This week in baseball blogs…
- The Redbird Daily regards the extension of right-hander Carlos Martinez as a major victory for the Cardinals.
- Camden Depot expects Orioles slugger Mark Trumbo to take steps backward this year.
- A’s Farm chats with Athletics president Dave Kaval.
- BP Toronto explains how Blue Jays center fielder Kevin Pillar could improve offensively.
- Inside the ’Zona isn’t optimistic about the Diamondbacks’ chances of trading outfielder Yasmany Tomas.
- The Third Man In interviews and profiles Louisville left-hander/first baseman Brendan McKay, one of the premier prospects in this year’s draft class.
- The Swinging Strike likens newly acquired Cubs right-hander Eddie Butler to Jake Arrieta.
- Bleeding Royal Blue analyzes Kansas City’s lineup based on its Steamer projections.
- Angelswin.com evaluates the Halos’ bench options.
- Pirates Breakdown opines that the Bucs won’t lack for storylines in 2017.
- NYRDCAST takes a look at the punishment the Cardinals received for hacking the Astros.
- Outside Pitch MLB has a piece on one of the newest Brewers, power-hitting first baseman Eric Thames.
- Two Strike Approach: A Baseball Podcast previews the 2017 Red Sox.
- Mets Daddy wants no part of outfielder Michael Conforto at first base.
- Call To the Pen ranks the American League West going into 2017.
- Clubhouse Corner wonders how Yankees general manager Brian Cashman will maximize the value of his prospects.
- Chin Music Baseball delves into Rangers second baseman Roughned Odor’s unique 2016 season.
- North Shore Nine asks if the Pirates’ Jordy Mercer is the worst starting shortstop in the majors.
- Jays From the Couch argues that Toronto right fielder Jose Bautista isn’t regressing.
- Mets 360 compares left-handed relievers Jerry Blevins, Boone Logan and Craig Breslow.
- Baseball Hot Corner suggests that the Indians could be World Series favorites.
- The Runner Sports lists the Yankees’ five biggest infield storylines heading into spring training.
- Underthought (second in a two-part series) looks back on Bill James’ top 100 first baseman rankings of all-time, which were last updated in 2001, and tries to figure out which recent players would be worthy of inclusion on a new list.
- Call To The Pen believes the Phillies are halfway to a core four with center fielder Odubel Herrera and third baseman Maikel Franco.
- Think Blue Planning Committee looks at a potential battle for a roster spot among the Dodgers’ Darin Ruf, Scott Van Slyke and Rob Segedin.
- Jays Journal looks into whether Toronto should try to sign free agent outfielder Angel Pagan.
- Random Ranger Fan expects Texas to extend ace Yu Darvish, who’s scheduled to become a free agent next winter.
- Real McCoy Minor News talks with Indians outfield prospect Oscar Gonzalez.
- RSNSTATS details the American League’s long-running offensive superiority over the National League.
- Notes From the Sally previews the 2017 Greeneville Drive, the Red Sox’s South Atlantic League affiliate.
- Pinstriped Prospects advises the Yankees to trade infielder/outfielder Rob Refsnyder.
- Wayniac Nation names the 10 best players to never win a World Series.
- The Point of Pittsburgh assembles a roster based on the best hitting seasons of individual Pirates since 1989.
- The Unbalanced breaks down Pool A of the World Baseball Classic.
- The K Zone advocates for an international draft.
- The Runner Sports profiles Astros catcher Tyler Heineman.
- MLB Reports writes that the Rays should play three series a year in Montreal.
- Clutchlings highlights Blue Jays prospects who could make spring training impacts.
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How long would Conforto have to be in the minors for the Mets to get an extra year of control? Not saying they SHOULD do it but if they insist on playing Cespedes, Granderson and Bruce every day and Conforto doesn’t end up playing first, would it be wise of them to just let him rake every day in AAA for however long it would take to get another year of control? Otherwise, he is just wasted on the bench.
Not to mention, it would also allow him to get in a consistent amount of regular at-bats. Then once an injury occurs, bring Conforto back-up and see what the kid can really do..
Theoretically he has a year and 43 days of service. So 44-45 days after season starts. But that’s doesn’t take into account the PAs involvement. The caveat to doing that, is if Conforto accrues a minimum of 90 days or half a season he will then be on track for super two status. Not only that he would be out of options next year.
Boston will be the team to beat this season…… Added another starter to go with the best offense in baseball…….
I know since Mookie Betts has become a member of the Red Sox their offense has improved dramatically. He is definitely a young gun. If he stays healthy and continues on the torrid pace he is on, he will be an mvp candidate every year. Wasn’t there an extra inning game last year where he went 8 for 8 or something ridiculous like that?
There’s a place for you to research that.
Jerkoff
Eddie Butler wont be the next arrieta.
Eddie Butler has averages 1.69,4.99, 6 61 k/9 in his major league career. His fast ball sits around 93. He was a two pitch pitcher. Fast ball slider last year. No change up what so ever as that usage has dimished and hardly ever used his curveball
When arrieta was traded he had 4.66, 7.01, 8.56 k/9 while riding same heat on his fb, but equally used his slider and curveball back with the orioles. Arrieta also developed a cutter he began using but also still used his curveball at about equal to what it was with the orioles.
Eddie Butler will do better away from coors, theoretically, but he hasnt shown the feel for off speed stuff that arrieta had with the orioles.
No, he absolutely will not be. The chances of anyone, really, pulling an arrieta are slim to none. The chances of butler doing it are worse than that.
In fairness, I don’t think Arrietta can even pull another Arrietta. He’s a solid pitcher, but his numbers in 2015 will never be put up again.