Peter Gammons is working the phones and hasn't called us back yet. We'll have a review of the deadline deals tomorrow.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Tick, Tick, Tick...
Peter Gammons is working the phones and hasn't called us back yet. We'll have a review of the deadline deals tomorrow.
Immortality...
Let's talk about Memphis Rookie Leaguer Bart Telford's stats -- .846 average, .867 OBP, 1.462 slugging percentage.
Here's the problem...HE'S A PITCHER. Those are the opponent's numbers. In 2/3 of an inning pitched, this Brian McCormick wannabe gave up 11 runs on 11 hits and 2 walks. He has a 148.50 ERA.
He started the year at LoA but I decided that his 10.80 ERA was worthy of a demotion. Turns out, I might have been wrong.
Anyone interested in trading for him?
Here's the problem...HE'S A PITCHER. Those are the opponent's numbers. In 2/3 of an inning pitched, this Brian McCormick wannabe gave up 11 runs on 11 hits and 2 walks. He has a 148.50 ERA.
He started the year at LoA but I decided that his 10.80 ERA was worthy of a demotion. Turns out, I might have been wrong.
Anyone interested in trading for him?
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Top Prospects Report: Second Half
This is the back half of what was a bigger project than I had anticipated.
LAS VEGAS
Billy Carter, RF, AA – No relation to the former president, Billy Carter has all the makings of a superstar. Bats .304 with a .927 OPS, 21 HR and 87 RBI. Nearly half of his hits are for extra bases. He’s a little carefree at the plate, but that’s why he’s still in the minors.
Milt Strickland, 2B. HiA – Uncle Milty is putting up a fairly impressive .913 OPS for a guy who hits mostly singles. Low strikeout numbers and only four errors in 192 chances. But, he’s a little shit – standing only a couple inches taller than my wife at 5-5. I’ll be interested to see what he can do once he hits puberty.
Dusty McFeely, P, AA – I’ll admit it…I picked this guy over another equally good pitcher simply because his name is hilarious. He gets no run support, but with a 3.03 ERA and 1.27 WHIP, he has proven to be a solid hurler.
LOS ANGELES
Rigo Benitez, 1B, AA – The kid is just raking at all levels. Between AA and HiA, he’s batting .33/.448/.536. He’s walked 53 times and struck out 40, so that counts for something.
Gary Hammond, P, AAA – Hammond has a little Drew Henson in him. The scouts think he’s better than he actually is. He’s 6-9 on the year with a 5.04 ERA. I think he needs to grow into AAA more before he can make that leap. The power is there though – 108 strikeouts in 128.2 innings.
Bert Williams, RF, RL – A big upside guy who needs to hit puberty. Doesn’t really have a baseball player’s body at 5-7. Bats .340 with a .953 OPS. Averages more than one RBI per game.
MEMPHIS
Darryl Standridge, P, AAA -- Darryl is getting a severe tatooing at AAA this season. Perhaps I promoted him too quickly. Has a pretty high ceiling and with any luck, he'll get close to it.
Jesus Reyes, P, AA/HiA -- Jesus isn't afraid to give up a hit, which is something we hope the coaches will fix. But, he also isn't afraid to strike someone out (144 in 141.2 IP).
Chip Hayes, SS, ML -- Hayes made the club and its up to him whether he stays. Batting .221 due to an 0-18 stretch during his first callup. Has superstar caliber batting numbers. Regardless of his S.1 status, he will be the opening day starter at shortstop in S.2.
MILWAUKEE
Carlos Johnson, 1B, AAA – Another bigtime hitter -- .327 BA, 1.156, OPS, 49 HR, 119 RBI. At 23, he has two major league years under his belt, so he’s really just a borderline guy.
Earl Clontz, C, AAA – The other big bat in the AAA lineup belongs to this guy. 30 homers and 124 RBI with a .971 OPS.
Luis Guillen, P, AAA – Weird. This guy’s numbers improve with promotions. I mean, you’d expect him to maintain or even have worse numbers at a higher level. Anyhow, he’s 10-5 with a 4.49 ERA and 128 Ks at three different levels this season.
MINNESOTA
Daniel Swisher, 1B, HiA – Spent some time at AA this season, but his back at HiA and hitting the snot out of the ball. Batting a combined .316 with a .946 OPS.
Harpo Dunn, SS, HiA – The Mayhem’s first round pick has 21 extra base hits, 20 RBI and 22 runs scored in 26 games. Batting .284 with a .917 OPS. Shitty name. Really…who names their kid Harpo?
Julio Fernandez, P, HiA – The best pitcher in an organization with some good arms. Strikes out four times as many batters as he walks. Posting a 12-4 record with a 2.87 ERA in 21 starts.
MONTERREY
Malcolm Bonham, SS, LoA – Probably the highest-rated position player in the organization on everyone’s board. Batting .381 with a 1.145 OPS. Mixes consistent hitting with speed – 28 doubles, five triples, 30 stolen bases and 71 runs scored.
Ken Giovanola, P, AAA – One of two pitchers who have yet to grow into AAA hitting. Gio is 9-10 with a 6.12 ERA and 128Ks.
Trent Milligan, P, AAA – The second of those two pitchers. In four starts since being selected number one overall, he is 0-2 with a 8.41 ERA and 20 Ks.
NASHVILLE
Lawrence O’Donnell, 2B, HiA – Gradually rising through the organization, Lawrence has a .936 OPS at AA and HiA and is batting .334 on the year. He should debut next season some time.
Olmedo Guerrero, RF, RL – Still has another growth spurt left in his lanky 5-9 frame. Could make it to AA this season. Ripping the ball at the RL level -- .472 BA with a 1.442 OPS.
Fred Forbes, RP, AA – Hammer of God closer credentials. A 3.98 ERA with 42-7 K/BB ratio. Converted 20 of 24 save opportunities.
NEW YORK
Sammy Gonzales, C, AAA – A raking catcher, which is refreshing. Has 41 homers and 147 RBI to go with his .328 average and 1.110 OPS.
Luke Hammond, 2B, AAA – Could be a scary major league hitter. Batting .344 with a 1.000+ OPS. Good power numbers for an middle infielder – 17 HR and 85 RBI. Already scored 105 runs.
