Stanton has been one of baseball’s best prospects this year. He’s been known for his 500 foot monster homers in AA, and frankly it was about time they brought him up to dominate the way he did in the minors. He should be able to protect Hanley and be the hitter they need in the middle. Stanton was an outstanding football and basketball player in California and has only been playing serious baseball for a couple years. That makes this 20 year old one of the hottest commodities in recent memory in terms of hype, status, and power. Hopefully he’ll be able to show the world why he was named one of baseball’s brightest future stars.

I’m going to try and answer it with a simple word. Yes.

I don’t think the Reds are going to go away because they’re only going to get better as the season goes along. They have the offense to really put some runs up on the scoreboard, and they’re pitching is above average with the chance to be very very good. I mean if you think about it, Edinson Volquez should be back late in the pennant race, and Aroldis Chapman is going to be up sooner rather than later so where’s the weak spot? The middle relief? Frankly- if the starting pitching is as good as I think it can be- that will take a lot of pressure out of the middle inning guys and put it on the shoulders of a pretty darn good closer in Francisco Cordero. Throw in the NL central that probably won’t be as good as other divisions, and there’s no reason why the Reds can’t throw a wrench into the sink of the plans of the Brewers, Cubs, and Cardinals.

Whose getting tired of this crybaby act of Milton Bradley? Seriously, how do you flip fans off every other game and furthermore- how can you anger the fan base, teammates, and management of EVERY team you’ve ever played for? Is Milton Bradley ever going to grow up? Look in the mirror? Probably not to each of those questions, but what can a team do that hasn’t already been tried? Yes, the game of baseball is tough, and fans are rough all over, but how do you continually react? Bradley’s ears shouldn’t be in the stands, but on the field. Bradley’s head shouldn’t be thinking about what fans are saying, but thinking “how many outs are there in this inning?” We should be getting to the point that Milton Bradley should be forced by Major League baseball to go through some serious psychological testing (if he hasn’t already) because its getting ridiculous. Forget splitting bats at the plate after striking out, or arguing with teammates and managers. That happens. It happens to everyone around baseball. Continually getting into it with fans, announcers, and umpires? Someone needs to get this individual some help because his act is getting old, and his excuses are prohibiting him from getting help. Who cares if he makes 10 million a year. If he flipped off people in any other workplace, the odds of him keeping that job are pretty slim. It’s a shame that he’s being protected in the way he’s getting protected because that makes his actions excusable in his own head. He can be as remorseful as he wants, but he doesn’t change his behavior so I frankly don’t buy into it. The time bomb that is Milton Bradley is still ticking- and I believe it’s only a matter of time before it goes off. I’ll feel bad for the fan that sets him off with some words that probably are meant to make those laugh around.

Last time I checked, Jake Peavy still has the same outstanding, power stuff he had in San Diego, doesn’t have an arm issue ( at the moment), and is still relatively young. He’s going to strike guys out like he always has, he’s going to dominant at times like he always has, and I don’t see the problem with taking him as your second pitcher on your staff. He might suffer a little bit in the ERA department, but wins and strikeouts should still be real good, with his WHIP being a little higher. If your in a league where innings pitched is a category, you should be fine there as well. Basically- don’t be afraid to take him if he’s on the board. I wasn’t. Your going to see a good year out of Peavy and if you pass him up for someone like Roy Oswalt…Your going to be sorry come seasons end.

This freak of nature put up the greatest hitting display in the Home Run Derby just a few summers ago at Yankee Stadium. He had a monster 2008 campaign- one that everyone knew would happen eventually do to his talent. Last year he was derailed by injuries. Okay, that happens. Part of the game and let’s move on. Everyone was genuinely pleased when he showed up to spring training this year in outstanding shape and ready to play ball. Since spring training has started, Josh Hamilton has once again been bitten by the injury bug. He’s banged up his shoulder and his hand within 4 weeks and now that has to have people worried. Hamilton is a big part of the offense in Texas and without him- I don’t know if Texas will have the fire power to survive what should be a real competitive division. He brings insane power from the left side to an already pretty decent offensive ball club, so taking him out of the equation really weakens the heart of the order. Throw in a nagging ankle sprain for Ian Kinsler and you really might have some big trouble.

