Frayed Knot

Boston's "multi-year" signing of former NYM Chris Young (the black OF, not the tall, white RHP) is interesting in that they already seemed a bit crowded out there before this acquistion. Papi says he's retiring after 2016 which would open up the DH slot but that's still a year away and Panda should be ready for that spot by then anyway. Hanley Ramirez, Mookie Betts, Rusney Castillo (L, C, R) spent the most time out there this past season although Jackie Bradley (65 starts across all 3 positions) and super-utility guy Brock Holt logged significant OF starts too. So even with the late-season shedding of Shane Victoino & Alejandro de Aza they've still got the first five guys still on the active roster and now Young makes six. They are, of course, looking for pitching. Ramirez -- everyone knows they'd love to dump him, his attitude, and mainly the $95 still owed him over the next four seasons. Ill-suited for the OF, if he couldn't (or wouldn't) handle the hybrid IF/OF position that is LF in Fenway then he's even less well suited for CitiField. I think he'd like to go back to SS but I believe that ship has long since sailed. If he stays w/Boston it's likely to be a 1B where they were trying to break him in late last season. Oh yeah and he gets hurt a lot: averaging 106 G/350 ABs over last three seasons. Betts -- 23 y/o and just coming off his first full season. Has a bat (68 XBHs) speed and a glove. Probably the one they'd most like to hold onto. Castillo -- Cuban emigre who turns 28 in mid-2016, he was signed to a big deal in summer 2014 but is only slowly adjusting to ML life and brings a typical Cuban free-swinging approach [.253/.288/.359 over 273 ABs]. Owed $72.5 mil over the next five years although he can opt out on his own after 2019. Would be a high-risk gamble for a team to take on. Bradley -- Will turn 26 in April. .213/.290/.345 across 700 ABs over parts of 3 seasons to date. A true CF glove though almost certainly slots in behind Betts if he stays in Boston. Bats Left if you're thinking of a Lagares platoon. Were his better hitting stats this season [.249/.335/.498] a sign of things to come? Holt -- Played more IF then OF but has done everything except pitch & catch which has given him two full-ish years (900 ABs for 2014-15) despite not having a position to call his own. .280/.340/.380 ('14 & '15 combined). Not a lot of power, gets the "scrappy" label (cuz he's versatile & white) and was Boston's lone All-Star this year. Bats left. Turns 28 in mid-2016

Would be pretty kooky if "multi" year meant more than two in his case.

In 10 ML seasons -- 7 full-time + 3 partials -- Zobrist has logged the equivalent of one-plus year as a SS [196 games started - 167 complete games] But more than half of his time there (109 starts) came in his first three seasons [2006-08] as a 25, 26 & 27 y/o. Since then he's logged no time at all there in some years ('10, '11, & '15) and more than 25 starts only once (47 in 2012) which gives you the idea that he was looked at more as an emergency/injury fill-in than anything else. And, just as a reminder, he turns 35 in May when he'll be in Month #2 of a deal running three years at minimum and quite likely four. Which isn't to say that you don't talk to him or about him, just don't do so with the idea that he's going to solve our SS dilemma. Ideally he'd be your 3rd option there.

I like how DAN-TASTIC is currently shutting out DANTASTIC. That either indicates that the photography is much better or that we're really big fans of hyphens around here.

BAM!!! The first big FA signing of the year falls as the Tigers take back an ace from the Nats one year after losing one to them. The word on Zimmermannnn was always that he's a small-town homebody destined to move back at least near his native Wisconsin even if not all the way to the smaller-market Brewers. Might have been a good get for the up-and-coming (maybe) Twins but I don't know that he was in their price range.

He always looked to me like the more clean-cut and civilized cousin of L'il Abner. But by simply throwing a pair of beat-up overalls on him and having him grow his hair a bit longer and shaggier and your casting dilemma for your community theatre version of Al Capp's musical has solved itself.

Ashie62 wrote: He was so bad a year or two ago his ladder was cracking. 1) No he wasn't. 2) Even if he was, that's why you don't make final decisions on teenagers playing in the low minors. The questions around Smith have been about his lack of HR output. But, while he may be destined never to develop the kind of pop seen in top 1B-men, power is often the last thing to come around with a prospect. In the meantime, while playing in parks known to severely hamper left-handed power (Savannah & PSL), he's been getting hits (.290 career BA to date), getting his doubles (59 over two seasons), getting on base (.350+ OBAs), and playing good defense. I'll take that from a guy who won't turn 21 until the middle of next season playing in leagues where he's usually been ~2.5 years younger than the average position player.

