Archive for Fan Projections

With the excellent feedback we’ve had to the Fan Projections, it’s becoming more difficult to find players with too few votes. It’s for that reason that a couple of today’s targets are over the 30-ballot threshold. Still, none of these guys is close to the century mark, either.

Said targets are Kelly Johnson, Martin Prado, and Ryan Roberts.

Johnson has just inked a deal with Arizona for one year at $2MM.

Prado is the man who stole the starting second base job from Johnson last year in Atlanta.

Roberts took over starting duties in Arizona last year after Felipe Lopez left town, posting a 108 wRC+ in 351 PAs.

Or is it Christmas Eve Day? Why does being a blogger gotta be so hard?

Whatever holiday you choose to celebrate (or not) this December, won’t you spread a bit of cheer by clicking here to enter your projections for Fernando Rodney, Troy Glaus, and John Buck?

Rodney was signed by the Angels in order to shore up their bullpen in the wake of Brian Fuentes‘ less-than-faith-inspiring 2009. How will Rodney perform, and in what role?

After losing almost all of his 2009 season to injury, Troy Glaus was signed by Atlanta, where he will reportedly play first base instead of third. Will his skills translate to plus defense at first, or will he struggle? Will Glaus still be able to hit with power after dealing with shoulder problems?

Seemingly moments after being non-tendered by the Royals in favor of the undead Jason Kendall, John Buck was signed by the Blue Jays to a one-year, two million dollar contract. He seems to be in line for the majority of the starts at catcher. Was the power he showed in 2007 and 2009 for real? Is my liking for Buck based in some latent ability of his, or is it completely irrational?

They’re not necessarily the sexiest names in town, but Coco Crisp, Brandon League, and Jason Marquis all changed teams in the past week and are all still below the 30-ballot threshold. Click here to cast your projections for the triumvirate.

Crisp suffered shoulder problems last season, and Kansas City declined his 2010 option. Oakland just signed the outfielder to a one-year, $5 million deal.

Kinda Disappointing Fireballer League is heading West in exchange for other Kinda Disappointing Fireballer Brandon Morrow. Has Baseballing Wizard Jack Zduriencik struck again?

Jason Marquis, uh, … has a cool last name? Also, he signed two-year, $15 million deal with the Nationals — which, that’s always a good sign.

Today, we look at some young pitchers who made highly anticipated debuts last season but have as yet to eclipse the 30 ballot threshold in our Fan Projections: Neftali Feliz, Rick Porcello, and Chris Tillman.

Feliz pitched exclusively in relief for Texas after an early-August promotion, blowing away hitters with a 95.8 mph fastball.

Porcello is a ground-ball monster who’ll reach drinking age just in time for New Year’s.

Tillman came to Baltimore as part of the Bedard trade. He breezed through the minors but had a little bit more trouble in his major league debut.