These prospect rankings are not exactly “true” rankings, in that rather than select the top talent and break it down division by division, I have instead selected the top player in each team’s farm system and ranked those players against the talent in his respective division. This not only cut the length of my project in half, it also profiles a player from every team in the league, leaving no one out of the fun. I have linked every name in the article so that you can bring up the profile for reference.
North
1. J.P. Taveras, SP, Montreal Expos
The 24-year old flamethrower is already major league ready, and might have began season two with the parent club if not for being sidelined by major knee surgery after just three starts in season one. Montreal’s patience with the future ace has paid big dividends if his AAA production can be matched at the major league level. In 20 starts Taveras is 9-2 with a paltry 3.16 ERA, 151 strikeouts, and an opponent’s average of just .236. The big Venezuelan lives on a fastball that sits 94-95 and has a dominating slider that will get better. He commands both pitches well, but has a tendency to pick around the strike zone instead of challenging hitters with his stuff. He should be a welcome addition to the Expos’ season three rotation, and anchor the staff for the foreseeable future so long as he can avoid the big injury.
2. Bartolo Lopez, LF, Cincinnati Reds
Lopez has displayed monstrous power in his first two pro seasons for Cincinnati, and has not yet suffered from a habit of being fooled by breaking balls. In 79 games at high A this season Lopez was unstoppable, crushing 30 homers while hitting .386 and driving in 103. After a mid-season promotion to AA he has continued his torrid pace slamming 15 more homers and hitting .340. While he does not boast great ability in the outfield his glove shouldn’t be a detriment when he finally reaches the show. Lopez has the bat to be a big star, but he’ll need to listen to his coaches as he continues his ascent. He struggles at times when he tries too hard to pull the ball, and has never seen a pitch at his eyes that he didn’t like. Major league pitchers should be able to neutralize his power with a steady diet of breaking balls, but he should be a frontline slugger and could be in the Reds’ everyday lineup to at the start of next season.
3. Victor Torres, SP, Chicago Cubs
Selected fourth overall by the Cubs in season one, Torres has the stuff to be a frontline starter in the majors, but there are significant questions about his ability to pitch deep into games. At 22, and with significant development remaining, the right-hander may be late in arriving to the majors, but scouts have little doubt that he will be effective, even if it’s out of the bullpen. Torres has been beatable in the minors, but may be hitting his stride at AAA. Through 15 starts he is 6-3 with a 3.05 ERA and averages more than 2-1 strikeouts to walks. A hard thrower who forces hitters to put the ball on the ground, Torres will need to maximize his command of all four pitches to be successful.
4. Willy Marshall, CF, Milwaukee Brewers
Despite his height (6’5”) Marshall may be the fastest thing out of Kentucky since Secretariat. He possesses plus-plus speed and his base running technique and instincts are tops in the system. Marshall will need to improve his batting eye and use his long arms to drive more ground balls through the hole if he wants to be a premier table setter for the Brewers. Through two seasons at AA he has whiffed an eye-popping 190 times, but his ability to hit for extra bases (59 doubles, 11 triples, 22 home runs) could make his strikeouts a moot point. Marshall’s second best attribute is his glove, which already would be among the best in the bigs. His arm rates as average, but his speed and instincts in center will more than compensate when he finally arrives in Milwaukee.
East
1. Walt Hernandez, SP, New York Mets
If you were Walt Hernandez you’d be rich, have a nice Van Gogh mustache, and have 31 other general managers wishing you were their property. After being the first overall pick by the Mets in season two, Hernandez spurned the NFL despite twice being an All-American punter at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. In 10 rookie starts Hernandez has been human, posting a 3.98 ERA and three wins while striking out 56; but his upside is nearly limitless. With a fastball that sits 94-95 and great command of the strike zone with three pitches, Hernandez is equally devastating to both righties and lefties, and a sharp biting changeup forces hitters to pound the ball into the ground with regularity. Hernandez is a sure bet to be among the elite starters in the National League and a perennial 20-game winner. He should be in the bigs by season five.
2. Fonzie Robinson, SP, Pittsburgh Pirates
He may not own a leather jacket, and certainly doesn’t use as much product in his hair, but Robinson is every bit as suave as his television namesake when he’s on the mound. “The Fonz” features a nasty cut fastball, a sharp, 12 to 6 curve, and an above average fastball that explodes on hitters’ hands. In his first pro season Robinson won just eight of his 29 starts, but struck out 179 batters in 164 innings of work, and opponents posted just a .265 average against him. Hitters in high A have found him no more hittable this season, despite a 3-3 record. To date he has limited his walks, but control and his ability to repeat a clean delivery have scouts wondering if he will find success against major league talent. The lefty is effective against hitters from both sides of the plate and has shown an ability to pitch deep into games. His ceiling is as a middle of the rotation starter on a good team, but probably needs a few more years of seasoning in the minors.
