emmett16

Thanks for pointing that out. I should have written *trying to put the ball in play more. Obviously with the higher K rate, that's not happening at the moment. I saw an interview with him a little ways back about his approach on working to all fields & his work on hitting off speed pitches. Said when he first came up after hitting 30 hr in minors, it was just launch launch launch, and that this year he made major adjustments.

What's so hard about finding someone with impeccable glove skills & a deadly accurate cannon who also happens to be the consummate professional?

Tate has been quietly pretty fantastic as have the other 3 you mentioned. Obviously Mullins is the big take away from this season, but I'd say these four guys in the bullpen separated themselves from that pack and provided a glimpse of some hope for a solid BP. Once Wells is back and performing, I'd really like to see him get stretched and tried as a starter. If he could successfully start 2 or 3 games in September, that would be a big boon going into next year.

"Informal demotion*"

Not sure if you are joking or not. I played collegiate summer ball with a guy who had a lathe and made his/our bats for the team that summer. I didn't like them that much, but after my first half dozen of C271s busted I was happy to use them.

Sign me up for Martin SS & Urias 2b for last two months of the season. Urias has earned the chance and Martin brings best defensive & who knows, maybe the bat improves. Let Jones continue to work at 2b in Norfolk unless his bat absolutely forces the issue.

He did change his swing and is trying to put the ball in play more. He has also increased his Barrel %, Avg. Exit Velocity, & Max Exit Velocity. He struggles on off-speed pitches and it looks like he's making that a focus this year to work on. His foot speed and defense metrics are down a bit suggesting he may be playing hurt a bit. K rate is up a bit and BB rate down a bit which makes sense as he's gone through league a couple times now. It's time for him to make an adjustment. Will be interesting to see how he holds up these last 8 weeks.

To me he looks a little beat up. If he can make it through this season, that will be a huge confidence builder. He changed his swing to get more contact this year. His doubles are being hit all over the ball park. I think he builds off this year and has a big year next year when he starts to hear the footsteps right behind him.

Norby. Now we are talking. I can't wait.

I like this thread a lot. I assume you saw the piece on Britton and the Bowie team. Seems this is a focus. For me this is the nuts and bolts 101 class stuff. Hitting is so difficult. If you aren't giving yourself a chance by swing at balls you can't do anything with you are a dead man walking. I love that they have metrics and rewards in place for Pitch Recognition in lower levels.

I'm excited to see what Martin brings. Kid had some tough luck. I imagine, at the very least, he must be stronger. I'd like to see him at SS and Urias at 2b.

If Jones is the long term plan, we are in for a world of hurt a la Bull Durham. When he gets his shot at 2b, you'll see. He's a butcher. I wish the man all the luck in the world and hope he succeeds. I'll happily eat crow if he's a serviceable 2b, but I'll very much doubt that will be the case.

Man, this guy frustrates me. He has nasty stuff. I don’t think he has “it” between the ears. I’ve watched him warm up before games a couple times and he just goes through a sloppy routine, not a ton of focus, always chatting with whoever is around. He scares me out of pen because you never know who is gonna show up. I loved his stuff but I think I’m ready to pass.

I think the Jay's are banking on signing him long term, as well. I like the move. Tres cojones.

And trade Mountcastle? Seems to me the prudent move would be to trade away the 3rd year arb salary and replace with a player in second year of league minimum contract (who has more upside).

I saw 4 plays. 2 routine plays he made (weak arm). One tough play he made but he looked like a circus clown. He made a mental error not covering 1b on ball between P and 1b. 1b was salty, he fielded ball and had no one to throw to. Dude is really really fast and looks very very strong.

Bat is quick. Aggressive early in count and looked comfortable hitting with 2 strikes. His hit came on a 2 strike slider, barreled a ball in next at bat but got out in front and sent ball to warning track. Looks very comfortable at the plate, looks like a fish out of water a 2b.

Watching Jones in Norfolk tonight. First impression, he’s thick. Looks like a running back. He’s fast. Doesn’t look “natural” at all. Got on, stole a base (awkward slide) then proceeded to get picked off. Made a couple awkward plays in field. Missed covering first on tweener ball between 1b & P. I don’t think this guys is MLB ready at all. He would get exposed quickly.

I’d like a solid FA SP acquisition on a short deal to help Means welcome the young pitchers.

Harvey on a heater. Made the screen in my “last 30 day” search for SP fantasy. Fun night for AL only fantasy waiver wire.

I’m right there, too. This off-season is going to be interesting/telling. The milestone elephant is 14 months out and I think that plays heavy. He held onto his guys. Money “frees up” in 2023. He could make a statement this off-season, but it’s likely he’s playing for next. I’m excited to see how roster shakes out for spring training 2022.

I agree it was painful to sit on sidelines during fireworks, but I think it was the prudent move. Santander was a missed opportunity.

Who would you have traded? Pretty tough when your best chips are under control for a long time. Imagine they asked appropriate value. I think they move Mancini over winter. Means has something to prove in next 2 months.

I saw his #s and was impressed. Someone (I think FRobby) made a comment about his k% being slightly above league avg-ish. It made me pause and look. Unreal how fast the game has changed. When does the Pendulum swing back? Seems we are at an unsustainable extreme.

My read is that he thinks we are close. He wants good players on roster for next year. This upcoming offseason is going to be very interesting. Folks should be happy he kept our guys. Will be cool to look back on today in 5 years with all the wild moves. A lot of teams sold the farm and hamstrung themselves down the line.