I really hope this guy can find a way to stay healthy this year because I find him a joy to watch. Obviously he loves the game, and he’s got all star talent. The fans deserve to watch this guy play for 150 games. His family deserves to watch him play for 150 games, and the Rangers deserve to watch him play 150 games after dealing young ace Edinson Volquez to get him. In his book- Josh was told that “it was a shame to deprive people from watching him play baseball” so Josh- please stay healthy okay? For us all? Thanks.

Andrew McCutchen is on his way to being a sure super star…right? He had an outstanding rookie campaign in 2009 and showed flashes of brilliance. He’s going to be a terror on the bases, and he sure showed he could swing the bat a bit, while flashing what could be a real “golden” glove in the near future. I’m sure everyone has the same question running through their mind. When are the Pirates going to trade him to “start over?” Is it going to happen next year? Two years from now? 4 years from now? Well- I’ll what I can to silence Pittsburgh doubt, but I don’t think the Pirates are going to trade him and will look to lock up the youngster for a long time- similar to what the Rays did with Evan Longoria. Can I be sure in that statement? Eh- I’m trying to make myself believe it. Listen, the point of the statement is simply this- eventually Pittsburgh has to get out of it’s rebuilding stage and make a run. They have an outstanding stadium to say the least, and they have more money than they let people believe- it’s simply going to take a couple risky signings, and a couple other developments and Pittsburgh can definitely find it’s way back to the promised lands. It might take some time- but with McCutchen already there, and star number 2 on the way- it might be sooner rather than later.

Has anyone seen Pedro Alvarez take BP? Holy Cow. The ball jumps off his bat. Forget his superman strength, forget his high draft position, and forget the Pirates almost didn’t sign him due to some shady business going on by the ever popular Scott Boras. Just remember that this is the guy that’s supposedly going to save the franchise. Alvarez can rake- there’s no denying it, there’s nothing to be afraid of. He’s going to hit for a ton of power at the big league level- probably unreal power. The question is- when are the Pirates going to bring him up? Well- it’s time. The season is about here, and I don’t know (well…I do know how they COULD send him to AAA and it’s all economics) how they can tell their best hitter to pack up his stuff and head to AAA for more “seasoning.” The time is now for this young man to be recognized as one of the best prospects in baseball. He could bring a ridiculous amount of pop to a pretty pathetic lineup outside of a player or two, and with some insane talent, and some big games- maybe fans will remember that there is a baseball team in Pittsburgh. And if fans remember there’s a team, maybe ownership will spend some of that revenue. Anyone see the effect here? Maybe that’s a ton of pressure on a young kid, but he’s a man in a young man’s body. He’s ready physically and he’s ready mentally to show people that his BP power is the real thing. I hope that Pittsburgh can keep these young kids and return to some form of greatness in a couple years, because it’s going to be a shame if they’re both traded to bigger marketed teams- yeah I’m talking about you New York Yankees.

BH- Mike, As a kid, I’m sure you imagined yourself as a Major League Player. But, realistically, did you ever see this happening? Did you see your dream coming true like this?

MB– All I ever wanted to do growing up was play baseball, I remember writing papers about being a professional baseball player all throughout school. I did everything I could when I was a kid and in High School to make that a reality, so I knew that I was putting myself in the best possible position to make my dream a reality. Playing professional baseball has been an unbelievable experience, I have learned so much about the game and life. It has been much more challenging than I thought it was going to be, it is a very long season with a lot of ups and downs but I could not imagine doing anything else.

BH-Who was your sports idol growing up? What made this person someone you looked up to?

MB- Growing up one of my role models was Michael Jordan, although he did not play baseball, well I guess he actually did, but just watching him when I was growing up was awesome. He was the leader of one of the greatest teams ever, he could take a game into his own hands and win a game while being a team player. He played the game very hard, and it was very easy to respect that even at such a young age.

BH-Who has been your biggest supporter in pursuing your dream? How has this support benefited you?

MB- My biggest supporter without a doubt has been my mother, growing up she would do whatever it would take to get me to the baseball field even though she worked all the time she still found a way. My mom worked extremely hard, and still does. I have a very good work ethic and I owe a lot of that to her. I grew up with my mother and two older sisters, and they have all done everything they can to help me accomplish my dream, and have supported every decision I have made.

My fiance has also supported me, it takes a very strong woman to be with a baseball player, especially at long distances and she has been nothing but supportive even when she has to deal with me after a bad game.

BH-Are you a little disappointed that you missed out on college, or is that something you intend to go back to achieve?

