Around Baseball 2015

[Deadpool]

Wut do u think is rong wit it?

 

I think Twitter's 140 character limit has completely disproved the idiom "brevity is the soul of wit". Apparently "brevity is what will murder the English language..."

[glory]

Wheeler needing TJS is why I don't like the idea of trying to compete with a young rotation. One or two more Dickey/Buehrle types would be great in the rotation right now, rather than praying Sanchez and Norris 1) stay healthy and 2) contribute right away.

 

Estrada should be in the rotation for that reason alone. Young pitchers should be depth.

[baseballsss]

Wheeler needing TJS is why I don't like the idea of trying to compete with a young rotation. One or two more Dickey/Buehrle types would be great in the rotation right now, rather than praying Sanchez and Norris 1) stay healthy and 2) contribute right away.

 

Estrada should be in the rotation for that reason alone. Young pitchers should be depth.

 

 

How are Norris and Sanchez ever going to prove they can pitch if you never give them a chance.

[S33n]

Who the hell is Natalie Kills lol

 

A whore.

[Governator]

Can someone explain how Hendriks has not had better success in the majors thus far? I mean his minor league career has had such legit numbers it's hard to think he couldn't translate that in to at least a 5th usable starter at this level. His BB/9 alone is beyond excellent, his K/9 is about average. He's only had 34 scattered starts in the majors over 4 seasons. Do you think a full season he could iron things out? Maybe with a noncontender (Didn't work out with the Twins mind you a few years back).

[BTS]

Can someone explain how Hendriks has not had better success in the majors thus far? I mean his minor league career has had such legit numbers it's hard to think he couldn't translate that in to at least a 5th usable starter at this level. His BB/9 alone is beyond excellent, his K/9 is about average. He's only had 34 scattered starts in the majors over 4 seasons. Do you think a full season he could iron things out? Maybe with a noncontender (Didn't work out with the Twins mind you a few years back).

 

Might be one of those guys like Jesse Chavez that just needs a chance. Wouldn't surprise me at all if Hendriks put up 1-2 wins in a full season.

[HERPDERP]

Can someone explain how Hendriks has not had better success in the majors thus far? I mean his minor league career has had such legit numbers it's hard to think he couldn't translate that in to at least a 5th usable starter at this level. His BB/9 alone is beyond excellent, his K/9 is about average. He's only had 34 scattered starts in the majors over 4 seasons. Do you think a full season he could iron things out? Maybe with a noncontender (Didn't work out with the Twins mind you a few years back).

 

Some guys have good enough stuff for the minors. But against MLB pitching they don't have the appropriate stuff or breadth of repertoire to succeed. Hendriks seems to be a guy like this. This is where scouting trumps sabermetrics.

 

If you want an example of someone recent, take a look at Brad Mills. The guy led the PCL in K's in his last year with us and had solid BB/K and K/9 ratios. But you knew from watching him that his assortment of pitches weren't going to make a difference in the bigs.

[Angrioter]

Can someone explain how Hendriks has not had better success in the majors thus far? I mean his minor league career has had such legit numbers it's hard to think he couldn't translate that in to at least a 5th usable starter at this level. His BB/9 alone is beyond excellent, his K/9 is about average. He's only had 34 scattered starts in the majors over 4 seasons. Do you think a full season he could iron things out? Maybe with a noncontender (Didn't work out with the Twins mind you a few years back).

 

Might be one of those guys like Jesse Chavez that just needs a chance. Wouldn't surprise me at all if Hendriks put up 1-2 wins in a full season.

 

Send him to: Angels Stadium, Safeco, Petco or Coliseum, and you will have a nice performance.

[RealAccountant]

Can someone explain how Hendriks has not had better success in the majors thus far? I mean his minor league career has had such legit numbers it's hard to think he couldn't translate that in to at least a 5th usable starter at this level. His BB/9 alone is beyond excellent, his K/9 is about average. He's only had 34 scattered starts in the majors over 4 seasons. Do you think a full season he could iron things out? Maybe with a noncontender (Didn't work out with the Twins mind you a few years back).

 

You wouldn't say that if you watched the games and watched him pitch last year but I think most people here follow stats and don't actually watch the games

[KingKat]

Is Hendriks even going to get any starts? Even with Stroman out, we haven't heard much about him as a starting option. Seems like the Jays only want to use him as a bullpen option which is a little weird for a career starting pitcher who is out of options and for whom you just traded. I guess the Jays just like him as a bullpen option.

[flafson]

Wheeler needing TJS is why I don't like the idea of trying to compete with a young rotation. One or two more Dickey/Buehrle types would be great in the rotation right now, rather than praying Sanchez and Norris 1) stay healthy and 2) contribute right away.

 

Estrada should be in the rotation for that reason alone. Young pitchers should be depth.

 

If they are going to get hurt, it will happen no matter where they play, might as well let them prove themselves and give you cheap quality innings.

