The 2016 Major League Baseball Player Chatter, News and Fantasy Thread...
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WrigleySBR Hall of Famer
- 12-28-07
- 7268
#421Comment -
CrossSBR Hall of Famer
- 04-15-11
- 5777
#422How is Matz still a prospect? I thought he was pitching in the playoffs last year?Comment -
mr. leisureSBR Posting Legend
- 01-29-08
- 17507
#423Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager has been named the top prospect in baseball for the 2016 season by all four major scouting publications, including Baseball America, Baseball Prospectus, ESPN, and MLB.com. Baseball America released their annual top-100 list Friday, completing Seager's sweep.
Seager, 21, hit .293/.344/.487 with 37 doubles and 18 homers in 125 games split between Double-A and Triple-A last year. He then put up a .337/.425/.561 (173 OPS+) batting line in 27 games with Los Angeles as a September call-up. Seager hit third in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Mets.
In their free scouting report, MLB.com said Seager "has a higher offensive ceiling than any big league shortstop except for Carlos Correa." They note he's big for a shortstop (listed at 6-foot-4 and 215 lbs.), but that's not considered a huge problem. "Eventually moving to third base wouldn't prevent Seager from being a star, because his bat will play big at any position."
Here are the consensus top 15 prospects in baseball using the rankings from the four scouting publications. I simply averaged out each player's rank.
- SS Corey Seager, Dodgers - Average Rank: 1
- OF Byron Buxton, Twins - 2
- RHP Lucas Giolito, Nationals - 3.5
- LHP Julio Urias, Dodgers - 4.75
- SS J.P. Crawford, Phillies - 4.75
- 2B Yoan Moncada, Red Sox - 8.5
- SS Orlando Arcia, Brewers - 9
- RHP Alex Reyes, Cardinals - 9.5
- 3B/OF Joey Gallo, Rangers - 9.75
- RHP Tyler Glasnow, Pirates - 10.25
- OF Nomar Mazara, Rangers - 13.25
- SS Trea Turner, Nationals - 15.25
- LHP Blake Snell, Rays - 15.25
- SS Dansby Swanson, Braves - 16.25
- LHP Steven Matz, Mets - 18.5
So not only do the Dodgers have the best overall prospect in baseball, they also have another consensus top-four prospect in Urias, arguably the best pitching prospect in the game. The Rangers (Gallo, Mazara) and Nationals (Giolito, Turner) also have a pair of top-12 prospects heading into 2016.
The 2015 rookie class was historically great. I'm not sure we'll see anything like that again, at least not anytime soon. The 2016 rookie class should be very good though, thanks in large part to Seager
Nice , the dodgers have 2 out of the top 4 .Comment -
BigSpoonSBR MVP
- 11-04-10
- 4113
#425Pitchers and catchers start reporting to Spring Training starting Wednesday. Less than 7 weeks away from the season starting.Comment -
koz-manSBR Hall of Famer
- 11-21-08
- 7102
#426Mets outfielder Curtis Granderson gives thumbs up after torn ligament
New York Mets outfielder Curtis Granderson, who had surgery Nov. 3 on a torn ligament in his left thumb, has been given a clean bill of health.Comment -
Chi_archieSBR Aristocracy
- 07-22-08
- 63167
#427Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager has been named the top prospect in baseball for the 2016 season by all four major scouting publications, including Baseball America, Baseball Prospectus, ESPN, and MLB.com. Baseball America released their annual top-100 list Friday, completing Seager's sweep.
Seager, 21, hit .293/.344/.487 with 37 doubles and 18 homers in 125 games split between Double-A and Triple-A last year. He then put up a .337/.425/.561 (173 OPS+) batting line in 27 games with Los Angeles as a September call-up. Seager hit third in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Mets.
In their free scouting report, MLB.com said Seager "has a higher offensive ceiling than any big league shortstop except for Carlos Correa." They note he's big for a shortstop (listed at 6-foot-4 and 215 lbs.), but that's not considered a huge problem. "Eventually moving to third base wouldn't prevent Seager from being a star, because his bat will play big at any position."
