The 2014 Major League Baseball Player Chatter, News and Fantasy Thread

[koz-man]

Michael Brantley (Cleveland Indians) is hitting a cool .522 so far this Spring.

He has 24 hits in 46 at bats. This is impressive for any level of baseball!

This is just crazy.

The only bad thing for him is- that the only place for him to go is down...

[koz-man]

R.A. Dickey wrote a book about his life a few years ago, and now it's going to be made into a movie.

Buzz Bissinger ("Friday Night Lights") is writing the script.

[stevenash]

Tom Koehler- MIA- Koehler wasn't as impressive as his counterpart yesterday, although their results were similar. Koehler allowed 2 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks while striking out 1 over 6 IP. The lone K was a great drop from the 10 Ks he had recorded in his first 6 IP of the Grapefruit League. This was more of the effort you'd expect from Koehler in the regular season. Last year he posted 92 Ks in 143 IP. Yesterday he had control issues, with only 55 of his 92 pitches being strikes. It was a workmanlike performance that would allow him to fill an inning eater role with the Marlins. Don't expect much more.

Danny Espinosa-WAS- For most of the game it looked like Espinosa had no chance to really compete for the second base job (even while he played SS in the game.) He made some very solid plays in the field, but looked lost at the plate. Then in the 8th inning he hit a double, stole third, and scored on a sac fly. Espinosa's glove has been a constant but last year the power and speed he showed in 2011 and 2012 vanished. The Nationals see some flashes like yesterday, but with a .217 Grapefruit League average he hasn't made an overwhelming statement that he is back from injury.


Jeff Kobernus- WAS- Kobernus started at 2B yesterday and also played LF and CF. He has appeared in RF as well this spring. This versatility is a reason why he is still hanging around in major league camp and has a shot at heading north with the Nationals. Kobernus stole 42 bases at AAA Syracuse last year and possible pinch running would be another asset to help him make the big club. It could also be the only thing that might give him any fantasy value.
Alex Gonzalez- DET- Gonzalez was dealt to the Tigers for Steve Lombardozzi. He is now the odds on favorite to start at SS for the injured Jose Iglesias. Last year Gonzalez played 41 games for the Brewers, primarily at corner infield positions. That wasn't a good fit for him, as he hit just 1 homer in 118 PAs. In his last full time job at SS in 2011 Gonzalez knocked 15 homers. However, that was playing for the Braves and while his home/road homer splits were about equal, even under the best of conditions his power could be expected to drop in Detroit. At age 37, there are even more hurdles to worthwhile production.

Yu Darvish- TEX- Darvish is still dealing with a stiff neck. This makes it more likely he will not be the Opening Day starter for the Rangers. The bigger concern is how much longer this will last. Darvish did play catch for 10 minutes yesterday so he isn't totally shut down. The best case scenario is that his first start is only pushed back by a couple of days.

Robinson Chirinos- TEX- Chirinos will likely start the season as the Rangers' backup catcher while Geovany Soto is out. Chirinos might not keep that spot for that long, though. There are a few teams that could have some catching help available as rosters are finalized and Texas has some players out of options who could be dangles as trade bait. There is a good possibility that Texas could acquire a new catcher and start him at AAA for a little while to get him acclimated to the system before doing a switch with Chirinos.

Joe Saunders- TEX- With the multitude of injuries that have fallen on the Rangers, Saunders is either going to benefit from them or add to them. He gave up 9 runs in 1.1 IP on Sunday as he pitched with a "dead arm." The Texas management didn't seem concerned and expected Saunders to be ready to match his pace that has had him average 192 IP for the past 6 seasons.

Kensuke Tanaka- TEX- Tanaka was brought back from the Rangers' minor league camp after the announcement that Jurickson Profar will be out for about 3 months. Tanaka's natural position is 2B and he could end up with the bulk of the playing time in a platoon with Josh Wilson. The main thing that stands out about Tanaka is his selectivity. During his Japanese career and also in his only season of North American professional baseball last year his Batting EYE has been consistently above 1.00. It was at 1.00 this spring while he was in the major league camp. He also had a .295 average and 155 steals in his last 7 seasons of Japanese ball. Only 4 of those seasons were full time, so whether he can produce anywhere near that pace for the Rangers is a big question.

