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Articles by Patrick Karraker
Nationals, Juan Soto avoid arbitration with one-year, $17.1 million deal, per report
Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports All-Star outfielder Juan Soto and the Nationals have avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $17.1 million deal. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand was among the reporters to tweet out the news on Tuesday evening. Juan Soto and the Nationals have agreed to a $17.1 million contract to avoid arbitration, per source.
Rockies sign Ryan McMahon to six-year, $70 million extension, per report
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports The Rockies are in agreement on a six-year, $70 million extension with infielder Ryan McMahon, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
MLB trade rumors and news: We’ll have 28-man rosters in April and the ghost runner for all of 2022
Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports Thought MLB had already finished making changes for the 2022 season? Think again. According to a report from the New York Post’s Joel Sherman on Tuesday, several adjustments are in store this year, with most of them being made in an effort to keep players healthy following the lockout and a shortened spring training. Teams will have 28-man rosters in April, a key adjustment as pitchers continue to get built up after an unusual offseason.
The biggest standouts from the 2023 Cardinals minor league season
As was the case at the major league level, not everything went according to plan in the St. Louis Cardinals' minor league system in 2023. With that said, there were still plenty of bright spots, and several Cards prospects had extremely memorable seasons.
Blues send Bitten, Kalynuk, McGing and Peca to Springfield
The St. Louis Blues trimmed their training camp roster to 38 players on Monday, assigning forwards Will Bitten, Hugh McGing and Matthew Peca and defenseman Wyatt Kalynuk to Springfield of the AHL. All four players had to clear waivers to be sent to the minors. Bitten, McGing and Peca have previously logged NHL minutes with the Blues, while Kalynuk has played in 26 games over two seasons for the Chicago Blackhawks. Bitten and McGing, both 25, debuted with the Blues in 2022-23.
Cardinals minor league report: Mike Antico finishes the season on a hot streak
At times this season, St. Louis Cardinals outfield prospect Mike Antico might've felt like Woody at the beginning of Toy Story. In 2022, Antico swiped 67 bags, compiling the most prolific base-stealing season of any Cardinals prospect since Chris Morris stole 111 in 2001.
Scott, seven other Cardinals prospects to participate in Arizona Fall League
Outfielder Victor Scott, who has skyrocketed up prospect rankings with an outstanding 2023 season, headlines a group of eight St. Louis Cardinals prospects who will participate in the Arizona Fall League starting next month. Catcher Jimmy Crooks, shortstop Jeremy Rivas, right-handers Andre Granillo, Inohan Paniagua, Tekoah Roby and Edwin Nuñez and lefty Cooper Hjerpe will join Scott on the Scottsdale Scorpions. Double-A pitching coach Eric Peterson will be a part of the Scorpions' coaching staff.
Loftin, Zerpa among eight Royals players heading to Arizona Fall League
Two members of the Kansas City Royals' current major league roster will head to the Arizona Fall League once the 2023 MLB season ends next weekend. MLB announced Friday that infielder/outfielder Nick Loftin and left-hander Angel Zerpa will be among the eight Royals players heading to the AFL this year, playing for the Surprise Saguaros. They'll be joined by second baseman Peyton Wilson, outfielder Gavin Cross, right-handers Eric Cerantola, Jacob Wallace and Beck Way, and lefty Rylan Kaufman.
Blues sign veteran forward Nick Ritchie to professional tryout deal
The St. Louis Blues added some veteran depth on Thursday, signing forward Nick Ritchie to a professional tryout agreement, which will enable him to compete for a NHL roster spot during training camp and the preseason. The 27-year-old Ritchie actually shares quite a few characteristics with Pat Maroon, a key cog on the Blues' 2019 Stanley Cup championship team.
Royals minor league report: Walter Pennington pushing for a big league opportunity
The Kansas City Royals have a lot of left-handed pitching depth, and they'll have even more next season if Jake Brentz, Kris Bubic, Daniel Lynch and/or Josh Taylor return to full health. Even so, Walter Pennington shouldn't be discounted as a potential big league contributor, whether it's in 2024 or even down the stretch this September. Pennington, 25, was signed as an undrafted free agent out of the Division II Colorado School of Mines following the pandemic-shortened 2020 draft.
