Cajoled's News

The Chicago White Sox have announced that they have invited 17 prospects in their low-minor league systems to MLB Spring Training on non-roster contracts.  Players : Moises Castillo Luis Mieses Declan Cronin Colson Montgomery Oscar Colas Yoelqui Cespedes Zach Remillard Evan Skoug Andrew Perez Edgar Navarro Adam Hackenberg Matthew Thompson Sammy Peralta Sean Burke Lane Ramsey Fraser Ellard Amongst the names includes Chicago's #1 ranked prospect, shortstop Colson Montgomery. The 2022 first-round pick was recently ranked the 39th best prospect by Baseball America for the upcoming 2023 season. Montgomery looks to gain experience from a successful start playing in a mixture of A, A+, and AA ball last season. Spring Training is just around the corner as pitchers and catchers are set to report in February.

Rick Porcello has officially called it a career. The former Cy Young Award winner posted a tremendous career spending numerous seasons with the Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox's, before concluding his career with the New York Mets. Here is an overview of the Porcello's career: Porcello began his professional baseball career in the minor leagues after being drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 2007. He made his way through the Tigers' minor league system, starting with the Gulf Coast League Tigers and eventually moving up to the Single-A Lakeland and the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens. Porcello spent just two seasons in the minor leagues before making his MLB debut in 2009. During his minor league career, he compiled a 9-8 record with a 2.77 ERA in 30 starts.  Porcello made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the Detroit Tigers in 2009, his rookie season. In that year, he made 31 starts and finished the season with a 14-9 record and a 3.96 ERA. Porcello was named the American

Just yesterday, it was announced that the Boston Red Sox have made an agreement with reliever Chris Martin to a two-year contract. The deal comes in to be worth $17,500,000, pending a physical.  Martin had a tremendous second-half of his season, after being dealt to the Los Angeles Dodgers from the Chicago Cubs. The lengthy, righty combined for a 4-1 record, along with a 3.05 ERA last season. Specifically with the Dodgers, Martin had a spectacular 0.5 WHIP and a 34 strikeout to walk ratio. The newest member of the Boston Red Sox, can be considered as a journeymen. Martin made his MLB debut with the Colorado Rockies during the 2014 season. Since then, the reliever has bounced around to seven teams along with a stint in the Japanese league. Martin was a member of the Braves' World Series-winning bullpen in 2021. During the,  Fall Classic game against the Astros, he made two appearances, surrendering zero runs. Does Chris Martin Solve the Red Sox Bullpen Issue? Last season, Boston'

The American League East was one of the most competitive divisions in the entire MLB last season, with three out of five teams making the playoffs. With the offseason in full-effect here is what each team needs to accomplish this offseason in the hopes of a great 2023 season: Baltimore Orioles - Improve Pitching Depth + Sign Veteran Infielders The Baltimore Orioles' past season can be described as a stepping stone within the organization. For the first time in countless years the Orioles' did not finish last in their division, they even made a brief push for a playoff spot. The young Orioles team surprised many as they finished with a 83-79 record, finishing just three games out of a wild card position. Like reinstated Baltimore has one of the best young cores in the entire MLB, with the likes of Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman and Ryan Mountcastle.  In addition, the O's should look to improve their starting pitching depth if they were to take another step next season. Jo

It was announced today that the Toronto Blue Jays have traded All-Star and Silver Slugger, Teoscar Hernandez to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for two pitchers. In return the Jays receive minor-league pitcher Adam Macko and bullpen reliever Erik Swanson. The Blue Jays fan base has expressed shock over the trade. One of the key players that the Jays have nurtured over the course of many years is Teoscar. Hernandez has also been playing seamlessly for the past few seasons. Hernandez was one of the Jays' best offensive options last season. Hernandez was recently named a Silver Slugger and earned a spot in the All-Star Game. Hernandez's statline includes a .267 batting average along with 25 home runs and 77 runs-batted-in. The Mariners receive a fairly young player, with team control for the next couple of years. Hernandez made an average salary of just over $10,000,000 last season and is expected to make $14,000,000 through arbitration.  The Jays look to rebound from a disappoin

