Good morning everyone and happy Tuesday! Here are some links to start off your day!
In Mariners news...
- Jeff Sullivan is very impressed by James Paxton’s improved control.
- Deadspin also wrote about Paxton, noting that his fastball is generating an unusual number of whiffs.
- The M’s pitching staff this year is a little better than we think it is.
Upon request, Team Barrel FIP totals as of 4/16.
— Casey Boguslaw (@caseyboguslaw) April 17, 2017
I put ERA and difference. Keep an eye on regression! pic.twitter.com/JTXLKP2NWG
- The Mariners are dodging a bullet in their upcoming series against the A’s, as Oakland has chosen to skip one of their better pitchers’ starts.
Kendall Graveman to DL, Maxwell called up. With 10 day DL and the rainout yesterday, it's very possible he is just being skipped one time.
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) April 17, 2017
- Taylor Motter and Nelson Cruz have a neat secret handshake.
Starting the week off right. #ShakeOnIt pic.twitter.com/ZbedlPfzrl
— MLB GIFS (@MLBGIFs) April 18, 2017
Around the league...
- David Laurila at Fangraphs spoke to Logan Morrison about his approach at the plate.
- More bad news for the A’s, as shortstop Marcus Semien is expected to miss a good deal of time.
Marcus Semien to have surgery tomorrow. CT scan showed fracture of scaphoid bone in right wrist.
— John Shea (@JohnSheaHey) April 17, 2017
- MLB Trade Rumors wonders what it would take for the Astros to sign Carlos Correa to a long-term contract extension.
- Alan Nathan at The Hardball Times wonders why the Diamondbacks are using a humidor this season.
- The sacrifice bunt should be erased from the game, writes Keith Law on ESPN. The article is an excerpt from his upcoming book, “Smart Baseball.”
- Whether you like bunts or not, you have to appreciate this beauty off the bat of Kyle Schwarber.
Beat the shift. pic.twitter.com/eqJXIOr1bI
— MLB (@MLB) April 18, 2017
- Nate Silver at FiveThirtyEight proposes replacing the “save” with a stat he calls the “goose egg,” named after Hall of Fame reliever Goose Gossage.
- Grant Brisbee wonders if the Blue Jays have dug themselves too deep of a hole already.
- The correlation between height and power is getting weaker, writes Dave Cameron at Fangraphs.
- The Rangers have placed closer Sam Dyson on the disabled list with a hand contusion. Dyson had been off to one of the worst starts for a closer in baseball history.
- Eric Thames homered again. The outfielder has now hit a longball in five straight games.
- Justin Verlander isn’t too concerned about the sign stealing incident that occurred in a recent game between the Tigers and Indians.
- San Diego Padres GM A.J. Preller has constructed roster that is unique in that it is designed for tanking, writes Ben Lindbergh at The Ringer.