Steve Lombardozzi- BAL- The Orioles acquired Lombardozzi in exchange for Alex Gonzalez. Lombardozzi immediately becomes a contender to start at 2B while Ryan Flaherty plays 3B until Manny Machado is able to return. Prospect Jonathan Schoop will probably get some more minor league seasoning despite a .400 Grapefruit League average.

Manny Machado- BAL- Despite early hope that Machado would be ready to play by Opening Day, that's not going to happen. He will start the season on the 15-day DL but is unlikely to be ready by his eligibility date of April 6. Ryan Flaherty will likely keep 3B warm for him.

Michael Bourn- CLE- Bourn's hamstring will make him start the regular season on the DL. He has only come as far as being able to run forward on grass. He might, but only might, be able to run the bases for the first time today. The Indians are being very cautious with Bourn's hamstring because speed is such a huge part of his game. The absolute earliest he will be back in the lineup is April 5.

Nyjer Morgan- CLE- With Michael Bourn starting the season on the DL, Morgan has made the Indians. How long he will be there is a question. He is hitting just .222 in the Cactus League, but has walked 6 times and struck out 7 in 36 ABs. He hit .294 in 108 games in Japan in 2013.

Trevor Bauer- CLE- Bauer is ranked as Cleveland's #3 prospect by Baseball America and he remains a prospect after being sent to the minor league camp. Bauer struck out 8 in & innings of Cactus League work, but walked 5 and allowed 12 hits. He still has tools but needs to find out the right mix to put them all together successfully. Carlos Carrasco and Josh Tomlin are fighting it out for the last spot in the Indians' rotation.

Domonic Brown- PHI- Brown went 1-for-4 with a run to raise his Grapefruit League average to .196. Before his breakout year last season, Brown hit .356 in Florida and slugged 7 homers. This year he has yet to park one out. He has also struck out 15 times in 46 ABs as opposed to 16 Ks in 90 ABs last year. Brown has had some success in other springs, but only with limited ABs. 2013 and 2014 are the only years he has had more than 24 ABs in the Grapefruit League. This year will help set the tone of whether Brown's spring performance is a trend or not.

Cody Asche- PHI- Asche went 2-for-3 to raise his spring average to .205. He is safely ensconced for now at 3B for the Phillies. He will have to keep looking over his shoulder to see how Maikel Franco is doing in the minors as Franco is considered the better long term prospect. Asche needs to cut down on his 24.0% K% he had in 50 major league games last year. That is doable based on his minor league numbers. He also had a .287 BABIP so his .235 average was negatively impacted. Of his 5 homers, 4 came at home so Asche benefits from playing in Citizens' Bank Park. Fantistics projects him to post a .271 average with 15 homers in 491 ABs. If he nails the 3B job full time for the whole season he could be pushing 20 homers.

Tom Koehler- MIA- Koehler wasn't as impressive as his counterpart yesterday, although their results were similar. Koehler allowed 2 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks while striking out 1 over 6 IP. The lone K was a great drop from the 10 Ks he had recorded in his first 6 IP of the Grapefruit League. This was more of the effort you'd expect from Koehler in the regular season. Last year he posted 92 Ks in 143 IP. Yesterday he had control issues, with only 55 of his 92 pitches being strikes. It was a workmanlike performance that would allow him to fill an inning eater role with the Marlins. Don't expect much more.

Danny Espinosa-WAS- For most of the game it looked like Espinosa had no chance to really compete for the second base job (even while he played SS in the game.) He made some very solid plays in the field, but looked lost at the plate. Then in the 8th inning he hit a double, stole third, and scored on a sac fly. Espinosa's glove has been a constant but last year the power and speed he showed in 2011 and 2012 vanished. The Nationals see some flashes like yesterday, but with a .217 Grapefruit League average he hasn't made an overwhelming statement that he is back from injury.


Jeff Kobernus- WAS- Kobernus started at 2B yesterday and also played LF and CF. He has appeared in RF as well this spring. This versatility is a reason why he is still hanging around in major league camp and has a shot at heading north with the Nationals. Kobernus stole 42 bases at AAA Syracuse last year and possible pinch running would be another asset to help him make the big club. It could also be the only thing that might give him any fantasy value.


