Continuing our tour of AAA baseball, let's check in with the Toronto Blue Jays' top farm club. The Syracuse Chiefs' interesting players:
Adam Lind is a 24-year-old left-handed hitting OF/DH. He's hitting .289/.333/.495 in 97 AB at AAA, after hitting just .230 with Toronto. Last year he hit .330/.394/.556 combined between AA and AAA. He hits LHP fairly well and mashes RHP.
Jeremy Cummings is a 30-year-old right-handed starting pitcher. Syracuse picked him up after he exercised a contract clause to be released by the Twins's AAA club at Rochester (The Twins called up 7 pitchers ahead of Cummings). He has a 3.80 ERA in 87.2 innings. 72 SO and only 21 BB. He's a fly-ball pitcher and has allowed 11 homers. He pitched well with Scranton last season -- 3.97 ERA in 25 starts. It would've been smarter to sign with a team like the Nationals that is hurting for starting pitchers than the Blue Jays.
They have several more of those older non-prospect pitchers. This isn't a talented team.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Ken Phelps All-Stars MLB Update
Ryan Raburn (Ken Phelps All-Star) had a big game for the Tigers yesterday: 4-for-5, 2 home runs, 1 double, 3 runs, 7 rbi. To celebrate, let's look at how all the All-Stars have done in major league appearances this season.
Ryan Raburn - .500/.565/1.050 in 20 AB for Tigers.
Darnell MacDonald - .143/.200/.167 in 10 AB for Twins.
Hiram Bocachica - .238/.294/.349 in 63 AB for Padres.
D'Angelo Jimenez - .097/.200/.097 in 31 AB for Nats.
Jeff Keppinger - .308/.357/.487 in 39 AB for Reds.
Devern Hansack - 7.71 ERA in 4.2 innings for Red Sox.
Buddy Carlyle - 4.05 ERA, 5-2, 60 IP, 40 SO, 14 BB, 9 HR. He's 4-0 in his last 5 starts with a 2.24 ERA, 21 SO and only 3 walks for the Braves.
Mike Gosling - 3.14 ERA in 14.1 innings for Reds.
Bobby Livingston - 3.52 ERA, 2-1 in 4 starts, 23 innings, 10 SO, 4 BB. Reds.
Cory Doyne - 0.00 ERA in 1.1 innings for Orioles.
Grant Balfour - 20.25 ERA in 2.2 innings for Brewers.
Brian Sanches - 6.39 ERA in 12.2 innings for Phillies.
The rest of my Ken Phelps All-Stars haven't had a shot in the bigs yet this season despite doing well in AAA.
Congratulations to Raburn, Keppinger, Carlyle, Gosling and Livingston for making the most of their limited time in the majors this year. I wish them continued success. That's a decent return for a bunch of players who could be had for little or nothing before the season.
Ryan Raburn - .500/.565/1.050 in 20 AB for Tigers.
Darnell MacDonald - .143/.200/.167 in 10 AB for Twins.
Hiram Bocachica - .238/.294/.349 in 63 AB for Padres.
D'Angelo Jimenez - .097/.200/.097 in 31 AB for Nats.
Jeff Keppinger - .308/.357/.487 in 39 AB for Reds.
Devern Hansack - 7.71 ERA in 4.2 innings for Red Sox.
Buddy Carlyle - 4.05 ERA, 5-2, 60 IP, 40 SO, 14 BB, 9 HR. He's 4-0 in his last 5 starts with a 2.24 ERA, 21 SO and only 3 walks for the Braves.
Mike Gosling - 3.14 ERA in 14.1 innings for Reds.
Bobby Livingston - 3.52 ERA, 2-1 in 4 starts, 23 innings, 10 SO, 4 BB. Reds.
Cory Doyne - 0.00 ERA in 1.1 innings for Orioles.
Grant Balfour - 20.25 ERA in 2.2 innings for Brewers.
Brian Sanches - 6.39 ERA in 12.2 innings for Phillies.
The rest of my Ken Phelps All-Stars haven't had a shot in the bigs yet this season despite doing well in AAA.
Congratulations to Raburn, Keppinger, Carlyle, Gosling and Livingston for making the most of their limited time in the majors this year. I wish them continued success. That's a decent return for a bunch of players who could be had for little or nothing before the season.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
AAA Tucson Sidewinders
The Tucson Sidewinders are the AAA team of the Arizona Diamondbacks. It's a good team, but take the stats with a big pinch of salt. Tucson is a great place to hit -- most of the players are hitting about 100 points lower in away games than in home games.
Carlos Quentin is a 24-year-old outfielder and highly touted. But he's hardly "can't miss". He started the season in the majors but was sent down after hitting just .210 in 200 at bats. In 38 at bats for Tucson, Quentin has hit .385/.478/.615. In 2006, Quentin hit .289/.424/.487 in 38 AB in AAA. The major-league-equivalent of those stats is .267/.340/.437. He hit .253/.342/.530 in 166 AB for Arizona, which was all you could expect from his equivalent stats.
Like Quentin, Alberto Callaspo is a 24-year-old who started the season in the majors. He hit only .206 and was sent down. He's hitting .348/.407/.508 for Tucson. Last year he hit .337/.404/.478 for Tucson (MLE .310/.367/.437). He plays 2B, 3B and SS, so his bat should be good enough if his glove is sound.
