*We noted FanGraphs' and Clay Davenport's 2016 early projections yesterday, and they are Fun!
*Speaking of projections, FanGraphs' Jeff Sullivan explains a little more about what they mean. Also, they've been pretty spot on with the Astros in the last three years.
*Add the Nationals to the list of teams interested in Yoenis Cespedes. The Mets and White Sox are only willing (reportedly) to offer Cespedes a three-year deal.
*Jon Heyman says the Orioles and Astros are still looking at signing Yovani Gallardo. Meanwhile, Heyman tweeted that the Astros tried for Justin Upton and that the Astros are "nosing around."
*A.J. Hinch is excited about all the excitement about the 2016 Astros.
*Mike Fiers:
You've got to find something that drives you every year, whatever it is. Last year going to the playoffs, losing that first round to KC set a fire under us. We know we should have moved on, and it kind of hurt us in the end like that to lose that way.
*Jake Marisnick says that he has tweaked his swing and worked on his swing path this offseason:
I think you'll see a difference. I can hardly wait to get started.
*Going to Kissimmee? Hinch says the core starters are probably going to get a little more rest in Spring Training, saying that "health is going to be sort of the storyline" of the Spring.
*Most positions are set, except 1B, but it's noted that A.J. Reed will likely spend at least a few weeks at Triple-A.
*Brian T. Smith wrote about the legend that is Colby Rasmus.
*MLB will do its "due diligence" on checking out Yu Darvish following his brother's indictment in Japan for running an illegal gambling ring.
*Cardinals theme nights for 2016 are set, including two promotions during the mid-June series against the Astros. My vote is for "Fingerprinting Night!" and "Deposition Night!" where the first 10,000 fans get fingerprinted by the FBI and investigated for criminal wrongdoing.
*The Astros/Nationals new Spring Training complex smells like a 60-year old landfill. Because that's what it's being built on.
Before you go: Max Stassi apparently calls Jake Marisnick "Big Fudge"
.@JSMarisnick aka big fudge enjoying his @ChickfilA milkshake on the Caravan!!! pic.twitter.com/ilYhbkkJQh
— Max Stassi (@MaxStassi10) January 20, 2016
