SBNation.com: All Posts by Matt Sullivanhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46737/sbn-fave.png2014-03-11T10:00:03-04:00https://www.sbnation.com/authors/matt-sullivan/rss2014-03-11T10:00:03-04:002014-03-11T10:00:03-04:00Where should Santana play in 2014?
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7nvmmkpmC-RyzTJp8G1-bIlLxsI=/0x87:4000x2754/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29831125/177643100.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jamie Squire</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Which team offers the right-hander the best place to play on a one-year deal?</p> <p><span>Ervin Santana's</span> free agency has not gone his way so far.</p>
<p>Santana had the best season of his career in 2013, at least ERA-wise, with a 3.24 mark over 211 innings. He showed more control than he had flashed since 2008 and a strikeout rate consistent with his career numbers. Home runs were still an issue when batters got the ball in the air, but that was less often than ever before thanks to a career-high 46.2 groundball percentage. He entered the offseason with high hopes, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2013/11/7/5079078/ervin-santana-ricky-nolasco-rumors-mlb-free-agency">dreaming loudly about finding himself a five-year, $100 million deal.</a></p>
<p>But, as a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPVLyB0Yc6I" target="_blank">wise man once said,</a> "sometimes you eat the bear, sometimes the bear eats you."</p>
<p>Teams don't seem nearly impressed enough with Santana's 2013 campaign to forget the 5.16 ERA he posted in 2012 and the relatively average statistics that make up his career numbers. Worst of all, he earned a qualifying offer from the <a href="https://www.royalsreview.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Royals</a> for his efforts for them the previous season, adding the cost of a draft pick to his price tag. So, here he is, over a week into March, still looking for a home. He has long-since parted with his dream of joining the $100 million club and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/3/7/5483272/ervin-santana-mlb-free-agent-rumors">now he is willing to settle for just a one-year deal</a>.</p>
<p>Santana's new-found self-awareness seems to be opening doors, at least. He is rumored to be drawing attention from the Blue Jays, Orioles, Rockies and Phillies. He even got a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/3/9/5488810/ervin-santana-free-agency-twins-rumors">three-year offer from the Twins</a>, who have never been known to refuse a mid-market starter a warm place in their dugout. Now that the Braves are reeling from injuries to <span>Kris Medlen</span> and <span>Brandon Beachy</span>, they have jumped on the Santana bandwagon as well.</p>
<p>Now that the 31-year-old righty has multiple suitors offering him the potential for a nice, warm pillow contract, let's take a look at his reported options to see which team can help him the most with a one-year deal.</p>
<h4><a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Minnesota Twins</a></h4>
<p>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3706325/bloglinks.css"></p>
<div class="blog-links-compact-container">
<h4>
<span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span> More from our team sites <span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span>
</h4>
<div class="blog-links-compact-link-container"><a href="http://www.twinkietown.com?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=bloglinks&utm_campaign=blogs">Minnesota Twins blog Twinkie Town</a></div>
</div>
<p>Although the Twins are firmly in the also-ran class for 2014 and you rarely hear about a player arguing to get few years and less guaranteed money, Santana might want to seriously consider seeing if the Twins would be willing to take him for just one year. Target Field suppresses long balls more than any of the other parks he has to choose from (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.fangraphs.com/guts.aspx?type=pf&season=2013&teamid=0&sort=6,d">by Fangraphs' calculations</a>) and home runs have always been his Achilles heel. A strong season played in obscurity for a rebuilding club might not earn him the giant payday he was dreaming of in November, but the Twins may not risk giving him another qualifying offer and being saddled with a big salary in 2015. Another season under his career 1.22 HR/9 rate would ease a number of the fears other teams might have about him and he would most likely free himself of the burden of draft-pick compensation with the small-market, rebuilding Twins.</p>
<h4><a href="https://www.bluebirdbanter.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Toronto Blue Jays</a></h4>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3706325/bloglinks.css" rel="stylesheet"></p>
<div class="blog-links-compact-container">
<h4>
<span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span> More from our team sites <span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span>
</h4>
<div class="blog-links-compact-link-container"><a href="http://www.bluebirdbanter.com?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=bloglinks&utm_campaign=blogs">Toronto Blue Jays blog Bluebird Banter</a></div>
</div>
<p>The Blue Jays are something of a tough sell. The Rogers Centre is a hitter's park that allows a few extra fly balls to find the seats and Toronto plays in one of the toughest divisions in the game. Even if Santana feels good about his prospects for success north of the border, playing nine road games apiece at Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park and Camden Yards is certainly not the easiest way to rebuild your value. Toronto is a tough team to project, given its talented and fragile offense, but few people would put the club in the race for the division title and another last place finish in the AL East is a decent bet. He could also run into another qualifying offer from the Blue Jays, especially if he appears to be enough of a difference-maker to help this win-now team actually win now.</p>
<h4><a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia Phillies</a></h4>
<p>The Phillies are essentially the National League's version of the Blue Jays. They play in a home-run haven in a tough division. It isn't impossible to imagine everything breaking right for them to make a run at a Wild Card spot, but even with Santana in the rotation behind <span>Cliff Lee</span> and <span>Cole Hamels</span>, they would remain a long shot. An NL East team in a tough park is better than an AL East team in a tough park, but not by much. Santana would also be running a major risk of drawing another qualifying offer if the Phillies did defy the odds and find themselves playing in October.</p>
<h4><a href="https://www.camdenchat.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Baltimore Orioles</a></h4>
<p>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3706325/bloglinks.css"></p>
<div class="blog-links-compact-container">
<h4>
<span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span> More from our team sites <span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span>
</h4>
<div class="blog-links-compact-link-container"><a href="http://www.camdenchat.com?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=bloglinks&utm_campaign=blogs">Baltimore Orioles blog Camden Chat</a></div>
</div>
<p>Most of the issues with the Blue Jays apply to Baltimore as well. They could conceivably contend for a Wild Card, but they aren't in the same class as the <a href="https://www.draysbay.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Rays</a> and the <a href="https://www.overthemonster.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Red Sox</a> and most experts would put the <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Yankees</a> ahead of them as well. Camden Yards is a hitter's park and only Coors Field has a greater effect in upping the number of left-handed home runs. Baltimore would probably benefit the most from adding Santana and that could certainly be a point in its favor. The Orioles also have a strong defense to put behind him, which might help keep his ERA in the same range as in 2013. Succeeding in the AL East would mean more for Santana than the same performance would in a place like Minnesota, and the Orioles probably give him the best chance to pull off that difficult feat.</p>
<h4><a href="https://www.purplerow.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Colorado Rockies</a></h4>
<p>It is hard to imagine any pitcher ever looking to rebuild his value in Coors Field. Even if the Rockies were a lock to take the NL West, this would still be a hard sell. With Baseball Prospectus' PECOTA system projecting Colorado to win just 78 games, it would be reasonable to question Ervin Santana's faculties if he took a one-year deal to play there.</p>
<h4><a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Braves</a></h4>
<p>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3706325/bloglinks.css"></p>
<div class="blog-links-compact-container">
<h4>
<span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span> More from our team sites <span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span>
</h4>
