This year’s new twist of announcing finalists for all the Baseball Writers’ Association of America awards had my imagination running — especially about today’s awarding of the Most Valuable Players for the American and National Leagues.

Maybe I watched too many beauty pageants growing up, or spent too much timing playing with that Miss America Barbie doll I had, but hearing “five finalists” made me think of something like this picture. Well, with their heads perhaps in a little better proportion to the rest of their bodies (especially Ryan Braun’s) — but you get the idea thanks to this Photoshop by Miranda Remaklus. (Yes, sadly, that is not an actual photo. Ryan Braun’s head might be large in real life, but not quite that big. And what else would you expect from a Cardinals fan except insults about Ryan Braun? Other than to say doesn’t Yadier Molina look genuinely pretty in pink? Especially with his red cap on?)

While I still hold out hope for seeing them lined up together in the MLB Network studio tonight wearing beautiful evening gowns and gorgeous jewels, here’s a closer look at the five finalists for Mr. NL MVP. And, unlike other beauty pageants, this award is based strictly on talent. (Because, while it might be appealing to see Andrew McCutchen in a bathing suit — very appealing, actually — I can do without seeing Yadi in one. Sorry, Yadi. But I do still love you.)

Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers
The numbers (all via Baseball Reference)

• .319/.391/.595, 41 home runs, 112 RBI, 6.8 WAR
• Led the NL in home runs, runs scored, total bases, OPS with .987
• Second in RBI, hits (112)
• Third in batting average, WAR

Can the reigning Mr. NL MVP keep his crown? For 2012 he had more hits, RBI and total bases than last year, as well as 11 more home runs with his league-leading and career-high 41. Will that be enough? Probably not …
» Continue reading “Who Will Be Mr. National League MVP?”

Amidst the rabble rabble of the Kansas City-boos-Robinson Cano narrative and the NO-A-THIRD-BASEMAN-WITH-A-CUTE-NICKNAME-SHOULD-NOT-START arguments, there was an actual exhibition game that was played.

And this time, folks, it counts.

I don’t know what happened, but Justin Verlander was rather … not himself in the first inning, giving up five earned runs. So the AL had that going for them early on.

The Giants players National League drove in runs upon runs upon runs. But the most notable one was this guy:

He drinks your milk. He drinks it up! (via @jp_on_rye)

Melky Cabrera went 2-for-3 on the night with two RBI, two runs scored and one home run. His fellow All-Star Giants also made some noise in the game: National League starter Matt Cain pitched two scoreless innings and got the win. Starting third baseman Pablo Sandoval went 1- for-2 with a run scored and a three-run triple.

Ryan Braun made a pretty spectacular catch in the fourth inning to rob Prince Fielder of at least a double. Which was probably rivaled by Bryce Harper’s derp moment in the fifth.

Other than that, it was a pretty ho-hum game. Quiet, but then again, what else would you expect from a game that was a blowout from the first inning?

But, alas. Baseball fans everywhere endured yet another game with one Joe Buck and one Tim McCarver and lived to tell the tale. Or put the TV on mute.

The National League beat the Ameican League by the final score of 8-0. San Francisco Giants outfielder Melky Cabrera was named MVP of the All-Star Game.

In less that two weeks, the long-awaited spring will be over! But for now, teams are really starting to shape up, find a rhythm, and get a sense for what they have to work with. Here’s what people were saying this week.

Angels

You may have heard that this new guy Albert Pujols is supposed to be pretty good. But he’s not the only one — the Halos are dripping in young talent, and they’re well aware of just how the newbies could impact their club.

You also might have heard something about C.J. Wilson. No, I’m not talking about his funny-but-not-funny “prank” on former teammate Mike Napoli! I’m talking about his game, and how good he’s looked this spring. But, so has Jered Weaver who is pretty good in his own right!

The reports have been pretty clear. The Angels are built to impress on the field in 2012. But it’s guys like veteran Tori Hunter who are most impressive in the clubhouse. Even in a contract year, Hunter is focused on one thing only: winning.