Chris Carter is a 24-year-old firstbaseman. He's hitting .333/.394/.532 in 402 AB this season with 40 walks and only 49 strikeouts in 402 AB. Last year he hit .301/.395/.483 at AAA (MLE .275/.354/.434). He might need to get out of this organization to get a shot.
Pitchers are another story. If you can pitch here ...
Jailen Peguero is a 26-year-old RH reliever. He's got a 2.20 ERA with 54 SO, 20 BB and only 34 hits in 49 innings. That's good stuff.
Chad Harville is a 30-year-old reliever who had horrible control problems the last 3 seasons in the bigs. This year for Tucson he's pitching quite well: 2.30 ERA, 25 saves, 43 SO, 18 BB and 5 HR in 47 innings. He's also getting a lot of groundball outs, which is excellent for relievers (2.32 GO/AO). Harville is earning another chance.
Randy Choate is another older guy (31) doing well in relief for Tucson. He's got a 2.84 ERA in 44.1 innings with 39 SO and 11 BB. He's also getting lots of grounders (2.84 GO/AO). He pitched great at AAA last season (2.17 ERA) and well enough in the bigs too (3.94 ERA in 16 IP with 12 SO and 3 walks). I have no idea why he's back in the minors this year. And Choate's lefthanded too.
In the starting rotation Dustin Nippert and Yusmeiro Petit have been wild. Casey Daigle has been much better as a starter (3.74 ERA in 33.2 IP, with 33 SO and 11 BB) than as a reliever (8.44 ERA in 32 IP).
Carlos Quentin is a 24-year-old outfielder and highly touted. But he's hardly "can't miss". He started the season in the majors but was sent down after hitting just .210 in 200 at bats. In 38 at bats for Tucson, Quentin has hit .385/.478/.615. In 2006, Quentin hit .289/.424/.487 in 38 AB in AAA. The major-league-equivalent of those stats is .267/.340/.437. He hit .253/.342/.530 in 166 AB for Arizona, which was all you could expect from his equivalent stats.
Like Quentin, Alberto Callaspo is a 24-year-old who started the season in the majors. He hit only .206 and was sent down. He's hitting .348/.407/.508 for Tucson. Last year he hit .337/.404/.478 for Tucson (MLE .310/.367/.437). He plays 2B, 3B and SS, so his bat should be good enough if his glove is sound.
Chris Carter is a 24-year-old firstbaseman. He's hitting .333/.394/.532 in 402 AB this season with 40 walks and only 49 strikeouts in 402 AB. Last year he hit .301/.395/.483 at AAA (MLE .275/.354/.434). He might need to get out of this organization to get a shot.
Pitchers are another story. If you can pitch here ...
Jailen Peguero is a 26-year-old RH reliever. He's got a 2.20 ERA with 54 SO, 20 BB and only 34 hits in 49 innings. That's good stuff.
Chad Harville is a 30-year-old reliever who had horrible control problems the last 3 seasons in the bigs. This year for Tucson he's pitching quite well: 2.30 ERA, 25 saves, 43 SO, 18 BB and 5 HR in 47 innings. He's also getting a lot of groundball outs, which is excellent for relievers (2.32 GO/AO). Harville is earning another chance.
Randy Choate is another older guy (31) doing well in relief for Tucson. He's got a 2.84 ERA in 44.1 innings with 39 SO and 11 BB. He's also getting lots of grounders (2.84 GO/AO). He pitched great at AAA last season (2.17 ERA) and well enough in the bigs too (3.94 ERA in 16 IP with 12 SO and 3 walks). I have no idea why he's back in the minors this year. And Choate's lefthanded too.
In the starting rotation Dustin Nippert and Yusmeiro Petit have been wild. Casey Daigle has been much better as a starter (3.74 ERA in 33.2 IP, with 33 SO and 11 BB) than as a reliever (8.44 ERA in 32 IP).
Sunday, July 22, 2007
AAA Omaha Royals
Omaha is the Royals' AAA ballclub. Star-in-the-making Billy Butler has moved up to Kansas City, but some interesting players remain on the Omaha roster.
Joey Gathright is back in the minors. He's a 26-year-old speed-demon outfielder. Joey has hit .335/.454/.407 with 22 stolen bases and 38 walks in 194 AB for Omaha this year (and .315/.390/.370 in 73 AB for KC). Last year at AAA Durham he hit .258/.410/.323. With those on-base skills, he deserves another shot.
Shane Costa is also trying to play his way back into the majors. He's a 25-year-old outfielder. He bats left and has shown a big platoon split in AAA this year: .404/.476/.584 vs RHP, but only .225/.326/.275 vs LHP. Last year he hit .342/.398/.593 in 207 AB in AAA (without the big splits) and .274/.304/.405 in 237 major league at bats.
Matt Tupman is a 27-year-old catcher with excellent on-base skills but no power. He's hitting .291/.379/.357 in 213 AB this season. Last year he hit .305/.425/.364 in AA. Left-handed-hitting catchers are rare enough that if his glovework is decent he should get a shot.
