Damn. Nah I mess with Bob. Great legendary career and he hooked up my man Bomani near the end. He good with me.
Baseball.........Anybody still interested?
- Thread starter tanks1
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Damn. Nah I mess with Bob. Great legendary career and he hooked up my man Bomani near the end. He good with me.
MLB’s Highest-Paid Players 2024: Ohtani on Top Despite $2M Salary
Curious about what MLB players make the most on and off the field? Check out the list of the highest-paid players for 2024 to learn who is on top.
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World Series 2024: As Yankees Star Aaron Judge and Dodgers Hero Shohei Ohtani Face Off—Whose Property Portfolio Comes Out on Top?
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Fuck dat crakkka!!!My Great Grandmother (born in 1892 and she was a Philadelphia Phillies fan, lived there also) and my Father hated the Yankees:
The racist incident that shook baseball nine years before integration
By Frederic J. Frommer
Updated September 13, 2023 at 5:48 p.m. EDT|Published September 13, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. EDT
On a midsummer day at Chicago’s Comiskey Park in 1938, a WGN Radio reporter asked an innocuous question to New York Yankees outfielder Jake Powell in a pregame interview: What did he do in the offseason?
The stunners. The cheers. The home runs, hat tricks and gameday magic. Don’t miss out with The Sports Moment, a newsletter for the biggest sports news.
The 30-year-old replied that he worked as a police officer in Dayton, Ohio, where he stayed in shape by cracking Black people over the head with his nightstick, using the n-word. WGN immediately terminated the interview and issued several apologies that night, but the outrage quickly spread beyond Chicago. Powell’s crude, racist comment led to a national backlash among African Americans that put the game on its back foot on race nearly a decade before baseball finally integrated.
The medium of radio helped escalate the controversy, said Chris Lamb, professor of journalism at IUPUI and author of “Conspiracy of Silence: Sportswriters and the Long Campaign to Desegregate Baseball.” The book includes a chapter on “L’Affaire Jake Powell,” as the episode was called at the time.
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Juan Soto's top suitors, contract projections, comps & more
November 5th, 2024Mark Feinsand
@feinsand
With the 2024 season behind us and the Hot Stove ready to burn, we're taking a close look at some of the most prominent players eligible for free agency.
Name: Juan Soto
Position: Outfielder
Team: New York Yankees
Age (as of Opening Day 2025): 26
2024 stats: .288/.419/.569, 41 HR, 109 RBIs, 128 R, 178 OPS+
Let the Juan Soto sweepstakes begin.
From the moment Soto turned down the Nationals’ 15-year, $440 million contract back in mid-2022, it was crystal clear that the All-Star slugger would test free agency at the end of the 2024 season.
Two trades and two teams later, that time has finally arrived.
Following a superb season in the Bronx during which he helped the Yankees reach the World Series for the first time in 15 years, Soto is now the hottest free agent in the game, putting himself in position to challenge Shohei Ohtani’s records for total guaranteed dollars and average annual value in a baseball contract.
This is not to say he will get a deal north of the 10-year, $700 million pact that Ohtani signed with the Dodgers last winter, but given that $680 million of that deal was deferred until 2034, the present-day value of that contract was a little more than $460 million, giving Ohtani an AAV of roughly $46 million.
Oct 31, 2024
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6:38
Juan Soto discusses World Series loss, his future
Given that Soto already turned down $440 million and is still in the midst of his prime, many inside the industry expect him to sign a deal worth more than $50 million per season for at least 10 years.
Will the Yankees do what it takes to keep Soto in pinstripes? Which clubs will be the biggest threats to pry him away from the Bronx? Let’s take a look at the most intriguing free agent of the 2024-25 offseason:
POTENTIAL SUITORS
YANKEES
Soto’s one year in the Bronx was a smashing success, as he posted MVP-type numbers, forming an incredible 1-2 punch with Aaron Judge that led the Yankees to the AL East title and a run to the World Series. Soto and the Yankees appear to be a perfect fit, as few stars have taken to the bright lights of New York as seamlessly as Soto did in 2024. The Yankees’ payroll was north of $300 million this season, but they have more than $80 million coming off the books this offseason. Will the Yankees be willing to pay Soto $50 million or more per season when they’re already spending $40 million a year on Judge? Based on this season, they may have to.
METS
Soto seemed to enjoy his first year in New York, and while the Yankees are viewed as frontrunners to retain him, there’s a team across town that will likely try to bring him back to the National League East. Owner Steve Cohen has the financial wherewithal to pay Soto whatever he wants, and if president of baseball operations David Stearns decides that Soto is the missing piece for a club that reached the NLCS, the Mets could prove to be the biggest threat to Soto’s return to the Yankees.
