DR WBC Parade

Over the weekend the Dominican Republic held a parade for the 2013 WBC champions, who won it back in March. This only shows the importance of the World Baseball Classic to some countries.

I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving and we will be ready for the Winter Meetings coming up

Make sure to join us for The Pepper Show, debuting Monday December 9th!

And don't forget to leave your baseball questions in the comments using the #peppershow

A guide to Cooperstown, NY

Have you ever been to Cooperstown? If you have you might not be that interested in the post, but I urge you to read on. Cooperstown is a beautiful get away town in the middle of the Otesego County. Some highlights are the Hall Of Fame and the Hall of Fame museum.

But have you ever been to Doubleday Field? It's a beautiful retro ball park located right next to the Cooper Inn hotel, The current tenant The Cooperstown Hawkeyes play there in the summer. But other stars play there, like Felipe Alou, Mo Vaughn and Trevor Hoffman played there last fall, I got the honor of being the official Scoreboard and Scorekeeper .

And boy did I enjoy it.

I highly recommend a trip to Cooperstown next spring!

  

Latest rumors, buzz, and recaps

Hanley Ramirez is looking for a contract extension.

The Mets are involved in a three way trade.

Except The Stove to heat up next week with the winter meetings.

Pepper INBOX

Questions about baseball? Comment now! Use hashtag #peppershow

If you want your question to be featured on the First ever Pepper Show on December 9th! Comment now!

Any Cheap Deals for Black Friday?

Sources say no. GM's seem to be taking the week off, in a way. Rumors have gone down, and with Winter Meetings approaching it makes since to take the week off from Trades.

Why Fred McGriff should be voted in to the Hall of Fame

With the brand new Hall of Fame ballots coming out recently, we see many new names and old ones that will get all the attention. But what about Fred McGriff, the first basemen who played from 1986 to 2004? McGriff hit 493 home runs over the course of his career, tied with Lou Gehrig for 26th on the all-time list. He also had 2,490 hits during his career, good enough for a respectable .284 batting average. In my opinion, McGriff was the most underrated of the steroid era. The reason for the lack of attention towards McGriff was being overshadowed by the bigger hitters of his era, such as Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, and Barry Bonds. But unlike those players, he never took any sort of performance-enhancing drug. With his hall of fame worthy numbers, a championship, and his clean career, I would be surprised not to see McGriff voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame this year.

pepper30:LA Dodgers

Magic was in the air in Los Angeles this summer, the NL West champs have money to spend this offseason. They are looking to acquire players such as Masahiro Tanaka and Robinson Cano. The Dodgers will start the season in Sydney, Australlia this March! 

Happy Thanksgiving from the Pepper family!

While we are all stuffing down food tomorrow, which MLB teams will try to stuff in the signings that they will be thankful for in 2014?

Ricky Nolasco to the Twins

The Minnesota Twins have signed RHP Ricky Nolasco. He spent 2013 with the Marlins and Dodgers.
In other news LHP Ted Lilly has officially retired

Nelson Cruz rumors, Biogenesis

Nelson Cruz is looking for a 4 year deal. Many people are upset that people that were connected to biogenesis are getting more money. Players like David Aardsma spoke out on twitter. And I believe they are right.

Going on vacation in Flordia?

Well it might be worth it to stop by the winter meetings this year in Orlando, Florida. The meetings will be held in the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin resort from December 9th to the 12th.

2014 HOF ballot

The 2014 Hall of Fame ballot has been announced: Greg Maddux Tom Glavine and Frank Thomas headline the newcomers. Hopefully someone will get elected this year

Welcome to ...... Masahiro Tanaka

Wherever Masahiro Tanaka ends up this year it has become evident it will be a big market club. This is because in order to speak to him, you need to pay millions of dollars.Because of this teams like Kansas City has no chance

Monday Moves

Some of the winter moves to happen on this busy Monday:
- The Oakland A's acquired LHP Fernando Abad from the Washington Nationals
- David Murphy signed a 2 year deal with the Cleveland Indians
- Rumors are swirling that the Toronto Blue Jays might be close to acquiring Jeff Samardzija from the Chicago Cubs

