2021 Prospect Projections: NL East rookies
This is the second in a six-part Toolshed series that uses FanGraphs' Steamer600 projections to look at how prospects would fare over a full Major League season in 2021. The system bases its forecast on 600 plate appearances for position players, 450 plate appearances for catchers, 200 innings for starting
Phillies acquire prospect Chatham from Red Sox
Dave Dombrowski joined the Phillies front office in December, and one month later, the new president of baseball operations has pulled off a deal with his former organization. The Phillies acquired middle infielder C.J. Chatham from the Red Sox for a player to be named later or cash, both clubs
Toolshed: Now arriving, international signings
Jan. 15 isn't typically a big day on the baseball calendar. It's another step toward Spring Training, sure. Another number to rip off of the daily countdown to the arrival of pitchers and catchers, but often little more. The big headlines last Jan. 15 were the free-agent signings of Alex
2021 Prospect Projections: AL East rookies
This is the first in a six-part Toolshed series that uses FanGraphs' Steamer600 projections to look at how prospects would fare over a full Major League season in 2021. The system bases its forecast on 600 plate appearances for position players, 450 plate appearances for catchers, 200 innings for starting
Toolshed: 2021 NL farm system resolutions
Be healthy. That is the biggest resolution for everyone, in and out of Minor League Baseball, as the coronavirus pandemic rages on. But we can't write that 30 times. Instead, Toolshed is taking this first full week of 2021 to lay out New Year's resolutions for all 30 farm systems.
Cleveland nabs Wolf, Greene for Lindor, Carrasco
On Thursday, the Mets pulled off a blockbuster worthy of the Big Apple. New York acquired All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor and former Cy Young contender Carlos Carrasco from Cleveland, sending prospects Josh Wolf and Isaiah Greene along with Major League infielders Andrés Giménez and Amed Rosario the other way. Wolf
Toolshed: 2021 AL farm system resolutions
Be healthy. That is the biggest resolution for everyone, in and out of Minor League Baseball, as the coronavirus pandemic rages on. But we can't write that 30 times. Instead, Toolshed is taking this first full week of 2021 to lay out New Year's resolutions for all 30 farm systems,
Toolshed: Judging stickiness of Rule 5 picks
First, there were the picks. Next comes figuring out who sticks. On Thursday, 18 players were selected in the Major League phase of the annual Rule 5 Draft. With their selections, each of the 18 took another step toward their goal of playing in The Show (or in one case,
18 for '20: Rule 5 Draft results
It turned out to be an active Rule 5 Draft after all. Topped by right-hander Jose Soriano, 18 players were chosen in the Major League phase of the Rule 5 Draft on Thursday -- equal to the number of selections in 2017 and 2016 and just shy of the 19
Toolshed: 2020 Rule 5 Draft preview
Readers might note this edition of Toolshed does not come with a Dallas dateline. Like so many events in 2020, baseball's Winter Meetings are being held virtually this year rather than from deep in the heart of Texas. That, of course, includes the Rule 5 Draft. The annual event typically
Toolshed: Dunand making most of LIDOM return
Joe Dunand played 11 games for Leones del Escogido in the Dominican Winter League (Liga de Beisbol Dominicano) last offseason. As of Thursday, he had once again played in exactly 11 games in LIDOM's 2020 iteration. In 2019, he went 4-for-26 (.154) with no homers. This time around, he leads
Rays' Franco to miss rest of winter league
Thursday brought good news to the Rays organization and fans and bad news to anyone hoping to see the game's top overall prospect on the field this winter. Wander Franco was diagnosed with shoulder soreness and biceps inflammation, Tampa Bay announced after the shortstop met with doctors in St. Petersburg,
Toolshed's best of the decade: Teams
There was no Minor League season in 2020 and, unfortunately, that means there will be no MiLBY Awards this year either. In their stead, Toolshed is taking the next couple weeks to look back at MiLBY winners from the major categories in the 2010s. The series will rank all the
Pioneer League becoming MLB 'Partner League'
A new brand of baseball is coming to the Mountain time zone in 2021. The Pioneer League has been designated a "Partner League" of Major League Baseball, both the circuit and MLB announced Monday. The move will transform the Rookie Advanced loop into an independent league and comes as part
MLB Draft League opening in 2021
A new league is set to become the next proving ground for some of baseball's best prospects before they begin their professional careers. The Mahoning Valley Scrappers, State College Spikes, Trenton Thunder, West Virginia Black Bears and Williamsport Crosscutters will serve as inaugural members of the MLB Draft League, set
Toolshed: Reasons for NL systems to give thanks
Thanksgiving comes to the United States on Thursday. While there was no Minor League season in 2020, there are still plenty of reasons prospect fans can give thanks over the coming week. This concludes a two-part series in which Toolshed explains what fans of each of the 30 farm systems
Toolshed: Reasons for AL systems to give thanks
Thanksgiving comes to the United States next Thursday. While there was no Minor League season in 2020, there are still plenty of reasons prospect fans can give thanks over the coming week. This begins a two-part series in which Toolshed explains what fans of each of the 30 farm systems
Toolshed: Rule 5 Draft protection preview
The 40-man roster additions are coming. The 40-man roster additions are coming! As discussed in the last Toolshed, Nov. 20 is a big day on the baseball calendar. It's the deadline at which eligible players must be added to their respective 40-man rosters or they'll be left vulnerable to the
Toolshed: Top 2016 picks meet Rule 5 protection
Next Friday will be an important day on any prospect lover's calendar. Nov. 20 is the date by which Major League clubs have to add eligible players to their 40-man rosters or leave them unprotected for this year's Rule 5 Draft, which will take place on Dec. 10. Rule 5-eligible
Toolshed's best of the decade: Relievers
There was no Minor League season in 2020 and, unfortunately, that means there will be no MiLBY Awards this year either. In their stead, Toolshed is taking the next couple weeks to look back at MiLBY winners from the major categories in the 2010s. The series will rank all the
Toolshed: Pirates' Thomas primed for breakout
Tahnaj Thomas raised his hand, and that made all the difference. Back in late 2016, the Bahamas native was assigned, through a coach back home, to help a Chicago-area team of fellow teenagers in a tournament that took place in Jupiter, Florida. As the new kid, the shortstop wasn't getting
Toolshed's best of the decade: Starting pitchers
There was no Minor League season in 2020 and, unfortunately, that means there will be no MiLBY Awards this year either. In their stead, Toolshed is taking the next couple weeks to look back at MiLBY winners from the major categories in the 2010s. The series will rank all the
Toolshed: Before the Dodgers were champions
We knew them when. That's the beauty of the Minor Leagues. Whether you're a writer, fan, team employee or have followed the Minors in any way, you can take some joy in knowing about how World Series champions were made at the lower levels. The Dodgers defeated the Rays, 4-2,
Toolshed's best of the decade: Offensive players
There was no Minor League season in 2020, and unfortunately, that means there will be no MiLBY Awards this year either. In their stead, Toolshed is taking the next couple weeks to look back at MiLBY winners from the major categories in the 2010s. The series will rank all the
Toolshed: Prospects with World Series connections
This is not a World Series for the prospect lover. Then again, not many World Series are. Sure, there are two ranked prospects left -- both from the Rays roster -- and they have their own stories to tell. No. 19 Tampa Bay prospect Randy Arozarena has been one of