Here are the consensus top 15 prospects in baseball using the rankings from the four scouting publications. I simply averaged out each player's rank.
- SS Corey Seager, Dodgers - Average Rank: 1
- OF Byron Buxton, Twins - 2
- RHP Lucas Giolito, Nationals - 3.5
- LHP Julio Urias, Dodgers - 4.75
- SS J.P. Crawford, Phillies - 4.75
- 2B Yoan Moncada, Red Sox - 8.5
- SS Orlando Arcia, Brewers - 9
- RHP Alex Reyes, Cardinals - 9.5
- 3B/OF Joey Gallo, Rangers - 9.75
- RHP Tyler Glasnow, Pirates - 10.25
- OF Nomar Mazara, Rangers - 13.25
- SS Trea Turner, Nationals - 15.25
- LHP Blake Snell, Rays - 15.25
- SS Dansby Swanson, Braves - 16.25
- LHP Steven Matz, Mets - 18.5
So not only do the Dodgers have the best overall prospect in baseball, they also have another consensus top-four prospect in Urias, arguably the best pitching prospect in the game. The Rangers (Gallo, Mazara) and Nationals (Giolito, Turner) also have a pair of top-12 prospects heading into 2016.
The 2015 rookie class was historically great. I'm not sure we'll see anything like that again, at least not anytime soon. The 2016 rookie class should be very good though, thanks in large part to Seager
I hope to see Glasnow this yearComment -
ShortstopBARRELED IN @ SBR!
- 01-02-09
- 27281
#428Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager has been named the top prospect in baseball for the 2016 season by all four major scouting publications, including Baseball America, Baseball Prospectus, ESPN, and MLB.com. Baseball America released their annual top-100 list Friday, completing Seager's sweep.
Seager, 21, hit .293/.344/.487 with 37 doubles and 18 homers in 125 games split between Double-A and Triple-A last year. He then put up a .337/.425/.561 (173 OPS+) batting line in 27 games with Los Angeles as a September call-up. Seager hit third in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Mets.
In their free scouting report, MLB.com said Seager "has a higher offensive ceiling than any big league shortstop except for Carlos Correa." They note he's big for a shortstop (listed at 6-foot-4 and 215 lbs.), but that's not considered a huge problem. "Eventually moving to third base wouldn't prevent Seager from being a star, because his bat will play big at any position."
Here are the consensus top 15 prospects in baseball using the rankings from the four scouting publications. I simply averaged out each player's rank.
- SS Corey Seager, Dodgers - Average Rank: 1
- OF Byron Buxton, Twins - 2
- RHP Lucas Giolito, Nationals - 3.5
- LHP Julio Urias, Dodgers - 4.75
- SS J.P. Crawford, Phillies - 4.75
- 2B Yoan Moncada, Red Sox - 8.5
- SS Orlando Arcia, Brewers - 9
- RHP Alex Reyes, Cardinals - 9.5
- 3B/OF Joey Gallo, Rangers - 9.75
- RHP Tyler Glasnow, Pirates - 10.25
- OF Nomar Mazara, Rangers - 13.25
- SS Trea Turner, Nationals - 15.25
- LHP Blake Snell, Rays - 15.25
- SS Dansby Swanson, Braves - 16.25
- LHP Steven Matz, Mets - 18.5
So not only do the Dodgers have the best overall prospect in baseball, they also have another consensus top-four prospect in Urias, arguably the best pitching prospect in the game. The Rangers (Gallo, Mazara) and Nationals (Giolito, Turner) also have a pair of top-12 prospects heading into 2016.
The 2015 rookie class was historically great. I'm not sure we'll see anything like that again, at least not anytime soon. The 2016 rookie class should be very good though, thanks in large part to Seager
Yeah, last year's rookie class was one of a kind!