November Action

This offseason has been rather interesting because there has been lots of big moves in November. Most offseasons have a slow start and pick up later in the winter. I hope this means that the whole offseason and the 2014 season will be exciting. Here are some of the Big November moves:
-Prince Fielder/Ian Kinsler trade
-David Freese/Peter Bourjous trade
-Brian McCann to the Yankees
-Jhonny Peralta to the Cardinals
-Dan Haren to the Dodgers
-Marlon Byrd to Phillies
-Tim Hudson to the Giants
-Josh Johnson to the Padres
-Nick Punto to the A's
-Jason Vargas to the Royals
-Chris Young to the Mets

Dan Haren to the Dodgers

Th LA Dodgers have reached a 1 year agreement for 10 million dollars with RHP Dan Haren. Haren struggled last year in his one year with the Washington Nationals. The Dodgers just keep on spending money and now have a rotation that includes Kershaw, Grienke, Ryu, Nolasco, and now Haren

Not official yet but looks like Peralta is going to the Cardinals

Find out more on pepper +
http://pepperplusmlb.blogspot.com/

The Pepper Franchise has a new logo!

Pepper

Yanks Get McCann

Brain McCann who has played his whole career with NL East Champion Atlanta Braves. Is moving to New York under a multi million 5 year deal. The Yankees were looking for a catcher. McCann would fair well at Yankee Stadium especially with those short right field seats

pepper30: Houston Astros

A team that has no hope of making the postseason.
A team that baseball prospectus said has a 0.0% percent chance of making the world series
A team that has no players that anyone has ever heard of
A team that ended 2013 with a 15 game losing streak
Well Thats the Astros.... but can they fair better in 2014? Lets find out.
If the Astros sign some good players(Which they dont have the money for) they will still be to far back. Unlike Miami , a team with a surplus of young talent, Houston has no young stars!
Matt Dominguez type players are not stars, and Jose Veras type veterans cant lead the team. I know Astros fans are going to hate this but, the Astros have no chance at the postseason. However on a positive prospective, I like their Logo! Best of Luck to the 2014 Houston Astros

MLB News: 11-22

Jason Vargas signed a Four Year deal worth 32 Million with the Kansas City Royals.
Chris Young (OF) signed with the New York Mets, the One year deal was worth 7.25 Million Dollars.
Alex Rodriguez claimed he "crushed" it, at court today.
The Angels traded Peter Bourjos for Cardinals Third Baseman David Freeze

Robinson Cano gaining interest from Many clubs

The Yankees, Dodgers and Cubs are all interested in the All Star Second Baseman. The Cubs could surely use the upgrade. To this day the front runner for Cano is the Yankees

RIP Michael Weiner

The president of the MLB players association died on Thursday after his battle with cancer. He was the 5th MLB PA president

Another reason why you should Stand Up 2 Cancer.

Pepper30: Baltimore Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles are in place to make the playoffs in 2014. Acquiring one big player would make a diffrence for a team that just mist out on the Postseason in 2013. Hopefully Buck Scholwalter and his crew can get good pitching, something they lack

Winter meetings In 2 weeks! Expect Lots of moves!

In Orlando this December. We will witness the ever exciting winter meetings. Usually the Winter Meetings Kick Starts the offseason hot stove

A-Rod is at it again

Well there isn't a baseball offseason spent without talking about the most spoiled ball player Alex Rodriguez. After ranting in WFAN. Rodriguez pleaded innocent , yeah ok we have all heard this before. Hopefully he serves his suspension and ends his career on a good note. But we all know that'll never happen!

Ian Kinsler for Prince Fielder blockbuster

Today MLB Network insider Jon Heyman has reported that the Texas Rangers have sent Ian Kinsler to the Detroit Tigers for Prince Fielder. This is the first big trade of the offseason! Now the question remains what will the Tigers do at 1st base. Will they play VMart? And what will happen to Omar Infante?? As for Fielder and the Rangers, I can't wait to see what Prince does in that Ballpark!

The Pepper Show

The Pepper Show

Exclusively on Pepper+

Debuts December 9^th

 pRESENTED BY: 

Pepper's Fan Favorite: Todd Helton

Since he came up with the Rockies in 1997, He has been nothing short of brilliant. He was a leader in the Rockies clubhouse. And now can enjoy a very happy retirement. 