MB- I have money set a side in my contract to pay for my college if I choose to go back. Right now I am doing everything in my power to accomplish my dream and play in the Major Leagues so right now school is not an option. Depending on how my career goes I plan on someday going back to school.

I am not disappointed I did not go to college. When my fiance was in college I got to visit her quite a bit and that was enough of the college experience I needed.

BH- Being at your draft party was unreal experience. It was an honor to be a part of you accomplishing what you set out to do, but if you can… take me all the way back to draft day in 2005. Put me in your head, what were you thinking that morning?

MB- Looking back, it was one of the most special days of my life. While the draft was going on, I was inside listening to the draft and waiting for the phone call. Once I heard my name I just started hugging my mom and agent and sisters, then I walked outside and told everyone and a buddy of mine was wearing a Red Sox hat so he gave it to me to wear. The rest of the day we all just hung out ate a bunch of food, it was a great day.

BH- It was an outstanding experience for me, and let me tell you…the food was glorious as I’m sure most would agree!

MB- (Laughs)

BH- What is the coolest, most exciting moment you’ve experience so far in professional baseball?

MB- The most exciting moment I have experienced so far is without a doubt the first relief appearance I made in the Major Leagues. It was a Sunday night game against the Yankees and it was a 3-1 ballgame I believe in the 7th inning. I heard the phone ring in the bullpen and my heart skipped a beat, and then the bullpen coach told me to get ready. I pitched 2 clean innings with 2 strikeouts (one of the victims was future Hall of Famer Derek Jeter). At the end of that game I felt like I was on the top of the world, it was one of the greatest feelings I have ever experienced.

BH- You were a good hitter in high school. Do you miss hitting now? Does it somewhat discourage you that you won’t be able to hit in the Majors unless you get traded to the NL or play in an interleague game?

MB- I was a good hitter in High School, and when I first signed I thought I was going to really miss it. But after I realized everything that being a pitcher entailed I am glad that was the only thing that I had to concentrate on. I do sometimes think about getting an at bat in inter-league play and hitting a home run, I think that day will come.

BH- For all the people that wonder daily, can you tell us about a typical day in your life playing pro ball.

MB- We usually play at night, so when we wake up we make breakfast and run some errands or just hang out at our house. Then we get to the park around 2 o’clock for a 7 o’clock game. Depending on the day we will have to workout and throw and do conditioning, maybe throw a bullpen, do some shoulder strengthening exercises, shag batting practice, then go back into the clubhouse and get some food and get ready to play in the game. We get done around 11 0′clock every night so we then go home and do it again the next day.

BH-How do you deal with all the travel and odd hours that you experience?

MB- It is very tough to deal with the travel, especially in the lower levels of professional baseball. There could be days where we are on a bus for 10 hours and then we have to play that night. Or you have to wake up at 4 in the morning to catch a 6AM flight then have to play that night. Also we hardly ever sleep in our own beds and staying in a bunch of different hotels its hard but is a ton of fun at the same time.

BH- What kinds of things do you and your teammates do to pass the time when you travel?

MB- We play a lot of cards, and card games. We watch movies. We talk a lot of baseball. We make fun of each other and give everyone a hard time. A professional season is very long so you have to have as much fun as you can. The guys are truly your family for 9 months out of the year, and its fun going to the park everyday and hanging out with a bunch of guys and having fun.

BH- Who has helped you most on the baseball field in your life? Why?

MB- My first pitching coach was Bob Kipper, who is actually from where I grew up so we had a lot in common. But he helped me out a lot in my first professional season. He taught me so much about the game and about pitching that I did not know, he helped set the foundation for the pitcher that I am now.

A bunch of teammates have helped me on the field just because they are able to see a lot of things you don’t, not only physically but mentally, and they are not afraid to confront you about it.

BH- I remember hearing that you were going to make that start against the White Sox a good 24 hours in advance. Can you describe your ML debut. What emotions were you feeling? What thoughts were running through your head? How did you combat your nervousness or any pressure you felt?

MB- My debut was awesome. I was very nervous but extremely excited at the same time. When I got out on the mound for the first time I took a second and looked all around just to take it in. It is an amazing feeling when you have accomplished something you have worked your whole life for. I was nervous with the first batter that I faced and walked him, but after that I told myself it was just baseball and something I have done my whole life and just relaxed. I ended up getting the win in that game. It was a great feeling.

