By Steve Rhodes
One in an occasional series tracking the movements of those who have worn Cubbie blue.
1. Jorge Soler Is Mashing.
“Soler is now off to a great start in 2018, and the Royals control him at a low cost for the next four seasons, although there is a reasonable argument to be made that winning the trade is impossible at this juncture,” Craig Edwards writes at Fangraphs.
“After a .144/.245/.258 season with a 32 wRC+ in 110 plate appearances, Soler has authored a gigantic turnaround. In 133 plate appearances this year, the Royals right fielder is hitting .324/.436/.546 with a 166 wRC+.
“That batting line is greatly helped by a .411 BABIP; however, the 16% walk rate, a reduced 24% strikeout rate, and an ISO above .200 provide a solid base for Soler to be a productive hitter if fewer balls drop in for hits . . .
“As for how Soler has made such dramatic changes to his fortune, he lost some weight and reworked his swing. Maria Torres of the Kansas City Star discussed the change with Soler in the offseason.”
2. Jim Riggleman Is Now Managing The Reds.
“He’s brash and hard-headed and reacts quickly and decisively, sometimes to his own detriment. But he loves and knows the game. Boy, does he know the game,” Barry M. Bloom writes for Forbes.
Huh, I never thought of Riggs as “brash.” Anything but. But whatever.
3. A Felix Pie Sighting!
“Felix Pie is slashing .378/.432/.694 with eight home runs in 125 plate appearances for Bravos de Leon in the Mexican League,” David Laurila notes for Fangraphs.
4. Peter Bourjos Back With The Braves.
He was DFA’d – and cleared waivers – but was brought back on a minor league deal. Now playing for the Gwinnett Stripers.
5. Is The Dan Vogelbach Dream Over?
After a hot spring that landed him on the Mariners’ big league club, Vogelbach has regressed and is back in Triple-A.
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Comments welcome.
Posted on May 10, 2018