Cardinals Sign Mike Leake

The Cardinals were looking for some starting pitching after free agent starting pitcher John Lackey left for the Chicago Cubs. And then they found out starting pitcher Lance Lynn would miss the entire 2016 season due to Tommy John surgery. It took awhile to find a starting pitcher, to me that's because of the free agent market and players wanted to see what similar players were getting with other teams. Well, that ended today when the Cardinals signed free agent starting pitcher Mike Leake.

Leake, 28, signs a five-year contract, with an option for a sixth. Leake's contract is worth $80 million, and the option for the sixth year is worth $13 million, so the total could end up being $93 or $94 million. It includes a full no-trade clause and the option is a mutual option. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 1st round of the 2009 MLB draft (8th overall), out of Arizona State. He ended up getting an invite to to spring training with the Reds in 2010, and made their team. His MLB debut was against the Chicago Cubs on April 11, 2010, in which he won 3-1, while pitching 6.2 innings, allowing 4 hits, 5 strikeouts, 7 walks, and 1 earned run. He stayed with the Reds until July 30, 2015 when he was traded to the San Francisco Giants.

Last season, Leake went 11-10 with an era of 3.70, in 30 starts, with 192.0 innings pitched. His best season was in 2013, when he went 14-7, 31 starts, 192.1 innings, with an era of 3.37. Life time against the Chicago Cubs, Leake is 9-2, with an era of 3.15 with 19 starts. And against the Pittsburgh Pirates, he's 8-3, with an era of 3.01 with 24 starts.

Leake has played six seasons in the MLB over those 6 seasons, his career record is: 64-52, 177 games, 172 starts, 4 complete game, 1 shutout, 3.88 era, 730 strikeouts, 275 walks, 1083.2 innings pitched, and a whip of 1.27.

What do you get in Mike Leake? He's a pitcher who isn't an ace type, but he's a middle of the rotation guy, who can eat innings and pitch about 200 inning. He's only pitched 200 innings once so far in his career, which was in 2014 when he pitched 214.1 innings. To me looking at stats, he reminds me of Jeff Suppan. And Leake can also hit for a pitcher, so what's not to like about him?

Mike Leake's stats at Busch Stadium: 2-2 with an era of 3.19, with 1 complete game in 6 starts.

As of right now the Cardinals rotation looks like it will be: Adam Wainwright, Carlos Martinez, Michael Wacha, Mike Leake, and Jaime Garcia, or if need be you could let Leake be the no.2 to take pressure off of Martinez some (Leake was the Reds no.2 starter last season).

Solid pickup for the Cardinals, he was a pitcher I was mainly hoping for on the free agent market. It would be nice if the Cardinals added another bat, but I think their offseason could be complete, unless no one looks good in spring training in the competition for the starting first base job.

Jonathan Broxton Re-signs With Cardinals

Free agent reliever Johnathan Broxton has re-signed with the St. Louis Cardinals. Broxton gets a two-year contract, worth $7.5 million. His deal include a full no trade clause. Broxton, 31, was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2002, in the 2nd round of the MLB draft. He made his MLB debut on July 29, 2005 against the St. Louis Cardinals. His first career strikeout was former St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols. He later would become the Dodgers closer full-time in 2009. While, as the Dodgers closer he was selected to the All-Star Game two times, in 2009 and 2010. After leaving the Dodgers he's made stops for the Kansas City Royals (2012), Cincinnati Reds (2012-2014), and the Milwaukee Brewers (2014-2015).

The Cardinals acquired Broxton from the Brewers on July 31, 2015 for prospect outfielder/second baseman Malik Collymore. At the time of the trade, Broxton was 1-2 in 40 games, with an era of 5.89, 37 strikeouts in 36.2 innings. He appeared in 26 games for the Cardinals down the stretch run, he went 3-3 with an era of 2.66, 26 strikeouts, in 23.2 innings. Combined he finished the 2015 season, appearing in 66 games, with a record of 4-5, with an era of 4.62, 63 strikeouts in 60.1 innings.

Broxton has played eight seasons in the MLB over those 11 seasons, his career record is: 39-35, 608 games, 3.23 era, 685 strikeouts, 118 saves, 124 holds, 599.2 innings pitched, and a whip of 1.23.

