caulfield12

It looks like another version of the Samardzija deal, not that it would have worked out well for the Sox to have awarded him that final long term deal for around $100 million. We definitely helped the A’s make an extended run of post-season appearances with those 4 guys, though. https://theathletic.com/2006926/2020/08/19/why-dane-dunning-always-had-the-fortitude-to-make-his-white-sox-debut/ https://www.si.com/mlb/whitesox/features/deserving-dane-dunning-needs-to-be-third-starter-in-the-playoffs Halfway through Spring Training now, Dunning thinks repetition and executing pitches are the two biggest things he needs to work on. Dunning is likely to be a piggyback option for the Rangers, and less of a traditional starter, as he works his way up to throwing more innings. Manager Chris Woodward said one of the main points he communicated to Dunning was attacking the strike zone early in counts. “I know [Jose] Trevino was working with him in the dugout in between innings,” Woodward said. “I guess the last inning, he struck out the side and it was basically nine pitches or 10 pitches. So it was good to see him progress through the outing and still have a good one. To finish the way he did was very encouraging.” Kyle Gibson, the Rangers' 33-year-old starter, credits Dunning for his delivery and the tight spin he has on his breaking ball. He also praised Dunning for his preparation and his willingness to learn as a young player throughout Spring Training. Gibson said Dunning’s mindset is that he always knows what he wants to take to the mound in each outing. “He's obviously a well-thought-of prospect and a highly regarded guy to come in and make an impact soon,” Gibson said. “So for a guy to still be trying to work on his craft, and to get a little bit better in that position where he's pretty good. I think that shows a lot about him.” Dunning echoed those sentiments, saying he’s happy to be in a position to learn from players with a lot more experience than him. He said he’s picked the brains of various pitchers on the staff and even started using a water bag workout routine he learned from Gibson. “I’m just fortunate to be in the situation I am,” Dunning said. “Just being able to talk and be able to learn with the people who have had years of service time. Me, being a rookie and coming up, I'm trying to establish myself and be successful. I'm trying to surround myself with that environment. Being able to talk with every guy and learn simple things, I really love it.” https://www.mlb.com/news/dane-dunning-learning-from-rangers-veterans

10-20 in their last thirty games....need to go no worse than 2-3 on the rest of this brief road trip. 1-4 would cause lots of alarm bells to start ringing.

This sounds like 2013-2016...there’s certainly more depth of high potential guys, but they have to actually live up to their potential...with Moncada being the fulcrum. Meanwhile, Grandal, Keuchel, Abreu and Lynn are going to hit their declines soon or later. It’s a race against time. Meanwhile the Dodgers find guys like McKinstry, Will Smith, Taylor, Kiki, Muncy...on a yearly basis. It’s uncanny how they can evaluate so effectively. Walker Buehler selection, etc.

Have they announced the second starter tmrw yet? Giolito is supposed to face Eovaldi Monday at 9 a.m.

And the accidental Yermin addition...

I will take 40-50 homers per season, lol.

Yoda/Grodo?

Of course, Dane Dunning has a 0.69 ERA right now...

Covid after effects...? Somehow it hasn’t completely derailed Freddie Freeman, there were three days where he thought he was going to actually die.

They’re not going to trade Robert...at least it certainly won’t be Hahn or Williams.

Cubs’ fans at least had 3 straight NLCS, 2016, even 2018 and 2020 were. 5 postseasons in 6 years, depending on how you look at the 2018 debacle of an ending. We can’t even get past the Indians when they’re spending $80+ million less, lowest payroll in the majors by far.

They’ll talk to Jose and TA like they used to with Konerko, AJ, Dye and Thome back in the day and claim we have the horses to get us there with Eloy coming back...

Except crowing about Rodon...and how many first rounders were in that game, not counting TA, Burger, Fulmer and Crochet. Reds beat the Indians 3-2 in tenth.

Liam Hendriks is warming up why?

Collins has a 486 ops right now, yikes.

Vaughn got a quite generous single there...at .160, he’s automatically in the lineup tmrw. Well, I guess TLR will start everyone no matter what in a DHer.

They at least know how to make and especially spend money...not so great at choosing GM’s in the #metoo era, either.

Then you have the never burn high-leverage relievers in games you’re trailing axiom. Could just see that coming a mile a mile away with either Ruiz or Foster coming in.

If they are going to stick with TLR, the only way is if they gut the front office. Even that won’t pacify the fans for long. It will get really ugly...everyone is going to pick sides to assess blame.

They were unlikely to mount a rally against Barnes, but Eaton’s also lost a couple of steps in RF as well.

2020-21 sucks for myriad reasons except for that 32-15 start, no no and Giolito/Crochet/Robert in the postseason.

Mlb extra innings or mlb.tv? Looks like they’re going to extras. Naylor has never had a defined defensive position because he’s just not that good no matter where you stick him.

At least the Reds are mounting a late comeback against the Indians. There used to be a time 2-3 years ago where the White Sox would consistently challenge late, too.

Grand slam here? Not an easy situation for Ruiz here, but it is what it is.

Collins got crossed up, expecting offspeed pitch, barely caught it.