caulfield12

Probably doesn't want to inflict more pain on Avi's fragile psyche to bench him for a rookie (in terms of playing Coats in RF instead). That said, it's hard to imagine anyone much WORSE...if so, the list would be a short one. Maybe Ventura feels Eaton will be more comfortable playing with someone he's more familiar with.

Could there be someone with an actual Norberto Paco Martin or Esteban Beltre jersey out there? I would probably choose Melido Perez or Craig Grebeck.

That's the Astros' site, right? Hostetler said they would focus on players with unique or standout "plus tools" as well as "baseball players," so that means you should see improve in the overall quality of play in the minor league teams (with a focus on collegiate hitters), even if not all of those players are going to make it onto the prospect lists.

I think the NBA ends up having Green miss Game 5 just to make things interesting again...could be wrong. It's about entertainment, after all.

COATS (coming out of university) [plus athlete; very strong; special bat speed; decent to average speed; average arm; plus raw power; corner outfielder with good range; pitch recognition could make or break him; 6-2, 195 pounds] Half Glass Full: Pitch recognition and overall approach at plate improves to the point his plus power allows him blossom as an above-average everyday corner outfielder Half Glass Empty: Awesome power goes to waste as 4A slugger due to Jeff Francoeur-level plate discipline Jason Coats: Similar speed gives Coats similar range (to Courtney Hawkins), but having watched them both play and listening to some scouts, the routes and instincts are superior here. He looks like he's likely above average on the corners, and he can and does play a little center in a pinch. Call him 55 or 60 on this grade. Jason Coats: Coats doesn't have the arm strength Hawkins does, but it's close. And having watched him in outfield drills in Charlotte, he was putting on a show compared to his cohorts on throws to the plate, with good strength and striking accuracy. Again plenty of arm for any slot, he's at least a 50 here, and might be closer to 60. http://www.chicagonow.com/future-sox/2015/...nd-jason-coats/ So all indications are the Coats should be an above average LFer and at least an average RFer.

Young was on a pace for about 200 homers surrendered... Suicide to start him at USCF with the ball flying out like that. It's bad enough starting Ventura, between his mental frame of mind and the fact that his fastball's gone from a weapon to one of the most hittable pitches in the majors despite roughly being at the same speed as a year or two ago (maybe a drop of 1-1.5 MPH).

https://www.yahoo.com/news/black-hole-withi...-000000238.html Good column, The Black Hole Within Donald Trump. There's just no way any Republican with a conscience can help to elect this guy...they can still vote for down-ballot GOPers, but should pass on checking off Trump if they truly love their country.

Just respect for Rollins...waiting until he's at least out of town, he's a potential HoF and did some good things for the Sox, you don't just give his number away within 24 hours. Heck, for all we know, Tim might have said he could wait...Rollins was his mentor in spring training, after all.

Just respect for Rollins...waiting until he's at least out of town, he's a potential HoF and did some good things for the Sox, you don't just give his number away within 24 hours.

It would be nice if they had the assets to go out and get Kiermaier, Ozuna, Saunders, W. Myers, Reddick or Calhoun, but they'll just have to make do and get through the next 4-6 weeks. That also gets them roughly to the same early to mid July period (ASB) when they'll have a much better idea what, if anything, can realistically be expected out of Justin Morneau. Jackson was giving them a net WAR of 0.0, so it's not going to kill them one way or the other. Maybe the biggest area where they make an improvement is the bench. Someone like Pearce of the Rays would be perfect, and he's 33, so the cost shouldn't be nearly as high, and he has lots of positional versatility, like Forsythe as well. Anything that gets us closer to both Avi Garcia and JB Shuck off the active roster would probably be a good thing. Bringing up May and/or Engel, just not options.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseb...0609-story.html

Pitching Matchups have shifted again SAT Duffy vs. Quintana (battle of the lefties) SUN Yordano Ventura vs. TBA

He's got a little waggle in his swing there, but obviously it didn't stop him from turning around that pitch.

DeAza was pretty good until his last season, season and a half. His defense eroded, and that's what finally cost him his spot. He went from a passable CFer with "plus" offense or at least above average for that position to a corner outfielder with a little pop and something of a defensive liability.

2nd place all alone, btw. Looks like it will be: CLE +8 CHW 3 1/2 GB DET/KCR 4 GB At least the Indians are missing Salazar for awhile, seems that guy was an automatic win every time out, same with Tomlin.

Yeah, that was a typical 2000-2006, first four and one half month of 2008 offensive explosion in the Chicago summer months. Putnam deserves some kudos for preserving the 7-5 lead and not letting things get away from them. If Avila and Lawrie can heat up, that will offset whatever Shuck and Garcia do (or don't do.)

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/college/...le83169192.html That homer was hit off Dunn, who was throwing up to 97 MPH in that game (Mets' 19th pick in 1st round). Story says it hit the Ponce de Leon parking structure. Nice to have another fastball hitter in the organization.

When's the last time KS voted DEM in a presidential election? 1964, LBJ in a landslide. Johnson, not James.

At first when you watch him hit, that exaggerated bat wrap really scares you that he can't get around on a fastball (ala Viciedo/Beckham/Flowers/Garcia). But he's got ultra quick hands and the hand-eye coordination/physical tools are pretty obvious.

Going through that same situation would require one of Sale/Q/Rodon/Robertson/Eaton/Frazier going down. Petricka, Austin Jackson for 4-6 weeks, that's nothing in the overall scheme of things. The biggest concern is with Eaton moving back to CF and how that affects him, because he had grown so comfortable in RF. His hitting has really been off for 3 weeks, though, which obviously has nothing to do with the position change (although he was already playing some CF when Jackson had the turf toe over the last 7-10 days.)

Hostetler was really raving about the catcher they took in the 8th round...how (Burch/Birch) the area scout had him as high on the board as 2nd round talent. Seems to be a defense-first guy who could complement Collins well.

SECOND PLACE. Finally, a breakthrough against the Royals. Anderson's debut a hugely successful one, and Ventura couldn't quite screw it up.

2 outs. Progress from the 7-1 debacle. One more out to go, but here's where it gets tough with Hosmer and Cain.

Hector Santiago not exactly helping his former team tonight...bombed by the Indians, ERA ballooning well into the 5's. Luckily nobody got hurt there. Robertson was on it like a man possessed, seems determined not to give up a baserunner tonight.

What are the odds that 8th theoretical run doesn't become a factor? Remember Austin Jackson recording an out at 3rd base the last time we played them?