SweetSpot Roundup 2/16

Capitol Avenue Club (Braves): Consider an earthquake
Just how sabermetrically inclined is the Braves' new manager?

Disciples of Uecker (Brewers): 2011 Maple Street Press Brewers Annual
Jack's hawking his wares, but I have a feeling this is going to be a publication you're going to want if you're interested in the Brew Crew or the NL Central.

The View From the Bleachers (Cubs): Cubs trade Tony Thomas to Boston for Robert Coello
A minor deal, but one that could pay off in the Chicago bullpen.

Dodger Thoughts: 2011 Spring Training Primer
Jon Weisman has a crackerjack preview of the Dodgers' upcoming Spring Training.  A must read.

Mets Today: Once Again, Would the Mets Sign Pujols?
"Assuming nothing changes in ownership between now and then, it’s a foregone conclusion that the Mets will be in no position to get in on the bidding should Pujols be a free agent."

Bay City Ball (Giants): Tracking the 'Best Shapes'
So far, only two players on the Giants are in the best shapes of their career. I blame the school systems for not teaching enough Geometry.

Nationals Baseball: A Number 1 Problem
A post about Livan Hernandez without an Elton John joke is a rare gift indeed.

Ducksnorts (Padres): Great Pitching Duels in Padres History, Kevin Brown vs. Daryl Kile
I really like this series that Geoff has put together.  And it's nice to take a moment to remember Kile, a terrific pitcher who was taken too young.

Crashburn Alley (Phillies): Are the Phillies Missing Right-Handed Power?
Well, do they?  Bill doesn't keep us in suspense for too long.

Redleg Nation: What to Expect From Mike Leake
Last year Mike Leake was a hotshot rookie who fatigued down the stretch for the Reds.  Now he wants to be let off the leash.  Should he be turned loose?

Ghostrunner on First (Blue Jays): Doom, Gloom and Soaking up the Fun
"Just about everything looks good for the future of the Blue Jays. The present...not so much. It isn't that the upcoming season is already lost or that I don't eagerly await Opening Day. I just think there are many short-term potholes between the Jays and a steady cycle of success."

Pro Ball NW (Mariners): The Last Stand (Until the Next One)
Jon looks at some players on the roster who might be in danger of hitting the waiver wire before Opening Day.


Baseball Time in Arlington (Rangers): Projecting The Rangers' Opening Day Roster...On February 14th
"Barring some more chaos on the Young front, this really is a remarkably locked-in roster already -- for perhaps the first time in recent memory, all of the Rangers' position players seem to be set.... Probably the only remotely controversial thing about this roster, in fact, is my placement of a non-roster Dave Bush in the No. 5 spot and Derek Holland in the long-relief spot, which I admittedly can't provide much justification for beyond saying that it's what I'm feeling in my gut."

The Ray Area: 61!
No, not 61*; that's the number of players the Rays are bringing in to spring training. Mark looks at some past classes of invitees.


Fire Brand of the AL (Red Sox): Ten Things to Watch For This Spring
Number ten is the one I'll be keeping an eye on; Tony Pena, Jr., former shortstop who hits like a pitcher, in his attempt to make the Sox' roster as a pitcher who pitches like one. 


Royals Authority: David DeJesus: Not Easily Replaced
"I keep forgetting that David Dejesus isn’t a Royal anymore. It’s partly because the departure of Zack Greinke was much more publicized. It’s also probably because David Dejesus was  the kind of player who was always under-rated and under-appreciated."

Nick's Twins Blog: Windows
Preach it, Nick: "By trading Liriano right now for a package of prospects, which Christensen presents as a possibility in drawing comparisons to the Zack Greinke and Matt Garza trades, the Twins would effectively be slamming the window shut on themselves. Hypothetically, they could still compete for a division title, but contending teams just don't trade their best pitcher away."


It's About the Money, Stupid (Yankees): More on CC's opt-out and the likeliness of it being exercised
Jason figures CC likely will opt out of his current contract after this season. But his analysis is a must-read.