Brewers

Ryan Braun hasn’t exactly has it easy this spring. This week it was made know that he’s been struggling with a groin injury, on top of the overturned suspension earlier in the spring. And manager Ron Roenicke doesn’t think it’s quite over yet, saying his MVP is going to have a “hard season.” » Continue reading “Weekly Wrap Up: Teams Developing Identities”

With nearly a week of Spring Training games in the books, we’re only just beginning to see what the 2012 season could bring. And as the games come, so do the stories, both good and bad, about the guys on the field. In this week’s wrap up, we’ve grabbed some of the best stories and gathered them conveniently into one place.

Happy reading!

Angels

Through the first four games, the new-look Angels are 3-1, and the buzz continues to grow. Here are a few things the first week has taught us.

Albert Pujols is still really good. He made his debut with an RBI double in his first at bat and is 3-for-7 with two walks thus far.

Dan Haren is a magician when it comes to maintaining his health (knock on wood …). He currently leads the Majors with his 237 innings pitched in the last seven years. Plus, in his nine Big League seasons, he has not missed a single start. The man is a beast!

Also, Giants’ manager Bruce Bochy apparently doesn’t want the Halos knowing all their ST secrets. He had an Angels’ scout removed from Thursday’s workout. Later, it was called a “miscommunication.”

Brewers

The Brew Crew is 2-2 thus far, and I’m willing to bet going 0-5 wasn’t quite Ryan Braun’s idea of a strong start. But, he did pick up his first hit of the spring on Thursday, and he made it count. The two-run homer was not enough to top the Reds, however, and the Crew lost 8-6.

Earlier in the week, Corey Hart underwent knee surgery that could keep him sidelined for Opening Day. The repair to cartilage in his right knee will take roughly a month to heal — the Brewers open on April 6 at home against St. Louis.

If you need a laugh, join Jeff Bianchi as he watches the video clip of himself pulling a Braun-esque move between third and home. Just watch. Hey, he’s laughing, so we can laugh too, right?! » Continue reading “Weekly Wrap Up: Solid Debuts And Sorta Deep Thoughts”

Now that pitchers, catchers, and position players are in full swing at training camp, we’re getting a good look at just how these teams will shape up. Of course, there are the early injuries — some of which made headlines this week. But there are plenty of “feel good” stories, too, in this week’s Wrap Up.

Angels

As expected, with Spring Training in full swing, there’s been plenty of buzz around Albert Pujols. The team’s high expectations grew higher, as Pujols impressed in the first week of workouts. Apparently, he’s still got a pretty hot bat. It was enough to excite Torii Hunter who at one point last season was talking retirement.

There has been a tiny bit of controversy already, though. Those “El Hombre” billboards? Not Albert-Approved. Word is, the club has “handled” the situation, and we’ll likely not see anymore El Hombre references made in public.

Also worth noting, Bobby Abreu is now “okay” with his role on the team. The club picked up reliever Juan Rincon on a Minor League deal. And on the injury front, center fielder Peter Bourjos is considering the possibility of hip surgery, but not until the offseason, while shortstop Jean Segura hopes newly prescribed insoles will solve his hamstring troubles.

Brewers

In case you missed it, Ryan Braun’s lawyer didn’t appreciate MLB’s sample collector attempting to defend himself. I have a feeling we haven’t heard the last of this mess. Packer Aaron Rodgers continues to show his support, though, even showing up at camp this week. Apparently he’s going to make an appearance in some promotional commercials for the Brew Crew this season.

Japan’s Norichika Aoki had his first taste of American baseball this week. It’s not quite the intense workout he’s accustom to in Japan, but Manager Ron Roenicke expects Aoki to ease into his new routine just fine.

In injury news, prospect Jed Bradley hit a speed bump in his first big-league Spring Training. He’s battling some tightness in his left groin that has the team taking a cautious approach. Shaun Marcum will also take it slow for a few days with soreness in his throwing shoulder.  Prospect Santo Manzanillo, though, is all set to go after a potentially career-threatening injury last season. I imagine he’s glad to have that experience behind him!  » Continue reading “Weekly Wrap Up: The Injury Bug Strikes Again”

Baseball is back! Baseball is back!

