Mario Soto

Pags' Spring Training Player Notes and Fantasy Advice

09:49 AM ET 03.14

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Spring Training Player Notes and Fantasy Advice from former Yankee and current scout Mike Pagliarulo, from www.DugoutCentral.com. Rays starting pitcher James Shields looked very good against the Twins on Tuesday. His pitches looked good as he threw a fastball, changeup and a breaking pitch (resembling a slider). His pitches had good movement both in and out of the pitching zone. The right-hander made some nice adjustments between innings to his pitching mechanics, allowing him to get right back on track when he couldn't repeat his arm slot. Shields pitched aggressively and attacked…

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Pags' Mailbag: Posada, Shaking off the catcher and more

03:54 PM ET 03.13

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Q&A with former Yankee Mike Pagliarulo of www.DugoutCentral.com When we see a pitcher continually shake off a catcher's signs before finally agreeing and pitching the ball, is this ever a game the pitcher and catcher play to throw off the batter? It seems to me that the batter is going to be guessing the pitch based on the situation, and if the pitcher is continually shaking off the signs, he must start wondering just what is going to be thrown. If he's uncertain, that would give the pitcher an edge. - Mark J.Pags: Good question, Mark. Catchers actually have a sign for…

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NL Prospect Report

11:26 AM ET 03.12

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NL Prospect Spring Training ReportSpring Training stats are not the best indicator of future performance but, when applied to prospects, it does tell you a little bit about how they are handling the pressure of being under the watchful eye of management on a daily basis. Are the prospects taking walks or striking out? Are the pitchers inducing ground balls or giving up some long balls? And, most importantly, what are the scouts and writers saying about them? Since we only have 1 Pags, I'll try to sum up some observations and conversations on the hottest prospects.NL EastIn Met camp, it…

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