Craig Brazell is the opposite of Gathright and Tupman ... lots of power but few walks. A 27-year-old left-handed batter having a career year. .349/.408/.587 in 109 AB in AA, and .316/.344/.639 in 291 AB in AAA. 32 total homers, but only 24 walks in 400 AB. Brazell hit only .247/.283/.463 in AA last year.
Luke Hochevar is a highly touted starting pitcher who recently moved up from AA. He's 23. He had a 4.69 ERA at AA and gave up 13 homers and 110 hits in 94 innings. On the bright side he struck out 94 and walked only 26.
Leo Nunez is a 23-year-old right-handed starting pitcher who had a 1.40 ERA in 8 starts at AA and AAA this season. 28 SO and 9 BB in 38.2 innings.
Joey Gathright is back in the minors. He's a 26-year-old speed-demon outfielder. Joey has hit .335/.454/.407 with 22 stolen bases and 38 walks in 194 AB for Omaha this year (and .315/.390/.370 in 73 AB for KC). Last year at AAA Durham he hit .258/.410/.323. With those on-base skills, he deserves another shot.
Shane Costa is also trying to play his way back into the majors. He's a 25-year-old outfielder. He bats left and has shown a big platoon split in AAA this year: .404/.476/.584 vs RHP, but only .225/.326/.275 vs LHP. Last year he hit .342/.398/.593 in 207 AB in AAA (without the big splits) and .274/.304/.405 in 237 major league at bats.
Matt Tupman is a 27-year-old catcher with excellent on-base skills but no power. He's hitting .291/.379/.357 in 213 AB this season. Last year he hit .305/.425/.364 in AA. Left-handed-hitting catchers are rare enough that if his glovework is decent he should get a shot.
Craig Brazell is the opposite of Gathright and Tupman ... lots of power but few walks. A 27-year-old left-handed batter having a career year. .349/.408/.587 in 109 AB in AA, and .316/.344/.639 in 291 AB in AAA. 32 total homers, but only 24 walks in 400 AB. Brazell hit only .247/.283/.463 in AA last year.
Luke Hochevar is a highly touted starting pitcher who recently moved up from AA. He's 23. He had a 4.69 ERA at AA and gave up 13 homers and 110 hits in 94 innings. On the bright side he struck out 94 and walked only 26.
Leo Nunez is a 23-year-old right-handed starting pitcher who had a 1.40 ERA in 8 starts at AA and AAA this season. 28 SO and 9 BB in 38.2 innings.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Major Splits
AAA baseball players aren't the only ones with large batting splits. Several major leaguers are struggling against either lefties or righties, creating possible opportunities for guys from the minors to move up.
Curtis Granderson (CF Tigers)
vs LHP: .147/.169/.253; vs RHP: .339/.396/.657
Ken Phelps All-Star Ryan Raburn is starting to take some of his at bats against lefties.
Raul Ibanez (LF Mariners)
vs LHP: .235/.248/.284; vs RHP: .278/.343/.467
Jose Guillen (OF Mariners)
vs LHP: .415/.500/.683; vs RHP: .241/.307/.373
A perfect platoon partner for Ibanez.
Brad Hawpe (RF Rockies)
vs LHP: .197/.282/.289; vs RHP: .339/.427/.647
Ryan Spilborghs (OF Rockies)
vs LHP: .432/.475/.757; vs RHP: .246/.276/.406
A perfect platoon partner for Hawpe.
Bobby Abreu (RF Yankees)
vs LHP: .235/.306/.286; vs RHP: .278/.365/.429
Shawn Green (OF Mets)
vs LHP: .200/.269/.271; vs RHP: .307/.352/.483
Kenny Lofton (CF Rangers)
vs LHP: .226/.328/.283; vs RHP: .328/.406/.483
Ronny Paulino (C Pirates)
vs LHP: .362/.421/.522; vs RHP: .189/.228/.292
Ian Kinsler (2B Rangers)
vs LHP: .329/.420/.614; vs RHP: .209/.303/.393
Young thirdbasemen are struggling against righties:
Kevin Kouzmanoff (3B Padres)
vs LHP: .348/.377/.623; vs RHP: .199/.269/.343
Josh Fields (3B White Sox)
vs LHP: .357/.426/.619; vs RHP: .187/.253/.297
Ryan Zimmerman (3B Nationals)
vs LHP: .372/.426/.628; vs RHP: .223/.275/.378
Ryan Freel (CF Reds) has a nasty reverse platoon split this season. In the past he hit LHP very well, but this year only .130/.149/.250. He's at .311/.384/.407 against RHP.
It's not surprising to see so many young and old players on this list. Players in their prime have smaller splits than kids and old-timers.
There are many more examples out there too. The best place online to sort batting splits is at ESPN (use the filter). If you play fantasy baseball on Yahoo, it's easy to check if your hitters are facing lefties or righties. Take advantage of this information to bench players with the worst batting splits.
Curtis Granderson (CF Tigers)
vs LHP: .147/.169/.253; vs RHP: .339/.396/.657
Ken Phelps All-Star Ryan Raburn is starting to take some of his at bats against lefties.
Raul Ibanez (LF Mariners)
vs LHP: .235/.248/.284; vs RHP: .278/.343/.467
Jose Guillen (OF Mariners)
vs LHP: .415/.500/.683; vs RHP: .241/.307/.373
A perfect platoon partner for Ibanez.