BH- Everyone knows that you’ve been involved in trade rumors for players like Roy Halladay, Johan Santana, Andrew Jones, and Adrian Gonzalez. How do you react to those?

MB- They are rumors for a reason, most likely they are not true, just like all the ones you mentioned. I don’t worry about things I cannot control. It is actually flattering being named in trades for great players like that, and just knowing that other teams would like you in their organization.

BH- What advice would you give a young pitcher going through the recruiting/draft processes? What advice would you give a young player who has the dream of playing in the big leagues?

MB- Just be yourself. Do everything you can to maximize your opportunity. Also make good decisions and surround yourself with people that will bring the best out in you. It is a long and stressful process but if you work hard and do your best, that dream has a much better chance of becoming a reality.

BH- Mike, thanks again for your honesty and time with this interview. It’s been truly awesome watching you fly up the ranks of the Red Sox organization, and I know that you’ll continue to put yourself in the best position for success. We’re all pulling for you back home and here at Bringingheat.com. Keep working hard, stay healthy and hopefully we’ll be able to catch up next winter.

MB- Your welcome Brett and it was a pleasure. Thanks and best of luck to you as well

Last year was a tough year for the snakes in the desert. They lost Brandon Webb for the year after half a start, Chris Young and Stephen Drew took big steps back, they couldn’t close games regularly, and they just basically struggled. With all that said, Brandon Webb is reportedly 100% healthy, they traded for a guy (Edwin Jackson) whom I think can be REAL good in the NL West, I think Stephen Drew is going to bounce back to be a mainstay in the lineup with solid production, and I haven’t given up on Chris Young yet. Mark Reynolds should bash some more, and strike out some more, Conor Jackson is returning from missing most of the year as well. Throw in the emergence of Justin Upton and Miguel Montero, and I think you have a real REAL good chance to take the NL west.

Let’s break down their rotation shall we? Brandon Webb was one of the best pitchers in baseball for a 3.5 year span. He was virtually unhittable and dominant and if he returns to that form- yikes for everyone else. Danny Haren has emerged into a true top of the rotation pitcher. He works fast, has 4 outstanding pitches, can strike you out at will. He doesn’t give up a ton of squarely hit baseballs which lowers hit and home run percentages quite a bit. Put the Danny Haren of 2009 and the Brandon Webb of 2006-2008 together for 2010? Scary. Edwin Jackson came over in the Mad Max trade and I frankly like the guy. He’s better suited for the NL with his stuff, and I think he can definitely win 16 games or so in 2010. Ian Kennedy is an interesting name. We all remember him coming up with the Yankees, but really hasn’t stuck it out yet. He’s come into 2010 with new perspective, less pressure, and ready to rock and roll. No reason why he can’t be a late rotation success. The 5th spot should be a revolving door until super prospect Jerrod Parker is ready to come up. He’s coming back from Tommy John, but all signs point to him being better than he was previously and that’s also scary. He’s one of the best prospects in baseball, and if he comes as quickly as they think- your looking at arguably the best 1-5 in the NL.

Since I already got into the offense, I figured lets move right to the bullpen. This is where they’re going to sink or swim. They added Bob Howry and Aaron Heilman- but how much more efficient are they going to make middle relief? Chad Qualls is a decent closer, but he’s far from being 100% lights out. Clay Zavada was a nice story, but will he pitch like that in 2010? Juan Gutierrez has a nice arm, but still hasn’t figured out how to harness his power yet. I think they’re 2 real good arms away in the pen to be a world series contender, but that’s what the trade deadline is for right?

I’m officially all in with Arizona winning the west in 2010.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I would be SHOCKED if Joe Mauer wasn’t being shopped…just in case. If the Twins and Mauer stall on talks, and the Twins become afraid Mauer leaves, they’re ONLY real option is to trade Joe Mauer. I know, I know. It hurts to even think about. Unfortunately, that’s the way the game is now, and if some team comes calling with 5 of their best prospects, how can the Twins not consider it? Not listen to it? If they did end up trading Joe Mauer- obviously they’re fan base would probably mutiny the team, people would move out of the city, and a great turmoil would suffice. Okay- I’m going a little overboard with the last couple statements, but seriously- is it IMPOSSIBLE to think Joe Mauer CAN’T 100% be traded by the deadline if no offer is accepted?

In Baseball, nothing is impossible