Looking forward to seeing how this year's class turns out, should be exciting...Comment -
Andy117SBR Hall of Famer
- 02-07-10
- 9511
#429
I think the Mets are low and the Cubs are a bit high. Any thoughts?Comment -
stevenashModerator
- 01-17-11
- 65470
#430Where is Ian Desmond going to land?Comment -
stevenashModerator
- 01-17-11
- 65470
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BigSpoonSBR MVP
- 11-04-10
- 4113
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CrossSBR Hall of Famer
- 04-15-11
- 5777
#434Both Chicago numbers definitely a bit high, these numbers different than Vegas.Comment -
EmpireMakerSBR Posting Legend
- 06-18-09
- 15578
#435- It does not appear that the Nationals and Stephen Strasburg have any intentions of making a real effort at a new contract, as Jon Morosi of FOX Sports reports. Agent Scott Boras had high praise for the Washington organization and its handling of the prized righty, but his comments suggest that a pre-season deal would come as a major surprise. “We amicably agreed to a one-year deal (for 2016),” Boras said. “He’s going to pitch, and we’ll see where it goes from there. It’s something we’ll be discussing at the end of the year.” None of that comes as much of a surprise, of course, as Strasburg has a chance at a huge contract if he can put up a healthy and productive campaign.
- There may be slightly more daylight for an extension in the case of another NL East, Boras-repped ace — Matt Harvey of the Mets — according to a report from ESPNNewYork.com’s Adam Rubin. Unlike Strasburg, Harvey can be controlled for two more seasons after 2016, so there’s quite a bit more ground to cover before he hits the open market. Harvey said he hasn’t heard any talk of negotiations, but indicated he would be willing at least to consider a long-term arrangement. Boras, meanwhile, provided a trademark analogy to explain his stance: “Expectations of an extension are like dinner invitations. They are always politely considered until you know the restaurant.”
- The Blue Jays have yet to open talks with slugger Edwin Encarnacion, his agent Paul Kinzler tells Morosi. That’s not surprising with camp still on the horizon, but the new Toronto front office has made clear it intends to make an effort to reach agreement with Encarnacion (and fellow star Jose Bautista). Kinzer indicated that he believes there’s plenty of time to work something out, with Encarnacion very open to the idea of foregoing free agency for the chance to cement his legacy with the balllub.
- Red Sox starter Clay Buchholz says that he doesn’t think the time is right to discuss a new deal, as Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald reports. “I still think I have some stuff to prove before we even get into [extension discussions],” Buchholz told Mastrodonato. Boston probably feels similarly, particularly given that the roller-coaster righty is already controllable for 2017 (his age-32 season) by way of a $13.5MM club option.
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oilerSBR Hall of Famer
- 06-06-09
- 6585
#436soxs definetly high..Dont even think they will be 500Comment -
LT ProfitsSBR Aristocracy
- 10-27-06
- 90963
#437Comment -
WrigleySBR Hall of Famer
- 12-28-07
- 7268
#439Minnesota will not finish last in the centralComment -
mr. leisureSBR Posting Legend
- 01-29-08
- 17507
#440Red sox winning the east ????Comment -
mpaschal34SBR Posting Legend
- 02-04-13
- 12087
#447i remember when the nationals were the team to beat last pre-season. problem for them, they actually had to play the games on the field.Comment -
ShortstopBARRELED IN @ SBR!
- 01-02-09
- 27281
#448Let's remember to bump that projection chart on October 2nd...Comment -
LT ProfitsSBR Aristocracy
- 10-27-06
- 90963
#449The White Sox should be improved, but not so sure about 90 wins.
2016 ZiPS Projections - Chicago White SoxComment -
EmpireMakerSBR Posting Legend
- 06-18-09
- 15578
#450Players are beginning to report to Spring Training, but Ian Desmond remains on of three free agents left on the market that is tied to draft-pick compensation. According to the latest report from FOX’s Ken Rosenthal, the White Sox and Rays have both had recent contact with Desmond, and the Rockies, too, have been in touch with his representatives. It’s not clear whether Colorado reached out to Desmond’s camp or vice versa, nor is the severity of the Rockies’ interest known at this time. Rosenthal does, however, note that any pursuit of Desmond would perhaps unsurprisingly be heavily dependent on commissioner Rob Manfred’s course of action in disciplining incumbent shortstop Jose Reyes, who seems likely to be suspended due to his offseason domestic violence charges (though Reyes did plead not guilty last month). Reyes has a trial set for April 4, though Rosenthal notes that Manfred seems likely to act before that time, as that date lies after Opening Day.
