MLB (Non-Phils) News and Notes 2016

[allentown]

The "special vitamins" the Phils were taking in '93 were industry-wide and not banned by baseball at the time. Everyone was on greenies, so the '93 season isn't tainted since the playing field was level.

Lawful by the rules of baseball; not lawful by the laws of the United States. Just as in the recent years of ubiquitously available steroids, I don't think it fair to conclude that all teams and all players were into greenies. I suspect Pete Rose brought them to the Phillies.

[xogfog]

The "special vitamins" the Phils were taking in '93 were industry-wide and not banned by baseball at the time. Everyone was on greenies, so the '93 season isn't tainted since the playing field was level.

Lawful by the rules of baseball; not lawful by the laws of the United States. Just as in the recent years of ubiquitously available steroids, I don't think it fair to conclude that all teams and all players were into greenies. I suspect Pete Rose brought them to the Phillies.

While it would be nice to imagine the Phillies were a clean franchise, all of MLB was using greenies since the 50's, the Phillies were not clean before Rose got there. As far as Steroids, they were on MLB's banned substance list as of 1991 (though obviously no enforcement was in place), so the '93 team is tainted, but I agree no more than the rest of the league.

[julio]

As far as Steroids, they were on MLB's banned substance list as of 1991 (though obviously no enforcement was in place), so the '93 team is tainted, but I agree no more than the rest of the league.

But this argument ("no more than the rest of the league") seems to negate the original point here about ARod; yes, he used things; but so did other players, some of whom got caught, and some who did not...and some who are just now getting caught, as testing capabilities have improved for steroids we forgot about years ago (Turinabol - 4-chlorodehydromethyltestosterone), but which players obviously figured out how to use without being detected - until very recently, that is.

In my opinion, the number of players caught using steroids, and the constantly changing things they're being caught using, makes it pretty clear that the only thing particularly unusual about Alex Rodriguez' steroid use is that he got caught. At least he didn't try to blame it all on a FexEx courier!

[Austinfan]

Some guys are more subtle than other.

I think the guys who use it to rehab an injury are less reprehensible than the guys juicing just to get "big", steroids are used by civilians all the time for injuries, and face it, if you were on the bubble with a nagging injury, would you put the league or your family first?

On the other hand, the stars who suddely gain 15 lbs and hit the ball 20 feet longer, well . . .

[mdougherty12]

Giancarlo Stanton hits the DL again, likely out for the rest of the season with a Grade 3 groin strain:

m.mlb.com/news/article/195557574 ... -for-year/

[xogfog]

Giancarlo Stanton hits the DL again, likely out for the rest of the season with a Grade 3 groin strain:

m.mlb.com/news/article/195557574 ... -for-year/

Saw on ESPN that the Marlins might be considering bringing in A-Rod. Wouldn't it be weird if they do and Ichiro gets his 3,000th hit and A-Rod gets his 700th HR with the Marlins in the same season.

[allentown]

As far as Steroids, they were on MLB's banned substance list as of 1991 (though obviously no enforcement was in place), so the '93 team is tainted, but I agree no more than the rest of the league.

But this argument ("no more than the rest of the league") seems to negate the original point here about ARod; yes, he used things; but so did other players, some of whom got caught, and some who did not...and some who are just now getting caught, as testing capabilities have improved for steroids we forgot about years ago (Turinabol - 4-chlorodehydromethyltestosterone), but which players obviously figured out how to use without being detected - until very recently, that is.

In my opinion, the number of players caught using steroids, and the constantly changing things they're being caught using, makes it pretty clear that the only thing particularly unusual about Alex Rodriguez' steroid use is that he got caught. At least he didn't try to blame it all on a FexEx courier!

A lot of players who were busted were busted because their suppliers were busted and named then or had records which were seized. To me, this is proof positive that the drug testing protocol catches only those who are careless or ill-informed. For wealthy veteran stars, the drug testing seems just about useless. One wonders if the owners and players don't bargain aggreements to ensure it is useless, as the HR surge benefited both sides. I oppose legalization, because these drugs do harm your long-term health and a reduced life expectancy should not be a requirement to be a professional baseball player. The long-term effects of the newer drugs are totally unknown, so it is possible that the ultimate health penalty might be enormous.

[California_Dreamin]

Catcher Welington Castillo, who has been gone for 7 days for turned out to be a bereavement leave of absence, came back tonight...and is 4-4. Good for him, prayers have been with him all week. Went from paternity leave to bereavement leave.

[phillychuck]

From rotoworld:

Castillo was away from the Diamondbacks while dealing with some complications after the birth of his child, but fortunately his wife and baby are now doing fine.

[andyb]

Braves calling up Dansby Swanson. Wish the Phillies had been more aggressive like this with Crawford. Swanson was not dominating AA, but like Crawford, probably needs the majors to fully develop. Bad luck on the recent oblique injury, but Crawford is really ready for the majors. The 40-man roster issue is less important. At some point we need his spot anyway and there are lots of players we can clear off the current 40 to make room.