Cal Matthews, SS, HiA – This organization is stacked. Batting .335 with 18 homers and 85 RBI at both A levels. Also has 28 stolen bases. Just promoted to HiA and of his first three hits, two are home runs.
PHILADELPHIA
Kareem Duckworth, P, HiA - Another guy who is having a hard time adjusting from high school to professional ball. His ceiling is unlimited, but so is his ERA right now (7.13). By the time he turns 21, he'll be smoking the rest of the NL like the Cohiba I've been saving.
Benny Aybar, P, AAA -- This is one I never want to face. His ratings are disgusting. He's 10-6 with a 3.69 ERA and 115 Ks.
Xavier Brooks, P, AAA -- Could be a good closer. Could be a bust. 3.22 ERA with 39 Ks, but 19 walks and a 16/23 save conversion rate. Who knows? But, I think he's probably worth the gamble.
PITTSBURGH
Ajax Flair, C, HiA -- For an organization beat to shit, they have some great up and coming help. Flair is no exception. He's batting .350 with a .948 OPS and 71 walks.
Warren Hamill, C, AAA -- And then there is Hamill, who is absolutely raking. Batting .336 with a 1.116 OPS, he's crushed 34 homers and driven in 102 runs.
Peter Kim, LF, HiA -- Slowly adjusting to life in A ball, but was killing the rawhide at the Rookie level. Has a combined OPS of 1.000 with a .324 batting average.
Vicente Pineda, SS, LoA -- Another hardhitter from this franchise. Bats .349 with 34 doubles and almost 1:1 K/BB ratio.
Fausto Ordonez, Carl McCurry, Eric Terrell, Orber Nieto...my point is this: ewad could have seriously damaged this franchise. For our sake, he didn't. This organization is loaded.
PORTLAND
Danny Weston, 2B, RL -- A fucking stud of the John Holmes/Wilt Chamberlain mold. Batting .401 with a 1.111 OPS. An all-around champion. I plan on hitting him with a pitch anytime he comes to the plate against me.
Josias Veras, LF, RL -- Another stud. More Peter North than Weston is. atting .384 with a 1.121 OPS. I plan on plunking this sonofabitch too.
Philip Thompson, SS, HiA -- This organization is scary stacked. OPS of 1.118, 36 home runs and more hits (104) than games played (92).
Octavio Martin, P, AAA -- Should be in the rotation next season. Might even take the call this year in a pinch. Is 11-3 with a 2.63 ERA and 1.15 WHIP. Oh, and the sonofabitch has struck out 135.
RICHMOND
Lawrence Walsh, 2B, RL -- Big upside guy with a consistent stick and solid glove. Not flashy, but very reliable. Bats .310 with a .889 OPS.
Lou Coles, CF, AAA -- Another big upside guy who had a successful stint with the big league club. A singles machine with good speed, batting .372 with 16 steals at AAA.
Don Taylor, SS, LoA -- A .327 batting average with with 14 homers and 76 RBI and an even K/BB ratio. Solid player who can spray hits all over the place.
SAN FRAN
A.J. Lemke, 1B, AA -- At two levels, he is hitting .329 with 12 homers and 87 RBI. Excellent fielder (.995 rating).
John Parrott, RF, AA -- A raker. .357-21-95, more walks than strikeouts and a 1.100 OPS. Not a bad fielder either.
Sammy Unamono, SS, AA -- Another Drew Henson type. 800-ish OPS, .259 BA, but really hasn't grown into his game yet. Could be a star. Could be Gregg Jefferies.
Don Harris, P, AAA -- Solid hurler with a 3.14 ERA and 131 Ks. He could pitch for me. He has the control where Preston Mays has the power.
SAN JUAN
Lawrence Johnson, P, HiA -- 5-2 with a 2.25 ERA in seven starts. Has an amazing 55/9 K/BB ratio. He could seriously skip AA and go straight to AAA. Big stuff.
Reggie Bell, P, AA -- He's 10-5 with a 2.83 ERA and 116 strikeouts this season. Made a smooth transition to AA and could be in the majors by the end of next season.
Hector Marquez, P, HiA -- Doesn't get a tremendous amount of run support, but makes due with a 3.25 ERA and 5:1 K/BB ratio. Just another in a line of quality pitchers.
SANTA FE
Fred Yount, 3B, AA -- A crusher who his making the transition to AA. Batting .317 with a 1.005 OPS at both levels. Has 100 RBI in 103 games and more than half of his hits are for extra bases (39 doubles, a triple and 27 dingers).
Jay O'Keefe, CF, AA -- A good hitter with great speed. Batting .329 mostly on singles. Has stolen 36 bases thus far.
Christy Harris, P, LoA -- 12-4 with a 3.38 ERA and a about 3.5 strikeouts per walk.
SEATTLE
Will Montgomery, 1B, RL -- Seattle's third-round pick is hitting well -- .333 with a 1.175 OPS and 14 home runs. Again, more than half of his hits are for extra bases, which is my big sign for a good hitter.
Mitch Brow, SS, AAA -- He'll be ready next season. Batting .340 with a 1.014 OPS. He's hit 19 homers and 101 RBI.
Vic Trevino, RF, RL -- A big ceiling guy, who is still growing into his game. A 1.113 OPS and .327 average are the highlights.
WASHINGTON D.C.
Jamie Rose, 2B, LoA -- Doing quite well at LoA. Balanced, patient hitter with a 1.101 OPS and a .378 batting average.
Daniel Raines, P, LoA -- Has the makings of a dangerous big league starter. Has a 3.74 ERA with a 1.29 WHIP and 115 strikeouts.
Orlando Franco, P, HiA -- A great pitcher who is going to be a monster control guy someday. Has a 2.45 ERA and a .225 opponent batting average.
LAS VEGAS
Billy Carter, RF, AA – No relation to the former president, Billy Carter has all the makings of a superstar. Bats .304 with a .927 OPS, 21 HR and 87 RBI. Nearly half of his hits are for extra bases. He’s a little carefree at the plate, but that’s why he’s still in the minors.
Milt Strickland, 2B. HiA – Uncle Milty is putting up a fairly impressive .913 OPS for a guy who hits mostly singles. Low strikeout numbers and only four errors in 192 chances. But, he’s a little shit – standing only a couple inches taller than my wife at 5-5. I’ll be interested to see what he can do once he hits puberty.
