Bleacher Report - Articles by Dylan Levinson

Red Sox Notes: Sean Casey Picked Up by Boston

Dylan Levinson — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 03:35:38 -0500

Sean Casey, formerly of the Detroit Tigers, has signed a one-year, $800,000 deal with the Boston Red Sox.

Casey had a .296 BA last season along with four HR and 54 RBI. These are definitely not very impressive numbers, but they are solid for a bench player.

Casey will back up Kevin Youkilis at first base.

The signing of Casey also gives the Sox another left-handed batter on their roster.

At this moment, the Red Sox bench consists of Alex Cora, Sean Casey, Doug Mirabelli, and Coco Crisp.

Former bench players Eric Hinske and Bobby Kielty are still unsigned free agents.

I believe that this acquisition is actually imperative for the Sox' success this season. Boston needed a backup left-handed hitter, and picked up a solid one.

It should be a fun year for Casey on Red Sox, and he will hopefully get a warm welcome from all Bostonians.

In other news, Manny Ramirez has stated that he will show up at the Sox spring training camp in Fort Myers on February 21, along with the rest of his teammates.

Manny has said numerous times that he has been working out in a training facility in Tempe, Arizona. He has also stated that he is throughly impressed with the facility and said, "I want to be like Julio Franco, and play until I’m 48...and if you want to do it, this is the right place to come."

Manny Ramirez is in the last year of his contract. For the Sox to pick up his option, Manny must improve from his mediocre 2007 performance.

Boston Red Sox Fans: Don't Be Sad You Didn't Land Santana

Dylan Levinson — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 09:06:21 -0500

Time for the Red Sox update.

As we all know, Johan Santana is heading to New York to become a Met.

I was looking forward to having the best one-two pitching punch in the majors, but life will go on.

My message to all you fellow Sox fans is to not be sad.

The Red Sox got to keep their farm system intact while keeping Johan away from the Yankees. We didn't have to give up Ellsbury or Lester and we did not need to give up $150 million to sign Santana.

It was really a win-win situation for the Sox, even though we didn't get Santana.

The Providence Journal really summed it all up with the headline, "Sox Fans Shedding Few Tears."

Many Twins fans are complaining that they could have gotten Jacoby Ellsbury. They should be complaining. Ellsbury is going to be a star one day, while some of the prospects that the Twins recieved were not top caliber.

Remember, if you are ever feeling sad that we didn't get Santana, just remember that the Yankees didn't get him either and that should bring a smile to your face.

With all the Santana pandemonium, I did not have time to write about the Sox' new acquisition. The Sox picked up David Aardsma from the White Sox for two class-A pitchers, Willy Mota and Miguel Socolovich.

Aardsma started the season last year with a 1.31 ERA and 26 strikeouts in 20 1/3 innings pitched. Aardsma led American Leauge relievers with 23 strikeouts in April.

Aardsma struggled the last half of the season as his ERA rose to 6.32. Aardsma was called down to Triple A Charlotte.

All in all, this was a great way to strengthen up the Red Sox bullpen.

Dissecting the Johan Santana Trade: Part One

Dylan Levinson — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 08:42:18 -0500

If you've been anywhere near a baseball program or website, you would know that Johan Santana of the Minnesota Twins has been traded to the New York Mets in return for four prospects.

Dissecting this trade is no easy accomplishment—but I'm up to the task.

Let's begin with the four prospects the Mets traded to Minnesota: Carlos Gomez, Phil Humber, Deolis Guerra, and Kevin Mulvey.

Carlos Gomez played only 58 games with the New York Mets in 2007. He batted .232 with two HR, 12 RBI, 14 runs and 12 steals. A .232 BA is very impressive for a rookie at a major-leauge level. However, it is apparent that Gomez is not a power hitter. Although he is only 22, two HR in 58 games is not top-caliber for a rookie.

