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Is Beast Mode to Blame for MLB’s Rash of Injuries?

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100 years ago, baseball was a rough and tumble game, played by tough guys named Honus, Ty, Tris, Stuffy, and Buck.  They were underpaid by unappreciative owners who had complete control over their easily replaceable commodities.  If they got hurt and were unable to play for any extended period of time, they didn’t get paid; not too surprisingly, these guys hardly ever missed a game.

When the season ended, these early baseball pioneers usually went back to the farm or the factory, to make ends meet until the the next Spring, when they hoped to continue their playing careers for at least one more year.  They stayed in shape during the off-season, baling hay, working in the mines, or picking cotton.  The weight room wasn’t part of the regimen.  Beast Mode would have to wait for another century.

As the years went on, the game became a bit more refined and the players made a bit more money, but when the season came to a close, they were soon back home trying to make a buck doing whatever they could.  The big-name players might find a nice off-season gig working at a car dealership, or selling insurance.  Anything to keep the paychecks coming.

As the game progressed, the revenues increased and eventually players started getting a bigger cut of the action.  Free agent contracts became increasingly more lucrative for the players; more costly for the owners; more outlandish in the eyes of millions of fans who still have to work for a living.

The pressure for the players to stand out from their peers probably had a lot to do with the advent of the Steroids Era.  Home run records fell, much to the delight of fans everywhere. Chicks may dig the long ball, but Congressional hearings dug up the dirt on widespread steroid use involving many big-name players.  Scandal forced MLB to adopt a random drug testing program, which has no doubt discouraged the use of performance enhancing drugs; a positive test now results in a fifty-game suspension for the offending party; assuming no chain-of-custody irregularities somehow come into play.

While obscure loopholes may exist to get an offending party off the hook, the vast majority of MLB players aren’t taking any chances with the juice; instead, they’re pumping themselves up the old-fashioned, Beast Mode way.  But have too many players taken Beast Mode a bit too far?  Has all this weight lifting caused far too many cases of tight muscles which become easily strained when players are constantly swinging for the fences?  Or when they accelerate a bit too quickly out of the box trying to leg out an infield hit; or going from first to third, or trying to score from second on a sharp single to right field?  I certainly think so.

This past Spring Training, when 19-year old phenom Bryce Harper was trying to make the Opening Day roster of the Washington Nationals, he was hampered by a bit of “tightness” in his calf.  I wonder if that condition may have possibly been the result of those famous heavy-duty leg squats he can be seen performing on You-Tube?  There’s no doubt about it; the kid’s an animal; a five tool player with incredible upside potential, if he can keep the calves from tightening up too much.

Speaking of You-Tube sensations; Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes put on quite a weight-lifting show as well, among other things, which no doubt got him a nice major league contract with the Oakland A’s.  When he’s been in the lineup, he’s been a big catalyst; however, a muscle strain in his left hand landed him on the DL from May 7 to June 1, and a srained left hamstring on June 7 has him sidelined again; at least for a while.  After the injury, a somber Oakland analyst lamented, “He’s built so tight; such a strong-body kid.”

Speaking of strong-bodied catalysts; there’s no doubt Dodgers’ slugger Matt Kemp was more than just a bit Beast Mode-motivated heading into the 2012 MLB season.  But did all those 6 am workouts do more harm than good; especially for the legs?  A recurring left hamstring strain has him on the DL for the second time, and will more than likely cost the NL’s best hitter – when he’s able to play – what seemed to be a certain MVP Award this year.  As it stands, in just 36 games he had already whacked 12 home runs – a 54 home run pace over a full 162-game season.  Obviously, the Dodgers could use that type of production in the lineup on a regular basis; maybe he could have mustered a hit or two Friday night in Seattle.  As it stands, LA became the latest no-hit victim of 2012 – the fourth, overall.

The last time I checked, strained obliques and strained hamstrings are currently the leading cause of disabling injuries for MLB, followed closely by strained groins and strained backs.  Wherever there are tight muscles, there are plenty of issues; strained calves, shoulders, quadriceps, pectorals, and lats have wreaked plenty of havoc, as well.  How much of this is the result of overdoing the Beast Mode routine?  I don’t know, but I have a feeling it’s more than anybody would care to admit; at least publicly.

I know there are “strength and conditioning” specialists on most teams; maybe they need to place a little less emphasis on the “strength” portion of the job description, and more on “conditioning”.  It couldn’t hurt.