DODGERS
If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. Soto got a first-hand look at how good the Dodgers are during the World Series, but how much scarier would Los Angeles become with Soto joining Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman atop the lineup? The Dodgers have more than $50 million coming off the books this winter, and while it might seem like overkill to sign Soto, it’s not wise to rule out the Dodgers as an option when any star hits the market, especially given the $68 million annual deferral in Ohtani’s contract.
NATIONALS
At first glance, this one feels like a sentimental possibility, as Soto played his first four and a half years in the Majors with Washington, helping lead the Nationals to the 2019 World Series title. Top prospects James Wood and Dylan Crews graduated to the Majors in 2024, while Jacob Young had a stellar defensive season in center field (20 outs above average). Soto would add a dynamic bat to the lineup that has been missing ever since he was traded in 2022, and the Nationals could shift Crews to center field and use Young as a fourth outfielder. The real question is whether Washington is ready to spend the money it will take to bring Soto back home.
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GIANTS
San Francisco has tried to swim in the deep end of free agency for the past few years, taking big shots at players such as Judge, Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto only to see them sign elsewhere. New president of baseball operations Buster Posey could look to make a big splash by adding a superstar such as Soto, who has actually hit well at Oracle Park, belting seven homers with a 1.050 OPS in 22 career games in the pitcher-friendly ballpark.
PHILLIES
Philadelphia has plenty of friendly faces to make its pitch to Soto, who played in Washington with Bryce Harper, Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber and has a strong relationship with hitting coach Kevin Long. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has never been afraid to make a big move, and if ownership green-lights the type of money it will take to sign Soto, the Phillies could prove to be a player in these sweepstakes.
Jul 29, 2024
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0:21
Juan Soto's RBI double
BLUE JAYS
Toronto took a big swing at Ohtani last winter, so we know the Blue Jays are willing to spend big for big talent. With Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette heading into their free-agent seasons, signing Soto would give the Jays one season with all three stars under contract, opening a brief-but-exciting opportunity. It’s difficult to imagine Soto staying in the AL East and not being with the Yankees, but a move to Toronto would certainly spice up this division rivalry.
EXECUTIVE TAKE
“Soto is undeniably a perennial talent. Despite having a below-average to poor fielding run value, his offensive prowess more than makes up for what his defense lacks. He slashed .288/.419/.569 in the regular season with 41 home runs and a 178 wRC+, and he just participated in his second World Series at just 26 years old. His age and power at the plate alone will garner him a contract worth at least $500 million, likely the second-highest-paid player behind Ohtani. Soto is interesting because he is expected to have a high asking price, but his below-average defense will likely only weaken over time, causing him to become a full-time DH, especially in the later years of his contract. However, being an excellent contact hitter who can drive in runs for his team – combined with his age – his presumed half-billion-dollar asking price is justifiable for a team that intends to compete with him in the middle of the lineup.”
BUYER BEWARE
Soto’s offensive profile is as good as any hitter in the game; his Baseball Savant page looks like a valedictorian’s report card, with rankings in the 98th-to-100th percentile in eight different categories. When it comes to defense and baserunning, the same can’t be said, however. Soto posted -5 outs above average in 2024 (14th percentile), giving him a -28 mark for his career. His baserunning is also below-average, though his proficiency at the plate shouldn’t make either of these areas a huge concern for clubs pursuing this generational talent.
Sep 1, 2024
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0:17
Brendan Donovan doubles (29) on a fly ball to center fielder Aaron Judge.
FOR COMP'S SAKE
It’s difficult to find a strong comp for Soto, as his age and accomplishments put him in rarified air. As a two-way player entering his age-29 season, Ohtani offered a package the likes of which we had never seen: a superstar both at the plate and on the mound with a following as large as any player in the game. Two years ago, Judge landed a nine-year, $360 million deal following a 62-home run season that saw him win the AL MVP award, but Judge was entering his age-31 season when he reached free agency. Soto just turned 26 last week, an age when many players are just entering the arbitration process, though there are some recent comps: In 2019, both Manny Machado and Bryce Harper were entering their age-26 seasons when they signed for $300 million (10 years) and $325 million (13 years), respectively, but that was six years ago. The general consensus is that 10 years and $500 million will be the floor for Soto’s deal, though a bidding war between big-market teams could push that to $600 million or beyond.
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In this story:
Mark Feinsand, a senior national reporter, originally joined MLB.com as a reporter in 2001.