Dusty McFeely, P, AA – I’ll admit it…I picked this guy over another equally good pitcher simply because his name is hilarious. He gets no run support, but with a 3.03 ERA and 1.27 WHIP, he has proven to be a solid hurler.
LOS ANGELES
Rigo Benitez, 1B, AA – The kid is just raking at all levels. Between AA and HiA, he’s batting .33/.448/.536. He’s walked 53 times and struck out 40, so that counts for something.
Gary Hammond, P, AAA – Hammond has a little Drew Henson in him. The scouts think he’s better than he actually is. He’s 6-9 on the year with a 5.04 ERA. I think he needs to grow into AAA more before he can make that leap. The power is there though – 108 strikeouts in 128.2 innings.
Bert Williams, RF, RL – A big upside guy who needs to hit puberty. Doesn’t really have a baseball player’s body at 5-7. Bats .340 with a .953 OPS. Averages more than one RBI per game.
MEMPHIS
Darryl Standridge, P, AAA -- Darryl is getting a severe tatooing at AAA this season. Perhaps I promoted him too quickly. Has a pretty high ceiling and with any luck, he'll get close to it.
Jesus Reyes, P, AA/HiA -- Jesus isn't afraid to give up a hit, which is something we hope the coaches will fix. But, he also isn't afraid to strike someone out (144 in 141.2 IP).
Chip Hayes, SS, ML -- Hayes made the club and its up to him whether he stays. Batting .221 due to an 0-18 stretch during his first callup. Has superstar caliber batting numbers. Regardless of his S.1 status, he will be the opening day starter at shortstop in S.2.
MILWAUKEE
Carlos Johnson, 1B, AAA – Another bigtime hitter -- .327 BA, 1.156, OPS, 49 HR, 119 RBI. At 23, he has two major league years under his belt, so he’s really just a borderline guy.
Earl Clontz, C, AAA – The other big bat in the AAA lineup belongs to this guy. 30 homers and 124 RBI with a .971 OPS.
Luis Guillen, P, AAA – Weird. This guy’s numbers improve with promotions. I mean, you’d expect him to maintain or even have worse numbers at a higher level. Anyhow, he’s 10-5 with a 4.49 ERA and 128 Ks at three different levels this season.
MINNESOTA
Daniel Swisher, 1B, HiA – Spent some time at AA this season, but his back at HiA and hitting the snot out of the ball. Batting a combined .316 with a .946 OPS.
Harpo Dunn, SS, HiA – The Mayhem’s first round pick has 21 extra base hits, 20 RBI and 22 runs scored in 26 games. Batting .284 with a .917 OPS. Shitty name. Really…who names their kid Harpo?
Julio Fernandez, P, HiA – The best pitcher in an organization with some good arms. Strikes out four times as many batters as he walks. Posting a 12-4 record with a 2.87 ERA in 21 starts.
MONTERREY
Malcolm Bonham, SS, LoA – Probably the highest-rated position player in the organization on everyone’s board. Batting .381 with a 1.145 OPS. Mixes consistent hitting with speed – 28 doubles, five triples, 30 stolen bases and 71 runs scored.
Ken Giovanola, P, AAA – One of two pitchers who have yet to grow into AAA hitting. Gio is 9-10 with a 6.12 ERA and 128Ks.
Trent Milligan, P, AAA – The second of those two pitchers. In four starts since being selected number one overall, he is 0-2 with a 8.41 ERA and 20 Ks.
NASHVILLE
Lawrence O’Donnell, 2B, HiA – Gradually rising through the organization, Lawrence has a .936 OPS at AA and HiA and is batting .334 on the year. He should debut next season some time.
Olmedo Guerrero, RF, RL – Still has another growth spurt left in his lanky 5-9 frame. Could make it to AA this season. Ripping the ball at the RL level -- .472 BA with a 1.442 OPS.
Fred Forbes, RP, AA – Hammer of God closer credentials. A 3.98 ERA with 42-7 K/BB ratio. Converted 20 of 24 save opportunities.
NEW YORK
Sammy Gonzales, C, AAA – A raking catcher, which is refreshing. Has 41 homers and 147 RBI to go with his .328 average and 1.110 OPS.
Luke Hammond, 2B, AAA – Could be a scary major league hitter. Batting .344 with a 1.000+ OPS. Good power numbers for an middle infielder – 17 HR and 85 RBI. Already scored 105 runs.
Cal Matthews, SS, HiA – This organization is stacked. Batting .335 with 18 homers and 85 RBI at both A levels. Also has 28 stolen bases. Just promoted to HiA and of his first three hits, two are home runs.
PHILADELPHIA
Kareem Duckworth, P, HiA - Another guy who is having a hard time adjusting from high school to professional ball. His ceiling is unlimited, but so is his ERA right now (7.13). By the time he turns 21, he'll be smoking the rest of the NL like the Cohiba I've been saving.
Benny Aybar, P, AAA -- This is one I never want to face. His ratings are disgusting. He's 10-6 with a 3.69 ERA and 115 Ks.
Xavier Brooks, P, AAA -- Could be a good closer. Could be a bust. 3.22 ERA with 39 Ks, but 19 walks and a 16/23 save conversion rate. Who knows? But, I think he's probably worth the gamble.
PITTSBURGH
Ajax Flair, C, HiA -- For an organization beat to shit, they have some great up and coming help. Flair is no exception. He's batting .350 with a .948 OPS and 71 walks.
Warren Hamill, C, AAA -- And then there is Hamill, who is absolutely raking. Batting .336 with a 1.116 OPS, he's crushed 34 homers and driven in 102 runs.
Peter Kim, LF, HiA -- Slowly adjusting to life in A ball, but was killing the rawhide at the Rookie level. Has a combined OPS of 1.000 with a .324 batting average.
Vicente Pineda, SS, LoA -- Another hardhitter from this franchise. Bats .349 with 34 doubles and almost 1:1 K/BB ratio.
Fausto Ordonez, Carl McCurry, Eric Terrell, Orber Nieto...my point is this: ewad could have seriously damaged this franchise. For our sake, he didn't. This organization is loaded.
