MLB with Jerry Crasnick
Jerry Crasnick
TD, When I wrote the story, the O's were hesitant to promote him because he was only throwing 3 or 4 innings per start. Now he's graduated to 5 innings, I believe. I think it's time to promote him from Delmarva to high A, and give him a taste of the Eastern League in Bowie in August.John (Buffalo, NY)
How do you explain what's happened to Adam Lind? He was good in the minors, had a great first full season and then just completely fell off the map.Jerry Crasnick
John, Beats me. In 2009 he hit 35 homers, had 114 RBIs and a .932 OPS. The Jays obviously saw something to give him that multiyear contract. I read a story where John Farrell said he had become almost too passive and wasn't attacking the ball in hitter's counts. Maybe that had something to do with his dropoff.Jason (St Louis)
Let the Matt Adams era begin! He looks like a football player doesn't he?Jerry Crasnick
Jason, When I was in Florida for spring training, I did a story on David Freese. I asked Mike Aldrete and Mark McGwire who impressed them in camp, and they both mentioned Matt Adams. They love the kid. As big as he is, he apparently also has a great feel for hitting. The pride of Slippery Rock!Mitch (PA)
Realistically, what can David Wright do this year? Can he hit .350 with a .450 OBP?Jerry Crasnick
Mitch, I'm not sure if those numbers are attainable over a full season, but if he hits .320 with a .400 OBP, that still makes him an All-Star, a potential MVP candidate and one of the best third basemen in baseball. Wright is the kind of guy you root for, because he plays the game professionally and he's gone through a lot of extraneous garbage in New York and been under a microscope for a long time. Now they need to figure out a way to keep him long-term.eric (baltimore)
Rick Peterson said today Bundy will make 1 more start in Delmarva and then get promoted to FrederickJerry Crasnick
Eric, Thanks for the update. That makes sense. South Atlantic League hitters will rejoice once he goes to the next step.Greg (LA)
If in an alternative universe the Yankees could cut Arod and not pay his salary, BUT had to start Nunez at 3B for the next 5 years, would you do it?Jerry Crasnick
Greg, I guess it depends on how they invested the money they saved from dumping A-Rod's salary.Shawn (DC)
So it came to me this weekend as Max Scherzer was dominating the Pirates. He symbolizes the Tigers in one complex, talented nutshell, capable of driving people nuts, in good ways and bad. He's overpowering at times, as they are. He's befuddling at times, as they are. He's all or nothing at times, as they are. Thoughts?Jerry Crasnick
Shawn, I don't know if I can say it much more succinctly than you just put it. Everybody thought the Tigers would win that division by 15 games. If Scherzer, Porcello, Fister and Smyly fall into line behind Verlander, they're still the best team in that division. They've just been sort of exasperating to watch through the quarter pole.David (Redlands, CA)
Is it realistic to think Mike Trout can finish the year with a slash line of .327/.390/.560 with 20HR's and 30SB's?Jerry Crasnick
David, That might be a little optimistic on the rate stats. But as I mentioned earlier, his speed makes him relatively slump proof. Just curious: Why was every number general except for the .327?Jon (New Orleans)
How is Chipper a first ballot but yet Bagwell hasn't been voted in yet? I have to shake my head at the hypocrisy of voters in general. He was never connected to steroids by anyone or named in any reports but yet he's lumped in with them. He had solid numbers throughout his career, not just 2 or 3 peak years.Jerry Crasnick
Jon, I vote for Bagwell, and I think he'll make it eventually. Chipper gets extra credit points for playing on all those winning teams in Atlanta. And the entry bar for third basemen isn't quite as high as it is for first basemen. He also has that working in his favor.Doug (Athens OH)
On Sunday vs the Yankees, Aroldis Chapman saved his first game of the season (2nd of his career). How permanent do you believe this role is? Most of us Reds fans are dying to see Chapman in the rotation, but perhaps not until after the All-Star break in order to limit his innings. And for what its worth, some speculate that Madson wants to pitch (and presumably close) for the Reds next year to prove his worth. Jerry Crasnick
Doug, Yes, it would be fun to see what Chapman does in the rotation. But if the Reds put him there and he has trouble with the transition, they weaken themselves in a bunch of areas. Given that the Phillies spent $50 million on Jonathan Papelbon this year, I don't see the problem in letting Chapman close for now.will middlebrooks boston [via mobile]
jerry, Can the red sox really take my bat out of the lineup when youk returns? I've belted more homers, Driven in more runs and scored more runs in less at bats than youk. I've also seemed to spark the team and the fanbase. Am I destined for another trip down I95 to play for the pawsox?Jerry Crasnick
Will, There seem to be enough teams scouting Youkilis that the Red Sox won't have to wait long to move him once clubs are convinced he's healthy. So maybe they have to take a short term hit and give you a seat to give the veteran a showcase. For what it's worth, I'm also hearing that the fallout from the whole Valentine-Youkilis spat never completely dissipated. They're not exactly pals. So if the Red Sox can get decent value in return for Youk, it's probably time to move him.Aaron (Tacoma, WA)
how far away do you think the Mariners are from really being a serious threat?Jerry Crasnick
Aaron, Unfortunately, the Mariners are a ways away. People are coming to the conclusion that Justin Smoak isn't going to live up to his billing, and Dustin Ackley is going through some growing pains. And they also have to cope with Texas and (I think) the Angels in that division. I don't see a big window of opportunity in front of them.Stephen (Bangkok, Thailand)
Do you think there is a difference between a #1 starter and an ace? As an example, Halladay, Kershaw and pre 2012 Lincecum are, in my opinion, Aces. Sabathia, Hamels, Cain aren't quite there...#1 starters in performance, but not at the level of an Ace. Do MLB clubs have similar opinions as far as the difference between an Ace and a #1 starter?Jerry Crasnick
Stephen, Great question. I think there is a difference between a No. 1 starter and an ace. But I would certainly include CC Sabathia on any list of baseball aces. And if the Giants were willing to give Matt Cain $120 million (and someone will give Cole Hamels a similar deal), what difference does it make how these guys are labeled?Joe, fort drum ny [via mobile]
Chooch is having an amazing start to his season but still seems to be an underrated catcher. Do you think this year we will see him at the all star game? Jerry Crasnick
Joe, I think it would be a crime if Carlos Ruiz doesn't make the All-Star team this year. Phillies fans would freak out, justifiably, if he's slighted.James (Portland, OR)
In your opinion who has the best breaking ball in all of baseball right now?Jerry Crasnick
James, Great question. Justin Verlander and Gio Gonzalez are a couple who spring to mind. Stephen Strasburg's curve is pretty special, too. I'm sure I'm missing a bunch.Justice (LA)
In your opinion is there a baseball stat, that gets a bad rap, that should be taken more seriously?Jerry Crasnick
Justice, I understand that RBIs are passe because they're dictated by circumstance. And a 100-RBI season isn't necessarily a sign that a guy had a great year. But I would like to at least be able to mention a player's RBI total in a story I write without some stat guy telling me I'm a moron. So there's one stat that comes to mind.
