Astros shortstop Carlos Correa projects as one of the top free agents on next year’s market, though both he and the team have made clear that they hope to hammer out an extension before he reaches the market. Correa told reporters today that those talks have yet to begin, noting that the finger injury to Framber Valdez and the front office’s subsequent negotiations with free agents may have delayed the beginning of talks (Twitter link, with video, via Mark Berman of FOX 26). Correa was understanding of that and remains motivated to talk contract, though as is often the case with extension candidates, he placed a firm Opening Day deadline on any talks for a new deal. Houston GM James Click said in late February that the Astros “want to have some conversations” with Correa’s camp to see if the two sides can align on a deal to keep him long term.
Astros fans may also be interested to hear skipper Dusty Baker talk of Correa as a potential leadoff candidate in 2021. Correa hit leadoff today and told reporters he’s excited for the possibility of taking on that challenge (video link via Berman). Leadoff duties have traditionally been George Springer’s department in Houston, of course, but his departure creates a vacancy atop the lineup.
More from the division…
- Ty France may not have a set position with the Mariners, but the team plans to get him 500-plus plate appearances in 2020, writes Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times. As Divish notes, Seattle GM Jerry Dipoto tried to pry France away from the Padres on multiple occasions before successfully landing him as part of the Austin Nola trade last summer. Manager Scott Servais spoke glowingly of France’s work so far this spring, and Divish suggests that France could get semi-regular work at designated hitter while also seeing occasional starts at third base, second base and first base to keep the Mariners’ infielders fresh. France is 8-for-13 with a pair of doubles, three homers, a walk and no strikeouts this spring. He batted .305/.368/.468 in 155 big league plate appearances last year and is a career .372/.454/.713 hitter in 458 Triple-A plate appearances (albeit in a supercharged Pacific Coast League offensive environment).
- The Athletics will continue to build up southpaw Cole Irvin as a starting pitcher in camp, writes Matt Kawahara of the San Francisco Chronicle. Oakland acquired the lefty from the Phillies in exchange for cash over the winter, and although the bulk of his work in the Majors has come out of the ’pen, the A’s plan to continue building him up to serve as a possible depth option behind their current rotation. Only three of Irvin’s 19 Major League appearances with the Phils were starts, but 41 of his 43 career appearances in Triple-A came out of the rotation. The 27-year-old carries a 3.07 ERA at that level, and while his 18.8 percent strikeout rate is a good ways shy of average, his 4.7 percent walk rate is excellent.
Rank ’em:
Ty France
Domingo German
Zack Britton
Tim Ireland
Thai France is the clear winner
Jim Rome
Ricky Spanish
Bobby Democraticrepublicofthecongo
Forgot about “Bobby Congo” loved the book about him by Michael Crichton.
Carlos Correa
Ricky Bobby
Mark Portugal
Excellent.
Esteban Toledo
Tyler Houston, Dallas Kwuchel, Austin Barnes, San Antonio Alfonseca
Turkey Stearnes, Germany Schaefer, Greg and Derek Holland. Denver Lemaster, Huston Street, Darryl Boston, Kelly Paris, Ron and Claudell Washington, Rick Austin, Grover Cleveland Alexander.
Kudos for remembering Kelly Paris. Well done!
I can’t believe I forgot the Hollands. Kudos.
awesome
I see Britton, I see France
Carlos Korea
Kenny Powers
Don’t be crazy, don’t be lazy, hire Kenny powers.
“Keep our troops in Iraq”
Are we allowing minor leaguers? Jonathan India?
France seems like he will be Seager’s replacement if he keeps this up. A team with a huge need at the AS break or sooner could make a trade for him. The part where his contract is guaranteed if traded will have a part in it but if they have a long term need it would be worth it.
One of the players you hate to see go but it is about youth. Not many on the East Coast have probably seen him much but he is better than his D metrics. Is good for the young guys and a great leader. If you get him you won’t be unhappy with him.
France is hitting well he needs to up his D to get to Kyle’s level but sill not bad. Will be tough to see him go when it happens the writing is on the cards though. Will be interesting if we do DH as an alternating role or they sign just a hitter for it next year. I have had hopes before but this year will be fun. No expectations just watch the kids grow and learn.
It’s spring training with who knows who on the mound? While great spring hitting is obviously a plus, don’t get sucked in by the current production. If he already is expected to play full time, then just worry about health. Such applies to mostly every player. Only exceptions are to those truly fighting for a position.
I am not just using ST numbers never count on those. Seattle won the most games of any team at ST then lost the most they ever lost. France hit well after coming here and played decent D. He could well be the DH on a couple years when Marte comes up. This can move some players and if he continues to improve. Only first is for certain in the next few years.
plan to get France 500 plus plate appearances in 2021
France looks like the DH, no?
Ty France’s 2019 line of “.372/.454/.713 … in 458 Triple-A plate appearances” included a wRC+ of 196 that took into account the “supercharged Pacific Coast League offensive environment.”
Did the wRC+ consider the hitters’ heaven at France’s home park in El Paso?
wRC+ includes a park adjustment.
Don Sutton’s portly sister Seattle, and their family pony Seattle Slew, Jersey Mike, L.A Reid, San Diego Maradona, San Francisco Barrios, Santa Anita Bryant (no relation to Kobe, RIP24, but I digress), Jimmy the Greece, Baltimore Jack, Detroit Sucks (Let’s Go Blackhawks)
Your schtick is over. Delete your account.
Activated
Esteban Yan…
Fernando Valenzuela.