PORTLAND
Danny Weston, 2B, RL -- A fucking stud of the John Holmes/Wilt Chamberlain mold. Batting .401 with a 1.111 OPS. An all-around champion. I plan on hitting him with a pitch anytime he comes to the plate against me.
Josias Veras, LF, RL -- Another stud. More Peter North than Weston is. atting .384 with a 1.121 OPS. I plan on plunking this sonofabitch too.
Philip Thompson, SS, HiA -- This organization is scary stacked. OPS of 1.118, 36 home runs and more hits (104) than games played (92).
Octavio Martin, P, AAA -- Should be in the rotation next season. Might even take the call this year in a pinch. Is 11-3 with a 2.63 ERA and 1.15 WHIP. Oh, and the sonofabitch has struck out 135.
RICHMOND
Lawrence Walsh, 2B, RL -- Big upside guy with a consistent stick and solid glove. Not flashy, but very reliable. Bats .310 with a .889 OPS.
Lou Coles, CF, AAA -- Another big upside guy who had a successful stint with the big league club. A singles machine with good speed, batting .372 with 16 steals at AAA.
Don Taylor, SS, LoA -- A .327 batting average with with 14 homers and 76 RBI and an even K/BB ratio. Solid player who can spray hits all over the place.
SAN FRAN
A.J. Lemke, 1B, AA -- At two levels, he is hitting .329 with 12 homers and 87 RBI. Excellent fielder (.995 rating).
John Parrott, RF, AA -- A raker. .357-21-95, more walks than strikeouts and a 1.100 OPS. Not a bad fielder either.
Sammy Unamono, SS, AA -- Another Drew Henson type. 800-ish OPS, .259 BA, but really hasn't grown into his game yet. Could be a star. Could be Gregg Jefferies.
Don Harris, P, AAA -- Solid hurler with a 3.14 ERA and 131 Ks. He could pitch for me. He has the control where Preston Mays has the power.
SAN JUAN
Lawrence Johnson, P, HiA -- 5-2 with a 2.25 ERA in seven starts. Has an amazing 55/9 K/BB ratio. He could seriously skip AA and go straight to AAA. Big stuff.
Reggie Bell, P, AA -- He's 10-5 with a 2.83 ERA and 116 strikeouts this season. Made a smooth transition to AA and could be in the majors by the end of next season.
Hector Marquez, P, HiA -- Doesn't get a tremendous amount of run support, but makes due with a 3.25 ERA and 5:1 K/BB ratio. Just another in a line of quality pitchers.
SANTA FE
Fred Yount, 3B, AA -- A crusher who his making the transition to AA. Batting .317 with a 1.005 OPS at both levels. Has 100 RBI in 103 games and more than half of his hits are for extra bases (39 doubles, a triple and 27 dingers).
Jay O'Keefe, CF, AA -- A good hitter with great speed. Batting .329 mostly on singles. Has stolen 36 bases thus far.
Christy Harris, P, LoA -- 12-4 with a 3.38 ERA and a about 3.5 strikeouts per walk.
SEATTLE
Will Montgomery, 1B, RL -- Seattle's third-round pick is hitting well -- .333 with a 1.175 OPS and 14 home runs. Again, more than half of his hits are for extra bases, which is my big sign for a good hitter.
Mitch Brow, SS, AAA -- He'll be ready next season. Batting .340 with a 1.014 OPS. He's hit 19 homers and 101 RBI.
Vic Trevino, RF, RL -- A big ceiling guy, who is still growing into his game. A 1.113 OPS and .327 average are the highlights.
WASHINGTON D.C.
Jamie Rose, 2B, LoA -- Doing quite well at LoA. Balanced, patient hitter with a 1.101 OPS and a .378 batting average.
Daniel Raines, P, LoA -- Has the makings of a dangerous big league starter. Has a 3.74 ERA with a 1.29 WHIP and 115 strikeouts.
Orlando Franco, P, HiA -- A great pitcher who is going to be a monster control guy someday. Has a 2.45 ERA and a .225 opponent batting average.
Blogged with Flock
Monday, March 3, 2008
Top Prospects Report
I had planned on doing this for a while, but hat tip to bentschride for lighting a fire under my ass and suggesting I do this.
A couple of notes. First, you can't be a prospect at age 25. The whole point of being a prospect is being young, developing talent. A 25-year-old AAA player is a journeyman, not a prospect. Second, this is the first half or so. I'm going to post the second half tomorrow night.
Top prospects report:
ATLANTA
Kip Davis, LF, AA -- The Dawgs first-rounder has adjusted nicely to AA pitching, batting .285-3-26 in 137 AB.
Damian Feng, UT, AA -- This guy does everything. He plays all IF and OF positions, he cuts an imposing figure at the plate (6-3) and he hits the ball well (.301-10-50 in 86 milb games).
Vlad Owen, P, AA -- (Atlanta's AA is tight!) Started the season in the AAA bullpen and is learning to be a starter at AA with good results (5-3, 3.22, 44Ks).
AUGUSTA
Richard Peters, LF, HiA -- He's such a good player that he was promoted to HiA and immediately inactivated. A patient hitter, who in 44 games at LoA was .288/.411/.540. Just don't call him Dick.
Les Stevenson, CF, AAA -- Talk about a guy with a ceiling. Superstar potential who has torn through pitching at AA and AAA. Hitting homers at a Nerio-like pace (21 in 77 games). Bats .349 with a 1.097 OPS at both levels.
Sergio Lewis, P, AAA -- Made his debut and pitched 8 innings in 2 starts. At AAA, he's 10-2 with a 3.27 ERA and 123 Ks.
AUSTIN
Dennis Howell, SS, HiA -- Another big ceiling guy who has solid hitting credentials. Batting a combined .347 with a respectable .939 at both A levels, although more than 2/3 of his hits are singles.
Darryl Bravo, LF, AA -- Great name, great hitter. Batting .347-17-52 with a 1.220 OPS. Has almost a 1:1 K/BB ratio.
Allen Glynn, P, AA -- 13-4 with a 3.40 this season between HiA and AA. Power pitcher with control -- 143 Ks and 28 walks in 135 innings pitched.
