Wondering why games last so long? In 2016, #MLB record 742 pitchers faced at least one batter; 635 in 2006; 538 in 1996.from @Billy ball
The impending re-signing of Justin Turner doesn’t close the door on a trade for Brian Dozier.
A trade package for Dozier might have to center around right-hander Jose De Leon or a similar asset, but the Dodgers are reluctant to part with De Leon.
Sources: #Dodgers, if they sign another reliever, will not go beyond one year. Could take them out of Holland market if he wants multi-year.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 12, 2016
#Rangers and #Orioles have shown interest in free agent Chris Carter, although no deal appears close with either team, source says. @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 12, 2016
Tony Cingrani and Raisel Iglesias may begin 2017 as part of a closer committee, MLB.com reports.
“…I do think the game is looking at finding more than one person who is comfortable throwing in the ninth inning, more than one person who is capable of throwing multiple innings in a setup role,” manager Bryan Price said.
It sounds like Price wants to keep fluid back-end roles, using his best relievers in the highest-leverage situations, regardless of the inning, and sometimes for multiple frames.
David Ortiz is keeping in shape. He’s at Fenway working out a lot. He hints every once in a while about a possible return. We know Ortiz hates spring training, so he doesn’t want to go through that anymore. We know he’s turned down an invitation to play for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.
Jose Iglesias — who has been inquired about in trade talks this off-season — as the most likely bet to hit second. Iglesias, 26, hit .255 in 137 games this past season, a steep decline from 2015, when he hit .300 as an American League All-Star. His on-base percentage dropped 39 points from 2015 to 2016. Iglesias’ offensive production is the reason why the Tigers could consider dealing him Dixon Machado may replace Iglesias
The Royals analytics department liked Jorge Soler’s ability to get on base — his walk rate (11.7 percent) would have led the Royals in 2016, his OPS-plus was 105 — or five percent better than league average.
At the same time, Kendrys Morales posted an OPS-plus of 108 while hitting 30 homers in 154 games.
At his worst, the Royals believe Soler’s floor can approximate Morales’ production, while his potential ceiling could be a power-hitting corner outfielder who can club more than 30 homers and anchor the middle of a lineup for multiple seasons.
Joey Gallo said he’ll enter spring training with a legitimate shot at making the Rangers’ major league roster.With first base open, Gallo could find a spot in the lineup if he shows some progress at the plate this spring.
Austin Hedges appeared to close the gap between his offense and defense last season, hitting .326 with 21 home runs for El Paso. Most scouts believe he’ll always be a glove-first catcher — between 2015 and last September, Hedges batted .161 in 161 big-league at-bats — but everyday opportunities should provide a truer test.
Jose Bautista is disliked by players across the game. Fans hate him, too, so much so that Baltimore Orioles general manager Dan Duquette had to tell Jay Alou, Bautista’s agent, that they couldn’t sign Bautista because of the potential fan uproar.
Edwin Encarnacion to Cleveland? The Indians do not plan to change the way they operate, according to major-league sources; they ranked 28th in the majors in home attendance last season, ahead of only the Athletics and Rays, and their market remains a challenge.