Cardinals minor league report: Thomas Saggese is making an unbelievable early impression
At the start of the 2023 season, the St. Louis Cardinals' long-term middle-infield mix was already quite crowded, with Brendan Donovan, Tommy Edman, Nolan Gorman and Masyn Winn all seemingly worthy of being in the organization's future plans.
Cardinals minor league report: Pete Hansen providing a steady presence in Palm Beach's rotation
As a 23-year-old who has pitched on the big stage quite a few times, left-hander Pete Hansen is perhaps a little overqualified for the Florida State League. Nevertheless, that's where the University of Texas product has been pitching all season, and he's made the most of his opportunity. Hansen, who pitched for the Longhorns in the College World Series in both 2021 and 2022, was selected by the Cardinals in the third round of last year's draft.
Royals minor league report: River Town showcasing exceptional patience at the plate
It figures that a baseball player named River Town would end up in Davenport, Iowa. Regardless of how well the Quad Cities River Bandits outfielder's name goes along with the city in which he currently plays his home games, Town may not be in Iowa much longer.
Cardinals minor league report: Nick Dunn is an on-base machine
If patience is a virtue, then St. Louis Cardinals prospect Nick Dunn is extremely virtuous. The undersized second baseman hasn't gotten as much attention throughout his six-year professional career as you might expect for a player who has such a refined offensive approach. The left-handed hitter has taken a clear step forward during his third season in Double-A, though, and it should be interesting to see whether he finally gets a crack at the minors' highest level.
Royals minor league report: Tucker Bradley grinding his way into consideration for a call-up
"All my life, been grindin' all my life." That's the chorus of a 2018 track by the late, great Nipsey Hussle, but it also describes the career arc of Kansas City Royals prospect Tucker Bradley. While Bradley played his college ball at the University of Georgia, a traditional SEC powerhouse, he's had to overcome a lot of adversity in his career — and has successfully made the uphill climb to put himself in serious consideration for a big league call-up.
Cardinals minor league report: Moisés Gómez experiencing an incredible power surge
After leading the minor leagues in home runs in 2022, outfielder Moisés Gómez entered this season as a prime candidate to get over the hump and reach the big leagues in 2023. The St. Louis Cardinals outfield prospect had his hopes put on hold when he struggled in spring training and got off to an extremely slow start in Triple-A this year.
Royals minor league report: Javier Vaz showcasing elite plate discipline
In many ways, infielder/outfielder Javier Vaz is your prototypical "throwback player." He's an undersized, contact-oriented hitter who isn't afraid to be aggressive on the basepaths. In his first full season in the Kansas City Royals system, though, Vaz has showcased patience that is perfectly suited for the modern game. Entering play on Tuesday, Vaz — the Royals' 15th-round pick in last summer's draft — ranks sixth among all qualified minor leaguers in walks-to-strikeouts ratio at 1.70.
Cardinals minor league report: Victor Scott II making an impact in all facets
The St. Louis Cardinals are already one of baseball's better baserunning teams. Tommy Edman is a legitimate difference-maker on the basepaths, Lars Nootbaar has taken a major step forward as a runner this year, and Dylan Carlson and Tyler O'Neill both have enough speed to impact the game when they're healthy.
Royals minor league report: Veneziano showcasing impeccable command in Double-A
To put it mildly, left-hander Anthony Veneziano struggled in 2022. In his second season at the Double-A level, however, the Kansas City Royals prospect has done anything but that. In fact, there's a legitimate case to be made that he's been the best pitcher in all of Minor League Baseball. It's been a remarkable turnaround for the 2019 10th-round pick, who has showcased incredible command a season after he struggled to locate his pitches.
Cardinals minor league report: Chandler Redmond is slugging his way to success
The odds are stacked against Chandler Redmond. He's a first baseman in a St. Louis Cardinals organization where Paul Goldschmidt is a perennial MVP candidate at the major league level, the big league club has no shortage of viable backup first basemen in Alec Burleson, Willson Contreras, Brendan Donovan and Juan Yepez, and Luken Baker is tearing the cover off the ball at Triple-A Memphis. Redmond, however, is no stranger to beating the odds.
