Ryan Blake, Author at Baseball Essential

Dee Gordon Suspended 80 Games After Positive PED Test

Apr 28, 2016

Miami Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon has received an 80-game suspension from MLB after testing positive for performance enhancing drugs, according to multiple reports. Gordon, who led the National League ...

MLB to Award Perfect Game to Armando Galarraga

Ryan Blake

Apr 1, 2016

Baseball History, Detroit Tigers, Headlines

We all remember where we were when umpire Jim Joyce botched an easy call, taking a perfect game away from Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga. A collective groan was uttered by baseball fans everywhere as ...

Report: Boston Red Sox Meant to Sign Pablo Sanchez, Not Sandoval

Ryan Blake

Apr 1, 2016

Boston Red Sox, Rumors

In a recent interview with Sunny Day and Vinnie the Gooch of Backyard Sports, former Boston Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington revealed that the signing of third baseman Pablo Sandoval to a five-year, $95 m...

The Kansas City Royals Are Sore Winners

Ryan Blake

Mar 29, 2016

Features, Kansas City Royals, New York Mets, Opinions & Predictions

Retaliation has been part of the game of baseball for decades. The "you plunk my guy, I plunk yours" mantra typically leads to a few nasty words exchanged, maybe a punch or two thrown, an ejection if the situat...

Ten Starting Pitchers to Watch in 2016

Ryan Blake

Mar 22, 2016

Features, Opinions & Predictions

As a baseball player of nearly 16 years who took the hill on occasion and a fan of a Baltimore Orioles team that has a recent history of mediocrity in the starting pitching department, I can confirm the old ada...

Backward K Podcast: Episode 09

Ryan Blake

Mar 3, 2016

Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs, Features, Podcasts, Texas Rangers, Transactions

This episode was our third time going solo, but we ended up getting a surprise phone call that led to some good conversation about baseball card collecting, and a plug for one of our favorite Baltimore-area mem...

What Could You Buy with the Money Yoenis Cespedes Spends on Cars?

Ryan Blake

Feb 29, 2016

Features, New York Mets, Spring Training

Most professional athletes nowadays can be seen rolling around in something fancy, whether it's an Audi, a Range Rover, an Escalade, or the biggest pickup truck they can find. Yoenis Cespedes of the New York Me...

Backward K Podcast: Episode 08

Ryan Blake

Feb 24, 2016

Headlines, Podcasts

On this week's show, Baseball Essential's Austin Green joined us to talk about the National League West, Pablo Sandoval, and more. Austin, a Los Angeles Dodgers fan, shared his insight on a potential three-team...

Orioles Sign Dexter Fowler to Three-Year Deal

Ryan Blake

Feb 23, 2016

Baltimore Orioles, Headlines, Transactions

The Baltimore Orioles have agreed to terms with outfielder Dexter Fowler on a three-year deal worth approximately $35 million, according to reports. MASNsports.com's Roch Kubatko was the first to report the ...

Micah Johnson Slices Finger While Cutting Avocado

Ryan Blake

Feb 20, 2016

Chicago White Sox, Headlines, Injuries, Los Angeles Dodgers

There's a headline I never thought I would write. Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Micah Johnson, acquired from the Chicago White Sox in a three-team deal centered around former Cincinnati Reds infielder Todd F...

Author Ryan Blake