Carlos Correa was given the AL Rookie of the Year award by the Sporting News yesterday, an award voted on by players.
Springer:
He has been everything as advertised. For being 21, he's got incredible poise. The skill-set is there.
Correa received 98 of the 176 votes to win, with Francisco Lindor - likely Correa's main competition in the BBWAA vote to be announced on November 16 - coming in 2nd, with 30 votes. Lance McCullers picked up a couple of votes, as well.
Correa is also the first Astro to win the award since Willy Taveras in 2005. Jeff Bagwell won it in 1991, Jeffrey Leonard in 1979, Greg Gross in 1974, and Joe Morgan won it, too.
Correa is off to Kansas City to serve as a "social media correspondent" for MLB.com during the World Series.
UPDATE:
(NOT HANK) here. I looked this up, and felt like it was worth sharing. Since the Sporting News dropped the Pitcher/Batter distinction and awarded only one Rookie of the Year in each league in 2004, the BBWAA AL ROY and Sporting News AL ROY matched up 9 of 11 times, with the exceptions coming in 2010 (Neftali Feliz BBWAA and Austin Jackson SN) and 2011 (Jeremy Hellickson BBWAA and Mark Trumbo SN). It's happened more in the NL, with Willy T beating out Ryan Howard in the SN in 2005, J.A. Happ beating Chris Coughlin in 2009, Jason Heyward beating Buster Posey in 2010 and Wade Miley beating Bryce Harper in 2012.
In other words, the SN is not terribly predictive on the BBWAA results, but it is a good sign.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
Showing posts with label Sporting News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sporting News. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Friday, November 30, 2012
2013 Hall of Fame odds
The Linemakers at Sporting News have compiled their odds (even though, they admit, you cannot wager on Hall of Fame inductions). Their results?
Craig Biggio - 7/2 odds
Jeff Bagwell - 5/1 odds
Craig Biggio - 7/2 odds
Jeff Bagwell - 5/1 odds
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Sporting News: Best-case scenario for Astros fans is to simply remember them
Jeebus, it's like the media is already building a Tomb of the Unknown Franchise for 2012. The Sporting News had this to say about the Astros:
The rebuilding could continue this offseason if the Astros can find a new GM to coax someone into taking first baseman Carlos Lee and/or lefthander Wandy Rodriguez off the books.
About the best Astros fans can hope for is that the team lands some prospects who can spark their interest enough to not completely forget about this team.
The rebuilding could continue this offseason if the Astros can find a new GM to coax someone into taking first baseman Carlos Lee and/or lefthander Wandy Rodriguez off the books.
About the best Astros fans can hope for is that the team lands some prospects who can spark their interest enough to not completely forget about this team.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Pence could be "the best position player traded"
Sporting News' Anthony Witrado has nice things to say about Hunter Pence, while explaining that many people don't know who he is, because of the Astros:
If Hunter Pence is made available, look out. There will be a whirlwind of scouts racing to Houston Astros games and phone calls to Houston GM Ed Wade. Pence would immediately become the most sought-after bat on the trading block and could be the impact bat that could change a division race. Not many people get a chance to see Pence because he’s played for an awful team most of his career, but this guy is legit and he showed why during the All-Star Game.
If Hunter Pence is made available, look out. There will be a whirlwind of scouts racing to Houston Astros games and phone calls to Houston GM Ed Wade. Pence would immediately become the most sought-after bat on the trading block and could be the impact bat that could change a division race. Not many people get a chance to see Pence because he’s played for an awful team most of his career, but this guy is legit and he showed why during the All-Star Game.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Bill Hall might rather be at 3B
Sporting News' Stan McNeal talked to Bill Hall, and finds he's more comfortable at 3B.
Hall:
"I got really good at third base for the two years I was there. I feel I can be a plus at second base. I still am athletic. I can move around and make some exciting plays there. It's a position I'm excited to be at. Any time you can have athleticism at second base with some power, it's a plus for your team. That's what I'm looking to add here."
Eyes up, Chris Johnson.
Hall:
"I got really good at third base for the two years I was there. I feel I can be a plus at second base. I still am athletic. I can move around and make some exciting plays there. It's a position I'm excited to be at. Any time you can have athleticism at second base with some power, it's a plus for your team. That's what I'm looking to add here."