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It’s unanimous: Judge joins exalted company with 2nd MVP Award
Captain joins DiMaggio, Berra, Mantle, Maris and Rodriguez in garnering multiple honors; Soto finishes third
November 21st, 2024Bryan Hoch
@BryanHoch
NEW YORK -- There were some who wondered if we might ever see a better Aaron Judge season than his terrific and memorable 2022 MVP campaign, during which he eclipsed Roger Maris’ 61-year-old single-season American League home run record while seemingly singlehandedly powering his Yankees into the postseason.
Then came the captain’s impressive 2024 performance. Instead of grainy black-and-white replays of Maris’ home runs, there was crystal-clear high-definition video of Judge and teammate Juan Soto -- arguably the league’s most lethal one-two offensive punch in recent memory -- performing their “Kings of New York” handshake at home plate.
• All-time Most Valuable Player Award winners
Many of Judge’s Major League-leading 58 homers led to cries of “M-V-P!” from adoring crowds, both home and road. That manifested on Thursday, when Judge won his second BBWAA American League Most Valuable Player Award, as announced on MLB Network.
“I appreciate all the votes, all the support,” Judge said. “I honestly wouldn’t be in this position without my teammates, all the coaching we had this year. It’s such a blessing. I’ve got to thank God every day for this opportunity to be here, to wear pinstripes and do it in New York.”
Judge received all 30 first-place votes, with the Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. (30 second-place votes) finishing ahead of Soto. Since the Baseball Writers' Association of America began casting votes in 1931, Judge is the seventh Yankee to win multiple MVP Awards, joining Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle, Maris and Alex Rodriguez.
Nov 21, 2024
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0:30
Juan Soto finishes third in AL MVP voting
The honor figures to be bittersweet for Judge, however, as he struggled in the postseason and committed a costly error in the decisive World Series Game 5 against the Dodgers. Judge said that falling short in the Fall Classic would “stay with me until I die,” as he has long valued team accomplishments above individual performances. But he was appreciative of the award.
“It means a lot, a lot of the hard work in the offseason, during the season, the ups and downs throughout it,” Judge said. “Just the constant support from my teammates, the fans in New York, just everybody to help me get to this spot.”
• Complete MVP vote totals
Looking at Judge’s impressive .322/.458/.701 slash line, it is difficult to believe that his season got off to a slow start; he was batting .197 as late as May 2 as questions swirled. The Yankees didn’t seem concerned, with manager Aaron Boone remarking that Judge would soon catch fire.
Did he ever. Judge went on to lead the Majors in homers, RBIs (144), on-base percentage, slugging percentage, OPS (1.159), walks (133), times on base (322), game-winning RBIs (24) and position player fWAR (11.2). He also became the fastest to reach 300 homers in terms of at-bats and games played.
Nov 21, 2024
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0:39
Aaron Judge reacts to winning 2024 AL MVP Award
“I want to congratulate Aaron on earning this distinguished honor, and I couldn’t be happier for such an amazing person and leader,” Boone said in a statement. “After having a front-row seat for his 2022 MVP performance, I really couldn’t envision a player having a better and more complete baseball season. But that’s exactly what he accomplished in 2024.
“I’m beyond fortunate to be able to manage Aaron, and I look forward to watching him further cement his legacy as one of this generation’s greatest players.”
As Giancarlo Stanton remarked late in the season, it seemed at times as though Judge was “out there playing video games while all of us are out there working."
Comparing this year’s MVP campaign with his first, in ’22, his batting average was 11 points higher, his on-base percentage was 33 points higher, and his slugging percentage was 15 points higher -- all done while absorbing the increased wear and tear of playing center field regularly (105 games) to accommodate Soto’s arrival.
“March and April were not my friend this year,” Judge said. “It’s just a testament to [the fact that] it’s a long season. You’re going to go through some ups and downs. It’s just about leaning on your teammates, on your family. Just put in the work and things are going to change. You can’t mope, you can’t feel sorry for yourself.”
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Nov 21, 2024
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3:33
Aaron Judge on winning BBWAA AL MVP
Judge has expressed awe at the hallowed statistical company he now keeps. For example, only he, Babe Ruth, Gehrig and Mantle have led the league in homers at least three times. Those names are littered throughout the paragraphs detailing his success; already his place in Monument Park seems all but reserved.
Yet unlike in ’22, when he was asked how he might muster an encore, the ’24 showing provides an answer -- had his ’23 season not been interrupted by injury, he might be celebrating a third straight MVP.
This may be considered the baseline performance expected of Judge moving forward, setting this ultimatum: Now it must translate into a World Series championship.
