Skills
Those expecting big power numbers from Aaron Hill (2B, ARI) last year were sorely disappointed. The same player who connected for 36 HRs two seasons ago managed just eight homers in 520 ABs between Toronto and Arizona. Meanwhile, he stole as many bags as he did during the previous five years combined. His average has seen wild swings over the past few seasons, too.
Feb 16 2012 12:01am
Feb 16 2012 12:01am
This column takes a deeper dive into pens where the closers have weaker skill sets and could lose the role, giving other relievers hidden value.
Feb 15 2012 12:01am
Feb 15 2012 12:01am
2011 was a lost year for Joe Mauer (C, MIN). He had arthroscopic surgery on his knee in the offseason, and then missed two months of the first half with leg weakness. Signs are good that Mauer can return to his previous form.
Feb 15 2012 12:01am
Feb 15 2012 12:01am
[FREE] The chances you’ll find a diamond in the rough among NRIs are about the same as finding a box of chocolates in the garage because you forgot today is Valentine’s Day.
Feb 14 2012 12:01am
Feb 14 2012 12:01am
Though an ill-advised pickup basketball game cost him a month worth of starts, Zack Greinke (RHP, MIL) bounced back and completed a fine first season in Milwaukee—16 wins and a sub-4.00 ERA. Those stats, though, didn't do justice to his phenomenal skills season of 2011.
Feb 14 2012 12:01am
Feb 14 2012 12:01am
JJ Hardy put together a career year in 2011 by applying the strong batting skills he'd shown in the past in conjunction with logging 500+ ABs for the first time since 2008. Even after missing a month with an oblique strain, Hardy made the most of his new home in hitter-friendly Camden Yards by posting terrific offensive numbers, particularly in terms of power.
Feb 13 2012 12:01am
Feb 13 2012 12:01am
If you don't have guys like Parker, Slowey, Owings, Volquez, Volstad, and even Zambrano on your watch lists heading into spring training, here's why you are making a mistake.
Feb 13 2012 12:01am
Feb 13 2012 12:01am
While many lament scarcity at third base, you will find just as many options as first basemen. Whether good or bad, you see a similar dropoff after after the top eleven or so go off the board. If you miss them, plenty of risky players with upside remain later in the draft.
Feb 13 2012 12:01am
Feb 13 2012 12:01am
It must be daunting to be Clayton Kershaw (LHP, LA). How does he top a season where he won the pitching Triple Crown, the National League Cy Young Award, and Gold Glove? We don't know, but we wouldn't suggest betting against him.
Feb 11 2012 12:01am
Feb 11 2012 12:01am
Howie Kendrick has established himself as a solid 2B option, but can he retain his 2011 power gains?
Feb 10 2012 12:01am
Feb 10 2012 12:01am
Part 2 of last week's bullpen article—evaluating bullpen options in the event that the incumbent or designated closer is traded, injured or otherwise replaced. This article covers Milwaukee through Washington.
Feb 8 2012 12:00am
Feb 8 2012 12:00am
Those expecting big power numbers from Aaron Hill (2B, ARI) last year were sorely disappointed. The same player who connected for 36 HRs two seasons ago managed just eight homers in 520 ABs between Toronto and Arizona. Meanwhile, he stole as many bags as he did during the previous five years combined. His average has seen wild swings over the past few seasons, too.
Feb 16 2012 12:01am
Feb 16 2012 12:01am
This column takes a deeper dive into pens where the closers have weaker skill sets and could lose the role, giving other relievers hidden value.
Feb 15 2012 12:01am
Feb 15 2012 12:01am
2011 was a lost year for Joe Mauer (C, MIN). He had arthroscopic surgery on his knee in the offseason, and then missed two months of the first half with leg weakness. Signs are good that Mauer can return to his previous form.
Feb 15 2012 12:01am
Feb 15 2012 12:01am
[FREE] The chances you’ll find a diamond in the rough among NRIs are about the same as finding a box of chocolates in the garage because you forgot today is Valentine’s Day.
Feb 14 2012 12:01am
Feb 14 2012 12:01am
Though an ill-advised pickup basketball game cost him a month worth of starts, Zack Greinke (RHP, MIL) bounced back and completed a fine first season in Milwaukee—16 wins and a sub-4.00 ERA. Those stats, though, didn't do justice to his phenomenal skills season of 2011.
Feb 14 2012 12:01am
Feb 14 2012 12:01am
JJ Hardy put together a career year in 2011 by applying the strong batting skills he'd shown in the past in conjunction with logging 500+ ABs for the first time since 2008. Even after missing a month with an oblique strain, Hardy made the most of his new home in hitter-friendly Camden Yards by posting terrific offensive numbers, particularly in terms of power.
Feb 13 2012 12:01am
Feb 13 2012 12:01am
If you don't have guys like Parker, Slowey, Owings, Volquez, Volstad, and even Zambrano on your watch lists heading into spring training, here's why you are making a mistake.
Feb 13 2012 12:01am
Feb 13 2012 12:01am
While many lament scarcity at third base, you will find just as many options as first basemen. Whether good or bad, you see a similar dropoff after after the top eleven or so go off the board. If you miss them, plenty of risky players with upside remain later in the draft.
Feb 13 2012 12:01am
Feb 13 2012 12:01am
It must be daunting to be Clayton Kershaw (LHP, LA). How does he top a season where he won the pitching Triple Crown, the National League Cy Young Award, and Gold Glove? We don't know, but we wouldn't suggest betting against him.
Feb 11 2012 12:01am
Feb 11 2012 12:01am
Howie Kendrick has established himself as a solid 2B option, but can he retain his 2011 power gains?
Feb 10 2012 12:01am
Feb 10 2012 12:01am
Part 2 of last week's bullpen article—evaluating bullpen options in the event that the incumbent or designated closer is traded, injured or otherwise replaced. This article covers Milwaukee through Washington.
Feb 8 2012 12:00am
Feb 8 2012 12:00am
