Finally! The long, cold winter is over! Well, not really, but even if it may still be mid-February, we at least know that down in Port Charlotte, the Tampa Bay Rays have started Spring Training. Today is truly a glorious day.
There aren't any pictures in the queue yet from the Rays' camp --- C'MON GETTY, GET ON IT! -- but we'll be sure to post some later today as they become available. There's not much else we can do at this point beyond looking at photos of ST and oo-ing and ahh-ing at baseballs being thrown around, but for me, that's enough right now.
Other news and notes this morning:
- How was Fan Fest? I'm interested to hear people's thoughts. It always seems like a great time, even though I can never go.
- The Pirates and Yankees finally completed their rumored Burnett trade on Friday, leaving the Yankees open to sign Raul Ibanez this morning. Neither development is unexpected, but I don't like the idea of Ibanez's power in Yankee Stadium. That's not going to be particularly fun to face.
- Tim Wakefield retired on Friday, inspiring Joe Poz to pen a lengthy blog post on him (and knuckleballers in general). I love knucklers, which is likely the main reason I overpaid for R.A. Dickey in a fantasy draft last night.
- Kevin Goldstein released his top 20 prospects list for the Rays, and he seems a little more pessimistic on the system than others. Although pessimistic isn't the exact right word -- he has tempered expectations about the system once you look behind Matt Moore. I can't necessarily disagree with his logic, but I suppose I have a large amount of faith (possibly too much faith) in the Rays' player development program. They have plenty of players with a number of tools, so even though their are question marks everywhere, I really like the system's depth right now.
Also, Goldstein envisions Brandon Guyer as a fourth outfielder, and I don't know if I can get behind that.
- This is another BPro post behind a paywall, but R.J. Anderson previewed the AL East with Jason Collette. It's a fun read and I definitely recommend it if you have a BPro subscription.
- Brian Cashman shared some thoughts about the Wild Card this weekend, and in the course of advocating the new Wild Card system, he dropped a subtle dig at the Rays: "We conceded the division two years ago cause of the previous setup. [...] I'm not taking away from Tampa Bay's eastern division title, but we didn't try to win the division."
Okay, calling that a "dig" is too strong. It's true, isn't it? We all knew that the Yanks were trying to get ready for the playoffs, and honestly, the same can be said of the Rays. Both teams glided into the playoffs without any real effort, and neither team seemed to actively want to win the division. So in my mind, this doesn't cheapen the 2010 division crown, and it is yet another reason to change the Wild Card format.
Don't forget the aggregate prospect list that RaysProspects has up
http://t.co/Wqqr6hsd
Jason Collette - February 20, 2012
The epherma bit on Alex Torres on the BP list is fascinating
Had no idea his bases empty/runners on splits were that drastic
Jason Collette - February 20, 2012
YES! I love this time of year
Wait, what do you mean there are no games yet?
grumblegrumblegrumble
nomoredevil - February 20, 2012
They don't even work out today
I learned this yesterday when I went to the Astros camp on my way to the airport only to learn that they weren’t scheduled to work out until today :(
Jason Collette - February 20, 2012
They should at least make the team physicals open to the public
or not…
nomoredevil - February 20, 2012
Man ass -- the first true sign of spring
Jason Collette - February 20, 2012
More ST pics please
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012 via mobile
FanFest was really a nice time, 2nd year for me.
For any fan of the game, do yourself a favor and when attending a Rays game this season, make time to see the Ted Williams hitters museum. I was blown away at how many exhibits they had and how state of the art it was. Allow at least 90 min
sternfan1 - February 20, 2012
TW museum is indeed awesome
Jason Collette - February 20, 2012
Yes it is.
DeadeyeRR - February 20, 2012
Ready
I am looking forward to the first MLB.TV Rays ST game way too much. I really wish I could have visited during ST this year.
Tonage - February 20, 2012
Here is a Fan Fest Photo Gallery
I took several hundred pictures. Some of them are garbage and there are some repeat shots, but I also got some really good photos too.
https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/108718747313460741456/photos/108718747313460741456/albums/5710720828710925921
John Gregg - February 20, 2012
Awesome. A few things:
1. Is Molina pushing 300 lbs?
2. Does Briggy look chunky to anyone else? Just a bad angle?
3. I don’t get to watch the games, so I don’t always know what everyone looks like, but I usually recognize guys in pictures from the internet and whatnot, but who is the guy with the tattooed arm?
SandalsNoPants - February 20, 2012
I only saw Briggy sitting down.
But I agree that his face looks chunky. Maybe it is camera angle, but he looked like that to naked eye as well.
Guy with tattooed arm is Matt Mangini.
John Gregg - February 20, 2012
That would explain it.
Was he involved in the Jaso deal? Minor league FA?
SandalsNoPants - February 20, 2012
Minor league free agent.
Josh Lueke was player in Jaso deal.
John Gregg - February 20, 2012
Yes, I knew that.
I saw he played for the Mariners and thought maybe he was shoved into the trade through the back door or something, along with Lueke.
SandalsNoPants - February 20, 2012
RIM SHOT!
(Lueke is the gift that keeps on giving)
nomoredevil - February 20, 2012
So stealth I didn't even notice it
Ben Tumbling - February 20, 2012
Yessss
Hatfield - February 20, 2012
I'd love to see the Rays now swoop up one of the few RH bats left in an Ibanez type deal or
even a minor league type—Vladdy or Maggs
sternfan1 - February 20, 2012
I don't want either of those guys, but I'd like to see a bat added as well
I’d rather have Manny and watch him sit the first 1/3 of the season than watch either of those guys try to stay healthy.
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
Maggs has said he will retire rather than take a minor league deal
I wouldn’t count on him
Jason Collette - February 20, 2012
Fuld is good at writing, too:
http://tinyurl.com/77zyn5v
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
So good.
Fuld is just too like-able. It’s not fair.
Steve Slowinski - February 20, 2012
Quoting Win Expectancy and all.
If had thrown in a Nate Silver reference I’d buy his jersey and his book—whenever he writes one.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
Oh, if he ever publishes a book, I'm definitely snagging that.
Steve Slowinski - February 20, 2012
Couldn't be happier that he's gotten a chance with the Rays.
