Archives for April 2016

Minor MLB Transactions: 4/3/16

By | April 3, 2016 at 10:28pm CDT

Here are the today’s minor moves from around the league:

Utility infielder Munenori Kawasaki has been added to the Cubs 40-man roster and optioned to Triple-A, tweets Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago. Kawasaki, 34, will serve as middle infield depth. While he’s never been known for his bat, he generally draws positive defensive reviews at shortstop, second base, and the hot corner. Despite a lack of power, he’s also known for posting high walk rates and tolerable strikeout rates.
Two notable minor league signings occurred earlier in the day. The White Sox inked starting pitcher Miguel Gonzalez. He was released by the Orioles earlier in the week. Meanwhile, the Angels signed reliever Neal Cotts. He was cut loose by the Astros over a week ago.
A bevy of players were designated for assignment earlier today. Check out the MLBTR DFA Tracker to learn all the latest.

MLBTR Originals

By Zachary Links and Brad Johnson | April 3, 2016 at 9:45pm CDT

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR the last seven days:

In the early stages of the offseason, free agents David Price, Johnny Cueto, and Jason Heyward all inked lucrative deals which included opt-out clauses. In January, Matt Swartz wrote an article for MLBTR to approximate the value of those clauses. Days ago, he offered his analysis of the opt-outs given to Yoenis Cespedes, Justin Upton, Scott Kazmir, Ian Kennedy, and Wei-Yin Chen. While many in baseball criticize teams for giving opt-out clauses, Swartz estimates that in these five deals, teams would have had to fork over about 10 to 15 percent more in a straight forward deal.
In part one of his interview with Dave Stewart, Brett Ballantini spoke with the D’Backs GM about his eventful offseason. In Part II of the interview, Ballantini spoke with Stewart about his unusual path from player to powerful agent to general manager.
The MLBTR Podcast last Thursday included play-by-play man Len Kasper on the Cubs and Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca on the Blue Jays and the extension market.
Speaking of Chen, the Marlins laid out big bucks to land the left-hander. MLBTR’s Jeff Todd looked back on Miami’s offseason moves, including the Chen deal and Dee Gordon’s extension.
To kickstart MLBTR’s brand new College Series, Chuck Wasserstrom interviewed Reds Senior Vice President/General Manager Dick Williams about his days at the University of Virginia.
Charlie Wilmoth reflected on the Cardinals’ offseason including the loss of Heyward and John Lackey to a division rival. Will additions to rotation and bullpen be enough?
Mark Polishuk analyzed the Yankees’ unlikely offseason. The infamous big spenders committed $0 to major league free agents. They did make a number of notable trades, acquiring Aroldis Chapman, Aaron Hicks, and Starlin Castro in three separate moves.
Mark also offered his take on the Blue Jays offseason which began with an unexpected need to replace former GM Alex Anthopoulos after their most successful season in over two decades.
On Saturday, MLBTR was the first to report that Alex Presley would not make the Brewers and has a 48-hour window to be signed elsewhere.
On Sunday, MLBTR was the first to report on the deal sending Chris Leroux from the Phillies to the Blue Jays.
MLBTR was also the first to report the Dodgers signing of reliever Dale Thayer to a minor league contract. Earlier in the week Thayer had opted out of a minors deal with the Orioles.

D’Backs Weighing Center Field Addition

By | April 3, 2016 at 8:26pm CDT

The Diamondbacks have not ruled out acquiring a new center fielder to replace injured star A.J. Pollock, reports Jon Morosi of MLB Network in a series of tweets (1, 2, 3, and 4). Pollock will have surgery on his fractured elbow and hopes to return at some point this season. However, it’s very possible he’ll miss the entire 2016 campaign.

The Diamondbacks made a serious of win-now oriented moves over the offseason. The loss of Pollock is a devastating blow to their hopes of contention. According to FanGraphs, he was worth over six wins above replacement level last year. Internal options like Chris Owings and Socrates Brito may patch the problem, but they won’t come close to replacing Pollock’s production.

For now, the club will evaluate their in-house candidates while exploring the trade market and free agent markets. It’s generally a difficult time of year to acquire impact talent – most teams have either made their blockbuster swaps or hope to contend this season. If Arizona does choose to look outside the organization, they could begin their search with veterans Michael Bourn and Will Venable. Bourn was recently designated for assignment by the Braves while Venable failed to make the Phillies Opening Day roster.