Mike Shannon represented the soundtrack of summer for generations of Cardinals fans
Skip to content Sunday, Apr 30, 2023 - 06:07 PM written by Patrick Karraker, Bally Sports Midwest Mike Shannon waves as he is honored before the start of a baseball game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in St. Louis. Shannon was being honored for his years as a Cardinals player and 50 years as a Cardinals broadcaster. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) Yogi Berra is undoubtedly baseball’s career leader in colorful, convoluted quotes.
When the Optimists are Too Pessimistic
Two years ago today the world was in a panic. The U.S. stock market was nearly 33% off its highs (the largest decline since 2008/2009) and no one knew what would come next. Around that same time I started to wonder how long it might take for the market to recover. How long would it take until we reached a new all-time high? I had no clue. So I asked Twitter what they thought and got the following results: Over 5,000 votes later and Twitter had decided-the recovery would take 1-2 years.
Royals minor league report: Logan Porter is dominating the International League
Logan Porter has been consistently good for virtually his whole professional baseball career. Unfortunately for the 27-year-old catcher/first baseman, he hasn't been rewarded too much for his success, as he's continually battled the stigma of being an undrafted player who is beating up on younger competition. That might change soon.
Cardinals minor league report: Ian Bedell is mowing down Midwest League hitters
"Out of sight, out of mind" may have been the phrase that best described right-hander Ian Bedell's first two professional seasons. While the Mizzou product was a highly regarded member of the Cardinals' 2020 draft class, which also brought Jordan Walker, Alec Burleson, Masyn Winn and Tink Hence to the organization, his prospect status took a hit in the spring of 2021, when he underwent Tommy John surgery.
Blais 'couldn't have asked for a better scenario' in return to St. Louis
"I always loved playing here, and in my heart, I never should have left." Those were Sammy Blais' words to Bally Sports Midwest's Andy Strickland after his first game back with the St. Louis Blues. It's easy to understand why the recently reacquired forward feels the way he does. After all, Blais had 17 goals and 18 assists in 119 games for the Blues from 2017-21, plus three goals and five assists in 27 playoff games.
Three areas of focus for the Blues after the All-Star break
The St. Louis Blues will return from an 11-day layoff when they face the Arizona Coyotes on Saturday night, and seeing as they currently sit in sixth place in the Central Division with a 23-25-3 record, they'll likely decide soon — if they haven't already — whether they'll try to make a serious playoff push or sell off assets at the March 3 trade deadline and shift their focus to the future.
Spring training primer: An analysis of the Royals' roster
PITCHERS LOCKS Scott Barlow, Aroldis Chapman, Dylan Coleman, Amir Garrett, Zack Greinke, Brad Keller, Jordan Lyles, Brady Singer, Ryan Yarbrough With the addition of three major league free agents and the re-signing of Greinke, the Royals' pitching staff is more established heading into spring training than it's been in several years.
Spring training primer: An analysis of the Cardinals' roster
"There's going to be a lot of competition." That was St. Louis Cardinals manager Oli Marmol's prevailing thought while discussing spring training with Bally Sports Midwest's Jim Hayes last month. Coaches across sports often try to create competition for competition's sake heading into the season, but in this case, it really does appear that there will be a lot of players battling for roster spots when Cards pitchers and catchers formally begin spring workouts on Feb. 15.
Royals catcher Freddy Fermin named MVP of Venezuelan winter league
As he prepares for his greatest opportunity yet to earn a regular major league role, Kansas City Royals catcher Freddy Fermin is making a heck of an impression. Fermin, a 27-year-old backstop who has spent the last seven seasons in the Royals organization, was named the Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year of the Liga Venezolana de Béisbol Profesional — Venezuela's premier offseason baseball league — over the weekend.
The 10 most memorable Pacers moments of 2022
After a rough 2021, 2022 has been an exciting year for the Indiana Pacers. The first half of the year saw the front office assemble a new young core through trades and the draft, while the second half of 2022 saw that core develop into a unit with legitimate playoff aspirations. Along the way, plenty of memorable moments took place. Here are our top 10, listed in reverse rank order. 10. Nesmith hits two free throws with 9.6 seconds remaining, lifting Pacers to victory over Magic (Nov.
