Alexander Steen Retires

St. Louis Blues left wing Alexander Steen has announced his retirement from the NHL. Steen, 36, had a back injury during the 2019-2020 season, which has caused him to retire. Steen played 15 seasons in the NHL. Steen was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2002 NHL Draft, in the first-round (24th overall). Steen played 4 seasons for the Maple Leafs, before being traded to the Blues, along with defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo for right wing Lee Stempniak on November 24, 2008. 

After being acquired by the Blues, Steen's career took off. Steen became the player scouts thought he'd be. In 2013-2014, Steen had a career high 33 goals with 29 assists, 62 points, and a plus 17. The following season, Steen had 24 goals, 40 assists, 64 points, and a plus 8. The assists, and points were career highs for Steen. 

In Blues franchise history, Steen ranks 4th in games played with (765), 9th in goals with (195), 6th in assists with (301), and 5th in points with (496). Steen played in 91 playoff games for the Blues with 15 goals, 21 assists, 36 points, and -8. The only two players in franchise history who have played more playoff games than Steen are right wing Brett Hull and defenseman Alex Pietrangelo. Steen helped the Blues win their first ever Stanley Cup in 2019, when the beat the Boston Bruins in 7 games. 

Overall, Steen played 1,018 games with 245 goals, 377 assists, 622 points, and a plus 42. 

Steen's presence in the locker-room will be missed. Steen was a great leader on and off the ice for the Blues. Steen was also a fan favorite. With Steen retiring, the Blues now have some cap space. The Blues had been rumored awhile back to be interested in free agent left wing Mike Hoffman. Do the Blues decide to sign Mike Hoffman? Hoffman would be a great addition for the Blues, if they were to sign him. It would need to make sense for both sides though.

Boston Red Sox Re-Hire Alex Cora

 

The Boston Red Sox have re-hired Alex Cora as their manager. Cora, 45, replaces Ron Roenicke, who managed just 1 season with the Red Sox. Cora gets a two-year contract, the contract includes two options for 2023 and 2024. Cora was the Red Sox manager for 2 seasons (2018-2019). In Cora's first season, the Red Sox won the World Series in 5 games against the Los Angeles Dodgers, after finishing 108-54 in the regular season. Cora was only the 5th rookie manager to win the World Series in his 1st season. Cora's 108 wins, were the 2nd-most by a rookie manager in MLB history. Ralph Houk, had the most wins (109), for a rookie manager. Houk's 109 wins, were in 1961 with the New York Yankees. 

Cora ended up being fired by the Red Sox, after the MLB investigated the Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal. Cora was the Astros bench coach in 2017. The Red Sox were investigated for a 2018 sign-stealing. The MLB found that Cora wasn't at fault for the Red Sox scandal. Cora would end up being suspended for the 2020 season, for his role with the Astros. 

Overall, Cora has has managed 2 seasons in the MLB. Cora has managed 324 games with a record of 192-132, and a .593 winning percentage. In the playoffs, Cora is 11-3 with a .786 winning percentage. 

Does Cora deserve a second chance? What if a sign-stealing scandal were to happen again, and even if Cora wasn't at fault?

Detroit Tigers Hire A.J. Hinch

 

The Detroit Tigers have hired A.J. Hinch as their new manager. Hinch, 46, gets a multi-year contract. Hinch replaces Ron Gardenhire who retired on September 19, 2020 after 3 seasons managing the Tigers (2018-2020). Before becoming the manager for the Tigers, Gardenhire managed the Minnesota Twins for 13 seasons (2002-2014). Hinch was a backup catch for the Tigers in 2003, so he returns to a city he's familiar with. The Tigers will be Hinch's 3rd team he's managed. 

Most recently, Hinch managed the Houston Astros for 5 seasons (2015-2019). While with the Astros, he seemed to do well. He won three-straight AL West titles with them, including 2 World Series appearances (2017, 2019). The Astros won the World Series in 2017 in 7 games over the Los Angeles Dodgers. In those three seasons, the Astros won 101 or more games under Hinch. Hinch's best season came in 2019, they were 107-55.