Excuse my exuberance but, well, never mind. I’m sure you understand! Since our last Wrap Up, pitchers and catchers reported, and in most cases, so have position players. What that means (other than the fact that the universe has righted itself, of course) is that there’s a lot of news to get to. So, we’re going with some quick hits to get you all caught up.

Angels

• Not everyone in LA is thrilled with the Angels’ 2012 situation. Word is, Bobby Abreu wants out, specifically to be traded to a place where he’ll play every day. Manager Mike Scioscia countered by saying there’s plenty of chances for slugger to contribute.
• After some visa drama, reliever Francisco Rodriguez finally arrived at camp. Does four days count as “fashionably late”?
• Speaking of pitching, closer Jordan Walden is upping the ninth-inning ante by adding a third pitch to his arsenal. Don’t be surprised by how often he throws a changeup this year. Also, reliever Kevin Jepsen seems to be on track early — a good sign, since last year’s early troubles never ended.
• Albert Pujols now has a familiar face at Spring Training. Former teammate closer Jason Isringhausen is taking his talents to So Cal.

Brewers

• Did you hear? Ryan Braun’s 50-game suspension is no more. Read more from yesterday’s Around the Horn post. Or here. His teammates are thrilled to have him back on board, but it’s not all sunshine and roses from here on out. He has some ‘splainin’ yet to do!
• Meanwhile, Zack Greinke has a contract issue to work out. Only, he has no agent to work on his behalf. The Brewers, though, say there’s no reason to worry. Discussions will continue uninhibited.
• Rickie Weeks, who suffered an ankle injury in July, still doesn’t feel 100%. Ron Roenicke isn’t surprised, or particularly concerned. It’s simply a matter of learning to deal with the stiffness. » Continue reading “Weekly Wrap Up: Stay Healthy, Kids”

As first reported by Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, reigning National League MVP Ryan Braun will be starting the season with his Milwaukee Brewers. Braun won the appeal of his 50 game suspension. It was the first time a Major Leaguer successfully appealed a drug suspension.

Apparently Major League Baseball is not happy with this decision. Going as far as saying they were disappointed in this outcome. Really?

Shouldn’t this be viewed as a good thing? Braun maintained his innocence the whole time. It was case of a guy being found innocent after being wrongly accused of something. Why be so angry?

Statement from MLB Executive Vice President for Labor Relations Rob Manfred:

“Major League Baseball considers the obligations of the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program essential to the integrity of our game, our Clubs and all of the players who take the field. It has always been Major League Baseball’s position that no matter who tests positive, we will exhaust all avenues in pursuit of the appropriate discipline. We have been true to that position in every instance, because baseball fans deserve nothing less.

“As a part of our drug testing program, the Commissioner’s Office and the Players Association agreed to a neutral third party review for instances that are under dispute. While we have always respected that process, Major League Baseball vehemently disagrees with the decision rendered today by arbitrator Shyam Das.”

This is good news for Brewers and their fans who are probably breathing a huge sigh of relief at this very moment because the posibility of facing the first 50 games of the season without Braun and recently departed free agent Prince Fielder would have been a pretty frightening proposition.

But I think the question everyone wants to know is, “When will Ryan Braun be getting apologies from all of the baseball writers who demanded he be stripped of the MVP award?” Hmmmm?

You can read Braun’s full statement here.

Just when you thought the most shocking news in Major League Baseball this week would be Albert Pujols signing with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Ryan Braun – his former NL Central rival – decided to one up him. And not in a good way.

According to ESPN, the Brewers star outfielder and 2011 National League MVP winner has tested positive for performance enhancing drugs.

Right now according to sources, Braun is disputing the result. A spokesman for the 28-year-old Braun said,

“There are highly unusual circumstances surrounding this case which will support Ryan’s complete innocence and demonstrate there was absolutely no intentional violation of the program. While Ryan has impeccable character and no previous history, unfortunately, because of the process we have to maintain confidentiality and are not able to discuss it any further, but we are confident he will ultimately be exonerated.”

Also, according to the ESPN article, Braun is telling those closest to him that he would never knowingly take performance enhancing drugs. Since the advent of mandatory drug testing, no Major League Baseball player has successfully appealed a positive result.