Hyun Soo Kim To Make Orioles Roster

By | April 3, 2016 at 5:58pm CDT

After some late-spring drama, Korean outfielder Hyun Soo Kim will be on the Orioles Opening Day roster, reports Dan Connolly of BaltimoreBaseball.com. Baltimore signed Kim to a two-year, $7MM contract over the offseason. The deal included a provision that allowed Kim to refuse an assignment to the minors.

After hitting just .178/.224/.178 in 45 spring plate appearances, the Orioles reportedly believed it was best for Kim’s development to start the year in the minors. Kim’s Korea-based agency announced earlier last week that he would not accept an assignment to the minor. Per executive VP Dan Duquette, “we asked for his consent because we thought that was the best way to prepare him. He needed more time in the transition and, so, he didn’t see it that way.”

The team actually has need of a left-handed hitting backup outfielder so Kim can still fill a valuable role. It’s important to remember that a bad March does not necessarily portend an equally rough season – especially for an overseas player who may be experiencing culture shock. Kim is coming off a strong season in the KBO – .326/.438/.541 with 28 home runs and 38 more walks than strikeouts.

For his part, Kim is grateful for the opportunity, writes Rich Dubroff of CSN Mid-Atlantic. Speakings through a translator, he said “I’m very happy to be on the roster and I will try my best to make it up to the coaching staff and organization.”

Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Miller, Padres, Blue Jays

By Zachary Links | April 3, 2016 at 4:54pm CDT

Here’s this week’s look around the baseball blogosphere:

Inside The ’Zona has some ideas to help Shelby Miller.
Chin Music Baseball is amazed by the change in San Diego.
Jays Journal has five reasons why the Blue Jays can win it all.
Astros County looked at ZiPS projections over time.
Wayniac Nation looked back on the 1996 Yankees.
Baseball Hot Corner counted down the moments that shaped MLB.
Chris Zantow reflected on a quiet Opening Day in Milwaukee.
The Runner Sports congratulates Tyler White.
Fantasy Pros made some bold predictions in the AL.
TPOP previewed the potential contenders for the playoffs in the National League.
Philliedelphia previewed the Phillies’ starting five.
Same Page Team says the Blue Jays should think about letting Edwin Encarnacion walk.
A’s Farm spoke with Oakland special assistant Grady Fuson about the team’s top prospects.
Super Two Sports looked at the Cardinals’ rotation.
Think Blue PC discussed Andre Ethier’s injury.
Pirates Breakdown explained how the Bucs can get more from the bottom of their order.
Clubhouse Corner is rooting for Ramon Flores.
L.A. Dodger Report wonders if Zach Lee will be the No. 5 starter for the Dodgers.
Bleeding Royal Blue made some predictions for 2016.
Baseball Prospectus says Toronto should have put Drew Storen in the closer role.
HBT Sports previewed the Red Sox.
Outside Pitch has some concerns about the A’s.
Big Three Sports discussed Matt Harvey.
Dynasty Digest says Aaron Sanchez is more valuable in the bullpen.
Jays From The Couch got us caught up on Russell Martin.
Redbird Rants says you cannot miss these Cardinals games.
Yankees Unscripted talks C.C. Sabathia.
Bucs Raise It made some predictions.
DiNardo’s Dugout has some criticism for the D’Backs.
North Shore Nine previewed the Bucs in 2016.
Rascals Of The Ravine weighed in on the Dodgers’ TV situation.
Sports Heaven ran down some underrated hitters in fantasy.

Please send submissions to Zach Links at ZachBBWI@gmail.com.

Blue Jays Acquire Chris Leroux From Phillies

By Zachary Links | April 3, 2016 at 4:20pm CDT

4:20pm: Toronto announced that Leroux has been acquired from the Phillies in exchange for cash considerations. The 6’6″ hurler will pitch for Triple-A Buffalo.

3:34pm: The Blue Jays have acquired Chris Leroux from the Phillies, a source tells MLBTR (Twitter link). It’s not yet clear who and/or what will be going from Toronto to Philly in the swap.

The deal marks a homecoming of sorts for Leroux, who is a Montreal native. Leroux, who turns 32 later this month, last pitched in the big leagues in 2014 when he appeared in two games for the Yankees. Over parts of six big league seasons with the Marlins, Pirates, and Yankees, the hurler has a 6.03 ERA with 8.3 K/9 and 4.4 BB/9. In his 22-game stint with the Phillies’ Triple-A affiliate in 2015, Leroux posted a stronger stat line as he pitched to a 3.26 ERA with 5.9 K/9 and 2.8 BB/9.