News came out the Astros had been stealing signed during the 2017, and 2018 seasons. The MLB investigated it situation. They found evidence the the sign stealing was true. On January 13, 2020, Hinch and former Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow were suspended for one-year because for the scandal. On the same day, Astros Owner Jim Crane fired both Hinch and Luhnow. 

Before managing the Astros, Hinch managed the Arizona Diamondbacks for 2 seasons (2009-2010). Hinch was fired on July 1, 2010, after the Diamondbacks were 31-48. 

Overall, Hinch has managed 7 seasons in the MLB. Hinch has managed 1,022 games with a record of 570-452, and a .558 winning percentage. In the playoffs, Hinch is 28-22 with a .560 winning percentage.

Does Hinch deserve a second chance? What if the sign stealing scandal happens under Hinch with the Tigers? If were to happen, should Hinch be banned for life? 

Chicago White Sox Hire Tony La Russa

The Chicago White Sox have hired Tony La Russa as their new manager. La Russa, 76, replaces Rick Renteria was the White Sox manager. Renteria was fired on October 12, 2020 after 4 seasons (2017-2020). Renteria's White Sox made the playoffs for their first time since 2008, but lost to the Oakland Athletics in 3 games in the Wild Card round.  

La Russa, last managed the St. Louis Cardinals 2011. Under La Russa that season, the Cardinals won their 11th World Series title after defeating the Texas Rangers in 7 games. La Russa retired as manager three days after the World Series. Since retiring at manager, La Russa has word in the front office for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Boston Red Sox, and most recently the Los Angeles Angels. 

Before managing the Cardinals in 1996, La Russa managed the Oakland Athletics for 10 seasons (1986-1995). Who did La Russa manage before the Athletics, and the Cardinals? La Russa managed the White Sox for 8 seasons (1979-1986). Under La Russa, the White Sox didn't have much success. The White Sox only had 3 winning seasons, making the playoffs in only one of them (1983). La Russa's 83 White Sox lost in 4 games to the Baltimore Orioles in the ALCS. The White Sox fired Tony La Russa on June 19, 1986 after a 26-38 start. White Sox Owner Jerry Reinsdorf signed off on La Russa being fired. Over the years, La Russa and Reinsdorf have remained great friends. Reinsdorf has always said that he regrets signing off on La Russa being fired. 

La Russa would go onto the find success with the Athletics, and the Cardinals. La Russa led the Athletics to 3 World Series appearances (1988, 1989, 1990). The Athletics won the World Series in 1989 by sweeping the San Francisco Giants in 4 games. With the Cardinals, La Russ led them to 3 World Series appearances (2004, 2006, 2011). The Cardinals won the World Series in 2006, and 2011. 

Overall, La Russa has managed 33 seasons in the MLB. La Russa has managed 5,097 games with a record of 2,728 wins, 2,365 losses, 4 ties, and a .536 winning percentage. In the playoffs, La Russa is 70-58 with a .547 winning percentage. La Russa has won the World Series 3 times: 1989, 2006, and 2011. La Russa has won Manager of the Year 4 times: 1983, 1988, 1992, and 2002. 

La Russa currently ranks 3rd all-time in wins as a manager. The only two managers who have more wins than La Russa are: Connie Mack 3,731, and John McGraw 2,763. La Russa needs just 36 wins to move into 2nd place in all-time wins for managers. That would be an amazing milestone to see happen. Something fans should keep in mind too.

La Russa will be the first manager ever to return to managing after being elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame. There's people who think that La Russa is too old to manage. But, do people recall Jack McKeon? McKeon, was 72 in 2003. He ended up taking over the Florida Marlins (now known as Miami Marlins), who were 16-22. After McKeon took over, the Marlins went 75-49 and ending up winning the World Series in 6 games over the New York Yankees. McKeon hadn't hadn't even managed a MLB game since 2000, when he was the Cincinnati Reds manager. La Russa might be able to do well this time around with the White Sox. 