[Philsmania]

Braves calling up Dansby Swanson. Wish the Phillies had been more aggressive like this with Crawford. Swanson was not dominating AA, but like Crawford, probably needs the majors to fully develop. Bad luck on the recent oblique injury, but Crawford is really ready for the majors. The 40-man roster issue is less important. At some point we need his spot anyway and there are lots of players we can clear off the current 40 to make room.

I would wager (a small amount, mind you!) that we don't see Crawford in Philadelphia until late-April, 2017 at the earliest. The forty man roster is important as is, fairly and ethically or not, the service time issue.

[andyb]

Braves calling up Dansby Swanson. Wish the Phillies had been more aggressive like this with Crawford. Swanson was not dominating AA, but like Crawford, probably needs the majors to fully develop. Bad luck on the recent oblique injury, but Crawford is really ready for the majors. The 40-man roster issue is less important. At some point we need his spot anyway and there are lots of players we can clear off the current 40 to make room.

I would wager (a small amount, mind you!) that we don't see Crawford in Philadelphia until late-April, 2017 at the earliest. The forty man roster is important as is, fairly and ethically or not, the service time issue.

It is likely that service time issue gets changed in the next collective bargaining agreement in some way. As of now I say he starts on the first day of the season if he is healthy and plays at least as well as Galvis in the Spring. Keeping him down for 19 days would be really controversial. More so than Franco where he probably should have been in AAA at the beginning of the year.

Plus they would be smart to sign him to a 6+ year deal really quickly if he starts well.

[bkeich]

Braves calling up Dansby Swanson. Wish the Phillies had been more aggressive like this with Crawford. Swanson was not dominating AA, but like Crawford, probably needs the majors to fully develop. Bad luck on the recent oblique injury, but Crawford is really ready for the majors. The 40-man roster issue is less important. At some point we need his spot anyway and there are lots of players we can clear off the current 40 to make room.

I would wager (a small amount, mind you!) that we don't see Crawford in Philadelphia until late-April, 2017 at the earliest. The forty man roster is important as is, fairly and ethically or not, the service time issue.
It is likely that service time issue gets changed in the next collective bargaining agreement in some way. As of now I say he starts on the first day of the season if he is healthy and plays at least as well as Galvis in the Spring. Keeping him down for 19 days would be really controversial. More so than Franco where he probably should have been in AAA at the beginning of the year.

Plus they would be smart to sign him to a 6+ year deal really quickly if he starts well.

Keep in mind, we probably would have said the same about Domonic Brown. I don't see any real issue with waiting to make sure Crawford adjusts to MLB well, sign him after the 2019 season. Just look at the mess the Astros ended up with in Singleton by signing him too early.

By moving Crawford up now we are essentially losing a prospect. There just is no value in doing that. He can stay in AAA until the end of the year and then get a short break before Winter ball,, that doesn't seem bad to me either.

[Austinfan]

Braves calling up Dansby Swanson. Wish the Phillies had been more aggressive like this with Crawford. Swanson was not dominating AA, but like Crawford, probably needs the majors to fully develop. Bad luck on the recent oblique injury, but Crawford is really ready for the majors. The 40-man roster issue is less important. At some point we need his spot anyway and there are lots of players we can clear off the current 40 to make room.

How does being in the majors help a player develop if they're not dominating the high minors?
Didn't help Featherston or Goeddel to get jumped quickly, even Franco has struggled because he is still learning how to hit. Doubt it would have hurt Velasquez or Joseph to have had a full season in AAA ball.

Now when someone is dominating like Eflin was in AAA, yes, there's not much more to learn. When it starts coming "too easy" in the minors, then a player needs to be challenged.

But if you're struggling in Lehigh, why would you develop faster in the majors when you're more likely to be overpowered and kept off balance - and where ML managers tend to have less patience with struggling players. If you can't hit AAA junk, you're be in more trouble in the Show, if your secondary pitches are a work in progress, is it easier to master them on a stage where hitters tend to jump on your mistakes?

Right now, I see nothing from Knapp, Crawford or Williams that says they're ready to start everyday in the majors.

[andyb]

Braves calling up Dansby Swanson. Wish the Phillies had been more aggressive like this with Crawford. Swanson was not dominating AA, but like Crawford, probably needs the majors to fully develop. Bad luck on the recent oblique injury, but Crawford is really ready for the majors. The 40-man roster issue is less important. At some point we need his spot anyway and there are lots of players we can clear off the current 40 to make room.

How does being in the majors help a player develop if they're not dominating the high minors?
Didn't help Featherston or Goeddel to get jumped quickly, even Franco has struggled because he is still learning how to hit. Doubt it would have hurt Velasquez or Joseph to have had a full season in AAA ball.

