Suspended outfielder Ryan Braun has been calling Brewers fans to apologize for his actions regarding his suspension from the MLB for using performance enhancing drugs. He has received a list of names of season ticket holders from the Brewers organization with phone numbers to call and people apologize to.
These actions are all under Braun's own ideas, according to reports, and he plans on "calling every single name" on the list of season ticket holders. Braun has hoped to restore his ego and replenish the perception people have on him. He has admitted to taking steriods during the 2011 season, the year he won NL MVP, and has tried to fix everything he has done. Braun orginally had a positive test in 2011, in which he appealed the suspension. Once winning the appeal, Braun continued to tell people that he had not used substances to enhance his play in the MLB. This season, the MLB started an investigation on Anthony Bosch, the owner of the Biogenesis of America, on delievering PEDs to players. Among the 14 suspended, Braun was on the list. He was suspended for 65 games. It'll be interesting to see how Braun performs off the drug, and if he still can be productive against Major League pitching. Braun's 2014 season will be an interesting one to see, as he will return to the playing field for the first time since being suspended. Many players have had trouble without PEDs, obviously, and I assume Braun will not be an exception. But for now, Braun will keep on apologizing until people change their perception of him as a person. He is trying to "do the right thing" now. But, people will remember what they did in the past. It really takes a lot to change a person, for any reason. Being a public figure like Braun will make it even harder. Some people are rooting for him, and some are rooting against. I'm sort of in the middle on that. I feel people deserve second chances, but what Braun did to win the appeal was unreal. But, all in all, what ever happens happens, and Braun will continue to make those calls.
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The Padres locked up outfielder Will Venable for two more years, as they have signed him to a two year, $8.5MM contract keeping him in San Diego through the 2015 season. He has been one of the bright spots for the Padres for the year. Venable is hitting .273/.315/.503 with 20 HR and 49 RBI in 129 games this season. His SLG is an amazing .70 higher than his career average, as his pop has never risen over 13 HR throughout his career. Venable also has plus speed, as he has 15 stolen bases on the year, and 101 for his career. Venable has played his entire career for the Padres, starting in 2008. He has been a very good outfielder as well, with a .985 career fielding percentage, and continues to be the Padres go-to guy. His WAR is 2.9 on the season. I believe the Padres did a good job by extending a good player for not a large sum of money. They also didn't sign Venable to a ridiculous contract, like the Angels did with Hamilton and Pujols. Good job by the Padres management all around on this re-signing. Former 16 game winner Aaron Harang has been signed by the New York Mets to a minor league contract. The Mets have been continuing to sign former solid pitchers, to try and determine who will be in the 2014 pitching staff. He is expected to join the rotation before the end of the season, according to Adam Rubin of ESPN, and is expected to help the Las Vegas 51s (Mets Triple-A) throughout the playoffs.
Harang spent time with Seattle in the majors this season, as he went 5-11 with a 5.76 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP in 22 starts. He was released by the club, and has now signed with the Mets. He has a 4.29 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP for his career.
Phillies utility infielder John McDonald was traded to the Boston Red Sox for Nefi Ogando last night, according to multiple reports. He will be an extra infielder in September for the Red Sox, as they continue down the stretch into the playoffs.
McDonald has played on the Pirates, Indians, and Phillies this season for a total of 45 games. The infielder has hit .098/.179/.164 this season with 1 HR and 4 RBI. He also boasts a 0.00 ERA this season in 1 appearance (0.1 IP). In return, the Phillies will be receiving Nefi Ogando, a promising pitcher down in High-A ball. He is 2-3 with a 4.09 ERA. He currently pitches in the bullpen, although he had made a few starts in the past. Phillies third baseman Michael Young has been traded to the L.A. Dodgers late last night, just hours away from the August Trade Deadline, which has now passed. The Phillies will be receiving Double-A lefty Rob Rasmussen, a former 2nd round pick in 2010 by the Miami Marlins. Young had cleared waivers early in the month, making him eligible to be moved to any team.
This move was one of two late moves the Phillies made. They also traded John McDonald to the Boston Red Sox just hours before the deadline as well. After being relatively quiet during the waiver period thus far, the Phillies were able to unload their biggest piece that they were able to part with. Rob Rasmussen is a decent return for Young, as he currently has a 2.55 ERA in 16 appearances (14 starts) for Double-A Chattanooga. He has struggled mightily in Triple-A this season, where he posts a 6.46 ERA in 12 appearances (10 starts).
On the other hand, the Dodgers were able to gain a player that is a great clubhouse guy, and can play the game of baseball very well. With a .276/.336/.395 three slash line, Young is still a pretty solid player at 36 years old, and will provide timely hitting off the bench for LA. Young has a -1.0 WAR, but will be backing up third baseman Juan Uribe, who has a 2.4 WAR. Young can also play first base, where Adrian Gonzalez currently sits, but can give him a day off without much lost. This was a very good move for the Dodgers, as they are going all in to win the World Series this year. Young becomes a free agent at the end of this year, and although he may walk from LA, he will probably be able to find a new home for another contender (perhaps Texas?). But, for now, Young is playing in LA, for the team that is running away with the NL West crown. |
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