His willingness to use his fame from that hot run to raise awareness about diabetes speaks to his character.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
Thanks for passing that along, still get tingles thinking about Longo's 3R homer, DanJo's dinger, the walk off, love Sam talking about playing through that injury
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
On my plane from ATL to Wichita yesterday, had a Sox fan sitting across the aisle from me
Pulled up the game 162 video and left it at an angle so he could see what I was looking at
Felt good
Jason Collette - February 20, 2012
You're the worst kind of fan
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
Dude was wearing a jersey and a hat.....had to be done
Jason Collette - February 20, 2012
Gotta be careful though, bad karma can bite back hard.
Oh screw that – nice work!!!
nyyfaninlaaland - February 21, 2012
"...who log more hours at work than a first-year investment banker at Goldman Sachs."
This made me laugh.
nomoredevil - February 20, 2012
Nice knowing you, Wade
http://www.tampabay.com/sports/baseball/rays/either-wade-davis-or-jeff-niemann-appears-likely-to-wind-up-in-bullpen/1216194
Jason Collette - February 20, 2012
What a bozo.
SandalsNoPants - February 20, 2012
Good riddens you Lake Wales Redneck.
Oh…wait…
DeadeyeRR - February 20, 2012
wow.
pudieron89 - February 20, 2012
It's good that he wants to fight and improve a ton from last year and all.
…But hopefully he started wrapping his mind around a bullpen role in the coming weeks. Because his odds of making the rotation have got to be pretty slim.
Steve Slowinski - February 20, 2012
Luckily Niemann will be hurt by May so it's not like it would be a permanent move
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
As long as he isn't firing the ball at 94-98 like he thinks he will be.
mr. maniac - February 20, 2012
Pretty sure if he's told to go to the pen he'll do it. He can pout, but he'll do it
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
He wouldn't have a choice.
Topkin kind of puts words in his mouth here. He never mentions anything about a “trade” but Topkin makes it seems like he did. Bad journalism imo
Sveet - February 20, 2012
I just think it's dumb on his part because he already has his guaranteed deal.
It’s not like he’s arb-eligible where he needs the innings to boost his value. He gets paid the same no matter what so it would be nice if he’d just say something along the lines of I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win. Once his contract is up then he’ll still be able to go out and get another deal, perhaps with a resume of being a very good high-leverage reliever under his belt.
If he was still year to year I might be more sympathetic, but he’s already getting paid now and in the future.
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
I agree. His quote wasn't ideal but if you just read the quote alone it doesn't sound so bad
I don’t want to defend Wade here. But I feel that Topkins surrounding text makes it sound worse than it is.
Sveet - February 20, 2012
You can definitely read that as him showing backbone and saying that he's going to work hard in spring training to prove that, but
my thing is why do you even have to come out and say that? Were you not going to work as hard before if the spot was guaranteed?
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
I agree that it wasn't the best thing to say
but to act like he might “ask for a trade” is crossing the line imo
Sveet - February 20, 2012
i dont think he said anything wrong at all.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
Is there a way to stop being a member of a site on here?
I know I did it with Lookout Landing before, but I can’t figure it out for Bleed Cubbies Blue.
SandalsNoPants - February 20, 2012
What did you do to that poor man?
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
Posting this one for Glass's sake:
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
first time i've heard him described as an "athlete."
that makes me think he’s toolsier than i had previously expected.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
That stuck out to me, too.
I’d heard the last two bits.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
yup
the bex write-up was silly. “he improved a ton, but i still dont like him as much as when he went 1-1.”
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
The baserunning instincts part is interesting.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
Not as interesting as this:
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
SCC gonna be rootin' for WB against Rays pitching every AB.
pudieron89 - February 20, 2012
TB pitching*
pudieron89 - February 20, 2012
I'm naming all of my fantasy teams the Sissy Cucks this year
Jason Collette - February 20, 2012
Liar
firemangreg - February 20, 2012
I'm going with Lueke's Backdoor Sliders
®
nomoredevil - February 20, 2012
zing!
Hatfield - February 20, 2012
I'm a fan of good moves
I’m happy the Yankees took Ibanez over Betemit
Jason Collette - February 20, 2012
Ibanez will hit 20 bombs in that park
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
I think he's DFA'd before the year is out
Jason Collette - February 20, 2012
yeah. i dont really get it.
everyone talks about how much they thought he improved this year, but it seems like they dont believe that could continue. he just played his age 21 season.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
Seems like he's grading in as average or better across the board.
Good sign given where we were 12 months ago. More work to do, but he’s on his way.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
yessir
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
Mahtook and Vettleson got dinged for the same things as Beckham.
Good all over just isn’t as sexy as great at one tool.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
yeah. i generally dont prefer that profile.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
I would guess it produces fewer stars, but perhaps more regulars than the guys with a great tool.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
It depends on which tool is great
All tools are great, but some are greater than others
Transplanted - February 20, 2012
power>>>>>>>
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
Can't top the grit & scrapiness tool
Transplanted - February 20, 2012
Bustin O'Conner agrees
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
yes. id much rather have a guy with 80 speed.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
Or you could stop being a horse's ass and realize that there isn't a blanket approach across the board because these are human beings not automatons.
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
you're right. i do obviously have one rote approach i never sway from that ive elucidated here.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
You, like the Rays offense, just need to be more consistent
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
wait, what? one comment ago you said "there isnt a blanket approach across the board" and now one comment later i need to be more "consistent?"
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
Gawd you're so easy
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
I dunno, I think people would rally around 80-hit tools instead.
If it’s a big guy, you assume the power will come—it doesn’t always, of course. Small guys, well, you usually aren’t expecting much power to begin with.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
yes
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
No idea how we could test this without digging through years of BA reports.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
yeah. very labor intensive. thats why i wish BA et al would hire a data intern to track things like this.
have their analysts grade out prospects and keep track. the problem is not only the work, but it would force them to be more accountable as well.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
I think it was Bill James who said players who're great at one thing and meh at everything else are overrated, while players who're solid at everything are underrated
benderbrodriguez - February 20, 2012
It was, yes.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
unless the one thing they do exceptionally well is hit for average
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
It's too late RJ
He’s a bust, if you’re a 21yo SS who went 1-1, you should be an MVP candidate already! #irrationaldemands
Transplanted - February 20, 2012
To be fair.