The Cardinals will travel to Chicago in May 2021 to play the White Sox. The Cardinals will be there May 24-26. Could there be former Cardinals joining La Russa with the White Sox? It also will be interesting to see who La Russa puts on his coaching staff in 2021. La Russa will be the oldest manager in the MLB.

St. Louis Blues Sign Torey Krug

 

The St. Louis Blues went into free agency knowing they could lose their captain and defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, It sounds like that will happen, a lot because he's wanting too much. To replace Pietrangelo, the Blues went and signed another top defenseman on the free agent market Torey Krug. Krug, 29, signed a seven-year contract worth $45.5 million. Krug signed as an undrafted free agent on March 12, 2012 with the Boston Bruins. Krug made his NHL debut on April 3, 2012 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. 

In 2013-2014, Krug finally got a full chance to play in the NHL. That was after sending 2012-2013 in the minors to develop his game and then impressing the Bruins in 15 playoff games in the NHL. During the playoffs, Krug became the first Bruins defenseman to score in his playoff debut since Glen Wesley in 1988. Krug became to fourth Bruins player in franchise history to score goals in this first two playoff games. He became the first rookie defenseman in NHL history to score 4 goals in his first five playoff games. 

In his first full-season, Krug played 79 games with 14 goals, 26 assists, 40 points, and a plus 18. Krug was named to the NHL's All Rookie Team. Krug was the top scoring defenseman in the league. For rookies, Krug was 4th in goals. 

Krug's best season came in 2017-2018. That season Krug played 76 games with 14 goals, 45 assists, and 59 points. The goals, and points are career highs for Krug. The next season Krug had 47 assists. 

Last season, Krug played 61 games with 9 goals, 40 assists, 49 points, and a -4. If Covid-19 didn't shut everything down, Krug would have had his 4th straight season with 50 points. 

Overall, Krug has played 9 seasons in the NHL. Krug has played 523 games with 67 goals, 270 assists, 337 points, and a plus 23. In the playoffs, Krug has played 75 games with 11 goals, 41 assists, 52 points, and a -4.

Krug is a great pickup for the Blues. He can help quaterback a powerplay. Yes, it can hurt losing Alex Pietrangelo but Krug is good too. Some people even say Krug is better. Who will the Blues next captain be? I can see Ryan O'Reilly or Colton Parayko being the next captain for the Blues.

St. Louis Blues re-sign Jacob de la Rose

 

The St. Louis Blues have re-signed left wing Jacob de la Rose to a one-year contract, worth $700,000. De la Rose, 25, was acquired by the Blues on November 6, 2019 from the Detroit Red Wings for left wing/center Robby Fabbri. De la Rose, would end up playing in 34 games for the Blues. De la Rose had 1 goal with 4 assists, 5 points, and a -1. Combined between the Red Wings and Blues, de la Rose played in 50 games with 2 goals, 7 assists, 9 points, and a plus 2. 

De la Rose played in 5 of the Blues playoff games. De la Rose had 88 hits, which were 5th best on the team (120 total combined between the Red Wings and Blues). The hits were de la Rose's 2nd most in his career. De la Rose's most hits were 127 in the 2017-2018 season with the Montreal Canadiens. 

Overall, de la Rose has played 6 NHL season. De la Rose has played 229 games with 13 goals, 24 assists, 37 points, and a -27. In the playoffs, de la Rose has played 17 games and is a -1. 

De la Rose might not show up much on the scoring side of things, but he plays solid hockey. He doesn't make many mistakes. He showed that he can play Craig Berube style hockey. 

St. Louis Blues trade Allen to Canadiens

 

The St. Louis Blues have traded goalie Jake Allen, and a 2022 7th round draft pick to the Montreal Canadiens for a 2020 3rd round pick (via Washington Capitals), and 2020 7th round pick (via Chicago Blackhawks). Allen, 30, went 12-6-3 last season with 2 shutouts, a .927 saver percentage, and a 2.15 goals against average. The season before, (2018-2019), Allen ended up losing his job as the Blues starting goalie to rookie Jordan Binnington. Allen took it as a professional and didn't complain. The Blues ended up winning their first ever Stanley Cup in franchise history over the Boston Bruins. 