Alex Gonzalez- DET- Gonzalez was dealt to the Tigers for Steve Lombardozzi. He is now the odds on favorite to start at SS for the injured Jose Iglesias. Last year Gonzalez played 41 games for the Brewers, primarily at corner infield positions. That wasn't a good fit for him, as he hit just 1 homer in 118 PAs. In his last full time job at SS in 2011 Gonzalez knocked 15 homers. However, that was playing for the Braves and while his home/road homer splits were about equal, even under the best of conditions his power could be expected to drop in Detroit. At age 37, there are even more hurdles to worthwhile production.

Yu Darvish- TEX- Darvish is still dealing with a stiff neck. This makes it more likely he will not be the Opening Day starter for the Rangers. The bigger concern is how much longer this will last. Darvish did play catch for 10 minutes yesterday so he isn't totally shut down. The best case scenario is that his first start is only pushed back by a couple of days.

Robinson Chirinos- TEX- Chirinos will likely start the season as the Rangers' backup catcher while Geovany Soto is out. Chirinos might not keep that spot for that long, though. There are a few teams that could have some catching help available as rosters are finalized and Texas has some players out of options who could be dangles as trade bait. There is a good possibility that Texas could acquire a new catcher and start him at AAA for a little while to get him acclimated to the system before doing a switch with Chirinos.

Joe Saunders- TEX- With the multitude of injuries that have fallen on the Rangers, Saunders is either going to benefit from them or add to them. He gave up 9 runs in 1.1 IP on Sunday as he pitched with a "dead arm." The Texas management didn't seem concerned and expected Saunders to be ready to match his pace that has had him average 192 IP for the past 6 seasons.

Kensuke Tanaka- TEX- Tanaka was brought back from the Rangers' minor league camp after the announcement that Jurickson Profar will be out for about 3 months. Tanaka's natural position is 2B and he could end up with the bulk of the playing time in a platoon with Josh Wilson. The main thing that stands out about Tanaka is his selectivity. During his Japanese career and also in his only season of North American professional baseball last year his Batting EYE has been consistently above 1.00. It was at 1.00 this spring while he was in the major league camp. He also had a .295 average and 155 steals in his last 7 seasons of Japanese ball. Only 4 of those seasons were full time, so whether he can produce anywhere near that pace for the Rangers is a big question.


Steve Lombardozzi- BAL- The Orioles acquired Lombardozzi in exchange for Alex Gonzalez. Lombardozzi immediately becomes a contender to start at 2B while Ryan Flaherty plays 3B until Manny Machado is able to return. Prospect Jonathan Schoop will probably get some more minor league seasoning despite a .400 Grapefruit League average.

Manny Machado- BAL- Despite early hope that Machado would be ready to play by Opening Day, that's not going to happen. He will start the season on the 15-day DL but is unlikely to be ready by his eligibility date of April 6. Ryan Flaherty will likely keep 3B warm for him.

Michael Bourn- CLE- Bourn's hamstring will make him start the regular season on the DL. He has only come as far as being able to run forward on grass. He might, but only might, be able to run the bases for the first time today. The Indians are being very cautious with Bourn's hamstring because speed is such a huge part of his game. The absolute earliest he will be back in the lineup is April 5.Nyjer Morgan- CLE- With Michael Bourn starting the season on the DL, Morgan has made the Indians. How long he will be there is a question. He is hitting just .222 in the Cactus League, but has walked 6 times and struck out 7 in 36 ABs. He hit .294 in 108 games in Japan in 2013.

Trevor Bauer- CLE- Bauer is ranked as Cleveland's #3 prospect by Baseball America and he remains a prospect after being sent to the minor league camp. Bauer struck out 8 in & innings of Cactus League work, but walked 5 and allowed 12 hits. He still has tools but needs to find out the right mix to put them all together successfully. Carlos Carrasco and Josh Tomlin are fighting it out for the last spot in the Indians' rotation.Domonic Brown- PHI- Brown went 1-for-4 with a run to raise his Grapefruit League average to .196. Before his breakout year last season, Brown hit .356 in Florida and slugged 7 homers. This year he has yet to park one out. He has also struck out 15 times in 46 ABs as opposed to 16 Ks in 90 ABs last year. Brown has had some success in other springs, but only with limited ABs. 2013 and 2014 are the only years he has had more than 24 ABs in the Grapefruit League. This year will help set the tone of whether Brown's spring performance is a trend or not.