<div class="blog-links-compact-link-container"><a href="http://www.talkingchop.com?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=bloglinks&utm_campaign=blogs">Atlanta Braves blog Talking Chop</a></div>
</div>
<p>If it turns out that Ervin Santana has a closet full of voodoo dolls of Atlanta's pitchers in his home, it would make perfect sense. The Braves are almost the perfect fit for him, and prior to Medlen and Beachy going down it would have been difficult to imagine them throwing away a draft pick to add such a superfluous piece. Now that Santana addresses a glaring need for the Braves, the only real question is how much less he should take to play in Atlanta next season. The Braves are arguably the best team in NL East. They play in a fairly neutral home park that doesn't help players clear the fences at all and they have a strong defense anchored by <span>Andrelton Simmons</span>, the premiere fielding shortstop in the game.</p>
<p>The chance to play for the Braves on a one-year deal is too good for Santana to turn down if the offer he gets from them is anything even close to the other teams. He would stand a much better chance of duplicating his strong 2013 numbers there and he would be rebuilding his value for a team with a very real chance of playing in October. Unless his options also include the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Dodgers</a> or the <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Tigers</a>, Atlanta is going to be as good as it gets.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/3/11/5494482/ervin-santana-free-agency-rumors-braves-orioles-blue-jays-rockies-phillies-twinsMatt Sullivan2014-03-11T07:00:02-04:002014-03-11T07:00:02-04:00MLB roundup: Medlen awaits MRI, Greinke throwing
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Pw9w1skmpvnCxKUbL51zfeCKi9Y=/0x625:2923x2574/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29844679/20140227_ads_sz6_045.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Today's roundup is brought to you by pitcher injuries. The Braves are falling like flies and the team is turning to the free-agent market for help. Zack Greinke could return to the mound this week. John Farrell builds his rotation with an eye on keeping Clay Buchholz healthy.</p> <p>In the span of two days, the <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Braves</a> have gone from having a talented young rotation to desperately scouring the market for starting pitching. On Sunday, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/3/9/5488214/kris-medlen-injury-elbow-atlanta-braves">Kris Medlen left his start with a right forearm strain.</a> He will receive the results of an MRI to determine the extent of the injury sometime Monday night or during the day on Tuesday, <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/mlbbowman/status/443125258648702976">reports Mark Bowman of MLB.com</a>. With Medlen's season potentially in danger, the last thing the Braves needed was another pitcher to go down, but that appears to be what happened on Monday. Starter <span>Brandon Beachy</span>, who attempted a comeback from Tommy John Surgery last season only to end up getting shut down, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.talkingchop.com/2014/3/10/5491526/brandon-beachy-leaves-start-early" style="font-size: 12px;">left the Braves' game against the Phillies</a> after two difficult innings despite being scheduled to work four frames<a target="_blank" href="http://www.talkingchop.com/2014/3/10/5491526/brandon-beachy-leaves-start-early" style="font-size: 12px;">.</a> Beachy apparently suffered from tightness around his surgically-repaired elbow, but he is not concerned about the issue, <a target="_blank" href="http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140310&content_id=69053940&notebook_id=69053782&vkey=notebook_atl&c_id=atl" style="font-size: 12px;">according to Bowman</a>.</p>
<p>The Braves seem to be worried, however. They have reacted to these injuries by diving into the market for starting pitchers. They <a target="_blank" href="http://www.talkingchop.com/2014/3/10/5491386/braves-trade-for-zach-stewart">acquired an additional depth option</a> in <span>Zach Stewart</span> from the <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">White Sox</a> for cash considerations just prior to Beachy's early exit and now they are <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/3/10/5492538/ervin-santana-free-agent-rumors-braves">reportedly pursuing </a>free agent <span>Ervin Santana</span>. Adding the inconsistent Santana at the cost of a draft pick might not be the ideal solution, but given just how<a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/3/10/5492804/braves-rotation-kris-medlen-brandon-beachy-injuries"> badly the Braves have been hit by injuries</a>, it is certainly not surprising that the NL East Champions would be considering such a move.</p>
<h4>
<span>Zack Greinke</span> to start again Wednesday</h4>
<p>After tweaking his calf just four pitches into his start last week, <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Dodgers</a> starter Zack Greinke is almost ready to take the mound again. The 30-year-old righty threw a successful bullpen session on Monday and he could be ready for more exhibition action as early as Wednesday. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.truebluela.com/2014/3/10/5491048/zack-greinke-bullpen-session-dodgers-athletics">Eric Stephen of True Blue LA reports</a> that the decision will come down to how the hurler feels:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"It's kind of up in the air with [Greinke]," manager Don Mattingly said. "If everybody feels like he's safer one way or another, we'll go that way."</p>
</blockquote>
<h4>John Farrell reveals his plan for Boston's rotation</h4>
<p>Lefty Jon Lester making his fourth-straight Opening Day start was never in question. However, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.overthemonster.com/">Red Sox</a> manager John Farrell ended any suspense regarding how the rest of the rotation would line up by <a target="_blank" href="http://www.overthemonster.com/2014/3/10/5490908/red-sox-rotation-opening-day-pitcher" style="font-size: 12px;">laying out his plans on Monday.</a> The resurgent <span>John Lackey</span> will slot into the No. 2 spot, followed by 26-year-old southpaw <span>Felix Doubront</span>, <span>Jake Peavy</span> and finally <span>Clay Buchholz</span>. Buchholz was the best pitcher on the staff when healthy last season, so Farrell's decision to move him to the back of the rotation is almost certainly an effort to keep the fragile ace on the hill, as Ben Buchanan explains:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Clay Buchholz coming in at the tail end stands out like a sore thumb. When he was on the mound last year, Buchholz produced a stunning 1.74 ERA. He was one of the most dominant pitchers Fenway has seen in years. And yet, he only managed 108 innings, which seems to largely be why John Farrell has tabbed him for the final spot. Pitching fifth will give Buchholz a slightly easier schedule, perhaps allowing him to avoid the injuries that have plagued him in recent seasons.</p>
</blockquote>
<h4>Iglesias battling shin splints</h4>
<p><a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Tigers</a> shortstop <span>Jose Iglesias</span> is recovering from shin splints and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/3/9/5489074/shin-splints-may-sideline-jose-iglesias-for-detroit-tigers-opening-day">he may not be ready for Opening Day.</a> Though the injury is relatively minor, it can be difficult overcome, as <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/3/10/5490192/jose-iglesias-shin-splints-are-nuthin-ta-f-wit" style="font-size: 12px;">Rob Rogacki of Bless You Boys explains:</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>The pain that results from medial tibial stress syndrome can be anywhere from mildly debilitating to wildly excruciating. The specific activity that caused the injury -- running, most often -- is typically the most painful, and should be avoided to give the body time to heal. Continuing to run and "play through the pain" can lead to increased inflammation and possibly the formation of stress fractures within the tibia bone. Iglesias' prognosis will depend on how quickly the Tigers training staff can get his symptoms to subside, but this could be an injury that hampers him periodically until they are able to find a long-term solution to the underlying problem.</p>
</blockquote>
<h4>The first cuts of the spring are not the deepest</h4>
<p>Spring is a tough time to be a fringe player fighting for that last spot on the margins of the major leagues. Some of the first cuts for teams came on Monday as clubs began the slow process of trimming their rosters down to just 25 players.</p>
<p>- The <a href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Mets</a> dropped <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazinavenue.com/2014/3/10/5492768/mets-spring-training-cuts-josh-edgin-cesar-puello">15 players from their major league camp</a>. Their most notable cut was lefty <span>Josh Edgin</span>, who saw time with the club last season in the bullpen and who had a chance at earning a similar role this year.</p>
