MLB Spring Training Thread

[MichaelWinicki]

I've closed down the "Offseason" thread and started this one to commemorate the beginning of Spring training which started today...

Comment away!

 

[WPBCowboysFan]

Its Here!

Great time of year!

 

[YosemiteSam]

Baseball sucks, Go Hockey!

 

[Tabascocat]

244 days away from the Mets being crowned WS champions!

 

[MichaelWinicki]

244 days away from the Mets being crowned WS champions!

They could.

I see a lot of folks are picking the Cubs to win the NL... but I think they're a tad over-rated.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

Baseball sucks, Go Hockey!

I'll say both MLB and the NHL has problems with not enough offense. Between the clutching, grabbing and 6'4" goalies covered with padding who seal-up the crease... watching the NHL is like watching soccer anymore.

 

[WPBCowboysFan]

I'll say both MLB and the NHL has problems with not enough offense. Between the clutching, grabbing and 6'4" goalies covered with padding who seal-up the crease... watching the NHL is like watching soccer anymore.

Or like watching paint dry . . . . .

 

[rynochop]

I'll say both MLB and the NHL has problems with not enough offense. Between the clutching, grabbing and 6'4" goalies covered with padding who seal-up the crease... watching the NHL is like watching soccer anymore.

Yeah wasn't that long ago people complained about too much offense in MLB. I don't want every other game being 14-12, but I also don't like almost every game being a 3 and half hour long 2-1 game.

MLB is no where close to the NFL who seemingly are fiddling around with fundamental rules of the game every year in reaction to something, which I'm glad they don't, but, if they lowered the mound that would be something very simple to help with lack of runs.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

Yeah wasn't that long ago people complained about too much offense in MLB. I don't want every other game being 14-12, but I also don't like almost every game being a 3 and half hour long 2-1 game.

MLB is no where close to the NFL who seemingly are fiddling around with fundamental rules of the game every year in reaction to something, which I'm glad they don't, but, if they lowered the mound that would be something very simple to help with lack of runs.

It's the strikeouts that get me. Simply way too many. Not as many walks as what there use to be. Fewer runners on base. Fewer balls put in play.

Net result=fewer runs.

They could lower the mound.

But I'm thinking you're going to see the strike zone reduced from the bottom of the knee to the top of the knee. That will take away the low strike that very few can hit with any authority anyway. Walks will increase and batting averages & runs will improve.

 

[WPBCowboysFan]

EXCLUSIVE

Yankees had deal with Tommy Hunter that fell through
By Joel Sherman

February 18, 2016 | 4:33pm

Former Orioles reliever Tommy HunterPhoto: AP
TAMPA – The Yankees are the lone team not to sign a major league free agent this offseason. But they came close.

The Yankees and reliever Tommy Hunter had reached agreement on a two-year contract for what is believed to be between $11.5 million and $12 million, but the Yankees backed out because they were uncomfortable with the results of Hunter’s physical, The Post has learned.

Brian Cashman refused to discuss anything dealing with Hunter. Hunter’s representative, Michael Moye, did not return multiple phone calls or an email and text sent over the past week.

Hunter underwent core surgery twice this offseason, last on Jan. 7.


http://nypost.com/2016/02/18/yankees-had-deal-with-tommy-hunter-that-fell-through/

 

[WPBCowboysFan]

Roch Kubatko ‏@masnRoch 42m42 minutes ago
Orioles reach agreement with pitcher Yovani Gallardo - School of Roch: SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles have reach... http://******/1oT4BF6

1. Jon Heyman ‏@JonHeyman 1h1 hour ago
   Gallardo deal with +Ks includes option for 4th year. There's some deferral on the 35M
   Jon Heyman ‏@JonHeyman 1h1 hour ago
2. Gallardo, orioles have a deal. $35M, 3 yrs
   

Roch Kubatko Retweeted
Steve Melewski ‏@masnSteve 1h1 hour ago
A 3-yr, $35M deal for Gallardo would bring O's FA spending for the winter to a total of $249.8M.

