Sunday, July 12, 2015

How an Organization is Run

        Taking a look at how certain ball clubs are run, you get to see how certain teams achieve success. Franchises have different takes on what constitutes success for their ball club as they search for an identity and a strength to go by. Here's to looking at the different styles that these teams put in place.

Houston Astros: Bet on the Farm: The Astros are employing a successful strategy of getting MLB Top 100 prospects to the game, at least so far. Young studs like Vincent Velasquez (3.94 ERA), Lance McCuellers (2.52 ERA, 1.10 WHIP), and Carlos Correa (No. 1 prospect in the Astros organization) are providing the Astros with a bright future. It also helps to build around All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve (.293, 98 hits, 25 SB, 38 RBIs).
Boston Red Sox: Acquire Free Agents and Develop the Farm: The Red Sox are known to have pretty deep pockets, signing Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval to massive deals. Even though Sandoval hasn't been all that great, Hanley has provided plenty of spark for the Red Sox (19 HR, 46 RBI). But don't think that the Red Sox try to only sign marquee players. They're also developing one of the most highly touted farm systems in baseball, led by Eduardo Rodriguez (3.59 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 46 K's in nine games).
Chicago Cubs: Star-Studded Arms and Young Bats: Kris Bryant (12 HR, 51 RBI) has garnered a lot of attention in the baseball world, and rightfully so. He has provided the spark that the Cubs needed offense-wise as the top prospect in all of baseball. Let's not forget that Theo Epstein has also established an identity of having a solid rotation. Four starters in the Cubs rotation have an ERA lower than four (Including Jon Lester, whose ERA is 3.59).
St. Louis Cardinals: Draft Well, Sign Well, and Develop Well: The St, Louis Cardinals pride themselves on making signings that are the right fit rather than making a splash in the baseball world. Guys like Jhonny Peralta (.292, 12 HR, 45 RBI), Jason Heyward (0.7 Defensive WAR) and Matt Holliday (.303 batting average) fit this description. They also draft great pitching arms and make them contributing members of the squad. Carlos Martinez (10-3, 2.52 ERA, 113 K's) and Lance Lynn (2.90 ERA, 102 K's) are perfect examples of this. They can also develop players and make them outstanding ball players. Matt Carpenter (.374 OBP, 9 HR, 43 RBI) is a perfect example of this. No wonder the Cardinals have the best record in baseball.
Kansas City Royals: DEFENSE! DEFENSE! DEFENSE!: How does Kansas City have a great record at 52-34 in spite of being middle of the pack in runs scored (369) and having a horrible starting rotation (4.35 ERA)? Aside from their stellar bullpen (2,11 ERA, tops in MLB along with opponents batting .200 against Royals relievers), they are astounding defensively. Lorenzo Cain is one of the most exciting players on the field and Salvador Perez is one of the better defensive catchers in the game.


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