Brad Hawpe (RF Rockies)
vs LHP: .197/.282/.289; vs RHP: .339/.427/.647
Ryan Spilborghs (OF Rockies)
vs LHP: .432/.475/.757; vs RHP: .246/.276/.406
A perfect platoon partner for Hawpe.
Bobby Abreu (RF Yankees)
vs LHP: .235/.306/.286; vs RHP: .278/.365/.429
Shawn Green (OF Mets)
vs LHP: .200/.269/.271; vs RHP: .307/.352/.483
Kenny Lofton (CF Rangers)
vs LHP: .226/.328/.283; vs RHP: .328/.406/.483
Ronny Paulino (C Pirates)
vs LHP: .362/.421/.522; vs RHP: .189/.228/.292
Ian Kinsler (2B Rangers)
vs LHP: .329/.420/.614; vs RHP: .209/.303/.393
Young thirdbasemen are struggling against righties:
Kevin Kouzmanoff (3B Padres)
vs LHP: .348/.377/.623; vs RHP: .199/.269/.343
Josh Fields (3B White Sox)
vs LHP: .357/.426/.619; vs RHP: .187/.253/.297
Ryan Zimmerman (3B Nationals)
vs LHP: .372/.426/.628; vs RHP: .223/.275/.378
Ryan Freel (CF Reds) has a nasty reverse platoon split this season. In the past he hit LHP very well, but this year only .130/.149/.250. He's at .311/.384/.407 against RHP.
It's not surprising to see so many young and old players on this list. Players in their prime have smaller splits than kids and old-timers.
There are many more examples out there too. The best place online to sort batting splits is at ESPN (use the filter). If you play fantasy baseball on Yahoo, it's easy to check if your hitters are facing lefties or righties. Take advantage of this information to bench players with the worst batting splits.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Prospect Watch: Brandon Moss
Brandon Moss is a 23-year-old outfielder in the Red Sox organization. Boston selected him out of high school in the 8th round of the 2002 draft. He bats left.
This season Moss is one of the leading batters in AAA, hitting .306/.391/.524 in 330 at bats. 31 doubles and 13 homers demonstrate his developing power. He also has 46 walks ... and 95 whiffs. His on-base-percentage ranks 3rd among "qualified" hitters in the International League. In slugging he ranks 4th.
In 2006, Moss hit .285/.357/.439 in his second go-round with AA Portland. Showed a little power - 36 doubles and 12 homers in 508 at bats. 56 walks and 108 strikeouts. 8 stolen bases, but caught 5 times.
Brandon Moss is having quite a season, has some power and can draw a walk. On the negative side, he whiffs quite a bit and is a horrible baserunner. And what the heck happened with the two seasons at AA? Sox fans shouldn't get their hopes up too high.
This season Moss is one of the leading batters in AAA, hitting .306/.391/.524 in 330 at bats. 31 doubles and 13 homers demonstrate his developing power. He also has 46 walks ... and 95 whiffs. His on-base-percentage ranks 3rd among "qualified" hitters in the International League. In slugging he ranks 4th.
In 2006, Moss hit .285/.357/.439 in his second go-round with AA Portland. Showed a little power - 36 doubles and 12 homers in 508 at bats. 56 walks and 108 strikeouts. 8 stolen bases, but caught 5 times.
Brandon Moss is having quite a season, has some power and can draw a walk. On the negative side, he whiffs quite a bit and is a horrible baserunner. And what the heck happened with the two seasons at AA? Sox fans shouldn't get their hopes up too high.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Tejada to the Cubs?
If the Orioles decide to enter rebuilding mode, Miguel Tejada is a prime bargaining chip. The Cubs are a logical destination for the star shortstop because 1) the Orioles and Cubs have a recent history of deals (Sosa and Patterson), 2) the Os' new CEO, Andy MacPhail, used to be with the Cubs, 3) the Cubs don't seem to be satisfied with Ryan Theriot at shortstop, 4) the Orioles could also fulfill the Cubs' desire for another relief pitcher, and most importantly 5) the Cubs are in contention and should be in "win now" mode.
What do the Cubs have at AAA Iowa that might interest the Orioles? A lot ... even without including Felix Pie, who's untouchable. Three players who should interest the Orioles are Scott Moore, Ronny Cedeno and Matt Murton.
Scott Moore is a 23-year-old third-baseman. He's hitting .254/.361/.451 in 268 AB at Iowa. He's murdering RHP (.283/.396/.529 with 10 homers and 31 walks in 191 AB) but hasn't touched LHP (.182/.267/.260). Moore is young enough to grow out of that huge split, but it would also be easy to pick up a Scott Seabol or Aaron Herr to handle the lefties for him. The Cubs don't need Moore because they have Aramis Ramirez at 3B.
Ronny Cedeno is a 24-year-old shortstop and the leading hitter in the Pacific Coast League (.364/.435/.579). He didn't hit with the Cubs last season, but he was only 23. In 2005 Cedeno hit .355/.403/.518 as a 22-year-old at Iowa, and .300/.356/.375 that season with the Cubbies. Tejada would make Cedeno irrelevant for the Cubs, and the Cubs may have prematurely given up on the youngster anyway.