Toronto's ace Alek Manoah, has been named the impressive AL Pitcher of the month for September. In 41 innings of service, Manoah recorded an ERA of 0.88,this month. The 24-year-old allowed 23 hits and 12 walks over that span, with 33 strikeouts. He went 4-0 in six starts, with one of those no decisions also resulting in a win for the team. Manoah has been stellar all throughout the season, even being named to the American League All-Star team. The Jays ace is currently holding a 16-7 record, along with a 2.24 ERA, while also pitching 192.2 innings this season. Media : Alek Manoah is voted AL Pitcher of the Month after posting an ERA of 0.88 (single month club record) in 41 innings, allowing 23 hits and 12 walks with 33 strikeouts. — Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) October 3, 2022 Alek Manoah becomes the 10th different pitcher in Blue Jays history to win AL Pitcher of the Month #NextLevel pic.twitter.com/BHj2yLWsdk — Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) October 3, 2022

Finally, The Boston Red Sox are now analytically eliminated from the postseason race. Boston didn't show much fight after a slow start to the second half of the 2022 season, but top-draft pick here we come! Now, let's put the negatives behind us and focus on some of the bright spots within the Red Sox organization. For example, Xander Bogaerts is competing for the BA Award! Now let's grade the Boston Red Sox players by season performance:   Xander Bogaerts (A)   There is no doubt that X-man is the heart and sole of the Boston Red Sox team. Bogaerts has been a staple within the Red Sox organization ever since his debut during the 2013 season.   Bogaerts has had a terrific yet interesting season to note. The Boston shortstop has put up the best on-base percentage and batting average to date in his career. Yet, Bogaerts' power numbers are significantly lower from previous seasons. Is this a bad thing? No.   Xander is hitting .314 with 14 home runs and 68 RBIs this

The MLB regular season is coming to a close, we can now diffreniciat the teams capable making the playoffs, and teams that will most definitely not make a run for a pennant. Here are some of the biggest rumors and news from the day: Bogaerts Leading for AL Silver Bat Award Xander Bogaerts is in the running for the Silver Bat Award, an award given to the player that has the highest batting average in each division. Bogaerts has had a tremendous contract season. He constantly puts the ball in play and often finds himself on base.   The Red Sox have been struggling lately, but Bogaerts has been putting together a great second-half of his season. Although the shortstop is failing to hit for power, his offensive totals are still all-star caliber numbers.   Bogaerts is currently hitting .319 with 13 home runs and 66 runs-batted-in. The 29-year-old is currently hitting .003 points higher than Twins' second-baseman Luis Arraez. As Bogaerts is set to become a free agent by the end of th

Ross Atkins is the man behind the helm for the Toronto Blue Jays, practically leading his team ahead of their division rival, the Boston Red Sox. Just to give you some perspective, the Red Sox narrowly, I mean just narrowly, took a playoff spot away from the Blue Jays during the 2021 season. Both teams were rock solid playing against each other, making for an exciting rivalry. But since the 2021 season, the two teams are not even close in terms of playing standards. Atkins took a young core of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, plus many others and added key all-star and veteran pieces throughout free agency and the season. On the other hand, Chaim Bloom led the Red Sox from a postseason contender to a struggling team contending for a top draft pick.   Atkins made it his goal after the disappointing end to the 2021 MLB season for the Toronto Blue Jays, where the team failed to make the playoffs. The Blue Jays' GM made bold moves in the past offseason, acquiring Kevin Gausman a

Jordan Walker is the top-rated prospect in the St. Louis Cardinals organization. Walker is a player that has excelled at every single level he has played at, and is just currently 20-years-old. What is there not to like about Jordan Walker? The Georgia native was drafted out of high school by the St. Louis Cardinals during the 2020 MLB Amateur Draft. Walker was selected 21st overall, and from Decatur High School.   Walker primarily plays third base, although he has transitioned a bit in the minor leagues to playing in the outfield also. Walker is described as a powerful hitter. He has phenomenal size, standing at 6-foot-5-inches and weighing 220 pounds.   Walker launches balls at an insane bat-speed and is described as a player that hits for power. Although it is noted that Walker often chases pitches, he makes up for it with insane contact and power. With AA Springfield this season, Walker has gained a lot of experience. Right now, he's batting .309 with 18 home runs and 60 R

