Miles Mikolas Signs Contract Extension With St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals have signed starting pitcher Miles Mikolas to four-year contract extension worth $68 million. Mikolas, 30, joined the Cardinals last offseason as a free agent from Japan. Mikolas had never really started before, except for 11 games in the San Diego Padres minors in 2009. After 2009, Mikolas had always been in the bullpen until the Texas Rangers decided to use him as a starting pitcher in 2014. He only started 10 games for the Rangers.

Mikolas went over to Japan to develop himself into a starting pitcher. Mikolas knew he needed a team that would give him an opportunity to start without getting moved to the bullpen. He found that with the Yomiuri Giants.

While playing for the Giants combined for three seasons Mikolas went 31-13 with a 2.18 era, 62 games, 62 starts, 5 complete games, 2 shutouts, 424.2 innings, 69 walks, and 378 strikeouts. After his third season in Japan, Mikolas decided to give the MLB another try. His first time in the MLB didn't go that well. So people wondered if he was the same pitcher or if Japan helped him. Mikolas was a popular free agent with 10 teams wanting him in free agency. He ended up choosing the Cardinals because they train in his hometown Jupiter, Florida. Mikolas ended up going 18-4 wih a 2.83 era in 200.2 innings in his first season back in the MLB. The 18 wins led the NL in 2018. Mikolas even made the All-Star team. No one thought they'd see that in Mikolas when he signed. People thought he'd maybe be a 5th starter.

Mikolas era ranked 4th in the NL. His 32 starts ranked 9th. Mikolas had a whip of 1.071 that ranked 5th. Mikolas had the highest zone percentage of all MLB pitchers, with 48.0% of the pitches being in the strike zone. While the Cardinals were horrible on defense, Mikolas showed he could play defense. Mikolas ranked 3rd in putouts with 19, and 4th in assists with 30.

Overall, Mikolas has played 4 seasons in the MLB. Mikolas is 22-10 with a 3.61 era, 69 games, 42 starts, 1 complete game, 1 shutout, 292 innings, 63 walks, 208 strikeouts, and a whip of 1.18. Will Mikolas repeat his 2018 season with a 2.83 era? Probably not, but you know what you'll get out of Mikolas. He'll eat innings and throw lots of strikes. All in all it's a good signing for Mikolas and the Cardinals. It's a gamble because you don't know if 2018 was a fluke, but it's worth it. Mikolas is a leader in the Cardinals clubhouse and works well with the younger kids.

Mikolas could have maybe made more money if he repeated his 2018 success and hit the free agent market after the season. But who would want to risk losing him in free agency? You could make a case that the Cardinals could have maybe waited to see what he did for the first half of the 2019 season. But what if he wanted to test free agency knowing he was doing well? That happens a lot of the time with players.

Hopefully the next extension at some point will be Paul Goldschmidt for the Cardinals. Then you hardly have any of your free agents to worry about, unless Marcell Ozuna does well.

St. Louis Blues Acquire Michael Del Zotto

The St. Louis Blues have traded a 6th round pick to the Anaheim Ducks for defenseman Michael Del Zotto. Del Zotto, 28, will be joining his third team this season. He started off the season with the Vancouver Canucks before being traded to the Ducks six weeks ago. Combined between both teams he's played 35 games with 1 goal, and 6 assists this season.

Overall Del Zotto has played 10 seasons in the NHL. He's played 601 games with 54 goals, 164 assists, 218 points, and a -34. Del Zotto spent most of his career playing five seasons for the New York Rangers, and three season with the Philadelphia Flyers.

What does Del Zotto mean for the Blues? It could mean that Carl Gunnarsson's injury is worse than thought or that the Blues are worried about his injury or both. Regardless, the Blues didn't give up much for Del Zotto. He could end up being good depth for the Blues playoff run. Del Zotto is familiar with a few people. Interim head coach Craig Berube coached Del Zotto with the Flyers. Blues forward Brayden Schenn was a teammate of Del Zotto's during his time with the Flyers. Years ago, Blues captain Alex Pietrangelo and Del Zotto were teammates for the Toronto Blues. It's good for a player to come to a new team knowing a few people. It might not be as hard for the new player to adjust.

Del Zotto won't wow anyone, but he's a good player in his own zone and can move the puck well. Del Zotto is also known as a physical player. Last season, Del Zotto played in all 82 games and had 244 hits. Del Zotto ranked 5th in the NHL in hits.

St. Louis Cardinals Sign RF Jose Martinez To Two-Year Contract

The St. Louis Cardinals have signed RF Jose Martinez to a two-year contract worth $3.25 million. The contract is through 2020, he's still four years away from free agency. That means the Cardinals would still have two years of team control, before he becomes a free agent. Martinez would have become arbitration eligible after the 2019 season. The Cardinals looked into trading Martinez in the offseason and there were teams interested in him, but no one seemed to offer value in return for him.