Pepper30: Miami Marlins

Well this team is just in ruins. What can the Marlins do to improve? It will be hard especially since the payroll troubles the Marlins are facing this offseason. They need to acquire some veteran talent. Not Juan Pierre, Placadio Polanco type, but more of a JJ Hardy type. Who's been to the playoffs and can still play for another 10 years.

Houston Astros will host 2014 Civil Rights Game

'
The Game will be on MLB Network in May

Happy Holidays from The Pepper Franchise

Happy Thanksgiving

The Pepper Franchise

   

Hot Stove Rumors, Buzz and extra

Tim Hudson signed a 2 Year contract with the San Fransicsco Giants
The Phillies re-signed Carlos Ruiz
The Mets met with Cano. There were no preliminary offers made.
Masahiro Tanaka is looking to join the MLB

Last Chance to vote for #FanFavorite!

The Last of the Pepper Awards is tomorrow November 20th with Pepper Fan Favorite. Vote now to see your MLB Favorite Featured any player that appeared in at least 1 game qualifies. Vote now in the comments section! Email and twitter now closed. Voting ends at Midnight 

pepper30: Los Angeles Angels

The Angels finished 3rd in the AL west in 2013. They are looking to try to make the playoffs in 2014.
There is no doubt that Anaheim has talent. With Trout, Pujols, Trumbo and Hamilton, LA should be a click for the playoffs yet they have always got off to slow starts. However these Angels teams have always been in the race up to the final week. A lot of the blame is on Mike Scioscia who has been managing the Angels since 2000.

Chris Davis: Priceless MVP

Chris Davis is the winner of this years Priceless MVP
He was the biggest surprise in a breakout year for the Baltimore orioles

AVG	HR	RBI	OBP
.286	53	138	.370

Spring Training schedules announced

To see your teams schedules go to Mlb.com and look under schedules and find your team
Some highlights are the Mets and Blue Jays playing in Montreal.

Instant replay Test over, ready to go!

Well after the Arizona Fall Leauge ended last night, the trial for instant review is complete. Managers like it. And so do umpires.

MLB Network Power Slugger

Congradulations to Miguel Cabrera, third baseman for the Detriot Tigers

Easton Pitcher of the Year:Hisashi Iwakuma

Hishashi Iwakuma for the Seattle Mariners is the first ever recipient of the the Pitcher of the Year.
Iwakuma finshed second for the cy young voting.
  

• 
  

• W

  14

• L

  6

• ERA

  2.66

• K

  185

• BB

  42

GM Meetings rap up in Orlando

Well we thought the GM meetings were going to provide an insight on the offseason.We didn't quite get that, besides the Marlon Byrd deal, there were no big signings. The winter meetings are coming soon within insight of what's to come

Cy young

Max Scherzer Detriot Tigers
Clayton Kershaw LA Dodgers

Byrd is the Word

Marlon Byrd has signed a 2 year 16 million dollar deal with the Phillies. Why are the Phillies making this move? He's old, and is not worthy of that much dough.

Pepper+ Is up and running!

After a technical glitch, Pepper + is up and running!
Explore videos,  Links and podcasts.
Find the new blog here:http://pepperplusmlb.blogspot.com/

Manager Of the Year 2013

Al: Terry Francona Cleavlend Indians AL Wild Card
Nl:Clint Hurdle Pittsburg Pirates NL Wild Card

Braves Moving

If you haven't caught up on baseball this week you probably didn't hear the news that shocked Atlanta. Goodbye Braves... at least to Downtown Atlanta.
The Braves are moving to Cobb County GA in 2017. According to team officials, this move will increase there fan base.

Rookie of the year 2013 announced

TB: Will Myers has won the Rookie of the Year for the American Leauge
Miami: Jose Fernandez for the National

Second time a Cuban has won Rookie of the Year
I guess Flordia has talent....

Qualifying offers

All players who are free agents that received qualifying offers must accept or decline them by 6 tonight. If they decline they become official Free Agents.