BOSTON
Jamie Yamamoto, RF, AA -- Bats .324 with 24 homers and 97 RBI and a 1.132 OPS. Slick fielder with one error in 129 chances.
Willie Trajano, SP, AA -- Dominating starter who made a quick jump from HiA (1-1, 0.69 ERA) to AA (10-1, 2.56). Cy Young quality pitcher who is holding opposing hitters to a .207 average.
Danny Duran, RP, AA -- In 88.2 IP at HiA and AA, Duran has a 2.84 ERA and 108 Ks. Has converted six of eight saves. A stud.
BUFFALO
Bartolo Cordero, 2B, LoA -- Crushing the ball at LoA -- .392 BA, .490 OBP, 1.111 OPS. Has 33 steals. Attributes speed to a need to stay warm -- "Es, how do you say, fucking cold in this place."
Shooter Kennedy, SS, HiA -- Cracked 30 doubles and five triples to make the .342 BA even more impressive. Stolen 20 bases this year. Sick of the Shooter McGavin reference from Happy Gilmore.
Pat Biggio, RP, LoA -- This Ohioan was selected in the first round and rather than going South, ended up only a couple hours away from home. Hasn't let the cold stop him from kicking people's asses. In 15 games, he's 6/7 in save opportunities, with a 1.10 ERA and 0.67 WHIP. Better, he has struck out 19 Ks and walked only two.
BURLINGTON
Javier Gonzalez, P, AAA -- A 3:1 K/BB ratio highlight a strong resume for this hurler. His 3.35 ERA is overshadowed by an obvious lack of run support (8-6 record).
Cory Downs, RP, AAA -- Future fireman who has converted 23-of-26 save opps. Gets better: 0.70 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, .158 opponent BA, three earned runs in 30 appearances.
Earl Rader, CF, RL -- Another great name. Bats .346-7-26 in 153 at bats. Currently posts a 1.003 OPS.
CHARLOTTE
Rob Spivey, 1B, AAA -- This kid is going to be trouble at the plate. Batting .272-32-89 with a .913 OPS. More than half of his hits are for extra bases, including 23 doubles.
Charles Torrealba, RF, LoA -- 47 doubles and 17 home runs. Forget the .972 OPS and 85 RBI. This kid is going to be a dangerous run producer.
Zeus Quinn, RP, AAA -- He might not be the best pitcher on the Webs, but he has the best name and that's enough for me. 7-2 with a 2.62 ERA in long relief. Holds opposing hitters to a .200 opposing BA.
CHICAGO
Stretch Wyatt, 3B, AAA -- Here's what I can't understand. He's one of the top prospects in the world. He's got ML leadoff potential and speed (42 SB) and .800+ OPS. But, he's on his fourth franchise this season. Does he have leprosy? Herpes? Does he smell bad?
Wendell Clement, SS, RL -- A 1.149 OPS and a .342 average would have been enough for me, but then he goes and give me the intangible -- more than 50 percent of his hits are for extra bases. He could be in AA by the end of next season.
Albert Montero, P, RL -- Chicago's deep draft shows in with its staff ace. 6-1 with a 2.36 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and nearly 4:1 K/BB ratio.
CINCI
Darren Thomas, CF, AAA -- A huge upside guy having an off year. Thomas is batting .257/.330/.801 with 17 homers. But, he's a damn wind machine (strikes out once every 4.75 at bats).
Ron Freel, P, AAA -- With any luck, this Cincinnati Freel doesn't have an imaginary friend. 2-3 with a 4.18 ERA, but only 15 walks in 51.2 IP. He'll miss the rest of the season with elbow surgery.
Adam Hudson, 2B, LoA -- Bats .396/.470/.610. A solid second baseman. Nothing flashy, but he just produces and does so consistently. But, he needs to shave the soul patch.
CLEVELAND
Artie Bush, RF, AA -- Funny, he doesn't look like an Artie. Anyhow, a solid, consistent hitter who just gets the job done.
Nick Dickerson, SS, AAA -- Horrid name. Five-tool skills who averages an RBI a game. Bats .328 with a .939 OPS.
Tommy Beamon, P, AAA -- Sounds like the kid who you always want on your side in a fight. Anyhow, having some trouble adjusting to AAA hitting, but still putting together a good year. 9-5 with a 3.53 ERA and about 3.5 strikeouts per walk.
COLORADO
Juan Paz, UT, AAA -- Starts at shortstop, but I get the impression that Paz could play any position he wants. He's batting .341/.424/.577 with 16 homers and 83 RBI.
Rob Mays, RF, AAA -- The slugger at AAA with 33 home runs. Already surpassed the century mark in hits and runs and getting close in RBI and walks. Yeah. Walks. Has a 1.102 OPS which is impressive considering his .445 OBP.
Hulk Holt, UT, AAA -- Having no problems transitioning to AAA. Batting .350, with a 1.138 OPS, 31 HR, 125 RBI and 42 doubles this season.
Spy's note: This system is loaded. Watch these guys reel off a couple WS wins in about a year or two.
COLORADO SPRINGS
John Boyer, P, RL -- Another upside guy off to a slow start: 1-2, 5.93 ERA.
Jack Hampton, P, AAA -- Solid late innings guy, with good stamina (averages 2+ innings per appearance). Highlights are a 1.50 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 95 Ks and a snazzy mustache.
Dennis McCartin, RF, AA -- A patient hitter with who will be a good, but probably not great player. Bats .297 with 14 homers and 63 RBI. Nice fielder though -- only one error in 95 chances.
COLUMBUS
Davey Guerrero, 1B, AAA -- You know when you see a guy and you can tell that he's just going to get better and better, even though he's better than most of the guys above and around him? This is one of those guys. He's batting .300 with a .947 OPS and 24 homers.
Eric Ramsay, SS, HiA -- Another high ceiling guy who is sitting on an inactive roster. I'm beginning to dislike the Sim roster management. We're talking about a guy with a 1.054 OPS and 17 home runs. Sonsabitches.
Adam Spence, P, AA -- I like this kid, even with his silly looking goatee. Yes, he's given up 20 home runs and 138 hits. But, he's 13-4, effectively disposes of hitters and only has a 3.80 ERA. Could be the perfect innings eating No. 5 guy in a year or two.