<p>- The <a href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Brewers</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.brewcrewball.com/2014/3/10/5491242/spring-training-cuts-brewers-release-michael-olmsted">released right-handed reliever</a> Michael Olmsted.</p>
<p>- The <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Twins</a> cut 16 players from their camp on Sunday, including top prospect Byron Buxton.</p>
<p>- The <a href="https://www.royalsreview.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Royals</a> sent<a target="_blank" href="http://www.royalsreview.com/2014/3/10/5491650/cactus-league-game-12-open-thread-royals-vs-mariners"> 12 players down to their minor league camp</a>, with lefty <span>John Lamb</span> being the most notable Royal player cut.</p>
<p>- The <a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Astros</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2014/3/10/5491324/spring-training-2014-astros-announce-second-wave-of-cuts">also sent down four more players on Monday</a>, including <span>Max Stassi</span>, who appeared to have a shot at the backup catching role.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/3/11/5493632/mlb-news-kris-medlen-mri-brandon-beachy-zack-greinke-red-sox-rotation-jose-iglesiasMatt Sullivan2014-03-04T09:00:02-05:002014-03-04T09:00:02-05:00MLB roundup: Wilson, Sano, Buckner
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hdQXZge8WeVqe3iA7srN3HLrciE=/0x222:4000x2889/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29464883/20140303_mjr_su5_012.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>NFL star Russell Wilson impresses the Rangers staff during his workout with the club, an injury experts weighs in on Miguel Sano and Bill Buckner leaves the game behind again.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> Champion quarterback Russell Wilson made <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/3/3/5466804/russell-wilson-rangers-spring-training-seahawks" target="_blank">a brief return to his baseball roots on Monday</a>, taking infield practice with the<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/"> Rangers</a>. Texas picked up the former-<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.purplerow.com/">Rockies</a> prospect through the Rule-5 draft this winter. The Seattle star didn't get a chance to play in the Rangers exhibition game and he was restricted from taking batting practice by an agreement with the Seahawks, but he did manage to impress several members of the Rangers' staff <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer/jon-heyman/24466406/qb-wilson-flashes-leather-at-rangers-camp-scouts-offer-opinions" target="_blank">according Jon Heyman of CBS Sports</a>.</p>
<p>Rangers manager Ron Washington told Heyman:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"He looked good, he looked real good. It's in him, it's in him. Baseball is definitely in him."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Recently elected Hall-of-Famer Greg Maddux tried to convince Wilson to show off his Pro Bowl arm on the mound, telling the NFL star he was "too smart to be position player."</p>
<p>Although he made just 379 plate appearances in the minors and hit .228/.366/.342, Wilson left his mark with the scouts who saw him with his work ethic and drive. Heyman spoke with his former Single-A manager Joe Mikulik from his days with the Rockies about his chances at making the majors before he left for football stardom:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"He would have found a way.The last two, three weeks, he was showing more quality at-bats, driving the ball into gaps, cutting down on strikeouts to the point where you would say, 'OK man, he's getting it.'"</p>
<p>...</p>
<p>"I could tell he was on a mission,"</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Even if Wilson's NFL career means he is no longer a true prospect, Rangers manager Ron Washington saw value in his visit to Rangers' camp:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"The guy is a champion. "Anybody who is a champion has something to offer to every walk of life."</p>
</blockquote>
<h4>Injury expert Will Carrol discusses <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Twins</a> prospect <span>Miguel Sano</span>
</h4>
<p>Twins' third base prospect Miguel Sano will miss the 2014 season as the result of an elbow injury that will require Tommy John surgery. The powerful 20-year-old was ranked 9th on Baseball America's Top 100 prospect list prior to 2013 season and he lived up to that hype by hitting 35 home runs between High-A and Double-A last season. <a href="http://www.twinkietown.com/2014/3/3/5467356/injury-expert-will-carroll-on-miguel-sano" target="_blank">Jesse from Twinkie Town had a chance to talk to Will Carroll</a>, the Lead Writer for Sports Medicine at <a href="http://www.bleacherreport.com" target="_blank">Bleacher Report </a>about what Twins fans should expect concerning the intriguing youngster's recovery.</p>
<p>Carroll laid out the major dates to watch for on Sano's timeline:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"First would be the surgery date itself. Who's doing it and do they find any additional damage in there? Second would be about three months in, when he begins to do some light throwing. Third would be four to five months in when they let him hit again. At the six month martk, he'll likely be close to where he will end up, but the calendar will slow the pace some. There's no need to have him back in September, so they can be very conservative."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Carroll doesn't see the injury impacting Sano at the plate <span>long-term</span><span>, but he does have some minor concerns::</span></p>
<blockquote>
<p>The only issue I have is whether he can play third. He should be able to, but there's very little in the way of precedent.</p>
</blockquote>
<h4>Bill Buckner to retire as Boise Hawks hitting coach</h4>
<p>Baseball wasn't always kind to William Joseph Buckner. He spent 22 years in the major leagues, won a batting title, made an All-Star team and received MVP votes in five seasons, but he will forever most closely associated with a single error he made on October 25, 1986.</p>
<p>After years away from the game, Buckner returned to baseball in 2012 with the organization where he had his greatest seasons, working as the hitting coach for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> short-season affiliate, the Boise Hawks. <a style="font-size: 12px;" href="http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2014/3/3/5468000/bill-buckner-retires-as-boise-hawks-hitting-coach" target="_blank">Now Buckner is leaving that position to spend more time with his family.</a></p>
<h4>Rangers claim Andy Parino on waivers</h4>
<p>The<a href="http://www.lonestarball.com/2014/3/3/5467022/texas-rangers-claim-andy-parrino-on-waivers" target="_blank"> Rangers have picked up infielder</a> <span>Andy Parrino</span> on waivers from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/">Athletics</a>. The 28-year-old has seen time in the majors with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">Padres</a> and the Athletics over the past three seasons, hitting .186/.295/.242 over 229 plate appearances. <span>Texas added pitcher <span>Derek Holland</span> to the 60-day DL list to make room for the </span>utility<span> infielder.</span></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/3/4/5468100/mlb-roundup-rangers-staff-on-russell-wilson-miguel-sanos-recoveryMatt Sullivan2014-02-25T10:00:03-05:002014-02-25T10:00:03-05:00Home Plate Collision Rule Reactions
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5AohiH9wvFMrlk8S-wq4f8Y-Vw8=/17x0:983x644/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29130035/20120525_mje_ac1_671.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jeff Curry-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The new rule banning home plate collisions with take effect this season on a trial basis, but some people around the game hope it won't stick. </p> <p>Major League baseball <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/2/24/5443162/mlb-catcher-block-plate-rule-2014" target="_blank">has adopted a rule that it hopes will eliminate violent home plate collisions</a> like the one that <a href="http://m.mlb.com/video/v15201733/must-c-collision-cousins-posey-collide-at-the-plate" target="_blank">ended Buster Posey's 2011 season.</a> Despite the noble intentions behind the league's efforts, not everyone is on board with the rule, which will be implemented on a trial basis during the 2014 season.</p>
<p>Posey has actually been fairly quiet on the issue, but the <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fmlb%2F2014%2F01%2F31%2Fbuster-posey-for-collision-rule-helping-catchers-runners%2F5090925%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sbnation.com%2Fmlb%2F2014%2F2%2F25%2F5444310%2Fhome-plate-collisions-rule-reactions-a-j-ellis-a-j-pierzynski" target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">Associated Press reported</a> that he was in favor of the rule prior to its implementation. Posey may not want to alienate his fellow catchers by supporting the rule too vocally. Even though it is meant to protect them, many catchers have reservations about the rule.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> catcher <span>A.J. Ellis</span> is not in favor of the potentially game-changing shift in the rules,<a href="http://www.truebluela.com/2014/2/24/5444042/home-plate-collision-rule-change-aj-ellis-drew-butera-tim-federowicz" target="_blank"> as Eric Stephens of True Blue LA reported</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"I understand that they're trying to make the game safer. I appreciate that Major League Baseball is making an attempt to protect the guys who play my position.</p>