12 RBI over 58 games is an average number for a rookie the size and age of Gomez. 14 runs are also a solid stat for a rookie, as it shows that Gomez has solid baserunning skills and solid speed. His 12 SB is also very impressive, showing how speedy Gomez really is.

In all, Gomez is a solid top prospect who will get better with age.

Phil Humber was a stud at Rice University, and was the third overall pick in the draft by the New York Mets. Humber posted mediocre numbers in high A ball, where he kept his ERA slightly below five. In AA, he had an ERA of 4.27. In three appearances with the Mets in 2007, Humber posted an ERA of 7.71, struck out two, and walked two.

These are definitely mediocre stats when compared with other "top prospects." Humber was not the best choice for the Twins.

Deolis Guerra, only 18 years old, pitched for the High A St. Lucie team. In 21 games with St. Lucie, Guerra pitched 81 innings, giving up 80 hits, 40 ER, 9 HR, 25 BB, 66 K for two wins and six losses. He posted a 4.01 ERA and a 1.171 WHIP.

Guerra is a very young but talented individual. In 89 innings, he only gave up 80 hits. That is a very impressive stat. Guerra also gave up only 40 earned runs which is also impressive. A big stat that really popped out at me was the nine HR allowed. Over 89 innings, giving up just nine HR is top caliber. His 66 Ks also show that Guerra has some good stuff.

All in all, Guerra has a boatload of potential. This kid could be a very good Major League pitcher someday. But for now, he will have no immediate impact.

The last player shipped to Minnesota was Kevin Mulvey. Mulvey was the 62nd pick out of Villanova by the Mets. Mulvey posted an 11-10 record in AA. Mulvey also posted a 3.32 ERA, a very impressive stat. In 151 innings, Mulvey only allowed four HR, 145 H and 43 BB along with 110 K.

These are very good stats. Only four HR allowed is great and the 110 Ks is very impressive. Mulvey even started a game in AAA. Mulvey is getting better and better, and he could one day take Johan Santana's famed spot in the Twins' rotation.

Johan Santana is a man who every baseball fan has heard of. Arguably the best pitcher in baseball, Johan has posted 93 wins in his first years with the Twins. He has won two Cy Young awards. Johan went 15-13 with the Twins last season, and posted a 3.33 ERA. These are mediocre numbers for Santana, who he has been the top pitcher in the last four years

Santana is a true stud. The Mets have landed Johan at the height of his career.

That is part one of dissecting the Johan Santana trade. I have summarized every individual dealt in the trade. Part two will come shortly.

Johan Santana Trade: Twins and Mets Agree! Now What?

Dylan Levinson — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 10:01:18 -0500

The Twins and Mets have agreed to a trade that would bring Johan Santana to New York.

This is a huge trade for the Mets, as they have definetely become one of the favorites in the National League.

The deal is not complete yet, so Mets fans, don't get too excited. The deal included Carlos Gomez, Phil Humber, Deolis Guerra and Kevin Mulvey.

The Mets have a time table to negotiate a contract extension. The Mets should be ready to empty their pockets because Santana may ask for up to $150 million. The Mets will probably have about 72 hours to get the contract extension completed.

Mets fans should not be too worried about this contract extension because the Mets have already given up too much to come back. In my opinion, the Mets will soon have Johan Santana, the only question is, was it a good trade?

Erik Bedard to Seattle Mariners: Trade Complete?

Dylan Levinson — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 08:34:39 -0500

There have been rumors circulating that Erik Bedard of the Baltimore Orioles is close to being traded to the Seattle Mariners.

The Orioles have denied any reports that a Bedard trade is in place.

The Mariners have been the front-runners in the Bedard sweepstakes for at least a month. They have been pursuing Bedard vigorously along with the Mets, Dodgers, and Reds.

The rumor surfaced when Adam Jones told a reporter that he'd been traded to the Orioles as the main piece in a Bedard trade. ESPN.com reported that the two Mariners involved in the trade told teammates they had to take physical exams.