Matt Murton is a 25-year-old left-fielder who hit .297/.365/.444 for the Cubs last season and .321/.386/.521 in 140 AB as a 23-year-old for them in 2005. Regardless, the Cubs shipped him to Iowa this year, where he's hitting .297/.379/.505 with 10 doubles, 3 home runs, 12 walks and only 11 strikeouts in 101 at bats. Alfonso Soriano has LF locked up for the Cubs.
There you have it -- 3 young, talented, major-league-ready players that the Cubs don't need. They would form a fine foundation for rebuilding the Orioles, and the Os should be willing to trade Tejada and a relief pitcher (Bradford or Walker) to get them.
What do the Cubs have at AAA Iowa that might interest the Orioles? A lot ... even without including Felix Pie, who's untouchable. Three players who should interest the Orioles are Scott Moore, Ronny Cedeno and Matt Murton.
Scott Moore is a 23-year-old third-baseman. He's hitting .254/.361/.451 in 268 AB at Iowa. He's murdering RHP (.283/.396/.529 with 10 homers and 31 walks in 191 AB) but hasn't touched LHP (.182/.267/.260). Moore is young enough to grow out of that huge split, but it would also be easy to pick up a Scott Seabol or Aaron Herr to handle the lefties for him. The Cubs don't need Moore because they have Aramis Ramirez at 3B.
Ronny Cedeno is a 24-year-old shortstop and the leading hitter in the Pacific Coast League (.364/.435/.579). He didn't hit with the Cubs last season, but he was only 23. In 2005 Cedeno hit .355/.403/.518 as a 22-year-old at Iowa, and .300/.356/.375 that season with the Cubbies. Tejada would make Cedeno irrelevant for the Cubs, and the Cubs may have prematurely given up on the youngster anyway.
Matt Murton is a 25-year-old left-fielder who hit .297/.365/.444 for the Cubs last season and .321/.386/.521 in 140 AB as a 23-year-old for them in 2005. Regardless, the Cubs shipped him to Iowa this year, where he's hitting .297/.379/.505 with 10 doubles, 3 home runs, 12 walks and only 11 strikeouts in 101 at bats. Alfonso Soriano has LF locked up for the Cubs.
There you have it -- 3 young, talented, major-league-ready players that the Cubs don't need. They would form a fine foundation for rebuilding the Orioles, and the Os should be willing to trade Tejada and a relief pitcher (Bradford or Walker) to get them.
Friday, July 13, 2007
AAA Batting Splits
Here are a few interesting batting splits I noticed around AAA baseball. Some players have a lot more value if considered as one half of a platoon. Small sample size warnings apply.
Right-handed Pitcher Mashers:
Tike Redman OF Norfolk: .220/.310/.300 vs LHP, .322/.397/.447 vs RHP.
Joe Inglett 2B Buffalo: .188/.247/.219 vs LHP, .280/.359/.407 vs RHP.
Clay Timpner OF Fresno: .214/.267/.268 vs LHP, .388/.441/.512 vs RHP.
Scott Moore 3B Iowa: .182/.267/.260 vs LHP, .284/.398/.525 vs RHP.
Joey Votto 1B Louisville: .260/.381/.364 vs LHP, .333/.423/.522 vs RHP.
John Rodriguez OF Memphis: .190/.327/.310 vs LHP, .291/.396/.573 vs RHP.
Andy Abad 1B Nashville: .222/.250/.222 vs LHP, .366/.411/.584 vs RHP.
David Murphy OF Pawtucket: .230/.295/.322 vs LHP, .303/.377/.458 vs RHP.
Timo Perez OF Toledo: .279/.292/.384 vs LHP, .333/.384/.525 vs RHP.
Nathan Haynes OF Salt Lake: .233/.340/.395 vs LHP, .438/.503/.641 vs RHP.
Pete Laforest C Portland: .188/.281/.365 vs LHP, .238/.372/.667 vs RHP.
Left-handed Pitcher Mashers:
Mike Cervenak 1B Norfolk: .305/.356/.547 vs LHP, .272/.297/.369 vs RHP.
Jason Dubois OF Norfolk: .297/.387/.500 vs LHP, .217/.270/.370 vs RHP.
Scott Seabol 3B Albuquerque: .391/.434/.736 vs LHP, .266/.339/.492 vs RHP.
Chris Barnwell SS Nashville: .337/.375/.472 vs LHP, .234/.324/.360 vs RHP.
Luis Figueroa SS Fresno: .368/.424/.526 vs LHP, .279/.315/.314 vs RHP.
Brian Anderson OF Charlotte: .300/.353/.550 vs LHP, .236/.303/.386 vs RHP.
Jeff Keppinger 2B Louisville: .446/.479/.708 vs LHP, .337/.402/.374 vs RHP.
Michael Restovich OF Columbus: .440/.517/.747 vs LHP, .210/.269/.389 vs RHP.
Aaron Herr 3B Louisville: .344/.400/.589 vs LHP, .253/.309/.394 vs RHP.
Nick Stavinoha OF Memphis: .407/.474/.523 vs LHP, .240/.267/.369 vs RHP.
Tagg Bozied 1B Memphis: .338/.438/.663 vs LHP, .225/.303/.433 vs RHP.
