Tag: Kris Bryant

It’s okay that Kris Bryant simply wants to hit dingers, even on the longshot Rockies

If anyone has earned the right to ride off into the mountains, it’s Bryant.

A little over half a decade ago, Kris Bryant was the face of perhaps the most famous baseball team in living memory: A World Series-winning Cubs team. A former Rookie of the Year turned MVP, he was the best player on a squad many soon won’t forget. At age 30, the superstar still has plenty of quality baseball left in him. Even better, he gets to choose when and where such baseball happens.

Surely that means signing with a contender, no? Someone who Bryant can play deep into October with every year, right?

Uh, about that.

The Rockies aren’t exactly what anyone would consider a factor for the World Series. Far from it. According to Tipico Sportsbook, Colorado is a robust +10000 to win October’s “hunk of metal” (hey, Rob Manfred). And they’re not going to be winning any time soon either. Unless they have the coin purse of the Dodgers or Yankees, poor teams in Major League Baseball don’t turn it around overnight. Some, like the Pirates, never turn it around at all. You either have the money (except in this case) or the prospects, and Colorado has neither.

But Bryant, 30, is a smart cookie. He knows what he’s signing up for:

The dough, with over $180 million smackeroos, and the opportunity to play himself into Cooperstown in a hitter’s park. Only Miller Park in Milwaukee is historically more friendly to hitters than the Rockies’ Coors Field of all active ballparks. Bryant assuredly did his homework, and Coors will be his domain for the rest of his professional baseball days.

And why not? With a MVP and World Series under his belt, why not take the Brinks truck of cash and opportunity to get a bust of yourself in a prestigious museum? Bryant’s already achieved the pinnacle of the sport and more. Now’s the time to coast on his exceptional talent. Now’s the time to reap the handsome rewards that a squad like the Cubs — who once manipulated his service time — never did. Few others wouldn’t choose a chance at being filthy rich while hitting countless dingers.

Kris Bryant has earned the right to take his talents and his wallet where he pleases. If it’s the path more traveled and the less treacherous one–good for him.

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Watch Kris Bryant’s emotional return to Wrigley Field as a member of the Giants

Kris Bryant’s Chicago homecoming was a sight to see.

For 833 games, Kris Bryant called Wrigley Field and the Chicago Cubs home. On Friday, however, Bryant stepped onto the field at Wrigley as a member of the opposing team for the first — and sadly not the last — time.

Friday’s afternoon game was Bryant’s highly-anticipated return to Wrigley Field since being traded to the San Francisco Giants at the end of July. Bryant’s exit from the Cubs was quite the emotional affair, but his return to the city and the fans he once won a World Series for absolutely tugs at the heartstrings.

Here’s how Bryant was greeted by his former teammates and fans at the start of Friday’s game.

During the Cubs lengthy tribute, Bryant was overcome with emotion and was seen wiping away tears in a moment that clearly meant a lot to him.

Unfortunately for Bryant, his first at-bat against his former team ended in a strikeout at the top of the first.

In his pregame comments to the media, Bryant talked about trying to take the special moment in alongside the fans who used to cheer for him for nearly seven years.

It was a moving day for Cubs fans and Bryant alike, so here’s more of the scenes from a momentous game at Wrigley Field.

Watch: Klay Thompson compares himself to Kris Bryant, wants a Giants World Series win

Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson compared himself to San Francisco Giants 3B Kris Bryant on his Instagram Live this week and said he wants to see the Warriors and Giants win championships this season.

Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson has been out since the 2019 Finals with a torn ACL and then a ruptured Achilles tendon, so he was not on the court for last years’ Warriors campaign.

This year, however, he is on track to return at some point this season and the shooter wants to see a Warriors NBA title – and a San Francisco Giants one.

On his Instagram Live this week, Thompson shouted out the other team in the Bay and compared himself to Giants trade deadline acquisition Kris Bryant.

“I love the Kris Bryant acquisition, he’s a great player,” Thompson said. “He reminds me of myself. Tall, rangey, gun of an arm, can hit the long ball.”