[glory]

Is Hendriks even going to get any starts? Even with Stroman out, we haven't heard much about him as a starting option. Seems like the Jays only want to use him as a bullpen option which is a little weird for a career starting pitcher who is out of options and for whom you just traded. I guess the Jays just like him as a bullpen option.

 

I'm legit surprised he's not being talked about as a rotation option right now. A 4/5 tandem of Estrada and Hendriks isn't going to light the world on fire but might be the best internal option available depending on whether you want to keep Norris down until May for service time reasons.

[G-Snarls]

Is Hendriks even going to get any starts? Even with Stroman out, we haven't heard much about him as a starting option. Seems like the Jays only want to use him as a bullpen option which is a little weird for a career starting pitcher who is out of options and for whom you just traded. I guess the Jays just like him as a bullpen option.

 

I'm guessing they see him as a longman out of the pen and would be first in line to start if someone lands on the DL.

[glory]

If they are going to get hurt, it will happen no matter where they play, might as well let them prove themselves and give you cheap quality innings.

 

True but young pitchers get hurt so frequently that you shouldn't count on too many of them if you want to contend. Stroman and Hutchison with three veterans was a decent mix. Now it's two veterans, Hutchison, and two complete wild cards (Norris and Sanchez most likely). If one or both struggle or get hurt, it will be a huge blow to the team's already dwindling chances.

 

I'd much rather have a vet there to bridge the gap.

[flafson]

True but young pitchers get hurt so frequently that you shouldn't count on too many of them if you want to contend. Stroman and Hutchison with three veterans was a decent mix. Now it's two veterans, Hutchison, and two complete wild cards (Norris and Sanchez most likely). If one or both struggle or get hurt, it will be a huge blow to the team's already dwindling chances.

 

I'd much rather have a vet there to bridge the gap.

 

Estrada isn't going anywhere though, if someone gets hurt, he comes into the rotation.

The only down side is he may not be as stretched when needed but that will change after a couple of starts max.

[NorthOf49]

I've always believed in Hendriks. He deserves a chance.

[Governator]

You wouldn't say that if you watched the games and watched him pitch last year but I think most people here follow stats and don't actually watch the games

 

I only watched about 140+ of their games last year... wtf are you talking about? I also saw each of his games as a Jay. It's a legit question.

[HERPDERP]

I would have to disagree. And Mills is a terrible example.

1. When was he ever really good in the minors?

2. He was given only 74 IP over 5 seasons. Totally enough to know he couldn't be a big league pitcher right?

 

-He had 2-3 good milb seasons for us. ERA looks nasty but you know that's not the best identifier. His peripherals looked good in a hitters league

 

-You want to keep throwing away MLB innings to shitballers? And we brought him up when was 24, so there wasn't a lot of time to wait around. And his stuff certainly isn't good enough to wait for him.

[BTS]

Mills was really fun to watch though. I always wanted him to be successful.

[NorthOf49]

The guy is a flyball pitcher (usually deep flyballs from what I've seen) in a hitters park, he should not be anywhere near this team.

You've seen a 4.16 xFIP with excellent control indicators. He's not an extreme fly ball guy either (career 40.1% GB% is fine).

[RealAccountant]

I only watched about 140+ of their games last year... wtf are you talking about? I also saw each of his games as a Jay. It's a legit question.

 

How did the Game in cincy go? All his starts were awful but Tampa and Oakland he got away with it. Even those were 1 line drive after another

 

This guy does not have mlb stuff

[King]

Victor Sanchez is still in a coma from his injury being struck in the head by a boat propeller on February 14th. Still in critical condition.

[jaysfan2014]

Starting to question the Red Sox rotation.. Masterson and Miley were lit up yesterday, and Joe Kelly, who thinks he can win the Cy Young, is getting hit hard vs. the Mets. Wonder if this will fire up the Hamels rumors again.. if their rotation pitches this poorly in the regular season (which is possible as these pitchers are now close to stretched out. and no longer working on stuff.)

[King]

Starting to question the Red Sox rotation

 

You were always questioning the Red Sox rotation.

[jaysfan2014]

You were always questioning the Red Sox rotation.

 

As were most of the fans.. oh and BTW, Kelly just got hurt:

 

[King]

Jim Bowden ESPN Insider article on 5 trades that "need to happen"

 

1. Los Angeles Angels acquire 2B Chase Utley from the Philadelphia Phillies for 2B Alex Yarbrough and P Victor Alcantara

The Angels have quite the competition going on right now for the second-base starting job between Grant Green, Josh Rutledge, Johnny Giavotella, Taylor Featherston and Yarbrough. But one thing that has become obvious is none of these guys is close to filling the vacancy left by the traded Howie Kendrick, especially for a team expecting to contend for a World Series title. The Angels also need another left-handed bat to lengthen and better balance their lineup.

http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/headshots/mlb/players/full/5383.png&w=65&h=90&scale=crop&background=0xcccccc&transparent=falseTheir perfect solution is Utley. The Phillies are clearly in rebuilding mode, and I would think Utley would waive his no-trade rights for the chance to go to a team that led the American League in wins last year.