Eyes up, Chris Johnson.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Sporting News: The Astros had the 4th-best offseason...in the NL Central
According to Stan McNeal and the Sporting News, the Astros had the 4th-best offseason of all of the National League Central:
Judging by its offseason acquisitions, Houston isn't convinced its strong finish means it is ready to contend. The Astros made two lineup changes that can be considered marginal upgrades. They signed utilityman Bill Hall to play second base and traded for a shortstop, Clint Barmes, who lost his everyday job at second base in Colorado. They also brought in lefthanded starter Ryan Rowland-Smith, discarded by the Mariners after a dismal 2010, and unloaded reliever Matt Lindstrom.
And then your pre-Spring Training prediction:
Expect the Reds and Cardinals to lead the way, with the Brewers coming fast and Cubs closing steadily. The Astros could take another step forward but lack the depth of the contenders. The Pirates will need a lot to go right to end their record streak of consecutive losing seasons at 18.
Judging by its offseason acquisitions, Houston isn't convinced its strong finish means it is ready to contend. The Astros made two lineup changes that can be considered marginal upgrades. They signed utilityman Bill Hall to play second base and traded for a shortstop, Clint Barmes, who lost his everyday job at second base in Colorado. They also brought in lefthanded starter Ryan Rowland-Smith, discarded by the Mariners after a dismal 2010, and unloaded reliever Matt Lindstrom.
And then your pre-Spring Training prediction:
Expect the Reds and Cardinals to lead the way, with the Brewers coming fast and Cubs closing steadily. The Astros could take another step forward but lack the depth of the contenders. The Pirates will need a lot to go right to end their record streak of consecutive losing seasons at 18.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
The Sporting News has nice words for Jeff Bagwell
Stan McNeal has a new column up in which he praises the efforts of hitting coach Jeff Bagwell.
McNeal:
Rookie Jason Castro isn't going to threaten for the N.L. batting title, but after a sit-down with Bagwell earlier this season, Astros assistant GM Ricky Bennett says the 23-year-old catcher improved his average by "about 70 points in a matter of 2 1/2 weeks" in the minors and reached the majors a month later.
Mills:
The 42-year-old former slugger has brought an old-school approach to the job. He is not big on video and he doesn't believe that 100 swings in the batting cage are more beneficial than "10 or 15 good ones." Today's hitters, he says, "find ways to put themselves in slumps."
McNeal:
Rookie Jason Castro isn't going to threaten for the N.L. batting title, but after a sit-down with Bagwell earlier this season, Astros assistant GM Ricky Bennett says the 23-year-old catcher improved his average by "about 70 points in a matter of 2 1/2 weeks" in the minors and reached the majors a month later.
Mills:
The 42-year-old former slugger has brought an old-school approach to the job. He is not big on video and he doesn't believe that 100 swings in the batting cage are more beneficial than "10 or 15 good ones." Today's hitters, he says, "find ways to put themselves in slumps."
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Stan McNeal thinks the three-team deal gets done
The Sporting News' Stan McNeal still thinks the three-team deal, with Roy to the Phillies, Werth to the Rays, and the prospects the Rays give up for Werth going to the Astros will still get done.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Stan McNeal: Astros keeping Roy is "likely"
It's a throw-away line, but the Sporting News' Stan McNeal says the following:
The Twins and Mets might have to settle for a back-of-the-rotation type such as Kevin Millwood or Jake Westbrook to bolster their rotations if, as is likely, the Diamondbacks keep Dan Haren and the Astros don't move Roy Oswalt.
The Twins and Mets might have to settle for a back-of-the-rotation type such as Kevin Millwood or Jake Westbrook to bolster their rotations if, as is likely, the Diamondbacks keep Dan Haren and the Astros don't move Roy Oswalt.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Anyone of you, at any moment, could have your elbow implode. Simply by doing nothing.
Or so Geoff Blum would like to remind you:
Sporting News:
Aware of the tittering that greeted the news, Blum cautioned outsiders from thinking it was a freak incident, noting that it's something that could happen to just about any player in the league. The elbow seized up when he was getting dressed. An unfortunate coincidence is all it is.
Blum:
"There are probably 90 percent of us in the big leagues that have loose bodies floating around. It just so happens that after the game, it tightened up on me. The shirt had nothing to do with the [darn] injury."
Meanwhile, the Examiner wants you to leave Blummey alone:
Blum's elbow was already messed up from his play on the field and it just happened that the range of motion he used while getting dressed caused a "pop." This isn't an embarrassing injury, nor should it be perceived as one. Ultimately, I feel bad for Blum.