Braun won the NL Rookie of the Year in 2007 and has been an All-Star each of the past four seasons.

This past April, Braun signed a five-year contract extension worth $105 million. He followed that up with the best season of his career. He finished with a .332 batting average, 33 home runs, 111 runs batted in, 109 runs scored and 33 stolen bases.

Braun was named the NL MVP on Nov. 22.

Now he could be facing a 50-game suspension to start the 2012 season and facing many questions about his career up to this point.

Updated:

• Braun took a second test which came up negative.
• Braun has also called the positive test “B.S.” according to USA Today.

Braun was notified of the result of the first test in late October. MLB had not announced the result because of Braun’s appeal.

Under Major League Baseball’s drug program, if a player appeals a first positive test for a performance-enhancing substance, an announcement isn’t made until after a decision. Appeals usually are heard by Shyam Das.

Congrats - the Brewers Nation can't wait to chant "MVBraun" every time he's at the plate from now on. (image via Brewers blog)

Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun won NL MVP, earning 20 out of 32 first place votes. He is the first Brewer to win MVP since Robin Yount won the AL award in 1989 and the third MVP winner in Brewers history.

Teammate Prince Fielder was third in the NL MVP balloting. This is the first time since 1982 that the Brewers has two players finish in the top five of MVP voting.

The race for MVP seemed to be a close contest between Braun and LA Dodgers CF Matt Kemp, who placed second in the balloting.

However, the voting members of the BBWAA clearly thought that Braun outperformed Kemp this season.

Braun was integral to the Brewers’ post season run, which garnered them the NLCS title. He also was consistently impressive at the plate and on base- Braun batted .332 for the season with 33 home runs, 111 RBI, 109 runs, and 33 stolen bases. Performing well under pressure, Braun had several impressive game-determining at bats in the postseason.

Brewers teammates, including John Axford, who  received one eighth place vote and two ninth place votes, other MLB players, and various members of the sports community and sports media offered Braun congratulations via Twitter shortly after the announcement.

Braun remained humble, posting a message on his Facebook shortly after the announcement, thanking his fans: “I just wanted to say thank you to all of you fans for the tremendous support throughout the years. I’m truly honored to receive this award and couldn’t have done it without all of you.”

Find complete NL MVP voting results here.

All hail the Prince? Or will he renounce his throne in Miller Park & be replaced by a potential higher power? After all, 'Reyes' is Spanish for 'kings.' (image via AP)

This is a bittersweet topic for me. As I was preparing to write, I battled between (admittedly melodramatic) smiles and tears. Prince Fielder has provided Brewers fans with so many memories and traditions – thinking of the potential of future seasons without him causes a pang of emptiness.

However, the almighty dollar will be the deciding factor for Fielder. Milwaukee may not be able to afford as much as some others teams- but don’t call up the movers just yet! The Brewers Nation are collectively crossing their fingers and hoping he’ll be back to aid the team in making another run at the World Series.

Fielder is well-known around the league for his skill at the plate, and fans never got tired of seeing this pose. He has shown off his hitting power by winning the Home-Run Derby in ’09 and consistently ranking among the league leaders in home runs. But real fans of the Brew Crew see that he brings even more than that to the field.

Ryan Braun is one player that will be affected by Fielder’s decision (besides not being able to do that cool handshake  that I adore) if he leaves. The threat of Fielder warming up on deck made pitchers throw at Braun, rather than walk him. Walking Braun with Fielder on deck meant to many a bullpen that more runs would be undoubtedly scored. Braun had a career high in walks last season (58), but if Fielder leaves, statistics indicate that this number will rise due to teams looking to avoid the dynamic duo. More walks will take away from Braun’s hit opportunities – so he will have to make them count.

Another great thing about Fielder is that he’s durable. He only played under 157 games once (2005), and only then because he was just called up to the majors. He takes care of himself and is able to play through injuries – while avoiding major ones (knock on wood). Some of the best players in the league have missed games for various reasons, but Fielder just keeps on going.

Players with Fielder’s immense talent and durability are hard to find – however, the Brewers are looking.

» Continue reading “Fine, I’ll Talk About Fielder”