3. Enrique Pena, CF, Philadelphia Phillies
Traded to Philadelphia prior to season two with uber-stud Jake Clapp, Pena instantly became the top prospect in the Phillies’ system. Although he lacks blazing speed, Pena has the best glove and range of any outfield prospect in Kinsella, and is rumored to have once caught a pop-foul behind home plate during a game in high school. He has struggled in his first season at AAA, hitting .272 with 55 strikeouts in just under 300 at bats, but is just 19-years old, has an outstanding eye at the plate and above average power. Philly’s lone concern with the fly ball maven is his off season conditioning. Pena struggles to maintain his energy over the course of a full season, leading to inconsistencies at the plate. With time and a re-devotion to his training program Pena’s pros should well outweigh any concerns.
4. Cristian Simmons, RP, Washington Nationals
A crafty left hander who has already amassed 66 saves in two pro seasons, Simmons doesn’t rely on power to get outs; he locates his exploding 87-89 mph fastball and pulls the string on hitters with a plus sinker that forces hitters into bad swings and weak ground balls. He has progressed quickly and handled a jump to AA in season two without missing a beat. If he continues to dominate hitters as he has to date, a spot in Washington’s bullpen could be in the near future, and he could be slamming the door on Nationals’ opponents not long after that.
South
1. Dee Dee Hutton, 1B, Atlanta Braves
The first draft pick in franchise history, “Double-D” Hutton’s combination of pitch selection and patience at the plate combined with his ability to drive the ball to all fields may prove him the most prolific bat selected in season one’s amateur draft. The 21-year old lefty has tagged 67 home runs during the first season and a half of his professional career, amassing 234 RBI, while reaching base .444 percent of the time. Hutton was probably good enough to start for the Braves when he was drafted, but the organization has taken a patient approach with the slugger. He eventually will be one of the most feared run producers in Kinsella history, and may get a chance to shine in the bigs as early as season three.
2. Doug Stewart, SS, Florida Marlins
Selected second overall from Choctaw County HS in season two, Stewart has proven he was worth every penny of the 3.9 million dollar signing bonus Florida eagerly handed him. Since suiting up for the rookie level version of the Fish, he has made mincemeat of pitchers hitting .424 while drawing 24 walks and smashing 10 home runs in just 151 at-bats. An offensive short stop, Stewart projects to a middle of the order slugger who will be an adequate glove up the middle. He displays plus-plus power, an excellent batting eye, and above average ability to make contact. Although he has plus speed, Stewart will need to work on his instincts to be an effective base stealer in the bigs, but the Marlins are hopeful he will be too busy trotting around the bases to concern himself with steals when he arrives in the majors.
3. Hades Ritchie, SP, St. Louis Cardinals
Nicknamed “The Dark Lord” by teammates for his unusual first name, Ritchie will certainly be hell to face in the years to come. Boasting a major league ready four seamer and a sinker that should develop into a plus pitch, he has been dominant in his first pro season; posting an ERA of 2.21 in 10 starts at low A. Ritchie has nearly a 5-1 K/BB ratio in 61 innings and has held opponents to a .225 average. Without the ability to overpower hitters Ritchie will use his outstanding control and penchant for ground outs to be successful at the big league level. He has been working on a circle change that could be an effective out pitch when ready. The 20-year old right hander will benefit from Cardinals’ conditioning program and should mature into a top of the rotation starter, if not an ace.
4. Rex Yearwood, 2B, Houston Astros
Yearwood, who starred in three sports at Churchland High School of Virginia, was a first round selection by the Yankees in season one, and was part of the deal that sent Shea Keefe to New York. Although Yearwood lacks the soft glove and range of a major league second baseman, his on-base prowess and above-average power should make him an everyday player in the majors. His ability to drive the ball against righties would make him ideal in a left field platoon for Houston, and at 19 he has plenty of time to grow into his projections.
West
1. Hi Zaun, 3B, San Fransisco Giants
Selected sixth out of Peoria High School in the season two amateur draft, Zaun is everything a GM could want in a third baseman. A patient hitter with a great feel for the strike zone, he will develop plus power as he matures. His laser arm had scouts thinking he may be better suited in the bullpen, but his bat could be the centerpiece to a potent Giants’ lineup for years to come. 45 games into his first professional season Zaun has shown why he was so highly regarded; batting .333 with 4 homers and 25 doubles. He has already showcased his plus-plus range and cannon arm, and should progress quickly through the system.
2. Alejandro Sosa, SP, Los Angeles Dodgers
Originally signed by Florida for a 12 million dollar bonus and a major league contract during season one, Sosa was dealt to the west coast for closer Carlos Solano in the off season. Already featuring a blazing fastball, a major league quality slider and amazing control for his age, the 19-year old lefty projects as a premier front of the rotation starter. The Venezuelan got a taste of life in the big leagues at the end of season one and impressed, posting a 1-1 record and a 3.26 ERA in three starts. Sosa also recorded an astounding 8-1 K/BB ratio in his brief stint with the parent club. Dodgers’ coaches have been working to develop his changeup, which could develop into an effective third pitch against major league hitters. Sosa has a penchant for late nights with loose women, and barring any STDs could see his first taste of full time major league life in season three.
