Youth will be served at 3B for the Pittsburgh
Pirates in 2010

post from Pittsburgh Pirates on 20 February 2010 09:48:40 PM. © Pittsburgh Pirates

26-year old righty swinging Andy LaRoche played in 150 games for the Pirates last season and he was 135 for 524 (.258 avg, .731 OPS) with 64 runs scored, 12 homers, 64 RBIs and 3 stolen bases. LaRoche came on strong at the end of last season offensively and the Pirates hope that it [...]

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h-pirates-in-2010/

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Shortstop will be decided in spring training for
the Pittsburgh Pirates

post from Pittsburgh Pirates on 20 February 2010 09:30:43 PM. © Pittsburgh Pirates

30-year old righty swinging Bobby Crosby might have a slight edge at the start of spring training but he will have to earn the job in February and March. Crosby played in 97 games with the A’s last season and he was 53 for 238 (.223 avg, .652 OPS) with 35 runs scored, 6 [...]

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http://www.bucslocker.com/2010/02/20/shortstop-will-be-decided-in-spring-training
-for-the-pittsburgh-pirates/

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The Value of Outfield Coaching

post from Royals Review on 20 February 2010 09:03:10 PM. © Royals Review

This KC Star story outlines some details on DeJesus's shift to right field. The title doesn't instill confidence ("OK"), but the article talks about how the change was broached, DeJesus's attitude on the shift, and what's being done to make the change work. Here's an interesting excerpt:

A quick call to outfield instructor Rusty Kuntz helped ease his concerns. Kuntz said shifting from left to right would be far easier for DeJesus than last year’s transition from center to left.

Kuntz contends DeJesus possesses sufficient quickness to charge the ball in a manner required of right fielders. Being a left-handed thrower means DeJesus will routinely be better positioned to make throws to second and third.

Kuntz argues right fielders face fewer tough-read plays than left fielders. ...[Snip]...

DeJesus admits the switch was easier to swallow because he understands its logic. Adding Podsednik and Ankiel should significantly improve the outfield defense. And the two are natural fits in left and center.

“We haven’t gotten on the field yet to be able to feel out each other’s range,” DeJesus said, “but I know we’ll be able to run down balls. I think our pitching staff is going to love having the three of us out there.”

There's a bit more in the piece (between my snip) on the differences in reading balls off the bat for right fielders. Suffice it to say, DeJesus now seems comfortable with the switch.

This led me to wonder if defensive metrics have learned to account for outfield coaching (i.e. positioning tips, footwork, reading balls off the bat, etc.). Are there teams that seem particularly well coached in terms of outfield defense? Is there an outfield coach who has been shown to improve the numbers of his team's players? Do we have any before and after stats on particular players under certain coaches?

How good is Rusty Kuntz as a coach? Is he respected by players and by other coaches? Do the stats show improvement under him? ...Was he hired by GMDM or Hillman, or is he a holdover?

Finally, what of DeJesus's last comment on our pitching staff---that they're "going to love having the three of us out there." Is he just being optimistic? If so, isn't this a good sign since he seems least well-equipped (i.e. arm) for his new position? - TL

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Some Thoughts on the Fifth Starter Competition

post from Bronx Baseball Daily on 20 February 2010 08:10:16 PM. © Bronx Baseball Daily

Benjamin Kabak’s typically strong post at RAB on Joba Chamberlain and the to-start-or-relieve[...]

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A trading we will go, a trading we will go

post from Royals Review on 20 February 2010 08:02:57 PM. © Royals Review

I can only assume the offseason aquisitions that GMDM made were not in an attempt to win a division but to add some cheap tradeable pieces during the season.

Did he really believe that guys like Scott Posednik and Rick Ankiel were going to bring this team a division title? I don't think so, if he had why wouldn't he had signed them to longer contracts? Maybe Ankiel thought his value was too low and would play one year for the next contract and wouldn't sign multiple years with the Royals but Podsednik? Surely if GMDM is so ignorant to think ScottyPods was worth the money he would sign him to a 2 or 3 year deal, wouldn't he? He did it with Kendall, JoGui, Gload, etc. why not with these two schlubs. So enter the mind of the GMDM pickup two cheap pieces in the hopes that one has a decent season and can be traded midseason thus leveraging to keep DeJesus in 2011.

With the additions of Ankiel and ScottyPods the Royals currently have a plethora of garbage talent about to come off the books for 2011. Will any of these guys be able to play well enough for one half of the season to earn a couple tradeable pieces before the deadline say a 15-25 ranked organizational prospect ala Jordan Parraz or in the case of The Spork maybe some cash?

THE USUAL SUSPECTS

Poll

Which last year left schlub will become the most tradeable commodity

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http://www.royalsreview.com/2010/2/20/1319132/a-trading-we-will-go-a-trading-we

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Pete Rose is Too Busy for Me

post from Sports Locker on 20 February 2010 06:45:00 PM. © Sports Locker

I'm in Las Vegas next week and I was trying to arrange a quick interview with Pete Rose. I think it would be great to hear Pete's take on sports cards, memorabilia, and his new deal with Upper Deck.

After several emails and calls, I didn't get a response. Maybe next time.

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http://sportslocker.blogspot.com/2010/02/pete-rose-is-too-busy-for-me.html

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Delgado out 4 months after hip surgery (AP)

post from MLB News Blog on 20 February 2010 06:20:49 PM. © MLB News Blog

Free-agent slugger Carlos Delgado is expected to be sidelined for four months after undergoing hip surgery in Colorado. David Sloane, Delgado’s agent, tells the New York Post and Fox Sports Net that the outlook is good and the first baseman plans to play this season. Delgado played in 26 games for the New York Mets [...]

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http://www.mlbnewsblog.com/2010/02/20/delgado-out-4-months-after-hip-surgery-ap/

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Delagdo out 4 months after hip surgery (AP)

Free-agent slugger Carlos Delgado is expected to be sidelined for four months after undergoing hip surgery in Colorado. David Sloane, Delgado’s agent, tells the New York Post and Fox Sports Net that the outlook is good and the first baseman plans to play this season. Delgado played in 26 games for the New York Mets [...]

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http://www.mlbnewsblog.com/2010/02/20/delagdo-out-4-months-after-hip-surgery-ap/

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Tigers sign Johnny Damon

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The Johnny Damon Saga is Over

After the last 24 hours saw the Braves beat writers saying that Atlanta still had a stake in the Johnny Damon sweepstakes, the Detroit Tigers have apparently signed the veteran outfielder to a one-year $7 million contract, according to Tim Brown of Yahoo Sports.

Consider this blogger vindicated and satisfied. This clears the path for Jason Heyward, and sets up a nice platoon in left with Melky Cabrera and Matt Diaz. I think that's just as good as Damon, and certainly more forward-looking. Nate McLouth will handle the leadoff role just fine.

Carry on.

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http://www.talkingchop.com/2010/2/20/1319536/the-johnny-damon-saga-is-over

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