If you missed the recent SABR Analytics Conference, you are in luck, as Ben Lindbergh of Baseball Prospectus provides an excellent breakdown of the main topics of conversation. Among other things, the conference touched upon injury analytics, team chemistry, tracking technology, and front office personnel trends. Here are a few links from around the game to round out the evening:
- The Giants have yet to begin discussing a contract extension with third baseman Pablo Sandoval, reports Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle (via Twitter). With less than two weeks remaining before Opening Day, the sides will have to move quickly if there is any interest in making a run at a new contract before the start of the season. Sandoval is set to become one of the best available free agents following the 2014 season.
- Rays pitcher Erik Bedard says he will exercise his March 23rd opt-out clause if he does not make the Opening Day roster, tweets Roger Mooney of the Tampa Tribune. Though Bedard has been knocked around somewhat in his 11 1/3 spring innings, he says he would look to find a rotation opening elsewhere.
- Twins assistant GM Rob Antony said today that the front office has been fielding calls about possible trades as rosters begin to take shape, tweets Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Antony indicated that out-of-options players are the key topic. As MLBTR's Tim Dierkes recently reported, the Twins have eight out-of-options players of their own, several of whom are still battling for roles. Presumably, the team could also be a landing spot for the out-of-options players from other clubs.
- Free agent Micah Owings is looking for a job as a pitcher, tweets Chris Cotillo of MLBDailyDIsh.com. After transitioning to the field just last year, the 31-year-old will hold a showcase later this week as he returns to the bump.
I Dont see any team guaranteeing him a roster spot. he will have to start in the minors
I’d love to see the Twins find a trade partner for some of these out-of-options fringe starters that will soon be on waivers, namely Scott Diamond and Vance Worley. They might benefit greatly from a change of scenery.
I’d really like to see Diamond turn it around and make the rotation, but it’s been a while since he’s looked like he belongs there.
Parmalee’d be a good bench bat for a lot of teams, but with Mauer/Collabello at 1B/DH and our jammed outfield, there’s nothing for him in Minnesota.
Yeah, Diamond has the durability aspect going for him, at least. If he could just make it through the lineup more than once or twice, he’d be more than welcome to stay. He’s got the Kevin Slowey thing going on, in that respect.
Worley, on the other hand, is wearing out his welcome as quickly as he can. He seems completely lost as a Twin. He was pretty good with the Phils, and I was excited to see him. But now…smh.
I’d rather have Owings than Edinson Volquez. They’re both awful pitchers, but at least Owings can pinch hit.
Owings Rays,Marlins,Cardinals.
The Braves,A’s could use SP’s.
Owings could be the ultimate bench player. Pinch hitter/1B/DH/relief pitcher. Joe Madden would love him.
Yeah, extend Sandoval so he can stop trying again
Tell that to the TIGERS…and thanks for bailing on Hudson!
Sandoval will be the best available free agent after the 2014 season? Maybe in the competitive eating league.
re: SABR conference
An intern might be worth more than a replacement level player making 7 digits. Translation: hire us nerds for your front office on a 7 figure salary. DFA Darwin Barney. Your team just got better.