Allen's best season as a starter for the Blues came in 2016-2017. In that season, Allen played a career high 61 games, 60 starts with a record of 33-20-5 with 4 shutouts, a .915 save percentage, and a 2.42 goals against average. Allen's most shutouts in a season were 6 in 2015-2016. 

Allen leaves the Blues with 289 games played (2nd most for goalies in franchise history), 148 career wins (2nd), 21 shutouts (2nd), and 4 assists (5th). 

Overall, Allen has played 7 NHL seasons. Allen has a has played 289 games, 271 starts with a record of 148-94-26 with 21 shutouts, a .913 save percentage, and a 2.50 goals against average. In the playoffs, Allen has played 29 games, 23 starts with a record of 11-12 with a .924 save percentage, and a 2.06 goals against average. 

With Allen being trade the Blues get rid of $4.35 million in cap space. The Blues main focus this offseason is to re-sign captain Alex Pietrangelo. So it makes since for the Blues to clear cap space. The Blues backup goalie next season will probably be Ville Husso. I can see the Blues bringing someone into camp who has NHL experience to battle with Husso. 

St. Louis Blues Sign Mackenzie MacEachern to Two-Year Contract Extension

The St. Louis Blues have signed left wing Mackenzie MacEachern to a two-year contract extension worth $1.8 million. MacEachern, 26, is currently in his 2nd NHL season. MacEachern has been a solid 4th line player since coming into the NHL with the Blues. The Blues drafted MacEachern in the third round of the 2012  NHL Draft, (67th overall). Last season, MacEachern finally reached the NHL and helped the Blues win their first ever Stanley Cup. This season, MacEachern has played 51 games with 7 goals, 3 assists, 10 points, and a plus 2. The games, goals, assists, and points are career highs for MacEachern.

Overall, MacEachern has played 80 games with 10 goals, 5 assists, 15 points, and a plus 2. 

MacEachern is the third Blues player to sign a contract extension with this week with the team. The Blues are doing a good job at keeping their core players around. Soon they will need to see if they can keep caption Alex Pietrangelo and Vince Dunn.

St. Louis Blues Sign Marco Scandella to a Four-Year Extension

The St. Louis Blues have signed defenseman Marco Scandella to a four-year contract extension worth $13.1 million. Scandella, 30, was acquired by the Blues in a trade with the Montreal Canadiens on February 18, 2020. The Blues sent a 2020 second-round pick in the NHL Draft and a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. After the trade, Scandella has seemed to be a good luck charm for the team. The Blues had been in a bit of a losing streak, losing 5 games in a row. The Blues won that night ending their 5 game losing streak. With Scandella in the Blues lineup, they are 9-2. Overall, counting the day of the trade the Blues are 10-2 with Scandella.

Scandella, has filled in well for defenseman Jay Bouwmeester, who was placed on the long-term injured list. In 11 games, Scandella has 0 goals, 1 assist, 1 point, and a plus 4. Overall, combined on the 2019-2020 season; Scandella has played 62 games with 4 goals, 9 assists, 13 points, and a plus 14.

In his career, Scandella has played 580 games with 42 goals, 95 assists, 137 points, and a -24. In the playoffs, Scandella has played 39 games with 6 goals, 3 assists, 9 points, and a -1.

The Blues did a good job keeping Scandella.

St. Louis Blues Sign Sammy Blais to Two-Year Extension

The St. Louis Blues have signed left wing Sammy Blais to a two-year contract extension worth $3 million. Blais, 23, is currently in his 3rd season in the NHL. Blais has played a career high 40 games with 6 goals, 7 assists, 13 points, and a -2. The goals, assists, and points are career highs for Blais. Last season, Blais helped the Blues win their first ever Stanley Cup. Blais scored his first NHL playoff goal in game 6 of the second round against the Dallas Stars on May 5, 2019.