DETROIT
Ben Dixon, P, LoA -- Another strong pitcher with good credentials -- 2.87 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 36 Ks. This kid is going to be a star.
Gary Lynch, P, AA -- Not adjusting to AA well, nor is his mullet. Strikes out four batters for every one that he walks. Gives up a lot of hits -- opposing hitters are batting .289 against him.
Vic Romano, DH, AAA -- Likes hitting the ball, not fielding it. 25 home runs, 98 RBI and a .378 batting average. But, without revealing any numbers, let's just say that his fielding ratings, well, suck.
KANSAS CITY
Matt Jones, UT, AAA -- Pencil him in at 3B, but expect him to play everywhere. Jones has great versatility and provides a stable bat (.288 with a .842 OPS). He's no superstar, but he is going to be a nice number seven hitter for someone.
Al Hodges, P, HiA -- Totally skipped AA, which suits him fine. Carries a 3.50 ERA with a .250 OAV. Has No.1 starter stuff, which given his future rotationmates scares the crap out of me.
Humberto Gozalez, P, HiA -- Converted 14 of 20 save opps between HiA, AA, and AAA. Perhaps he was rushed a tad. Anyhow, he's back at HiA and doing fine. Has big league stuff and will be a force.
A couple of notes. First, you can't be a prospect at age 25. The whole point of being a prospect is being young, developing talent. A 25-year-old AAA player is a journeyman, not a prospect. Second, this is the first half or so. I'm going to post the second half tomorrow night.
Top prospects report:
ATLANTA
Kip Davis, LF, AA -- The Dawgs first-rounder has adjusted nicely to AA pitching, batting .285-3-26 in 137 AB.
Damian Feng, UT, AA -- This guy does everything. He plays all IF and OF positions, he cuts an imposing figure at the plate (6-3) and he hits the ball well (.301-10-50 in 86 milb games).
Vlad Owen, P, AA -- (Atlanta's AA is tight!) Started the season in the AAA bullpen and is learning to be a starter at AA with good results (5-3, 3.22, 44Ks).
AUGUSTA
Richard Peters, LF, HiA -- He's such a good player that he was promoted to HiA and immediately inactivated. A patient hitter, who in 44 games at LoA was .288/.411/.540. Just don't call him Dick.
Les Stevenson, CF, AAA -- Talk about a guy with a ceiling. Superstar potential who has torn through pitching at AA and AAA. Hitting homers at a Nerio-like pace (21 in 77 games). Bats .349 with a 1.097 OPS at both levels.
Sergio Lewis, P, AAA -- Made his debut and pitched 8 innings in 2 starts. At AAA, he's 10-2 with a 3.27 ERA and 123 Ks.
AUSTIN
Dennis Howell, SS, HiA -- Another big ceiling guy who has solid hitting credentials. Batting a combined .347 with a respectable .939 at both A levels, although more than 2/3 of his hits are singles.
Darryl Bravo, LF, AA -- Great name, great hitter. Batting .347-17-52 with a 1.220 OPS. Has almost a 1:1 K/BB ratio.
Allen Glynn, P, AA -- 13-4 with a 3.40 this season between HiA and AA. Power pitcher with control -- 143 Ks and 28 walks in 135 innings pitched.
BOSTON
Jamie Yamamoto, RF, AA -- Bats .324 with 24 homers and 97 RBI and a 1.132 OPS. Slick fielder with one error in 129 chances.
Willie Trajano, SP, AA -- Dominating starter who made a quick jump from HiA (1-1, 0.69 ERA) to AA (10-1, 2.56). Cy Young quality pitcher who is holding opposing hitters to a .207 average.
Danny Duran, RP, AA -- In 88.2 IP at HiA and AA, Duran has a 2.84 ERA and 108 Ks. Has converted six of eight saves. A stud.
BUFFALO
Bartolo Cordero, 2B, LoA -- Crushing the ball at LoA -- .392 BA, .490 OBP, 1.111 OPS. Has 33 steals. Attributes speed to a need to stay warm -- "Es, how do you say, fucking cold in this place."
Shooter Kennedy, SS, HiA -- Cracked 30 doubles and five triples to make the .342 BA even more impressive. Stolen 20 bases this year. Sick of the Shooter McGavin reference from Happy Gilmore.
Pat Biggio, RP, LoA -- This Ohioan was selected in the first round and rather than going South, ended up only a couple hours away from home. Hasn't let the cold stop him from kicking people's asses. In 15 games, he's 6/7 in save opportunities, with a 1.10 ERA and 0.67 WHIP. Better, he has struck out 19 Ks and walked only two.
BURLINGTON
Javier Gonzalez, P, AAA -- A 3:1 K/BB ratio highlight a strong resume for this hurler. His 3.35 ERA is overshadowed by an obvious lack of run support (8-6 record).
Cory Downs, RP, AAA -- Future fireman who has converted 23-of-26 save opps. Gets better: 0.70 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, .158 opponent BA, three earned runs in 30 appearances.
Earl Rader, CF, RL -- Another great name. Bats .346-7-26 in 153 at bats. Currently posts a 1.003 OPS.
CHARLOTTE
Rob Spivey, 1B, AAA -- This kid is going to be trouble at the plate. Batting .272-32-89 with a .913 OPS. More than half of his hits are for extra bases, including 23 doubles.
Charles Torrealba, RF, LoA -- 47 doubles and 17 home runs. Forget the .972 OPS and 85 RBI. This kid is going to be a dangerous run producer.
Zeus Quinn, RP, AAA -- He might not be the best pitcher on the Webs, but he has the best name and that's enough for me. 7-2 with a 2.62 ERA in long relief. Holds opposing hitters to a .200 opposing BA.
CHICAGO
Stretch Wyatt, 3B, AAA -- Here's what I can't understand. He's one of the top prospects in the world. He's got ML leadoff potential and speed (42 SB) and .800+ OPS. But, he's on his fourth franchise this season. Does he have leprosy? Herpes? Does he smell bad?
Wendell Clement, SS, RL -- A 1.149 OPS and a .342 average would have been enough for me, but then he goes and give me the intangible -- more than 50 percent of his hits are for extra bases. He could be in AA by the end of next season.
