Baseball Chatter 02/06

Jacob deGrom underwent season-ending elbow surgery in September expecting to be ready for spring training. The surgery was successful according to deGrom, who  says he is right on track

“I have not had any of the pain that was there” since having his ulnar nerve repositioned.”

Jonathan Villar lowered his SO% and showed improvement on balls in play, however, the .376 BABIP is unsustainable and masking some future problems?

The Nats picked up the team option on Gio Gonzalez rather than buy out the contract for 500,000. If he pitches more than 180 innings in 2017, his option for 2018 will guarantee him $12 million.

Shortstops are hitting 225 percent more home runs than they did in the 1970s—and 18 percent more than they did 20 years ago.

Second basemen are hitting 133 percent more home runs per season than they did in the 1970s—and 40 percent more than they did 20 years ago.

The Royals and Jason Hammel have come to agree on a two-year deal with a mutual option for a third year

On our Sunday show on Sirius, Rockies pitching coach Mark Wiley told Craig and I that Eddie Butler never found his niche with the Rockies, but could be a useful pitcher for the Cubs. Butler struggled with command of his inconsistent fastball, especially at Coors Field, where he was 3-7 with a 7.92 ERA in 20 games (15 starts).

Justin Bour only hit two runs in against left-handed pitchers in 2016

The Twins have a wide range between floor and ceiling in Miguel Sano, Byron Buxton, Max Kepler and pretty much every pitcher on the staff not named Ervin Santana

Dayton Moore hinted at a possible trade, but they have very few assets in the minor league system, so Cheslor Cuthbert makes the most sense to get dealt.

Cuthbert is blocked by Mike Moustakas and cannot be sent to the minors without clearing waivers. Plus, if something happens to Moustakas, Hunter Dozier could take over at third base.

Aaron Nola understands his curveball is a great pitch. He finished second in baseball in curveball usage among starters after Hill, tied with Jose Fernandez at 33.8%.

Rich Hill, Jose Fernandez, Collin McHugh were the  only four starters to throw a curveball at least 30% of the time.

Nola’s curveball:

Yoenis Cespedes has a younger brother – Yoelkis Cespedes

Speaking of Brothers – Kevin’s Highlights – Brotherly Love Edition

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