Mentioned they knew Oviedo had an elbow problem at the end of the season and they planned their off-season thinking he would miss '24.
Their main focus remains adding starting pitching via FA and trades. Mentioned he's engaged in both right now. Also brought up arms that should be in PGH in '24, guys that already debuted like Prietser, Ortiz, Contreras...with Jones, Solometo, Chandler and Skenes having the opportunity to *earn* a spot in '24.
Davis will enter spring training as a catcher and a chance to *earn* playing time behind the dish. Mentioned Davis was called up early last season as they were still in the race and needed a bat like his in the lineup...didn't want to mess with the catching tandem.
He thinks someone will emerge this season as an above reg 2bmen...he mentioned Peguero, Bae, Triolo and Gonzales. Also noted that an outside addition is possible.
He mentioned several times that they'll be competing for wins in '24.
I've been wondering about whether Oviedo's vague references to things not being right (and beyond his control) going into some of his rougher starts had anything to do with elbow/forearm soreness. I took those comments as references to the mental aspect of the game including the ability to block out distractions. But perhaps the distraction was his arm/grip/etc. just not feeling the way it should.
Jason Mackey listed the following pitchers as possible targets. I don't know anything about any of them beyond what Mackey wrote, so I'm just tossing names out there for others to comment on:
I remember the hype on Lacy when he was drafted, I think 5th overall in 2020. I looked up his 2022 numbers 28 innings and only 13 hits is pretty good..... oh wait 42 walks. I'm guessing he has been hurt since?
A week ago I offered CJ Van Eyk, RHP, who missed almost all of last season with TJ. Came back and then pitched at AA and then in the AFL. Type of BP possibility who could last a year, such as Jose Hernandez did last year. From the Bluejays and I think he was a high draft choice of Toronto.
Someone responded and I think they mentioned Tanner Burns, RHP Cleveland. I think he has also had injury issues, but Cleveland has a positive rep for developing pitchers. Two others that may merit a look are JT Ginn RHP from The A's, or Tyler Owens, RHP, Braves.
AM- which prospects would you deem untouchable vs not in a trade? Feeling like the trade market is going to be the most likely avenue to add any significant pitching
I fall into the nobody is untouchable category - everything depends on the return. I used the (admittedly absurd to make a point) example of National's somehow end up in the playoff hunt at the end of the year and have a real need for pitching. They offer Crews and Wood (or House) for Skenes... don't Bucs have to very seriously consider it (assuming all the prospect outlooks have not changed)? Will that happen - of course not.. but anybody is tradable. Now.. I don't want to trade however each of us defines a top prospect for a one year rental.
I think everyone here would take the Braves side of the trade last night... especially since the prospects we would've sent back would've been our 20 and 40 prospects since the Braves farm system is bare... BUT we don't have the 40 man flexibility to waste a spot on Evan White.
As a follow-up, I wonder if the Braves will now look to move Ozuna. The Kelenic deal takes them above the luxury tax threshold but parting with Ozuna would get them below again. If we re-sign Cutch and keep Davis in RF, I don't see a fit for us (and there are off-field issues to consider), but he's the kind of bat that many teams could use in the middle of their order.
This was my initial reaction but now I think it all depends on what the M's do next. Kelenic's K rate is concerning but even if you believe Kelenic can be a league-average player, they've cleared significant payroll space to help pay for an upgrade while also getting at least one interesting arm (Phillips was a 2nd-round pick in '22 who hasn't played professionally yet due to TJ surgery).
Assuming the M's take their savings on Gonzales and White and apply it to an upgrade to Kelenic, I like the trade from their perspective. We'll see what they do next....
Gonzales will make $12 mil and White $7 mil in 2024 - already a $19 mil gamble by the Braves. Kelenic refused a long term extension from the Mariners, and AA with Atlanta is the king of long term extensions for players who show their worth to the Braves and want to continue being a part of that franchise.
So, this should be interesting. The Pirates are just not able to gamble millions on two "ifs" like Gonzales and White thinking that Kelenic may have a breakout season proving his worth. His K rate in '23 was over 30% with a high GB%.
When I wrote on here about possibly having an Asst GM directly overseeing the Manager, Staff, and onfield activities, Jim Leyland was the type of guy I had in mind. Congrats to him for his election into the HOF, and a high five for recognizing Gene Lamont's contributions to his career.
Looking through BA and found an article by Geoff Pontes re Prospects who gained the most exit velo in 2023. Listed Number 5 is Sammy Siani who advanced from an average exit velo of 80.2 in 2022 to 85.8 in 2023, a change of +5.6. His ISO jumped from .106 in '22 to .133 in '23 for a change of +.028. He and Jase Bowen will most likely be 2/3 of the OF in AA to start 2024.
Any interest in marco gonzales if the braves move him and eat some monies? LHP and had some run of success before last year
yes like him
BC at the winter meetings...
Mentioned they knew Oviedo had an elbow problem at the end of the season and they planned their off-season thinking he would miss '24.
Their main focus remains adding starting pitching via FA and trades. Mentioned he's engaged in both right now. Also brought up arms that should be in PGH in '24, guys that already debuted like Prietser, Ortiz, Contreras...with Jones, Solometo, Chandler and Skenes having the opportunity to *earn* a spot in '24.
Davis will enter spring training as a catcher and a chance to *earn* playing time behind the dish. Mentioned Davis was called up early last season as they were still in the race and needed a bat like his in the lineup...didn't want to mess with the catching tandem.
He thinks someone will emerge this season as an above reg 2bmen...he mentioned Peguero, Bae, Triolo and Gonzales. Also noted that an outside addition is possible.
He mentioned several times that they'll be competing for wins in '24.