Broxton isn't what he once was when he was younger, but still can be a reliable bullpen pitcher for late innings. He'll take some of the pressure off of Seth Maness, Kevin Siegrist, and closer Trevor Rosenthal. No one knows yet, what relievers Jordan Walden's status is for the 2016 season. That should be found out in spring training. Walden even can be risky even if he's ready to pitch, because he's coming off of an injury and missed a lot of time. Hopefully, Walden will be ready to role. If he is that helps the Cardinals bullpen having both Walden and Broxton.

Broxton and Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright are both best friends. The Cardinals even could use another bullpen arm. What will the Cardinals next move be? I hope it's Jason Heyward or a starting pitcher.

Cardinals And Padres Swap Jay For Gyorko

On day 2 of the winter meetings in Nashville, Tennessee the St. Louis Cardinals and San Diego Padres started things off with a trade. The Cardinals dealt centerfielder Jon Jay to the San Diego Padres for infielder Jedd Gyorko and cash considerations. Jay, 30, has been with the Cardinals since 2010. The Cardinals are loaded with outfielders right now, and Jay may not have had enough playing time. In San Diego, Jay gets a fresh start and he can either platoon with Melvin Upton Jr, or slot in a corner role either in leftfield or rightfield. Jay is a like-able player for a team, and tends to be liked by fans. Until this season he, had always been pretty much a .300 hitter for his career.

Jay battled a wrist injury in 2015, which hurt his play. One of the downsides on Jay is that he doesn't have much power, and his arm isn't that great. He'll give 100% if healthy. He's been in the MLB for 6 seasons. Jay's career's stats are: 757 games played, 325 runs, 676 hits, 113 doubles, 14 triples, 29 home runs, 227 rbi's, 43 stolen bases, 185 walks, and a batting average of .287. He'll be a free agent after the season.

The Padres tend to like former Cardinals centerfielders. Over the past seasons the Padres have traded for Ray Lankford, Jim Edmonds, and now Jon Jay.

Who is Jedd Gyorko? What do the Cardinals get in him?

Gyorko, 27, has been with the Padres since 2013. He's been their starting second baseman, even though he can also play shortstop, and third base. He isn't a free agent until at best 2020, he has a $13 million team option or a $1 million buyout. Since 2013 the second baseman who have hit the most home runs in the MLB are: Brian Dozier (69), Robinson Cano (62), Neil Walker (55), and Jedd Gyorko (49).

Gyorko's been in the MLB for 3 seasons. His career's stats are: 364 games played, 133 runs, 309 hits, 58 doubles, 1 triple, 49 home runs, 171 rbi's, 4 stolen bases, 96 walks, and a batting average of .236.

As of right now, it looks like Gyorko will be a super utility player for the Cardinals. The Cardinals seem to have made another by acquiring Gyorko. He can help give Jhonny Peralta rest, and sub for Kolten Wong. And he can even give Matt Carpenter a break, if he needs one. People have been saying the Cardinals need more power and Gyorko adds to that.

Hopefully more moves are to come. Still come holes to fill for the 2016 Cardinals roster.

Brayan Pena Joins Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals went shopping on cyber Monday, and got one of their needs off of their off-season wishlist. One of those needs was an upgrade for a backup catcher behind Yadier Molina. They did that by signing free agent catcher Brayan Pena to a two-year contract. He'll earn a total of $5 million in the contract, getting paid $2.5 million for 2016 and 2017. Pena, 34,
joins the Cardinals after spending the last two seasons with the Cincinnati Reds.

He was signed by the Atlanta Braves in 2000 as an amateur free agent. He made his MLB debut on May 23, 2005 against the New York Mets. After the Braves, the played for the Kansas City Royals and the Detroit Tigers. He's been in the MLB for 11 seasons. Pena's career's stats are:  629 games played, 136 runs, 466 hits, 92 doubles, 2 triples, 23 home runs, 164 rbi's, 6 stolen bases, 104 walks, and a batting average of .260.

Pena coming to the Cardinals looks like it means the era of Tony Cruz as backup catcher is over. Cruz is arbitration eligible, and could be traded or non-tendered before the deadline on Wednesday. The Cardinals carrying three catchers on the 25-man roster probably won't happen.

It's nice to see the Cardinals kick off their off-season with a solid move. It will be interesting to see what the Cardinals do next.