More on Dom Smith. This from BA who had him on their top AFL prospects list. While Smith verges on earning the dreaded “bad body” label, he silenced any doubts about his hitting ability in the AFL with a strong .362/.483/.511 batting line. Scouts who observed the bulky lefthanded hitter earlier in his minor league career were pleased to see a more confident hitter capable of pulling the ball better and turning on pitches, and expect that Smith’s long-awaited power is about to emerge. He has a picturesque swing, with the power in his hands and wrists allowing him to make hard contact to all fields, and he showed solid plate discipline with 12 walks in 60 plate appearances. Smith grades as a plus defender at first base, with good hands and enough agility around the bag. He missed a couple of weeks with an oblique injury but made it back to the Salt River lineup for the last few games of the fall season.

dinosaur jesus wrote: ... Papelbon is Norman French for Nice Tits. As I've long suspected.

Maybe it's just something about former NYM GMs turned media guys cuz I remember Steve Phillips (I wonder where he is these days?) back when he was an ESPN talking head concocting a deal for the Nats to deal away the then recently drafted Steven Strasburg for some expensive veteran help, maybe Cliff Lee. Of course it wasn't known then how quickly Lee's career was to fall off the cliff but, even with Strasburg losing a year+ to TJ surgery, that still would have been an egghead move for the then not-yet competitive Nationals to make.

To me it's a race between '[u:yytdebkb]Yanx Bats, Pen Fail Tanaka[/u:yytdebkb]' and '[u:yytdebkb]Loose Dentures?[/u:yytdebkb]'

The Sickels List Overall this system has thinned out mainly due to graduations. There remains a quite of bit of potential particularly at the lower levels and the Mets obviously put a great deal of focus on up-the-middle defense. I like the Latin American signings of Gimenez and Guerrero but the Mets have also done good work developing guys with lower bonuses and less press into useful assets. 1) Steven Matz, LHP, Grade A-/A: Age 24, 2.05 ERA with 107/34 K/BB in 105 innings in minors, 2.27 ERA with 34/10 K/BB in 36 innings in the majors plus work in the post-season. A great story, hometown boy who overcame injuries, major league ready. Only question really is durability but most recent injury was not arm-related. 2) Dominic Smith, 1B, Grade B: Age 20, hit .305/.354/.417 with 33 doubles, six homers, 35 walks, 75 strikeouts in 456 at-bats in High-A. Strong feel for hitting with good defensive reviews, main doubt remains power projection but has made some progress. Still draws James Loney comps. 3) Amed Rosario, SS, Grade B: Age 20, hit .253/.302/.329 with 23 walks, 78 strikeouts in 395 at-bats in High-A. Bat is not very good right now but he is quite young, glove looks very strong, will need to boost OBP skills and/or increase power but young enough for that to happen. 4) Gavin Cecchini, SS, Grade B-: Age 21, hit .317/.377/.442 in Double-A, bat is improving but defense has stagnated and there’s some talk now he may have to switch to second base. Interesting how his reputation has changed from good-field-no-hit to good-hit-?-field over the last two years. 5) Brandon Nimmo, OF, Grade B-: Age 22, hit .269/.362/.372 between Double-A and Triple-A. Power is not developing but he gets on base. Looking more and more like a platoon/role player but that can still have value. 6) Wuilmer Becerra, OF, Grade B-: Age 21, hit .290/.342/.423 with nine homers, 16 steals, 33/96 BB/K in 449 at-bats in Low-A. Solid right field tool set and growing into his power, I think he is a breakout candidate for 2016. 7) Desmond Lindsay, Of, Grade B-/C+: Projection pick, age 18, second round pick in 2015, hit .263/.364/.386 in 114 at-bats between rookie ball and New York-Penn League. High-ceiling player with raw power, speed, strong overall tools, another right field candidate who will need time to develop but could be a multi-category regular. 8) Marcos Molina, RHP, Grade C+/B-: Age 20, all the rage a year ago after 2014 domination of NY-P but missed much of 2015 with injuries, posted 4.57 ERA with 36/11 K/BB in 41 innings in High-A. Second-best pitching arm in the system behind Matz but questions about durability, long-term role preclude a higher grade at this time. 9) Milton Ramos, SS, Grade C+: Age 20, hit .317/.341/.415 in Appalachian League, third round pick in 2014, superior defensive ability at shortstop and hit for average this year, lacks distance power, part of Mets focus to stay strong up the middle with gloves. 10) Luis Carpio, SS, Grade C+: Age 18, hit .304/.372/.359 in Appy League, another defense-oriented player though likely to wind up at second base eventually. Another contact hitter lacking present power but young enough to get better. 11) Ali Sanchez, C, Grade C+: Age 18, Venezuelan catcher hit .278/.339/.315 in rookie ball, threw out almost 50% of runners with very low error and passed ball rates, glove draws raves and may hit eventually. 12) Chris Flexen, RHP, Grade C+: Age 21, Tommy John recovery guy easy to overlook, posted 1.87 ERA with 33/7 K/BB in 34 innings in Low-A after returning in August, looks fully recovered at this stage. A major sleeper before he got hurt and has regained that status with renewed health. 13) Eudor Garcia, 3B, Grade C+: Age 21, hit .296/.340/.442 with nine homers, 22 walks, 95 strikeouts in 398 at-bats in Low-A, third round pick in 2014 from El Paso Community College. Defensive projection, strike zone judgment are questions but one of the highest ceiling bats in the system. Could rank as high as nine. 14) Andres Gimenez, SS, Grade C+: Venezuelan shortstop signed for $1,200,000, hasn’t played yet, many experts rated him as the top Venezuelan talent available last year, has a chance to stay at shortstop and is expected to hit for average with a chance for moderate power. 15) Gregory Guerrero, SS, Grade C+: Dominican shortstop signed for $1,500,000, cousin of Vlad Guerrero Jr who signed with Blue Jays, Gregory doesn’t have the same kind of bat but is still expected to hit for average with decent power and more defensive versatility. Could slot at second for a high-ceiling DP combo with Gimenez. 16) Akeel Morris, RHP, Grade C+: Age 23, posted 2.05 ERA with 81/29 K/BB in 61 inning between High-A and Double-A, walked three in one major league innings. No question about velocity and K/IP isn’t lying about his stuff but walks obviously a big factor, could close eventually if he can solve the control issue. 17) Jeff McNeil, INF, Grade C+: Age 23, 12th round pick in 2013 from Long Beach State, hit .312/.373/.382 with 16 steals in High-A. Very good glove, versatile, scrappy type, hits from left side, career .305/.375/.389 hitter. Utility projection but not impossible he could exceed that. 18) Matt Reynolds, SS, Grade C+/C: Age 24, hit disappointing .267/.31/.402 in Triple-A after hitting .333/.385/.479 at the same level in 2014. Another utility projection with versatile glove you can play just about anywhere, bat not as good as it looked in ’14 but could probably hit .250 and hold a bench job. 19) Max Wotell, LHP, Grade C+/C: Age 19, third round pick from North Carolina high school this year, posted 2.53 ERA with 16/9 K/BB in 11 innings in rookie ball. Long way off, but projectable type that the Mets have had good luck with in the past. 20) Jhoan Urena, 3B, Grade C+/C: Age 21, hit disappointing .222/.274/.302 between High-A and rookie ball rehab, missed much of season with a wrist injury and hit very poorly after returning. Was much better when healthy in 2014 (.300/.356/.431 in NY-P). Could rebound. FK: Lots of lower-level potential-types particularly in middle of the diamond positions, the kinds who are still a ways off and could swing wildly in either direction over the next few years. Some of the discussion/comments at the end are worth reading for some more detail and as a reminder that opinions vary and none of this stuff is etched in stone.

