Ramirez may not be inducing infield flies at his normal rate, but his K/BB rate is superb and — given a chance to start on Friday, he once again teased us with his talent, which he is wont to do from time to time. Ramirez’s HR/FB ratio is better than usual this season, and that’s likely to correct itself, but if you need a starter, you may want to give him a long look.
The Wire Troll: Junior Guerra Almost Ready to Return Read Post »
Miami’s first round pick from last year finally made his pro debut last week, tossing 4 2/3 shutout frames at Low A. Garrett definitely got a bit lucky with the goose egg given the control issues, but overall, it was worth the wait. Keeper league owners need to have this dude on their radar.
The Wire Troll: Cards Have Star on the Way in Oscar Mercado Read Post »
Griffin held the Astros to a solo homer on Thursday, fanning seven in five innings to earn the win. He looked like a very promising starter for the A’s a few years ago, going 7-1 with a 3.06 in a half season as a rookie in 2012 and following that up with a 14-win effort in 2013 before missing two seasons with injuries. Griffin looks like he’s finally back to that level now, so scoop him up while you can as he’s sure to get a long look in the Texas rotation.
The Wire Troll: Time to Suck up J.J. Hoover? Read Post »
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.
The Wire Troll: Ryan Rua Running With Shot For Rangers Read Post »
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.
The Wire Troll: Mitch Moreland Providing Punch for BoSox Read Post »
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.
The Wire Troll: Cesar Hernandez Keeps Raking for Phillies Read Post »
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.
The Wire Troll: Kevin Pillar Off to Fine Start Read Post »