3. Buddy Truman, SP, San Diego Padres
A labrum tear in his throwing shoulder cut the “Truman Show” short in season one, but the hefty Canadian is showing no lingering effects from the injury as he carves up opposing hitters in AA. The righty has limited hitters to a .233 average against while recording 11 wins and a 3.06 ERA in 23 starts this season. A classic four-pitch pitcher, Truman has outstanding command of the strike zone and may have the best breaking ball of any prospect in Kinsella. He mixes up batters with a hard, late breaking slider and a looping curve that “starts at your nose and ends at your toes.” He has and will continue to struggle with home runs as he faces better competition, but he rarely issues a free pass and is able to buckle down under pressure to avoid the big inning. A stint in the bigs may be possible next year, but it’s more likely that he’ll begin season four in the Padres’ rotation.
4. Carlos Gutierrez, SP, Arizona Diamondbacks
Part of a six-player deal with Boston during Kinsella’s inaugural season, Gutierrez may be the one that got away for Red Sox fans. One of many Venezuelan lefties gracing the landscape, he features a repertoire that will consist of three plus pitches once he has had time to refine them in the minors. Without a power fastball he will rely on deception and above average control to record outs at the major league level. His forkball forces hitters to wait on his pitches, limiting the amount of extra base hits against him. Despite a 3.73 ERA at the AAA level this season, Gutierrez is just 9-10. Playing in the offense-happy Pacific Coast League he has surrendered an uncharacteristic 25 homers to opponents, but has walked just 35 batters in almost 150 innings while striking out 120. He could see some time in the majors in season three, but Arizona could afford to wait for another year of development for this South American jewel.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Weekly Power Rankings
I am going to try to maintain this as a weekly update to the blog. We'll see how it goes. Feel free to make your agreements/disagreements known in the world chat. This first attempt will be focused on the season as a whole, while subsequent versions will focus on the past week.
Current Rank (Previous Rank)
1. (NR) Philadelphia Phillies: Season 69-40, Past Week -
This team had most initimidating lineup by far and an adequate pitching staff that has the comfort of plenty of run support. It's said that great pitching usually beats great hitting. Well that theory will be put to the test in the playoffs this season as the Phillies look to repeat as champs, this time by virtue of a division title instead of last season's wild card route.
2. (NR) Arizona Diamondbacks: Season 71-38, Past Week -
The second best pitching staff in the league paired with an above average offense has led to the best record in the majors. With their Latino trio of starters (Tejada, Diaz, Delgado) as the playoff rotation, they look like the most serious threat to challenge the defending champs as they win their second NL West title.
3. (NR) Chicago White Sox: Season 67-42, Past Week -
The best staff in the AL by a decent margin combined with an average offense puts the White Sox in position to repeat as AL Champs. While their offense does have the potential to be shutdown by top pitching, their staff will keep the games close.
4. (NR) Anaheim Angels: Season 64-45, Past Week -
This team is an AL version of the Phillies, only with a bit less offense and a little better pitching. It's still primarily the offense that puts the fans in the stands and the W's in their column, leading them to another AL West title.
5. (NR) Cincinnati Reds: Season 64-45, Past Week -
The Reds are driven by a good balance of pitching and offense, both above average for the NL and look to repeat as NL North Champs.
6. (NR) Los Angeles Dodgers: Season 68-41, Past Week -
With the probably the best pitching staff in the game and one of the bottom third offenses, this team has been master of the one run victory (25-7) on their way to the 3rd best record. Unfortunately in the playoffs, the offense will likely be shutdown when all they see are top starters.
7. (NR) Boston Red Sox: Season 61-48, Past Week -
Especially right now with Bollea on the DL, this team is the anti-Dodgers as they win their games by outscoring the opposition in slugfests and are poised to repeat as AL East champs. With Bollea back, they become a very dangerous team come playoff time as his precence nearly guarantees 2 wins in a 5 game series or 3 wins in a 7 game series.
8. (NR) Toronto Blue Jays: Season 60-49, Past Week -
Much like the Red Sox, they are winning their games with the bats. Unlike the Red Sox, they don't have an ace coming back and are going to have an uphill climb come playoff time.
9. (NR) Tampa Bay Devil Rays: Season 65-44, Past Week -
With an offense that is a little below average and an above average pitching staff, the Rays have been the AL masters of good fortune in one-run games with a record of 22-11 and giving them the inside track to repeat as AL South champs. Unless reigning AL MVP Julio goes on a terror, their playoff run will be a short one.
10. (NR) Kansas City Royals: Season 60-49, Past Week -
This team has a very similar build as Tampa with an average offense and above average pitching. The Royals have the added benefit of a legitimate ace in Rivera which gives this team the potential to ride his back for a couple of playoff rounds.