[Robber]

Lol
At tigers

Gave muggy huge long term deal when he was already signed to one

[MexicanStallion]

Lol
At tigers

Gave muggy huge long term deal when he was already signed to one

Cabrera will have a major league career of over $400 million. Wow.

[BigSpoon]

Lol
At tigers

Gave muggy huge long term deal when he was already signed to one

Yeah, an insane contract. It will be a disaster in 3-4 years like the A-Rod and Pujols 10-year deals.

[Chi_archie]

Michael Brantley (Cleveland Indians) is hitting a cool .522 so far this Spring.

He has 24 hits in 46 at bats. This is impressive for any level of baseball!

yeah I recall Ronny Paulino having a year like that in spring training for the Pirates and then going on to complete suckitude in the real season

[Shortstop]

yeah I recall Ronny Paulino having a year like that in spring training for the Pirates and then going on to complete suckitude in the real season

Ha! I think I remember that. It was either 2007 or 2008 if memory serves correct?

He was flirting with The Mendoza Line most of the year during the regular season.

Ryan Doumit had a pretty nice season that year.

[Chi_archie]

Ha! I think I remember that. It was either 2007 or 2008 if memory serves correct?

He was flirting with The Mendoza Line most of the year during the regular season.

Ryan Doumit had a pretty nice season that year.

Yep that hat sounds about right.


digging further in Pirate spring training lots. Was it Mark Johnson that used to hit about 8 bombs every spring?

[koz-man]

Domonic Brown

PHI- Brown went 1-for-4 with a run to raise his Grapefruit League average to .196. Before his breakout year last season, Brown hit .356 in Florida and slugged 7 homers. This year he has yet to park one out. He has also struck out 15 times in 46 ABs as opposed to 16 Ks in 90 ABs last year. Brown has had some success in other springs, but only with limited ABs. 2013 and 2014 are the only years he has had more than 24 ABs in the Grapefruit League. This year will help set the tone of whether Brown's spring performance is a trend or not.

I had a chance to grab him in my league, but passed on him.

Just a feeling that he will not repeat last years hot streak.

Going to be interesting to see if this trend holds about his spring performance.

[stevenash]

Nationals | Doug Fister unlikely for first start
Washington Nationals SP Doug Fister (lat) left his minor league start Thursday, March 27, with a lat strain. Manager Matt Williams isn't ruling him out for the start of the season, but it seems likely Fister will have to miss his first start. Source: The Washington Post - Adam Kilgore
BHQ take: For the second time this spring, Doug Fister will miss some time with an arm injury. This means that both Tanner Roark and Taylor Jordan will open the season in Washington's rotation. Both are worth rostering, at least in deep leagues. Last year over 54 innings, Roark had a 3.17 xERA and a 91 BPV. Jordan had a 3.78 xERA and a 74 BPV in 52 innings. This spring both have been very good, seemingly outdoing each other as they competed for a spot in the Nationals' rotation. Assuming Fister's tenure on the DL is short-lived, Roark and Jordan will essentially continue to compete for the fifth spot in the rotation behind Strasburg, Zimmermann, Gonzalez and Fister. -Phil Hertz
Impact: High
Roark, Tanner PT Gain: 2%
Jordan, Taylor PT Gain: 2%
Fister, Doug PT Loss: -3%


Marlins | Marcell Ozuna to be CF
Miami Marlins OF Marcell Ozuna will open the season as the team's starting center fielder after the club sent OF Jake Marisnick down. Ozuna hit only .164 (9-for-55) during spring training. Source: MLB.com - Joe Frisaro
BHQ take: Despite outperforming Marcell Ozuna this spring, Jake Marisnick is the Marlins outfielder who gets the ticket to Triple-A. Last season Ozuna was very hot when first called up, but then slumped in part due to 19% hit rate over his last 68 at bats. Overall he had a 91 PX and 122 Spd over 275 at bats. -Phil Hertz
Impact: Med
Ozuna, Marcell PT Gain: 15%
Marisnick, Jake PT Loss: -20%


