OFFICIAL OFF SEASON THREAD ( 2017 )

[Kelleyman]

You can say the same thing about this guy.

Both know how to strike oil. Ha

 

[Duane1952]

It looks like the Marlins are going to sign Edinson Volquez. 2 years for 22 million.

 

[saddles]

It looks like the Marlins are going to sign Edinson Volquez. 2 years for 22 million.

It seems like that is about the going rate for a bottom of the rotation type guy.

 

[saddles]

Teams May Skip Winter Meetings If CBA Talks Don't Progress

 

[Bmurph]

It seems like that is about the going rate for a bottom of the rotation type guy.

And there is a possible labor issue that could derail baseball momentarily, WTF. These guys make more money than most pro athletes

 

[saddles]

International draft, roster size in CBA talks

Roster expansion

The long-criticized September roster rules that allow teams to carry as many as 40 players -- thereby giving clubs bloated bullpens and benches that often slow the late innings to a crawl and impact many of the most important games of the season schedule -- are expected to be addressed in the new CBA.

But because limiting the number of players eligible to be activated in September would inherently impact the number of players accruing valuable big league service time, many in the industry are expecting a compromise in which the pre-September rosters are expanded from 25 to 26. Some teams are actively planning with that possibility in mind.

This would have a fascinating effect not just on club construction but game management. At a time when baseball has put a strong emphasis on improving pace of play, there is some concern that a 26th roster spot would simply expand bullpens and give managers yet another reason to make a time-consuming pitching change and yet another weapon to curb run production.

On the flip side, as one National League executive pointed out, some teams could use the spot to inject energy into the proceedings with, perhaps, a dedicated speedster who serves as a late-inning basestealing threat.

For now, the real looming threat is that late Wednesday night deadline, which is fast-approaching, putting the Hot Stove in an apparent simmer mode and greatly accelerating the intensity of negotiations.

 

[saddles]

I think this kind of over-attention to walks is what is making a lot of the baseball analysis being done today worthless.

 

[PhantomWarrior]

Hey all. Good to see the home fires still burning here.

 

[saddles]

There are some interesting names being discussed in this article about guys being available via trade. Guys like Jose Abreu, David Robertson, and Billy Hamilton.
Olney's Latest: Hamilton, Napoli, Sale, CBA

 

[saddles]

 

[saddles]

 

[saddles]

 

[saddles]

Nick Martinez enjoys success in winter ball

Rangers pitcher Nick Martinez has returned from the Dominican Republic and he brought back a 23-inning scoreless streak with him...

Martinez spent six weeks with the Toros and made seven starts. He finished 3-3 with a 2.53 ERA, allowing 25 hits and 10 walks in 32 innings while striking out 15. He did not give up a run in his last four starts and 23 innings.


Martinez gave much credit to Toros pitching coach Stan Kyles. Martinez said they focused on how best to navigate through an opposing lineup 2-3 times a game.


"We talked about the mindset you need to pitch the second and third time through the lineup and how to pitch effectively down in the zone," Martinez said. "We broke it down in three parts. The first time, attack with the fastball, the second time, change speeds and get them off the fastball, the third time, you can't let yourself get beat with anything up in the air."


Kyles, who is the Pirates' Triple-A pitching coach, was obviously well-briefed by the Rangers. In his Major League career with the Rangers, Martinez has allowed a .283 batting average the first time through a lineup and a .240 average the second time. His opponents' batting average jumps up to .330 when he goes through the lineup a third time.


"It's not always clear cut, you have to make adjustments throughout the game, but I had a great time working with him," Martinez said. "I used all that information and applied it to my game."

 

[True Rangers Fan]

This whole 2016 was a statistical anomaly. Best record in the AL, but crap run differential and swept in ALDS.

 

[True Rangers Fan]

Lots of chatter about Encarnacion landing in Houston.

Fuck me.

 

[saddles]

There are four teams heavily pursuing free-agent lefty Rich Hill, according to ESPN.com’s Jim Bowden. The Yankees, Dodgers, Rangers, and Astros are all said to be chasing down a pitcher who is arguably the best available on this year’s market. Also joining pursuit are the Red Sox and Orioles, per the report, though it seems their interest is less robust.

Latest On Market For Rich Hill

 

[saddles]

 

[Nightcrawler]

Sounds like the Astros are in on errbody lately

 

[donaldson79]

I know many don't care for Evan Grant. But this article has some decent rationale as to "considering" the move.

Why Rangers should consider transitioning Matt Bush to starter | SportsDay

 

[DT LUNA]

I know many don't care for Evan Grant. But this article has some decent rationale as to "considering" the move.

Why Rangers should consider transitioning Matt Bush to starter | SportsDay

Interesting but for me, I say no. 2017 has too many holes to fill before we return to a a serious contender again. Therefore, not to be negative but gambling with a quality reliever like Matt is not worth the risk.