Overall, Blais has played 83 games in 9 goals, 11 assists, 20 points, and a -2. In the playoffs, Blais has played 15 games with 1 goals, 2 assists, 3 points, and a plus 3.

It's good to see the Blues keeping Blais. Even though he's been injured at times, he's shown he can be good. Hopefully Blais is able to have a healthy season soon.

St. Louis Blues Acquire Marco Scandella

The St. Louis Blues have traded a 2020 second-round pick, and a 2021 conditional fourth-round pick to the Montreal Canadiens for defenseman Marco Scandella. Scandella, 29, has been traded two times this season. The Canadiens acquired Scandella in a trade with the Buffalo Sabers on January 2, 2020 for a fourth-round pick. Scandella only played 20 games for the Canadiens. In those 20 games, Scandella had 1 goal, 2 assists, 3 points, and was a plus 1. Combined between the Sabers, and Canadiens in 2019-2020, Scandella has played 51 games with 4 goals, 8 assists, 12 points, and is a plus 10.

Overall Scandella is currently in his 10th NHL season. Scandella has played 569 games with 42 goals, 94 assists, 136 points, and a -28.

In the playoffs, Scandella has played 39 games with 6 goals, 3 assists, 9 points, and a -1.

Scandella was drafted by the Minnesota Wild in the 2nd round (55th overall) in the 2008 draft.

To make room for Scandella, the Blues have played defenseman Jay Bouwmeester on long-term injury reserve and defenseman Niko Mikkola has been sent down to the San Antonio Rampage; the Blues' (AHL) affiliate.

Scandella is in a contract year and should be able to help give the Blues a veteran defenseman. Scandella is the nephew of former Blues left wing Sergio Momesso. Momesso spent 4 seasons with the Blues during his NHL career.

St. Louis Cardinals 2020 Season Preview

Offseason additions: Gwang-hyun Kim, Brad Miller, Austin Dean, Matthew Liberatore, Ricardo Sanchez, Rob Kaminsky, Akeem Bostick, Nabil Crismatt, Oscar Hernandez, Adam Wainwright (re-signed), Matt Wieters (re-signed).

Offseason subtractions: Marcell Ozuna, Jose Martinez, Randy Arozarena, Ramon Urias, Michael Wacha, Chasen Shreve, Dominic Leone.

Point team prediction: 87-90 wins (NL Central champions). The St. Louis Cardinals will go into the season looking to stay on top of the NL Central. In 2019, the Cardinals made the playoffs for their first time since 2015. The Cardinals went 91-71 and won the NL Central for their first time since 2015. The Cardinals would beat the Atlanta Braves in 5 games in the NLDS. The Cardinals would end up getting swept in 4 games by the Washington Nationals (the World Series champions) in the NLCS. It was the Cardinals first time in the NLCS since 2014. Manager Mike Shildt won NL Manager of the Year. Shildt is only the third manager in franchise history to win the award. The two others are: Whitey Herzog in 1985, and Tony La Russa in 2002.

The Cardinals didn't really do much this offseason. The Cardinals signed Gwang-hyun Kim who was a good starting pitcher in Korea, and mostly recently signed Brad Miller. They got Austin Dean off of waivers from the Miami Marlins, and Ricardo Sanchez off of waivers from the Seattle Mariners. The Cardinals traded Jose Martinez, and Randy Arozarena to the Tampa Bay Rays for Matthew Liberatore.

The Cardinals bullpen should be fine again in 2020, it was one of the best bullpens last season. The Cardinals will need a closer though. I think that will be Giovanny Gallegos or Ryan Helsley. The Cardinals still have a great defense in place. The Cardinals will need to have the offense improve in 2020. If the offense doesn't improve, then it could be bad for the Cardinals. Only Kolten Wong hit in 2019.