The rumored trade was declared false by the Orioles organization. The Mariners have yet to speak on the situation.

Although the trade was proved false, many believe that a Bedard trade is imminent and the Mariners remain the front-runner.

As with the Santana trade, a Bedard trade could enhance a team's pitching staff significantly. The Mariners, with a well-rounded pitching staff, could be a hard to beat team in the AL.

Adam Jones, the kid who was named as the main piece of the rumored trade, hit .314 with 25 home runs and 84 RBIs for Triple-A Tacoma, was named Seattle's Minor League Player of the Year.

If this trade were imminent, this trade has the potential to be a great deal.

MLB Trade News: More Johan Santana Rumors

Dylan Levinson — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 08:14:02 -0500

Johan Santana has been a hot topic since the winter meetings started. No offer has been accepted, but a trade could come very soon.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that the Minnesota Twins could soon ask for the final offers from all three teams. This could mean that a Santana trade could happen sooner than once thought. At the moment, the Red Sox, Mets and the Yankees are all in the race for Santana.

The New York Post reports that a Santana trade is imminent and that the Mets have a slight edge. This could come as a disappointment to many Red Sox fans but look on the bright side; they don't have to give up Ellsbury.

The Post also reports that the Yankees and Red Sox are still quietly lurking in the shadows. This could mean that the Sox and Yankees have as much of a chance as the Mets.

Both the Tribune and the Post say that a Santana trade could come within days. This should be an interesting week in sports and for the fans of these teams.

Boston Celtics Losing Streak: Where's That Irish Luck?

Dylan Levinson — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 23:05:33 -0500

The Boston Celtics started the season with a bang, and by January 5th had just three losses.

They seemed unbeatable.

But now they've lost five of their last 10 games.

For a team with Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce, that is a terrible record. Their five losses were to beatable teams; first to Charlotte, then twice to Washington, to Toronto, and of course they lost to the Magic (93-96).

The Celtics haven't had major injuries this season, so what's happened?

Well they haven't had any major injures, but the Celtics have certainly suffered several minor injuries of major players. In the game against the Magic, KG was forced to sit. In the game against Charlotte, Ray Allen could not play.

But, couldn't just two out of the Big Three manage to bring a win to the Celtics?

My opinion is that the Celtics’ losing streak is due to the bench's play. I believe that many of the players on the bench are mediocre, at best, and these players’ weaknesses are showing up on the court. If the Celtics want to win the championship, they better turn this around.

Regardless of a terrible bench, the Celtics will make the playoffs. But they may not win in the playoffs without making real improvements to bench play.

The Celtics’ have been handed five losses, all by average teams, some even below average. Imagine the Celtics play the Pistons again; they would blow Boston’s mind.

It's amazing that a team with as much talent as they have can manage only an unexceptional record. Right now the Celtics are not performing to their potential. They are, and have been, beatable.

The question I am asking is this:

Where's that Irish luck, and will it ever come back?

Red Sox News: The Road Ahead for Manny Ramirez

Dylan Levinson — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 08:46:11 -0500

It is never too early to talk about next season, and I am standing by that.

Manny Ramirez has been playing LF as the Red Sox have won their two World Series in the past four years. But, in 2009, Manny may not be playing with the Red Sox.

Manny's contract ends after the 2008 season and the Sox will need to exercise Ramirez's 2009 option by Nov. 10th of this year.

Manny has been one of the Red Sox best hitters in the past four years. It is hard to imagine the Red Sox without Manny. The Red Sox will take their time with Ramirez, just as they did with Schilling.

They will see how well he does in this coming season and go from there. I hope Manny has an upbeat season. I do not want to see Manny as a Yankee.

In other news, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that a Johan Santana trade could come within 10 days. They say he could be dealt to either the Red Sox, Yankees or the Mets.

