Steve Benko, Author at Baseball Essential

Cubs deal Hammel and Samardzija to Athletics for prospects

Jul 5, 2014

American League, Chicago Cubs, Oakland Athletics

Jeff Samardzija has been lights out for the Chicago Cubs this year even though record won’t show that, he’s 2-7 with a 2.58 ERA, Jason Hammel has been too, at 8-5 with a 2.98 ERA. With both pitchers having a su...

First rule of Rule 7.13, you do not talk about Rule 7.13

Steve Benko

Jun 25, 2014

Headlines

It’s no secret; catchers get thoroughly abused during the nine innings of a game. One of the biggest dangers catchers face are plate collisions. We saw Scott Cousins barrel into Buster Posey in the 12th inning ...

Should we be worried about Justin Verlander?

Steve Benko

Jun 22, 2014

American League, American League Central, Detroit Tigers, Headlines, Opinions & Predictions

Should we be worried about Justin Verlander? That is the $180 million question. Since he won the Cy Young award in 2011, his stats have gradually gotten worse. In 2011, he went 24-5 with a 2.40 ERA, in 2012 he ...

Tommy La Stella went from 0-100, real quick

Steve Benko

Jun 17, 2014

Atlanta Braves, Headlines, National League, National League East

Although it’s only been 17 games, Tommy La Stella has made his presence known with the Braves, and the rest of the MLB has taken notice. In the first 17 games, La Stella has gone 24-62, batting .387 with an OPS...

Braves still trying to put it all together, bullpen adding to woes

Steve Benko

Jun 9, 2014

Atlanta Braves

At this point of the season, the Atlanta Braves definitely didn’t plan on being 32-29. Losing Tim Hudson to free agency, Kris Medlen, and Brandon Beachy to Tommy John Surgery before the season started hurt thei...

Twins continue to struggle, but focused on future

Steve Benko

Jun 2, 2014

American League, American League Central, Minnesota Twins

The last few seasons for the Minnesota Twins have been rough, there seems to be a lot of promise for the franchise, though. The Twins have some of the top rated prospects in the league, and one of the best farm...

Author Steve Benko

Steve Benko

Cubs deal Hammel and Samardzija to Athletics for prospects

First rule of Rule 7.13, you do not talk about Rule 7.13

Should we be worried about Justin Verlander?

Tommy La Stella went from 0-100, real quick

Braves still trying to put it all together, bullpen adding to woes

Twins continue to struggle, but focused on future