Baseball Chatter 2/13

John Farrell explained why they didn’t go after a free agent power bat to replace Big Papi, that they

“didn’t want to make a long-term commitment to a right-handed-hitting veteran and block prospect Sam Travis” Listen:

Jorge Mateo might have been the Yankees’ top prospect entering spring last season He did well early at Class A Tampa but then a noticeable dropoff in production hand a two week suspension.

There is little info, including zero specifics about what he did to break Team Policy. Whatever that means.

Team policy covers everything from coming to work in a dirty uniform to coming to work on acid after staying up all night drinking six 40s.

One reliable source reported that  Mateo mouthed off to management about their reluctance to promote him to Double-A. Whatever it was, it sure hurt his trade value.  

Mateo didn’t believe the punishment was just because he was pissed off about it and lost all sense of judgement for just long enough to tweet about it before coming to his senses and deleting it

Gleyber Torres came to the Yankees in the Chapman trade with the Cubs and took over Shortstop, moving Mateo to second base and some center field. Already this spring, Mateo also has worked at third base and expected to begin this season with Double-A Trenton. Keep an eye on this multi-position eligible dream in dynasty leagues.

The Diamondbacks might need to trade top players like Paul Goldschmidt and/or A.J. Pollack, and start to rebuild if they get off to a poor start this season.

Jedd Gyorko enters camp behind Jhonny Peralta at third base even though hit more homers than any other Cardinal last season, If Matt Adams looks strong this spring at first base, expect Matt Carpenter to get time at third base as well. Otherwise, Carpenter will play first base.

Michael Conforto still has minor league so don’t be surprised if he starts the season at Triple-A Las Vegas. Conforto struggled mightily to make contact at the major league level.

 

 

The Reds now have playing time for Jose Peraza and Dilson Herrera after sending Brandon Phillips to Atlanta. Fantasy Owners should focus on Peraza.

I keep reading this all over the web:

“Although Brad Miller said he’s “on the same page” with the Rays about shifting from first base to second, he hasn’t necessarily embraced the move”

Miller did say he was extremely disappointed when the Rays told him they have a better shot of winning with Matt Duffy playing shortstop. That in itself would disappoint anyone. I do not recommend Fantasy Baseballers adjust Miller’s value over it. He still has an everyday job at first and his offensive skills are the same. The position eligibility might actually make him more valuable after all is said and done.

John Farrell thinks that by telling Pablo Sandoval the third base job is his to lose, he will light a fire under Sandoval and get him extra motivated. Unless Pablo miraculously enters the season five years younger, he will not be able to compete either offensively or defensively with Brock Holt. Sandoval is notoriously bad against left-handed pitchers and Boston already plans to use Hanley Ramirez at DH against right-handed pitchers, so just don’t draft Pablo Sandoval…just don’t do it

The Pirates are still willing to trade Josh Harrison or Andrew McCutchen

 The Nationals were close to acquiring David Robertson from the White Sox last week. The talks have come to a standstill though as I am sure the White Sox are asking way too much in return. The Sox still continue to feel “optimistic” that a trade will be finalized.

Eduardo Rodriguez, Steven Wright and Drew Pomeranz will compete for the fifth spot in the Red Sox rotation. Both Wright and Pomeranz are set to miss the early part of spring training as they are still recovering from injuries.

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