Sporting News:
Aware of the tittering that greeted the news, Blum cautioned outsiders from thinking it was a freak incident, noting that it's something that could happen to just about any player in the league. The elbow seized up when he was getting dressed. An unfortunate coincidence is all it is.
Blum:
"There are probably 90 percent of us in the big leagues that have loose bodies floating around. It just so happens that after the game, it tightened up on me. The shirt had nothing to do with the [darn] injury."
Meanwhile, the Examiner wants you to leave Blummey alone:
Blum's elbow was already messed up from his play on the field and it just happened that the range of motion he used while getting dressed caused a "pop." This isn't an embarrassing injury, nor should it be perceived as one. Ultimately, I feel bad for Blum.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Is Lindstrom on the hot seat?
The Sporting News thinks so:
The closer seat is getting hot in Houston as Lindstrom has blown two straight saves and three of his last four opportunities. Since locking down 10 straight saves to start the season and allowing runs just twice in that span, Lindstrom has been roughed up for six runs on 11 hits and five walks in his last four outings (4.0 innings). During the recent struggles, his WHIP has jumped from 1.19 to 1.67. That's much closer to what we expect from Lindstrom, who finished with a 1.65 WHIP last season for Florida while losing his closer job. With experienced closer Brandon Lyon pitching well enough (3.47/1.33), don't be surprised if Astros manager Brad Mills decides to make a change.
Agree? Disagree?
The closer seat is getting hot in Houston as Lindstrom has blown two straight saves and three of his last four opportunities. Since locking down 10 straight saves to start the season and allowing runs just twice in that span, Lindstrom has been roughed up for six runs on 11 hits and five walks in his last four outings (4.0 innings). During the recent struggles, his WHIP has jumped from 1.19 to 1.67. That's much closer to what we expect from Lindstrom, who finished with a 1.65 WHIP last season for Florida while losing his closer job. With experienced closer Brandon Lyon pitching well enough (3.47/1.33), don't be surprised if Astros manager Brad Mills decides to make a change.
Agree? Disagree?
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Carlos Lee "looks like he doesn't care"
Oooh! Stan McNeal calls out Carlos Lee in a piece about Roy being one of the ten players most likely to be traded!
If a club comes calling for Carlos Lee, however, it could have him for his contract. Lee is due $18.5 million a year through 2012 and, according to a scout, "looks like he doesn't even care." (I will second that opinion. In an early season game at Busch Stadium, Lee strolled into the Astros' clubhouse about 10 minutes before stretching -- long after the rest of his teammates already had dressed).
Dayum!
If a club comes calling for Carlos Lee, however, it could have him for his contract. Lee is due $18.5 million a year through 2012 and, according to a scout, "looks like he doesn't even care." (I will second that opinion. In an early season game at Busch Stadium, Lee strolled into the Astros' clubhouse about 10 minutes before stretching -- long after the rest of his teammates already had dressed).
Dayum!
Monday, May 3, 2010
Power Rankings! Week Four
The easy thing about Power Rankings this week? Just scroll down to the bottom to find the Astros:
FanHouse:
Astros - 30th
"After sweeping the Pirates to get to 8-10 eight days ago, the Astros ceased to play the Pirates and have now dropped six straight to the Reds and Braves. In those six losses, they only cracked the two-run barrier once. Never base an entire evaluation of a team on one series against the Pirates."
TSN Canada:
Astros - 29th
"Not good when the corner outfielders -- Carlos Lee and Hunter Pence -- have combined for a .236 on-base percentage."
The Sporting News:
Astros - 30th
The ever-streaky Astros' six-game skid has them back at the bottom.
ESPN:
Astros - 29th
During their current six-game losing streak, the Astros are averaging two runs per game against teams that have ERAs of 5.42 (Reds) and 4.10 (Braves).
FanHouse:
Astros - 30th
"After sweeping the Pirates to get to 8-10 eight days ago, the Astros ceased to play the Pirates and have now dropped six straight to the Reds and Braves. In those six losses, they only cracked the two-run barrier once. Never base an entire evaluation of a team on one series against the Pirates."
TSN Canada:
Astros - 29th
"Not good when the corner outfielders -- Carlos Lee and Hunter Pence -- have combined for a .236 on-base percentage."
The Sporting News:
Astros - 30th
The ever-streaky Astros' six-game skid has them back at the bottom.
