As we wait for the playoffs to return on Tuesday, here’s the latest from the AL.
- Mariners starter Chris Young would like to return to Seattle next season, writes Greg John of MLB.com. The 35-year-old had his best season since 2007, throwing 165 innings with a 3.65 ERA, 5.89 K/9, 3.27 BB/9, and a league low 22.3% ground ball rate. The towering fly ball specialist – he’s 6’10” – is often cited as exceptionally deceptive despite an 85 mph fastball. Advanced ERA estimators expected an ERA over 5.00. His unusual size and approach could make him a special case who can reliably outperform his FIP and SIERA. Young faded down the stretch, but it was his healthiest season in seven years. He earned $1.25MM in 2014 and could be in line for a modest raise.
- The Indians need help in right field, reports Paul Hoynes of the Plain Dealer. While the free agent class isn’t bad, it’s top heavy. Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis are beyond the Indians means. Unfortunately, David Murphy and Ryan Raburn will tie up $8.5MM at the position. Murphy could rebound – he had a decent season before injuring his oblique in August. Raburn was a complete loss this season and may not have a role next season. The Indians previously had interest in Norichika Aoki before he signed with Milwaukee. Hoynes also mentions Michael Cuddyer as a possible buy-low candidate.
Is the free agent RF class really top heavy, when that top includes Cruz and Markakis as the 2 best options?
Next winter you got Upton, Heyward, Gordon, Cespedes. That’s top heavy.
Of course the Indians would be interested in Michael cuddyer if they get him that is
Young didn’t know how to pitch outside of Safeco. His best bet is to sign with another West Coast team and continue getting away with long flyouts.
2014 splits:
Home: .185/.254./318
Away: 283/.348/.546
Chris Young is lucky he pitched in Seattle last season and he’d be smart to stay there. Or at least go to San Diego. The only way that Young can put up good numbers now is to pitch in a spacious ballpark, as evidenced by his stellar 2.40 ERA at home and his sub-par 5.08 ERA on the road. Blue Jays, Yankees, and Rockies would be teams to avoid. What I find really odd though is how Mark Buerhle, who features the same stuff as Young with the exception of being a southpaw, put up a 3.63 ERA at hitter-friendly Rogers’ Centre.
Young’s groundball rate is like 25%, you can’t survive that in the AL East. Hughes struggled there, and his rate was 10% higher..
Buerhle’s groundball rate has always been average or above average. Chris Young’s has always been significantly below average. Buerhle gives up more hits as a result, but he’s also not nearly as prone to the home run.
Another Chris Young stat: 6th in MLB last year in hits per 9 innings. He’s third in that category for active pitchers, and has led the league in twice before. He also had the 2nd worst HR/9 last year. Good backend of the rotation guy for Safeco. Just have the bullpen ready on the road.