Now when someone is dominating like Eflin was in AAA, yes, there's not much more to learn. When it starts coming "too easy" in the minors, then a player needs to be challenged.

But if you're struggling in Lehigh, why would you develop faster in the majors when you're more likely to be overpowered and kept off balance - and where ML managers tend to have less patience with struggling players. If you can't hit AAA junk, you're be in more trouble in the Show, if your secondary pitches are a work in progress, is it easier to master them on a stage where hitters tend to jump on your mistakes?

Right now, I see nothing from Knapp, Crawford or Williams that says they're ready to start everyday in the majors.

Lesser players (like Eflin) need more time in the minors. Polished players with great tools often don't. Crawford is a better prospect than Swanson who is jumping from AA and not "dominating"

All players have individually different development paths. The key is developing them in the majors to succeed there. With Crawford he would do better next year if he got a start this year.

[andyb]

Braves calling up Dansby Swanson. Wish the Phillies had been more aggressive like this with Crawford. Swanson was not dominating AA, but like Crawford, probably needs the majors to fully develop. Bad luck on the recent oblique injury, but Crawford is really ready for the majors. The 40-man roster issue is less important. At some point we need his spot anyway and there are lots of players we can clear off the current 40 to make room.

I would wager (a small amount, mind you!) that we don't see Crawford in Philadelphia until late-April, 2017 at the earliest. The forty man roster is important as is, fairly and ethically or not, the service time issue.
It is likely that service time issue gets changed in the next collective bargaining agreement in some way. As of now I say he starts on the first day of the season if he is healthy and plays at least as well as Galvis in the Spring. Keeping him down for 19 days would be really controversial. More so than Franco where he probably should have been in AAA at the beginning of the year.

Plus they would be smart to sign him to a 6+ year deal really quickly if he starts well.

Keep in mind, we probably would have said the same about Domonic Brown. I don't see any real issue with waiting to make sure Crawford adjusts to MLB well, sign him after the 2019 season. Just look at the mess the Astros ended up with in Singleton by signing him too early.

By moving Crawford up now we are essentially losing a prospect. There just is no value in doing that. He can stay in AAA until the end of the year and then get a short break before Winter ball,, that doesn't seem bad to me either.

I would phrase that as more of a 20% chance of losing our 41st person on the 40-man list. Most rule 5 prospects do not stick. If that means we risk putting a Class A prospect like Tocci out there than it is a small risk IMO.

This is all moot because Crawford has a minor injury, but I stand by the sentiment that there is more to gain by playing a prospect who is ready like Crawford. Plus we should be seen as an organization that games service time against their players. What we did with Franco was a little shady.

Yes the Astros spent money signing Singleton so early. But all contracts have risk. That contract ($10 million for 5 years) had huge potential upside and in reality is so little money that it is a risk worth taking. Teams sign these early deals because they get huge discounts off a player's productive years if it works out. It also keeps the player happier as a side benefit. The Singleton contract had hugely beneficial team options so the deal was 5/10, 6/12, 7/17, or 8/30. Each of those back years had a tiny buy-out. I'd say there is still like a 20% chance that deal could work out if Singleton gets his act together. It is so inexpensive for 7 years and he is only in year 3.

[Austinfan]

Lesser players (like Eflin) need more time in the minors. Polished players with great tools often don't. Crawford is a better prospect than Swanson who is jumping from AA and not "dominating"

All players have individually different development paths. The key is developing them in the majors to succeed there. With Crawford he would do better next year if he got a start this year.

But what evidence do you have to support that opinion?
What player was hurt by spending an extra half year in AAA?
Have players been hurt by being brought up too soon?

Don't "polished players with great tools" usually dominate the minor leagues and force a promotion?

[tom81]

Well did the Stros do the right thing by calling up Alex Bregman after less than 700 minor league PA's? His numbers are not stellar in the show so far, .525 OPS vs .986 in AA & AAA this year. baseball-reference.com/regis ... egma001ale

[zambonir]

Swanson is a year older than Crawford, FWIW.

I don't think the decision is entirely about the 40 or service time or Crawford's performance either; I think they liked what the playoff experience provided for the Reading players last year, and want the position players to make another run in Allentown.

[andyb]

Lesser players (like Eflin) need more time in the minors. Polished players with great tools often don't. Crawford is a better prospect than Swanson who is jumping from AA and not "dominating"

All players have individually different development paths. The key is developing them in the majors to succeed there. With Crawford he would do better next year if he got a start this year.

But what evidence do you have to support that opinion?
What player was hurt by spending an extra half year in AAA?
Have players been hurt by being brought up too soon?

Don't "polished players with great tools" usually dominate the minor leagues and force a promotion?

Most scouting reports are the "evidence". It is not like you have direct evidence for your position either. Top 10 prospects in baseball are different from other prospects. They are generally better and often need to be challenged.

I posted in response to Swanson being promoted. Crawford is better than Swanson and one level higher. I guess the Braves are dumb in your book too.