He isn’t even universally considered a top 100 prospect. It’s pretty easy to see why he has gotten the “bust” label
Sveet - February 20, 2012
He's a disappointment rather than a bust
Transplanted - February 20, 2012
lol. he's 22 and he's already a disappointment.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
I don't think it is unfair to say he's disappointed us a bit
Not that he can’t be good or anything, just that he’s not wow’d us
Transplanted - February 20, 2012
im just hesitant to calla guy a disappointment until he's fulfilled his commitment to the team (either out of baseball or signed a FA contract or traded).
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
To some
it doesn’t appear you’ll consider Beckham a disappointment until you’ve slept with him. :)
I mean that in the kindest possible way.
I do agree he’s been maligned more than deserved. But I also think you sometimes carry the ARL thing a bit farther than it’s legs should carry it.
Fact is he continues to move up and isn’t regressing in the process, which it seems has turned the opinion trend in the opposite direction.
nyyfaninlaaland - February 21, 2012
Last year was a good sign
but he has been a disappointment overall compared to expectations.
That doesn’t mean he still won’t be a useful player. Hell it doesn’t even mean he can’t be a great player.
Sveet - February 20, 2012
question: what would make him not a bust? what is the cutoff at 1-1 to not be a bust in your eyes?
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
If he is a useful player at the ML level
then he isn’t a bust.
Sveet - February 20, 2012
I agree with this.
He should have some sort of role for a number of years in MLB and accumulate a positive amount of WAR.
SandalsNoPants - February 20, 2012
You have to remember the guy playing too
Transplanted - February 20, 2012
ok. thats about where i fall. id be pretty surprised if he never reaches taht level.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
He's a good question
Can MAtt Bush de-bust himself as a reliever?
Transplanted - February 20, 2012
I say yes.
SandalsNoPants - February 20, 2012
not if im a padres fan
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
No the Padres picked him
That pick was a complete bust
Sveet - February 20, 2012
Here are the number one picks who played the field via B-Ref WAR:
Tm Player Pos WAR G WAR/150
Twins Joe Mauer (minors) C 40.3 918 6.58
Mariners Alex Rodriguez (minors) SS 104.6 2402 6.53
Braves Chipper Jones (minors) SS 82.7 2387 5.2
Devil Rays Josh Hamilton (minors) OF 20.2 589 5.14
Mariners Ken Griffey (minors) OF 78.6 2671 4.41
Marlins Adrian Gonzalez (minors) 1B 28.2 1017 4.16
Mets Darryl Strawberry (minors) OF 42.9 1583 4.07
Braves Bob Horner (minors) 3B 21 1020 3.09
Diamondbacks Justin Upton (minors) SS 11.5 581 2.97
Yankees Ron Blomberg (minors) 1B 8.7 461 2.83
Angels Darin Erstad (minors) OF 27.8 1654 2.52
Athletics Rick Monday (minors) OF 32.7 1986 2.47
Brewers B.J. Surhoff (minors) SS 34.4 2313 2.23
White Sox Harold Baines (minors) 1B 37 2830 1.96
Astros Phil Nevin (minors) 3B 15.9 1217 1.96
Pirates Jeff King (minors) SS 14.7 1201 1.84
Phillies Pat Burrell (minors) 3B 18.7 1640 1.71
Senators Jeff Burroughs (minors) OF 17.2 1689 1.53
Padres Mike Ivie (minors) C 7.2 857 1.26
Cubs Shawon Dunston (minors) SS 10 1814 0.83
Padres Bill Almon (minors) SS 2.7 1236 0.33
Mets Tim Foli (minors) SS 1.2 1696 0.11
Devil Rays Delmon Young (minors) OF -0.2 729 -0.04
Padres Dave Roberts (minors) 3B -0.7 709 -0.15
Mets Shawn Abner (minors) OF -1.3 392 -0.5
Angels Danny Goodwin (minors) C -1.4 252 -0.83
White Sox Danny Goodwin (minors) C -1.4 252 -0.83
Mariners Al Chambers (minors) OF -0.7 57 -1.84
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
Granted, it's a career look, but only seven players had career WAR/150 games over four wins.
So despite the aspirations you aren’t always getting a superstar player at number one.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
Is there a quick way to translate this to fWAR?
Probably not, but I thought I’d ask.
SandalsNoPants - February 20, 2012
Not that I know of, sorry.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
That's okay.
I shouldn’t be so lazy.
SandalsNoPants - February 20, 2012
put them both in excel.
take all the 1-1s and all the career wars. then do a vlookup on the 1-1 names to pull the fWAR.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
yup. i think he's seriously hurt by the fact that he was one of the few players to go 1-1 that wasnt a consensus pick.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
Or the our C situation would be locked down if only we took Posey.
I still think he’s going to be more productive than the average #1 overall.
jtmorgan - February 20, 2012
The first comment was sarcastic.
Just wanted to clarify.
jtmorgan - February 20, 2012
assuming buster can play as well again.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
And that he can stick at C
Depends on his true bat
Transplanted - February 20, 2012
Would the Rays have taught him to get out of the way if he doesn't have the ball in his glove?
SandalsNoPants - February 20, 2012
Or he was hurt by lukewarm feelings right off the bat that never changed because first impressions last a lifetime
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
I wonder if coming right before Strasburg and Harper and right after Price hurt.
It’s like Andrew Bogut. Good player, but came after LeBron James and Dwight Howard—and in the same class as Chris Paul and Deron Williams—so you don’t think of him as being a good number one guy, but I bet he stacks up well career wise to some of the other jokers.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
exactly
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
Price has turned out fine, but I'm surprise more people don't wonder what if with Wieters.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
Wieters is at least trending the right way
He is probably the best C in the AL now
Transplanted - February 20, 2012
Avila?
benderbrodriguez - February 20, 2012
matusz backtracking helped that line of thinking.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
Kinda hoping Matusz puts it back together.
Liked him a lot as a pitcher. I know, division rival, whatever. Baseball is better with more good players.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
yeah. i liked him and just feel bad for blOw's fans.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
Do we really need to mock the O's?
benderbrodriguez - February 20, 2012
do you ever need to mock anyone? taht's what my o's fan friends call them anyway.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
But the O's gunned down the Sox.