Martinez, 30, has developed into one of the Cardinals best hitters. In his first full season in the MLB in 2017, Martinez hit .309 with 14 home runs, 46 rbi's, and 4 stolen bases. In 2018, he showed that wasn't a fluke. Martinez hit .305 with 17 home runs, and 83 rbi's. Martinez had 163 hits. Martinez finished 7th among batting leaders. While, he isn't that great at defense if he needs to be used he's better in right field. Last season, he tried playing firstbase but wasn't that great. This season he won't need to be used at firstbase because of Paul Goldschmidt. Martinez can be used as a pinch hitter, and when needed in right field. If Dexter Fowler doesn't do well, Martinez could become the Cardinals starting right fielder.

There's even been talk about the designated hitter maybe coming to the National League in a few seasons. If that happens at all, Martinez would be the perfect DH for the Cardinals lineup.

Overall Martinez has played 3 seasons in the MLB. He' played 270 games with 115 runs, 254 hits, 44 doubles, 1 triple, 31 home runs, 130 rbi's, 4 sb's, 83 walks, and a .309 batting average.

It's a good contract for both sides. Martinez deserved a pay raise. If he becomes a starter for the Cardinals, the contract increases the possibility for earning more in arbitration when that comes. The contract also has incentives that will increase his value if he does become a starter.

St. Louis Cardinals 2019 Season Preview

Offseason additions: Paul Goldschmidt, Andrew Miller, Drew Robinson, Adam Wainwright (re-signed), Ryan Meisinger, Tommy Layne (re-singed to minor league contract). Mike Hauschild (minors), Williams Perez (minors), Hunter Cervenka (minors), Chris Beck (minors), Francisco Pena (re-signed to minor league contract), Joe Hudson (minors), Rangel Ravelo (re-signed to minor league contract).

Offseason Subtractions: Carson Kelly, Luke Weaver, Andy Young, Patrick Wisdom, Tyson Ross, Tyler Lyons, Bud Norris, Matt Adams, Greg Garcia.

Point team prediction: 86-90 wins (wild card). The St. Louis Cardinals have missed the playoffs for the last three seasons. Under current ownership this has happened before one time, and they didn't make it a fourth straight. Will the Cardinals finally get back into the postseason? They have a good chance if the bullpen can do well. Last season, the Cardinals won 88 games. That's even after Mike Shildt took over for a team that looked dead. If the bullpen hadn't been so horrible the first month in 2018, the Cardinals probably make the playoffs with a few more wins. The Cardinals went out and traded for one of the best hitters in todays game in Paul Goldschmidt. They signed left handed reliver Andrew Miller as a free agent. Miller if healthy should be a boost for the bullpen, you already know Goldschmidt will be a boost for the Cardinals on both offense and defense. The Cardinals still could use another bullpen arm.

Jeff Albert will start his first season as Cardinals hitting coach. He comes over after serving as the Houston Astros assistant hitting coach. Albert was able to help the Astros offense cut down on strikeouts while on their coaching staff. A full season with Mike Shildt and two good hitting coaches in Albert and Mark Budaska should be good.

Starting pitching:
Miles Mikolas
Carlos Martinez
Jack Flaherty
Michael Wacha
Adam Wainwright

Bullpen:
Jordan Hicks (closer)
Andrew Miller
Chasen Shreve
Brett Cecil (could see him gone at some point)
Dominic Leone
Dakota Hudson (minors if John Gant is out of options)
Alex Reyes

Lineup:
Matt Carpenter
Paul Goldschmidt
Paul DeJong
Marcell Ozuna
Dexter Fowler
Yadier Molina
Harrison Bader
Kolten Wong
pitcher

Bench:
Francisco Pena
Jose Martinez
Jedd Gyorko
Tyler O'Neill
Yairo Munoz
Drew Robinson (He could find a way on the team if Munoz starts in the minors or if Gyorko gets traded. What if O'Neill gets sent down to the minors? Munoz can play all three OF spots too. Robinson knows OF as well.)

Prospect(s to watch:
Alex Reyes (If he can stay healthy for a full season)
Justin Williams
Lane Thomas
Ramon Urias

Fantasy stud: Paul Goldschmidt

Goldschmidt always has been able to stay healthy and drive in runs. He slumped at first last season, but still ended up having a good season. He hits will in all of the stadiums in the NL Central.