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4 Bold Predictions: MLB Edition

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With spring training games underway and the start of the regular season on the horizon it’s starting to feel warm again, and that’s welcome news to all baseball fans. This off-season was one filled with uncertainty and excitement. Whether it was the drama surrounding NL MVP Ryan Braun and his plead of innocence for his alleged steroid use or tension around the pursuit of Japanese Phenom Yu Darvish, the off-season had something for everybody. There was the “big” (sort of a mean joke I suppose) signing of Prince Fielder by the Detroit Tigers which could be huge, and there was the free agency of possibly the greatest player of our generation, Albert Pujols signing with the Angels of Anaheim. This off-season had many storylines that have shaken the MLB and all of the deals made are sure to produce one hell of a season. Because of the amount of moves and uncertainty, I’d like to go a little bold here and attempt to make some predictions. These predictions may not pan out, but ones things for sure; THEY ARE BOLD!

4. Yu Darvish Wins The AL Cy Young Award

The young, cocky flamethrower has been the talk of Texas since signing a 6-year, $56 Million Dollar Deal, making the total investment in him nearly $108 Million (they had to pay his Japanese team an unreal $51.7 Million just to negotiate with him). However, if Darvish can come in and win his team games as the top starter, all that money will be forgotten. Darvish has shown in spring training that he has no fear on the mound, and that he will challenge even good hitters with his 96-97 MPH fastball. His 5 pitch repertoire also makes him dangerous as it will be tough for batters to key in on one pitch. I look for Darvish to take the MLB by storm and win 17-20 games this year while striking out 200+. If he can reach these numbers not only will he be a fantasy stud, but also your AL Cy Young winner.

3. David Wright goes for .300+ Batting Average, 30+ Homers and 110+ RBIs

Playing for a depleted New York Mets squad, Wright will be the lone bright spot. Likely to bat third or fourth, David will have the majority of the his team’s chances to drive runs in. Although CitiField is a hitters nightmare, Wright showed two seasons ago that he has enough pop to hit anywhere in going for 29 HRs and 103 RBIs coming off his disaster of a 2009 season. Although the Mets aren’t even thought to be a competitive team going forward I like Wright to get back to being a top third basemen in the game. He is a five tool player and him pulling off an MVP caliber season for a cellar team is in reach, keep Wright in mind when picking your daily fantasy teams.

2. Bryce Harper Will Be Key For The Washington Nationals…This Season

Despite being told he will start the season in AAA, Bryce Harper is still key to the Nationals MLB squad. His development throughout the year will be the factor that determines whether the Nationals will be an average team or a very good playoff team. We’ve seen his tremendous arm strength and his ability to crush the ball to all parts of the field. With the return of Strasburg and the core of Ryan Zimmerman and Jayson Werth in place, Washington may actually have something cooking. The difference is Bryce, and whether he can emerge as the top flight talent we know he is capable of. If Harper can contribute a good batting average (.300+) and knock in runs when he has the opportunity (thinking 80+ RBI), then he could be the reason the Nationals make a serious postseason run this year.

1. Miami Marlins Win The World Series

This is not bold you say? Look no further than fellow Miami-based team, The Heat (NBA), who last season built a dominant team yet failed to win it all due to a lack of chemistry. When you look at all the talent they had you can see that a championship is never a guarantee; especially in a sport as team oriented as baseball. The Marlins are stacked; fielding a squad that features Hanley Ramirez, Jose Reyes, Mike Stanton, Josh Johnson and Heath Bell amongst others. The Marlins have the talent to go far, but how will they mesh together is really the question? The key for this team is Jose Reyes and his ability to manufacture runs. He’s a unique player in the sense that a single for him, or even a walk, often feels like a double because of his knack for stealing bases or scoring off a hit that other runners would have to hold up on. Reyes hitting .320+ with 110+ runs scored will result in his team being one of the most lethal squads in the entire league. If he can just get on base, Ramirez and Stanton will drive him in, and in doing so have big years for themselves. Fantasy owners should take notice of this team and pick daily any player batting in their top 4. Although the starting pitching still isn’t top notch I look for the energy of the fans to be electric and help this young team win the most important thing in baseball…A World Series Title.

That’s My Opinion on the upcoming season, what’s yours? Who’s your surprise team this year? Who’s going to win it all? Any Thoughts?