 

The Giants have been on a tear this season. They are currently in first place with a game up on the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West. Since being inserted into the heart of their lineup, Bryant has been almost the exact same player he was for the Chicago Cubs.

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Kris Bryant gets emotional after trade call as Cubs legend is moved to San Francisco

It’s getting dusty in here.

Kris Bryant’s seven-year career with the Chicago Cubs has come to an end on Friday. As the MLB’s trade deadline came to a close, the star third baseman was traded from the Cubs to the San Francisco Giants in a blockbuster move.

Bryant’s name had been circulating for at least 24 hours before Friday afternoon’s trade deadline, as the 29-year-old lingered in the Cubs dugout after Chicago’s loss to the Cincinnati Reds the day before. On Friday, cameras managed to catch Bryant getting the trade call right before the Cubs game against the Washington Nationals in an incredibly emotional moment.

At the conclusion of the call, Bryant was seen hugging a member of the Cubs staff and wiping away tears as he headed into the clubhouse.

This season, Bryant has hit .267 with 18 home runs and 51 RBIs and will be an immediate upgrade to the Giants lineup. With the recent gutting of the Cubs championship roster from 2016, however, it’s a very emotional time for Chicago fans and now former players alike.

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Kris Bryant adorably left candy in the outfield for ex-Cubs teammate Kyle Schwarber

The former teammates are adorable.

It was one big reunion at Wrigley Field on Monday, as the Washington Nationals came to Chicago to play the Cubs.

That’s because former Cubs great Jon Lester pitched for the Nats and ex-Cub Kyle Schwarber was also playing for Washington.

Lester got all kinds of ovations and love from his former teammates and fans (we’ll show you those below), while Schwarber got a gift from Kris Bryant: when the former Cub walked out to his position in right field, there was a gift left for him.

Bryant had left some candy for Schwarber to enjoy. How wonderful is that? This should be a thing from now on:

Here’s the greeting for Lester:

Awesome all around.

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Chicago Cubs at Cincinnati Reds odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Chicago Cubs at Cincinnati Reds sports betting odds and lines, with MLB betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Chicago Cubs (3-1) play the Cincinnati Reds (1-3) in the second game of a four-game series Tuesday at 6:40 p.m. ET at Great American Ball Park. We analyze the Cubs-Reds betting odds and lines, with MLB picks and best bets.

Cubs at Reds: Projected starting pitchers

RHP Alec Mills vs. RHP Tyler Mahle

Mills got into the rotation due to SP José Quintana slicing his thumb on broken glass while washing dishes.

He is 1-1 with a 3.77 ERA through six career starts and 19 total appearances. He has struck out 69 hitters over 57 1/3 innings pitched.

Mahle (2019): 3-12 with a 5.14 ERA over 25 starts and 129 2/3 innings

  • 2019 vs. Cubs: 0-0 with a 5.73 ERA in two starts (eight strikeouts in 11 IP).
  • Career vs. Cubs: 2-1 with a 3.64 ERA over five starts (25 strikeouts in 29 2/3 IP).

Get some action on this game or any other matchup with an MLB bet at BetMGM in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!

Cubs at Reds: Key injuries

Visit sportsdata.usatoday.com to track all MLB injuries leading up to game time.

Reds

  • 2B Mike Moustakas (illness) out
  • C Tucker Barnhart (personal) out
  • 1B Matt Davidson (COVID-19) out
  • OF Nick Senzel (illness) questionable

Cubs at Reds, lines, picks and betting tips

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 11 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Cubs 8, Reds 4

Moneyline (ML)

Despite their current 1-3 record, the Reds (-115) had three straight quality starts (six or more innings pitched and three or fewer earned runs) out of their first three starters. Monday, the Cubs (+105) got to SP Wade Miley early, chasing him after 1 2/3 innings pitched and five earned runs surrendered, in an 8-7 win.

Tuesday’s Reds’ starter, Mahle, fills in for regular No. 5 starter Anthony DeSclafani, who’s recovering from a shoulder injury. There’s a reason Mahle isn’t a regular starter; he has an 11-23 career record with a 4.88 ERA. Look for Cubs SS Javier Baez and LF Kyle Schwarber to find their stride—both of which have four hits in 10 at-bats against Mahle.