Dropped Out: N/A
Current Rank (Previous Rank)
1. (NR) Philadelphia Phillies: Season 69-40, Past Week -
This team had most initimidating lineup by far and an adequate pitching staff that has the comfort of plenty of run support. It's said that great pitching usually beats great hitting. Well that theory will be put to the test in the playoffs this season as the Phillies look to repeat as champs, this time by virtue of a division title instead of last season's wild card route.
2. (NR) Arizona Diamondbacks: Season 71-38, Past Week -
The second best pitching staff in the league paired with an above average offense has led to the best record in the majors. With their Latino trio of starters (Tejada, Diaz, Delgado) as the playoff rotation, they look like the most serious threat to challenge the defending champs as they win their second NL West title.
3. (NR) Chicago White Sox: Season 67-42, Past Week -
The best staff in the AL by a decent margin combined with an average offense puts the White Sox in position to repeat as AL Champs. While their offense does have the potential to be shutdown by top pitching, their staff will keep the games close.
4. (NR) Anaheim Angels: Season 64-45, Past Week -
This team is an AL version of the Phillies, only with a bit less offense and a little better pitching. It's still primarily the offense that puts the fans in the stands and the W's in their column, leading them to another AL West title.
5. (NR) Cincinnati Reds: Season 64-45, Past Week -
The Reds are driven by a good balance of pitching and offense, both above average for the NL and look to repeat as NL North Champs.
6. (NR) Los Angeles Dodgers: Season 68-41, Past Week -
With the probably the best pitching staff in the game and one of the bottom third offenses, this team has been master of the one run victory (25-7) on their way to the 3rd best record. Unfortunately in the playoffs, the offense will likely be shutdown when all they see are top starters.
7. (NR) Boston Red Sox: Season 61-48, Past Week -
Especially right now with Bollea on the DL, this team is the anti-Dodgers as they win their games by outscoring the opposition in slugfests and are poised to repeat as AL East champs. With Bollea back, they become a very dangerous team come playoff time as his precence nearly guarantees 2 wins in a 5 game series or 3 wins in a 7 game series.
8. (NR) Toronto Blue Jays: Season 60-49, Past Week -
Much like the Red Sox, they are winning their games with the bats. Unlike the Red Sox, they don't have an ace coming back and are going to have an uphill climb come playoff time.
9. (NR) Tampa Bay Devil Rays: Season 65-44, Past Week -
With an offense that is a little below average and an above average pitching staff, the Rays have been the AL masters of good fortune in one-run games with a record of 22-11 and giving them the inside track to repeat as AL South champs. Unless reigning AL MVP Julio goes on a terror, their playoff run will be a short one.
10. (NR) Kansas City Royals: Season 60-49, Past Week -
This team has a very similar build as Tampa with an average offense and above average pitching. The Royals have the added benefit of a legitimate ace in Rivera which gives this team the potential to ride his back for a couple of playoff rounds.
Dropped Out: N/A
Season 2: The 2/3 Season Awards
Now that the All-Star game has come and gone (AL Domination!), my focus is now on the postseason awards.
AL
MVP: Valerio Guillen of the Boston Red Sox is having an amazing rookie season as he leads the league in homers and RBIs while being among the league leaders in batting average, on base percentage, and slugging. He was also a two-time recipient of player of the week.
Runners-up: Darryl Whitaker of the Anaheim Angels is leading the league in slugging and among the leaders in batting average, home runs, and RBIs.
B.C. Javier of the Charlotte Knights is among the league leaders in home runs, RBIs, batting average, on base percentage, and slugging.
Cy Young: Until the injury bug bit, Jeff Bollea of the Boston Red Sox was running away with this award. With him out of the picture, Patrick Rivera of the Kansas City Royals is currently the front-runner. He leads the league in wins (16) and strikeouts (168) and is among the leaders in ERA (4th, 2.74), WHIP (4th, 1.17), and Innings (T5th, 161).
Runners-up: It appears that run support may be the biggest obstacle this season to Darren Chance of the Chicago White Sox winning the Cy Young award. He is actually slightly better than Rivera in the two major categories: ERA (3rd, 2.68) and WHIP (1st, 1.01). His innings pitched (T5th, 161) are equal and he barely trails in strikeouts (2nd, 163). It's his win-loss record (9-6) that is his downfall, which is actually surprising since he pitches for the team with the best record in the league.
Part time starter, part time reliever Turner Mordecai of the Charlotte Knights has been full-time brilliant this season. Due to the fact that he normally doesn't pitch deep enough when he starts to earn a win, his record will never win the Cy, but his other statistics are very impressive: ERA 1.79 (1st) and WHIP 1.03 (2nd).
Rookie of the Year: MVP frontrunner Valerio Guillen of the Boston Red Sox is running away with this award as no one comes close to his production.
Fireman: With this boring award that is decided by a simple calculation in which we have no input, here are the leaders: Vic Castillo of the Kansas City Royals, Leon Owens of the Anaheim Angels, and Karim Wallace of the Boston Red Sox.