<p>…</p>
<p><span></span><span>"The one thing I hate about the rule is it takes away the game-changing or game-saving play. It's something we train for, we prepare for, and can be the difference between a win or a loss. It's similar to robbing a home run or turning a tough double play in the middle. Those are plays that are at risk for injury and I don't see those plays being taken away."</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>His teammate <span>Drew Butera</span> has reservations as well, via True Blue LA:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"It will be an adjustment period at first. We're taught as catchers to block the plate and get ready for a collision if that may be."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Newly-signed <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.overthemonster.com/">Red Sox</a> catcher <span>A.J. Pierzynski</span> expressed his unequivocal opposition to the new rule to <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fmlb%2F2014%2F02%2F24%2Fmlb-mlbpa-approves-rule-prohibiting-collisions-at-home-plate%2F5783449%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sbnation.com%2Fmlb%2F2014%2F2%2F25%2F5444310%2Fhome-plate-collisions-rule-reactions-a-j-ellis-a-j-pierzynski" target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">Bob Nightengale of USA Today.</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>"It's one of those things, as a big-league catcher, I signed up for it. You never want to see guys get hurt, and you never want to see guys go down because of it, but it's part of the game you signed up for.</p>
<p>"There are going to be plays at the plate, late in games, where you need to block the plate and try to keep that guy from scoring, saving a run that ultimately gets your team into the playoffs.</p>
<p>"And not being given that opportunity is unfair. I understand why the rule is made, but I wish there was a better way to go about it.''</p>
</blockquote>
<p><a href="http://www.pinstripealley.com/2014/2/24/5443234/mlb-new-home-plate-collision-rule-official-vague" target="_blank">At Pinstipe Alley, Andrew Mearns pointed out</a> how the vague nature of the rule could lead to controversies:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The second part of the rule looks like it's designed to ensure that the runner is not tempted to take the catcher out. The catcher will not be allowed to stand in front of home plate without the ball coming his path. Here's where the situation could get dicey.</p>
<p>It is completely up to the umpire whether or not <span>Brian McCann</span> could have fielded the ball without getting into the runner's path. On throws from right field and most throws from center, there would thus be little reason for the catcher to be blocking home plate since the throw is received up the middle or on the first base side. On throws from left field though...[snip]... the catcher could move up the third base line a little bit to receive the throw and would seem to have a legitimate claim as to why he happens to be blocking home plate--he wants to receive the throw and apply the tag as soon as possible. Under these circumstances, how could an umpire call it a violation of the rule?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Not everyone is against the new rule, however. Catcher J.P Arencibia, who will see time behind the plate for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Rangers</a> in 2014, voiced his support for it, <a href="http://www.star-telegram.com/2014/02/24/5597652/arencibia-washington-support-home.html" target="_blank">talking to Drew Davison of the Dallas Star-Telegram:</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>"It takes away the malicious intent behind the play at the plate.The runner doesn't always have to slide and the catcher still has the ability to block the plate when he has the ball in hand. But it's giving that runner the lane and making sure when you give him that lane that there's appropriate action on his end to slide."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>His manager, Ron Washington, is also on board, but he isn't sure it will solve the problem, via the Star-Telegram:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"I'm in favor of what it is to keep the game healthy. It's not going to stop guys. We have to wait and see when the games are played what it's going to cause."</p>
</blockquote>
<p><a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/posey-rule-protects-players-without-going-too-far-022414" target="_blank">Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports</a> is glad that the rule will protect players without going too far in changing how the game is played:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>This will be good for baseball -- in part because of what it doesn't do. It doesn't legislate contact out of plays at the plate. It doesn't necessarily ban all "collisions," in the truest sense of that term. But it reduces the risk of serious injury in two significant ways: Players no longer have the right to seek contact when the catcher isn't blocking the plate, as was the case with Cousins and Posey, and both parties have a clearer idea of what to expect on what had been an ambiguous play.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>As with any change to the rules, we will need to see how this actually plays out in games before it becomes clear whether the rule will be effective and still not impact the game to the extent that fans and players can't abide it. Keeping players safe should certainly be a priority for any league, but as the catchers above point out, protecting the plate has been ingrained in baseball for a long time and it will be hard for many people around the game to adjust to a different way of handling these game-altering plays.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/2/25/5444310/home-plate-collisions-rule-reactions-a-j-ellis-a-j-pierzynskiMatt Sullivan2014-02-25T09:15:02-05:002014-02-25T09:15:02-05:00Yankees to face Heisman Trophy winner Winston
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/c5Zvvf6WOdPLXGT0I8EQugOERBE=/0x280:2667x2058/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29132771/20130609_kdl_av1_251.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The college football star is expected to take the field against his favorite baseball team on Tuesday</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Yankees</a> will play the Florida State baseball team in an exhibition game on Tuesday and <span>2013 Heisman trophy winner, </span>Jameis Winston, who is also the Seminoles closer and right fielder,<span> could be on the field against them, </span><a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/10512225/new-york-yankees-jameis-winston-florida-state-seminoles-eager-matchup-tuesday">according to ESPN and the associated press</a><span>. </span></p>
<p>If Winston has any say in the matter, he will definitely be in the game. The star quarterback told ESPN, <span>"I</span><span>f they'd ask me to catch..I'd catch, just so I can see those guys bat".</span><span> The Yankees are Winston's "favorite team" and he anticipated being "a little starstruck" at the idea of playing against the historic franchise.</span></p>
<p>The Yankees coaching staff expressed some excitement about seeing the two-sport star as well. Manager Joe Girardi said, "It will be fun to watch. Obviously, he's extremely athletic when you watch him play the game of football. He's got a great arm. Pretty mature for his age." Special instructor and Hall-of-Fame closer Goose Gossage said he is "excited to see him."</p>
<p>Winston is obviously an extremely talented football player -- he did lead Florida State to a 14-0 record and a national title as a sophomore and picked up the Heisman for his efforts -- but his baseball skills are also strong enough to make him a potential first round draft pick. Thanks to that combination, he has begun drawing comparisons two-sport legend Bo Jackson.</p>
<p>Though the allure of the NFL might be too much for Winston to walk away from, there is a chance that Girardi and the Yankees could see plenty more of him if he sticks with baseball. The Alabama native was a 15th round pick for the <a href="https://www.lonestarball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Rangers</a> in 2012, despite the knowledge that he was probably headed to FSU. If he enters the MLB amatuer draft again, he will come off the board far earlier. On the baseball field, Winston is an extremely intriguing player, even if his devotion to football has left his skills a little raw. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/ask-ba-whats-jameis-winstons-draft-status-as-a-baseball-prospect/">J.J Copper of Baseball America recently broke down his profile</a> and believed the Heisman Trophy winner could be a first-round prospect as a pitcher:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"If<span> football weren't a factor, Winston would have a solid chance to be a 2015 first-round pick in baseball. On the mound, he showed a 92-94 mph fastball and a promising slider."</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Cooper quotes a "<span>a longtime National League amateur scout"</span><span> who feels the same:</span></p>
