Baseball Chatter 12/26

Baltimore is interested in Rajai Davis, who led the American League in steals (43) and set the tone for the Indians to lead the league (143). Davis finished second in the league with an 87.76 percent success rate, and in his 43 steals, Davis scored 18 runs, meaning that there was a 42 percent chance of him scoring when he stole a base

The Angels, who recently signed Ben Revere to a one-year deal, have had the worst OPS in the majors out of left field for two years in a row. The combination of Cameron Maybin and Ben Revere figures to be much better

Jim Bowden of ESPN believes signing Matt Wieters could make the Rockies playoff contenders, and Wieters would benefit by taking a one-year deal with Colorado so that he could play half of his games in the hitter-friendly confines of Coors Field, where he could rebound offensively and score a richer contract next offseason.

However, the bullpen was the Rockies’ weakest link in 2016, finishing with a 5.13 ERA that ranked as the worst in the majors, so is Wieters really going to get them into the playoffs?

The Marlins haven’t addressed their lineup, which ranked 27th in the majors in runs scored last season, and there are no plans presently to look for significant offensive help.


The White Sox signed Derek Holland for one year and $6 million. Depending on his performance, Holland could be flipped to a contending team for prospects during the season.

Michael Pineda finished 2016:

  • Seventh among starters in K-BB percentage 20.4%
  • Had the seventh worst ERA among starters 4.82
  • Pitched a career high 175 2/3 innings.
  • Fourth highest HR/FB% 17%
  • .339 BABIP
  • .406 batting average against with two outs.

Braves Mallex Smith will likely begin 2017 with Triple-A Gwinnett, since Ender Inciarte, Matt Kemp and Nick Markakis all hold starting spots.

The Orioles reportedly asked for Smith in exchange for reliever Brad Brach earlier this month, but the Braves turned them down.

Twins pitchers have allowed more hits than of any other American League team in five straight seasons.

Dodger prospect, Jose De Leon has struck out 446 of the 1,371 men he has faced over 330 innings during his time in the minors. That’s a 12.1 K/9. De Leon relies on his changeup as an out pitch. He’s comfortable throwing it in any count, and uses it often. The arm action effectively mimics his fastball

The Yankees right fielders ranked last in OPS in 2016.411 of the Yankees’ plate appearances in right field came from a combination of Aaron Hicks, Aaron Judge, Rob Refsnyder, Dustin Ackley, Mason Williams, Ben Gamel, Tyler Austin and Ronald Torreyes. They hit .210/.287/.322.

Clay Buchholz throws four different pitches for strikes, including a curveball and a changeup.

Buchholz stats 2016:

16 road games including 10GS, 6 relief and 67 IP:

3.90 ERA

7.3 k/9

1.93 k/bb

In 21 games at Fenway:

4.9 K/9

1.44 K/BB  

5.60 ERA

The road numbers were actually right in line with his career marks. It was Fenway where he was more awful than normal (his career ERA at Fenway is 4.14 compared with 3.79 on the road).

Matt Bush will play middle relief in the spring rather than transitioning to the starting rotation


Olney notes that Quintana’s very reasonable contract — which guarantees him a very reasonable $15.85MM over the next two years, plus cheap options or $1M buyouts for 2019 and 2020 — would fit into the budget of the low-revenue Pirates.

When the Nationals inquired about Jurickson Profar the Rangers targeted  Joe Ross

Gary Sanchez called an off speed pitch on 48% of first pitches last year, which ranked more than any non knuckle ball catcher

Yanks are interested in Jose Quintana but they don’t want to give up Clint Frazier or Gleyber Torres to get him

The Pirates might offer prospects such as Austin Meadows, Tyler Glasnow or Mitch Keller in a trade for Jose Quintana.

Cleveland realized $48 million dollars in revenue they hadn’t anticipated from their presence in the Fall Classic

Jurickson Profar’s career matches Alexi Casilla’s through age-23:

Profar: .235/.311/.341, 648 plate appearances, 75 OPS+
Casilla: .261/.310/.336, 647 plate appearances, 75 OPS+

The Rangers might strike a deal to re-sign veteran Josh Hamilton after team doctors have determined that he should be ready to go next spring. Hamilton had a major knee operation in June.

 


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