As soon as the new MLBAM data collection is rolled out to all the parks, we should start to get a pretty accurate idea of fielding ability. Right now we make do with the best we have, but it really is lacking in general.
Yeah, really how many times would it actually be viable strategy, except to MAYBE swap a fast runner for a slower one (at the expense of a LOT of added risk in messing the play up). Bases loaded or runners first and second with a shallow fly to left or center are really the only scenarios where it might have a chance, and by the time the fielder picked up the ball it seems unlikely they'd turn it unless the runners have a brain cramp.
Players always seem to find creative ways to get injured - Dugout steps, spiders, recliners, blenders, etc.
Feel bad for Izzy and hope he recovers fully. Hate seeing any player get hurt. Traded or DFA'd is another matter of course.
Why not an equal lottery involving all teams that don't make the playoffs, then reverse order for the rest? It would ensure that no one has reason to tank, and no one gets a late season matchup with someone trying to make the bottom 5 or 6.
I doubt it's an issue in terms of dividing a clubhouse. Lawrie is working with EE to learn to do video preparation, and Gump and Lind seem really happy and get along well with everyone by all appearances. The Dominicans all seem to be buying into Seitzer's hitting philosophy, and even Bautista is looking to hit the ball the other way in certain counts so there doesn't seem to be problems on that end either.
They may simply call up Gausman, unless they really want to keep him in the minors another 2.5 months or whatever for service time. Seems questionable if they really plan to compete, since he probably dwarfs anyone else they can bring up.