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The Rays are in the market for a power hitting option for DH, but that market has somewhat stalled until some dominoes fall. Well, a big one just fell with Edwin Encarnacion going to the Cleveland Indians.
Second correction (apologies): Sources say Edwin with #Indians is three years, $60M, including $5M buyout. Option valued at $25M. Max: $80M.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 23, 2016
If the other big power bats have been waiting to see what Encarnacion gets, this could (hopefully) set off a nice post-Christmas shopping spree.
If EE only gets 3/65, then Bautista gets 2/40, Trumbo gets 2/20, and Chris Carter gets to work for free in return for exposure.
— Dan Szymborski (@DSzymborski) December 23, 2016
Links:
- Rob Rogacki of Beyond the Box Score details the rather shockingly practical and not bank breaking contract of Edwin Encarnacion.
- Jesse Spector at Hardball Times takes a look at the skepticism that players and coaches have towards defensive metrics. One such skeptical player (who excels at defense no matter the metric you choose): Kevin Kiermaier
I feel like it can be skewed at times, because there are some guys who don’t fare well with all those [numbers] and I know they’re better outfielders than what these certain metrics say they are,”
- The holiday season is very much upon us, and yesterday Kevin Cash and Matt Silverman spent time giving back to the community at the John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St Pete.
#Rays manager Kevin Cash, Pres. of Baseball Ops Matt Silverman & their families participated in @allchildrens Wonderland event this morning. pic.twitter.com/pe4tb2im5p
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) December 22, 2016
- Craig Edwards over at Fangraphs has a thought experiment on what a peak season for Mike Trout would look like.
- Jurickson Profar has been surrounded in trade rumors for longer than he has been playing baseball. Grant Brisbee showcases why he calls Profar “the strangest trade chip in recent baseball history”.
Finally, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and overall a very Happy Holidays to everybody out there in DRaysBay land!