Around Baseball Offseason Thread

[Tapate50]

Gattis had a poor month at the start of the season, and also made some adjustments to his hitting approach later in the season. I think his second half numbers are more representative of what he can do in that ballpark.

First half: .241/.268/.444
Second half: .252/.307/.488

I think the Astros will be happy to keep him.

I do as well. A non-tender really makes no sense.

[chop2chip]

Apparently we hired Ted Simmons as a special assistant to the GM. Anyone have any insight into the significance to this, if any?

[gcbraves]

Maybe a Jim Fregosi-type position?

[weso1]

Apparently we hired Ted Simmons as a special assistant to the GM. Anyone have any insight into the significance to this, if any?

Maybe to do press conferences?

[ramadon101]

Apparently we hired Ted Simmons as a special assistant to the GM. Anyone have any insight into the significance to this, if any?

So long as he wasn't the brainchild of Jack Zduriencik's moves in Seattle while he was assistant there, I'm good with this (although to Jack's credit, the Nelson Cruz signing was a good one despite my thoughts at the time it was made to the contrary.)

[Bravesfannchar]

We also hired Fangraph's own Kiley McDaniels.... New Assistant Director of Baseball Ops...

[NYCBrave]

Gattis had a poor month at the start of the season, and also made some adjustments to his hitting approach later in the season. I think his second half numbers are more representative of what he can do in that ballpark.

First half: .241/.268/.444
Second half: .252/.307/.488

I think the Astros will be happy to keep him.

Interesting that he put up a WAR of exactly 0 this year. I honestly don't know what the penalty for DH'ing is on WAR, but that's crazy.

[thewupk]

Interesting that he put up a WAR of exactly 0 this year. I honestly don't know what the penalty for DH'ing is on WAR, but that's crazy.

Shouldn't be much of a surprise. When your a league average hitter at DH you aren't going to be worth much if anything.

[thewupk]

And they have enough to fill his roll no problem. But I was just saying it makes 0 sense to non tender him. A right handed hitter who has that much raw power will find a home no problem

Sure. As someone mentioned his salary in 2016 won't really be an issue. Without an improvement it would be a problem in 2017. That said I do think the Astros try to move him. a 285 OBP is just awful.

[DaneHill]

May have just missed this news bite somewhere else, but Todd Cunningham was claimed off waivers by the Angels. Apparently they were impressed with his defensive metrics. First acquisition by the Angels' new GM.

http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/l...ningham-101215

[buck75]

May have just missed this news bite somewhere else, but Todd Cunningham was claimed off waivers by the Angels. Apparently they were impressed with his defensive metrics. First acquisition by the Angels' new GM.

http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/l...ningham-101215

It's in the Braves' off-season thread.

[DaneHill]

It's in the Braves' off-season thread.

Ah, I see it now. Duh. Thought it was strange that no one had mentioned it yet. Thanks, Buck.

[rico43]

Thought I'd throw out a little out-of-the-box thinking. I wonder what the A's might consider taking for A.J. Griffin and/or Jarrod Parker. Two top-shelf talents who have not pitched in the majors since 2013, both having TJ surgery in or around April of 2014. Both came back enough to throw four games in the minors at the end of last year, but we all know the second year after TJ is the make-or-break. After giving up on Medlen in the same situation, I'd like to try to do the opposite and gamble on a former ace looking to come back. I especially liked Griffin before he was hurt.

[Horsehide Harry]

Thought I'd throw out a little out-of-the-box thinking. I wonder what the A's might consider taking for A.J. Griffin and/or Jarrod Parker. Two top-shelf talents who have not pitched in the majors since 2013, both having TJ surgery in or around April of 2014. Both came back enough to throw four games in the minors at the end of last year, but we all know the second year after TJ is the make-or-break. After giving up on Medlen in the same situation, I'd like to try to do the opposite and gamble on a former ace looking to come back. I especially liked Griffin before he was hurt.

Interesting. I would guess they would want to hang on to them and try to build value since they are cheap.

[Hawk]

Jon Heyman reports that the Dodgers have fired Don Mattingly.

I think Donnie B. is a pretty damn good baseball man.

[DirkPiggler]

Jon Heyman reports that the Dodgers have fired Don Mattingly.

I think Donnie B. is a pretty damn good baseball man.

Do you think Fredi is a good baseball man? Because I see a lot of similarities in their managing.

[nsacpi]

Do you think Fredi is a good baseball man? Because I see a lot of similarities in their managing.

Don Mattingly existed to make Fredi look good.

[Hawk]

Do you think Fredi is a good baseball man? Because I see a lot of similarities in their managing.

I think Fredi is a good baseball man.

Just not a good manager.

[bravesfanforlife88]

I think we will be seeing A LOT more of Donnie B next season....either in Miami or in Washington

[Hawk]

I think we will be seeing A LOT more of Donnie B next season....either in Miami or in Washington

ESPN is reporting that the Dodgers offered him an extension (and now the 'firing' I described earlier is being reported as a 'mutual-parting') ... makes you wonder.