Edgy MD wrote: Sure, but A-Rod was getting the kind of money in 2003 that this guy will see in the 2020's. Taking the "million" away. If the Mets think Curtis Granderson is worth $16, is it unfathomable that Joey Votto is worth $25? As is usually the case with these type of contracts, it's not the per/year figures that gives me pause it's the length. If that's a four, five, or maybe even six year deal going forward at those same numbers then I'd have a different take on things.

Ceetar wrote: This would be the same interview Van Slyke said Kershaw wants Puig off the team. Which kind of puts his own son on the spot since folks are going to assume that that's where Papa Van Slyke is getting his info. He'd be better off reining in his mouth a bit if he wants another job anytime soon. Although to be fair, this is hardly the only story which indicates that Puig's act has grown thin in La-La Land, even amongst the players.

Just not big on dealing a top pitcher PLUS committing $200 million* in escalating per/year salaries to a guy starting the season in which he turns 33 and moves to a less hitter-friendly park. * $199 over eight seasons including the buyout option that gets you out of year nine - otherwise $212/9

If Seattle swallowed half the money I'd think about it ... and then I'd say no. Did you see what former Seattle hitting coach Andy Van Slyke had to say about Cano recently? Worst #3 hitter in baseball; sucked on 'D'; doesn't hustle; was essentially responsible for the manager and coaches getting fired, etc. Maybe a bit of post-job anger from AVS -- who, to be fair, is not a guy who has to worry about his acceptance speech to MENSA -- but it's been a long time since I heard a prominent player taken apart like that.

Edgy MD wrote: Why not him? Because he's already 32 y/o and the deal has nearly a full decade to go.