The Phillies obviously would be looking for a package of prospects to help them rebuild, and a package centered on Yarbrough and Alcantara should get the deal done for both sides. Yarbrough has good upside as a hitter -- he led the Texas League in hits and doubles in 2014 -- and Alcantara has a power arm and was invited to the MLB Futures Game last July.

2. San Francisco Giants acquire LF Allen Craig from Boston Red Sox for LHP Ty Blach

http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/headshots/mlb/players/full/30399.png&w=65&h=90&scale=crop&background=0xcccccc&transparent=falseThe Giants are at their payroll limit and have no intention of going above it, at least not yet. But with Hunter Pence down six to eight weeks because of a broken arm and Pablo Sandoval manning third base for the Red Sox, they sure could use another versatile bat. Craig can play first base, both corner outfield spots and possibly a little at third base. Just two years ago, he led the major leagues in hitting with runners in scoring position, and there's no doubt in my mind that a return to the NL and work with the Giants' coaching staff could help him regain the form he had with the Cardinals in 2013.

The Red Sox likely would have to eat much of Craig's salary, but it makes sense to lessen the logjam of outfielders, especially if they can get a left-handed reliever like Blach with upside and options remaining in return.

3. Reds sign Johnny Cueto to a six-year, $164 million extension (or something close to that)

http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/headshots/mlb/players/full/28955.png&w=65&h=90&scale=crop&background=0xcccccc&transparent=falseThe Reds committed long-term contracts to Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Brandon Phillips and Homer Bailey, but all of them should have been below Cueto on their priority list. Cueto is a true No. 1 starter, and without him, the Reds would have very little chance of remaining in the NL Central race and getting to the postseason.

The contracts given to Jon Lester and Max Scherzer certainly didn't help the Reds' negotiating position, but they should be able to get some form of a discount since it's a year before Cueto hits free agency.

If the Reds can't extend him by Opening Day, they should call the Yankees, Red Sox and Dodgers and start the trade talks early, with hopes of dealing Cueto by the July trade deadline.

4. Toronto Blue Jays acquire RP Jonathan Papelbon and cash from Phillies in exchange for SS Richard Urena and LHP Ryan Borucki

http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/headshots/mlb/players/full/6373.png&w=65&h=90&scale=crop&background=0xcccccc&transparent=falseThe Blue Jays were dealt a blow last week when Marcus Stroman suffered a season-ending knee injury. One option they have is moving Aaron Sanchez from their bullpen to the rotation to not only take Stroman's place but to continue to develop him as a starter, his expected future role. To do that, a trade for Papelbon to secure the ninth inning -- with Brett Cecil handling the eighth inning -- makes a lot of sense.

The Phillies are ready to hand the closer role over to Ken Giles, and if they get the right prospect package offered to them for Papelbon, they should pull the trigger. The Phillies likely would have to pay some of Papelbon's salary, but a return of lefty-hitting shortstop Richard Urena and lefty pitcher Ryan Borucki should be enough incentive to get a deal done.

5. Marlins sign LF Christian Yelich to a five-year, $36 million contract extension, with a club option that brings the deal to six years and $49 million if vested

http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/headshots/mlb/players/full/31283.png&w=65&h=90&scale=crop&background=0xcccccc&transparent=falseYelich has one of the best left-handed strokes in baseball and hasn't even approached his potential yet. He already has won a Gold Glove Award and someday will add a Silver Slugger Award to his mantel. His .284/.362/.402 slash line in 2014 was impressive for his first full year in the majors, and it'll only get better as he hits his prime years. His power also should come in time, though with that ballpark it probably will be in the form of more doubles and triples than homers. He also has 30-steal potential if he were to run more.

The contract numbers above are in the ballpark of what he should get, using both Starling Marte's and Jedd Gyorko's contracts as comparables and factoring in Yelich's immense upside. For many different reasons, it would be huge for the Marlins to tie him up prior to Opening Day.

 

 

 

 

 

Urena + Borucki for Papelbon and cash

 

gross

[KingKat]

Urena + Borucki for Papelbon and cash

 

gross

 

I like Urena but I might still do that if it's A LOT of cash. Papelbon could be an elite setup guy (don't want to trigger his clause so Cecil would still have to close).

[HERPDERP]

When I saw Cueto I expected it to be related to the Jays, with some absurd deal like Cueto for Sanchez, Norris, & Hoffman

[jaysfan2014]

Owens is better than Kelly anyways.

 

But he won't be ready until June at least.. he hasn't pitched much above AA yet, and needs some time in AAA Pawtucket. Wright(a knuckleballer) would be the next callup on the depth chart.

[TwistedLogic]

Urena + Borucki for Papelbon and cash

 

gross[/font][/color]

 

How is that gross? You're talking about two guys that are barely C prospects for one of the greatest relief aces in the game... He's been consistently excellent for literally every single season since 2006.