The Brewers are the ‘clear frontrunners’ to sign Neftali Feliz, who could take over as closer since Milwaukee recently lost both Jeremy Jeffress and Tyler Thornburg in trades.
Feliz had 40 saves in 2010, and 32 in 2011 with a 2.74 ERA over those two seasons.
Colorado has been linked to Matt Wieters this offseason, but seem content to enter the season with the pair of Tom Murphy and Tony Wolters manning the catcher position.
Murphy does not have the same soft hands and nimble footwork behind the plate as Tony Wolters does. What he does possess is raw power from the right side of the plate.
Murphy caught fire and earned his second September call-up to the majors. In 21 games, Murphy hit .273 (12-for-44) with five homers, 13 RBIs and a 1.006 OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging percentage).
The Cubs recently lost out on Tyson Ross, but Theo Epstein says the team still hopes to add starting pitching
Jake Arrieta doesn’t sound optimistic about his chances of receiving an extension in his last year before free agency eligibility, but the Cubs are willing to try to negotiate one.
Michael Saunders remains unsigned with spring training approaching even after one of his best offensive seasons. Saunders has been connected to Philadelphia, Baltimore and Cleveland this offseason.
Cleveland would only have to give up the 64th overall pick in the upcoming draft, should they decide to sign Jose Bautista. The Indians already gave up the 25th pick by signing Edwin Encarnacion.
There’s no way to know how Michael Brantley will respond to his offseason shoulder treatment until he ramps up his activity to game speed and faces the challenge of drawing swings through in pursuit of 95-96 mph fastballs.
While Tigers general manager Al Avila is not under orders to decrease payroll, the franchise is nonetheless aiming to do that.
“The Tigers are a willing trade partner because they’re trying to get rid of payroll,” the executive commented.
It’s possible Detroit’s alleged motivation to cut spending will lead to a trade involving second baseman Ian Kinsler, whom the Dodgers could target.
Carlos Martinez
- won six of his final eight decisions
- allowed two runs or fewer in eight of his last nine starts
- assumed the role of ace of the Cardinals’ staff.
- On the road, Martinez went 9-2 with a 2.45 earned run average as opponents batted only .219 against him with just three home runs.
Share this Post