<blockquote>
<p>"For me, if he pitches enough, someone could say first round easily. Someone can dream and say that's a starting pitcher. Someone would dream on him as a starter. He'd go somewhere around 15 to 20 in the first round as a starting pitcher."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>That is exciting, but Cooper doesn't just stop there, pointing out that:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"If Winston focused on baseball and got plenty of at-bats as an outfielder, he also has first-round potential there.</p>
<p>'If he had 100 ABs his senior year, 200 at-bats last summer, say 200 this next summer in the Cape Cod League, he would be a first-rounder as a hitter, too," the scout said. "He doesn't strike out all that much, he's not overmatched. You wonder if swing is a little long, but he's got a pretty good contact rate . . . He just hasn't had the at-bats'"</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The caveat concerning Winston's focus is a real issue for his future in baseball. Cooper notes that not only is Winston splitting time between the two sports, he is also dividing his focus on the baseball field between pitching and hitting. If that isn't enough, he is also a switch hitter. That is a tremendous amount for a young player to focus on regardless of how talented he is. As a college athlete, Winston can still be a dominant player in both sports, but baseball scouts don't see the next Bo Jackson just yet.</p>
<p>Whether he goes to the NFL or he dedicates himself to baseball, Jameis Winston is a special talent and he has an excellent shot at being an impact player at the highest level. He will get a taste of what it might be like to travel down that second road on Tuesday, facing a baseball team that has more championships than any other professional franchise.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/2/25/5444736/yankees-heisman-trophy-winner-jameis-winston-exhibitionMatt Sullivan2014-02-24T21:13:27-05:002014-02-24T21:13:27-05:00Trout deal could reach $30 million+ in final years
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/W6IPO8yi-baobZBPmLj3mNW7pcI=/0x20:498x352/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29127839/20120703_jel_aq4_110.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Eric P. Mull-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The extension the Angels are discussing with Mike Trout could give him the highest single-year salary in history in the final year of deal.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.halosheaven.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Angels</a> are working on an extension for star center fielder <span>Mike Trout</span> in the $150-$160 million range and the final few years of that contract could top $30 million, reaching as high as $36 million in the last year, <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/438121914372870144">according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.</a></p>
<p>The 22-year-old Trout is still one year away from arbitration, which limits his leverage in negotiating a contract, but his historic levels of production are likely to result in record-setting arbitration awards and the Angels don't want to risk seeing his potential price tag get any higher. Rosenthal guesses that the deal the Angels are seeking breaks down to $1 million for 2014 -- his last pre-arbitration season -- then $12 million, $15 million and $20 million for his three arbitration-eligible seasons and $32 million, $34 million and $36 million for what would be his first three seasons as a free agent, totaling the $160 million at the top of the Angels' current reported price range.</p>
<p>Though $160 million would be an exceptional contract for a pre-arbitration player, Trout has been one of the most exceptional players in the history of the game in his first two seasons as a major leaguer. In 2012, Trout won the American League Rookie of the Year award and finished second to triple-crown winner <span>Miguel Cabrera</span> in the AL MVP voting. <span>Even though Cabrera won the first Triple Crown since 1967, the MVP voting was hotly debated, with the majority of the more statistically-inclined analysts pulling for Trout. </span></p>
<p><span>As a rookie, Trout posted 10.9 wins above replacement (WAR) to lead all of baseball and set a record for the highest WAR total ever for a 20-year old player, topping </span><span>Alex Rodriguez</span>'s<span> stellar 1996 season. In 2013, he once again finished second in the AL MVP vote behind Cabrera, while again beating the </span><a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link" style="background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 12px;">Tigers</a><span> slugger in WAR. His 9.2 WAR total from 2013 is the second highest total in history for a player's age-21 season, trailing only Rogers Hornsby's 1917 season. In just under 1500 plate appearances, Trout has hit .314/.404/.544 with 72 doubles, 17 triples, 62 home runs and 86 stolen bases.</span></p>
<p>Though $160 million is an unbelievable sum for a player under team control to command, and this contract would give Trout the largest single-season salary in history if Rosenthal's estimates of the breakdown are correct, some analysts have pointed out that this deal might still be a significant bargain. <a target="_blank" href="http://mlb.si.com/2014/02/24/mike-trout-what-is-he-really-worth/">At Sports Illustrated, Jay Jaffe estimates</a> Trout's free agent value at approximately $320 million and suggests that adjusting for the typical discount rates that apply to players under team control only scales that down to around $230 million.</p>
<p>Since Trout is only guaranteed to make the league minimum next season, it is hard to see the Angels going to those extremes to wrap him up. By not signing an extension at this point, Trout risks losing millions if he falls to injury or underperforms radically this coming season. This deal would give Trout an average annual salary of $26.6 million and he would still become a free agent at the age of 28, making another earth-shaking deal a strong possibility for the five-tool star.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/2014/2/24/5444322/mike-trout-contract-extension-los-angeles-angelsMatt Sullivan2014-02-21T10:00:03-05:002014-02-21T10:00:03-05:00Jeter, Dickey likely to improve for 2014
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0d4Q6hve9C4LwlVvxXGoXyGKMRI=/34x0:3965x2621/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28781641/175353984.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jim McIsaac</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A first ballot Hall-of-Fame lock and a former Cy Young Award winner join a trio of talented young players in the search for redemption from poor performances in 2013.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.overthemonster.com/">Red Sox</a> took the AL East in 2013 and then battled their way to their third <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/world-series">World Series</a> title in 10 years, but the division remains one of the most competitive in the game. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Rays</a> won 92 games last season and they still feature an elite rotation and an offense that can give those starters more than enough support. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a> have abandoned their foray into fiscal restraint and reloaded with four major free agent signings aimed at bringing them back to the top of the standings. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.camdenchat.com/">Orioles</a> surprised everyone with 93 wins in 2012 and the young core that made that possible is still around. At this time last season, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bluebirdbanter.com/">Blue Jays</a> looked like the team to beat after landing <span>Jose Reyes</span>, <span>Mark Buehrle</span>, Josh Johnson and <span>R.A. Dickey</span> in a series of blockbuster trades. The Jays busted badly, but if they can get healthy they could still surprise people.</p>
<p>The Red Sox and the Rays still look like the teams to beat in the East, but no one in this division can truly be counted out. Boston hardly looked like the best team in baseball at the start but a number of significant improvements from key players carried them from worse to first. Here is a look at some of the AL East players who <span>might see the most improvement in 2014.</span></p>
<div style="width: 567.9861450195313px;" class="blog-links-compact-container">
<h4>
<span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span> MORE FROM OUR TEAM SITES <span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span>
</h4>