The “All-Sleeper” Team: MLB Fantasy Preview

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With the 2012 MLB season right around the corner, predictions about the coming year are about to paramount folks. This year’s offseason was a busy one that shook the cores of many teams (sorry Cardinals’ fans) while at the same time seemingly turning others into contenders ala the Los Angeles Angels and the newly formed Miami Marlins. Today I want to take a look around the entire world of baseball in the hopes of establishing what I will henceforth call “The MLB All-Sleeper Team.” The guidelines being I’ll name you the player that gives the most value at his position with regards to how much you’ll have to give up to get them (based on their Pre-Draft Ranking) versus the return I expect them to give you (their projected stats for the upcoming season). Some of these names you may know and others may surprise you, but rest assured fantasy owners, once the season rolls along all these names will become very familiar.

*Numbers in parenthesis represent players ranking by position heading into the 2012 season according to ESPN.com

Outfield

Mike Stanton, Miami Marlins (8): The young power hitter had a big year last season for the Marlins en route to 34 home runs & 87 RBI. Although he is on people’s radar I look for Stanton to raise those totals into the elite category of 40 HR and at least 110 RBI, thus surpassing most people’s expectations. Drafting him in the 2nd or 3rd round could be a big steal down the road.

Alex Gordon, Kansas City Royals (15): Although picking anybody on the Royals is a risk in itself, take a shot on Alex Gordon. Gordon had a breakthrough season last year for his team and I look for him to build on that this season. Most analysts don’t think he can repeat a .300 batting average (BA), 100 runs scored, 25 HR and 90 RBI type season…I think he can. Getting him in the 5th or 6th round could make him a gem in the draft.

Ichiro Suzuki, Seattle Mariners (29): The always solid Ichiro had a rough year in 2011, but don’t count him out yet. After hitting a modest .272 last year, most draft boards are saying his best years are behind him…pounce on this opportunity. Ichiro is the epitome of what an athlete should be as he combines tremendous skill, focus and effort into his well-crafted game. I look for him to get his batting average back to above .300 and to steal 40-50 bases paired with a possibility of scoring 100 runs. Getting Ichiro in the 4th or 5th round could be your best pick of the entire draft; he’s truly the sleeper of sleeper picks.

Third Base

Pedro Alvarez, Pittsburgh Pirates (21): I have to pick this guy, I mean believe it or not we played in the same league growing up (Inwood Little League of Manhattan) and Pedro was a stud from day one. Although he disappointed last year in his rookie season due to a combination of injuries and lack of opportunity, don’t give up on the 25 year-old. Alvarez was known for his power in college when he played at Vanderbilt University and was so sought after that Pittsburgh used the #2 pick overall in the 2008 draft to get him. I look for him to breakout this year and get at least 15-20 home runs. If he’s able to reach 80 RBI as well he’ll be a hell of a contributor as you can probably grab him very late. Take a shot on Alvarez as his upside is enormous.

Shortstop

Jose Reyes, Miami Marlins (3): It’s hard to call a guy ranked #3 overall at his position a sleeper, especially when that man is Jose Reyes. The reason I pick him is that I think he’s going to have a really big year because of his team, much bigger than forecasted. Reyes is now in a lineup that features Hanley Ramirez and young stars Logan Morrison and Mike Stanton, all players that will drive runs in. Reyes has a knack for getting on base (he won the batting title last year with a .337 BA) and he can steal bases once he’s on (he’s won the stolen base crown three times in his career). Although Reyes is known for catching the injury bug, don’t be surprised if he puts up huge numbers this season. A 110 Run, 50 Steal, .320 BA type of year is well within range and would make Reyes one of the top fantasy players in the whole league. Consider drafting him with your first pick; he’s a high-risk high-reward player. If you like gambling, Reyes is a great pick with a huge upside.

Second Base

Howard Kendrick, Los Angeles Angels (9): Kendrick is a guy who just hasn’t lived up to the hype. I for one believe it has a bit to do with the team in place around him, and that’s about to change. Whenever you add a talent like Albert Pujols to a team you improve the stats of every hitter who bats even close to him in the lineup; and that’s the case here. Kendrick should be an immediate beneficiary from this trade and I look for him to have a career year. If he can contribute 20 HR and 80 RBI “Howie” will be a big steal in the draft. Pick him as you see a lot of the top second basemen falling off the board, but don’t panic as I see him as a viable option if you can’t get an elite second basemen like Ian Kinsler or Robinson Cano.

