The AL East is one of the most competitive divisions in baseball. This season four of the five teams finished with a record above .500. Having a quality player at every roster spot is critical for success, but especially catcher. So let’s breakdown how all five teams’ catcher position looks for 2022. Before we get…
Minor league catcher Blake Hunt was a major piece of the Blake Snell trade to the San Diego Padres in December of 2020. Prior to the trade, Hunt was a top 20 prospect for San Diego. Almost one year later, he now sits at number 15 in the Rays prospect rankings. While his ETA to…
In this article, we will take a look at the Yankees roster heading into the offseason and opening day 2022. To do this, we will summarize strengths and weaknesses from this year, and then break down the roster by position to identify areas that can be upgraded. When talking about roster spots and players, the…
The San Francisco Giants surprised a lot of people this season with their success. This is the first time the Giants are back in the playoffs since the 2016 season, when they lost in the National League Division Series. While many thought this would be another disappointing year for them, they were the first team…
The Chicago White Sox have clinched a playoff berth for the second year in a row. Last season was their first time back in the playoffs since 2008, but they were eliminated in the three game Wildcard round to the Oakland Athletics. Will they be a tough team to beat this year? Let’s take a…
There are so many ways to develop a starting line-up. Some are more traditional than others, but The Book by Tom Tango, Michael Lichtman, and Andrew Dolphin discuss an approach based on research and developing models based on run values for various in-game events. There is a chapter of The Book that discusses batting orders,…
Since Shane McClanahan’s call-up in April of this season, he has been one of the Rays’ more reliable starting pitchers. He has a 3.31 FIP on the year, and has an above average strikeout rate and walk rate. While he has fallen victim to some hard contact, he’s done a great job at mixing his…
Just thought I’d put all the video breakdowns from this year’s trade deadline in one place. Vote in the poll below and let me know what you think of all the trades! Nelson Cruz to the Rays Rays Receive: Nelson Cruz & Calvin Faucher Twins Receive: Joe Ryan & Drew Strotman You can read more…
Adam Frazier was sent to the Padres in a four player trade and cash last night. In return, the Pirates received the Padres’ number 5 prospect Tucupita Marcano, and two lower level prospects Jack Suwinski and Michell Miliano. What does Adam Frazier bring to the Padres? Adam Frazier is amidst the best season of his career…
On Thursday, the Twins traded Nelson Cruz (DH) and prospect Calvin Faucher (RHP) to the Rays for prospects Joe Ryan (RHP) and Drew Strotman (RHP).  This deal is a little out of the ordinary for the Rays, who don’t usually trade for players who will become free agents at the end of the same season…