud Norris has never pitched for a contender, and Joe Saunders is, well, Joe Saunders.

David Price isn’t out there. Cliff Lee isn’t out there. No ace is out there. Some smart team is going to exploit the shortfall by putting a top-of-the-rotation starter in play.

Other guys who should be on the move include outfielder Alex Rios, pitcher Jake Peavy, shortstop Alexei Ramirez, reliever Jesse Crain and DH Adam Dunn.

The White Sox have a bit of aging talent, but new GM Rick Hahn apparently wants to blow everything up before starting from scratch. If that is, in fact, his end goal, Hahn should reconsider not trading Konerko, as the 37-year-old isn‘t going to be with the team for a long time and could potentially warrant a good prospect in a trade once he comes off the DL.

This team looks to be the biggest seller in baseball this year, and fans shouldn’t be surprised to see another seven or eight trades being made by the ChiSox over the few two weeks.

The White Sox have put the MLB on notice that they are open for business, and it all began on Friday.

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13
Jul/13

Jarred Cosart’s Spectacular MLB Debut Gives Astros Plenty of Hope for Future

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Top prospect Jarred Cosart made his MLB debut for the Houston Astros on Friday night, giving hope that the worst team in baseball has a bright future ahead of it.

Cosart was nearly flawless against the Tampa Bay Rays, throwing eight shutout innings and allowing just two hits and three walks while striking out two en route to his first big league win.

Cosart’s debut was nearly historic as well, as he took a no-hit bid into the seventh inning.

Cosart got a bit of help along the way from center fielder Brandon Barnes, who made an incredible catch in the sixth inning. Right fielder J.D. Martinez couldn’t come up with the ball in right-center field, but Barnes never took his eye off the play and made a diving catch during which he adjusted in midair to preserve the no-no.

Cosart eventually surrendered his first hit to Ben Zobrist in the seventh inning on a hard line drive.

Cosart is the first Astros pitcher to last more than seven innings without surrendering a run in his MLB debut.

Cosart pitched eight strong innings before being pulled. He had thrown 96 pitches up to that point, and Astros manager Bo Porter decided against taxing his young arm for the final three outs.

Cosart didn’t exactly ease into big leagues with his first start. He had to face the Rays, who are contenders for the playoffs. What’s more, Cosart was pit in a pitching duel against Rays ace and 2012 AL Cy Young winner David Price, and he still came out on top.

The Astros acquired Cosart from the Philadelphia Phillies at the 2011 trade deadline in exchange for Hunter Pence.

Cosart looks like a solid building block for the starting rotation, joining 2013 No. 1 pick Mark Appel and several other top quality pitching prospects as reasons for optimism in Houston over the future of the franchise. 

Sure, the Astros are just 33-59 after the win on Friday, but the team has one of the best farm systems in baseball, and Cosart is just the first of many they hope will help boost the team out of the doldrums.

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13
Jul/13

Astros vs. Rays Video: Watch Brandon Barnes Make Fabulous Grab to Save No-Hitter

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Houston Astros center fielder Brandon Barnes made what could possibly be the best catch of his career on Friday night against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Jarred Cosart was making his MLB debut and pitching a no-hitter at the time, and Barnes kept his no-no alive.

Right fielder J.D. Martinez couldn’t come up with the ball, but Barnes kept his concentration and adjusted in midair to make the incredible diving catch.

 

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen Barnes make a slick play with his glove.

Barnes flashed the leather against the Baltimore Orioles, laying out for another great diving catch.

He also robbed the Chicago Cubs of an extra-base hit, falling down as he made the grab on the warning track.

Barnes doesn’t just have a great glove, though. He’s a fantastic defender all around, showing off his arm as he made the catch and gunned down Nelson Cruz at second base against the Texas Rangers.

Barnes has only played in 117 MLB games, but he already has four legitimate Web Gems, and people are starting to take notice.

Barnes’ best play was definitely the one on Friday night. Preserving a no-hitter while making a catch that 99 percent of the MLB wouldn’t have been able to make is truly sensational.

Twitter couldn’t help but have something to say about Barnes’ catch, and he set off a chain of tweets.

