Spring has Sprung

[clvclv]

Thanks for that info CLV. I think I'd set a rule in my head as a GM to never extend a pitcher on their rookie contract. For sure it would come back to bite me occasionally, but it just seems too risky. I always think back to one of my favorite Braves ever, Steve Avery when I think of what can easily happen.

Yeah - obviously dicey. It just feels like AA is in the situation where they're going to have to take a gamble or two like that if they're looking for an extended window. If we haven't been able to develop an "Ace" from within with the stockpile we've had recently (and Fried or Soroka doesn't turn into that quickly), it just feels like that guy's not coming while we have the current core under control while it's affordable.

As Heyward mentions, We've got Fried under control through his age-31 season without an extension. Given the questions that have arisen with Wright and Anderson, the "hole" that's coming at the lower levels, the fact that we'll likely be picking in the mid-to-late 20s for the foreseeable future, and the fact that Acuna and Albies won't be such "bargains" two years from now having an affordable #1-#2 combination under control seems like the best hope for an extended legitimate contention window. If AA could extend that control of Fried until he's 33, the likelihood he lands a serious deal at a level we can't compete for him on probably evaporates.

Hopefully The Battery keeps steaming along and we continue to be surprised with the growing payroll - just not sure I trust that just yet.

[Snowman]

In two years, Acuna and Albies will be making $20 million combined.... how in the name of Zeus is that not still a bargain? And was the fact that bargain was in parentheses meant to indicate that they're not actually a bargain now, making $2 million combined?

[zbhargrove]

Yeah - obviously dicey. It just feels like AA is in the situation where they're going to have to take a gamble or two like that if they're looking for an extended window. If we haven't been able to develop an "Ace" from within with the stockpile we've had recently (and Fried or Soroka doesn't turn into that quickly), it just feels like that guy's not coming while we have the current core under control while it's affordable.

As Heyward mentions, We've got Fried under control through his age-31 season without an extension. Given the questions that have arisen with Wright and Anderson, the "hole" that's coming at the lower levels, the fact that we'll likely be picking in the mid-to-late 20s for the foreseeable future, and the fact that Acuna and Albies won't be such "bargains" two years from now having an affordable #1-#2 combination under control seems like the best hope for an extended legitimate contention window. If AA could extend that control of Fried until he's 33, the likelihood he lands a serious deal at a level we can't compete for him on probably evaporates.

Hopefully The Battery keeps steaming along and we continue to be surprised with the growing payroll - just not sure I trust that just yet.

Uhh... what the hell are you even trying to talk about? If anything, the Albies and Acuna deals will be even more bargains... goodness gracious.

[Super]

In two years, Acuna and Albies will be making $20 million combined.... how in the name of Zeus is that not still a bargain? And was the fact that bargain was in parentheses meant to indicate that they're not actually a bargain now, making $2 million combined?

i think he just means they won't be making $500K-$1M.
tho of course their salaries are not going to be even close to a problem any time soon.

[clvclv]

i think he just means they won't be making $500K-$1M.
tho of course their salaries are not going to be even close to a problem any time soon.

This.

[SJ24]

Rangers and Royals tomorrow at 3:05 will officially start spring training.

Does anyone know if this will be on TV? Can't find it anywhere.

[CyYoung31]

Rangers and Royals tomorrow at 3:05 will officially start spring training.

Does anyone know if this will be on TV? Can't find it anywhere.

Sounds like it won’t be on TV.

[clvclv]

Yankees' SPs dropping like flies.

Better hold onto our depth.

[SJ24]

Yankees' SPs dropping like flies.

Better hold onto our depth.

First Paxton, then Judge, now Severino.

What is wrong with the Yankees training staff?

[Carp]

Pass on a extension for Fried unless it's extremely team friendly (it won't be as he was a 1st round pick).

Now Soroka is a nice extension candidate, but I'd wait for another full season of health before going there.

[Tapate50]

Pass on a extension for Fried unless it's extremely team friendly (it won't be as he was a 1st round pick).

Now Soroka is a nice extension candidate, but I'd wait for another full season of health before going there.

Soroka would be IMO. The rest can walk.

[Acuña’s Bat Flip]

[zbhargrove]

I think its cool for the product to do something like this during Spring Training. Was also cool to see Charlie working up in Emerson and the Lakewood complex... that's right next to my folks house and it was a spectacle watching that place get built. Its massive.

[zbhargrove]

Felix gets the first Spring Training start Saturday.

[salmagundy]

Felix gets the first Spring Training start Saturday.

With game on FSSE at 1:00 vs Os. Sunday's game also on FSSE at 1:00.

[MadduxFanII]

Felix gets the first Spring Training start Saturday.

Felix Hernandez, Opening Day starter, confirmed.

[Snowman]

Felix Hernandez: #1 starter
Nick Markakis: everyday cleanup hitter
Mark Melancon: full-time closer
Brian Snitker: manager for life

[The Chosen One]

Felix Hernandez: #1 starter
Nick Markakis: everyday cleanup hitter
Mark Melancon: full-time closer
Brian Snitker: manager for life

Music to my ears.

[Acuña’s Bat Flip]

[The Chosen One]

yah but where is the drill where he practices hustling down the line on the opposite fielder so he can be on second.