Pushing back on some of these. - No to Bautista. Already 35 y/o and can walk after next season - I'd back off Votto too because I like to think we're doing this exercise with real life conditions in mind. 32 y/o with NINE years still to go on a @ $20mil/per contract, that's a bigger risk than Stanton's deal. - Bryant? - Maybe, but you'd be taking a chance on a guy with ONE year under his belt and 200 Ks. Hopefully he adjusts to pitchers quicker than the other way around, but that's a helluva risk. - Bogaerts - Hope we'd be getting the 2015 model and not the 2014

themetfairy wrote: Bryce Harper Looked at one way, the swapping two high-maintainence Boras clients who would be free to walk three seasons from now doesn't really solve the "problems" that getting rid of Harvey is designed to accomplish. But on an overall basis, yeah, I guess you'd want the everyday player over the pitcher.

OK, so let's put it out there then: If you were to trade Harvey this winter, [u:kzsqt8m7]What Player[/u:kzsqt8m7] would you want back in a [u:kzsqt8m7]Straight Up[/u:kzsqt8m7] deal?

Lefty Specialist wrote: Not. Going. Anywhere. I. Agree. Entirely.

Dave Roberts -- of 2004 ALCS SB fame -- hired to run the multi-million dollar outfit that is the Los Angeles Dodgers TEAMMANAGERSIGNED THRUSTATUSHiredMETSTerry Collins2017Two Year Extension - Nov '1511/23/2010BRAVESFredi Gonzalez201510/13/2010PHILLIESPete MacKanin2016Interim tag removed for 20166/29/15NATIONALSMatt Williams2017Dusty Baker Hired - 2 year deal11/4/2015MARLINSDan Jennings2019Don Mattingly Hired - 4 year dealNov 2015CARDINALSMike Matheny201711/20/2013PIRATESClint Hurdle2017 + option for �1811/15/2010CUBSJoe Maddon201910/31/2014REDSBryan Price201610/22/2013BREWERSCraig Counsell2015-20175/4/15DODGERSDon Mattingly2016Resigned 10/22/15 -- Dave Roberts hired 11/239/17/2010GIANTSBruce Bochy2016Oct 2006PADRESPat Murphy2015Will not return -- Andy Green hired 11/15/156/15/15DBACKSChip Hale201610/13/2014ROCKIESWalt Weiss201611/7/2012RED SOXJohn Farrell2016Extended thru 201710/20/2012YANKEESJoe Girardi201710/30/2007ORIOLESBuck Showalter20187/28/2010BLUE JAYSJohn Gibbons2015 + option for �1611/20/2012RAYSKevin Cash201912/04/2014TIGERSBrad Ausmus2016 + option for �1711/4/2013INDIANSTerry Francona2016Extended thru 2018 w/options for '19 + �2010/8/2012ROYALSNed Yost20155/13/2010TWINSPaul Molitor201711/4/2014WHITE SOXRobin Ventura201410/6/2011ANGELSMike Scioscia201811/17/1999RANGERSJeff Banister201710/17/2014MARINERSLloyd McClendon201?Fired 10/9/15 - Scott Servais hired10/23/2015ASTROSAJ Hinch2017 + '18 option9/29/2014ATHLETICSBob Melvin20166/9/2011 And somehow I missed (but have just now added) Andy Green being hired by the Padres to replace Bud Black (who's next, Red Schoendienst? ... Vida Blue? ... Roy White?) This oversight is probably due to the fact that I rarely think about the San Diego Padres and have never heard of Andy Green. Apparently he was the bench coach in Arizona recently. I'll take their word for it. That makes next year's slate complete. Or at least it does until the first firing but that probably won't happen prior to opening day.

Frayed Knot wrote: The translation of Gaard into farm (see the discussion of Syndergaard above) -- and likely as the root for the English word Garden -- got me thinking that the name Kierkegaard (as in Danish philosopher Soren) essentially translates to Church Garden. And despite his later in life break with, and criticism of, the church, Soren Kierkegaard was given an official church ceremony upon his death and interned at a church cemetery -- meaning that Kierkegaard was buried in a kierkegaard. That's all, you can go on with your day now. Those of you who paid attention to the above advice from your Unca Frayed were rewarded with the answer to Friday's 'Final Jeopardy' which ended their 'Tournament of Champions' contest. Only one of the three contestants (not the winner) knew the correct answer/question. Category = Philosophers A: His last name means a type of burial place & in 1855 that's where he went. Q: Who is Soren Kierkegaard You're welcome.

Maybe we can judge these by the sports stories that got pushed off the back page by each: US Women's World Cup victory; a NY Giant having his finger amputated.

Zobrist is a hell of a lot better than Murphy and I'm just trying to understand why everyone is underrating him. Not under-rating him, just rating him in the light of a contract that will (most likely) run for multiple years starting the month he turns 35. He's a lower average hitter than Murphy though with better OBP skills and somewhat more power: reached 20 HRs 3 times but two of those years were exactly 20 and hasn't topped 13 since 2012. The one season where he hit 27 is now seven years in the rearview mirror. And, yes, he's a better fielder/runner than Muff but is also a full four years older.