Cosart would go on to lose his no-hitter after 6.1 innings, as Ben Zobrist hit a liner to end it. However, Barnes’ catch is sure to make a few highlight reels over the next week or so.

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13
Jul/13

Delta Airlines Honors Mariano Rivera with Commemorative Boeing 757

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Mariano Rivera received another parting gift during his retirement tour on Friday, but this one didn’t come from an MLB team, it came from Delta Airlines.

That’s right, the airline dedicated a 757 plane to Mo, placing his number and signature near the cockpit of the plane.

Rivera’s retirement tour has been special, but this gift from Delta is something else.

There were some great shots of Mo receiving his gift.

He also threw out a ceremonial “last pitch” to New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi (although he still has the second half of the season to play).

What’s more, Mo even got to go into the cockpit! How cool is that?

Rivera’s retirement tour isn’t over just yet, but I think we can safely say this latest gift from Delta will be the best he receives.

New York Mets fans won’t be too happy, though. Twitter took a few shots at Mets fans after Mo received his parting gift.

Delta may have given Mariano the best gift of his tour, but the best gift from an MLB team is still up for grabs.

The Minnesota Twins have the lead in that category, as manager Ron Gardenhire and company gave Mo what is now known as The Chair of Broken Dreams.

The Twins decided to give Mo a rocking chair made out of broken bats, symbolizing both how much he has dominated the Twins and the fact that he’ll need a rocking chair in his retirement.

Perfect.

Mo’s retirement tour has been a lengthy, fairytale ending for the best closer in MLB history.

Some of the top parting gifts from the tour have been throwing out the first pitch against the Mets, a plaque of him pitching against the Detroit Tigers, a customized surfboard from the Oakland Athletics and more.

Delta’s gift may have been the best so far, but the biggest, most emotional farewell is yet to come: Yankee Stadium.

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10
Jul/13

Can a Hot Start By Manny Ramirez Accelerate His Return to the Majors?

by under MLB

When Manny Ramirez signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers earlier this week it didn’t seem as though he could offer much help to the team as a 41-year-old.

That might not be the case.

Ramirez looks good in Triple-A, hitting the first pitch he saw for a line drive single and hitting his first home run on Tuesday night.

 

 

Manny went 2-for-2 with a home run, a single and a bases loaded walk in his first three at-bats with three RBI.

Ramirez has been looking good after returning from Taiwan, where he hit .353 with eight dingers and 43 RBI in 49 games, helping the EDA Rhinos win the first half championship a year after finishing 31 games back.

Talk about production.

While the pitching Manny was facing in Taiwan wasn’t exactly MLB-caliber, it was still good to watch his bat come back to life and start belting home runs like this one:

Ramirez has come back a changed man. Not only has he appeared to become wiser with age, but he is now content to help others learn, as seen by him helping Mike Olt correct his swing.

Ramirez sounds completely different than the sideshow we came to know and love, instead sounding much more mature when talking to USA Today.

We all do a lot of things when we are young, but if you can make it through the fire, you are changed, made better and ready for anything else.

I am just happy, my wife is happy. I am working very hard and we’ll see where it goes. But it is a fun ride.

The future is greater than the past.

We’re dealing with a different Manny Ramirez than we’ve known in the past, and the transformation can be seen on the field as well, where he’s playing much better than he did with the Tampa Bay Rays the last time he was in the MLB.

But can he really help the Rangers this season?

With Lance Berkman hitting the DL and the team in desperate need of runs, why not?

After losing Josh Hamilton and his .285 batting average with 43 home runs and 128 RBI, the Rangers offense isn’t the same group that led the MLB in runs last year with 808. The team is down from 5.0 runs per game last year to just 4.4 this year, and that spells trouble.

The Rangers are currently a half game back of the Oakland Athletics and are in a dogfight for the AL West crown. However, without some help on offense it might not happen for Texas.

This is where Ramirez comes in. The team needs a DH, and he might be their best option at this point.

Ramirez batted .315 with seven home runs and 41 RBI in 62 games in Texas, finding more success at the Rangers’ home park than most others. He has also gotten off to a fast start in the minors, showing that he could be MLB-ready soon.