ESPN:
Astros - 29th
During their current six-game losing streak, the Astros are averaging two runs per game against teams that have ERAs of 5.42 (Reds) and 4.10 (Braves).
Monday, April 26, 2010
Power Rankings!
Apparently five wins last week was worth five spots.
Hardball Talk:
Astros - 25th
Lance Berkman coming back made this team look a lot more respectable.
ESPN:
Astros - 25th
The Astros averaged 2.3 runs per game without Lance Berkman. Since his return from the DL, they are averaging 5.3.
FanHouse:
Astros - 20th
"The Astros are 8-2 after their 0-8 start. Sure, three of those wins came against the scuffling Pirates, but with Lance Berkman back in the lineup the 'Stros are on an undeniable tear. They don't play a team that's currently over .500 until the Padres at the end of next week, so there's no reason to think it can't continue for a least a bit longer."
Sporting News:
Astros - 21st
Houston roared out of last place in this poll by winning seven of eight, against the Cubs, Marlins and Pirates. Lance Berkman's return to the lineup has helped.
Hardball Talk:
Astros - 25th
Lance Berkman coming back made this team look a lot more respectable.
ESPN:
Astros - 25th
The Astros averaged 2.3 runs per game without Lance Berkman. Since his return from the DL, they are averaging 5.3.
FanHouse:
Astros - 20th
"The Astros are 8-2 after their 0-8 start. Sure, three of those wins came against the scuffling Pirates, but with Lance Berkman back in the lineup the 'Stros are on an undeniable tear. They don't play a team that's currently over .500 until the Padres at the end of next week, so there's no reason to think it can't continue for a least a bit longer."
Sporting News:
Astros - 21st
Houston roared out of last place in this poll by winning seven of eight, against the Cubs, Marlins and Pirates. Lance Berkman's return to the lineup has helped.
Friday, April 23, 2010
The Sporting News: Worried about Lee, not so much about Pence
The Sporting News has a look at some slow starters in baseball. Of course your Astros are represented.
Carlos Lee:
Veteran slugger is striking out a little more and walking less than usual and he's been unlucky, with a .167 BABIP, but he also has no power and is missing the ball more often. The return of Lance Berkman could help provide Lee some protection in the Astros lineup, but it's fair to wonder if the 33-year-old has actually lost some of his bat speed.
Hunter Pence:
Pence has been unlucky, with a .191 BABIP, but his contact rates are also the highest of his career, while his walk rate is shockingly low. He's a relatively free swinger anyway, but Pence can probably snap out of this -- and he's showing signs already -- with his typical level of plate discipline.
Carlos Lee:
Veteran slugger is striking out a little more and walking less than usual and he's been unlucky, with a .167 BABIP, but he also has no power and is missing the ball more often. The return of Lance Berkman could help provide Lee some protection in the Astros lineup, but it's fair to wonder if the 33-year-old has actually lost some of his bat speed.
Hunter Pence:
Pence has been unlucky, with a .191 BABIP, but his contact rates are also the highest of his career, while his walk rate is shockingly low. He's a relatively free swinger anyway, but Pence can probably snap out of this -- and he's showing signs already -- with his typical level of plate discipline.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Power Rankings!
Entering Week Three, let's see how the "experts" see the Astros:
Sporting News:
Astros: 30th
The Astros have hit just three home runs as a team entering the week. Fifty players have at least three home runs this season.
FanHouse:
Astros: 29th
After their 0-8 start, the Astros are now 3-1 and are officially on a two-game winning streak after taking their weekend series in Wrigley Field. Lance Berkman is due back in the near future, as well, so it's not nearly as doom and gloom as it was for the 'Stros at this time last week. It's not all good news, either; Jeff Keppinger and Michael Bourn are the only two players hitting remotely well right now and Bud Norris' 3.52 ERA certainly won't stand if he keeps walking nearly a batter an inning.
ESPN:
Astros: 29th
Houston took two of three from the Cubs for its first series win of the season and gets Lance Berkman back from the DL on Tuesday
Hardball Talk:
Astros: 29th
The Astros have hit three home runs this year. Three. That's only three more than you've hit.
USA Today:
Astros: 29th
Sporting News:
Astros: 30th
The Astros have hit just three home runs as a team entering the week. Fifty players have at least three home runs this season.
