King

This is going to be an awesome series.

....

Thames likely only comes back if he gets a guaranteed MLB deal. He seems to have really embraced South Korea, the culture and language, and is a superstar masher there. No way he comes back to grind it out on a minor league deal.

If there are teams who think he could be a 120 wRC+ guy, yes

We were in on Boone Logan at the trade deadline. I could see us going after him this offseason.

Here is an article on 3B FA Jae-Gyun Hwang http://www.todaysknuckleball.com/around-the-diamonds/jae-gyun-hwang-koreas-next-position-player-import/

The Cubs are doing what JG34 did not.

Depends on what he meant by effective.

Osuna worked, but Castro faultered, was banished to AAA then a throw in to the Rockies headed to Coors field. Without looking at the stats I believe he had 10 or so total innings thrown above short season ball More teams are starting to convert power armed prospect starters to a bullpen role and seeing success. Edwin Diaz, Michael Feliz, Osuna, Carl Edwards, I'm sure there are more

http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/anthony-alfords-using-afl-needed-repetitions/#1xiBsHWP5dxLtqfG.97 MESA, Ariz.—One of the more intriguing stories in the Arizona Fall League involves a former Southeastern Conference college football player now playing outfield in the AFL. No, it’s not that Tebow guy. Anthony Alford, named both Mr. Football and Mr. Baseball for the state of Mississippi in his senior year of high school, was considered as a sure first-round talent in baseball entering the 2012 draft. His insistence that he also wanted to play college football dropped Alford to the third round, where the Blue Jays drafted him and signed him for $750,000 to play baseball in the summers while he played football during the college season. Alford enrolled at Southern Mississippi to play quarterback, beginning a three-year college football career while he also spent part of the next two summers with the Blue Jays’ Rookie-ball affiliate in the Gulf Coast League and a handful of games in 2015 at Rookie-level Bluefield and low Class A Lansing. After starting five games at quarterback at Southern Miss in his freshman year, Alford transferred to Mississippi, where he switched to the defensive backfield. He had to sit out 2013 due to transfer requirements, and after four games in 2014 as a backup safety and punt returner with the Rebels, Alford quit football to concentrate on baseball. “I had just gotten married in July going into the season,” Alford said when asked why he decided to give up football. “I knew I had to make a decision that was best for me, my wife and my family . . . Football was taking a toll on my body. Just going back and forth between baseball and football, I never had an offseason.” After playing winter ball in Australia in 2014, Alford finally got to play a full year in 2015 split between low Class A Lansing and high Class A Dunedin and he was named Toronto’s top prospect. Alford returned to Dunedin for all of 2016, posting a .236/.348/.378 slash line in a year marred by both an early season knee injury and later a concussion, still ranking as the Florida State League’s seventh-best prospect. Alford now brings his collection of plus tools and supreme athleticism to the Arizona Fall League, with the primary goal of getting more at-bats to make up for the lost development time. He’s also seeing action in the outfield corners after primarily playing center field. In addition to the flashy tools, what stands out for Alford is a solid approach at the plate and advanced hitting instincts despite his limited baseball reps. Alford credits a former college player in his native Mississippi, Bernard Williams, as helping him grow during his formative teen years. “I would go to college (games) with him and go to his practices, so I was around it as a kid,” Alford said. “Even though I wasn’t playing much, he was still teaching me a lot about the game . . . He’s like my mentor. I call him my brother.” Mesa hitting coach Larry Day, from the Indians organization, has been working with Alford for only a couple of weeks but has already seen evidence of this solid hitting approach, citing a recent home run on an 0-2 count in a road game against Salt River. “That ball was a rocket,” Day said. “In a disadvantaged count he stayed aggressive and was able to get a good swing off. For him to showcase that he has that ability, now it’s on him and it’s on us as coaches to try and pull it out as consistently as possible.” Alford’s plate appearances are still marked by some extra movement, according to Day, but he continues to work at keeping himself into a good position to hit. “All that extra movement, he’s probably athletic enough to pull those moves off,” Day said. “It’s just a matter of him understanding the timing element as far as an approach . . . He’s going to have to understand that he’s going to have to start on the earlier side of ‘on time’.” Despite the loss of baseball development time, Alford believes he benefited from football, both in the training and athleticism he gained as well as developing the nerves of steel required when playing in front of large crowds like he encountered in the SEC. “I just try to bring my football mentality to the baseball field,” Alford said, “and try to do that every day. When I have my football mentality playing baseball, I feel like I’m at my best.” Now, about that other former SEC football player participating in the AFL this year—Tim Tebow. When their respective teams met at Scottsdale Stadium last week, Alford waited patiently after the game for Tebow to finish signing autographs for the nightly cluster of his fans. He introduced himself to the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner and the two chatted for a few minutes. “You never really get the opportunity to meet somebody like that guy who’s humble like he is,” Alford said. “I don’t get excited to meet a whole bunch of people—I’ve been around people like Brett Favre and a bunch of NFL players—but he’s different. It’s not so much what he’s done on the field, but just how he carried himself and what he stands for. We have a lot of the same characteristics as far as what we value . . . not just as an athlete, but as a man. I’m strong in my faith and it makes me smile just to see him take a stand the way he does. It brings something out of me just to see him playing.” Alford then added about Tebow, “He’s the kind of person that this game needs because a lot of people look up to him . . . I looked up to him growing up playing football. I think he’s going to be fine because he has that competitive nature and he’s a heck of an athlete.”