I have a hard time crapping on them at the moment.
SandalsNoPants - February 20, 2012
i cheer for them most of the time. doesnt mean i dont like a derogatory nickname.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
I don't expect superstar
but I do expect solid everyday player with the #1 pick
Sveet - February 20, 2012
Are you happy with what Beej has done as a #2 pick? How about Niemann at #4
How about Delmon as a #1? I think you have to expect Beckham to be somewhere between Niemann and Beej and that’s a pretty good place
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
Delmon at 1, 2003 was not a kind draft year
Transplanted - February 20, 2012
I'm happy with Beej. Niemann is fine.
Glad we unloaded DY.
Sveet - February 20, 2012
this is me.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
This should be everyone
Though Niemann over Weaver is a little disappointing
Transplanted - February 20, 2012
Weaver and Drew had signability questions, hence why they slipped.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
CURSE YOU SCOTT BORAS
Transplanted - February 20, 2012
Upton's at 3.06/150
Niemann’s at about 1.50/30
So an average to slightly above average player. I don’t think that’s unrealistic for Beckham. He might even top that.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
B-Ref really hates Upton's 2006.
FG and BP combined don’t have it as low as B-Ref.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
What's Mike Cameron's per 150?
Transplanted - February 20, 2012
3.58
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
That Upton vs Cameron comp is really shaping up
Transplanted - February 20, 2012
he retired today. :(
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
Niemann has been worth around 4.9 WAR averaging FG and B-Ref over let's say the first three years of his deal
if he gets another 5ish WAR over the last three of his team control then we’ll say he’s worth 10 WAR over 6 years. I think any draft pick that does this, regardless of draft position, is a useful player. Obviously, you’d like a guy to do more than that with an early pick, but it’s not like Zobrist was a high pick and he’s been one of the best players in the league the last three years. I think people shouldn’t have such high expectations for high picks and should be happy when their team gets a fantastic player anywhere in the draft, because they’re rare.
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
4+ WAR/150 is All Time Great
Sveet - February 20, 2012
282 players in MLB history have at least 1000 games with a WAR/150 over 4.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
*fWAR
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
7 out of 29 becoming HOF level players is pretty high
at least in my opinion.
Justin Upton is an outstanding player and he isn’t even at 3 WAR/150 at this point.
Sveet - February 20, 2012
Yeah, I'd bet on J. Upton getting there.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
And for pitchers over 30 starts:
Tm Player Pos WAR ? G WAR/30
Nationals Stephen Strasburg (minors) RHP 2.1 17 3.71
Devil Rays David Price (minors) LHP 10.4 94 3.32
Orioles Ben McDonald (minors) RHP 19.8 211 2.82
Padres Andy Benes (minors) RHP 29.6 405 2.19
Twins Tim Belcher (minors) RHP 24.6 394 1.87
Astros Floyd Bannister (minors) LHP 24.1 431 1.68
Mariners Mike Moore (minors) RHP 24.9 451 1.66
Pirates Kris Benson (minors) RHP 11 208 1.59
Royals Luke Hochevar (minors) RHP 1.1 100 0.33
Rangers David Clyde (minors) LHP 0.4 85 0.14
Mets Paul Wilson (minors) RHP 0.5 171 0.09
Tigers Matt Anderson (minors) RHP -1.4 257 -0.16
Pirates Bryan Bullington (minors) RHP -0.4 26 -0.46
Again not ideal, but it shows you how awful most of these guys have been.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
28 players here (only included the guys who reached the majors) so it works out to tiers of seven.
This is ranked by WAR/150 rather than raw WAR, so Blomberg is over Surhoff, etc.. I think I’d take Surhoff instead, but maybe that’s just me.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
Not really worth worrying about perceptions.
If he doesn’t become a superstar, so what? As long as he can help a winning ballclub that’s the important thing. It’s not ideal to land the third or fourth best player in the top-10 at number one, but I think everyone can understand why they chose him, and as long as he doesn’t mess up by being lazy or irresponsible off the field, then I’d like to think people will be okay with what happens.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
"oh wait, are we calling beckham a bust? better run to make sure i do."
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
Just to clarify this comment
I’m not saying Beckham is a bust. I’m just saying to the casual fan it’s easy to see why they would think that way.
I did call Beckham a bust before this year. He proved me wrong and had a strong year. I hope he can follow it up with another one.
Sveet - February 20, 2012
That makes sense to me
Sveet - February 20, 2012
GREAT!
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
Wasn't it Imp who didn't like him?
mr. maniac - February 20, 2012
among others
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
Definitely not me.
mr. maniac - February 20, 2012
Correct.
I like what I’m hearing this off-season though
Imperialism32 - February 20, 2012
It isn't like you would be wrong by not liking the pick though.
mr. maniac - February 20, 2012
Bonus pools are out:
http://ht.ly/9aVJn
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
With hard slotting will this even matter?
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
Furthermore, what's to stop a team from drafting a ton of overslot guys and just signing one that depletes their entire cap and takes 9 other guys out of the talent pool for other teams
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
If you don't sign the player then his cap value is erased.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
.
BA:
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
Well that's good, seems like they're really lining things up to allow draft pick trading
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
Of course this should help:
Except for that last bit. Those lottery picks can be dealt, so it’ll be interesting to see how that works.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
Found it interesting after all the wailing and teeth gnashing
The total 1st 10 round pool money is a mere 2 million less than that spent in 2011, though with 2 more supplemental round 1 picks this year.
Some individual teams may be facing changes, but the crying about the poor clubs not being able to continue spending their way to contention here is more than balanced by the spending restraints on winning clubs.
Certainly not a good situation for the Rays, being a winner, but the year to year comp is realy skewed by the phenomenal number of supplemental picks the Rays had in 2011 – something that will never happen again under this system.
nyyfaninlaaland - February 21, 2012
Hard slotting is so awful
Sveet - February 20, 2012
If you don't like it go throw your life away playing football, see ya in your wheelchair in 10 years, I'll be sure to wipe the droll from your face
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
drool, not droll
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
I guess I'll just have to go the NBA route
Sveet - February 20, 2012
Nightclub shooting.
Hatfield - February 20, 2012
Does it actually benefit anyone?
Seems like both owners and players lose.
