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The MLB Daily Dish is a daily feature we're running here at MLBDD and rounds up roster-impacting news, rumors, and analysis. Have feedback or have something that should be shared? Hit us at @mlbdailydish on Twitter.
Good morning baseball fans!
The Chicago White Sox acquired James Shields, but how did the Padres do? Well, an evaluation of the one prospect they got back could reveal the answer.
Even since just the early part of Spring Training, Tatis has improved his footwork in the box, is tracking pitches better and using the entire field. He still hasn’t displayed the kind of wrist/hand strength that’s indicative of impact power and he really only projects to have about average pop at maturity, but if he can stay at shortstop that’s going to be just fine. The bat projects to average as well. A 50/50 hit and power combination from a shortstop, even one that is just passable defensively as Tatis would likely be, is value on par with an average regular. Given Tatis’ age and proximity to the Major Leagues, there’s obviously a substantial amount of risk here, which suppresses the Future Value grade below.
The Carl Crawford era for the Dodgers may be coming to a sad ending, as LA designed the outfielder for assignment. They still owe him $35 million over the next two seasons.
Ryan Hanigan and Blake Swihart have been placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Red Sox, who seem to be plagued by injuries.
Speaking of the Red Sox, Jackie Bradley Jr. has found some success by destroying offspeed pitches.
Of his ten home runs in 2015, five were on fastballs, and he never hit one off a curveball. This year, Bradley is excelling against all types of pitches and has home runs on all types of pitches including fastballs, changeups, sliders, and curves.
Bradley's breakout is the direct results of identifying and in many cases pulverizing breaking balls and changeups. His 29-game hitting streak ended last week, but his success and improvement at the plate became a big story as he got halfway to Joe D's elusive 56. Regardless of the streak, Bradley's improvements should make him a more consistent and fun player to watch for years to come in Boston. Throw in his above average / plus fielding, and the Red Sox have the makings of a perennial all-star.
More draft prospect Q&A's, one with right hander Cody Sedlock from Illinois and catcher Chris Okey from Clemson.
Here is the MLB Blog Review and MLB Week-In-Review, and a roundup of news from around the American League Central.
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Today in Baseball History: With allied forces being in France, in 1944, all major-league games are canceled.