As Rosenthal points out, the Rockies wouldn’t pay Reyes for any length of time for which he is suspended, and their No. 4 overall draft pick is protected, meaning that Desmond would require the forfeiture of the Rockies’ No. 38 overall selection, instead. From Desmond’s standpoint, it would seem like Coors Field is an optimal place to attempt to rebuild his value on a one-year deal, although it’s at least worth noting that teams can, in some cases, be wary of a player’s production at altitude (though it’s worth noting that some research has suggested that players who call Coors Field home are negatively impacted in terms of road performance). The Rockies do have an alternative to Reyes in the form of well-regarded shortstop prospect Trevor Story, though Story, of course, isn’t MLB tested at this point.
While the Rays and White Sox have spoken with Desmond, Rosenthal hears that the Rays aren’t likely to part with the 13th overall pick to sign him, and the White Sox are more focused on finding an outfielder on the trade market than they are on Desmond. Chicago does have one of the game’s top prospects, Tim Anderson, nearing the Major Leagues, and he could step into their shortstop vacancy this season, with defensive standout Tyler Saladino manning the position until that time.
The Rockies make some sense for Desmond, on paper anyway, if they plan to take a shot at contending this season, and the rest of their offseason dealings suggest that they do. Colorado has added Jake McGee, Jason Motte and Chad Qualls to its bullpen while also signing Gerardo Parra to a three-year deal. The Rockies seem like a long shot to contend in what should be a much-improved NL West, although the club’s offense should be potent and the bullpen stands to serve as a much more productive unit, especially if closer Adam Ottavino can contribute a half-season or so worth of innings once he is recovered from Tommy John. Starting pitching, of course, is the elephant in the room when looking at the Rockies, although if things go south, the team can always seek to trade Desmond in the event that he further distances himself from last season’s dreadful first half. Desmond did rebound with a .262/.331/.446 slash in the second half last year, and a few solid months of production could make him an appealing target to teams seeking midseason upgrades to their middle infield.Comment -
CrossSBR Hall of Famer
- 04-15-11
- 5777
#451If not the reds in cellar, it will be Brewers, both bad.Comment -
EmpireMakerSBR Posting Legend
- 06-18-09
- 15578
#4522016 Draft & International Pool Changes By Team
By Steve Adams | February 16, 2016 at 11:38pm CST
Baseball America’s Hudson Belinsky reports that draft and international spending pools will rise by about 4.6 percent in total for the 2016 Rule 4 Draft in June and the 2016-17 international signing period, which kicks off on July 2. Belinsky provides total draft and international pools for all 30 clubs, with the Reds ranking first in terms of draft bonus pool at $13.923MM and the Phillies laying claim to the top international pool by virtue of finishing with the league’s worst record in 2015.
For MLBTR purposes, I’ve compiled quick references highlighting the year-to-year changes in each club’s draft and international spending pools, although it’s important to stress that the draft pools are still highly subject to change; Ian Desmond, Dexter Fowler and Yovani Gallardo all remain unsigned and will all require a club to forfeit its top pick upon signing, while the Nationals, Cubs and Rangers will all receive comp picks in exchange for those losses (Links to draft changes table and to international changes table for mobile app users).
Notably, that means that the Orioles’ current projection of a $10.457MM bonus pool is likely due for a precipitous decline, as the team has been rumored to be nearing a deal with Gallardo for nearly a week. While the exact value of the No. 14 overall pick that Baltimore would surrender isn’t known, last year’s 14th overall selection carried a value of $2,842,400. A 4.6 percent increase in that figure — the number referenced by Belinsky — would result in a slot value of $2,973,150. That figure would completely negate Baltimore’s $2.78MM pool increase, and the O’s could stand to incur further draft losses if they complete a deal with Gallardo and go on to pursue Fowler, as has been rumored. Baltimore’s second pick, No. 29 overall, would rise to 28th overall in the event that a deal with Gallardo is completed. Again, based on last year’s $1.975MM value for that slot and a 4.6 percent increase, the Orioles would stand to lose $2.066MM in draft money, bringing their total loss in the event of those rumored signings to $5.039MM — roughly 48 percent of their overall pool.
