19 Random Thoughts and Facts, Most Baseball Related

1. Under almost no circumstance, fly through O’Hare. It is not worth it.

2. On Wednesday, in his first spring training game, Jonathan Sanchez’s fastball was off by 2-3 MPH. He may get the speed back. He may not. If a person has a draft before his next start, there is a no need to pick up a below average pitcher with velocity issues. Just go for the below average pitcher with no velocity issues.

More fastball speed updates

3. Ubaldo Jimenez fastball (94 to 96 MPH) is closer to his 2009 and 2010 levels (96 MPH) than 2011 levels (93.5 MPH) .

4. Brian Matusz touched 91 MPH. I am guessing this value is his top end of his range. He is probably averaging between 88 to 91. Those values put him in the same range as he was throwing in 2011.

5. Johan Santana had his fastball around 87 to 88 MPH with hopes to get it near 90 MPH. Continue to monitor, but I am finding his situation rather encouraging.

6. Why in the hell doesn’t the Dallas Airport have free wireless internet? This article is going to be late and Eno is going to get mad. Hopefully I don’t have to write about the merits of Yuniesky Betancourt.

7. Mike Aviles looks to have the inside track for the Red Sox SS job. After following the highs and lows of Mike’s career as a Royal, here is my 2 cents on him. He is streaky BABIP driven hitter because he rarely walks (4.2% career BB%). He is a high upside, low down side pick at the end of a draft.

8. If a writer wants to infuriate his or her readers, create a list of ranked players. A list is a writer’s way of trolling.

Five sleeper picks I like for 2012.

9. Alejandro De Aza. He is slated to be the lead off hitter for the White Sox. He will get plenty of PAs for Runs and SBs. It will be a bonus if he can keep his AVG high.

10. Brent Morel – I love the late season power surge.

11. Bryan Shaw – Mariano Rivera like cutter. I will drink that Kool-Aid.

12. Chris Parmelee – Morneau, Mauer and Doumit are ahead of him. They will be headed to the DL sometime this season. Their owners will be looking for a replacement. Be the owner to hook them up.

13. Zack Cozart – Don’t worry about him dropping out of the Reds #2 spot for the the low walk rate, Dusty won’t.

Why not push it to 6 sleepers

14. Nolan Reimold seems to be the leading candidate for the Orioles lead spot. Sign me up for the cheap Runs and SBs

15. Are the Phillies always on MLB Network? Are they the new Yankees?

16. Lonnie Chisenhall and Jack Hannahan are competing for the Indians 3B job. A position battle like this is why spring training matters. Can you feel the excitement? I can’t.

17. The Phillies 1B job, until Howard returns, is completely up in the air. I would stay away from all the candidates (Wigginton, Thome, and Nix ) because of what seems to be a bad ménage à trois platoon situation.

18. I am sure I will have one of my facts wrong. I just need our readers to point out which one(s) I messed up.

19. Finally everyone behave, us writers on converging in Phoenix this weekend. Nerds Unite.