On the ninth episode of DFA, Bryan, R.J., and Shawn close out the second month of baseball by reviewing those offseason transactions that shaped the start of this season. (Naturally, the Red Sox, Astros, Brewers, and Royals are all major topics of conversation.)
Notes on Michael Chavis, Lucas Giolito, Eloy Jimenez, Lewis Thorpe, Ian Anderson, and more.
Matt Adams gets newfound attention. Max Moroff continues to rake in the minors.
Castellanos has been a big disappointment. Will that change with an adjustment?
Mary foretells the downfall of the Mets, and Matt does some research just for you.
Ivan Nova almost finishes what he started, Big Sexy gets robbed, and Odubel Herrera goes platinum.
Atlanta ditches James Loney for Matt Adams as Freddie Freeman’s replacement and the Padres mercifully put Jered Weaver on hold.
The push and pull between hitters and pitchers is changing.
Brandon Phillips and the illusion of hindsight, by way of the one-time elite prospect.
Yoan Moncada reaches Chicago, but it’s just so a doctor can look at his hand. Hunter Pence can be a reliable offensive source, when healthy. Carlos Rodon is inching closer to a major-league return.
Alex Avila’s resurgence is real, but will the forces of regression take hold? Also: Don’t wait to count the feathers on Brad Peacock.
Through 33 games, the Detroit Tigers stalwart is having his worst season since he broke in as a 20-year-old in 2003. He just turned 34, but have physical issues caught up the likely Hall of Fame slugger?
It’s a rough week in the NL, where no one with two scheduled outings is worthy of automatic, fore-sure, consecutive starts. Carlos Carrasco and Chris Sale, conversely, are ready to pitch two.