Also, the absence of Moustakas in the Reds lineup will make it easier for Mills, an inexperienced major league starter, to navigate. Cincinnati is ranked 22nd in batting average and has the second-most runners left on base.

BET CUBS (+105). New to sports betting? A $100 bet on the Cubs (+105) earns a profit of $105 if Chicago beats Cincinnati.

Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

The Reds (+1.5, -176) have lost three games by a combined four runs. Seven of the Cubs’ (-1.5, +145) eight wins over the Reds last year were by two-plus runs.

Since we are betting Chicago on the moneyline I lean to them here, however, I’ll PASS on the run line because of the suboptimal value.

Over/Under (O/U)

I LIKE OVER 10 (-110) in Cubs-Reds. The Over has cashed in the last four Cubs road games and in the last five starts for Mahle at home.

Cincinnati is due for some runs because of all those runners left on base and their 27th ranking in BABIP (batting average on balls in play).

New to sports betting? A $55 wager on Over 10 (-110) pulls a $50 profit if the two teams combine for at least 11 runs.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @Geoffery_Clark on Twitter, and follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Minnesota Twins vs. Chicago Cubs, MLB Preseason Live Stream, Lineups, TV Channel, Start Time

Minnesota will travel to Chicago to take on the Cubs on Wednesday Night Baseball at Wrigley Field.

Major League Baseball is back this week with a few final preseason games on television before Opening Day on Thursday, July 23rd.

We have the Minnesota Twins traveling to the north side of Chicago to take on the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley on Wednesday night. The Twins will look to continue their momentum of last year while the Cubs will look for some more offense going into the opening weekend.

Minnesota Twins (-101) vs. Chicago Cubs (-114)

  • When: Tuesday, July 21
  • Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
  • TV Channel: MLB Network
  • Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)

Pitching: Homer Bailey vs. Jon Lester

Homer Bailey will take the mound tonight for Minnesota and the Cubs will bring in Jon Lester to counter. If these clubs can get some offense going, expect to see a high scoring game with both these pitches giving up a combined 47 homers last season.

Prediction: I’d lay the money with the Cubs here being at home, they had a rough couple of games against their southside rivals but wouldn’t expect them to lose three in a row, especially with the shortened season where every game counts. Cubs (-114). 

Tomorrow is Opening Day, don’t forget to check out the 2020 MLB Opening Day odds.

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Kris Bryant explains why he doesn’t feel safe with MLB’s coronavirus testing protocols

“I wanted to play this year because I felt it would be safe and I would feel comfortable. But honestly, I don’t really feel that way.”

MLB players reported to training camps earlier this month with the promise of robust coronavirus testing and safety procedures in place.  A little over a week into it, and the cracks in the system are starting to show.

As of Friday, a total of 31 MLB players have tested positive for COVID-19 with some players still waiting for their results to come back.

On Sunday, Nationals closer Sean Doolittle told reporters that he had been tested twice, once on Friday and once on Sunday, but was still waiting for the results of his initial Friday test.

Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant echoed the same concerns with reporters on Monday afternoon, revealing that some players had only gotten tested once within 7 days.

According to the return-to-play agreement between MLB and the players union, players are to be tested every other day, but that’s not happening.

“We have had guys that showed up here on Sunday and hadn’t gotten tested again until seven days later,” Bryant said. “And then you don’t get the results for two days either. So that’s nine days without knowing. If we are want this to succeed, we are going to have to figure it out.”

Bryant voiced his frustration over testing delays, saying it lead him to not feel safe during the return.

“I wanted to play this year because I felt it would be safe and I would feel comfortable. But honestly, I don’t really feel that way. Which is why I am really trying to keep my distance from everybody, wear a mask and hope we can get this thing going. If we want it to happen and we want it to go smoothly, this should be the easy part. When we are on airplanes, in hotels, getting room service, who knows what people are doing. That goes for the other teams too. If we can’t nail the easy part — which is right now — we have a big hill to climb.”

Buried in Bryant’s quote is the assertion that “this should be the easy part.” He’s right about that. Every league’s return to play plan is built on adequate testing, yet it seems that nailing the easy part is proving to be difficult.