Albert Montero, P, RL -- Chicago's deep draft shows in with its staff ace. 6-1 with a 2.36 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and nearly 4:1 K/BB ratio.
CINCI
Darren Thomas, CF, AAA -- A huge upside guy having an off year. Thomas is batting .257/.330/.801 with 17 homers. But, he's a damn wind machine (strikes out once every 4.75 at bats).
Ron Freel, P, AAA -- With any luck, this Cincinnati Freel doesn't have an imaginary friend. 2-3 with a 4.18 ERA, but only 15 walks in 51.2 IP. He'll miss the rest of the season with elbow surgery.
Adam Hudson, 2B, LoA -- Bats .396/.470/.610. A solid second baseman. Nothing flashy, but he just produces and does so consistently. But, he needs to shave the soul patch.
CLEVELAND
Artie Bush, RF, AA -- Funny, he doesn't look like an Artie. Anyhow, a solid, consistent hitter who just gets the job done.
Nick Dickerson, SS, AAA -- Horrid name. Five-tool skills who averages an RBI a game. Bats .328 with a .939 OPS.
Tommy Beamon, P, AAA -- Sounds like the kid who you always want on your side in a fight. Anyhow, having some trouble adjusting to AAA hitting, but still putting together a good year. 9-5 with a 3.53 ERA and about 3.5 strikeouts per walk.
COLORADO
Juan Paz, UT, AAA -- Starts at shortstop, but I get the impression that Paz could play any position he wants. He's batting .341/.424/.577 with 16 homers and 83 RBI.
Rob Mays, RF, AAA -- The slugger at AAA with 33 home runs. Already surpassed the century mark in hits and runs and getting close in RBI and walks. Yeah. Walks. Has a 1.102 OPS which is impressive considering his .445 OBP.
Hulk Holt, UT, AAA -- Having no problems transitioning to AAA. Batting .350, with a 1.138 OPS, 31 HR, 125 RBI and 42 doubles this season.
Spy's note: This system is loaded. Watch these guys reel off a couple WS wins in about a year or two.
COLORADO SPRINGS
John Boyer, P, RL -- Another upside guy off to a slow start: 1-2, 5.93 ERA.
Jack Hampton, P, AAA -- Solid late innings guy, with good stamina (averages 2+ innings per appearance). Highlights are a 1.50 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 95 Ks and a snazzy mustache.
Dennis McCartin, RF, AA -- A patient hitter with who will be a good, but probably not great player. Bats .297 with 14 homers and 63 RBI. Nice fielder though -- only one error in 95 chances.
COLUMBUS
Davey Guerrero, 1B, AAA -- You know when you see a guy and you can tell that he's just going to get better and better, even though he's better than most of the guys above and around him? This is one of those guys. He's batting .300 with a .947 OPS and 24 homers.
Eric Ramsay, SS, HiA -- Another high ceiling guy who is sitting on an inactive roster. I'm beginning to dislike the Sim roster management. We're talking about a guy with a 1.054 OPS and 17 home runs. Sonsabitches.
Adam Spence, P, AA -- I like this kid, even with his silly looking goatee. Yes, he's given up 20 home runs and 138 hits. But, he's 13-4, effectively disposes of hitters and only has a 3.80 ERA. Could be the perfect innings eating No. 5 guy in a year or two.
DETROIT
Ben Dixon, P, LoA -- Another strong pitcher with good credentials -- 2.87 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 36 Ks. This kid is going to be a star.
Gary Lynch, P, AA -- Not adjusting to AA well, nor is his mullet. Strikes out four batters for every one that he walks. Gives up a lot of hits -- opposing hitters are batting .289 against him.
Vic Romano, DH, AAA -- Likes hitting the ball, not fielding it. 25 home runs, 98 RBI and a .378 batting average. But, without revealing any numbers, let's just say that his fielding ratings, well, suck.
KANSAS CITY
Matt Jones, UT, AAA -- Pencil him in at 3B, but expect him to play everywhere. Jones has great versatility and provides a stable bat (.288 with a .842 OPS). He's no superstar, but he is going to be a nice number seven hitter for someone.
Al Hodges, P, HiA -- Totally skipped AA, which suits him fine. Carries a 3.50 ERA with a .250 OAV. Has No.1 starter stuff, which given his future rotationmates scares the crap out of me.
Humberto Gozalez, P, HiA -- Converted 14 of 20 save opps between HiA, AA, and AAA. Perhaps he was rushed a tad. Anyhow, he's back at HiA and doing fine. Has big league stuff and will be a force.
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Sunday, March 2, 2008
Top Free Agents::Pitchers
One of my journalistic heroes (yes I have them...I know I'm odd) is Peter Gammons. Every so often in his ESPN insider column, he whips out the top free agents list. I thought we'd give it a shot here. We'll break this up into a pitchers and position players list.
Erubiel Rosado, SP, R, 34, D.C., $5.8m: The number two in the Washington rotation, Rosado is 11-3 with a 4.43 ERA. He strikes out two batters for every one that he walks (106-50) and averages nearly seven innings per start. But, he's given up 13 home runs this year and nearly every run he surrendered has been earned (67 of 70). I'm sure someone will pay him $7m.
Cory Redding, SP, R, 36, Memphis, $5.4m: I traded for Cory Redding because I was looking for an innings eater. He's gone above and beyond, posting a 9-6 record and a 4.12 ERA. Redding has struck out 88 in 137.2 innings pitched. I'm not a fan of his propensity of giving up hits (.285 BA). I have no idea if I'll resign him.
J.J. Lambert, SP, R, 33, Milwaukee, $5.8m: Lambert is the classic innings eating starter. More than 7 1/2 innings per start and five complete games are definite strengths. He gives up a lot of hits (151) and has surrendered 18 home runs. But, a nice pitcher overall.
Note: The pitching market is thin this year.
Erubiel Rosado, SP, R, 34, D.C., $5.8m: The number two in the Washington rotation, Rosado is 11-3 with a 4.43 ERA. He strikes out two batters for every one that he walks (106-50) and averages nearly seven innings per start. But, he's given up 13 home runs this year and nearly every run he surrendered has been earned (67 of 70). I'm sure someone will pay him $7m.