Astros | Lucas Harrell, Dallas Keuchel make rotation
Houston Astros SPs Lucas Harrell and Dallas Keuchel have both been informed that they have earned spots in the starting rotation. SPs Jerome Williams and Brad Peacock will pitch out of the bullpen. Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart
BHQ take: Peacock and his projection is the big change here. Following a very good 2013 2H, he looked like a near-lock to begin 2013 in the HOU rotation, but it appears that one bad spring outing back on March 1 (1 IP, 5 runs vs. DET) and perhaps an unreported injury are the catalysts for his demotion to the pen. Peacock has only pitched twice since 3/1, allowing one run in 4 1/3 IP but also going 15 days and 10 days between his next two appearances. Harrell has an 8.31 ERA this spring, thanks to one horrendous game, but he can't be trusted in any fantasy situation. This is a curious situation that will need some watching. -Jock Thompson
Impact: High
Peacock, Brad PT Loss: -2%
Harrell, Lucas
Keuchel, Dallas
Williams, Jerome PT Loss: -1%


Rangers | Nick Martinez named fifth starter
The Texas Rangers have tabbed SP Nick Martinez as their fifth starter. He wasn't even on the big league roster, and pitched in just five games for Double-A Frisco last year after being promoted from Class A Myrtle Beach. 'It's a little surreal, I can't believe is happening,' Martinez said Wednesday, March 26. 'I was a little shocked at first. My family is going crazy back home. My dad is probably still crying back home.' Source: MLB.com - T.R. Sullivan
BHQ take: EXPERIENCE ALERT -- this 23-year-old surprise fifth starter has only 32 IP above A-ball in his career. He's also no lock for more than one start, as the likes of Darvish, Harrison, and Lewis are expected to be ready to return to the TEX rotation soon. True enough, Martinez has had nice minor league success, and sparkled with a 101 MLE BPV in those 32 IP at Double-A Frisco last year. But there's little upside in rostering him at this point, and clearly plenty of risk. -Rod Truesdell
Impact: Low
Martinez, Nicholas PT Gain: 1%

[MexicanStallion]

Some question marks around Lincecum. At least has avoided Tommy John for now. It seems like that has been a huge deal in Spring.

Tim Lincecum suffered a left knee contusion after taking a line drive off the knee Friday, but X-rays came back negative.



The injury was serious enough that Lincecum had to be helped off the field, so it's still unclear whether the contusion will force the right-hander to miss a start. He wasn't particularly sharp prior to leaving, allowing a run on three hits and three walks in four innings of work. Assuming it was his last action of the spring, Lincecum finishes exhibition play with a 5.79 ERA.

[Shortstop]

As most of you know, I'm a big Charlie Morton fan. I think he has the stuff to be one of the best starters in the league.

Although he only threw 11 innings this spring, he only surrendered 1 ER for a 0.82 ERA.

He managed just 3 K's, but this is nothing to worry about in my opinion...

[koz-man]

Nationals | Doug Fister unlikely for first start
Washington Nationals SP Doug Fister (lat) left his minor league start Thursday, March 27, with a lat strain. Manager Matt Williams isn't ruling him out for the start of the season, but it seems likely Fister will have to miss his first start. Source: The Washington Post - Adam Kilgore
BHQ take: For the second time this spring, Doug Fister will miss some time with an arm injury. This means that both Tanner Roark and Taylor Jordan will open the season in Washington's rotation. Both are worth rostering, at least in deep leagues. Last year over 54 innings, Roark had a 3.17 xERA and a 91 BPV. Jordan had a 3.78 xERA and a 74 BPV in 52 innings. This spring both have been very good, seemingly outdoing each other as they competed for a spot in the Nationals' rotation. Assuming Fister's tenure on the DL is short-lived, Roark and Jordan will essentially continue to compete for the fifth spot in the rotation behind Strasburg, Zimmermann, Gonzalez and Fister. -Phil Hertz

Nats placed Fister on the 15-day disabled list Saturday. Retroactive to March 23.

Taylor Jordan takes over the No. 5 spot in Washington's rotation.

[Chi_archie]

As most of you know, I'm a big Charlie Morton fan. I think he has the stuff to be one of the best starters in the league.

Although he only threw 11 innings this spring, he only surrendered 1 ER for a 0.82 ERA.

He managed just 3 K's, but this is nothing to worry about in my opinion...