The 10 most memorable Blues moments of 2022
With an eventful two-round playoff run, their second-ever outdoor game and plenty of comeback victories, 2022 was a memorable year for the St. Louis Blues. Here are our top 10 moments of the year, listed in reverse rank order. 10. Tarasenko records natural hat trick in third period, Blues beat Wild in Game 5 of playoff series (May 10) With the Blues and Wild tied at two games apiece, there was a lot of momentum at stake in the fifth game of the first-round playoff series.
The 10 most memorable Royals moments of 2022
The return of a franchise icon, the debut of a diligent reliever who took a unique path to the big leagues and ongoing contributions from the team's rookie hitters provided important moments aplenty for the Kansas City Royals in 2022. Here are our top 10, listed in reverse rank order. 10. Singer takes no-hitter into fifth inning, Royals snap Dodgers' 12-game win streak (Aug.
The 10 most memorable Cardinals moments of 2022
With the return of one of the most revered players in franchise history, a legendary battery's quest for history and an MVP-caliber corner infield duo, the 2022 St. Louis Cardinals provided plenty of unforgettable moments. Here are our top 10, listed in reverse rank order. 10.
Grammy-winning artist SZA wears a Blues jersey on her new album cover
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Jeff Skinner scored twice, with his second capping a three-goal, second-period outburst, and the Buffalo Sabres defeated St. Louis 6-2 Wednesday night, snapping the Blues’ seven-game winning streak. Buffalo followed a 7-2 victory at Montreal on Tuesday to win two straight after ending an eight-game skid.
What could have been: Blues revive 56-year-old prototype logo for Reverse Retro uniforms
The St. Louis Blues' winged Blue Note logo is one of the most iconic insignias in professional sports, having gone largely unchanged since the franchise began play in 1967. But what if it had never existed? The Blues will have some fun with that what-if scenario beginning Thursday night as they debut their new Reverse Retro uniforms.
Royals relief prospects making an impression in Arizona Fall League
There may not be any area where the Kansas City Royals could stand to improve next season more than in the bullpen. After all, Royals relievers posted an AL-worst 4.66 ERA in 2022. There could be help on the way, though, in the form of three relief prospects who are currently making an impression in the Arizona Fall League.
Four things the Blues must do to break out of their slump
Skip to content Wednesday, Nov 02, 2022 - 07:01 AM written by Patrick Karraker, Bally Sports Midwest Oct 29, 2022; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Blues center Jordan Kyrou (25) shoots against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports The St. Louis Blues aren't where they wanted to be right now.
Walker, Thomas among Cardinals prospects impressing in Arizona Fall League
After a standout season with Double-A Springfield, St. Louis Cardinals prospect Jordan Walker didn't have to wait long for his follow-up act. The 20-year-old Walker, the top prospect in the Cardinals organization, has been one of the biggest standouts through three weeks for the Salt River Rafters, St. Louis' affiliate in the Arizona Fall League.
Blues' Binnington carrying playoff momentum into 2022-23 season
Skip to content Monday, Oct 24, 2022 - 05:06 AM written by Patrick Karraker, Bally Sports Midwest Oct 22, 2022; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) makes a save during warmup against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports Five months ago, Jordan Binnington looked like he was in enough of a groove to carry the St. Louis Blues to a second Stanley Cup championship. Then everything came to a screeching halt.
Pacers' Mathurin making a strong early impression
Skip to content Friday, Oct 21, 2022 - 06:13 AM written by Patrick Karraker, Bally Sports Indiana Indiana Pacers' Bennedict Mathurin (00) shoots over Washington Wizards' Rui Hachimura during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) The adjustment from college to the pro game isn't always easy for NBA rookies. It's sure looked that way so far for Bennedict Mathurin, though.