Thanks for the advice

Afternoon baseball: http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/7617858/v1208894783/live-surprise-saguaros-mesa-solar-sox

Your deleted post made me look like I was talking to myself with the dreaded triple post.

Yes he is.

Eat dicks Sammy.

Ah, he's a free agent. He wouldn't sign here to play 1B, when he could sign somewhere else to play 3B full time.

And this too.

I don't think the Dodgers give him up for cheap.

Atkins Summary - Bautista and EE will receive qualifying offers. Saunders they are still reviewing, said it's not quite as clear. - Assistant hitting coach Eric Owens let go, said his skill set was redundant, they are looking for an "all encompassing offense coach" to replace him as a staff member, but not necessarily his position. - Thinks they have a strong core of players up the middle returning, and that they are focusing on trying to win next year. Thinks they have built a very strong front office and that they have a chance to compete against the best teams. - Offseason priorities will be filling the holes left by free agents leaving. - Grilli's option is a not brainer and will be picked up. - They want to add "more balance, more platoon advantage and potentially more speed" - They will take advantage of the short negotiating window to re-sign Bautista and EE after the World Series. - Atkins see's a very good amount of players available that fit the mold of a 1B/OF type. - Pillar had a thumb injury, Martin knee injury, Donaldson hip injury. Surgery possible for all, but not a guarantee. - Osuna will remain a reliever. - Biagini could be stretched out as a SP in spring training if he is open to it. - Contract extension has been exlored with John Gibbons and talks went well. - " Looking for back-up catcher who can handle our pitching staff, be a leader, give a productive at-bat" - Atkins feels that Pompey, A.J. Jimenez, "AAA relievers" could be ready to contribute in 2017. - They will look to significantly add to the bullpen in the offseason, rule 5 draft, internal options, or free agents. Would be willing to sign a FA reliever to a 3+ year deal if it was right. - "Bautista could be an effective defensive outfielder for a significant period of time" - Doesn't think the minor league system has enough trade chips to make big trades. - Would be open to trading MLB pitching if it brought back MLB ready talent and depth pieces. (like the Hutch trade) - Unsure right now about innings restrictions for Sanchez next year, and that they will try to do a better job of managing his innings at the beginning of the season rather than the middle to end.