Seattle Mariners Sign Yusei Kikuchi

The rebuilding Seattle Mariners have signed starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi to a three-year contract through 2021 worth $43 million. As part of the contract, the Mariners can extend it to four years (2022-2025) for $66 million. If that doesn't happen, then Kikuchi can opt to become a free agent or exercise an option for $13 million. If the Mariners extend Kikuchi he can make $109 million in the contract.

Kikuchi, 27, was posted by the Saitama Seibu Lions of the Japanese Pacific League. That allowed MLB teams to bid on him for 30 days. The winner would need to work out a contract with him. Kikuchi is a three time All-Star in Japan (2013, 2017, 2018). He lead the Pacific League in era (1.97) and in wins (16) in 2017. That season was his best season going 16-6 with a career high 187.2 innings in 26 starts. He has 6 complete games, and 4 shutouts. He had 217 strikeouts which was another career high. Kikuchi has played 8 seasons in Japan. Overall he's 74-48, 2.81 era, 163 games, 158 starts, 15 complete games, 7 shutouts, 1 save, 1,035.1 innings, 925 strikeouts, 381 walks, and a whip of 1.18.

Kikuchi should be able to find success in the MLB if he can stay healthy. Kikuchi had a shoulder issue in 2018. The Seattle Mariners start their 2019 season in Japan against the Oakland Athletics for two games on March 20-21. The Mariners have said that outfielder and future Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki will be part of their roster for the series. After the series is over Suzuki won't be part of the Mariners active roster. Both teams are allowed to have 28 players in Japan, and then will need to have 25 players once they return to the United States. It should be exciting for Japan being able to see both Kikuchi and Suzuki.

Miller Time: St. Louis Cardinals Sign Andrew Miller

One of the goals in the offseason for the 2019 season the St. Louis Cardinals wanted to do was find a left handed reliever for their bullpen. The Cardinals bullpen last season had trouble getting left handed hitters out. That may have changed on Friday with the Cardinals signing LHP Andrew Miller to a two-year contract worth $25 million with a vesting option for 2021. The option vests if Miller makes 110 appearances combined in 2019-2020. Miller's option is worth $12 million and it includes a buyout for $2.5 million. The contract includes a full no-trade clause.

Miller, 33, spent the last three seasons playing for the Cleveland Indians. He helped the Indians reach the 2016 World Series after being acquired from the New York Yankees. Miller struck-out a career high 123 batters. Miller was an All-Star in 2016, and 2017. In 2015, Miller served as the Yankees closer getting 36 saves in 61.2 innings with 100 strikeouts, and 20 walks. He'd later win AL Reliver of the Year for 2015. Miller didn't pitch in the playoffs in 2013 because he was injured but he won a World Series with the Red Sox.

Miller has played 13 seasons in the MLB. Over those 13 seasons his career stats are: 49-48, 3.98 era, 483 games, 66 starts, 53 saves, 725.1 innings, 853 strikeouts, 335 walks, and a whip of 1.34. Miller ranks among the MLB's top 10 in reliver era (2.00 - 4th), opponent batting average (.170 - 7th), strikeouts (263 - tied for 9th), strikeout/walk ratio (5.72 - 7th), holds (63 - 7th), and whip (0.88 - 4th) all over all the past three seasons.

Miller was injured for some of the 2018 season, but he still was able to get left handed batters out. They hit .227 against Miller last season. That's an upgrade compared to any lefty the Cardinals had last season. If healthy Miller should be fine for the Cardinals in 2019. The Cardinals even did more background work on Miller to make sure he was healthy. Andrew Miller, Alex Reyes, and Jordan Hicks could be a nice back end of the bullpen for the Cardinals. Will the Cardinals find another arm or two for the bullpen? They need a backup catcher for Yadier Molina at some point. The Cardinals are having one of their best off-seasons in awhile getting both Paul Goldschmidt and now Andrew Miller.

To make room for Andrew Miller on the 40-man roster the Cardinals have designated RHP Ryan Meisinger for assignment.

St. Louis Blues Sign Robert Bortuzzo To Extension

The St. Louis Blues have signed defense Robert Bortuzzo to a three-year contract worth $1.375 million per year. Bortuzzo, 29, is currently in his fifth season with the Blues since being acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins in a trade that sent defenseman Ian Cole. Bortuzzo is one of the Blues most consistent defenseman and is one of their best defenders.

He seems to get hate for whatever reason, my guess is because he isn't a big name compared to other players. Bortuzzo can get physical in front of the net and tends to do a good job overall.

Bortuzzo had a career high 13 points last season, and played in a career high 72 games. Overall Bortuzzo has played 8 seasons in the NHL. He's played 288 games, with 13 goals, 32 assists, 45 points, plus 13, and has 310 penalty minutes.

Bortuzzo's new contract will be until he's 33. The contract is team friendly and should work for both sides.