The Wire Troll: Ryan Rua Running With Shot For Rangers

/ Baseball, The Wire Troll

So, Boston’s rotation will be so much better this year, right? Um, ya… about that. BoSox starters continue to mostly scuffle, ranking 20th in ERA, so perhaps it’s time for some replacement options? Owens didn’t get much of a shot in the bigs last year, mostly because he was rocked in his few starts. But he’s racking up some dominant strikeout rates at Triple-A right now, suggesting that Boston’s compensation pick from 2011 is ready for another look in the Show. We’re predicting Owens could stick if he gets the chance.

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The Wire Troll: Mitch Moreland Providing Punch for BoSox

/ Baseball, David Weightman, The Wire Troll

In four starts, the southpaw is 2-1 with a 2.19 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP. On Friday, Santiago pitched his third straight quality start, which matches his total for all of 2016. His next start will be on Wednesday in Texas, normally an unattractive matchup, but the Rangers are struggling right now, ranking just 24th in the bigs in OPS.

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The Wire Troll: Cesar Hernandez Keeps Raking for Phillies

/ Baseball, David Weightman, The Wire Troll

Since the start of the 2016 season, Hernandez ranks third in walks (68) and BABIP (.363), seventh in OBP (.371) and tied for seventh in batting average (.295) among all qualifying second baseman in the majors. In fact, that BABIP ranks eighth among any qualifying player in the majors over that span, at that’s a concern that he’s due for a correction at some point. But for now, it’s full steam ahead as in his last seven games, Hernandez is hitting .370/.414/.519 with four RBI.

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The Wire Troll: Kevin Pillar Off to Fine Start

/ Baseball, The Wire Troll

Tampa Bay signed this Cuban veteran in 2015, and after two seasons in its system he seems ready to take on the majors. Varona showed a decent power-speed combo at Triple-A last year, but this season he’s hitting for average early on. He tripled twice on Opening Day and then added another three-bagger plus a single on Saturday. Varona is not on the 40-man roster, but he’s put himself in a position to get a call should injury strike the Rays, so keep an eye on his progress this year. Just note that at age 29, he’s clearly not a prospect, so this is simply a redraft league option should he get a crack.

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Philadelphia Phillies 2017 Season Preview

/ Baseball, David Weightman, Team report

The offense in 2016 was anemic. The team finished 29th in the majors in hitting (.240), last in runs scored (610), 28th in hits (1,305), 24th in home runs (161), last in RBI (574), 29th in walks (424), 29th in OBP (.301), 29th in SLG (.384), last in OPS (.685) and seventh in strikeouts (1,376). So, it’s safe to say the offense can only go upwards.

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Can Torey Lovullo Clean up the Mess in Arizona?

/ Baseball, Team report

Arizona has opted for a slow burn approach, deciding against making massive roster changes, but rather just tweaking and trusting in the talent it currently has in place. Considering the team has suffered three straight losing seasons, and has failed to make the playoffs since 2011, that approach may not fly with its fan base unless there are some pretty instant results.

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