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 38s39 seconds ago Atkins: Owens skill set was a bit redundant, not his fault. We'll replace the staff member, maybe not the exact position. #Bluejays #Jays Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 43s43 seconds ago Atkins: Biagini has been so good as a reliever, but if he's open to starting, it's something we have to look at doing. #Bluejays #Jays Arden Zwelling ‏@ArdenZwelling 34s34 seconds ago Atkins says Blue Jays will need to add to their bullpen "significantly" for '17. Will look to free agency, internal arms, rule 5 draft, etc. Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 21s22 seconds ago Atkins: We're trying to win and going to continue to try to win. Can't see how that changes, no matter what Jose & Edwin do. #Bluejays #Jays Scott MacArthur ‏@ScottyMacThinks 22s22 seconds ago Atkins says re-upping Bautista and Encarnacion are "priorities." Plans to use exclusive window after WS to negotiate. #BlueJays #MLB Brendan Kennedy ‏@BKennedyStar 33s34 seconds ago Atkins said the Jays "have to consider" stretching out Joe Biagini as a starter, but multiple factors will go into the final decision. Shi Davidi ‏@ShiDavidi 30s31 seconds ago Mississauga, Ontario GM Ross Atkins says #BlueJays don't have a payroll number yet, expect to have an understanding of where things stand once FA opens up Ben Nicholson-Smith ‏@bnicholsonsmith 20s21 seconds ago Jose Bautista could be an effective defensive outfielder for a "significant period of time," Ross Atkins says #BlueJays Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 7s8 seconds ago Atkins: No reason to believe that Bautista can't be an effective outfielder for the foreseeable future. #Bluejays #Jays Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 17s17 seconds ago Atkins: Absolutely factor in Jose & Edwin's history here. Helps too, to have knowns vs. unknowns. #Bluejays #Jays Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 13s13 seconds ago Atkins won't say if Pillar (thumb) or Donaldson (hip) will require off-season surgery, will address "at right time". #Bluejays #Jays Arden Zwelling ‏@ArdenZwelling 15s15 seconds ago Atkins says Blue Jays will look at Joe Biagini as a starter in spring training if he's open to it. Roberto Osuna is now a reliever for good. Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 33s33 seconds ago Atkins: Need to add to bullpen significantly, though that might not mean significant numbers. #Bluejays #Jays Ben Nicholson-Smith ‏@bnicholsonsmith 12s12 seconds ago #BlueJays will, of course, look to bolster bullpen this winter. Open to 3+ years for the right reliever per Atkins. Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 22s23 seconds ago Atkins: Although I feel better about our minor-league system now, still don't have as much as we'd like to make big trades. #Bluejays #Jays Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 30s31 seconds ago Atkins: We'd be open to trading big-league pitching if we got depth back as well as adding major-league talent. But unlikely #Bluejays #Jays Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 32s32 seconds ago Atkins: Not going to stretch out Osuna because of how difficult he is to replace and length of time he's been relieving. #Bluejays #Jays Scott MacArthur ‏@ScottyMacThinks 21s21 seconds ago Atkins says #BlueJays don't have as many trade chips in minor league system as they would like. #MLB Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 17s17 seconds ago Atkins: Can't say gloves are off Sanchez now, but can't say restrictions either. Will be based on our info as we go. #Bluejays #Jays Scott MacArthur ‏@ScottyMacThinks 36s36 seconds ago Atkins talked about better managing Aaron Sanchez's workload on the "front end." #BlueJays #MLB Arden Zwelling ‏@ArdenZwelling 17s18 seconds ago Finally: Donaldson (hip), Martin (knee), and Pillar (thumb) all facing injury recoveries this offseason. Surgery not ruled out for any. Ben Nicholson-Smith ‏@bnicholsonsmith 27s28 seconds ago Free agent market may suit #BlueJays' needs per Atkins. Weak in starters, which they have. Stronger in OF/1B types, which they need.

Ben Nicholson-Smith ‏@bnicholsonsmith 21s22 seconds ago #BlueJays have no intention of stretching Roberto Osuna out as a starter next spring per Atkins /thread

Ben Nicholson-Smith ‏@bnicholsonsmith 21s22 seconds ago #BlueJays have no intention of stretching Roberto Osuna out as a starter next spring per Atkins Scott MacArthur ‏@ScottyMacThinks 32s32 seconds ago Atkins says #BlueJays' core up the middle (C, 2B/SS, CF) is strong, plus MVP candidate at 3B. #MLB Shi Davidi ‏@ShiDavidi 22s22 seconds ago Mississauga, Ontario Ross Atkins says #BlueJays explored extension with manager John Gibbons. All coaches invited back except for asst. hitting coach Eric Owens Ben Nicholson-Smith ‏@bnicholsonsmith 16s16 seconds ago As for notion that #BlueJays might take a step back, Atkins says "we're trying to win ... I don't see how that changes" Brendan Kennedy ‏@BKennedyStar 46s46 seconds ago Atkins said he doesn't yet have budget for 2017, but he expects to have "enough information" by end of WS to negotiate w/ Bautista & EE. Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 49s50 seconds ago Atkins: Feel great about Dalton Pompey, some of the progress he's made, some of the AAA relievers, A.J. Jimenez. #Bluejays #Jays Scott MacArthur ‏@ScottyMacThinks 49s49 seconds ago Atkins told #BlueJays' beat writers Osuna remains closer. Too hard to replace and he's been doing it for too long. #MLB Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 1m1 minute ago Atkins: Looking for back-up catcher who can handle our pitching staff, be a leader, give a productive at-bat. #Bluejays #Jays Arden Zwelling ‏@ArdenZwelling 58s59 seconds ago John Gibbons is going into final year of his deal. Atkins and Gibbons have had discussions about the future; Atkins says they've gone well. Arden Zwelling ‏@ArdenZwelling 26s27 seconds ago Atkins thinks there are several minor leaguers who could be ready to be Blue Jays in 2017. Mentioned Pompey, Jimenez and triple-A relievers.