NL
MVP: Superstar shortstop Jake Clapp of the Philadelphia Phillies is having a season for the ages as he currently has a great shot at the triple crown. Winning his second consecutive MVP award would be a big addition to his hall of fame resume.
Runners-up: Rookie first baseman Pedro Garrido also of the Philadelphia Phillies has been close to the statistical equal of Clapp at the plate as he slightly trails him in each category. If not for his recent injury, he might have overtaken Clapp, though Clapp's defensive contributions as a shortstop also add great value to his case.
Since moving to the NL, Hayes Swann of the Florida Marlins has picked up right where he left off on his way to being among the leaders in batting average, on base percentage, and slugging. While he finished a close second in last season's AL MVP race, he looks like a distant third at this point in the NL.
Cy Young: Felipe Tejada of the Arizona Diamondbacks has been nothing short of masterful this season as he leads the league in every meaningful category for starters: wins (17), ERA (2.15), WHIP (1.03), Strikeouts (157), Innings (204.2), Opponents Avg. (.196). To this point, he is looking like a unanimous choice.
Runners-up: Thanks to Tejada, the great season by Ozzie Percival of the Washington Nationals will go mostly overlooked. He is very close, but slightly trails Tejada in all major categories: wins (T2nd, 15), ERA (2nd, 2.45), WHIP (T3rd, 1.09), Strikeouts (T8th, 119), Innings (2nd, 179.2), Opponents Avg (4th, .218).
In a distant third is Paul Hujimoto of the San Francisco Giants. His biggest edge that puts him in this slot is his gaudy 15-3 record to go along with some excellent stats: ERA 2.73 (T5th), WHIP 1.19 (13th), Strikeouts 111 (13th), Innings 161.2 (7th), Opponents Avg. .243 (18th)
Rookie of the Year: Like Guillen in the AL, Pedro Garrido of the Philadelphia Phillies is destoying the field for the NL award and looks to be a unanimous pick.
Fireman: Frontrunners for the boring award include Daniel Kennedy of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Cliff Kaline of the Cincinnati Reds, and Ryan Hamelin of the San Francisco Giants.
AL
MVP: Valerio Guillen of the Boston Red Sox is having an amazing rookie season as he leads the league in homers and RBIs while being among the league leaders in batting average, on base percentage, and slugging. He was also a two-time recipient of player of the week.
Runners-up: Darryl Whitaker of the Anaheim Angels is leading the league in slugging and among the leaders in batting average, home runs, and RBIs.
B.C. Javier of the Charlotte Knights is among the league leaders in home runs, RBIs, batting average, on base percentage, and slugging.
Cy Young: Until the injury bug bit, Jeff Bollea of the Boston Red Sox was running away with this award. With him out of the picture, Patrick Rivera of the Kansas City Royals is currently the front-runner. He leads the league in wins (16) and strikeouts (168) and is among the leaders in ERA (4th, 2.74), WHIP (4th, 1.17), and Innings (T5th, 161).
Runners-up: It appears that run support may be the biggest obstacle this season to Darren Chance of the Chicago White Sox winning the Cy Young award. He is actually slightly better than Rivera in the two major categories: ERA (3rd, 2.68) and WHIP (1st, 1.01). His innings pitched (T5th, 161) are equal and he barely trails in strikeouts (2nd, 163). It's his win-loss record (9-6) that is his downfall, which is actually surprising since he pitches for the team with the best record in the league.
Part time starter, part time reliever Turner Mordecai of the Charlotte Knights has been full-time brilliant this season. Due to the fact that he normally doesn't pitch deep enough when he starts to earn a win, his record will never win the Cy, but his other statistics are very impressive: ERA 1.79 (1st) and WHIP 1.03 (2nd).
Rookie of the Year: MVP frontrunner Valerio Guillen of the Boston Red Sox is running away with this award as no one comes close to his production.
Fireman: With this boring award that is decided by a simple calculation in which we have no input, here are the leaders: Vic Castillo of the Kansas City Royals, Leon Owens of the Anaheim Angels, and Karim Wallace of the Boston Red Sox.
NL
MVP: Superstar shortstop Jake Clapp of the Philadelphia Phillies is having a season for the ages as he currently has a great shot at the triple crown. Winning his second consecutive MVP award would be a big addition to his hall of fame resume.
Runners-up: Rookie first baseman Pedro Garrido also of the Philadelphia Phillies has been close to the statistical equal of Clapp at the plate as he slightly trails him in each category. If not for his recent injury, he might have overtaken Clapp, though Clapp's defensive contributions as a shortstop also add great value to his case.
Since moving to the NL, Hayes Swann of the Florida Marlins has picked up right where he left off on his way to being among the leaders in batting average, on base percentage, and slugging. While he finished a close second in last season's AL MVP race, he looks like a distant third at this point in the NL.
