Strat-O-Matic Baseball 365

Thought it might be interesting to have a thread where we can post highlights/lowlights for our favorite teams.
I know I do not have time to browse through all the news about all the teams. But I do keep pretty close tabs on Rangers and of course what is said and written in local media.

So far not fond of what little news Rangers have made.

Profar out for season due to arm. A couple off seasons back he was in huge demand on the trade market. Seemed like Rangers could have had anyone they asked for if they were willing to include Profar. Now with a second straight season lost due to arm problems his trade value as a shortstop have to be zero and even his value as a second baseman or utility guy is heading that direction. Frustrating. I really liked what I saw of this kid at Frisco.

Just read today Darvish might be heading down the UCL rabbit hole. Frustrating because he was shut down at end of last year. If it were taken care of then he would be on track for start of 2016 season. If he is forced in to operation now it will be mid 2016 before you will really know if he is going to be able to bounce back. Some never do. Sometimes I am not sure which is more frustrating these days, the number of pitchers who must have work done or the uncertainty of the diagnosis.

Been hearing rumors about Holland having a sore shoulder. That makes me nervous, especially after last season when the only news the entire year was bad news about someone else getting injured.

Good news so far: Only 3 games in but Smolinski has one of team's 2 HRs. He is my one of my 2 favorites for winning the LF job. . The second being Ryan Rua. Don't expect either to be a superstar but just like both.

Matt Harvey, 2 scoreless, 25 pitches, most them strikes, throwing free and easy and hitting 99 on the gun with his devastating curve intact.

Video here, that last curve..... OOOOOHHHHHH

http://www.amazinavenue.com/2015/3/6/8164425/video-of-matt-harveys-first-spring-start

I live in Delaware and am going out to Arizona for five days of spring training games March 17-22. Cant wait. I did this last year and got to see guys like Yordano Ventura, Javier Baez, Kris Bryant, Khris Davis, Tyler Thornburg, etc. Watched 7 games in five days. Beautiful weather and awesome prospect watching.

I LIVE NEAR MONTREAL AND I MISSED THE EXPOS BUT WE GOES TO SEE BLUE JAYS AGAINTS THE REDS AT OLYMPIC STADIUM IN SPRING TRAINING GAME IN APRIL.

After seeking a third opinion and getting same answer Darvish has decided to have Tommy John surgery.
Been expecting this for a while. Had assumed when I heard he was seeking a third opinion maybe he had got mixed opinions from first 2 experts.

This is on top of news about Holland's shoulder. Derek has been ruled out for the opening series and word is Rangers are hopeful he can pitch the home opener. This song is sounding familiar. Could be a long hot summer here in the DFW metroplex.

Valen wrote:After seeking a third opinion and getting same answer Darvish has decided to have Tommy John surgery.
Been expecting this for a while. Had assumed when I heard he was seeking a third opinion maybe he had got mixed opinions from first 2 experts.

This is on top of news about Holland's shoulder. Derek has been ruled out for the opening series and word is Rangers are hopeful he can pitch the home opener. This song is sounding familiar. Could be a long hot summer here in the DFW metroplex.

They have a LH RP or two they can spare, Edgin the Mets lone LHP in the pen, is experiencing elbow issues. Maybe Gee gets moved to Texas afterall.

Kris Bryant certainly looks like he has nothing left to prove in the minors, he's putting on quite a show so far!

For any of my fellow Bosox fans out there...RF: Betts, Victorino, Nava, Holt, Craig....I'd prefer Betts to be locked in at starter, although Victorino clearly has the defensive edge. Holt and Nava versatile enough to be solid utility guys...looks like Craig may be odd man out. Too bad, I'm sure he's got some quality years left in him, but I don't think they could get much in A trade given his recent performance.

First genuinely optimistic season in San Diego for the Padres in many years, with the new ownership's aggressive off-season actions garnering excitement around town and a bump in season ticket sales. Pitching staff is stunning with addition of ace Shields to an already solid collection of starters and lights-out bullpen; if Josh Johnson could bound back, their rotation could be among baseball's elite. Overhauled outfield is stacked, but infield is shallow and hopefully at least one more deal will be made -- can't Carlos Q. be dumped on some AL team as a DH?

TomSiebert wrote:First genuinely optimistic season in San Diego for the Padres in many years, with the new ownership's aggressive off-season actions garnering excitement around town ...

Oh no! This might be the missing piece to push my Colorado Rockies over 100 losses for the season. If only we could get new and aggressive ownership.