Mack’s Apples – Ali Sanchez, Anthony Seigler, Free Agents, Informed Intelligence, Kumar Rocker

Good morning.

New York Mets:     3 prospects to know –

C Ali Sanchez - Sanchez is probably the better overall defensive catcher in the system. Where Nido’s bat has been generally good, Sanchez’s has been almost invisible. He struggled adjusting to Short Season ball offensively in the New York-Penn League in 2016. His first go in full-season ball was cut short at the end of July.

Still 21, Sanchez has yet to play over 56 games in a season. His defense makes him one to watch, but hopefully he can get a full season and put the hand injuries behind him. His bat was never expected to be amongst the elite, but if he can become just an average hitter, he may be a future big leaguer with a long career as a reliable backup.

2080 Baseball -

          

Anthony Seigler, C, Cartersville (Cartersville, Ga.)

Ht/Wt: 5’11”/195          B/T: S/R          Age (as of 2018 MLB Draft): 18y, 11m

When not catching, Siegler shines as an ambidextrous pitcher on the mound and would likely be a two-way player should he follow through on his commitment to the University of Florida. Professionally, he’s a better prospect behind the plate where he balances defensive athleticism and offensive polish. He’s also a capable utility option with defensive chops on the dirt and in the grass.

Why baseball owners won’t pay up for free agents –

        

   Several high-revenue, high-spending teams (e.g., the Dodgers, Yankees, Red Sox) might be saving their money for a splurge eight months from now on the best free-agent class ever — the Nationals’ Bryce Harper, the Orioles’ Manny Machado, the Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw and others. Furthermore, in the collective bargaining agreement negotiated just 14 months ago and running through 2021, the MLBPA agreed to a competitive balance tax of 20 percent on any portion of a payroll over $197 million, with the rate rising to 30 and 50 percent on second and third consecutive seasons over the threshold. This is what the MLBPA knew it was designed to be: a disincentive for spending, especially by the wealthiest teams, for the purpose of enhancing competitive balance .

Baseball Prospers With Informed Intelligence -

        

   Baseball "analytics," aka information, demonstrate that most starting pitchers are most effective when constantly throwing hard, and are significantly less effective the third time through the opponent's lineup. Hence relief pitchers are increasingly important — and increasingly well paid in even today's severely rational market.

Sodo Mojo   on Kumar Rocker –

A Vanderbilt commit, Rocker best tool is his power fastball. The running, sinking fastball sits at 93-94 MPH, but can hit 98 mph on occasion. Rocker has very good command of the fastball.

Rocker flashes a plus slider at times, but he needs to finish consistently for it to be a legitimate wipe out pitch. As it is now, the pitch is MLB ready, with the potential to be plus down the line. Rocker has little need for another pitch to dominate in high school, but must develop one to be a top line starter in the big leagues.

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