Mariners land Trumbo, in six-player swap

The Seattle Mariners at 24-29 and in need of offensive help traded for Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman/right fielder Mark Trumbo and pitcher Vidal Nuno. In return the Diamondbacks received catcher Wellington Castillo, reliever Dominic Leone, and two prospects in infielder Jack Reinheimer and outfielder Gabby Guerrero. In both of the prospects the Diamondbacks landed two of the Mariners top 15 prospects. Guerrero ranked no.5, and Reinheimer was ranked 14th. The Diamondbacks needed a catcher after Tuffy Gosewisch, landed on the disabled list and will be out for the rest of the season after tearing his left ACL. Castillo should be able to fill the Diamondbacks need for help at catcher.

As in Mark Trumbo the Mariners get a former All-Star (2012), who is capable of helping an offense. He has home run power, when healthy. Last season he wasn't healthy. He's under contract until 2017. He's in his sixth MLB season.

Trumbo's career career stats are: 594 games played, 278 runs, 551 hits, 105 doubles, 10 triples, 118 home runs, 368 rbi's, 20 stolen bases, 154 walks, and a batting average of 248.

His best season was back in 2013 as a member of the Los Angeles Angels. That season he hit 234, with 85 runs, 145 hits, 30 doubles, 34 home runs, and 100 rbi's. While he isn't that great at hitting for average, his best batting average was 268 back in 2012. On the season right now he's batting 259, with 9 home runs, and 23 rbi's.

As for Vidal Nuno, he's a pitcher who can either be a starting pitcher or be a reliever for the Mariners. He's in his third MLB season.

There's still hope for the Mariners to turn their season around. If their offense can catch fire and  starting pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma due back from the disabled list soon, that could help their team out.

I like the trade for both teams as of right now. The Diamondbacks are rebuilding, and they got a nice return for Trumbo. From the Mariners side their trying to find a way to make the playoffs, which they haven't been there
since 2001.

Padres land Kimbrel in six-player trade with Braves

The San Diego Padres loaded with outfielders were looking to trade both Cameron Maybin and Carlos Quentin. They found a trade partner for both of them on Sunday in the Atlanta Braves. The Braves sent the Padres All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel and outfielder Melvin Upton, Jr. for outfielders Cameron Maybin, and Carlos Quentin along with prospects outfielder Jordan Paroubeck, starting pitcher Matt Wisler, and the 41st pick overall in the 2015 MLB draft.

The Atlanta Braves are currently in rebuild mode, after trading lots of their roster in the offseason. Including Jason Heyward, Jordan Walden, Evan Gattis, and Justin Upton (Justin is currently with the Padres, and the younger brother of Melvin Upton Jr). At times to rebuild and get a team to take on a bad contract you need to trade a good player to do that, which to me is what the Braves did to get rid of Melvin Upton Jr's contract. He didn't workout well for the Braves after signing a big contract as a free agent with them. So pretty much the Braves had to get rid of his contract somehow, and they found a way, even if that meant trading the best closer in the MLB in Craig Kimbrel.

For the Braves they add talent to their minor league system, which is something they need. Wisler becomes the Braves top prospect, and a good outfield prospect in Paroubeck.

Kimbrel, 26, looks to make the Padres a contender for the NL West. They've added lots of players to their roster in the offseason with the likes of Derek Norris, Wil Myers, Matt Kemp, Justin Upton, and James Shields. The Padres are trying to make the playoffs for their first time since 2006, right now it looks like they could be a playoff team. Time will tell if that's true. They needed a closer, which they got in Kimbrel. He improves their bullpen a lot, which they already have a good bullpen. I think their next upgrade if they do make another move at some point should be at first base.

Kimbrel is entering his sixth MLB season, so far he's been a four time All-Star (2011-2014), NL saves leader (2011-2014), and rookie of the year in 2011. Also while as closer in 2011, he had 46 saves, that's the most for a closer as a rookie.

His career stats are: 15 wins, 10 losses, 1.43 era, 186 saves, 289 innings, 476 strikeouts, 294 games, and a whip of 0.90. The last four seasons he's had 46 saves, 42 saves, 50 saves, and last season 47 saves.

If the Padres fail to make the playoffs in 2015, their current manager Bud Black could be on the hot seat after the season. He was manager of the year for the NL in 2010, when he lead the Padres to a record of 90-72, only to finish in second place in the NL West. Black always seems to have the Padres do better than people say they will be. A lot of that is due to the fact he's never had much talent to work with, because the Padres have had ownership problems under him. He's only had two winning seasons with the Padres as their manager, 2007 and 2010.

