By Scott Barancik, editor Danny Valencia, who was as shocked as his fans were when the Toronto Blue Jays designated him for assignment on Saturday (8/1/2015), has been claimed off waivers by the Oakland Athletics. The 30-year-old Florida native was hitting .296 with 7 HRs, 13 doubles, and 29 RBIs in 162 at-bats when the…
By Scott Barancik, editor The Houston Astros selected LSU shortstop Alex Bregman No. 2 overall today in the 2015 amateur draft, good enough to earn an expected bonus of $7.4-million. A 21-year-old junior on the top-ranked Tigers, Bregman was expected to go anywhere from No. 2 through No. 7 in the first round. The Albuquerque native has…
[Updated 3/9/2016] By Scott Barancik, Editor At least 20 Jewish players are participating in Spring Training for a Major League team in 2016. The list includes eight active Major Leaguers and 11 minor leaguers, a majority of whom have MLB experience. One non-roster invitee, Houston Astros prospect Alex Bregman, was drafted in 2015 and is ranked…
How a Jewish roommate at U. of Florida led 6’9″ power forward Alex Tyrus to convert to Judaism, play ball in Israel (9/23/2014) *** Maxx Tissenbaum is one of 4 Rays prospects who will play in Australia for the Brisbane Bandits this Fall (9/23/2014) *** In limited play — 30 ABs in 15 games —…
Congrats to Reds “AAA” pitching prospect Jon Moscot on finishing his B.A. degree at Pepperdine * * * Ex-Blue Jays prospect Ian Kadish has accepted a strength and conditioning internship with the Ohio State football team * * * Former Blue Jays prospect and independent-league player Ian Kadish has retired from baseball. “I’ve decided to hang it up and move…
The NYTimes says rookie Joc Pederson is the best defenseman among L.A.’s 6 outfielders and has a chance to start in centerfield in 2015 (9/24/2014) *** Did Kevin Youkilis perform better on the Sabbath, or off? Check out Diane Firstman’s ‘Sabbathmetrics‘ blog for the answer (9/24/2014) *** Speedy pinch-hitter Ryan Kalish legged-out an infield single…