Cy Young: Felipe Tejada of the Arizona Diamondbacks has been nothing short of masterful this season as he leads the league in every meaningful category for starters: wins (17), ERA (2.15), WHIP (1.03), Strikeouts (157), Innings (204.2), Opponents Avg. (.196). To this point, he is looking like a unanimous choice.
Runners-up: Thanks to Tejada, the great season by Ozzie Percival of the Washington Nationals will go mostly overlooked. He is very close, but slightly trails Tejada in all major categories: wins (T2nd, 15), ERA (2nd, 2.45), WHIP (T3rd, 1.09), Strikeouts (T8th, 119), Innings (2nd, 179.2), Opponents Avg (4th, .218).
In a distant third is Paul Hujimoto of the San Francisco Giants. His biggest edge that puts him in this slot is his gaudy 15-3 record to go along with some excellent stats: ERA 2.73 (T5th), WHIP 1.19 (13th), Strikeouts 111 (13th), Innings 161.2 (7th), Opponents Avg. .243 (18th)
Rookie of the Year: Like Guillen in the AL, Pedro Garrido of the Philadelphia Phillies is destoying the field for the NL award and looks to be a unanimous pick.
Fireman: Frontrunners for the boring award include Daniel Kennedy of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Cliff Kaline of the Cincinnati Reds, and Ryan Hamelin of the San Francisco Giants.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
AL All-Stars Shine Bright, Crush NL 11-3
In a beautiful night at Miller Park in Milwaukee, the host NL All-Star team was dominated by the AL All-Stars by a final score of 11-3. What started out as a pitching duel turned into a blowout in the fifth and sixth innings as the AL squad blew the game wide open, scoring 10 runs in those two innings. Leading the way for the AL with three hits and five runs batted in, including a grand slam in the sixth, was All-Star game MVP Valerio Guillen. In a surprising twist, the only home run hit by the NL squad was by San Francisco Giants pitcher Wilton Stark. Stark has never had any extra base hit, let alone home run, during his ML career thus far.
Alexander Takes Home Run Derby Crown
In a close final round finish of 7-6, Danny Alexander of the Kansas City Royals wins the Home Run Derby over Dan Guerrero of the Atlanta Braves. Alexander and Guerrero both came roaring out of the gate with 15 homers each in the first round of the competition. In round two, Adam Martin of the Charlotte Knights and Valerio Guillen of the Boston Red Sox were unable to overcome the big lead the finalists had entering the round and were eliminated. The other competitors who participated and were eliminated in the first round included Frank Jorgensen and Jake Clapp of the Philadelphia Phillies, Rafael Nieves of the Chicago Cubs, and Rick Melhuse of the Toronto Blue Jays.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Julio Hits #100!
On a first pitch fastball from young lefty Malcolm Simmons (7-10, 5.94), Orber Julio took it deep to straight away centerfield, barely clearing the wall for his 100th career homerun. He is the first person to achieve the milestone. When asked after the game how he felt about it, Orber replied, "Sure it feels nice to be the first to get there, but right now it feels even better how this team is currently running on all cylinders. We are looking forward to the second half of this season."
Monday, February 11, 2008
Walt Hernandez goes #1 to the Mets
With the first pick of the draft, the New York Mets selected fireballing lefty starter Walt Hernandez from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. The 22 year old with a devastating fastball had a dominant college career and will do more of the same at the big league level, to the delight of the Shea Stadium crowds.
Next in the top four of this season's draft were three big hitting high school infielders: shortstop Doug Stewart (#2 Florida Marlins), shortstop Tom Tucker (#3 Portland Beavers), and second baseman Bingo Miller (#4 New York Yankees). Rounding out the top five is big Canadian southpaw Eddie Craddock, who spent a season at his local community college working on his impressive splitter and fastball. Expect great things form this draft class, which was one of the deepest in years.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Satou No-hits Cubs!
Last night, big Korean southpaw Vinny Satou turned in the most impressive pitching performance of the season thus far. The Chicago Cubs, #2 in the NL in batting average, could not muster a single hit en route to the first individual no-hitter of the season. Two baserunners, a hit batsman and a walk, are all that separated Satou from a perfect game. Quite a finish to the Dodgers (36-23) three game sweep of the Cubs (32-27) as they try to keep pace with the red hot Diamondbacks (40-19).
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Season 2: The 1/3 Season Awards
As we hit the 1/3 mark of the season, I have selected my picks for the 1/3 of a season all-stars and major award winners. (Since I have finished my draft rankings and am chomping at the bit waiting for the draft and needed to concentrate on something else.) Some of these selections were tough as there were some positions that required the splitting of hairs to determine the winner.
