Daily Thoughts

It's tough to get out of bed on a Monday but there is at least a newness at work, seeing people you haven't seen in a few days. By Tuesday however, you are tired of the work faces and Friday still seems so far away. I'm not saying Garfield is totally wrong, but Tuesdays are maybe worse. On the other hand, I love lasagna. Except vegetable lasagna, what is up with that?

• After a breakout 2014 campaign, the Twins have locked up Dozier to a four-year $20 million deal. Dozier does a little bit of everything and was worth an impressive 4.8 fWAR last year. All the projection systems seem to have him around 2.7 WAR and Dozier should have no problem being worth this mini-extension, that avoids arbitration. 

• We previously discussed the Indians working with Kluber to work on an extension but at the moment it is "not close." I'm of the opinion that the Indians would be better off just going year to year in arbitration and avoiding an extension with Kluber which also avoids the long term risk. 

• Dellin Betances was one of the best relievers in baseball last year and it was generally assumed that he was going to be closing this season once Robertson left. But then the Yankees went out and got Andrew Miller. So, who's closing? The recent chatter from Girardi suggests they may go in a non-traditional route. I would love the Yankees to be non-traditional, as that's an unquestionable better use of Betances. Why limit him to one inning closing games, when he can throw 100 high leverage innings. Either way, while Girardi is paying lip service to this now, I'll believe it when I see it. My bet is on one (likely Betances) filling a more traditional role by the end of the season, similar to how he started 2014 pitching wherever needed before ending as the "eighth inning guys."

• Chris Smith has a good read about Matt Harvey, his stardom and the Mets. 

• Not baseball related, but this story on the recently retired Al Harrington sums up his and D'Antoni's career with the Knicks. Unfortunately, the Knicks are still the Knicks and D'Antoni will probably be coaching some new fun team next year.