(Photo by Minda Hoss of Omaha, from Werner Park 2015, on Wikipedia)
From The Bull-Pen
I. MLB Rule Change(s): The one current rule that needs to tweaked or terminated--when a relief pitcher enters the game; why, why do relievers entering games mid-inning need to warm-up? They are loose and good to go already! Once the skipper hands the ball over to the pitcher, 30 seconds. That allows the pitcher a brief time to adjust the mound, throw a pitch or two, and let's go! So often the game bogs down when pitching changes take place. Keep the game moving. It's :30 then let it fly.
Another set of corresponding "tweaks"; pitcher steps on the rubber, he must pitch. If he decides to step off, it's a ball. The batter, in the box, you hit. I would allow the batter one time to step out per at bat and that's it. Play ball. In it to hit it so to speak!
(While I don't approve of any of the rule changes being bandied about, one I might consider with a slight modification. I don't approve of the proposed rule that says a pitcher must pitch to 3 batters; however, reduce that number to 2, and now you have a very interesting and fascinating series of possibilities.)
II. Lazardo and Puk: Ooh la la! If A's number 1 prospect Jesus Lazardo, and number 2 A.J. Puk can match the glowing reviews and prognostications of the MLB Network, it's on! Starting pitching is the elephant in the room, and if these two can match the hype, the next couple of summers (and perhaps falls!?!) could be very special in the Coli!! Of course, the Green and Gold can always swing a deadline deal for Zach Greinke, he of the $32 million per year contact. Why not, think BIG! (Sin Choo Soo and his $21 mil salary another future deal on the think big list. I love saying Choo Soo!)
III. Gross Man!: Out of deep right field, the A's sign a veteran outfielder, switch hitting Robbie Grossman. Two items immediately jumped out regarding this signing. To begin with, Rob is a switch hitter. As the A's carried a plethora of relievers last year, switch-hitters would appear to be the absolute "market efficiency!" Secondly, his career on-base-percentage is .355. Last season, Nick Martini and Ramon Laureano--both in limited sample sizes--recorded .397 and .358 respectively. Captain Matt Chappy and future MVP matriculated on base at .356 pace (Jedi Lowrie was .353). This is clearly a classic A's move. Grossman is scheduled to bat leadoff in the first scheduled Spring Training game on Thursday, February 21. Sign of things to come? Perhaps. Keep an eye on Grossman, and his exploits at the plate. (With what seems to be a surplus of outfielders, is a trade brewing, or at minimum beginning to percolate?!?)
IV. Shaking off these two Greats: Across the bay the Gigos are an interesting study. Coming off those great even year runs of '10, '12, and '14, what is their next move with all of the money they are raking in?!? Are they in on Harper, or are they simply being used to jack up the Phillies bid? New GM Farhan Zaidi--former A's and Dodgers employee--has acquired depth, by making several A's types, on-the-cheap moves. (Why not grab a front line pitcher, like Dallas Keuchel?). Recently they signed all time great guy Stephen Vogt (from CenCal Visalia, CA); to go along with all world nice guy and Giant legend Buster Posey. So, while the Bus is coming off hip surgery, I-Believe-In-Stephen Vogt has relocated from Milwaukee to SF. Huh? So the Giants are confident that with perhaps the toughest and grindiest of all positions in baseball--catching--guys coming off of hip and shoulder repair are the way to go? Will either of these two still be playing when the Giants roll into Oakland August 24th and 25? Time will tell, time will tell!!
No comments:
Post a Comment