ALL-STARS
AL
C – Rick Melhuse, Toronto; Tripp Devereaux, Cleveland
1B – Valerio Guillen, Boston; Karl Turner, Anaheim
2B – Alexander Myers, Toronto; Rodney Ramirez, Boston
3B – Antonio Uchida, Oakland; Francisco Guillen, New York
SS – Sidney Cannon, Boston; Danny Alexander, Kansas City
LF – Quentin Greer, Cleveland; Arthur Boggs, Anaheim
CF – Trent Burns, Minnesota; Junior Pena, Charlotte
RF – B. C. Javier, Charlotte; Sandy Valentin, Kansas City
DH – Darryl Whitaker, Anaheim; Marlon Swift, Boston
SP – Darren Chance, Chicago; Jeff Bollea, Boston; Wascar Martinez, Chicago; Don Goldberg, Seattle; Jesus Mercado, Baltimore
RP – Turner Mordecai, Charlotte; Leon Owens, Anaheim; Marco Harper, Toronto; Vic Castillo, Kansas City; John McCall, New York
NL
C – Oswaldo Rodriguez, Arizona; Henry Shuey, Milwaukee
1B – Hayes Swann, Florida; Pedro Garrido, Philadelphia
2B – Jorge Trevino, San Francisco; Alex Buckley, Philadelphia
3B – Matthew Barry, Cincinnati; Rafael Nieves, Chicago
SS – Jake Clapp, Philadelphia; Hack Stark, Milwaukee
LF – Mark Moore, Chicago; Del Wilhelm, Philadelphia
CF – Shea Keefe, Houston; Frank Jorgensen, Philadelphia
RF – Dan Guerrero, Atlanta; Chad Seabol, St. Louis
SP – Felipe Tejada, Arizona; Ozzie Percival, Washington; Bobby Hughes, Houston; Gary Meadows, Los Angeles; Kareem Hamilton, Montreal
RP – Daniel Kennedy, Arizona; Matthew Crosby, Washington; Carlos Solano, Florida; Ryan Hamelin, San Francisco; Ignacio Benitez, Los Angeles
AWARD WINNERS
AL
MVP – Valerio Guillen, Boston
Cy Young – Darren Chance, Chicago
ROY – Valerio Guillen, Boston
Fireman – Leon Owens, Anaheim
NL
MVP – Jake Clapp, Philadelphia
Cy Young – Felipe Tejada, Arizona
ROY – Pedro Garrido, Philadelphia
Fireman – Daniel Kennedy, Arizona
ALL-STARS
AL
C – Rick Melhuse, Toronto; Tripp Devereaux, Cleveland
1B – Valerio Guillen, Boston; Karl Turner, Anaheim
2B – Alexander Myers, Toronto; Rodney Ramirez, Boston
3B – Antonio Uchida, Oakland; Francisco Guillen, New York
SS – Sidney Cannon, Boston; Danny Alexander, Kansas City
LF – Quentin Greer, Cleveland; Arthur Boggs, Anaheim
CF – Trent Burns, Minnesota; Junior Pena, Charlotte
RF – B. C. Javier, Charlotte; Sandy Valentin, Kansas City
DH – Darryl Whitaker, Anaheim; Marlon Swift, Boston
SP – Darren Chance, Chicago; Jeff Bollea, Boston; Wascar Martinez, Chicago; Don Goldberg, Seattle; Jesus Mercado, Baltimore
RP – Turner Mordecai, Charlotte; Leon Owens, Anaheim; Marco Harper, Toronto; Vic Castillo, Kansas City; John McCall, New York
NL
C – Oswaldo Rodriguez, Arizona; Henry Shuey, Milwaukee
1B – Hayes Swann, Florida; Pedro Garrido, Philadelphia
2B – Jorge Trevino, San Francisco; Alex Buckley, Philadelphia
3B – Matthew Barry, Cincinnati; Rafael Nieves, Chicago
SS – Jake Clapp, Philadelphia; Hack Stark, Milwaukee
LF – Mark Moore, Chicago; Del Wilhelm, Philadelphia
CF – Shea Keefe, Houston; Frank Jorgensen, Philadelphia
RF – Dan Guerrero, Atlanta; Chad Seabol, St. Louis
SP – Felipe Tejada, Arizona; Ozzie Percival, Washington; Bobby Hughes, Houston; Gary Meadows, Los Angeles; Kareem Hamilton, Montreal
RP – Daniel Kennedy, Arizona; Matthew Crosby, Washington; Carlos Solano, Florida; Ryan Hamelin, San Francisco; Ignacio Benitez, Los Angeles
AWARD WINNERS
AL
MVP – Valerio Guillen, Boston
Cy Young – Darren Chance, Chicago
ROY – Valerio Guillen, Boston
Fireman – Leon Owens, Anaheim
NL
MVP – Jake Clapp, Philadelphia
Cy Young – Felipe Tejada, Arizona
ROY – Pedro Garrido, Philadelphia
Fireman – Daniel Kennedy, Arizona
Monday, February 4, 2008
Kinsella Buzz
by Overeasy
Welcome to America!
The international free agent market has been on fire as of late as four top prospects, three pitchers and a centerfielder, have garnered bonuses in the 13-14 million dollar range.
