Did anyone actually watch him at LSU? His arm can play anywhere on the IF, his footwork is good enough for the corners and CF too. Big League SS is a different proposition, I imagine we'll find out soon enough.
I saw some games (especially after they drafted him). He's got a good...not great arm. Which is why scouts project hat it will translate to average as a big league SS... Which is fine. Guys like David Eckstein and Lowrie have made long careers with average arms.
Below average arm? Noodle arm? I mean sure, Bregman likely has a bigger arm than him, but still doesn't mean he's going to be a for-sure MLB SS. Eckstein was, despite the arm, hence the comparison.
You never know I guess, but yea Cotts was likely just signed as Spring Training depth, possible minor league depth, and just to take a look at him Was great for texas in 2013, decent last year...other than that he has been horrible every year since 2005. And not a lefty specialist Truly JAG
He had a pretty great year a season ago and relievers are susceptible to bounce back years. I'm sure Fiers rounds out the bullpen but he'll move into the rotation when someone misses a start. Wandy, Cotts & Feliz will be nice options in AAA
Be interesting to see how the rotation plays out, but i'll be pretty surprised if Fiers isn't in it Not only is he coming off of two really good seasons, but once he was traded to us last year he was very consistent. The first appearance was the disaster in Texas, where he not only came out of the pen but did so on a night he wasn't even planning on pitching.... After that he started 9 games and gave up 3 earned or less in 8 of the 9 I know Feldman has been pretty good also, when healthy which has been his biggest issue, but he is also a few years older and in his last year while we control Fiers for a few more years. Obviously between those two and Fister, if two of them clearly outperform the other in spring then those two will likely be the 4th and 5th guys...but if all of them are fairly equal, I would guess Feldman is the one to go to long relief
I doubt Fister is competing for a rotation spot. I imagine part of the agreement was a guaranteed rotation spot heading into the season. Obviously he isn't guaranteed a spot for the whole year if he sucks, but I don't think there's any chance he's starts in the pen. To me Feldman is clearly the 6th starter. Fiers has been really good whenever he's gotten a chance to start. Plus Feldman is 33 and has had a decreasing FIP and K rate in 4 straight years. I think he's the one that should have to wait for a spot to open up.
