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MLB Fastball 07.13.07: 100th Edition
(07.13.2007) - Neil Borenstein
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| Major League Baseball is on the verge of having its first $30-million player, and is even closer to getting a strictly singles hitter to land $20-million a season. In this week’s 100th edition of MLB Fastball, I examine these possibilities and explain why teams need to be a bit more responsible with the precedents they are setting with these large contracts. |
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MLB Fastball 06.29.07: A Best-Of-Nine World Series
(06.29.2007) - Neil Borenstein
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| Out of boredom from a lack of contract negotiations during the regular season, Scott Boras has decided to propose a change to Commissioner Bud Selig. More specifically, he wants to make the World Series a best-of-nine series. Selig is interested, and it’s becoming clear that Boras needs a hobby when it’s not the time of the year for him to tell his clients to opt out of contracts for more money. |
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MLB Fastball 06.15.07: Trading Potential Free Agents
(06.15.2007) - Neil Borenstein
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| The trade deadline is still a bit away, but the rumors are already swirling. Among those rumors are deals involving players set to become free agents after this season. From an organizational standpoint, cutting losses is always important. But is trading franchise players at the trade deadline just to get something in return really the smartest option for general managers? |
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MLB Fastball 06.08.07: MLB Draft Hits TV!
(06.08.2007) - Neil Borenstein
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| Thursday marked a landmark day for pro ball. Major League Baseball finally managed to get its draft (or, at least the first round of it) onto TV instead of holding it via conference call where fans can only follow via the Web. Credit is definitely due, but there are still a couple of problems the league needs to work on for future drafts. Plus, I announce the MLB Fastball Players of the Month for May! |
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MLB Fastball 06.01.07: Houston’s Bats Have A Problem
(06.01.2007) - Neil Borenstein
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| The Houston Astros are two years removed from appearing in the World Series. Right now, they are representing fifth place in the NL Central standings. A starting pitching staff that has no stars behind Roy Oswalt is part of the problem. But the biggest issue for Houston is a lack of production at the plate. Who’s to blame and who needs to step up? Check out the column to find out! |
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MLB Fastball 05.25.07: Doing Right Goes Completely Wrong For Giambi
(05.25.2007) - Neil Borenstein
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| In an era where everybody wants a “clean” game, baseball officials, media personnel and fans proved that they’re not willing to make the same effort one ball player tried to. It’s been a living hell for Jason Giambi ever since he went public with USA Today over his steroid use, and what was supposed to be some positive movement forward has been met with unbridled negativity. |
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MLB Fastball 05.04.07: Comeback Of The Braves
(05.04.2007) - Neil Borenstein
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| The Atlanta Braves landed in unfamiliar territory last season when they didn’t win the NL East and missed out on the playoffs entirely. This year, Bobby Cox has his team back in form, and it is hitting its way toward contending for the NL East once again. Plus, I hand out the MLB Fastball Monthly Awards for April! |
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MLB Fastball 04.27.07: Impact Players Of Last Place Rangers
(04.27.2007) - Neil Borenstein
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| The Texas Rangers sit in last place of the AL West, and that’s thanks to some poor pitching and disappointing starts to the seasons of their expected big bats. But two players are coming up strong at the plate despite the team’s overall struggle, and they might just be what keeps the team in contention while the rest of the Rangers get their acts together. |
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MLB Fastball 04.13.07: Can Lidge’s Career In Houston Be Saved?
(04.13.2007) - Neil Borenstein
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| At one point, Brad Lidge was believed to be in the top tier of closers in Major League Baseball. But now, instead of saving games, he is just trying to save his career as a closer after losing the job in Houston. Does Lidge need a change of scenery to be effective again? Or should Houston stick with Lidge in hopes of him breaking out of his rut? Check the column out to see what I think! |
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MLB Fastball 02.16.07: Zambrano And Rivera Aren\'t Interested In Waiting
(02.16.2007) - Neil Borenstein
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| One of the hottest young starters and the league\'s best closer are entering the final years of their contracts - and they want new deals now. Their respective teams are reluctant to negotiate right now, leaving open the possibility of having to fight with 29 other teams next winter. Should teams pony up now or stick to their guns and wait for 2007 to conclude? |
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MLB Fastball 01.12.07: Mulder Returning To The Cards
(01.12.2007) - Neil Borenstein
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| Another name is plucked off the free agent market, slimming down the remaining starting pitchers. How does Mulder\'s re-signing pan out for the Cardinal\'s starting rotation? And why does Barry Bonds just never learn out in San Francisco? Check it out right here! |
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MLB Fastball 12:23:06: Gagne Signing Gives Otsuka The Shaft
(12.23.2006) - Neil Borenstein
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| No matter how hard he tried, Otsuka couldn\'t contend with a former 50-save reliever that has been plagued with injuries over the last two seasons. Where\'s the justice for Otsuka? Plus, trade talk is heating up, and one of the best teams in baseball could be dealing a young outfielder to one of the worst teams in baseball for a late-inning reliever just enterting his prime! |
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