While the Reds have the largest draft pool overall, it’s the Padres who saw the largest increase in their draft spending potential, as the team received compensatory picks for the departures of both Ian Kennedy and Justin Upton in addition to winning the first pick in Competitive Balance Round B, which sits at No. 71 overall. As Belinsky points out, that gives San Diego six picks in the top 85 of the upcoming draft (so long as the club does not sign one of the aforementioned free agents, which indeed appears unlikely).
Conversely, no team has seen as swift of a fall in its draft spending potential as the Astros, who went from an enormous bonus pool of more than $17MM to a more standard pool of $5.866MM. (Last year, Houston picked second, fifth and 37th overall in the draft, thus creating the record-setting bonus pool.) The D-backs lost more than $8MM in pool money due to the fact that they dropped from the No. 1 overall pick to the No. 16 pick and subsequently forfeited the pick anyway to add Zack Greinke.
The Cubs punted a pair of picks to sign Jason Heyward and John Lackey, though they’ll see a notable bump back up the rankings when they receive a comp pick after Fowler signs. Similarly, the Nats and Rangers will each see their draft allotments jump north of $7MM once Desmond and Gallardo sign.
Meanwhile, the Phillies enjoy the largest increase in baseball on the international side of the equation, although the size of their pool could be rendered moot if the team exceeds its cap by a wide enough margin. Philadelphia is reportedly planning to be aggressive, and if the team plans to incur significant penalties, then the only real gain from the top pool is a bit of a break on luxury taxation. As such, if the Phils plan to shatter the pool anyhow, they could actually trade away slots. Counter-intuitive as it may seem, if they’re incurring maximum penalty anyhow, the slots would hold more valuable to a team that isn’t planning to do incur penalties, and the only loss for the Phillies would be more money.
The fact that the Reds are set to receive the third-largest increase again brings to light the team’s curious ties to Cuban shortstop Alfredo Rodriguez in January. Reds president of baseball operations Walt Jocketty denied that a deal was in place at the time that news of a $6MM signing bonus from Cincinnati to Rodriguez broke, and the team has yet to announce a deal. However, if Cincinnati does indeed come to terms with Rodriguez for that sum, it would prevent the team from signing a player for more than $300K in either the 2016-17 signing period or the 2017-18 signing period, thus mitigating the advantage of their notable pool increase. Instead, the Reds would likely trade away their international bonus slots this summer, and while that money can indeed be a deal-sweetener when talking with other clubs, international slots on their own haven’t been traded for much in the way of high-profile prospect capital. Straight-up swaps for international money have previously involved players such as Aaron Kurcz and Garrett Fulenchek. While some of the players in these deals could prove to be solid pieces in the long run, giving $6MM to Rodriguez would mean that the Reds elected to exceed their pool well after the top talent on this year’s international class had signed. Beyond that, they’d be doing it so by signing a limited number of players — highlighted by a defensively gifted but light-hitting shortstop — instead of taking a bulk approach and acquiring multiple prospects in next year’s class.
Looking to other clubs that have incurred maximum penalties, the Royals, Dodgers and Giants are all in roughly the spot in which they entered the 2015-16 period, but those slots will be used as trade fodder this summer after their significant international expenditures over the past seven and a half months. The Yankees, Rays, D-backs, Angels and Red Sox all look like reasonable candidates to trade away the majority of their international slots this coming signing period as well due to the fact that each team incurred maximum penalties in the 2014-15 signing period.Comment -
WrigleySBR Hall of Famer
- 12-28-07
- 7268
#454Houston was a fluke last year dont see them winning 90 gamesComment
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