Freeman Walks Off to end Epic Pitchers' Duel (video)

Cincinnati Reds’ pitcher, Johnny Cueto and Atlanta Braves’pitcher Julio Teheran fought in an epic pitchers duel Sunday at Turner Field. Both pitched a full eight innings, both gave up only three hits and both pitchers ended the game with a no decision.

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After the two stellar starters departed, the ninth inning came and went with little excitement ... to find out how the Braves completed their sweep of the Reds AND see the VIDEO of Freeman's walk-off hit ... CLICK HERE!!

Brought to you by Outside Pitch Sports Network LLC.

You can find us on Twitter @OakAsSocksGrl and @OPSN_MLB.

Best First Baseman in Baseball: The Best of MLB Debate Series

ByTeam SU (Collaborative Article)

Baseball season is back and the season is rounding into form. Former MVP and Cy Young Award winners are producing, other players are going down with a series of injuries, and fans around the globe are hoping it is their year. With that in mind, three Sports Unbiased writers got together and decided to debate the best players at each position throughout Major League Baseball. The format is simple, each writer makes a choice and then the writer that went first gets an opportunity for rebuttal. For the sake of these debates there is no “Best of the American League” or “Best of the National League.” Every player on every team is fair game. Up first in the series are the first basemen. Is it Joey Votto or Albert Pujols? Did either of them make the cut? Let’s get to it and see who Brian Reese, Jen Rainwater and Adam Solowiei chose as their best first baseman in Major League Baseball.

To see our picks, vote in our poll and tell us your opinions CLICK HERE!! Brought to you by Sports Unbiased. 

You can find us on Twitter @OakAsSocksGrl and @SportsUnbiased1 

Kimbrel, Braves Avoid Arbitration with a Four Year Deal

My latest for MLB Nation:

Craig Kimbrel and the Atlanta Braves announced Sunday morning that they have agreed to terms on a four-year contract with an option for 2018. The financial details of the contract were not disclosed.

Kimbrel, 25, is arguably one of Major League Baseball’s best closers and by far the best in the National League. He has led the National League in saves the past three seasons, including recording a MLB leading 50 saves last season. In 2013 Kimbrel posted an ERA of 1.21 and had 98 strikeouts in just 67 innings pitched. The three time All-Star was also Rookie of the Year in the National League in 2011.

With statistics like those it is no wonder the Braves wanted to avoid any arbitration issues with the young closer as well as keep him on their roster as long as they can. As it is Kimbrel will be only 29 when this contract is up. If he stays healthy over the next four years the Braves may have a hard time keeping him. Braves general manager, Frank Wren said of Kimbrel,

“”We are very excited to agree to terms with Craig, who we feel is the best closer in Major League Baseball. He is one of the key pieces of our pitching staff and we are happy to keep him in a Braves uniform for at least four more years.”

The Braves have made it their top priority to lock down all their young stars this off season. They recently signed Freddie Freeman, 24, to an eight-year, $135 million deal. They also made sure to keep outfielder Jason Heyward, also 24, and 21-year old starting pitcher, Julio Teheran, who went 14-8 last season with a 3.20 ERA.

With so many young stars the Braves are not only securing success for 2014 but for the future as well.

For More News From Around the League Check Out MLB Nation!

Indians, Michael Brantley Agree to Four Year Contract Extension

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According to Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer,  Michael Brantley gave up his arbitration eligible status Monday to commit himself to the Cleveland Indians for the next four years. It must be pretty good being a member of the Cleveland Indians these days, getting a long-term and lucrative deal like this. The two had been in arbitration talks and this deal brings those to an end before the arbitration hearing that was scheduled for February 17th.

The contract is huge for Brantley. Prior to this contract Brantley had asked the Indians for $3.8 million while the club was offering him$2.7 million. Now, he stands to make up to $36 million. It is a guaranteed $6.25 million a year for the first four years and there is a club option for 2018 worth another $11 million if it is picked up.

Brantley has been in MLB for five years totaling three full years of service and this was his first time being eligible for arbitration.  He only made $526,900 in 2013.  At just 24 years old this gives Brantley stability for a good portion of his career.

The Indians seemed to have made the right decision in locking down Brantley, not unlike the Atlanta Braves locking down young stars like Freddie Freeman and Jason Heywood.

Freddie Freeman, Getty Images

Brantley is a healthy young kid who has only once, in five years, been on the disabled list. He has a career batting average of .277 with 26 career home runs and 212 career RBI. He stole 17 bases last season and his speed also helped him on defense as he split time between left and center field. His career fielding percentage is .994. In his five years with Cleveland he has only recorded seven errors and 21 outfield assists. He played in 151 out of 162 games in 2013 hitting .284 with 10 home runs, 73 RBI and .728 OPS.

For More News From Around the League Check Out MLB Nation!