Inaugural Pepper Awards:presented by S^2C

What's an offseason without awards?
4 awards, for 4 great players

1.Easton- Pitcher of the Year (November 14th)
2.MLB Network- Power Slugger (Nov 15th)
3.Mastercard- Priceless MVP (Nov 18th)
4. PepperFanFavorite (Nov 20th)

Vote✅ for FanFavorite now!
Comments section!
Email (2niko2@gmail.com)!

Pepper+

Due to a computer and URL issue Pepper+ will commence on October 20th.
Sorry for the delay.

Arizona vs Flordia

Spring training has always been relaxed and enjoyable. and viewed as a preview of what's to come. Unlike Florida, where teams often have to travel over an hour to get to another complex. Arizona has all complexes within a 15 minute drive. Plus the great weather it makes Spring Training in Arizona much more enjoyable.

#pepperMLB

LIVE STREAM: Australian Baseball league

Every pitch. Every moment. Every game. Streamed LIVE.

Courtesy of ABL TV

Special thanks to Free zone

Watch every ABL game by clicking the link below

http://www.theabl.com.au/content/page.jsp?ymd=20131030&content_id=63511422&sid=l595&vkey=league1

Instant Replay Trial

If you have been watching the Arizona Fall League you have probably noticed the trial for instant replay. The actual rule will go in effect next year. Some fans argue that the review will make the game to long. Others believe it will shorten up the game as it eliminates arguments.
All Reviewed plays must be clear and convincing to be overturned.
Also any play spare Balls and Strikes can be reviewed
The review must not take longer than 3 minutes    

Profile:Ben Zobrist

After an amazing career in Tampa Bay. Former Rays slugger Ben Zobrist  is testing the free agent market. The Blue Jays and Rays are currently the most interested in the Utility Player.

Pepper+

Podcasts, highlights and much more start November 9th

Profile: Ubaldo Jimenez

Ubaldo Jimenez, currently a free agent, who in 2013 played for the Cleveland Indians. He was rocky but ended the year consistent hopefully, he wants to get a multi-year deal.

S^2C: 2013 Silver slugger awards

American League

C: Joe Mauer - Twins
1B: Chris Davis - Orioles
2B: Robinson Cano - Yankees
SS: J.J. Hardy - Orioles
3B: Miguel Cabrera - Tigers
OF: Torii Hunter - Tigers
OF: Mike Trout - Angels
OF: Adam Jones - Orioles
DH: David Ortiz - Red Sox

National League

C: Yadier Molina - Cardinals
1B: Paul Goldschmidt - Diamondbacks
2B: Matt Carpenter - Cardinals
SS: Ian Desmond - Nationals
3B: Pedro Alvarez - Pirates
OF: Michael Cuddyer - Rockies
OF: Andrew McCutchen - Pirates
OF: Jay Bruce - Reds
P: Zack Greinke - Dodgers

Profile: LaTroy Hawkins

After an exciting 2013 as the closer of the New York Mets, 40 year old reliever LaTroy Hawkins is testing the free agent market. He is drawing interest from over 3 teams, including the New York Mets.  

Profile: Jacoby Ellisbury

 Jacoby Ellisbury is a quality Center Fielder, who is a prime free agent. According to the St.Louis Post Dispatch the Cardinals and Cubs and even the Marlins are bidding for his bat and glove. Personally Ellisbury lacks star quality, but has lots of potential. He would be perfect for a team like the Cardinals, a team that is losing All-Star Carlos Beltran to free agency this winter.

The Red Sox are the model for MLB

Every bad team in MLB hopes to be this years Red Sox. Using a national leauge tequnigue stocking up on players. Hopefully teams like the Astros improve next year.

Arizona Fall League

Well if you were flipping through channels yesterday you probably stopped through MLBN, and if you did you probably witnessed the Fall Stars Game. An all star Game type game. The ArizonaFall league   will be running for another 2 weeks and will be a good watch.

From 1 to 10: World SERIES

If you ask me i say this world series was a 8 because of the authentic finishes in Games 3 and 4.If the series went to game 7 then i believe things would be different.

Derek Jeter signs deal

Derek Jeter who missed over 140 games this year has signed a 12 million dollar one year deal with the Yanks.

Australian Baseball Leauge

Well starting yesterday the 6 team Leauge, InAustralia is up and running . The defending champion the CanberraCalvary will be going to this years Asia Series.