Starting rotation:

Jack Flaherty
Miles Mikolas (If he can overcome his current injury)
Carlos Martinez (If he does well in camp)
Dakota Hudson
Adam Wainwight

Bullpen:

Giovanny Gallegos
Ryan Helsley
John Brebbia
John Gant
Andrew Miller
Tyler Webb
Gwang-hyun Kim (He can either start of be in the bullpen)

Starting lineup:

Dexter Fowler, RF
Kolten Wong, 2B
Paul Goldschmidt, 1B
Paul DeJong, SS
Matt Carpenter, 3B
Tyler O'Neill, LF
Yadier Molina, C
Harrison Bader, CF (If Bader doesn't hit, I can see Lane Thomas taking his spot)
Pitcher

Bench:

Matt Wieters
Tommy Edman
Brad Miller
Rangel Ravelo
Lane Thomas

Prospects to watch:

Dylan Carlson (Will be on the roster at some point in 2020)
Junior Fernandez
Jesus Cruz
Kodi Whitley

Fantasy stud:

Jack Flaherty

St. Louis Cardinals Sign Brad Miller

The St. Louis Cardinals have signed infielder/OF Brad Miller to a one-year contract worth $2 million. Miller, 30, split time between the Cleveland Indians and Philadelphia Phillies in 2019. Miller hit .250 with 1 home run, 4 RBI's, and 1 stolen base in 13 games for the Indians. Miller elected free agency after being designated for assignment by the Indians on April 15, 2019. The New York Yankees signed Miller to a minor league contract on April 22, 2019. Miller hit .294 with 10 home runs, 29 RBI's, and 1 stole base in 41 games for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. The Yankees traded Miller to the Phillies for cash considerations on June 13, 2019.

After being traded to the Phillies, Miller hit .263 with 12 home runs, 21 RBI's, and 1 stolen base in 66 games. Combined for 2019, Miller hit .260 with 13 home runs, 25 RBI's, and 2 stolen bases in 79 games.

Overall, Miller has played 7 seasons in the MLB. Miller has played 759 games with 295 runs, 573 hits, 109 doubles, 26 triples, 88 home runs, 293 RBI's, 35 stolen bases, 252 walks, and a .241 batting average.

To make room for Miller on the 40-man roster, the Cardinals have placed RP Jordan Hicks on to 60-day Injured List. In Miller the Cardinals get a left-handed bat for their bench in which they've been needing this offseason. Miller makes an interesting player for the Cardinals 26-man roster. Miller is pretty similar to former Cardinals infielder and current Milwaukee Brewer, Jed Gyorko. In 2016 with the Tampa Bay Rays, Miller hit .243 with 73 runs, 133 hits, 29 doubles, 6 triples, 30 home runs, 81 RBI's, 6 stolen bases, and 47 walks. The runs, hits, doubles, home runs, and RBI's were all career highs for Miller.

St. Louis Cardinals Re-Sign Matt Wieters

The St. Louis Cardinals have re-signed catcher Matt Wieters to a one-year contract worth $2 million. Wieters can earn $1 million in incentives. Wieters, 33, spent the 2019 season as Yadier Molina's backup after signing a minor league contract with the Cardinals on February 26, 2019. Wieters refound some of his power after joining the Cardinals. Wieters hit .214 with 11 home runs, 27 RBI's, 1 stolen base, and 12 walks. The 11 home runs were the most hit by a Cardinals since Tom Pagnozzi hit 13 in 1996. That of course is any catcher not named Yadier Molina.

Wieters ended up being a good backup for Molina and the Cardinals. Pitchers also trust Wieters, he can call a good game if Molina isn't starting of if injured. Wieters is a four time All-Star: 2011, 2012, 2014, and 2016. Wieters has won the Gold Glove Award two times: 2011, and 2012.

Overall, Wieters has played 11 seasons in the MLB. Wieters have played 1,148 games with 437 runs, 989 hits, 189 doubles, 5 triples, 146 home runs, 546 RBI's, 9 stolen bases, 365 walks, and a .250 batting average.

Wieters re-signing with the Cardinals probably means that catcher Andrew Knizner starts in Tripe-A Memphis. Unless the Cardinals were to decide to carry three catchers on their team. MLB teams can now have a 26-man roster.