FanHouse:
Astros: 29th
After their 0-8 start, the Astros are now 3-1 and are officially on a two-game winning streak after taking their weekend series in Wrigley Field. Lance Berkman is due back in the near future, as well, so it's not nearly as doom and gloom as it was for the 'Stros at this time last week. It's not all good news, either; Jeff Keppinger and Michael Bourn are the only two players hitting remotely well right now and Bud Norris' 3.52 ERA certainly won't stand if he keeps walking nearly a batter an inning.
ESPN:
Astros: 29th
Houston took two of three from the Cubs for its first series win of the season and gets Lance Berkman back from the DL on Tuesday
Hardball Talk:
Astros: 29th
The Astros have hit three home runs this year. Three. That's only three more than you've hit.
USA Today:
Astros: 29th
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Rhetorical Question of the Day
The Sporting News' blog has a new post rhetorically titled "How Bad Can The Astros Be?" More than answering that question - which focuses on how the Astros aren't scoring any runs - they take the fans to task:
The headline should have one of those cartoonish question marks followed by an exclamation point then another question mark and maybe a few other characters in there just to reinforce how terrible it must be to root for the Astros right now.
Watching their game on Sunday – just their sixth of the year, all at home – I was amazed that the stadium was 2/3 empty. This is Houston. They've been to a World Series in the last five years, so surely things couldn't be this bad where they're having "bring your dog to the game" promotions in the first week of the season and the empty seats still, on TV, look to outnumber the filled? It's baseball season, Houston…get out there and support your team, no matter how bad they seem after one week.
The headline should have one of those cartoonish question marks followed by an exclamation point then another question mark and maybe a few other characters in there just to reinforce how terrible it must be to root for the Astros right now.
Watching their game on Sunday – just their sixth of the year, all at home – I was amazed that the stadium was 2/3 empty. This is Houston. They've been to a World Series in the last five years, so surely things couldn't be this bad where they're having "bring your dog to the game" promotions in the first week of the season and the empty seats still, on TV, look to outnumber the filled? It's baseball season, Houston…get out there and support your team, no matter how bad they seem after one week.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Sporting News' predictions
Hey, so the Sporting News has some predictions about the 2010 NL Central:
1. St. Louis Cardinals
2. Chicago Cubs (Wild Card)
3. Milwaukee Brewers
4. Cincinnati Reds
5. Houston Astros
6. Pittsburgh Pirates
And Stan McNeal adds three predictions about the Astros:
1. Lance Berkman, recovering from knee surgery, will hobble through another season and the Astros will bid him farewell.
2. Tommy Manzella will play strong defense but won't hit enough to be rookie of the year.
3. Jason Castro will emerge as the regular catcher because of J.R. Towles' continued hitting struggles.
1. St. Louis Cardinals
2. Chicago Cubs (Wild Card)
3. Milwaukee Brewers
4. Cincinnati Reds
5. Houston Astros
6. Pittsburgh Pirates
And Stan McNeal adds three predictions about the Astros:
1. Lance Berkman, recovering from knee surgery, will hobble through another season and the Astros will bid him farewell.
2. Tommy Manzella will play strong defense but won't hit enough to be rookie of the year.
3. Jason Castro will emerge as the regular catcher because of J.R. Towles' continued hitting struggles.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Sporting News' Power Poll
The Sporting News released their power rankings for today. What are they basing it on? Who cares!
Astros: 23rd
Astros TV analyst Jim Deshaies says: "I'm a bit more bullish on this team. Here's how they surprise: Roy Oswalt and Lance Berkman bounce back. Will they score enough? Hunter Pence may be the key. A monster year might push the Astros closer to the top."
Astros: 23rd
Astros TV analyst Jim Deshaies says: "I'm a bit more bullish on this team. Here's how they surprise: Roy Oswalt and Lance Berkman bounce back. Will they score enough? Hunter Pence may be the key. A monster year might push the Astros closer to the top."
Thursday, March 4, 2010
70% chance of Lyon
The Sporting News breaks down the closer battles, with chances for each. There's not much in there that we haven't already discussed, but note:
Lindstrom, who posted a 5.89/1.65 line with the Marlins last season and lost his closer job to Leo Nunez, could get some saves early on, but expect Lyon to eventually take over full-time.
Lyon: 70%
Lindstrom: 30%
Lindstrom, who posted a 5.89/1.65 line with the Marlins last season and lost his closer job to Leo Nunez, could get some saves early on, but expect Lyon to eventually take over full-time.
Lyon: 70%
Lindstrom: 30%
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