[ayaghmour2]

Weekly Record: 3-3
Overall Record: 5-8 (7th, 6 GB)

Same Old Pug: We aren't winning many games, but when Pug goes in, we don't usually lose. Aside from an error costing us a game last week, Pug has been perfect, yet to allow an earned run in 7.1 innings. It's come with 7 hits, 2 walks, and 7 strikeouts, picking up a win and hold so far. One of our most valuable players last season, Pug's stuff supposedly dropped a tad, but he's still among the top pitchers in the game. He's coming off a 139.1 inning season, going 12-8 with 18 saves, 3.10 ERA (145 ERA+), 3.50 FIP (77 FIP-), and 1.20 WHIP. He struck out 110 with just 46 walks, and he almost qualified for an ERA title. A true workhorse in the pen, he'll win a lot of games this season, and if I can get the pitcher I really want, they could be a pairing like none other.

Bobby Martinez pushing for a starting role?: One of our top performers of the week, Bobby Martinez is looking to change the Barton/Martinez answer to himself. 5-for-12, he added a double, walk, and three runs, now hitting .346/.370/.385 for the spring. This is a bit lower then the .396/.434/.443 (133 OPS+) he hit in 113 PAs last season, and perhaps I should consider going with him instead of Dode. Dode did do better this week, 2-for-8 with an RBI and two walks, but it came after a five strikeout week. Both these guys offer a left handed bat, but Martinez would give us three center fielders to carry the weight in the outfield. He could also hit at the top of the order, as he's the long at-bat, put the ball in play type that can make things happen. Whether it's a liner in the gap or a beat out infield single, he's great at getting on, and we don't have many bats like him. As great as Dode is going to be, he's not quite there yet, and AAA could be a more logical spot to start him.

Rule-5 Check-In: Three weeks may make it harder to give Rule-5 picks a real look this season, but so far Pete Meany has made the most of his time. The 23-year-old utility man has gone 8-for-18 with 2 doubles, 2 walks, 3 RBIs, and 5 runs. This equates to a .444/.476/.556 triple slash and a 204 WRC+, among the best of our players in camp. A gimmicky player, he can do anything but pitch, and he's likely to have one of the lowest whiff percentage. A true singles hitter, he has 2 gap and 1 power, but 4s for contact, avoid ks, and eye. Excluding his time in the COW, he's walked more then he's struck out at each stop, and if you forgot that's were San Jose plays and everyone strikes out and no-one walks. Already a favorite for a roster spot, he seems to have locked himself in, and I'm curious to see how Buck Cuppett uses him.

Ray Dotson may have only gotten 6 PAs so far, but he's been Hank Williams-esque, clubbing a double and homer with three singles. Only making one out, he has a 614 WRC+ and 2.333 OPS, and as crazy as it sounds it may not be enough. There's a lot of good outfielders and his ratings don't stand out, but he's got the range for center, and can take advantage of his small sample stardom.