SandalsNoPants - February 20, 2012
The 5 owners dumb enough to go with slot only benefit
Transplanted - February 20, 2012
owners win by keeping costs controlled
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
But they lose out on talent.
SandalsNoPants - February 20, 2012
possibly.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
Really?
I’d think they’d lose a lot of kids to college this way.
SandalsNoPants - February 20, 2012
theyll lose some. im not sure how many or how much of a difference it will make to an individual club.
theres still a 2-sport bonus i believe. on the whole, though, it will transfer a lot of money from amateur athletes to professional billionaires.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
Callis only had the decrease of a few million from 2010
So it wasn’t TOO bad
Transplanted - February 20, 2012
yes, but how much have these costs gone up recently? how much more would they be going up in the future? they control that now.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
It's revenue-tied I think so as MLB revenue increases, so do bonuses
Callis has the first 10 rounds at 189M this year, compared to 191M last year
Transplanted - February 20, 2012
How many kids sign for overslot each year? Honest question, because I hear this thrown out all the time and I'd like to know just how many players we're talking about here
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
I have no idea.
I hear about it, too, which is why I mentioned it.
SandalsNoPants - February 20, 2012
You think Stu is for hard slotting?
Sveet - February 20, 2012
no idea. it isnt like we outspend in the draft. as more big revenue teams adopt the sawx approach the less we benefit from a lack of slot.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
im pretty sure frieds had a quote saying something to this extent and how this helps us.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
Well I hope it does
but I know it’s been pretty much universally viewed as really hurting small market teams.
Sveet - February 20, 2012
...
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/MLB-deal-unfair-to-small-market-teams-112211
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/did-a-steinbrenner-write-the-new-cba/
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=15572
Sveet - February 20, 2012
Much of those analyses missed the constraints
that winning teams face under this structure, over focusing on some very short term comps of recent spending by a couple of clubs that weren’t necessarily indicative of a long term trend.
Also, much of this derives from off the cuff analysis before all details were available.
Washington was widely trumpeted, but the fact is their spending of late was skewed by a couple of very high profile, high dollar signings.
But the key backend point is Glass’ above – money will move, and the only remaining unconstrained outlet is free agency, where big money is dominant. But that has also always been the case.
The real growth in player payroll in the last few years ahs been in the arbitration system. And remarkably, this was actually loosened. To my thinking here, the MLBPA – which doesn’t represent minors or potential draftees – kicked ass in this deal.
nyyfaninlaaland - February 21, 2012
i mean i dont love it. i just think the effect on the revenue curve may be overstatded. especially considering the pool for foreign players.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
mlbnetwork showing "Top 40 finishes from 2011."
we wer number 2. love these highlights.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
WTF could have been #1?
Sveet - February 20, 2012
Game 6 I'm sure
Transplanted - February 20, 2012
yup
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
as someone living in a Cardinal-centric area that doesn't care about them,
I was at a bar after work for Game 6 and I had a blast. Not as much fun to me as 162 but that probably has to do with my Rays fandom. I’ll always extrinsically view accomplishments over a larger sample size as more impressive, but to the non-Cards non-Rays fans I’m not surprised Game 6 was a bigger finish. Again, really enjoyed both.
pudieron89 - February 20, 2012
that was my reaction. then i remembered the playoffs happened and they likely included them.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
The way the Sox finished their season!??!
Please!
SandalsNoPants - February 20, 2012
Well it sure didn't help the Yankees any in 2010, did it?
VoiceOfBC - February 20, 2012
Sveet spewing shit, morans responding to him.
zzzz
pudieron89 - February 20, 2012
Pudding Ron,
What shit have I spewed?
Would love to hear this
Sveet - February 20, 2012
I listened to a little of Joe at Charlotte today
Doesn’t sound good for Brignac and his two fans. Joe said ST is really not for evaluation or job competition, aka Sean Rod is our SS
sternfan1 - February 20, 2012
I'm okay with this.
Nathan Haynes would disagree.
DeadeyeRR - February 20, 2012
It's probably Reid vs EJ for the backup IF spot
Transplanted - February 20, 2012
Neither will be on the OD roster--Book it
sternfan1 - February 20, 2012
Who will be the 25th man? Guyer?
Transplanted - February 20, 2012
Possible or a minor deal sign--but NO way
a bench of Fuld, back up C, Brignac/Johnson and Kepp
sternfan1 - February 20, 2012
Don't see who would be a good Minor deal
At least as a good veteran
Transplanted - February 20, 2012
Maggs for sure and/or Vladdy
but even Damon or Maysui for $1.2 mil in the event Scott or someone else gets hurt
sternfan1 - February 20, 2012
They're not coming on those terms
That’s the only problem. They want to be everyday players & be paid like it.
Transplanted - February 20, 2012
Ok, let's do it this way--Find me the scenario at this point
where any of them will get $3mil+ and 500 AB
sternfan1 - February 20, 2012
They won't
They’ll join Jermaine Dye on the couch
Transplanted - February 20, 2012
We're set on lefties, only guy I'd take is D. Lee
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
pretty certain he's retiring, but how set are we if
either of Joyce/Pena/Scott get injiured?
sternfan1 - February 20, 2012
We're better positioned than most teams. Guyer/Fuld is an average everyday player, IMO. Pena/Scott cover well for each other and again Guyer brings a bat if need be.
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
i just don't see the aforementioned names retiring, so the
sternfan1 - February 20, 2012
They may not have a choice
a la Sheffield
Transplanted - February 20, 2012
I don't see Lee retiring while Maggs/Vladdy/Damon/Matsui all find jobs
Lee can still play 1B and hit lefties, none of those other guys can field any position
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
Lee i believe has a family situation with a young sickly child
and if he can’t play in CHI he won’t play
sternfan1 - February 20, 2012
Then he's not playing as expected
Transplanted - February 20, 2012
That's interesting
I hadn’t heard about that
benderbrodriguez - February 20, 2012
Here it is
sternfan1 - February 20, 2012
Then take the 440K contract from the Rays while they make a matching donation to this charity
He gets one last chance to do what he does and the charity gets upwards of 880K. The Rays look good for accommodating the player as well as making a donation which they’ve done for virtually every other deal they’ve made and Lee gets the chance to be a part of that. His daughter isn’t going to get better by him being around, but close to a million dollars buys an awful lot of research.
