Let’s check in on the latest notes from around the American League West …
- With or without baseball in 2020, the Astros will soon be faced with a gaping void in the outfield, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle observes. Each of George Springer, Michael Brantley and Josh Reddick are slated to hit the open market at season’s end. And while top prospect Kyle Tucker can hopefully step up as an everyday option in their absence, the organization has little else waiting in the wings. Astros steal Yordan Alvarez is regarded as a part-time corner outfielder at best, while fleet-footed Myles Straw has looked like more of a reserve type than a regular. That trio’s potential departure does open up some payroll space, but the ’Stros already have more than $134MM in luxury tax obligations — and that’s before arbitration raises to Carlos Correa, Roberto Osuna, Lance McCullers Jr., Chris Devenski, Aledmys Diaz and Joe Biagini.
- The Angels weren’t able to land any of their top rotation targets in free agency this winter, but general manager Billy Eppler and his staff hope that an emphasis on improved receiving from their catchers will contribute to better results on the pitching staff, writes Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register. Max Stassi and Jason Castro are considered to be two of the game’s best in terms of pitch framing, and the pair spoke about the fact that it’s not necessarily a coincidence that they’re considered as such. Both were with the Astros in 2013 when Astros analyst Mike Fast presented on the importance of the skill to Houston catchers during Spring Training. Both backstops provide their thoughts on the skill as a whole — Castro on why he feels “framing” is a misnomer and Stassi giving his thoughts on a potential automated strike zone. Framing has become an increased point of emphasis for the Angels in recent years, per Eppler: “…[I]f you have a catcher who you know can present a ball well and receive a ball well, that gives confidence to your pitchers and could potentially move a count from 2-1 to 1-2.”
- Rangers president of baseball operations Jon Daniels updated reporters on his organization, as Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram relays. Of note, three members of the organization – all minor leaguers – have shown coronavirus symptoms. Fortunately, those players seem to be recovering well. Meanwhile, after suffering a fractured jaw just under a month ago, outfielder Willie Calhoun continues to progress. Calhoun “has no limitations” at this point, Wilson writes. Assuming there is a season, Calhoun just might break out in 2020 after a promising showing last year.
If you are not Cleveland, outfielders are not exactly hard to find. For some reason, the Indians always want to put out a AAA outfield with their great pitching, but everyone else usually has a surplus.
Look at a guy like Yasiel Puig. He is still a free agent and he is at the very least a serviceable starting outfielder and potentially a star. And if Puig is not your cup of tea, there are plenty of teams that have more outfielders than spots available. Trading for an OF or two shouldn’t be that expensive given the surplus.
I feel like the Indians have had several OF options that just haven’t stuck at the majors like Tyler Naquin, Bradley Zimmer, Jake Bauers, etc. It’s not out of a lack of effort, either. They brought in Delino DeShields, Domingo Santana, AND Franmil Reyes this off-season so you gotta at least give them credit for trying.
That is true. And it proves my point even more. Even the Indians with their pathetic outfield situation was able to relatively cheaply put together a decent MLB outfield.
I don’t know the story about Zimmer
Looks like a major league player. Thought it would click it by now.
Wouldn’t mind the Astros taking a flier on him.
i wouldn’t pile on Naquin too much. he’s good when healthy.
Not to be that guy but Reyes was a deadline trade
Kyle Tucker was once considered a Top prospect.
Just hasn’t received the at bats.
Should see the Astros give him more playing time.
If Astros are going to continue to win it will because they can pass the baton.
Really looks like they have been able to do that with the pitchers. Plus Alvarez after year one is a success.
Because of their elite production at 2B and 3B the Astros can get by getting league average production at others.
Especially if Yordan isn’t just an one year fluke. I highly doubt it though
I’m interested in seeing how much time Tucker gets. Dusty doesn’t always trust young guys with playing
I believe the understanding is that the front office determines the lineups.
I could be wrong.
Dusty is just the face right now. He is a well respected member of the baseball community and very well spoken.
He feels a connection to Southeast Texas because of his wife so in terms of him being an old school manager making the lineups it probably won’t happen. He just here for the ride.
I’m sorry , I dont care uf you’re the best defensive catcher in the history of the game. if you cant bat 100 … then please go out and do all angel fans a favor, and retire
Dodgers have a lot of outfielders maybe a trade to Houston for the 2017 World Series Trophy
Crane, please lock down George Springer. I think us fans deserve that after this offseason.
Matters the $$$
Could be an albatross of a contract