Not a big deal, but I think the Craig Fritsch signing is perfect for ***Official Random ST notes not worth their own thread***, so I merged it into the master thread.

Did the same with the signing of the immortal John Mincone.

LOL I mean I don't want to accuse Rich of any malfeasance, but yeah, seriously.

Can you imagine, though, being a scout and being Rich's go to "source"?

"Hey [insert scout name here], thanks for doing this. Wanted to run a few things by you for a ST primer I'm writing here:

-On a scale from greatest to most greatest, how great is David Wright?

-Would you say Lucas Duda has a chance to be the best hitter in the NL, or the best hitter period?

-How would you say Johan looks so far: as good as he's ever been, or better than he's ever been? As a follow-up, would you agree that he is in amazing shape, and that likely determines how great his season is going to be?

*click*

-Say nothing if you just agree with everything I'm saying here. *silence* Ok, great, I'll put you down as a 'Yes'."

Dayton Moore is pulling his Andrew Friedman strings again, extending Alcides Escobar through 2015 with club options in 2016 and 2017. That buy outs all of his arbitration years and the options are for his would-be free agent years. $10.5M is guaranteed but it could go up to $20M+ with the options.

With defensive metrics being a bit unreliable, I'm not crazy for the all-glove/no-bat skillset, which is what Escobar has. However, I don't think there is much doubt that Escobar is a very good defensive player, as he was touted as such moving through the minor leagues and defensive metrics seem to reflect that as well.

But while Escobar is not as terrible as people may think due to his defense, I don't really understand the point of extending a player like him. His skillset would be undervalued in arbitration, so I can't see how they end up saving much compared to going the arbitration route, unless Escobar really improves at the plate. At $10.5M over the next four years, it shouldn't be too risky, but it just seems unnecessary. I probably would have waited another year or two, but perhaps Kansas City sees more imminent improvement at the plate than I do.

Link

Bill Hall not expected to make the Yankees. Might be a decent fit with us considering Wright and Hairston being a little gimpy and Hall being able to play all over the field.

Bill Hall's WAR the last 4 years: -0.3. In only one of those seasons was he even just an okay hitter and his versatility doesn't make up for it. He doesn't even come with a positive platoon to take advantage of (like being good versus lefties or something). Pass, please.

I was going to dispute you a bit and say he'd be decent as a sub.

Then I checked his stats. I had no idea how awful he's been the last few years.

He was really good for the Sox a few years ago and has been terrible everywhere else. I'd rather roll with a guy like Satin tbh, and get an idea of he's worth keeping on the roster.

Satin and Lutz make much more sense than going outside for a mediocre fit. I know Lutz was dispatched today.

Andy Martino ‏ @SurfingTheMets
Some asking about Carson being sent down. Mets like him for future but not competing to replace Byrdak. Herrera isnt either, by the way.

Andy Martino ‏ @SurfingTheMets
Most likely Garrett Olson. Herrera LHP but in stuff and stats not lefty specialist RT @CLKrieger: do they plan on not having lefty reliever?

Andy Martino ‏ @SurfingTheMets
Ok, stand corrected on Herrera's splits. But doesn't change fact that team doesn't see him in Byrdak role. Prefer his screwball vs righties


Doubtful Martino speaks for anyone of importance here since Herrera is very obviously a LOOGy, and LOOGy only, but I guess at least theres a chance that he's picked up on some vibes that Herrera is a longshot. He's a MUCH better pure LOOGy than Olson/James however. With Carson never really given a shot, and so now you have to go non-roster for the role, Herrera really would be the best play.

I know he's been terrible early in Phillies camp, but he's much better served as a LOOGy than Olsen or James, if those are the only two candidates we're considering.

Its not fair to cite early career #'s for Dontrelle, which are dominant, because he's a different pitcher now, but even just last year vs. LHB: 17 IP, 7 H, 2 BB, 20 K's. Small sample, but DOMINANT still.

Ok, Ok, I know I just said above I wouldn't cite career #'s but they're just so good: 10.50 K/9, 2.92 BB/9 (for a guy who struggles with control), 30% K rate, .196 BAA, 2.50 FIP.

This is really a no-brainer. No way should a few poor innings in ST change the perception here on what he is versus the scrubs we have in camp.

-Toby Hyde