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
obviously it isn't money that motivates him to play baseball
you like many won’t factor in the human element of the game—sadly
sternfan1 - February 20, 2012
You're right, I'm a heartless monster
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
And not to nitpick
but the minimum is $480 this year.
nyyfaninlaaland - February 21, 2012
Rawr
Sandy Kazmir - February 21, 2012
I think Guyer/Fuld would be more than average
in terms of WAR, accounting for defense and everything. I wouldn’t be shocked to see 2-3 WAR come out of that platoon, although I’d rather have Guyer as an everyday player.
SandalsNoPants - February 20, 2012
And from the sound of it, it will only take a minor league deal
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
I just don't have faith in things you say to book anymore :(
benderbrodriguez - February 20, 2012
.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
I look forward to a spring training of SF1 shoehorning "Reid won't be on the roster" and "Sign Vlad/Maggs" into every post
Ryan Gilliss - February 20, 2012
I'm already growing tired of it
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
If you've got a drum set you might as well beat the shit out of that drum set until everyone knows that you've got a drum set
Ryan Gilliss - February 20, 2012
I'd put my nutsack on that drumset
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
laugh as you may, but i said two things and i'll own up if wrong
1-Brignac or Johnson will not be on the OD roster
2- The 25th man will be a bat of some sort
sternfan1 - February 20, 2012
Yes, the issue is that you say both of these things multiple times every day, we get it.
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
and as long as there are those that say something different i'll continue--it's called debating
sternfan1 - February 20, 2012
Shouting your opinion at anyone that disagrees is not debate
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
says the guy who went from lead writer to perma banned in a few short months
sternfan1 - February 20, 2012
I'm no angel, being better than me should is a responsibility, not a right
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
i dont think anyone disagrees with either of those things.
one of ej or briggy wont be on the od roster, and i’d imagone kepp will be considered the 25th man.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
That's the funniest part, no one really disagrees with one permutation of this or another
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
I said neither will be--read it please
sternfan1 - February 20, 2012
lol...taht isnt what you said:
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
Meant nor, if you read both as being one thought.
And I kinda hope he’s right.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
Thanks RJ--when their boys especially Reid languishes in the minors we'll see if the retractions come
and this is not personal v Brignac
sternfan1 - February 20, 2012
You would never make something personal...
Ryan Gilliss - February 20, 2012
he may have. but that isnt what he typed.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
I typed Scott Weiland when I meant Kyle Weiland in my BPro piece today.
It happens.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
I bet that made you Fall To Pieces
Ryan Gilliss - February 20, 2012
well that didnt change what the sentence meant.
i just find it funny that he thinks we can read because he cant type. i still havent seen “the retraction come.”
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
It does, unless you think the Stone Temple Pilots singer started for Boston last year.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
Does explain the results.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
He famously didn't show up to the STP show in Tampa.
Everyone else did. Scott just…. didn’t show up.
Hatfield - February 20, 2012
unless you've been under a rock, maybe you have, i think i've been pretty clear on this
sternfan1 - February 20, 2012
you are never clear on anything. too much equivocating and typos.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
i think most grads here understand me pretty well--sorry if YOU do not
sternfan1 - February 20, 2012
i dont understand why youre getting bent out of shape because you made a typo. im sorry i read what you wrote instead of what you intended to write.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
Probably because missing a letter has derailed his comment from a legit baseball topic to typing lessons.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
well then he shouldnt be an ass when people respond to WHAT HE TYPED.
i made a legit comment and he pitched a hissy fit.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
don't bother RJ--baseball isn't spoken here much anymore
sternfan1 - February 20, 2012
waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
Please learn what the words "and" and/or "or" means
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
love the syntax here
Ryan Gilliss - February 20, 2012
He's just doing it to distract from how bad his "at least 2/3 of Kotch, Shop and Damon" prediction was
Ryan Gilliss - February 20, 2012
I think everyone is glad that turned out to be wrong, including Sterny.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
i made that very clear--but i wouldn't mind Shop at #1.15mil right now, but i'll concede to Andrew
sternfan1 - February 20, 2012
Hopefully Lobaton shows some hitting chops.
I think his defense will be fine-to-good, just needs to be better than horrendous to be fine.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
Or stop getting hurt!
Just trade Niemann for Hanigan fair swap
Transplanted - February 20, 2012
I don't think that's a fair swap for Cincy.
Hanigan has the third-highest on-base percentage amongst catchers since 2009. Niemann’s got a 97 adjusted-earned run average over that same time—or about a league-average starting pitcher—despite pitching in front of a good defense and in a pitchers’ park. Add in costs and injuries, and Niemann’s more of a number four. I don’t know if that’s equal value for Hanigan if you believe he’s this good with the bat..
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
era+ factors in park but not strength of opposition. i have a hard time dinging him for the defense and park then.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
Where do you have him then?
I’m guessing he’s an average-ish starter (key word being starter, not pitcher) with injury issues and escalating costs. Yeah, moving away from the ALE helps some, but I don’t think it makes him a number two type.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
that i agree with. i just dont think you should use era+ then try to ding him for park and defense when park is included in that and defense is mitigated by competition.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
Fair enough.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
(I'd still prefer keeping Davis over him.)
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
id move whichever brings back more. niemanns injury concerns fit well with our depth and he's been better when healthy.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
Depends on the return, but I'm opposed to selling low on Davis.
His post-DL stuff gave me some hope.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
If they take the kid gloves off on his slider I think he could be a better weapon, but they're just so
hesitant to let a starter throw it since Scotty Kaz blew it out. When he’s throwing his curveball and slider with confidence and spotting his fastball he’s a pretty good pitcher.
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
do you really think Kaz is the reason?
that just seems dumb. one guy is a very, very small sample size.
nomoredevil - February 20, 2012
Obviously, not, but I'd imagine there's research out there to support this
It shouldn’t be a surprise that guys that primarily throw fastballs and change ups have better longevity than guys that are throwing pitches that require more elbow torque, especially the slider.
Kaz is the last player that they let throw the pitch (amongst starters) whenever he wanted, while forcing Price, Hammel, Garza, Davis etc… to all but abandon the pitch. They have continually had guys focus on learning a cutter (Shields, Sonny, Price etc…) despite the pitch not being all that effective in most cases.