The signings kicked off as St. Louis looked in the Dominican Republic and found a master at changing speeds in big 20 year old righthander Miguel Fernandez. While his stuff looks nasty, the only concern for him is his conditioning as he seems to need extra time to recover from start to start.
The small island nation of the Domican Republic seems to be a hotbed of major league talent as the Cleveland Indians made a big investment in their future with the signing of fellow Dominican Cristobal Redondo. The 18 year old righthander has been working on an array of devastating breaking pitches that he uses with excellent effectiveness to keep the hitters off balance.
The New York Yankees sealed the deal on the final pitcher of this bunch with 21 year old lefty Estaban Marquez from the small Caribbean island nation of Aruba. While he doesn't appear to have a large enough gas tank to go the distance in ball games, he has a devastating array of pitches and looks to become the most difficult to hit among this trio.
Our fourth recent major international signing was by the Chicago Cubs who went to the land of the rising sun to sign switchhitting 19 year old centerfielder Tony Masao. He looks like he will develop into an offensive force at the major league level as he hits with great power while still making good contact. However in the field, his future is less certain. While he may have had the tools to play center in the Japanesse League, we does not appear to be developing the glove skills necessary for a ML centerfielder.
I'm sure the the influx of blue-chip foreign prospects will continue, but we've definitely got four gems in this latest group. With all of them dispersed around the league, the next time all four are discussed in the same place may just be the ML All-Star game in about five or six seasons.
Wheeling and Dealing in South Florida
The Florida Marlins front office has been busy again this season. Last season, they were busy collecting top level prospects while this season, many of those prospects are flying out the door for quality veterans to help the big club right now. The Marlins have acquired a new catcher, Jimmie Ruiz, a new first baseman and last season's AL MVP runner-up, Hayes Swann, a new second baseman, Bob McMahon, a new leftfielder, Mitchell Prince, an ace starting pitcher, Homer Flanagan, an excellent setup man, Victor Lima, and last season's NL fireman of the year, Carlos Solano. Will all of these moves add up to a World Series? Only time will tell if they have enough to get past last season's champs in Philadelphia or the red-hot Diamondbacks. At worst it appears that they will be raising a pennant for the NL South title after this season.
Jerrod Baxter Watch
He remains an unsigned free agent. Has Jerrod Baxter pitched his final inning in the major leagues? If so, it appears to be a very undignified to end to such a controversial figure.
Welcome to America!
The international free agent market has been on fire as of late as four top prospects, three pitchers and a centerfielder, have garnered bonuses in the 13-14 million dollar range.
The signings kicked off as St. Louis looked in the Dominican Republic and found a master at changing speeds in big 20 year old righthander Miguel Fernandez. While his stuff looks nasty, the only concern for him is his conditioning as he seems to need extra time to recover from start to start.
The small island nation of the Domican Republic seems to be a hotbed of major league talent as the Cleveland Indians made a big investment in their future with the signing of fellow Dominican Cristobal Redondo. The 18 year old righthander has been working on an array of devastating breaking pitches that he uses with excellent effectiveness to keep the hitters off balance.
The New York Yankees sealed the deal on the final pitcher of this bunch with 21 year old lefty Estaban Marquez from the small Caribbean island nation of Aruba. While he doesn't appear to have a large enough gas tank to go the distance in ball games, he has a devastating array of pitches and looks to become the most difficult to hit among this trio.
Our fourth recent major international signing was by the Chicago Cubs who went to the land of the rising sun to sign switchhitting 19 year old centerfielder Tony Masao. He looks like he will develop into an offensive force at the major league level as he hits with great power while still making good contact. However in the field, his future is less certain. While he may have had the tools to play center in the Japanesse League, we does not appear to be developing the glove skills necessary for a ML centerfielder.
I'm sure the the influx of blue-chip foreign prospects will continue, but we've definitely got four gems in this latest group. With all of them dispersed around the league, the next time all four are discussed in the same place may just be the ML All-Star game in about five or six seasons.
Wheeling and Dealing in South Florida
The Florida Marlins front office has been busy again this season. Last season, they were busy collecting top level prospects while this season, many of those prospects are flying out the door for quality veterans to help the big club right now. The Marlins have acquired a new catcher, Jimmie Ruiz, a new first baseman and last season's AL MVP runner-up, Hayes Swann, a new second baseman, Bob McMahon, a new leftfielder, Mitchell Prince, an ace starting pitcher, Homer Flanagan, an excellent setup man, Victor Lima, and last season's NL fireman of the year, Carlos Solano. Will all of these moves add up to a World Series? Only time will tell if they have enough to get past last season's champs in Philadelphia or the red-hot Diamondbacks. At worst it appears that they will be raising a pennant for the NL South title after this season.
Jerrod Baxter Watch
He remains an unsigned free agent. Has Jerrod Baxter pitched his final inning in the major leagues? If so, it appears to be a very undignified to end to such a controversial figure.
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