MASH Report (2/20/14)

• Albert Pujols is not able to play first base right now and may not for the season’s start.

Albert Pujols had a normal offseason and has pronounced himself completely healthy, but Angels manager Mike Scioscia will not be playing him at first base on an everyday basis once Cactus League games start.

“He’s not at that point,” Scioscia said.
….

Scioscia said the goal was for Pujols to play first base “on a regular basis” when the season starts but that they would take it slow and have backup plans if the 34-year-old is not ready by Opening Day on March 31.

If Pujols isn’t physically able to play in the field, his offense is for sure going to suffer. He sounds like a station to runner (less Runs) and will be a double play machine. Given other possible options, he will have to fall quite a bit from his current draft position for me to consider rostering him.

• Jurickson Profar may miss opening day because of shoulder discomfort.

Rangers Jurickson Profar won’t throw for another week. Still having discomfort.

— Anthony Andro (@aandro) February 18, 2014

Rangers GM Jon Daniels on Profar: There’s not much room for another setback to get ready for Opening Day.

— Anthony Andro (@aandro) February 18, 2014

It doesn’t sound too bad, but time missed is time missed. Make sure you have a backup in place for the season’s start if you have him.

• Marco Scutaro is still/already dealing with back issues. Previously, I found hitters with back issues struggle quite a bit, not alone one who is 38-years-old. Using the data from injury article, Scutaro’s Oliver projection looks about right at .277/.338/.340. While the .277 AVG is reasonable, it is his only useful trait. Scutaro’s has no power and speed. In leagues where he must be rostered, stay away. Tony Abreu, another no power and speed player, will back up Scutaro.

• Gordon Beckham battled threw quite a few 2013 injuries:

Gordon Beckham’s 2013 production was as hampered by a plethora of injuries as much as anything he did right or wrong at the plate. Those injuries included surgery to remove a fractured hamate bone in his left wrist, a second, unrelated left wrist problem after the All-Star break and a strained right quad that plagued him for the final six weeks.

Beckham put up his best season since his rookie season when he hit .270 with 14 home run. I kind of see a possible 2014 breakout if I squint hard enough. The reason for his 2013 improvement was an improved K% (20% to 15% to 14%) so his AVG can stay up. Also, his injury really sapped his power with his HR/FB% going from 8.7% to 3.8%. His fly ball and home run distances went from 274 ft in 2012 and in 2013’s first half to 265 ft in the 2nd half. The Fans seem to be taking the injury data into account and have Beckham projected to hit .269 with 14 HRs which would be a nice value.

• Mat Gamel has blown out his knee, again.

Players on or Probably on the DL to Start the 2014 Season

(*) 15 Day Disabled List
(**) 60 Day Disabled List
(***) 7 Day Concussion List
(****) Free Agent
Red colored entries are updates since last report.

Major League Report

On DL

Probably on DL

Minor League Report