“You’ve got to put in the work, continue to make changes, you’ve got to continue to try to improve yourself until they rip this jersey off of you,” Judge said.
Unanimous yet again: Ohtani wins third career MVP Award
November 21st, 2024Juan Toribio
@juanctoribio
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LOS ANGELES -- Since coming to the Majors in 2018, Shohei Ohtani has made history at every turn. He can now add another historic accomplishment to his already decorated career.
After posting the best offensive season of his career, which saw him become the first player to reach the 50-50 club, Ohtani won the third BBWAA Most Valuable Player Award of his career on Thursday, becoming the first full-time designated hitter to accomplish the feat.
Ohtani, who is the first Dodger to win the award since Cody Bellinger in 2019, was chosen unanimously for the third time in his career, becoming the first player to do so. He joined Frank Robinson as the only players to win at least one MVP Award in both leagues and is the first back-to-back winner since Miguel Cabrera in 2012-13.
The Japanese superstar became the sixth player to win an MVP Award with two franchises, regardless of league, since BBWAA voting began in 1931. Of those, only Barry Bonds and Ohtani have taken home the prize in their final year with one team and then in their first with a new club.
Nov 21, 2024
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0:46
Shohei Ohtani reacts to being named NL MVP
“This MVP, I’m just representing the Dodgers,” Ohtani said through interpreter Matt Hidaka on the announcement show Thursday night on MLB Network. “It was a complete team effort. I wouldn’t have been able to receive this award if it weren’t for my teammates.”
Nov 21, 2024
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4:13
Shohei Ohtani on winning BBWAA NL MVP
Fittingly, then, it was Ohtani’s teammate Clayton Kershaw who announced the award. Kershaw, who won the NL MVP in 2014, made the announcement, then congratulated Ohtani, who was all smiles amid family and friends. (Ohtani’s beloved dog, Decoy, scampered off the couch at the excitement.)
En route to his third MVP, Ohtani beat out Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor, who finished second, and D-backs second baseman Ketel Marte, who finished third.
After signing a historic 10-year, $700 million deal last offseason, all eyes were on Ohtani to perform. But even with the massive expectations, Ohtani was able to exceed them all in his first season with the Dodgers.
As he rehabbed from a second major right elbow surgery, Ohtani put together the best offensive season of his career. Despite a slow start at the plate, Ohtani led the NL with 9.2 bWAR. He also led the NL in runs scored (134), homers (54), RBIs (130), on-base percentage (.390), slugging percentage (.646) and OPS (1.036).
Nov 21, 2024
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0:14
Shohei Ohtani thanks fans after winning MVP
Ohtani, of course, also became the first player in baseball history to hit 50 or more homers and steal 50 or more bases in the same season. He accomplished that feat by delivering arguably the best single-game performance in Major League history, a 6-for-6, three-homer masterpiece against the Marlins at loanDepot park.
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Sep 20, 2024
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2:37:03
Shohei Ohtani's historic performance
Though Ohtani put up otherworldly numbers, there were still questions about whether a full-time DH should win the MVP Award. In the past, it was something that was used against players in MVP discussions. Heading into September, Ohtani appeared to be in a tight race with Lindor, who was leading the Mets to a postseason berth as the everyday shortstop.
But in the final month of the regular season, as the Dodgers chased down another NL West title, Ohtani saved his best for last. In the final 26 games of the regular season, Ohtani hit 10 homers, drove in 32 runs and posted a 1.225 OPS, his best mark of any month in 2024. Those numbers helped the Dodgers edge out the Padres for the division and solidified Ohtani’s place as the clear frontrunner to win his third MVP Award.
Nov 21, 2024
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0:26
New Balance celebrates the 2024 NL MVP: Shohei Ohtani
“I obviously don’t go into the season trying to strive to get the MVP Award," said Ohtani. "I was more focused on being one of the guys with a new team with the Dodgers. I wanted to obviously embrace the fans as well and let them learn who I was. That was my main focus.”
Ohtani also played an integral part in the Dodgers’ World Series title, the first of his career. He became the first player since teammate Mookie Betts to win MVP in the same year his team won the World Series.
In just about every way, Ohtani’s first season with the Dodgers was about as perfect as it gets. Ohtani hopes to continue making more history along the way.
Nov 14, 2024
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0:35
2024 All-MLB 1st Team: Shohei Ohtani
“The ultimate goal from the beginning was to win a World Series, which we were able to accomplish,” Ohtani said. “Like I said before, I receive this award on behalf of my team. The next goal is for me to do it again. So right now, I’m in the middle of rehab [from left shoulder surgery] and working out and getting stronger.
“I’m looking forward to next season so we can run it back.”