<div class="blog-links-compact-link-container"><a href="http://www.pinstripealley.com?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=bloglinks&utm_campaign=blogs">New York Yankees blog Pinstripe Alley</a></div>
</div>
<h4>Yankees</h4>
<p><span>Derek Jeter</span>. Several key Yankee players need to bounce back from sub-par 2013 performances, but no one struggled anywhere near as badly as the face of the franchise. Yankee shortstops hit a combined .228/.283/.308 last year, a full 40 percent worse than league-average by wRC+. Out of the seven players the Yankees tried at short, only Luis Cruz hit worse than the .190/.288/.254 line the Captain posted in his 73 injury-hampered plate appearances. Even if age and injuries keep Jeter from being the superstar he has been over the previous 19 seasons, there is no reason to believe he is completely finished. He had terrible results on balls in play in that small sample of plate appearances last year, but he didn't struggle to make contact or control the zone. Jeter doesn't need to live up to his own Hall-of-Fame career standards to be an upgrade over plan-B option Brandon Ryan either. Jeter's worst full-season batting line is more than 20 percent better than Ryan's career line. He may be recovering from injury and he may be 39-years-old, but he is still Derek Jeter and chances are, he still has a little bit of greatness left in him.</p>
<h4>Blue Jays</h4>
<p>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3706325/bloglinks.css"></p>
<div class="blog-links-compact-container">
<h4>
<span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span> More from our team sites <span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span>
</h4>
<div class="blog-links-compact-link-container"><a href="http://www.bluebirdbanter.com?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=bloglinks&utm_campaign=blogs">Toronto Blue Jays blog Bluebird Banter</a></div>
</div>
<p>R.A. Dickey. It was a tale of two very different seasons for the Jays' knuckleball specialist in 2013. In the first half of the season, the 2012 NL Cy Young Award winner struggled badly in his new Canadian home. The plus-control he discovered as a member of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/">Mets</a> left him, resulting in 3.3 walks per nine innings. His strikeouts also dropped, and the combination of more walks and fewer whiffs produced a 4.69 ERA at the All-Star Break. He found his groove in the second half, however. His strikeout rate jumped up from just 6.4 K/9 in the first half to 8.0 after the break and his walk rate improved to 2.3 BB/9, a rate consistent with his numbers in New York. Home runs plagued him all season, but his 12.7 HR/FB rate is likely to regress towards the league average. It may be that Dickey is more affected by the environment around him than pitchers with more traditional arsenals and he needed some time to adapt or his first half may have simply been an ordinary slump. Regardless, <span>during the final months of the season </span><span>Dickey showed that he still has the ability to be control the game's most unpredictable pitch and keep hitters from making solid contact. He may never repeat his incredible 2012 performance, but he should be a much better pitcher in 2014 than he was in 2013.</span></p>
<h4>Orioles</h4>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3706325/bloglinks.css" rel="stylesheet"></p>
<div class="blog-links-compact-container">
<h4>
<span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span> More from our team sites <span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span>
</h4>
<div class="blog-links-compact-link-container"><a href="http://www.camdenchat.com?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=bloglinks&utm_campaign=blogs">Baltimore Orioles blog Camden Chat</a></div>
</div>
<p><span>Matt Wieters</span>. The Orioles catcher may never become "<span>Joe Mauer</span> with power" the way some people predicted when he first landed in the majors, but he will probably be a much better hitter than he was in 2013. Wieters hit .235/.287/.417 last season after two seasons of above-average performances at the plate (by wRC+). The 27-year-old posted his lowest walk rate since he was a rookie, but most of his issues came from his .247 batting average on balls in play. Wieters popped-up more and hit more fly balls that stayed in the park than normal, but there is no reason to believe those numbers won't be more in line with his career rates next year. Wieters is such a good defensive catcher that he'd survive as a solid role player with a below-average bat, but if his numbers return to their 2011-2012 range, he becomes the type of star player the Orioles need to compete in this brutal division.</p>
<p> </p>
<h4>Rays</h4>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3706325/bloglinks.css" rel="stylesheet"></p>
<div class="blog-links-compact-container">
<h4>
<span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span> More from our team sites <span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span>
</h4>
<div class="blog-links-compact-link-container"><a href="http://www.draysbay.com?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=bloglinks&utm_campaign=blogs">Tampa Bay Rays blog DRaysBay</a></div>
</div>
<p><span>Jeremy Hellickson</span>. The 26-year-old Rays starter never had the strikeout or walk numbers to support the 2.95 ERA he posted in 2011 or the 3.10 ERA he put up in 2012, but his fielding independent numbers don't believe he deserved his 5.17 ERA from 2013 either. Hellickson actually made a step forward in his strikeout rate and his walk rate last season, but a huge jump in BABIP and bad luck with runners on base left those improvements in the shadow of that ugly ERA. A fly ball pitcher like Hellickson isn't likely to allow a .307 BABIP forever. Even with the hard-luck results of 2013 against him, he has still out-performed his FIP and xFIP in his 576 ⅓ career innings. He can certainly do that once again in 2014 and if he continues to refine his command, his next sub-4.00 ERA might even have the support of his FIP and xFIP numbers.</p>
<h4>Red Sox</h4>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3706325/bloglinks.css" rel="stylesheet"></p>
<div class="blog-links-compact-container">
<h4>
<span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span> More from our team sites <span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span>
</h4>
<div class="blog-links-compact-link-container"><a href="http://www.overthemonster.com?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=bloglinks&utm_campaign=blogs">Boston Red Sox blog Over the Monster</a></div>
</div>
<p><span>Will Middlebrooks</span>. Despite significant struggles in 2013, Middlebrooks appears to be the Red Sox starting third baseman at this point. The 25-year-old has legitimate right-handed home-run ability but his plate discipline and contact abilities remain a work in progress. Before injuries ended his 2012 season, he showed the kind of potential that had made him the Red Sox top prospect prior to the start of that season. He hit .288/.325/.509 with 15 home runs in 286 plate appearances in that first taste of the show. He was then slated to be the team's everyday third baseman in 2013, but his long swing and aggressive plate approach proved to be easy for major league pitchers to exploit and by late June he was headed back to Triple-A to with a .192/.228/.389 batting line. He returned in August and rebounded briefly before slumping again. Though strikeouts are certainly an issue for the young slugger, he has too much ability to drive the ball to be stuck hitting .263 on balls in play. Although he is certainly not patient at the plate, he doesn't chase out of the strike zone too much and he did improve his walk rate last season even as he struggled. The powerful youngster still has adjustments to make, but the Red Sox faith in him probably isn't completely unfounded and he should be a much better hitter in 2014.</p>
<h4>More from <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=hubbottom">SB Nation MLB</a>:</h4>
<div>
<a class="twitter-follow-button" href="https://twitter.com/SBNationMLB">Follow @SBNationMLB </a>
<div class="fb-like" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/SBNationMLB" data-height="The pixel height of the plugin" data-colorscheme="light" data-layout="button_count" data-action="like" data-show-faces="false" data-send="false" style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden;"></div>
</div>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/2/17/5417608/craig-kimbrel-contract-reaction-braves?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">Craig Kimbrel's extension a win-win signing for Braves</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/2/17/5420352/bo-porter-daily-inspirational-texts?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">Daily inspirational texts from the Astros’ skipper</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.truebluela.com/2014/2/17/5379764/salary-arbitration?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">Arbitration: A necessary evil</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/2/14/5410472/derek-jeter-retirement-yankees?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">Derek Jeter, the last captain of New York</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/2/14/5411720/remembering-jim-fregosi-angels-mets-phillies-blue-jays?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">Remembering former All-Star and manager Jim Fregosi</a></p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.sbnation.com/videos/iframe?id=34911" frameborder="0" seamless="true" marginwidth="0" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true" name="34911-chorus-video-iframe"></iframe></p>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3706325/bloglinks.css" rel="stylesheet"></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/2/21/5420910/al-east-2014-derek-jeter-ra-dickey-matt-wieters-jeremy-hellickson-will-middlebrooksMatt Sullivan2014-02-12T07:00:00-05:002014-02-12T07:00:00-05:00Four teams' pitchers and catchers report
