Inside the Mariners: Bill Hall Acquired

In the latest at Inside the Majors, I look at Bill Hall’s acquisition.

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Bill Hall has played all sorts of positions with the Brewers, seemingly finding a new one each season in Milwaukee. His best offensive season came in 2006, when he hit .270/.345/.553 with 35 homers. Ever since then, he has struggled to put up the same kind of offensive numbers. Taking a brief look at his numbers, he seems to be swinging more since then, trying to force the issue and prove he can do it again. He is a line drive hitter who will provide offense at around a league average rate.

Inside the Yankees – Joba Rules “2009 Edition”

My latest post is up at Inside The Majors. I analyze the Yankees rotation down the stretch in light of the assertion that Joba Chamberlain will stay in the rotation no matter what:

New York Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain started his 22^nd
game Tuesday night, pushing his career-high innings total to 121.2 on
the season. Contrary to earlier reports and speculation, GM Brian
Cashman stated unequivocally that Chamberlain will remain in the
rotation. The recent pickup from the San Diego Padres of Chad Gaudin
makes this plan doable.

Inside the Mariners: Scouting Report

In the latest at Inside the Majors, I give my scouting report of the M’s and Safeco field after attending a game this past weekend.

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• Franklin Gutierrez and Ichiro are much more impressive defensively in person. The range they show is amazing, and the time it takes to cover ground is spectacular. I couldn’t ask for a better combo in the outfield.
• Gutz can hit, too. He went 3-5 with a homer, and showed a great approach at the plate.
• Adrian Beltre’s approach needs work, as he is swinging for the fences every time. For someone who’s primary value is on defense, he needs to shorten the stroke and just get on base. His defense was good, showing great reaction time at third.

Inside The Yankees – Deadline Inactivity

Here is my latest post at Inside the Majors:

“The New York Yankees added a solid piece to the roster at the deadline
in Jerry Hairston Jr. A 12 year veteran, Hairston can play every
position besides catcher and has played, going into tonight’s game,
three different positions for the Yankees: third base, left field and
right field. This was a good pickup for the stretch run. It did not,
however, address the needs of the team.”

Inside the Mariners: The Washburn Deal

Latest at Inside the Majors looks at the Washburn trade in a little more detail then I provided here.

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While I believe the M’s could have gotten more for Wash, the haul here is adequate. Washburn’s numbers were inflated by the outfield defense and ballpark, so his stock was higher than it ever should have been. French should be in the majors for the next 6 years of team control, so he is a solid piece to get in return. I wish there was another prospect in the mix, but I’m content with the return.

Inside the Yankees: Deadline Preview

This is my first entry at Inside the Majors for the New York Yankees. I analyze the Bronx Bombers’ top three trade choices:

The New York Yankees feel confident with the lineup they are currently
putting on the field, but their pitching–that’s another story. The
bullpen is looking pretty solid with Mariano Rivera and Phil Hughes in
the backend, Alfredo Aceves and Brian Bruney in the middle, and names
like David Robertson in the second tier. But with Chien-Ming Wang’s
season ending surgery, and the want for Aceves to remain in the ‘pen
(and not have to start), the Yankees must bring in another starting
pitcher. Here are their top three options:

Inside the Mariners: Minor Moves and More

The latest is up at Inside the Majors, and it looks at two callups the M’s made this week.

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Rowland-Smith’s call up has been a long time coming, as he has been pitching in Triple-A since May 23rd. In 57.2 innings in Tacoma, RRS posted a FIP of 4.04 to go along with a 5.93 K/9 and 1.72 BB/9. Rowland-Smith had some success last season in the majors, posting an ERA of 3.50 in 12 starts.

Inside the Mariners: Bye-Bye Betancourt

As promised, my latest piece at Inside the Majors looks at the Yuni trade, as well as a Alex Cintron signing.

Check it out. And now, an excerpt from the piece.

I love the deal for the M’s, as they trade a frustrating piece into two promising ones. Couldn’t ask for much better of a move (I guess they could have asked for Greinke, too?). I feel sorry for you Royals fans.

Inside the Mariners: Langerhans and Beltre

It had been over a week since I last stopped by Inside the Majors, but the Mariners trading for Ryan Langerhans gave me the perfect opportunity to do some analysis.

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Inside the Mariners: Josh Wilson and Utility Players

My latest piece at Inside the Majors looks at the Mariners’ signing of Josh Wilson, and the search for an utility player.

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