Per an MLB statement, the league collected 3,740 intake screenings during the week long period between June 27-July 3. Out of those, there were reported results for 98% of samples. The missing 2% may not seem like much until you realize that’s still 86 results that remain pending. With a virus as contagious and potentially devastating as this one, that’s not an acceptable margin of error.

“The process has not been without some unforeseen difficulties,” the MLB statement reads before pushing the blame onto the Utah lab responsible for delivering test results.

A number of MLB players have decided to opt out of playing this season, but Bryant says he wouldn’t consider that.

“I just couldn’t do that. I am going to do everything I can to stay. I will try to stay healthy and lead by example as well as encourage people to do the right thing.”

2020 National League MVP odds, picks and best bets

Previewing the National League Most Valuable Player MVP odds, with MLB betting odds, picks and best bets

Unlike in the American League, where it’s Mike Trout against the field, the competition for the 2020 National League MVP is wide open — to the point that one pick ain’t enough, Jack. You better make it three.

As of 3 p.m. ET Sunday, March 8, BetMGM has 13 different players listed at +3000 or less:

  • Mookie Betts (+500)
  • Cody Bellinger (+700)
  • Christian Yelich (+800)
  • Juan Soto; Ronald Acuna Jr. (+1000)
  • Nolan Arenado (+1600)
  • Fernando Tatis Jr.; Bryce Harper; Manny Machado (+2000)
  • Javier Baez; Kris Bryant; Freddie Freeman (+2500)
  • Ketel Marte (+3000)

National League MVP: Breaking down the field

The first thing that jumps out is that two Dodgers outfielders top the list. Personally, I would lean to Bellinger over Betts because Betts is a career American Leaguer and has to learn many new pitchers. Dodgers dominance has become expected and the two may end up canceling each other out, barring a gigantic season from one of them.

What I’m looking for (and often find) is a guy who is head and shoulders the best player on his team, reinforcing the notion that “valuable” means where would that team be without that guy? It also helps greatly to be a playoff team — or at least a playoff contender into the finals weeks of the season. For our purposes, I’m giving myself a $500 bankroll and splitting it three ways (wait for it).

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I’m putting $150 on Yelich at +800. Entering his seventh season as a full-time starter, Yelich last season hit 44 home runs, drove in 97 runs, stole 30 bases and hit .329 to win his second straight batting title. And he did all of that in in just 130 games. He may not get quite the national attention that some other stars do, but he has MVP potential (and the 2018 MVP Award on his mantle), and a lot of times it takes a couple years of dominance to get deserved recognition. He fits well in that category. At +800, the value coming back is right.

I’m putting $150 on Acuna at +1000. Entering his third season, he has set the table for superstardom and a mid-nine-figure contract at some point. It’s not easy for a leadoff hitter to win MVP because his numbers suffer in terms of consistently having men on base when he comes up. But in his second MLB season in 2019, Acuna led the NL in plate appearances (715) runs scored (127) and stolen bases (37). And, by the way, he hit 41 bombs and had 101 RBI, anyway. If he drops his 2019 strikeout total (188) by 40, it means he makes contact 40 more times and the numbers will follow.

I’m putting $150 on Harper at +2000. He’s only a career .276 hitter and has posted — by far — the highest strikeout totals of his career in each of the last two seasons. But he has missed just eight of 324 games over the last two seasons and no player in baseball rides a hot streak longer than Harper. He’s Player of the Month material often. He’s +2000 for a reason, but a good dice roll at that altitude.

THE BET: Do a three-way parlay covering spots with Yelich, Acuna and Harper. However, our roll still has $50 left. How about throwing it the way of the gold standard Paul Goldschmidt? He has established himself as a mid-30 HR guy, but he is primed for blowing those out of the water. Over the last five years, he has played 791 of a possible 810 games. At +4000, he’s worth a chip-and-a-chair.

Want to get some action on MLB futures betting? Do you have what it takes to pick this season’s winners before the season even starts. Place legal sports bets online at BetMGM.

For more sports betting tips across all sports? Visit SportsbookWire.com.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

Follow @SportsbookWire.

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