Chris Cotillo is now reporting that LHP Joe Thatcher has signed a minor league deal with the Houston Astros. February 12 According to Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish, the Mets are among 10 teams that have expressed interest in lefthanded reliever Joe Thatcher. Thatcher, 33, had a 3.86 ERA in 53 appearances for the D-Backs and Angels in 2014 and he’s held left-handed batters to a .230...
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The following is an in depth look at Travis d’Arnaud’s overall value as a catcher. The idea that he is incapable of being an everyday backstop is based on two conventional defensive metrics. The lack of credit surrounding his framing skills leaves something to be desired though. Stolen bases and passed balls rarely result in a run scored for the opposition, yet a framed pitch always produces...
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While Brandon Nimmo has not hit for a lot of power as of yet, that could be about to change. Advice from hitting coach Kevin Long could be the key that unleashes Nimmo’s power potential. Nimmo explains the adjustments he has made at the plate from working with Long in an article by Kevin Kernan of the NY Post. According to the article, what Nimmo learned from Long that it is all about the...
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Spring training is for a lot of things, but I thought I’d save Terry Collins time and suggest a batting order for him. Several slots will automatically fall into place, but where Collins will do his most head scratching will be over the leadoff position. 1. Juan Lagares, CF: He has the speed and at the end of last season proved he could steal a base. However, he needs to get on base to utilize...
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Today former Mets General Manager Steve Phillips discussed his decision to acquire Mike Piazza in a blockbuster trade with the Florida Marlins on MLB Network Radio (Metsblog). He explained that the best trade is often the one that you don’t make. “Back in 1997, 1998, we had a good little team with the Mets, but we knew we needed some star power,” he explained, telling a story from his time...
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