Cliff-notes version... they're giving less at bats to bad players and the pitchers have been luckier.
The one issue I have with that article is that he keeps talking about the huge hole at second base that is the team's top priority to improve. Lawrie has played quite a bit at 2B this year, I don't think that hole is as big as he's saying.
The one issue I have with that article is that he keeps talking about the huge hole at second base that is the team's top priority to improve. Lawrie has played quite a bit at 2B this year, I don't think that hole is as big as he's saying.
At the time the article was written, I don't think it was considered that Lawrie was the FT 2nd baseman.
Huge point. Our catchers haven't been awesome, but they haven't been AS AWFUL as JP was last year.
Bill James might not think game calling ability is relevant when assessing player's statistics, but I think there is something there. Especially a guy like Buerhle with the way he throws and how he doesn't shake off a catcher.
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Cliff-notes version... they're giving less at bats to bad players and the pitchers have been luckier.
lol. Hard to imagine an AL East where they project a division winning record of 87-75. The accident of timing really is Toronto's biggest ally this year.
The one issue I have with that article is that he keeps talking about the huge hole at second base that is the team's top priority to improve. Lawrie has played quite a bit at 2B this year, I don't think that hole is as big as he's saying.
Sure... but one has to consider the possibility (nee likelihood) that the clock will eventually strike midnight and Juan Fransisco turns back into a pumpkin.
There's a reason they shift Lawrie back to 3B late game and have him start there vs. lefties. He's a plus fielder at third while merely adaquate at 2nd. It's fine doing that now to keep Fransisco's bat in the order vs. righthanders but if/when Fransisco's bat eventually no longer becomes worth it then that glaring hole at 2B rears it's head again.
Personally I'm more confident that the SP sorts itself out with Stroman starting and Morrow eventually coming off the DL to replace Happ.
Yeah, I'm not saying that AA shouldn't get some sort of insurance for 2B, but I just don't see it as a massive hole right now. I'm pretty comfortable when Tolleson plays there when Lawrie doesn't, but I guess he's still unproven if they're looking at a pennant/playoff race. I'd rather see them pick up a solid SP first, but not sure how likely that is to happen. They keep winning an at the very least it gives AA lots of time to figure everything out.
Personally I'm more confident that the SP sorts itself out with Stroman starting and Morrow eventually coming off the DL to replace Happ.
I have very little confidence in Morrow. Aside from the fact that he's made of glass, he seems to have lost his ability to locate his pitches. Happ is a fine #4 or #5 right now.
Peter Gammons calls Hoffman “a special guy” and says that this is a great gamble, as many teams looked at the medicals on Hoffman, who just had Tommy John surgery (or he otherwise would have been picked much higher), and thought that the operation was clean and that he should be back in 15 months ready to go. The success rate on Tommy John isn’t 100%, but this is a very smart gamble for a club that has two picks here. They save money for elsewhere in the draft, and by taking him at nine they have a lower slot recommendation to begin negotiations with the eleventh pick at. That saves even more pool money to use later on, and shouldn’t be an issue, with a lot of talent that they still thought might be available still around. A better gamble than Phil Bickford. Let’s say that.
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Jays took catcher Max Pentecost with the 11th pick. Was drafted in the 7th round in 2011 after having an injury that hurt his stock. Decided not to sign and re-enter the draft and it looks like it paid off big time. Sounds like a decent hitter, decent arm and good speed for a catcher. He was the best catching prospect available.
Quote:
Pentecost has taken his game to an entirely new level this spring, as the junior heads into the draft with a robust .423/.483/.631 batting line, 23 doubles, nine home runs, 17 stolen bases (in 19 attempts) and more walks (29) than strikeouts (25) through 62 games. He’s also one of the three finalists for the prestigious Johnny Bench Award, which is given annually to the nation’s top collegiate catcher. More importantly, Pentecost’s stellar performance this season is arguably the main reason Kennesaw State is heading into the NCAA super regionals this weekend having won 26 of their last 28 games.
Just noticed a couple other catchers taken ahead of Pentecost, but they play other positions as well. Bleacher says he was the best 'true' catching prospect available. Either way, he sounds good