This trade could be one of the biggest of all time. It could be right up there in the Babe Ruth trade. This trade will earn the name of a blockbuster.

In final news, the Red Sox GM and Yankees GM wore suits together at a Friday night lecture! I guess the GM rivarly is not nearly as serious as the fan rivarly.

At the lecture, Epestein just had to add that he did not have to clear the lecture with Hank. I guess Epstein has a good sense of humor!

Carolina Panthers: For Fox or Not for Fox?

Dylan Levinson — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 07:28:09 -0500

John Fox has been the Carolina Panthers' coach for five years now.

He brought them from a one win team to a Super Bowl contender. Two years later he brought the Panthers to the NFC Championship.

The last two years, John Fox's Panthers have been .500 or worse.

Coach Fox, what have you done for us lately?

Two years ago, the Panthers finished the season 8-8 after being picked by many as a Super Bowl team. On Fox's side I must say that the Panthers suffered two starting player injuries in the first game of the season and more as the season dragged on.

Against Fox, I have to contend that the Panthers offense was absolutely deplorable that season. In my opinion, Fox was too conservative in his play calling, and I have a feeling that the offensive coordinator did not have much influence on that.

Even on defense, Fox rarely blitzed that season. As the season finished, I clearly did not want Fox to remain the head coach.

But he did remain, and I looked forward to next season.

As next season started, the 2007 campaign, Fox hired a new offensive coordinator. I believed Fox would let this coordinator call most of the offensive plays and I was thrilled. The season started and the Panthers came out with an offense I hadn't seen in a very long time. They were not conservative at all.

Then, turmoil came when Jake Delhomme was injured for the season. Fox went back to a very conservative style of play and the Panthers finished 7-9.

Fox is a great defensive coach, but I do not know why he would take the reigns on so many offensive plays. I feel as though Fox is not the right coach for this Carolina Panthers team. He may be a great defensive coordinator in the near future; in fact, I believe he will be a defensive coordinator in the future.

In my opinion, I vote not for Fox. He just doesn't fit the Panther's offense. In all defense to him, I must say that the Panthers have had more injuries than any coach could bargain for.

The Panthers are giving Fox another chance, but my confidence in him is nearly gone. Again, I'm looking forward to next year.

Let's just hope Fox has some tricks up his sleeve.

Please feel free to vote in the comment box for Fox or not for Fox.

Super Bowl XLII: Where in the World Is Tom Brady?

Dylan Levinson — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 02:16:59 -0500

Tom Brady has gone missing from practice for the second straight day!

On Monday, Brady was seen wearing a protective boot, leading many reporters to believe that Brady was injured. Brady was not in practice two days ago and again yesterday he went unseen.

If it is true that Brady's ankle is injured, it could have a huge effect on Super Bowl Sunday. Even if Brady's ankle heals by Feb. 3rd, he will have been out from practice for at least a few days.

Missing practice can ruin your game. If Brady does not play well, how in the world will the Patriots beat the Giants?

Tom Brady is the key to the Patriots offense. If all these reports are correct, Patriots fans should be worried.

Imagine an offense with an injured Tom Brady. The Pats need every player healthy, especially their quarterback. Remember, the last game of the season, the Giants almost beat the Pats. Who knows what will happen with an injured Brady?

Pats fans should all be asking one question: Where in the world is Tom Brady? The Pats may be in for a shocker if Brady doesn't heal up.

Outfield? No Problem for the Boston Red Sox

Dylan Levinson — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 04:13:45 -0500

The Red Sox have had everything go their way.

They won the World Series, they have a plethora of young talent, and they kept Mike Lowell. They are even contending for Johan Santana. This season the Red Sox will be coming in with an exceptional outfield, one that can win another World Series.

Pending any trades, the Sox starting outfield stands as Jacoby Ellsbury, Manny Ramirez and J.D. Drew with Coco Crisp as a versatile fill-in outfielder. This outfield can become a monster against opponents.