As for myself I like the trade for both teams, it should help the Padres now, and the Braves in the future.

Indians Extend Kluber

The Cleveland Indians have gotten one of their top players starting pitcher Corey Kluber to a long-term contract. Kluber, 28, gets a five-year contract, that's worth $38.5 million. The deal also includes two team options, one for 2020 and the other for 2021. In the up coming seasons starting in 2015 he'll make $1 million, 2016 season $4.5 million, 017 $7.5 million, 018 $10.5 million, and in 019 $13 million. In the fifth year can go from $13 million to $17 million. The first option in 2020, is worth $13.5 million and can go to $17.5 million. His option in 2021, can go is $14 million and can go up to $18 million. His second option can be bought out for $1 million.

If the Indians decide to trade Kluber, then his new club will have to decide on both options within three days after the 2019 World Series. If that club were to decline the option, Kluber then must be given a $1 million buyout. Kluber also will receive a $1 million bonus if he's traded and his 2021 club option will convert into a vesting option if he were to be traded in 2020. The vesting option would call for him to pitch 160 innings and not finish the year on the disabled list (DL).

Kluber was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 2007 MLB draft. The Padres would then deal him to the Cleveland Indians in 2010, in a three-way trade that involved the St. Louis Cardinals. The Indians would send pitcher Jake Westbrook to the Cardinals, the Padres sent Kluber to the Indians and pitcher Nick Greenwood to the Cardinals. The Cardinals ended up sending outfielder Ryan Ludwick to the Padres.

Last season, he had a breakout season. Leading the American League (AL) in wins with 18, along with pitchers Jered Weaver and Max Scherzer . He struckout 269 batters, which was good for second-best in the MLB, only behind David Price who had 271 strikeouts. He finished the 2014 season 18-9 with an era of 2.44. His era ended up being third best in the league. Those stats helped him win the 2014 AL Cy Young Award.

Kluber is entering the fifth MLB season, so far in his career his stats are: 31 wins, 19 losses, 3.34 era, 450.1 innings, 464 strikeouts, 75 games, 70 starts, and a whip of 1.21. He also has three complete games, and 1 shutout.

It's a good move by the Indians, getting one of their core players signed to a long-term contract. He should be able to improve for the Indians.

Twins and Dozier agree to contract extension

The Minnesota Twins and second baseman Brian Dozier have agreed to a four-year contract extension, the deal wipes out his remaining years of arbitration eligibility. The contract is worth $20 million. This season he'll make $2 million, after that $3 million in 2016, $6 million in 2017, and $ 9 million in 2018. After the 2018 season he would become a a free agent.

Dozier, 27, was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in June 2009, out of Southern Mississippi, in the 8th round of the MLB draft (overall he pick no.252). He'll be 28, in May. He's entering his fourth MLB season in 2015. He hasn't won any awards yet, but he has turned himself into a pretty good home run hitter in his career so far.

Last season was his best out of his first three seasons. He hit .242, with, 112 runs, 145 hits, 23 home runs, 71 rbi's, 21 stolen bases, and 89 walks. And while he didn't end up as an All-Star, he did make some records for the Twins franchise. The 112 runs were the 2nd most in a season, since Chuck Knoblauch had 117 runs scored in 1997. Dozier also had a 20/20 season (which is where a player has 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in a single season), that was the first time since 2004 a Twins player did that. In 2004, that player was Torii Hunter (who signed back with the Twins in the off-season, after leaving them after 2007). He was the 13th player in the Twins franchise history to have a 20/20 season.

And in April, 2014 he scored 25 runs that month. That broke a record that had stood for 18 years for the Twins, it had been set by Hall of Famer and current Twins manager, Paul Molitor.

Over his first three seasons his career stats are: 387 games played, 217 runs, 355 hits, 77 doubles, 6 triples, 47 home runs, 170 rbi's, 44 stolen bases, 156 walks, and a batting average of .241.

Will Dozier continue to improve? Maybe, he has a shot to improve if he stays healthy. It's a good deal for the Twins. He's pretty much has become a fan favorite on the Twins team too.