It has been a rough and disappointing second-half of the season for the Boston Red Sox. But today the Sox completed a four game sweep, of the Texas Rangers. Connor Wong's First HR : Connor Wong hit his first-career home run in game two against the Texas Rangers, helping Boston defeat Texas, by a score of 9-1. Wong was acquire part of the Mookie Betts trade to the LA Dodgers, and his been called up-and-down throughout the first-half of the season. Wong blasted a two-run dinger during the seventh inning. The former University of Houston native, launched a 439-foot home run, over the Green Monster. Furthermore, Nick Pivetta started the game off strong pitching three innings, before being pulled due to an injury. Tyler Danish, Matt Strahm, Ryan Braiser, and Kaleb Ort each had strong relief outings leading Boston to another victory. Brayan Bello's First Win : Brayan Bello is notched as one of the top pitching prospects in the Boston organization. Bello started game three against the

Andrew Benintendi, Mookie Betts, and Jackie Bradley Jr., were the three outfielders that were loved and praised for their defensive plays during the 2018 World Series run with the Boston Red Sox. Ever since winning the World Series during the 2018 season, the Boston Red Sox have yet to return to eliteness and have lost many key players from their winning 2018 team. Including, JBJ, Betts and Benintendi. So where are they now, the dynamic dancing outfielders the Red Sox once had? Mookie Betts : Playing right field for the Red Sox was all-star, Mookie Betts. Unfortunately, for Boston they were unable to sign their young star to an extension and opted moving him to LA Dodgers, along with starting pitcher David Price. In return, Boston received a package including Alex Verdugo, Connor Wong and Jeter Downs. Alex Verdugo is the only piece Boston got in return that has made an impact so-far at the Major League level. Boston traded a young super star in Betts, in return for Verdugo, a fringe-pl

Andrew Benintendi was once prized as a top prospect within the Boston Red Sox organization. Benintendi also known as "Benny Bombs", was Boston's seventh overall selection during the 2015 MLB Draft. The Arkansas product was even named the #1 prospect during the 2017 MLB season, by Baseball America and the MLB. Benintendi broke into the league during the 2016 season, he would get off to a hot start in his 34 game stint. The rookie concluded his short season with a .295 batting average, two home runs and 14 runs-batted-in. The following season Benintendi would take massive strides within his development. Playing in 151 games, the still-rookie hit 20 home runs and batted in 90 runs. But why did the Red Sox trade Benintendi if he was looking like a future all-star? The answer is simple, Benintendi slumped during the 2020 season. The now veteran outfielder battled injuries and poor play during the shortened season. Benintendi hit for a career low .103, in 14 games. The followin

It is pretty much safe to say that the Boston Red Sox are having a poor 2022 season. J.D. Martinez has only hit nine home runs, and Bogaerts is struggling to hit for power. But what really needs to change in order to contend next season? One need that the Red Sox have had since the 2021 season is their bullpen and relief pitching. The only bullpen acquisition the Sox made during the past offseason was picking up Jake Diekman. And guess where Diekman is now? You guessed it, he was traded after a miserable stint in Boston. The lefty had a 4.23 ERA after he allowed 22 runs in 38.1 innings. In exchange for Reese McGuire, Diekman was shipped to the White Sox. You need your bullpen to be able to keep you in a game. The Red Sox relievers simply aren't doing that. They are allowing teams to expand their leads, preventing a chance at a comeback. For example, yesterday against the Tampa Bay Rays, the Red Sox bullpen gave up seven runs and nine hits in just four innings of work.   There ar

Bobby Dalbec is a player that has shown inconsistency all throughout the season and his entire career with the Boston Red Sox. Dalbec is a player known for crushing balls for home runs or consistently striking out. He is referred to as a traditional power hitter. During the season, the once-top prospect in the Red Sox organization has demonstrated the good, bad, and ugly sides of his game. Let's start off with the ugly. Dalbec started the season off-rough! I mean really bad. The power hitter started off the season by batting 4 for 39, or a.102 average. He was not much of a power hitter either! He wasn't making hard contact either, as it took the righty 37 games to hit two home runs. Another part of Dalbec's game that has been proven inconsistent has been his fielding. Dalbec is often used as a utility player, although he mainly plays first base. AHe currently has a .997 fielding percentage, although he also has a defensive run saved metric of -10 at first base. Now that we&