Blues to face two 2019 Stanley Cup champions Wednesday in Seattle
For 10 seasons, Jaden Schwartz wore the Blue Note, enjoying some great moments — including a Stanley Cup championship in 2019 — with the franchise that drafted him in the first round of the 2010 NHL Draft. For the first time in his career, Schwartz will be on the other side when his Seattle Kraken host the St. Louis Blues Wednesday night at Climate Pledge Arena. Schwartz, 30, had 154 goals and 231 assists in 560 games with the Blues from 2012-21 and was a major contributor on the big stage.
The biggest standout position players from the Cardinals' 2022 minor league season
This season, St. Louis Cardinals prospect Jordan Walker became one of only two qualifying Double-A hitters since 2006 to post an on-base percentage of at least .385 and a slugging percentage of at least .500 at age 20 or younger. The other hitter to accomplish the feat? Mike Trout. All of this is to say that Walker might be a pretty good major league player someday.
The biggest pitching standouts from the Cardinals' 2022 minor league season
When you're discussing St. Louis Cardinals prospects, it's basically an unwritten rule that you're not supposed to compare any of them to Albert Pujols. The weight of being likened to arguably the greatest player in franchise history is just unfair for such a young player to have to bear. But maybe we can make an exception for pitchers.
The biggest standout position players from the Royals' 2022 minor league season
One of the most positive developments from the Royals' 2022 season was the way so many young prospects were able to hit their way to the big leagues. After beginning the year with a veteran-laden lineup, Kansas City was starting at least five rookie position players on a near-daily basis by the end of the season. If he continues to play his cards right, outfielder Tyler Gentry might join that young cast of hitters in Kansas City next year.
Royals minor league report: Gavin Cross makes a statement in first pro action
Nearly two months ago, the Kansas City Royals veered from organizational norms by selecting a college position player in the first round of the MLB Draft for the first time since 2013 and only the 10th time in the franchise's 54-season history. It's still very early, but their decision to take the road less traveled by drafting Virginia Tech outfielder Gavin Cross looks like a potentially brilliant one.
Cardinals minor league report: Jimmy Crooks III making a strong early impression
As the old saying goes, you get only one chance at a first impression. Catcher Jimmy Crooks III, the Cardinals' fourth-round pick in this year's draft, is certainly making the most of his chance. Crooks, a left-handed-hitting backstop who is highly regarded for his polished offensive approach and power potential, earned national acclaim when he starred on an Oklahoma team that advanced to the finals of the College World Series. He was the first position player drafted by the Cardinals this July.
Royals minor league report: Brewer Hicklen clinches a 20-20-20 season
In a Kansas City Royals farm system that's loaded with talented young position players, Brewer Hicklen doesn't get talked about a whole lot. Quietly, though, the 26-year-old outfielder is having one of the most prolific minor league seasons in the history of the organization, if not all of Minor League Baseball. Hicklen had a Sunday for the ages as the Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers swept a doubleheader with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, the Yankees' Triple-A affiliate.
Cardinals minor league report: Former undrafted free agent Matt Koperniak carving out a path to the big leagues
Two summers ago, St. Louis Cardinals prospect Matt Koperniak experienced one of the most deflating feelings a young baseball player can experience — going undrafted. Fast forward to 2022, though, and the left-handed hitting outfielder looks like he's on a major league trajectory. To be totally clear, the 24-year-old Koperniak probably wouldn't have gone undrafted in any year besides 2020.
Cardinals minor league report: Todd Lott thriving after return to Peoria
On August 11, 1997, Chumbawamba released its chart-topping hit, "Tubthumping." Just 11 days later, St. Louis Cardinals prospect Todd Lott was born. It's appropriate, then, that the song's incredibly catchy chorus — "I get knocked down, but I get up again, you're never gonna keep me down" — perfectly encapsulates Lott's 2022 season.
Cardinals minor league report: Delvin Pérez finding success in Triple-A
Though he's only 23, former first-round pick Delvin Pérez has had the "bust" label thrown at him more than a few times. But after embracing a new role this season, the St. Louis Cardinals' top selection in 2016 has found success at the minors' highest level and is closer than ever to earning a major league opportunity. Pérez, a 6-foot-3 shortstop whose athleticism earned him comparisons to Carlos Correa, was viewed as a candidate to be selected first overall in 2016.
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