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vdgx2c0owJdyz8XFArQwKYHD550=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28407793/20131212_ajl_sn8_044.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Four more teams will start working towards October on Wednesday by sending pitcher and catchers south.</p> <p>Four teams will begin baseball activities on Wednesday. Pitchers and catchers from the <a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Phillies</a>, <a href="https://www.bucsdugout.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pirates</a>, <a href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cardinals</a> and <a href="https://www.lookoutlanding.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Mariners</a> report to their teams' spring training sites to begin preparations for the 2014 season.</p>
<h3>Phillies</h3>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3706325/bloglinks.css" rel="stylesheet"></p>
<div class="blog-links-compact-container">
<h4>
<span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span> More from our team sites <span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span>
</h4>
<div class="blog-links-compact-link-container"><a href="http://www.thegoodphight.com?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=bloglinks&utm_campaign=blogs">Philadelphia Phillies blog The Good Phight</a></div>
</div>
<ul>
<li><span>Spring training site: Clearwater, Florida</span></li>
<li><span>Position players report: February 17</span></li>
<li><span>First spring training game: February 26</span></li>
</ul>
<p>The Phillies enter spring training with a few new veteran role players, but for this aging club to return to relevance they will need stars like <span>Ryan Howard</span>, <span>Chase Utley</span> and <span>Jimmy Rollins</span> to turn the clocks back, and young players like <span>Cody Asche</span> and <span>Domonic Brown</span> to reach the next level. With Cliff Lee and <span>Cole Hamels</span>, the top of the rotation should be strong, but they have questions after the two lefties and in the bullpen.</p>
<h3>Pirates</h3>
<p>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3706325/bloglinks.css"></p>
<div class="blog-links-compact-container">
<h4>
<span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span> More from our team sites <span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span>
</h4>
<div class="blog-links-compact-link-container"><a href="http://www.bucsdugout.com?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=bloglinks&utm_campaign=blogs">Pittsburgh Pirates blog Bucs Dugout</a></div>
</div>
<ul>
<li><span>Spring training site: Bradenton, Florida</span></li>
<li><span>Position players report: February 17</span></li>
<li><span>First spring training game: February 26</span></li>
</ul>
<p>Last year's Cinderella story should still be in the hunt in 2014, but the back of their rotation looks a little weaker especially <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/2/12/5404874/aj-burnett-phillies-contract-signing">now that A.J. Burnett has signed with Philadelphia</a>. First base remains a problem area and right field is questionable as well. But they could find a few solutions before they break camp. Top pitching prospect <span>Jameson Taillon</span> could get a shot at the rotation and outfield prospect <span>Gregory Polanco</span> could give Buc's fans a taste of things to come in right.</p>
<h3>Cardinals</h3>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3706325/bloglinks.css" rel="stylesheet"></p>
<div class="blog-links-compact-container">
<h4>
<span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span> More from our team sites <span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span>
</h4>
<div class="blog-links-compact-link-container"><a href="http://www.vivaelbirdos.com?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=bloglinks&utm_campaign=blogs">St. Louis Cardinals blog Viva El Birdos</a></div>
</div>
<ul>
<li>Spring training site: Jupiter, Florida</li>
<li>Position players report: February 17</li>
<li>First spring training game: February 28</li>
</ul>
<p>The National League Champions will look very different on the defensive side of the ball in 2014. The only regulars returning to their usual places are left fielder <span>Matt Holliday</span> and catcher Yadier Molina. For some, like 2013 breakout star <span>Matt Carpenter</span>, the move is a return home. Carpenter wrestled second base to a draw last season, but the David Freese- Peter Bourjos trade allows him to move to his accustomed spot at third. For others, like 2013 first baseman <span>Allen Craig</span>, the transition to playing right field every day might be a bit of an adventure. Their rotation is still young, deep and intimidating and their offense shouldn't miss a beat, but the new-look defense is worth keeping an eye on.</p>
<h3>Mariners</h3>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3706325/bloglinks.css" rel="stylesheet"></p>
<div class="blog-links-compact-container">
<h4>
<span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span> More from our team sites <span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span>
</h4>
<div class="blog-links-compact-link-container"><a href="http://www.lookoutlanding.com?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=bloglinks&utm_campaign=blogs">Seattle Mariners blog Lookout Landing</a></div>
</div>
<ul>
<li>Spring training site: Peoria, Arizona</li>
<li>Position players report: February 17</li>
<li>First spring training game: February 27</li>
</ul>
<p>The Mariners landed the biggest free agent available in <span>Robinson Cano</span>, and added even more offensive firepower in <span>Corey Hart</span> and <span>Logan Morrison</span>, but it may not be enough to put them in the running for the AL West crown. To complete the transition from pretenders to contenders, the Mariners need promising young players like <span>Kyle Seager</span>, <span>Mike Zunino</span>, <span>Brad Miller</span> and <span>Taijuan Walker</span> to become stars sooner rather than later. They also need to find answers for the innings before they get to newly-signed closer <span>Fernando Rodney</span>.</p>
<h4>More from <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=hubbottom">SB Nation MLB</a>:</h4>
<div>
<a class="twitter-follow-button" href="https://twitter.com/SBNationMLB">Follow @SBNationMLB </a>
<div class="fb-like" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/SBNationMLB" data-height="The pixel height of the plugin" data-colorscheme="light" data-layout="button_count" data-action="like" data-show-faces="false" data-send="false" style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden;"></div>
</div>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/2/10/5398424/baseball-windows-contending?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">Brisbee: Baseball teams and the windows that define them</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2014/2/11/5401196/ryan-hanigan-dog-best-in-breed-westminster-show?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">Ryan Hanigan's dog takes best in breed at Westminster</a> | <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/lookit?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">#Lookit</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/2/11/5401202/homer-bailey-reds-arbitration-trade-qualifying-offer?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">Why trade Homer Bailey when the Reds can win now?</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/2/11/5400970/giancarlo-stanton-extension-marlins?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">Giancarlo Stanton still open to long-term deal</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/2/10/5399126/derek-jeter-a-rod-yankees?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">Jeter: Yankees have to move on without A-Rod</a></p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.sbnation.com/videos/iframe?id=34911" frameborder="0" seamless="true" marginwidth="0" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true" name="34911-chorus-video-iframe"></iframe></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/2/12/5399664/spring-training-pitchers-and-catchers-phillies-pirates-cardinals-marinersMatt Sullivan2014-02-11T08:02:03-05:002014-02-11T08:02:03-05:00Indians' pitchers and catchers report Tuesday