I hope you are right about ground Chuck

[MexicanStallion]

Nats placed Fister on the 15-day disabled list Saturday. Retroactive to March 23.

Taylor Jordan takes over the No. 5 spot in Washington's rotation.

Who is the better investment Roark or Jordan? One will lose out when Fister is ready.

[Mitchell88]

question for all you baseball sharps with a regular season game today!! I know Nasher has a season long thread that's great a lot of you other guys SS, Mex, etc. know a lot about MLB also are you guys going to start season threads

[Shortstop]

R.A. Dickey wrote a book about his life a few years ago, and now it's going to be made into a movie.

Buzz Bissinger ("Friday Night Lights") is writing the script.

Interesting! I didn't know this, koz-man.

Thanks for the heads up, I'll be keeping an eye out for it...

[Chi_archie]

Who is the better investment Roark or Jordan? One will lose out when Fister is ready.

Taylor Jordan should be an interesting guy to watch

[ProPicker713]

cashner look sharp in the 1st striking out 2

[Shortstop]

Francisco Liriano picks up from where he left off last year with a very solid outing against the Cubs today...

F Liriano	6.0	4	0	0	3	10	0	104-60	0.00

The Pirates won, 1-0 in 10 down at PNC Park this afternoon.

[MexicanStallion]

The closer changes have happened quick this year.

Chapman DL. Janssen DL. Lindstrom picked over Jones. K-Rod picked over Henderson.

Parnell blew a save, so Valverde is on the watch list.

[ProPicker713]

Unreal opening day, had great pitching but my offense was horrible

[Chi_archie]

Francisco Liriano picks up from where he left off last year with a very solid outing against the Cubs today...

F Liriano	6.0	4	0	0	3	10	0	104-60	0.00

The Pirates won, 1-0 in 10 down at PNC Park this afternoon.

I am very very very encouraged by this

but it is only the cubs

[koz-man]

Unreal opening day, had great pitching but my offense was horrible

If today is the indicator for my year-to-come.....

I'm in real trouble...

[Shortstop]

I am very very very encouraged by this

but it is only the cubs

True. I thought the Cubs would win yesterday.

Samardzija seems to have our number and I was expecting a rocky start from Liriano...

Oh well, can't complain with the result.

[BigSpoon]

Jose Reyes already injured and on 15 day DL. Unreal, just a continuation of last years nightmare season for the Jays.

[Andy117]

Jose Reyes already injured and on 15 day DL. Unreal, just a continuation of last years nightmare season for the Jays.

Very happy I passed on him this year.

[MexicanStallion]

The closer changes have happened quick this year.

Chapman DL. Janssen DL. Lindstrom picked over Jones. K-Rod picked over Henderson.

Parnell blew a save, so Valverde is on the watch list.

The theme of this season, Parnell looking like a candidate for Tommy John. Valverde is the closer going forward, but who will replace him? Anybody young in the Mets bullpen?

[Chi_archie]

Jose Reyes already injured and on 15 day DL. Unreal, just a continuation of last years nightmare season for the Jays.

unreal

[GiveMeaBJ]

Reyes lol. As a Met fan this guy is more fragile then Pecos Bill. Hammy issue will go on all year. Happened with Mets in past. Under 50 games played...mark my words.

[Mitchell88]

Jays just cant catch a break. It really is like they had no off season they just sucked and will continue to

[koz-man]

Jose Reyes already injured and on 15 day DL. Unreal, just a continuation of last years nightmare season for the Jays.

I had him last year & that will be the last time I grab him.

[xraygord]

P

UBALDO JIMENEZ v BOS (P)

P

JARRED COSART v NYY (P)

C

JASON CASTRO v NYY (C)

1B

PRINCE FIELDER v PHI (1B)

2B

JOSE ALTUVE v NYY (2B)

3B

ADRIAN BELTRE v PHI (3B)

SS

JONATHAN VILLAR v NYY (SS)

OF

SHIN-SOO CHOO v PHI (OF)

OF

WILL VENABLE v LAD (OF)

OF

ALEX RIOS v PHI (OF)

[Shortstop]

Welcome Back, Grady Sizemore!

Not a shabby return to The Show yesterday: 2-4 with a single and a HR.

However, Boston lost to Baltimore, 2-1