St. Louis Cardinals 2015 Season Preview

Offseason Additions: Jason Heyward, Jordan Walden, Mark Reynolds, Matt Belisle, Michael Ohlman, Ty Kelly, Dean Anna, Carlos Villanueva, Marcus Hatley, Miguel Socolovich, Jose Gonzalez

Offseason Subtractions: Daniel Descalso, Mark Ellis, Tyrell Jenkins, Justin Masterson, Shelby Miller, Jason Motte, Pat Neshek, Audry Pérez, A. J. Pierzynski, Jorge Rondón

Point team prediction: 88-90 win range, 1st place

Starting rotation should be fun to watch if healthy. Pretty much you need Adam Wainwright, Michael Wacha, and John Lackey healthy. I think both Wainwright and Lackey will be healthy. It may take time to see if Wacha is healthy or not, if he isn't, you have Marco Gonzales who started 5 games last season, who could take his spot or if he were to get hurt. The no.5 spot is Carlos Martinez to lose.

Adam Wainwright, Lance Lynn, Michael Wacha, John Lackey, Carlos Martinez.
If anyone has trouble or gets hurt in the minors you have Marco Gonzales,  Tim Cooney, Tyler Lyons, and maybe Zach Petrick ready.

Bullpen, I don't see the Cardinals going with three lefties. Right now the three lefties are Randy Choate, Sam Freeman, and Kevin Siegrist. If Sam Freeman does well in spring training, I could see him and Siegrist as the two lefties out of the bullpen, with the Cardinals cutting ties with Randy Choate, even though he's owed $3 million. The Cardinals have cut players who they owed money to in the past like Ryan Franklin, and Ty Wigginton. Sam Freeman is also out of options. So if he were to be sent to Memphis, he would need to clear waivers first. I have a feeling if that were to happen some team would claim him.

On another note Carlos Villanueva is in camp on a minor league deal. He's capable of pitching out of the bullpen, and making spot starts. Pretty much all he needs to do to earn a spot in the bullpen is show that he can pitch. It's a smart signing, when he's a pretty good pitcher out of the bullpen. He can eat innings along with Matt Belisle. Both Villanueva, and Belisle are capable of making a bullpen start if need be too. Last season while out of the bullpen Villanueva had an era of 2.64. 2.99 FIP, 24.1 K %, 6.8 BB % in 58 innings. I also think he can serve as a mentor for Carlos Martinez in someways, because both of them are from the Dominican Republic.

That's not too bad to have two innings eaters out of the bullpen. As for closer Trevor Rosenthal, he should be better. The Cardinals and him pretty much know what pitches he needs to work on. And if he gets overworked and needs a day off, Jordan Walden can take a day or two closing.

Trevor Rosenthal, Jordan Walden, Kevin Siegrist, Sam Freeman, Seth Maness, Matt Belise, Carlos Villanueva.

Starting lineup, should be better. Just because offense had a down year, doesn't fully mean all the players will have another down year. The MLB as a whole had an offense drought. It wasn't just the Cardinals. Jason Heyward could end up being what the Cardinals needed. Kolten Wong should be able to improve more in 2015, he should what he's capable of. And pretty much is a spark plug to the Cardinals offense.

As for the bench pretty much the true locks are Tony Cruz, Mark Reynolds, and Randal Grichuk. Is Peter Bourjos still safe with Stephen Piscotty being close? He almost made the team last season out of spring training. Who ever wins that spot, leaves one bench spot left. Pete Kozma (out of options), Ty Kelly, Dean Anna, Greg Garcia, and Aledmys Diaz could be options for the last bench spot. If I had to pick someone to win it, for now it would be Ty Kelly. I even kind of think Diaz could end up being in the MLB sometime in 2015. What if he were to have a great camp though?

Sleeper: Jason Heyward

I think him getting out of Atlanta will help him out, and get his career taken off. He still has the talent to be the player people think he is capable of being. I think the Braves messed him up pretty much hitting him all over the lineup, when players usually like sticking in one spot. That seems to be where players do best in, once they find one spot. Look for Heyward to bat 2nd in the Cardinals 2015 lineup.

Fantasy Stud: Yadier Molina

I went with him last season, and I'll go with him again. He's lost 20 pounds already this offseason, so that should help him stay healthy. I still think if he had been healthy last season, his numbers would have been better.

Rookie to watch for: Stephen Piscotty, he should be in the MLB at some point in 2015. Could he be in the MLB to stay once he does come up? Time will tell. 

All in all this team will still be competing for the NL Central title again. They still have the right tools in place to win the NL Central, even with the Cubs making moves. The NL Central should be fun this season, for the first time in while.