Lou Collier OF Ottawa: .383/.413/.567 vs LHP, .259/.314/.306 vs RHP.
Jeff Bailey 1B Pawtucket: .301/.400/.493 vs LHP, .231/.342/.405 vs RHP.
Kurt Suzuki C Sacramento: .344/.425/.453 vs LHP, .252/.319/.327 vs RHP.
Mike Eylward 1B Salt Lake: .375/.432/.563 vs LHP, .276/.340/.351 vs RHP.
Restovich is an interesting case. He hit .305/.403/.562 against lefthanders in 2006 at AAA Iowa. I'd give him a shot as part of a DH platoon. Laforest hit .291/.347/.592 against righthanders at Durham in 2005 (he didn't play in 2006), but only .210/.234/.484 against lefthanders. He's that elusive left-handed hitting catcher.
Some interesting platoons:
1B: Votto/Bozied
2B: Inglett/Keppinger
3B: Moore/Seabol
C: Laforest/Suzuki
OF: Timpner/Anderson
OF: Murphy/Stavinoha
OF: Rodriguez/Collier
DH: Abad/Restovich
We seem to have a shortage of left-handed hitting shortstops. I suppose that if you can hit RHP and can play short, you're in the bigs.
I wish there was a website where I could sort on split stats.
Right-handed Pitcher Mashers:
Tike Redman OF Norfolk: .220/.310/.300 vs LHP, .322/.397/.447 vs RHP.
Joe Inglett 2B Buffalo: .188/.247/.219 vs LHP, .280/.359/.407 vs RHP.
Clay Timpner OF Fresno: .214/.267/.268 vs LHP, .388/.441/.512 vs RHP.
Scott Moore 3B Iowa: .182/.267/.260 vs LHP, .284/.398/.525 vs RHP.
Joey Votto 1B Louisville: .260/.381/.364 vs LHP, .333/.423/.522 vs RHP.
John Rodriguez OF Memphis: .190/.327/.310 vs LHP, .291/.396/.573 vs RHP.
Andy Abad 1B Nashville: .222/.250/.222 vs LHP, .366/.411/.584 vs RHP.
David Murphy OF Pawtucket: .230/.295/.322 vs LHP, .303/.377/.458 vs RHP.
Timo Perez OF Toledo: .279/.292/.384 vs LHP, .333/.384/.525 vs RHP.
Nathan Haynes OF Salt Lake: .233/.340/.395 vs LHP, .438/.503/.641 vs RHP.
Pete Laforest C Portland: .188/.281/.365 vs LHP, .238/.372/.667 vs RHP.
Left-handed Pitcher Mashers:
Mike Cervenak 1B Norfolk: .305/.356/.547 vs LHP, .272/.297/.369 vs RHP.
Jason Dubois OF Norfolk: .297/.387/.500 vs LHP, .217/.270/.370 vs RHP.
Scott Seabol 3B Albuquerque: .391/.434/.736 vs LHP, .266/.339/.492 vs RHP.
Chris Barnwell SS Nashville: .337/.375/.472 vs LHP, .234/.324/.360 vs RHP.
Luis Figueroa SS Fresno: .368/.424/.526 vs LHP, .279/.315/.314 vs RHP.
Brian Anderson OF Charlotte: .300/.353/.550 vs LHP, .236/.303/.386 vs RHP.
Jeff Keppinger 2B Louisville: .446/.479/.708 vs LHP, .337/.402/.374 vs RHP.
Michael Restovich OF Columbus: .440/.517/.747 vs LHP, .210/.269/.389 vs RHP.
Aaron Herr 3B Louisville: .344/.400/.589 vs LHP, .253/.309/.394 vs RHP.
Nick Stavinoha OF Memphis: .407/.474/.523 vs LHP, .240/.267/.369 vs RHP.
Tagg Bozied 1B Memphis: .338/.438/.663 vs LHP, .225/.303/.433 vs RHP.
Lou Collier OF Ottawa: .383/.413/.567 vs LHP, .259/.314/.306 vs RHP.
Jeff Bailey 1B Pawtucket: .301/.400/.493 vs LHP, .231/.342/.405 vs RHP.
Kurt Suzuki C Sacramento: .344/.425/.453 vs LHP, .252/.319/.327 vs RHP.
Mike Eylward 1B Salt Lake: .375/.432/.563 vs LHP, .276/.340/.351 vs RHP.
Restovich is an interesting case. He hit .305/.403/.562 against lefthanders in 2006 at AAA Iowa. I'd give him a shot as part of a DH platoon. Laforest hit .291/.347/.592 against righthanders at Durham in 2005 (he didn't play in 2006), but only .210/.234/.484 against lefthanders. He's that elusive left-handed hitting catcher.
Some interesting platoons:
1B: Votto/Bozied
2B: Inglett/Keppinger
3B: Moore/Seabol
C: Laforest/Suzuki
OF: Timpner/Anderson
OF: Murphy/Stavinoha
OF: Rodriguez/Collier
DH: Abad/Restovich
We seem to have a shortage of left-handed hitting shortstops. I suppose that if you can hit RHP and can play short, you're in the bigs.