 

[WPBCowboysFan]

Roch Kubatko ‏@masnRoch 1h1 hour ago
#orioles have been talking to Fowler's agent about 2 year deal for around $24 million, plus an option, per source.

 

[WPBCowboysFan]

Details On Orioles Pursuit Of Dexter Fowler
By Brad Johnson | February 20, 2016 at 6:54pm CST

The Orioles and Dexter Fowler are discussing a two-year, $24MM contract with an option, tweets Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com. No word at this time if the two sides are nearing agreement or have only exchanged parameters.

Fowler, an on base threat with a career .363 OBP, would offer Baltimore much needed outfield and lineup depth. His presence would push Mark Trumbo to a much more comfortable designated hitter role. Fowler would also offer insurance – both in the field and atop the lineup – in case Korean import Hyun-soo Kim struggles to adjust to the majors.

Defensive metrics aren’t always a fan of Fowler’s work afield. For example, he posted -1.7 UZR last season but -21.8 UZR in 2014 (or if you prefer on a rate basis, -36.2 UZR/150). It’s worth noting that he’s spent his entire career in center field. Baltimore would likely use him in right or left field flanking Adam Jones. Even below average center fielders tend to be assets in the corners, and Fowler only needs to outperform the always shaky Trumbo to be a net defensive gain.

As mentioned, Fowler is an on base threat who could help to set the table for Jones,Chris Davis, and Manny Machado. His .346 OBP last season was one of the lowest of his career, but that mostly ties back to a career-worst .308 BABIP. He typically reaches base at a well above average rate on balls in play. His 12.2% walk rate was right in line with his career norms.

Notably, the Orioles have already agreed to sign free agent starter Yovani Gallardoearlier tonight. Both Fowler and Gallardo were extended a qualifying offer, meaning the O’s have to surrender a draft pick to sign them. If they ink Fowler, they’ll lose the 28th overall selection.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

Roch Kubatko ‏@masnRoch 42m42 minutes ago
Orioles reach agreement with pitcher Yovani Gallardo - School of Roch: SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles have reach... http://******/1oT4BF6

1. Jon Heyman ‏@JonHeyman 1h1 hour ago
   Gallardo deal with +Ks includes option for 4th year. There's some deferral on the 35M
   Jon Heyman ‏@JonHeyman 1h1 hour ago
2. Gallardo, orioles have a deal. $35M, 3 yrs

Roch Kubatko Retweeted
Steve Melewski ‏@masnSteve 1h1 hour ago
A 3-yr, $35M deal for Gallardo would bring O's FA spending for the winter to a total of $249.8M.

I think he's a good signing. His fastball is burning out but he'll eat-up some innings.

 

[WPBCowboysFan]

I think he's a good signing. His fastball is burning out but he'll eat-up some innings.

An inning eater will be great and save the bullpen for the 5 inning guys

 

[LittleBoyBlue]

244 days away from the Mets being crowned WS champions!

Just because the Royals did it....

 

[Tabascocat]

Just because the Royals did it....

These boys say different.........

 

[MichaelWinicki]

The Orioles have taken it on the free agency chin the last couple of days... It's reported Gallardo has some issues and Dexter Fowler backed out of a deal that appeared to be set.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

So how much will the Rangers be able to rely on Josh Hamilton this season?

Probably next to nothing.

 

[WPBCowboysFan]

The Orioles have taken it on the free agency chin the last couple of days... It's reported Gallardo has some issues and Dexter Fowler backed out of a deal that appeared to be set.

Fowler ends up taking less than the QO.

Apparently he thinks he's worth more than anybody was willing to offer so he'll try again next year. His family would have really struggled on that 35 million over 3 yrs . . . .

The Orioles were able to protect themselves contract wise after looking at Gallardo's MRI for his shoulder. Team has an opt out option after 2 years.