In other Blue Jays news, the team signed Franklin Morales to a one-year, $2MM non-guaranteed deal over the weekend. And, on Friday, Mark Polishuk delivered a must-read in-depth recap of the Blue Jays’ offseason.

White Sox To Sign Miguel Gonzalez

By Zachary Links | April 3, 2016 at 3:35pm CDT

The White Sox have agreed to sign right-hander Miguel Gonzalez to a minor league deal, according to Eduardo A. Encina of The Baltimore Sun (on Twitter).

Gonzalez was released by the Orioles late last week. The Orioles made the right-handed hurler a “competitive” offer to pitch in the minors, but he apparently felt that he had a better opportunity waiting for him in Chicago. Gonzalez also received interest from the Yankees, but it was the White Sox who made the strongest push for his services.

The 31-year-old has been a member of the Orioles’ starting five since his MLB debut in 2012. From 2012 through 2014, Gonzalez pitched to a strong 3.45 ERA with a so-so showing in K/9 (6.4) and BB/9 (2.9). However, he was unable to replicate those results in 2015 when he posted a 4.91 ERA with 6.8 K/9 and 3.2 BB/9. 144 2/3 innings. Whether Gonzalez was the beneficiary of good luck in his first three big league seasons or he just suffered a down year in ’15, he’ll look to get back to his old form in the White Sox organization.

Indians Designate Giovanni Soto, Zach Walters For Assignment

By Zachary Links | April 3, 2016 at 2:53pm CDT

The Indians have designated Zach Walters and Giovanni Soto for assignment, as Ryan Lewis of the Akron Beacon Journal tweets.

Soto, a left-hander, appeared in six games for the Indians in 2015 but spent the bulk of the year in Triple-A Columbus. In 46 Triple-A appearances (including one start), Soto posted a 3.69 ERA with 8.6 K/9 and 4.9 BB/9. The soon-to-be 25-year-old is not to be confused with veteran catcher Geovany Soto, who is currently with the Angels.

Walters, 26, has appeared in 42 games for the Tribe over the last two years and has 82 big league appearances to his credit. The left fielder/shortstop came to the Indians in a 2014 deadline deal involving Asdrubal Cabrera. After belting seven homers in the final weeks of the 2014 season, Walters’ power did not re-emerge at the major league level in 2015.

As the MLBTR DFA Tracker shows, Soto and Walters will now join a long list of players caught in the ten-day waiting period.

Padres Designate Josh Martin For Assignment

By Zachary Links | April 3, 2016 at 1:27pm CDT

The Padres announced that they have designated right-handed pitcher Josh Martin for assignment. In a related move, San Diego has selected the contract of infielder/outfielder Adam Rosales. The Padres now have 39 players on the 40-man roster.

Martin, 26, first entered the league as a tenth-round pick of the Indians in the 2012 draft. Last year, Martin ascended to Double-A Akron and pitched to a 3.07 ERA with 10.7 K/9 and 2.5 BB/9. This year, he found his way to the Padres but could not stick on their Opening Day roster.

Rosales, 33 in May, inked a minor league deal with the Padres in January. He’ll make $800K in the majors, Dennis Lin of U-T San Diego tweets.

To keep up with Martin and many more players in DFA limbo, keep an eye on MLBTR’s handy DFA Tracker.

Reds Designate Jake Cave For Assignment

By Zachary Links | April 3, 2016 at 12:28pm CDT

The Reds announced that they have designated Jake Cave for assignment, as John Fay of The Cincinnati Enquirer tweets. Cave, 23, was waived days ago by Cincinnati but was not claimed by another team.

Cave was plucked from the Yankees’ roster in December’s Rule 5 draft but he did not make enough of an impression on Reds brass in recent weeks to warrant a roster spot. In 56 Spring Training plate appearances, Cave slashed .224/.309/.306. Meanwhile, in 132 Double-A and Triple-A games (mostly Double-A) last year, Cave drew attention with a .278/.339/.359 line.

In a December preview of the Rule 5 draft, MLBTR’s Brad Johnson highlighted Cave’s ability to play all three outfield positions and his plate discipline. However, injuries prevented the lefty from fulfilling his potential and he now profiles as a fourth outfield type.

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