I wish there was a website where I could sort on split stats.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Fantasy Baseball: Adam Jones
Adam Jones is a 21 year old (he'll be 22 on August 1) centerfielder in the Mariners organization. Word is he's coming to the bigs, and you may want to pick him up in a deep fantasy baseball league.
The Mariners selected Jones in the first round of the 2003 draft out of high school as a shortstop. He moved to centerfield last year.
This season at AAA Tacoma, Jones hit .309/.377/.585 in 340 AB. 21 2B, 5 3B, 21 HR, 28 BB and 86 SO. The high whiff rate might mess up his immediate results in the majors. Only 5 stolen bases and 6 caught stealing.
In 2006, Jones hit .287/.345/.484 for AAA Tacoma. 380 AB, 19 2B, 16 HR, 13 SB, 28 BB and 78 SO. The walks and strikeout totals weren't good, but not awful considering his age.
Adam Jones is a very young player with power. Definitely someone to pick up in a deep keeper fantasy baseball league, but don't expect too much right away. His age and the whiffs might mean he'll struggle for a year or two. Or he might not. It's a gamble.
The Mariners selected Jones in the first round of the 2003 draft out of high school as a shortstop. He moved to centerfield last year.
This season at AAA Tacoma, Jones hit .309/.377/.585 in 340 AB. 21 2B, 5 3B, 21 HR, 28 BB and 86 SO. The high whiff rate might mess up his immediate results in the majors. Only 5 stolen bases and 6 caught stealing.
In 2006, Jones hit .287/.345/.484 for AAA Tacoma. 380 AB, 19 2B, 16 HR, 13 SB, 28 BB and 78 SO. The walks and strikeout totals weren't good, but not awful considering his age.
Adam Jones is a very young player with power. Definitely someone to pick up in a deep keeper fantasy baseball league, but don't expect too much right away. His age and the whiffs might mean he'll struggle for a year or two. Or he might not. It's a gamble.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Prospect Watch: Ronny Cedeno
Ronny Cedeno is a 24-year-old shortstop playing at AAA Iowa for the Cubs. He was in the majors all of last season and didn't do anything with the bat, so some may have written him off as a prospect. That would be a mistake.
This season, Cedeno is destroying the Pacific Coast League to the tune of .383/.457/.611 in 193 at bats. He has 25 walks and only 24 strikeouts, so he's showing tremendous improvement in batting eye. He's also flashing power with 10 home runs and 12 doubles. It's been a very consistent performance -- strong against left- and right-handed pitchers, at home and away, and in every month.
Last year with the Cubs he hit only .245/.271/.339 in 534 at bats, with only 17 walks and 109 strikeouts. Awful. But he was only 23 and has obviously rebounded nicely.
Has Cedeno ever shown hitting skills before in the minors? Yes. In 2005 he hit .355/.403/.518 in 245 at bats at Iowa before being promoted to the majors (where he hit .300/.356/.375 in 80 at bats).
Was last season just a horrendous "sophomore slump" for Ronny Cedeno? I don't know, but the Cubs now have other middle-infield options and might be willing to trade the guy cheap. He certainly should be back on everyone's prospect radar now.
This season, Cedeno is destroying the Pacific Coast League to the tune of .383/.457/.611 in 193 at bats. He has 25 walks and only 24 strikeouts, so he's showing tremendous improvement in batting eye. He's also flashing power with 10 home runs and 12 doubles. It's been a very consistent performance -- strong against left- and right-handed pitchers, at home and away, and in every month.
Last year with the Cubs he hit only .245/.271/.339 in 534 at bats, with only 17 walks and 109 strikeouts. Awful. But he was only 23 and has obviously rebounded nicely.
Has Cedeno ever shown hitting skills before in the minors? Yes. In 2005 he hit .355/.403/.518 in 245 at bats at Iowa before being promoted to the majors (where he hit .300/.356/.375 in 80 at bats).
Was last season just a horrendous "sophomore slump" for Ronny Cedeno? I don't know, but the Cubs now have other middle-infield options and might be willing to trade the guy cheap. He certainly should be back on everyone's prospect radar now.
Monday, July 9, 2007
The Importance of a Good Bench
A good bench is important to team success in baseball, but you wouldn't know it from the bench players teams use.
Consider the Baltimore Orioles' bench:
Jay Gibbons 208 AB -- .212/.265/.351
Paul Bako 111 AB -- .207/.279/.261
Chris Gomez 111 AB -- .297/.339/.378
Freddie Bynum 47 AB -- .277/.320/.532
Alberto Castillo 31 AB -- .161/.229/.323
Brandon Fahey 26 AB -- .192/.222/.192
TOTAL 534 AB.
534 at bats. That's far more than the team leader in at bats (Nick Markakis with 347). The scrubs on the Orioles' bench have 1.5 times as many at bats as any starting position player. This isn't an usually high total - bench players get a lot of playing time and it's mostly wasted.
The Detroit Tigers went from 829 runs scored in 1984 to 729 runs scored in 1985. Bill James calculated that the 100-run dropoff was mainly caused by the team's switch from a good-hitting bench to a bad-hitting bench.
There are players stuck at AAA who could be useful off the bench in the major leagues. They'd be a big improvement on the no-hit-wonders that pollute big league rosters now.