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
This is what Davis said last year:
There was a study suggesting this: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/26/sports/baseball/26score.html?_r=1
But it got debunked in a way: http://www.lookoutlanding.com/2009/7/27/964592/on-elbows-and-curves-in-young
I also noticed that the slider rank continued to drop, but I’m not sure if it’s by the org’s choice or just how things worked out: http://theprocessreport.wordpress.com/2011/04/14/the-rays-rotation-and-sliders/
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
I'm fine with the Rays developing Jeremy Hellickson types instead of Josh Johnson types
As long as they commit to fielding a great defense you can get whiffs with the change instead of the slider. You still need a pitch for same-handers whether it’s the fastball or the occasional curve, but as long as the change is kept down then you’re dealing with healthy, ground-balling pitchers that still get plenty of strikeouts.
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
the difference in overall stuff is a lot. price is much more comparable.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
Well, Hellickson's had some injury woes himself.
But I get your point.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
Though Archer gives me pause, unless the plan all along has been to move him to the pen
You can’t take away his slider because then he’s a one pitch guy and he’s too far developed to make him start over.
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
yeah you cant take away his best pitch.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
Can't imagine they'll move Archer to the pen if they still have aspirations of Colome starting
Which was the suggestion given by Mayo or the BA report. Colome seems like the bigger mess between those two.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
Throw in Lara and Torres and the Rays have really cornered the market on
future Gio Gonzalez’s
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
I'm still optimistic about Archer.
Athletic enough that he should tighten up his command. His change made some progress. With two grade-70 pitches you might not need a lot more to get by. If they can ease him off using his slider so much that could help, too.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
goldsteins mention that the change improved was pretty big.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
Neil Allen (I think?) saying he's got another phenom after watching Archer in the bullpen is still a good story to me.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
His change looked good in Durham.
mr. maniac - February 20, 2012
What does athleticism have to do with command?
Anecdotally many of the least fit pitchers (Buehrle, Colon, Silva, Sabathia) have great command
benderbrodriguez - February 20, 2012
Repeating mechanics
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
How does being athletic help with that though?
This is a legitimate question. I don’t know much about baseball mechanics themselves
benderbrodriguez - February 20, 2012
lol
try repeating any muscle memory activity. the more well coordinated (read: athletic) the easier it is.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
Right, and more athleticism means you can make adjustments easier.
Basically, go outside and try repeating a pitching delivery. Then think about how the best pitchers have little variation in their deliveries to the naked eye.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
You can think about all the moving parts too.
Weight shift, balance, arm angle, arm action, release point, and so on. You want it to look easy.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
I'm not intuitively understanding your point, but I'll take your word for it
benderbrodriguez - February 20, 2012
Well the pros make it look easy
Like I said, go outside and set up a target similar to the catcher’s mitt, put some space between you an the target, and then go through all the motions. There’s a lot of moving parts that have to sync just right in order to spot pitches as well as the pros do.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
I spent parts of Saturday night walking around the city throwing snowballs at hard to hit targets
So satisfying when they hit home
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
I understand that it's extremely complicated to replicate your delivery, and that only the best can do it
benderbrodriguez - February 20, 2012
you dont think sabathia is athletic?
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
No?
CC is far from athletic
benderbrodriguez - February 20, 2012
why? because he's HUGE?
you dont think a guy that is 6’8 and 300+ lbs with that much body control is athletic? this is hilarious.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
It's a known fact that latins hate blacks even more than whites
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
Not a latin despite the sn
benderbrodriguez - February 20, 2012
Don't think of it as the textbook example of athletic
We’re not talking athletic like Kapler or someone wound tight who looks good on the beach. It’s more about the ability to control your body’s movements.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
Oh okay
benderbrodriguez - February 20, 2012
you're so wrong dude
sternfan1 - February 20, 2012
If you aren't athletic enough
to repeat an unnatural motion to the rotator-cuff, you’re going to suck.
Changing a golf swing by one degree can change the accuracy of the shot by yards.
EminenceFront - February 20, 2012
lol yes
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
I understand the injury concern with sliders
So I get trying to ween young pitchers off it. But injury wasn’t really Kaz’s problem so much as he lost a feel for the slider. Well, that and he was/is a headcase.
I guess if we’re telling guys in A ball to throw curves instead, I get that. When you have guys at/near the major league level, it seems like a bad idea.
nomoredevil - February 20, 2012
injury was the reason he couldnt throw his slider and why his arm died.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
that's not my recollection
but I could be wrong. It’s happened before. I missed on Doug Froebel back in the day.
nomoredevil - February 20, 2012
2008 was when he started to lose effectiveness in general.
2008 was also the year his slider-usage dropped from the high-teens evry year to 9.6%. his slider also became much less effective that year per FG’s pitch values. 2008 was the year he started the season with a strained elbow, and he was never the same after.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
He developed a tear in his UCL that stemmed from a lot of things
(bad conditioning habits, violent throwing motion, etc…), but I think if he didn’t throw the slider then it’s less likely that he develops the tear that ultimately made him disrupt his mechanics, both of which combined to sap him of velocity. The reason he “lost the feel” for his slider is because the team didn’t want to throw such a violent pitch after signing that contract. His stubbornness and immaturity made him a liability (that and him smoking so much weed with David Price) so I’m just happy they were able to get a couple of nice players for him and not be on the hook for his salary. We’ll always have 2005 – 07, though, and hopefully some lessons learned.
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
Hanigan hits for no power though
League avg bat, and outside of 2010, he’s been a bit below. Maybe need to sweeten the deal a bit, but Niemann for Hanigan isn’t the different in value.
Transplanted - February 20, 2012
Keep in mind: league-average bats who can play catcher (and he can) are pretty valuable.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
*very valuable.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
Sure, but still, Hanigan is not like
Some rock of a catcher. Either way, it’s a good fit for both teams.
Transplanted - February 20, 2012
Don't get defensive when someone points out that you're over-selling your guy and under-selling the other guy
All fans do this, you’ve said your piece, now let it go.
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
If you were the Reds, would you trade Hanigan for Niemann straight-up?
Usually, if you aren’t hesitant about doing the deal then it’s not a fair one.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
No, but more because of his nice contract+Mesoraco being a rookie
Rather than straight up talent.