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 1m1 minute ago Bucketload of Atkins quotes about to come down, gird thyselves, here they come! #Bluejays #Jays Ben Nicholson-Smith ‏@bnicholsonsmith 1m1 minute ago #BlueJays will qualify both EE and Bautista barring something unforeseen per Ross Atkins Ben Nicholson-Smith ‏@bnicholsonsmith 48s49 seconds ago #BlueJays will let assistant hitting coach Eric Owens go per Ross Atkins. Rest of staff has been asked to return Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 1m1 minute ago Atkins: Really strong core of players up the middle who are returning, plus Donaldson. Culture of expecting to win. #Bluejays #Jays Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 53s53 seconds ago Atkins: Feel really good about our opportunity to get a little bit closer to a championship next year. #Bluejays #Jays Ben Nicholson-Smith ‏@bnicholsonsmith 40s40 seconds ago #BlueJays "still working through" whether to issue Michael Saunders a qualifying offer per Ross Atkins Ben Nicholson-Smith ‏@bnicholsonsmith 40s40 seconds ago #BlueJays "still working through" whether to issue Michael Saunders a qualifying offer per Ross Atkins Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 32s32 seconds ago Atkins: We have built a very strong (front office). Feel like we have an incredible opportunity to compete against anyone. #Bluejays #Jays Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 23s24 seconds ago Atkins: Each day in this seat it's become more tangible and palpable what bringing a championship to Canada would mean. #Bluejays #Jays Gregor Chisholm ‏@gregorMLB 19s20 seconds ago Atkins confirms that entire #BlueJays coaching staff will return with exception of assistant hitting coach Eric Owens. Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 16s17 seconds ago Atkins: Obvious holes will be made by the potential free agents leaving, so those will be our priorities. #Bluejays #Jays Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 35s36 seconds ago Atkins: We were relatively successful in building a balanced team, but not good enough. #Bluejays #Jays Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 6s7 seconds ago Atkins: Grilli's option is realistic and seemingly as close to a no-brainer that you could have. #Bluejays #Jays Ben Nicholson-Smith ‏@bnicholsonsmith 19s20 seconds ago #BlueJays have interest in adding "more balance, more platoon advantage and potentially more speed" per Atkins. Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 28s29 seconds ago Atkins: More balance, more platoon effect and more speed come to mind if offense could be remade the way we wanted. #Bluejays #Jays Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 13s13 seconds ago Atkins: Can't say enough about Edwin, Jose, Saunders, Cecil, etc., but have to look at what's out there. #Bluejays #Jays Brendan Kennedy ‏@BKennedyStar 43s43 seconds ago Ross Atkins stated obvious by saying Jays expect to make qualifying offers to EE & Bautista. On Saunders it's "not quite as clear," he said. Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 21s22 seconds ago Atkins: Edwin and Jose are priorities, we'll look to do everything we can to take advantage of pre-FA window. #Bluejays #Jays Shi Davidi ‏@ShiDavidi 31s32 seconds ago Mississauga, Ontario GM Ross Atkins says #BlueJays will try to take advantage of exclusive negotiating window with FAs with Edwin Encarnacion and Jose Bautista Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 40s41 seconds ago Atkins: Nice to look at free agent market and see number of very good players available in 1B/OF, with offense a priority. #Bluejays #Jays Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 23s24 seconds ago Atkins: Won't give odds on Jose and Edwin returning, but won't characterize them as low. #Bluejays #Jays Shi Davidi ‏@ShiDavidi 16s16 seconds ago Mississauga, Ontario Both Edwin Encarnacion and Jose Bautista will be extended qualifying offers. Still working through decision with Michael Saunders Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 16s16 seconds ago Atkins: Barring anything unforeseen, easiest decision we'll make it to give Jose and Edwin qualifying offers. #Bluejays #Jays Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 33s33 seconds ago Atkins: I would expect that Bautista is motivated to return, based on everything he's told us. #Bluejays #Jays Ben Nicholson-Smith ‏@bnicholsonsmith 25s25 seconds ago Kevin Pillar dealt with a thumb issue this year per Atkins. Will be ready for ST. #BlueJays still gathering info but surgery not ruled out. Arden Zwelling ‏@ArdenZwelling 8s8 seconds ago Entire Blue Jays coaching staff returns for '17 save for Eric Owens. Looking to replace him with an all-encompassing offence focused coach. Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 23s23 seconds ago tkins: Still working through whether to give Saunders a qualifying offer, based on his career, this yr, alternatives, etc. #Bluejays #Jays

http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?player_id=642133#/splits/R/hitting/2016/MINORS Vs LHP 2013 (GCL): 256/396/385 (39 AB) 2014 (Bluefield): 303/439/667 (33 AB) 2015 (LAN): 194/219/274 (62 AB) 2015 (DUN): 300/353/467 (30 AB) 2016 (NH): 264/345/456 (125 AB) Vs RHP 2013 (GCL): 224/280/365 (85 AB) 2014 (Bluefield): 291/339/373 (158 AB) 2015 (LAN): 327/387/494 (208 AB) 2015 (DUN): 267/333/475 (101 AB) 2016 (NH): 310/404/559 (313 AB)

/keithlaw