First Base

Miguel Cabrera/Prince Fielder, Detroit Tigers (1, 5): I feel like I have to point out these two behemoths because of the years I think they are poised for. It’s scary to think how awesome Detroit could be if they hadn’t lost Victor Martinez, but nevertheless they added Prince Fielder. I firmly believe that Cabrera/Fielder will put up enormous numbers this season and they will only help each other by competing with each other. Both players going for 40 HR and 120+ RBI wouldn’t surprise me one bit, selecting either of them with your first pick is warranted. If you can get Cabrera, I give him a slight edge because of his ability to hit for power and average. However word has it that Cabrera will bat ahead of Fielder which could mean more RBI opportunities for the Prince. Don’t be worried as choosing either guy will reap huge dividends for your squad.

Catcher

Buster Posey, San Francisco Giants (7): Coming off a lost year due to a vicious collision at home plate, Posey is not a hot commodity heading into this year. I believe he is still one of the best young catching prospects out there and I look for him to return to form. Posey going for 20 HR and a .300 BA would be awesome and would make him a great option at catcher; a position which is very slim in terms of fantasy value.

Designated Hitter

Jesus Montero, Seattle Mariners (3): As a New York native I hated to see the Yankees give up on a young talent (again). Montero showed the tools to be both a power and average hitter, and he may be just that for the Mariners this year. If Ichiro can return to form Montero will have opportunities to drive him in should it be through a home run or through a simple base hit. I like for Montero to have a coming out party this season and his possibility of playing catcher only makes him more attractive to fantasy owners. If he ends up playing catcher, Montero could make you look like a genius for selecting him as he could easily be the top fantasy catcher this season…that’s right, this season!

Starting Pitcher(s)

Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals (26): Strasburg suffered through Tommy John surgery last season and it was truly disheartening for everyone who was following the Nationals’ phenom. This season I look for Strasburg to come out with a vengeance and to be a dark horse for the NL Cy Young as well as a favorite for the NL Strikeout Crown. Strasburg is definitely a risky pick as his mechanics are questionable and Tommy John surgery is Tommy John surgery, so be careful here. If you’re not a risk taker stay far away from this guy, but if you’re willing, Strasburg has the stuff to be a top pitcher.

Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers (3): Kershaw is the Cy Young favorite in my mind and the best pitcher on the board. He throws three (some say four) pitches effectively and is great at striking guys out. His 248 strikeouts last year was tops in the NL and I look for him to only improve this year. Kershaw as of now is the best pitcher in baseball and should be chosen accordingly, don’t make the mistake of not getting him as he is well worth a coveted early round pick.

Ubaldo Jimenez, Cleveland Indians (41): Pitching for Cleveland won’t help the hard throwing righty stack up victories but it also won’t hurt his ability (and willingness) to strike batters out. Ubaldo sports a 100+ MPH fastball and his success with Colorado in the past makes me believe he can be a top pitcher still for the Indians. His low ranking at his position and concerns about his velocity dropping should be given weight but are not reasons to write this guy off. Cleveland is known for playing in a pitchers ballpark and Jimenez is a crafty pitcher, picking him in the middle rounds of your draft will be a smart move in the long term.

Yu Darvish, Texas Rangers (31): Although he hasn’t thrown a single inning in the Majors, I’m sold on Darvish. I’ve watched enough film to see that his stuff is filthy, he just has to believe in his game and he will succeed. If Darvish pitches at a level similar to that which he was known for in the NPB (Nippon Professional Baseball – Japan’s top level) he will be deadly on hitters. Darvish is my dark horse to win the AL Cy Young, don’t be surprised if that becomes a reality; draft wisely!

Relief Pitcher(s)

Joe Nathan, Texas Rangers (21): A familiar face is moving to a new team. Nathan is a former All-Star that is not getting the respect he deserves in this year’s rankings. Nathan has easily been one of the top 5 closers in baseball for the past decade and I don’t think he’s done yet. The Rangers will ultimately use him as closer as they hope to convert prospect Neftali Feliz into a starter. Because of this, and the fact that the Rangers are a good team, I look for Nathan to get 30-40 saves this year. Getting Nathan late in the draft could mean that you got the best closer in the league with one of your last picks…any complaints about that?

Aroldis Chapman, Cincinnati Reds (30): The man out of Cuba has shown one thing so far that is not debatable….he has a rocket arm. Last season he clocked a 106 MPH fastball which I believe still stands as the world record. Chapman might get a chance to start, but as of now he is one of the best strike out guys coming out of the pen. Picking him up as a reliever could get you about 3-4 strikeouts a night from a guy who will only go 1 or 2 innings. If he can keep his ERA down, his contribution could be very nice for your squad. He’s still not worthy of an early pick but scooping him up late will be a great move for your team.

Don’t Think These Guys Are Good? Who’s Your Fantasy Sleeper Pick? Let Me Know!