In the latter portion of the MLB season, the Boston Red Sox are currently experiencing a severe slump. The team has only been able to win one game since the all-star break. Since the all-star break, Boston has a 1-4 record and a -33 run differential. Boston even suffered a humiliating 28-5 loss to division enemy Toronto in the first game after the break. The Red Sox now fall to fifth (last) in the AL east with a record of 49-49. There are many factors that have been pulling the Red Sox down. Some of which are uncontrollable. This includes injuries. Boston ace In his first game back from the DL, Chris Sale was declared out for the remainder of the season. The pitcher fractured his finger after taking a comeback hit directly to his finger during his first inning of work. First inning! WOW, how unlucky! The number of players who have been placed on the disabled list is one of the Red Sox's other worries. All season long, the Sox have been missing important members of their starting li

Baseball prospect Ceddanne Rafaela hails from the island of Curacao and is a utility player. His primary positions are third base, shortstop, and center field. He is 5' 8" and weighs 152 pounds. Rafaela was acquired by the Boston Red Sox organization in 2017, when the club signed him as a free agent.  His contract included a $10,000 signing bonus. Rafaela is known as a defensively-oriented player, but after moving to the United States from Curacao, he has improved his hitting technique. He makes use of the entire field, has developed power, and is an agile player. During the 2018 season, the multi-position player made his minor league debut. The 17-year-old would participate in the Dominican Summer League for the Red Sox club. During his 54-game stay, he played well, batting .271, collecting 28 RBIs, and stealing 19 bases. Ceddanne would then compete for Boston's rookie Gulf-coast club in 2019. Rafaela would yet again demonstrate his defensive prowess by playing several po

This past year, the market for sports cards has skyrocketed. This is not surprising. For example, Lebron James' logoman from the 2020–2021 Panini Flawless set just sold for $2.4 million. Who wouldn't want to obtain their favourite player's signature or other memorabilia? Sports cards range from high-end to low-end, making it a hobby for everyone! Now, here are some tips on how to make a profit when dealing with sports cards: 1 . Find Collectible Players Players with high collectibility appeal to and are valued by customers. The cards of players they know and like are the ones that they are most inclined to buy. The player: Is he a superstar? Are they well known? For instance, if they are a prominent social media influencer or manage a charity. The player is the most significant element. People are drawn to the top players who excel and draw attention to themselves. Would you rather have a Yoshi Tsutsugo trade card or a Wander Franco card? Many of us might not even be fami

Prospecting is a major aspect of the baseball card world. People are always looking for players that could be the next Mike Trout or Hall of Famer. Here are some tips that will save you time and money when prospecting! Age of the Player: Age is a major category that comes into play when scouting for the correct baseball card to buy. Collectors want the next Juan Soto or Ronald Acuna Jr., players who broke into the league at a very young age. For example, Juan Soto was just 19 when he made his MLB debut. The younger the player, the greater collectibility the player will receive. Remember, no one wants a rookie card of a 33-year-old player. Generally, a rule of thumb would be to collect rookies under the age of 24. Team Player Plays For : Team factors into the value of a card on the  market. What teams are non-baseball watchers most likely to know? Maybe the Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers, etc. Players on high-market teams are generally going to go for higher prices, due to the high number

The Miami Marlins walk off the New York Mets, after a home run by Nick Fortes.  Batting : Garrett Cooper got Miami on the board early. The righty hit a sacrifice fly to left field, driving in John Berti. Miami led 1-0 after the first inning. Brandon Nimmo tied the game during the top of the third inning. He hit his fifth home run of the year to centre field. While teammate Pete Alonso got the Mets the lead by doubling to bring in Starling Marte in the same inning, Miguel Rojas tied the game in the bottom of the third for Miami. He launched his sixth home run of the season to deep centre field. The Marlins and Mets were deadlocked heading into the bottom of the ninth inning. Nick Fortes would be the hero for the Miami Marlins. The young catcher launched his third career home run to left field, sending the fans and Marlins home with a 3-2 win. Pitching : Daniel Castano got the ball for the Miami Marlins. The Orlando, Florida native pitched seven innings of work, allowing just five hit