If the Rangers drop a few games without Berkman and are desperate for some offense, it shouldn’t come as a surprise if Man-Ram gets called up earlier than expected. Even if he’s not called up soon, he should put up good numbers once he makes it to the MLB.

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6
Jul/13

Making the Case for Yasiel Puig to Win the 2013 All-Star Game NL Final Vote

by under MLB

The question of whether or not Yasiel Puig will be in the All-Star Game was finally answered on Saturday—no.

OK, maybe it’s premature to say that Puig won’t play in the Midsummer Classic, but he needs your help. He was named to the Final Vote for the NL reserves, and it’s up to the fans to decide if he makes it or not.

The 22-year-old Los Angeles Dodgers phenom out of Cuba took MLB by storm when he made his debut on June 3, and just over a month later, he was snubbed from making his first All-Star Game.

The debate about whether he deserved a spot in the All-Star Game has been one of sports’ hottest topics over the last couple of weeks, and the simple truth is that he deserved it more than almost any other player in the league.

Through the first 30 games of his MLB career, Puig is batting .420 with eight home runs and 19 RBI.

He has been the best player in MLB since he joined the Dodgers, as evidenced by this fact: He was the first player in history to win Rookie of the Month and Player of the Month in his first month in the majors.

Puig is arguably the best five-tool player in the game today, and he has shown it in all 30 games he’s played.

In his first game, Puig demonstrated his cannon of an arm. He rifled a throw from right to first with pinpoint accuracy to complete a game-ending double play against the San Diego Padres.

This kid is also one of the fastest players in the game, as seen in this hustle double against the New York Yankees. He smacked a hit up the middle that would have been a single for anyone else, but he is so fast that he stretched it into a double with ease.

We can’t forget about Puig’s power either.

In just his second game, Puig blasted a three-run home run to tie the game for the first dinger of his MLB career. He then came right back and hit a two-run shot in the next inning to extend the Dodgers’ lead to 9-6.

Oh, and did I mention that he hit his first career grand slam just two days later?

Finally, let’s take a look at Puig’s play in right field.

The 6’3″, 245-pound powerhouse isn’t afraid to crash into walls if it’ll help him make a catch, and this play against the Colorado Rockies shows just how good he is with the glove.

With so many tools, how could this guy fail to make the All-Star Game?

The Midsummer Classic isn’t about who’s had the best first half of the season; it’s about who the best players are—and Puig is among MLB’s best.

Because the All-Star Game influences home-field advantage in the World Series, it is much more important than any other All-Star Game in pro sports. Because of that, the game shouldn’t feature players solely because of their production throughout the year, but also for what they can do for their respective leagues.

Puig had opposition when it came to making the All-Star Game, namely Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia and Philadelphia Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon.

Neither of their arguments against Puig made sense.

Scioscia was one of the first people in baseball to openly oppose Puig, saying he “needs to go a little farther to earn it,” according to Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times. He added:

There’s a pull to bring the best players to the game because of the bearing it has on home-field advantage in the World Series. That’s going to give him a deeper look than maybe it would have in any other situation. 

Scioscia later called Puig “as dynamic a player as you’re going to see in the major leagues.”

Therefore, by Scioscia’s definition of the All-Star Game and of Puig, the Cuban phenom should be in the game, right?

Papelbon strongly opposed Puig’s inclusion in the Midsummer Classic, saying it would be an “injustice” and a “joke” if he were to make the roster in an interview with MLB Network Radio (via Mike Oz of Yahoo! Sports).

It’s easy for Papelbon to say that Puig shouldn’t be an All-Star because he hasn’t had the misfortune of pitching against him.

Puig leads all MLB hitters with at least 15 at-bats in batting average and is second in OPS behind only Chris Davis of the Baltimore Orioles, who led all All-Star candidates in votes.

He is one of the most feared hitters in the game right now, and any pitcher who has faced him would likely contend that Puig should not only play in the game but start in it.

He’s that good.

At this point, it’s up to the fans to decide whether Puig will take part in the festivities or watch from home.

To have one of the most gifted players in decades sit on the couch during the game is unacceptable, and it’s up to you to vote for him to go to Flushing.

 

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