MLB Weekly Digest 1/9/17

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The last week in MLB focused on a starting pitcher who missed a huge chunk of last season becoming a hot commodity in the free agent market, a club in the American League making moves and an outfielder finding a new home.

Tyson Ross Has Several Suitors

Tyson Ross made just one start during the 2016 season, underwent surgery in the offseason and probably won’t be healthy until mid-March.

However, this hasn’t deterred a couple of teams from going after the talented pitcher, who is currently a free agent.

The Texas Rangers and Chicago Cubs are the favorites to sign him, per Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports.

The Washington Nationals also have interest, but they’re a long shot to get Ross, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.

If this were any other pitcher, the interest wouldn’t be there. Ross isn’t your average starter. If you discard the 2016 season by the right-hander, he has a very impressive resume.

He posted a 3.26 ERA in 196 innings with 212 K’s in 2015 for the San Diego Padres and compiled a 2.81 ERA in 195.2 innings with 195 strikeouts in 2015 for the Padres.

That type of numbers shows someone that could be an ace for a starting staff. The Cubs, Rangers, and Nats could certainly use someone like Ross if he’s healthy and performs like he did in 2014 and 2015.

There’s an old saying in baseball that states “You can never too much pitching” as injuries can arise at any point during the season.

Mariners Making Moves with Acquisition of Dyson and Gallardo

The Seattle Mariners recently made some moves that could pay huge dividends in 2017.

They sent right-handed pitcher Nathan Karns to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for outfielder Jarrod Dyson, per Greg Johns of MLB.com.

The Mariners also acquired starting pitcher Yovani Gallardo from the Baltimore Orioles by sending them outfielder Seth Smith.

The move to add Dyson is terrific for the Mariners as he can create havoc on the basepaths with his speed and plays solid defense.

The Mariners were 24th in the Majors last season with 56 stolen and Dyson swiped 30 bases in 2016.

Gallardo gives the Mariners a veteran presence in the rotation. The right-hander struggled last year as he accumulated a 5.42 ERA in 118 innings (23 starts).

This was the first time in his career that he posted an ERA over five and maybe a change of scenery will benefit him.

Gallardo has been a reliable and durable starter over his MLB career, as indicated by him making at least 30 starts and tossing at least 180 innings from 2009-2015.

It wouldn’t be surprising if Gallardo rebounds and has a solid season in the Mariners’ rotation.

Athletics Sign Davis to One-Year Pact

The Oakland Athletics have agreed to a contract with outfielder Rajai Davis.

It’s a one-year deal worth $6 million, per Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle and there are performance bonuses that Davis can earn.

Davis had a solid 2016 campaign for the Cleveland Indians, posting a .249 batting average with 12 home runs, 48 RBI and leading the AL with 43 stolen bases.

The element of speed will be a tremendous asset for an Athletics squad that stole just 50 bases in 2016.

If Davis can mirror the success he had in 2016, it will be a smart, low-key move by the A’s.

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Chris Lacey

Chris is a New Jersey native whose favorite sports team is the Arizona Diamondbacks. He previously attended Western New England College to study Sports Management. Chris has been following the Diamondbacks since he was 12. You can find him on Twitter at @aecanada12.
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Chris Lacey
Chris is a New Jersey native whose favorite sports team is the Arizona Diamondbacks. He previously attended Western New England College to study Sports Management. Chris has been following the Diamondbacks since he was 12. You can find him on Twitter at @aecanada12.

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