it's actually kind of strange to add a spot on the roster at the same time the number of relievers needed might be fewer. Could be a good opportunity for utility men. Maybe they'll keep two of Velazquez, Chang, Freeman and Arroyo

The Indians have come up with another way to save bucks, not big ones but any bucks that can save seem worth saving. Instead of brining half dozen or ten so AAAA type minor league free agents to camp for OF and pitching depth they've signed only 2; a catcher to replace Haase and a pitcher named Leone.
Instead the non roster invitees are mainly AA players with no serious chance to help a big league club [Marabell, Longo, Krieger and Garcia] and some Akron-bound middle relievers.

Assuming that the following are reasonably accurate, a Krieger would cost the team about $13,000. A Ryan Flaherty who they brought in last year could be five times that. Every penny help.s

The current AAA minimum is $2150 per month (and remember, they only get paid for six months of the year). They also receive a $25 per diem when they are on the road ("meal money"). More experienced players on AAA contracts will make more, perhaps two or even three times that amount.

A mid-career Baseball Player, Minor League (AAA) with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $85,000 based on 6 salaries. An experienced Baseball Player, Minor League (AAA) with 10-19 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $89,497 based on 9 salaries.

civ ollilavad wrote:it's actually kind of strange to add a spot on the roster at the same time the number of relievers needed might be fewer. Could be a good opportunity for utility men. Maybe they'll keep two of Velazquez, Chang, Freeman and Arroyo

There's been speculation too that might thrill Bradley Zimmer or even Greg Allen. Teams might keep a speedster who they can insert as a pinch runner then put in for defense with that extra spot.

I believe pitchers are limited at 13 - maybe putting an emphasis on a long guy...oh....

And I do believe the DL (IL) is now back to 15 days limiting the up and downs of pitchers

a ceiling on pitchers? that's strange, I wonder why; do the position players have their own union?

It has always bothered me that Tito has kept such a large bullpen but still never bothered with a long man. Just takes one crap outing and you can burn your pen up for a week.

Hopefully he will use one now. I’d recommend the loser of the 5th spot, Civale, Plesac, or, most likely, Plutko, stick on the roster for long man and spot starter.

Jefry Rodriguez is an option for that role, too. I know Plutko is out of options; not sure about JRod

civ ollilavad wrote:a ceiling on pitchers? that's strange, I wonder why; do the position players have their own union?

I believe the reason is that baseball didn't want the 26th man simply being another freaking reliever!

Same with the 3 batter rule.

Hard to find a fan who likes watching the parade of relievers. Reliever after reliever with some facing 1 batter.

Pitchers and catchers tomorrow!

Supposed to rain out here tomorrow.

Seagull - I'm in Phoenix and just during the morning is the rain forecast.

Hopefully they will get out there although I won't attend tomorrow personally.

Reyes, Franmil

What we love about Reyes is the quality of contact. His 47% Hard Hit rate is elite as is his 93 MPH average velocity on his batted balls. His 407 distance and 106.4 BBS are beast like, but his 31% HR/FB rate is likely to settle in closer to 25-27%.

There is upside in his BA, as his 279 BABIP seems unfortunate. On the plus side should be his RBI count which seems a little under appreciated in 2019.

2019 BABIP: 0.279(-0.066)| Contact Rate: 65%(-4%)| HR Distance: 407ft(-1)| HR BBS: 106.4(1.5)| HardHit%: 47.3%(3.1%)| Avg Velocity: 93(1.0)| Elevation%: 9.5(2.7)| Barrels%: 14.8%(3.2%)| HR/FB%: 31%(2%)| GB/FB Rate: 1.3(-0.4)| EYE: 0.30(0.00)| ISO: 26.3%(4.5%)

rain in Phoenix? I thought it was a desert.

Good for Kip. Looks like he can finish his career in front of friends and family.

Jordan Bastian @MLBastian
Cubs are working on a Minor League/NRI contract with FA second baseman Jason Kipnis. Still has to take physical with team.

Rained last night.

Scattered showers today.

It's a major weather event when it rains in the desert.

If you are driving, the rain knocks the dust out of the air and you'll need a car wash.

civ ollilavad wrote:rain in Phoenix? I thought it was a desert.

It's desert but it ain't the Sahara or anything. Definitely rains from time to time here.