If I ever have any quibbles with his work, it's just that: quibbles. No outrage, or spluttered obscenities.
He's far better than the guys that work at The Letters, and his ability to understand the farms of all 30 teams is pretty remarkable.
He has Franklin at #63, btw, and loves Catricala's bat but "the defensive issues are very clear." Which they were.
Catricala's spent all winter working on his footwork and is as comfortable at 3B as he's ever been, but is also willing and able to play the OF. BTW, fun line:
Since signing, Catricala has played 327 games – and hit .322.
Yes, the Mariners noticed.
Add in his 50 doubles a season, increasing HR power, perfectly reasonable K and walk totals, and age? He can hit, and the ball really does "jump off his bat" as Wedge says.
His defense really is the key. If his bat will play at a corner - and I think it will - then you'd prefer that corner to be the hot one, all things considered. He'll have to prove it this year though, or get moved off to LF or 1B.
He'll still have value there, but at 3rd...wow.
I'm pulling for him either way.
~G