This week, we’re joined by Daniel Rotenberg, who contribued this piece on the Toronto Blue Jays. We hope you enjoy it. Our thanks to Daniel for his work. Introduction In 1997, the Toronto Blue Jays were last in the AL in runs, walks, batting average, and on-base percentage. They were below average or far below…
The Giants recently traded for Robb Nen, putting to rest the rumors that Julian Tavarez would have to be the team’s closer in 1998. Nen struck out 81 batters in 74 innings last season, and has struck out more than a batter per inning throughout his major-league career. The alternative, Julian Tavarez, is three years…
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS Named Mark Connor pitching coach, and signed LHP Kirt Ojala to a minor league contract. [11/26] Although clearly less guilty than the D-Rays in this regard, chalk this up as an example of Buck Showalter wanting people he’s familiar with. Connor was his pitching coach with the Yankees, and the Boss’ decision to…
THE EXPANSION DRAFT "I think we did as good as we could. I don’t know that there’s anything else we could have done." — Larry Rothschild, Devil Rays manager "I feel extremely good because we had several objectives, and we accomplished all of them." — Fred Claire, Dodgers GM "There were a tremendous amount of…