If you haven't heard of Jacoby Ellsbury, then you'll be in for a real surprise. He was brought up from the minors last September and has wowed crowds and opponents. If his hitting wasn't already enough, Ellsbury is also speedster, perhaps one of the fastest in the majors right now. He stole 9 bases, all in September.

Ellsbury is a real gift for the Sox outfield.

Manny Ramirez is coming off a down year, at least for him. He only hit 20 homeruns as opposed to his usual 30 or more. Manny is still an exceptional outfielder. He can lead any outfield and has been with the Red Sox when they won their two World Series.

Players like Manny are hard to come by.

J.D. Drew had a very disappointing year. The Sox spent millions on him and he did nothing. With that in mind, he showed promise in the playoffs and the near end of the season. He hit the grand slam that all Sox fans remember and he looked like an all new J.D. Drew.

If he carries that momentum into next season, he will be another force for the Sox.

Last but not least is Coco Crisp. Crisp is a force on defense. His center field play is up there with Torii Hunter and Andruw Jones. Crisp does have a downside, that being his skills at the plate. Crisp definitely is not up to the batting standards of Ramirez, Drew or even Ellsbury.

Besides that, Crisp is an exceptional 4th outfielder.

The Sox outfield looks like a force to be reckoned with for this coming season. As I stated in the beginning, this outfield could change with one trade, but for now this is how it stands. The Sox may have arguably the best outfield in baseball.

America's Game in Japan

Dylan Levinson — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 23:52:32 -0500

Baseball has been an American game since, well, anyone can remember.

However, there has been a new baseball force that has been undeniably creeping towards the U.S. in this decade.

That new baseball force is Japan.

Japan was virtually indifferent to baseball about 20 or 30 years ago, but in the last decade, it has become a more serious foe.

Japan beat the U.S. in the World Baseball Classic for the quest for the title. The U.S. didn't even make it to the finals.

On the other hand, one could argue that Japan simply cares about the money, not baseball. They have sold Godzilla, Dice-K, Ichiro and Okie-Dokie. They give away more every year and soon they will not have any talented stars left in Japan.

Others argue that Japan already is better than the U.S. when it comes to baseball. My opinion is that the World Baseball Classic means nothing.

In the Classic, Japan put together a team compiled of the best Japanese stars. How is one Japanese national team going to kick butt if they ever face the Red Sox or the Yankees?

One Japanese team is not filled with stars. If Japan continues to unload their stars to the American market, by the time the next Classic comes around, they will have no stars left playing for their national teams.

Japan is a new baseball champion.

The only question is, for how long can they hold it?

The U.S. has not given Japan any players, but Japan has given the U.S. a handful of players. Let's say there is a real World Series in the near future. It could be a battle between the U.S. and Japan.

Japan's national team would have no chance against the Red Sox. Japan needs to prioritize its baseball organization because, if Japan continues this philosphy of sell, sell, sell, there will be no more stars left.

That is the truth. Japan has promise, but only if they follow an all new philosphy.

One, Two, Three Strikes and ある!-Baseball in Japan

Dylan Levinson — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 06:45:33 -0500

This year marked a first for a football game; it was the first regular season game to be played in London, England.

At the start of the baseball season, the Boston Red Sox will be traveling to Japan with the Oakland Athletics to play a regular-season game.

This is an incredible step for Japan and Major League Baseball.

Japan has been a baseball phenom. They have been sending the United States player after player. They've given us Ichiro, Matsui, Okajima and Matsuzaka. They have become the new baseball capital.

Japan does have one fatal flaw: Japan's average player is definitely not the same caliber as the U.S. They have given away their extraordinary players.

In my mind, Japan has to keep the players that show real talent. They need to contend with the U.S. The U.S. has been on top of the baseball world, but Japan is like a bomb, just waiting to blow. They have given away their former stars for money, but now their new stars are ready to stay for the chance of stardom in their home country.