Cory Redding, SP, R, 36, Memphis, $5.4m: I traded for Cory Redding because I was looking for an innings eater. He's gone above and beyond, posting a 9-6 record and a 4.12 ERA. Redding has struck out 88 in 137.2 innings pitched. I'm not a fan of his propensity of giving up hits (.285 BA). I have no idea if I'll resign him.
J.J. Lambert, SP, R, 33, Milwaukee, $5.8m: Lambert is the classic innings eating starter. More than 7 1/2 innings per start and five complete games are definite strengths. He gives up a lot of hits (151) and has surrendered 18 home runs. But, a nice pitcher overall.
Note: The pitching market is thin this year.
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Top Free Agents:::Position Players
One of my journalistic heroes (yes I have them...I know I'm odd) is Peter Gammons. Every so often in his ESPN insider column, he whips out the top free agents list. I thought we'd give it a shot here. We'll break this up into a pitchers and position players list.
Lefty Hodges, LF, 28, L/L, Burlington, $3.8m: Hodges bats .304 with a .374 on-base percentage. He adds speed at the top of the lineup with 42 stolen bases. Of course, Johnny Damon looked nice at 28. Now, he can barely get the ball from centerfield to second base without running it halfway in.
Len Heiserman, 1B, 31, R/R, Milwaukee, $6.5m: Heiserman is a top-five home run hitter this season, looking to cash in during a contract year. His 1.156 OPS, paired with a .326 batting average makes him one of the most imposing threats in baseball. And, he walks (57) more than he strikes out (52). At 31, this is his jackpot year.
George Cora, CF, 34, S/L, Colorado, $5.6m: This switch-hitting centerfielder could be the darkhorse of the free agent class. He just broke 100 hits for the year, has 29 home runs and 84 RBI. At 34 years old, he shows his speed with 15 stolen bases. Batting .313 with a 1.070 OPS, Cora is looking for a retirement team and could make a perfect veteran DH in the American League.
Andy Vickers, IF, 30, R/R, Nashville, $1.58m: Vickers has already made one move this season (a trade from Colorado to Nashville). With 27 home runs and 60 RBI, he is position to get a raise from his arbitrated number of $1.58m. Vickers has a 1.094 OPS and has raised his average 30 points since moving to Nashville.
Javier Johnson, 1B, 33, R/R, Nashville, $5.6m: Speaking of Nashville, singles machine Javier Johnson is slated to hit the market looking to maintain or raise his current salary. With 121 hits (93 of them singles) and a .339 batting average, he is an unconventional corner bat (moderate-to-low power numbers).
Steve Austin, CF, 30, L/L, Cincinnati, $4.88m: I hesitated to add Austin to this list. His relative lack of durability (took a spin on the DL this season) and lack of speed on the basepaths turn me off. But, he's hitting .338 with 22 home runs and a 1.076 OPS in a free agent year, so he's on the list.
Lefty Hodges, LF, 28, L/L, Burlington, $3.8m: Hodges bats .304 with a .374 on-base percentage. He adds speed at the top of the lineup with 42 stolen bases. Of course, Johnny Damon looked nice at 28. Now, he can barely get the ball from centerfield to second base without running it halfway in.
Len Heiserman, 1B, 31, R/R, Milwaukee, $6.5m: Heiserman is a top-five home run hitter this season, looking to cash in during a contract year. His 1.156 OPS, paired with a .326 batting average makes him one of the most imposing threats in baseball. And, he walks (57) more than he strikes out (52). At 31, this is his jackpot year.
George Cora, CF, 34, S/L, Colorado, $5.6m: This switch-hitting centerfielder could be the darkhorse of the free agent class. He just broke 100 hits for the year, has 29 home runs and 84 RBI. At 34 years old, he shows his speed with 15 stolen bases. Batting .313 with a 1.070 OPS, Cora is looking for a retirement team and could make a perfect veteran DH in the American League.
Andy Vickers, IF, 30, R/R, Nashville, $1.58m: Vickers has already made one move this season (a trade from Colorado to Nashville). With 27 home runs and 60 RBI, he is position to get a raise from his arbitrated number of $1.58m. Vickers has a 1.094 OPS and has raised his average 30 points since moving to Nashville.
Javier Johnson, 1B, 33, R/R, Nashville, $5.6m: Speaking of Nashville, singles machine Javier Johnson is slated to hit the market looking to maintain or raise his current salary. With 121 hits (93 of them singles) and a .339 batting average, he is an unconventional corner bat (moderate-to-low power numbers).
Steve Austin, CF, 30, L/L, Cincinnati, $4.88m: I hesitated to add Austin to this list. His relative lack of durability (took a spin on the DL this season) and lack of speed on the basepaths turn me off. But, he's hitting .338 with 22 home runs and a 1.076 OPS in a free agent year, so he's on the list.
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We're Going Streaking!!!
Buffalo's Antonio Gao has the Onion's longest current hitting streak at 25.Gao is 37/100 in during this span (.370) with nine multi-hit games. Gao has doubles and home runs, but no triples during the streak. The first baseman hails from Kobe, Japan where I here the steaks are pretty good.
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Nerio Watch
I've been away from the wheel for a few days, enjoying the quiet of the weekend and the cavalcade of college basketball on my television (I have the ESPN Full Court package). A crushing loss for Syracuse, a great Gtown-Marquette game and my St. Bonaventure Bonnies won! Beat St. Louis on the road by 20. And, it was on television.
Anyhow, in an effort to get back into the blog, I figured it was time for a Nerio Watch. These are coming fewer and farer in between because, well, Nerio is falling apart.
Nerio has slowed to a .309 batting average with 49 home runs in 96 games. Everyone's favorite Masshole has three home runs in his past two games.
At this current pace (49 HR in 375 at bats), Nerio averages one home run every 7.66 at bats. If he gets 600 at bats, he will hit 78 home runs.
Anyhow, in an effort to get back into the blog, I figured it was time for a Nerio Watch. These are coming fewer and farer in between because, well, Nerio is falling apart.
Nerio has slowed to a .309 batting average with 49 home runs in 96 games. Everyone's favorite Masshole has three home runs in his past two games.
At this current pace (49 HR in 375 at bats), Nerio averages one home run every 7.66 at bats. If he gets 600 at bats, he will hit 78 home runs.
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