AGRI Biz

Scott Podsednik batting .457 and on pace to steal 94 bases? A fluke. Livan Hernandez’s 16 scoreless innings and 2-0 record? A fluke. The Pirates’ 7-5 record? Definitely a fluke. However, there are some other early season trends around baseball that are more than just a stroke of good luck. Let’s take a look at Five Early MLB Trends that are No Fluke. Begin Slideshow

Living in the Midwest has its advantages. It is an area that is heavily populated by Cubs fans.  The Cubs are currently the one franchise that is more synonymous with losing in heartbreaking fashion than the New York Mets. If you live in the Big Apple, I’m sure you have little to say when an arrogant, obnoxious Yankee fan starts giving you a hard time about pulling for ...

Here’s a look at the unheralded players who played well yesterday. Pat Burrell, Tampa Bay Rays Pat the Bat went three-for-four with a double. He’s hitting .270, but has just five RBIs. Jeff Niemann, Tampa Bay Rays Niemann kept the Red Sox’ bats quiet giving up two runs on five hits in seven innings of work. He’s 1-0 with a 2.93 ERA. Willie Harris, Washington Nationals Willie went two-for-four with ...

Less than six months into his Tigers career, Jackson is working to dilute Detroit's memory of former fan favorite Curtis Granderson. From day one, management hoped the 23-year-old would fill Granderson's role: to man Comerica Park's cavernous center field and set the table for the big boppers. Jackson has quickly surpassed the expectations thrust upon him. Last spring, Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson dubbed him the best athlete in the ...

It is always hard to watch a player that was once at the top of his game not know when to call it a career. I understand, and fully respect, the fact that these guys love the game of baseball and want to play as long as they can. However, when they start taking on reserve roles or struggle to the point that they are forced into a reserve role, it ...

Game No. 16 of 162 in Fantasy Baseball Insiders’ summer-long journey featured a pitcher’s duel between Randy Wells and Jonathan Niese, as well as Ike Davis ’ major league debut.   Game No. 16 – Chicago Cubs vs. New York Mets Randy Wells turned in another solid performance against the Mets Monday night, allowing just one run on six hits and two walks in six innings. The 27-year-old also struck out five. Even as ...

The proof is in the pudding. After months of free-agent hoopla, much of it focused on a few premier players, the 2010 season is beginning to reveal which acquisitions were wise and which weren't worth the contractual ink. 14 major players either changed teams or threatened to do so during prolonged flirtations with free agency. As young as the season may be, it's never too soon to start patting ourselves on the ...

Ike Davis had a debut to remember for a Mets team in need of help. Many questions surrounded the New York Mets entering this season. How would the rotation fair behind Johan Santana? How about the bullpen? How would Jason Bay fare in the National League? If he did well, would he get much help from the rest of the offense? Would Jose Reyes bounce back? Would Daniel Murphy take ...

When Aaron Cook struggled in spring training, it was chalked up to a veteran working on his pitches. When he struggled in the first two starts of the season, it was chalked up to a sinker-ball pitcher needing to get into a rhythm. After getting shelled for five runs in three innings in the Rockies 5-2 loss to the Nationals on Monday night, the answer is simple: Aaron Cook ...

Brandon Webb was transferred to the 60 day DL yesterday which means he can’t be activated any earlier than May 25th.  Genuine concern for Webb set in a couple of weeks ago with me for Webb, and while in early March I thought he was a great pick I am now thinking that it could be much longer than that before he is able to come back.  At this point ...