Around Baseball Offseason Thread

[striker42]

I guess I'm in the minority, but I didn't think he looked bad in Atlanta last year. I won't say he looked particularly good, but he definitely showed some flashes, and a .253/.310/.405 line in his first MLB action isn't awful and doesn't spell doom.

All I can find about his winter numbers is that he had 20 AB and hit .400.

I'm not expecting much from him, but I certainly don't just assume he'll be bad. I think he has a good swing and showed some pop in his time in Atlanta, so I'm intrigued by him.

His OPS was .646 when he was released.

[smootness]

His OPS was .646 when he was released.

Well that's not good. Still doesn't really mean all that much to me. We've seen him have very good numbers in LA, very bad numbers in the minors in Atlanta, respectable numbers in the majors in Atlanta, then struggle in winter ball. So who really knows.

But I did see some things in Atlanta last year I liked. If he can build on that, I can see him putting up an OPS around .800. Again, I'm not saying that's likely, but I think it's possible.

[The Chosen One]

Would be funny if Olivera pulled a Livan or Fooky and is actually 3-4 years older than he claims.

[zbhargrove]

He had about double that, which is only a bit less than what he had in the Braves system. That's why I was comparing them and thought it was weird. Small sample size of course, but he completely flipped his production when he came to the Braves organization. Just an interesting thing, and demonstrates the problems of small sample size errors.

Okay... well how about this... about 50 at bats in the Dodgers system at the AA/AAA level, which are the only ones that we should put any kind of weight on.

[mossy]

Would be funny if Olivera pulled a Livan or Fooky and is actually 3-4 years older than he claims.

Unfortunately it won't be funny, and it's probably true.

[smootness]

Unfortunately it won't be funny, and it's probably true.

Unless you think he was OPSing over .800 in the Cuban league at 15 years old, then no, it's not.

[The Chosen One]

Unless you think he was OPSing over .800 in the Cuban league at 15 years old, then no, it's not.

Possible he did roids and that's why his body is fragile now. Of course I've never seen pics of him that young so no idea.

[mqt]

Lazaro Amenteros cleared to sign in February. Damnit.

[bravesfanMatt]

Lazaro Amenteros cleared to sign in February. Damnit.

So why even have deadlines.

[mqt]

So why even have deadlines.

Extenuating circumstances. It's not the kid's fault he was stuck in Cuba until after the deadline.

[praeceps93]

Lazaro Amenteros cleared to sign in February. Damnit.

They're essentially handing guys to the Dodgers. If LA wants someone, it's damn near impossible for other teams to outbid them right now.

[bravesfanMatt]

Extenuating circumstances. It's not the kid's fault he was stuck in Cuba until after the deadline.

This is why there should be a draft though. It is stupid for a team to be able to just outspend other teams for new talent. Circumstances or not there are rules. I think this is a play to the big markets to get the talent. Mlb loves the big market teams to be good every year.

[Dalyn]

Possible he did roids and that's why his body is fragile now. Of course I've never seen pics of him that young so no idea.

Zito might have some.

[mqt]

This is why there should be a draft though. It is stupid for a team to be able to just outspend other teams for new talent. Circumstances or not there are rules. I think this is a play to the big markets to get the talent. Mlb loves the big market teams to be good every year.

I hate the idea of an international draft because it screws over these young kids that are in abject poverty. Not to mention it's not like the Dodgers are the only team capable of blowing it out in IFA. Yes, they've already hit the penalty and have a greater incentive to go crazy, but other teams have the same chance at signing these players if they're willing to spend.

[The Chosen One]

Zito might have some.

The second the nominate system gets working this is the first post I'm coming right back to.

[GovClintonTyree]

You think hopping a ball is a sign of a weaker arm? Those were both bullets.

The guy has a big-time arm.

Agree. He smoked 'em. Preferable to the Puig rainbow.

Also, notice he's light skinned. He Plays the Game the Right Way.

[GovClintonTyree]

Well that's not good. Still doesn't really mean all that much to me. We've seen him have very good numbers in LA, very bad numbers in the minors in Atlanta, respectable numbers in the majors in Atlanta, then struggle in winter ball. So who really knows.

But I did see some things in Atlanta last year I liked. If he can build on that, I can see him putting up an OPS around .800. Again, I'm not saying that's likely, but I think it's possible.

Right. He needs a stable season in one place, without a position change, or a country change, or a major injury, to get his legs under him.

And who really knows what we get then. Could be good. Scouts think so. Like most on here, I don't like moving him to LF. Unlike most, I'd move him back to second. The clips I saw showed a big dude, but instinctive and graceful. If he's just not a US 2B, I'd stick with third until he proves he can't. And like his hitting, I think it's took soon to tell.

[dak]

I won't say it's likely, but wouldn't 100% rule out the Braves having interest. They definitely have the $. Sierra not subject to bonus pools and would likely start in AAA wherever he lands.

[bravesfanMatt]

I won't say it's likely, but wouldn't 100% rule out the Braves having interest. They definitely have the $. Sierra not subject to bonus pools and would likely start in AAA wherever he lands.

Sierra is an International FA and would affect what we could spend this July. Unless the Braves are going to go all in on Sierra and Armentores, I don't see the Braves in on these two. Any more money spent on an Int'l FA will keep them from Kevin M. next July.

I am sure there are several other prospects in the Int'l FA market that the Braves have their sights on this July. No sense in them making all those bonus pool trades to just knee jerk on two guys.

[50PoundHead]

Right. He needs a stable season in one place, without a position change, or a country change, or a major injury, to get his legs under him.

And who really knows what we get then. Could be good. Scouts think so. Like most on here, I don't like moving him to LF. Unlike most, I'd move him back to second. The clips I saw showed a big dude, but instinctive and graceful. If he's just not a US 2B, I'd stick with third until he proves he can't. And like his hitting, I think it's took soon to tell.

I don't know what to expect, but I'm willing to let things play out. Stick him in there and see how he does.