I've been wondering about whether Oviedo's vague references to things not being right (and beyond his control) going into some of his rougher starts had anything to do with elbow/forearm soreness. I took those comments as references to the mental aspect of the game including the ability to block out distractions. But perhaps the distraction was his arm/grip/etc. just not feeling the way it should.
He's saying things that i like to hear but also I wanna see some action that backs this up. Thanks for sharing all of this!
Wonder if Vlad's still around somewhere working on a list of potential Rule 5 gets.
Jason Mackey listed the following pitchers as possible targets. I don't know anything about any of them beyond what Mackey wrote, so I'm just tossing names out there for others to comment on:
Tyler Owens, RHP, Braves
Miguel Rodriguez, RHP, Twins
Tanner Burns, RHP, Guardians
Shane Drohan, LHP, Red Sox
Austin Pope, LHP, Diamondbacks
For possible position players he offered:
Carlos De La Cruz, OF/1B, Phillies
Deyvison De Los Santos, 3B/1B, Dbacks
Blaine Crim, 1B, Rangers
We already got our Rule 5 guy equivalent last week......Ali Sanchez. Really can't be adding anymore of these types IMO.
Cole Wilcox is one I'd consider, maybe Asa Lacy but really don't care if they pass on this rule 5 draft.
You don't want Lacy.
I remember the hype on Lacy when he was drafted, I think 5th overall in 2020. I looked up his 2022 numbers 28 innings and only 13 hits is pretty good..... oh wait 42 walks. I'm guessing he has been hurt since?
Not really, just remember how dominant he looked at Texas AnM with control issues then.
Braves, Dodgers or Ray's will grab him and fix him lol
He lost his ability to throw strikes right?
Correct. He's a mess.
Sounds like a pirate lol
And back issues.
A week ago I offered CJ Van Eyk, RHP, who missed almost all of last season with TJ. Came back and then pitched at AA and then in the AFL. Type of BP possibility who could last a year, such as Jose Hernandez did last year. From the Bluejays and I think he was a high draft choice of Toronto.
Someone responded and I think they mentioned Tanner Burns, RHP Cleveland. I think he has also had injury issues, but Cleveland has a positive rep for developing pitchers. Two others that may merit a look are JT Ginn RHP from The A's, or Tyler Owens, RHP, Braves.
Good stuff! Thanks
What's going on with winter ball? Do we have players playing places? I feel like I have been a bit out of touch
That's where Dreker's sources were invaluable.
AM- which prospects would you deem untouchable vs not in a trade? Feeling like the trade market is going to be the most likely avenue to add any significant pitching
I fall into the nobody is untouchable category - everything depends on the return. I used the (admittedly absurd to make a point) example of National's somehow end up in the playoff hunt at the end of the year and have a real need for pitching. They offer Crews and Wood (or House) for Skenes... don't Bucs have to very seriously consider it (assuming all the prospect outlooks have not changed)? Will that happen - of course not.. but anybody is tradable. Now.. I don't want to trade however each of us defines a top prospect for a one year rental.
I think everyone here would take the Braves side of the trade last night... especially since the prospects we would've sent back would've been our 20 and 40 prospects since the Braves farm system is bare... BUT we don't have the 40 man flexibility to waste a spot on Evan White.
You really have to believe in Kelenic if you like this deal for the Braves.
As a follow-up, I wonder if the Braves will now look to move Ozuna. The Kelenic deal takes them above the luxury tax threshold but parting with Ozuna would get them below again. If we re-sign Cutch and keep Davis in RF, I don't see a fit for us (and there are off-field issues to consider), but he's the kind of bat that many teams could use in the middle of their order.
This was my initial reaction but now I think it all depends on what the M's do next. Kelenic's K rate is concerning but even if you believe Kelenic can be a league-average player, they've cleared significant payroll space to help pay for an upgrade while also getting at least one interesting arm (Phillips was a 2nd-round pick in '22 who hasn't played professionally yet due to TJ surgery).
Assuming the M's take their savings on Gonzales and White and apply it to an upgrade to Kelenic, I like the trade from their perspective. We'll see what they do next....
We don’t have the payroll flexibility to waste a spot on White*. Fixed that for you. 😆
Gotta be tough showing up at the winter meetings with nothing but a couple rolls of pennies.
Don't forget the 2 nickels Bob likes to rub together for showmanship.
Especially when you’re trying to spread those pennies amongst 7 guys.
Kelenic would have been a very worthwhile gamble for sure, stinks to have missed out on that one
Just read about that trade. Can't say I'm not a little jealous
Gonzales will make $12 mil and White $7 mil in 2024 - already a $19 mil gamble by the Braves. Kelenic refused a long term extension from the Mariners, and AA with Atlanta is the king of long term extensions for players who show their worth to the Braves and want to continue being a part of that franchise.
So, this should be interesting. The Pirates are just not able to gamble millions on two "ifs" like Gonzales and White thinking that Kelenic may have a breakout season proving his worth. His K rate in '23 was over 30% with a high GB%.
When I wrote on here about possibly having an Asst GM directly overseeing the Manager, Staff, and onfield activities, Jim Leyland was the type of guy I had in mind. Congrats to him for his election into the HOF, and a high five for recognizing Gene Lamont's contributions to his career.
Looking through BA and found an article by Geoff Pontes re Prospects who gained the most exit velo in 2023. Listed Number 5 is Sammy Siani who advanced from an average exit velo of 80.2 in 2022 to 85.8 in 2023, a change of +5.6. His ISO jumped from .106 in '22 to .133 in '23 for a change of +.028. He and Jase Bowen will most likely be 2/3 of the OF in AA to start 2024.