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9MoYk5l3QCySnukS8ce2Svv4n_c=/2x0:998x664/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28408861/20120524_jla_aq4_089.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Eric P. Mull-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Indians pitcher and catchers report to camp in Arizona on Tuesday. </p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Diamondbacks</a> have a head start on the 2014 season, but the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Indians</a> aren't far behind. Cleveland is the third club to start sending players to camp this spring. Pitchers and catchers for the Tribe report on Tuesday as the Indians try to make it back to the playoffs again -- and to stick around for more than just one game this time around.</p>
<p>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3706325/bloglinks.css"></p>
<div class="blog-links-compact-container">
<h4>
<span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span> More from our team sites <span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span>
</h4>
<div class="blog-links-compact-link-container"><a href="http://www.letsgotribe.com?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=bloglinks&utm_campaign=blogs">Cleveland Indians blog Let's Go Tribe</a></div>
</div>
<ul>
<li>Spring training site: Goodyear, Arizona</li>
<li>Position players report: February 15</li>
<li>First spring training game: February 26</li>
</ul>
<p>The Indians followed a big offseason in 2013 with a quiet one heading into 2014. They have question marks in both the rotation and the bullpen, but the story that is likely to dominate Goodyear this spring is catcher <span><span>Carlos Santana</span>'s</span><a href="http://www.letsgotribe.com/2014/1/22/5334592/cleveland-indians-news-third-base-carlos-santana-lonnie-chisenhall" target="_blank"> move to third base.</a> Third was a weak spot for the Indians last season and after <span>Yan Gomes</span> breakout performance behind the plate last year, it is easy to see why Cleveland would want to move the defensively-challenged Santana out from behind the plate and to the hot corner. Third base isn't the best place to hide if you are allergic to leather, however. Many fans will remember <span>Miguel Cabrera</span> <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120319&content_id=27410802&c_id=mlb" target="_blank">taking a high-hopper to the face</a> when he was moving back to the position during spring training in 2012. Santana played third this winter in the Dominican League and he spent 58 games there in the minors as well, so he isn't in completely uncharted territory, but a smooth transition doesn't seem likely. He may turn out to be the answer the Indians are looking for at third by the time April comes around, but there are probably going to be some bumps along the way.</p>
<h4>More from <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=hubbottom">SB Nation MLB</a>:</h4>
<div>
<a class="twitter-follow-button" href="https://twitter.com/SBNationMLB">Follow @SBNationMLB </a>
<div class="fb-like" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/SBNationMLB" data-height="The pixel height of the plugin" data-colorscheme="light" data-layout="button_count" data-action="like" data-show-faces="false" data-send="false" style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden;"></div>
</div>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/2/10/5398424/baseball-windows-contending?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">Brisbee: Baseball teams and the windows that define them</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/2/10/5397956/ervin-santana-free-agency-market-yankees-dodgers-mariners?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">What’s driving the Ervin Santana market?</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/2/10/5399126/derek-jeter-a-rod-yankees?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">Jeter: Yankees have to move on without A-Rod</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2014/2/10/5390172/major-league-attendance-trends-1950-2013?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">MLB attendance trends: past, present and future</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/2/6/5383616/the-tim-wallach-market?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">Roth: The man who wants to own every Tim Wallach baseball card</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.sbnation.com/videos/iframe?id=34911" frameborder="0" seamless="true" marginwidth="0" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true" name="34911-chorus-video-iframe"></iframe></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/2/11/5399936/spring-training-pitchers-and-catchers-indiansMatt Sullivan2014-02-10T20:50:33-05:002014-02-10T20:50:33-05:00Indians sign Brantley for 4-years/$25 million
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4hJADDw-pheAb611AXtF9un432E=/0x30:4000x2697/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28404353/20130817_jla_ax5_579.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Indians have avoided arbitration with the outfielder with a four year deal.</p> <p><b>Updated 2/10 (9:51 ET):</b> The Indians have reached a four-year, $25 million deal with left fielder <span>Michael Brantley</span>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hoynsie/status/433060751452819456" target="_blank">Paul Hoynes of the Plain Dealer reports</a>. The deal also includes an option for a fifth year at $11 million, according to Hoynes.</p>
<p><b>Original: </b>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Indians</a> are close to a multi-year extension for outfielder Michael Brantley<a href="https://twitter.com/hoynsie/status/433031856217280513" target="_blank">, reports Paul Hoynes of the Plain Dealer</a>.</p>
<p>The two sides appear to be discussing a four-year deal, with an option for a fifth season, <a href="https://twitter.com/hoynsie/status/433032085838651392" target="_blank">according to Hoynes</a>. <span>The 26-year-old outfielder is in his first arbitration-eligible season, so such a deal would buy out his remaining arbitration-</span>eligible <span>seasons along with at least one year of free agency.</span></p>
<p>Brantley hit .284/.332/.396 with 10 home runs and 17 stolen bases for the Indians last year. <span>Originally drafted by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Brewers</a>, Brantley came to the Indians organization as the player to be named later in the trade that sent <span>CC Sabathia</span> to Milwaukee in July of 2008. He made a strong impression with Cleveland in his first trip to the majors in 2009, hitting .313/.358/.348 in 121 plate appearances, but after making the major league team out of camp in 2010, he struggled early on and was forced to split the year between Cleveland and Triple-A. He became the team's primary left fielder in 2011. He shifted to center full time in 2012, but his defense was lacking there and thanks to the <span>Michael Bourn</span> signing he was able to return to left last season. </span><span>His defense has been rated poorly by most defensive metrics at both positions, but he has hit better than league average in each of the last two seasons and added to his offensive value with a strong running game. </span></p>
<p>Before these reports, Brantley appeared to be headed to arbitration to determine his 2014 salary. The Indians had submitted a bid of $2.7 million and Brantley had filed for $3.8 million.</p>
<h4>More from <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=hubbottom">SB Nation MLB</a>:</h4>
<div>
<a href="https://twitter.com/SBNationMLB" class="twitter-follow-button">Follow @SBNationMLB </a>
<div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden;" data-send="false" data-show-faces="false" data-action="like" data-layout="button_count" data-colorscheme="light" data-height="The pixel height of the plugin" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/SBNationMLB" class="fb-like"></div>
</div>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/2/10/5398424/baseball-windows-contending?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">Brisbee: Baseball teams and the windows that define them</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/2/10/5397956/ervin-santana-free-agency-market-yankees-dodgers-mariners?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">What’s driving the Ervin Santana market?</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/2/10/5399126/derek-jeter-a-rod-yankees?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">Jeter: Yankees have to move on without A-Rod</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2014/2/10/5390172/major-league-attendance-trends-1950-2013?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">MLB attendance trends: past, present and future</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/2/6/5383616/the-tim-wallach-market?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">Roth: The man who wants to own every Tim Wallach baseball card</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.sbnation.com/videos/iframe?id=34911" frameborder="0" seamless="true" marginwidth="0" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true" name="34911-chorus-video-iframe"></iframe></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/2/10/5399530/indians-michael-brantley-close-to-multi-year-dealMatt Sullivan