I guess it depends on what you think you have in Niemann is he guy A the #2-3 or guy B the one who you don’t wish to watch.
But maybe I’m a little more pessimistic on how good Hanigan could be given more playing time.
Transplanted - February 20, 2012
It's a fair concern about Hanigan.
I tend to think of Niemann as being the back-end guy and I’m scared of his health, so obviously I’d make that swap quickly.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
Sure, if you think Niemann is going to struggle to make enough starts
Then yeah bad trade for Cincy-I’m going on an assumption that Niemann is healthy & both parties agree he will remain that way.
Transplanted - February 20, 2012
At the plate, Hanigan and Jaso were virtually the same in the minors.
Given more ABs, the adjustment to ALE pitching, and switching from a hitters park to a pitchers park, I think Jaso’s 2010 would be Hanigan’s absolute best case scenario.
It’s interesting, but if you take a harder look at Hanigan you’ll see lots of red flags about him being able to take on a larger role in a tougher division and ballpark. At least I did anyway.
Vin - February 20, 2012
Yeah, I wouldn't argue against that point.
It’s the same question you’d have about David Ross (or that people did have about Gregg Zaun). I would add that 2010 John Jaso is a good player to have at catcher. Add in Hanigan’s defensive upgrade, and I’d be willing to trade Niemann for him, I think.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
Defense would be the selling point for me.
BtB had him 10th in their overall defensive rankings and BPro had him 9th at framing pitches.
I’ve convinced myself his bat won’t translate well at all, and park adjustments puts his OPS below .700 last year. But given the great D and the chance that he hits close to his career line, I guess they could do worse for Niemann.
Vin - February 20, 2012
Yes and he's attested as much
Sterny admits when wrong instead of relentlessly doubling down and waiting for a bad month to say ha I told you so
FreeZorilla - February 20, 2012 via iPhone app
Except for Joyce.
R.J. Anderson - February 20, 2012
OHW
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
I hear we could get Johnny Damon on the cheap
Sveet - February 20, 2012
I'd sign him for nothing and then just keep him on the bench strictly for his leadership. Think of him as an extra coach
The extra 2%
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
2 of Kotchman/Damon/Shop will be on the 2012 team GUARANTEED
benderbrodriguez - February 20, 2012
This is very, very good.
Hatfield - February 20, 2012
i just like to pretend that he's forgotten his previous comment about it each time he makes another one. aging is a bitch.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
I'd find this funny but it reminds me too much of my grandfather telling me the same Korean War story over and over
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
things i'd find funny: Syracuse losing by 20 in Gm 1 of NCAA Tourney to a 16 seed
sternfan1 - February 20, 2012
no one disagrees here either
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
I don't think they'll win it all, because, you'd have to be an idiot to think your team can win it all, but I think they'll have a deep run
I love that every game has a different guy stepping up on offense while the defense is one of the best in the country. Their half court offense bogs down from time to time, but nobody is beyond flaws this year. People ding them for their schedule, but the NCAA today is less about the big name schools dominating how more about how the former also rans can give a game at any time.
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
We've got a pain in the ass customer who talks about how he can't believe he drives a car made by the people he fought in the Korean War
Ryan Gilliss - February 20, 2012
That car probably has more parts made in America than the American cards
Transplanted - February 20, 2012
cars*
Transplanted - February 20, 2012
Doubtful...
and it’s a South Korean car
Ryan Gilliss - February 20, 2012
Did you kidnap him and force him to buy cars from you?
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
of course
Ryan Gilliss - February 20, 2012
This should get plenty of play in GDTs this year.
EminenceFront - February 20, 2012
IDGI
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
.
EminenceFront - February 20, 2012
.
EminenceFront - February 20, 2012
You care what the bitter GM of one of our rivals thinks?
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
Nope.
I care about how chill Joe Maddon is.
EminenceFront - February 20, 2012
Fair point
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
i like the thought, but does it work if he's already wearing sunglasses?
pudieron89 - February 21, 2012
Love this
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
That's awesome
benderbrodriguez - February 20, 2012
What's awesome is the Yanks record despite that DL time
FreeZorilla - February 20, 2012 via iPhone app
Rays have been almost too healthy(in comparison to average DL stints) the last few seasons.
Every team has to suffer through losing key players for extended periods of time over the course of a season but the Rays have been healthier than most. Last year Longoria was the only “key” player out for a month but they didn’t really suffer anything worse than Davis and Neimann missing 2-3 starts. That may be lucky, could be superior training(training/medical staff) or both.
But they may be tempting fate that they can remain as healthy as they have been in recent years. And while "depth’ may be the godsend in all of this(especially with the rotation) they could quickly become a fragile team if positional injuries pile up to players they are counting on….. as it is for every team but, again, Rays have been fortunate lately, IMO.
budman3 - February 20, 2012
Look at who is 1st.......
Jason Collette - February 20, 2012
The alphabet is a wondrous thing
nomoredevil - February 20, 2012
Friend of the site King Kaufman?
FreeZorilla - February 20, 2012 via iPhone app
Long time friend of the site!
SRQman - February 20, 2012
and he doesn't even work for ESPN!
#subscribenow
Jason Collette - February 20, 2012
Congrats to rglass
You go girl!
Ben Tumbling - February 20, 2012
A rec for attention to detail
benderbrodriguez - February 20, 2012
thanks. sandy just sent me a flattering email after the surgery.
rglass44 - February 20, 2012
I liked you better pre op
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
My copy has been sitting in town since 9 am on Saturday morning, guess I should have signed up for the non-free shipping if I didn't want them to hold it hostage for several days.
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
fwiw, mine just arrived today according to my wife
It is waiting for me to get home
Jason Collette - February 20, 2012
Them refers to UPS/USPS/FedEx not BP or Amazon both of whom I've been very pleased with so far.
Got this and the Fielding Bible 3, each for around half off and didn’t have to pay for shipping. Can’t really beat that
Sandy Kazmir - February 20, 2012
I've been abusing the hell out of my Prime trial membership
Of course, that $179 speeding ticket today is ending all of that fun. Kansas sucks
Jason Collette - February 20, 2012
Mine too.
Hatfield - February 20, 2012
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