Maybe it’s a good thing Donald Trump didn’t throw out the first pitch at Nationals Park after all. The President of the United States declined the Washington Nationals’ invitation to take part in the club’s Opening Day festivities before Monday’s game against the Miami Marlins, forgoing what’s been a tradition since William Taft threw out a first pitch in 1910. But if he had gone to the game, he probably wouldn’t have liked what he saw after the Nats beat the Marlins 4-2, as a group of protesters unfurled an enormous “Impeach Trump” banner painted on a Russian flag. The sign was confiscated for violating stadium policy, and one o... NESN.com
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MLB Rumors: Pirates Discussed Andrew McCutchen Blockbuster Trade
Share this: The Pirates had an underwhelming 2016 season, finishing five games under .500 and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2012. No player symbolized Pittsburgh’s regression more than All-Star center fielder Andrew McCutchen. Well, as it turns out, the Pirates actually considered trading McCutchen before the Major League Baseball non-waiver trade deadline, major league sources told FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal. The Pirates, who traded All-Star closer Mark Melancon to the Nationals before the July 31 deadline, reportedly discussed a separate blockbuster with Washington involving McCutchen. Sources told Rosenthal the potential McCutchen deal fell apart due to the large number of moving parts. It’s unclear whether the Pirates and Nationals will revisit their discussions this offseason, though Rosenthal notes it’s unlikely given
MLB Award Finalists: Red Sox Represented By Rick Porcello, Mookie Betts
Share this: The postseason didn’t go the Boston Red Sox’s way, but they might not end the season trophy-less thanks to the 2016 Baseball Writers’ Association of America award finalists. Right-hander Rick Porcello had a tremendous bounce-back season, and he was named one of the three finalists for American League Cy Young as a result. He led baseball with 22 wins, and he also posted a 3.15 ERA with 189 strikeouts over 223 innings. Now-retired slugger David Ortiz didn’t make the cut for AL MVP, but right fielder Mookie Betts did. Betts batted .318 with 31 home runs, 113 RBIs and 214 hits. Here’s the complete list of finalists. MOST VALUABLE PLAYERAmerican LeagueJose Altuve, Houston AstrosMookie Betts, Red SoxMike Trout, Los Angeles Angels National LeagueKris Bryant,
Nationals Reportedly Land Closer Mark Melancon In Trade With Pirates
Share this: The Washington Nationals reportedly have made a significant move to upgrade their bullpen. The Nationals have acquired closer Mark Melancon from the Pittsburgh Pirates in a multi-player trade, FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reported Saturday, citing sources. Washington will send relief pitcher Felipe Rivero and left-handed pitching prospect Taylor Hearn to Pittsburgh in return, according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman. Melancon has developed into one of Major League Baseball’s top closers over the past few seasons. He saved an MLB-best 51 games in 53 opportunities for the Pirates last season and entered Saturday with 30 saves in 2016 to go along with a 1.51 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP. That’s good news for the Nationals, who have gotten inconsistent results from current