Consider the Baltimore Orioles' bench:
Jay Gibbons 208 AB -- .212/.265/.351
Paul Bako 111 AB -- .207/.279/.261
Chris Gomez 111 AB -- .297/.339/.378
Freddie Bynum 47 AB -- .277/.320/.532
Alberto Castillo 31 AB -- .161/.229/.323
Brandon Fahey 26 AB -- .192/.222/.192
TOTAL 534 AB.
534 at bats. That's far more than the team leader in at bats (Nick Markakis with 347). The scrubs on the Orioles' bench have 1.5 times as many at bats as any starting position player. This isn't an usually high total - bench players get a lot of playing time and it's mostly wasted.
The Detroit Tigers went from 829 runs scored in 1984 to 729 runs scored in 1985. Bill James calculated that the 100-run dropoff was mainly caused by the team's switch from a good-hitting bench to a bad-hitting bench.
There are players stuck at AAA who could be useful off the bench in the major leagues. They'd be a big improvement on the no-hit-wonders that pollute big league rosters now.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
House & Raburn
2007 Ken Phelps All-Star JR House has left the Orioles organization. He had an opt-out clause if he wasn't on the major league roster by July 1. Can't blame him for wanting a chance. Hopefully some smart team will pick him up, make him the DH and forget all about catching. He'd be a fine fit on the Twins -- they need a DH.
Ryan Raburn, another 2007 Ken Phelps All-Star, has been called up by the Tigers to replace the suspended (and crappy) Neifi "Nifty" Perez. So far he has one hit in one at bat, with one RBI. Let's all hope that Raburn gets to play more before he's sent back down. It's unfortunate for Ryan that he hits lefties better than righties -- Craig Monroe is getting killed by RHP this year (.179/.241/.308) but hits LHP pretty well (.338/.347/.618). Might've had a platoon there if they didn't have the same splits.
Ryan Raburn, another 2007 Ken Phelps All-Star, has been called up by the Tigers to replace the suspended (and crappy) Neifi "Nifty" Perez. So far he has one hit in one at bat, with one RBI. Let's all hope that Raburn gets to play more before he's sent back down. It's unfortunate for Ryan that he hits lefties better than righties -- Craig Monroe is getting killed by RHP this year (.179/.241/.308) but hits LHP pretty well (.338/.347/.618). Might've had a platoon there if they didn't have the same splits.
Andy Mitchell as a Starting Pitcher
Andy Mitchell is a right-handed pitcher at AAA Norfolk (Orioles organization). He's 28 years old and works as a reliever most of the time, but has 5 starts this season. The results of those starts are interesting.
In his starts, Mitchell has thrown 25.2 innings with 18 strikeouts and only 4 walks. 1 home run and 18 hits. 2.45 ERA. That's really good pitching.
As a reliever, Mitchell has a 4.65 ERA in 40.2 innings. 31 SO and 15 BB. 2 home runs and 48 hits.
He's an extreme underhanded pitcher (a submariner like Chad Bradford) so he's got a reliever label, but maybe he's more effective as a starter. He gets a ton of ground-outs (2.06 GO/AO ratio) which is a really good sign.
Getting left-handed hitters out has always been a struggle for Mitchell. Check out these stats:
vs. LH (avg, obp, slg)
2007 .289/.381/.356
2006 .341/.413/.462
2005 .295/.382/.400
vs RH
2007 .218/.252/.291
2006 .236/.314/.310
2005 .260/.317/.415
I'd think a starting pitcher could work around those LH hitters while a reliever just has to get everyone out. Anyway, the lefties don't hit for great power against him, but the walks are a pain.
In 2006, Mitchell only made one start in 51 appearances for AAA Ottawa. Overall he had a 2.27 ERA in 67.1 innings, 49 SO, 27 BB, 3 HR, 72 hits. Not bad.
He made zero starts in his 5 previous seasons in the Orioles organization.
The Orioles are hurting for starters at Norfolk, so this could be Mitchell's big chance to get noticed. Last night he started and went 6 innings, giving up 2 runs on 4 hits (one homer). 5 strikeouts and no walks. I hope he stays in the rotation and gets a chance to prove himself.
In his starts, Mitchell has thrown 25.2 innings with 18 strikeouts and only 4 walks. 1 home run and 18 hits. 2.45 ERA. That's really good pitching.
As a reliever, Mitchell has a 4.65 ERA in 40.2 innings. 31 SO and 15 BB. 2 home runs and 48 hits.
He's an extreme underhanded pitcher (a submariner like Chad Bradford) so he's got a reliever label, but maybe he's more effective as a starter. He gets a ton of ground-outs (2.06 GO/AO ratio) which is a really good sign.
Getting left-handed hitters out has always been a struggle for Mitchell. Check out these stats:
vs. LH (avg, obp, slg)
2007 .289/.381/.356
2006 .341/.413/.462
2005 .295/.382/.400
vs RH
2007 .218/.252/.291
2006 .236/.314/.310
2005 .260/.317/.415
I'd think a starting pitcher could work around those LH hitters while a reliever just has to get everyone out. Anyway, the lefties don't hit for great power against him, but the walks are a pain.
In 2006, Mitchell only made one start in 51 appearances for AAA Ottawa. Overall he had a 2.27 ERA in 67.1 innings, 49 SO, 27 BB, 3 HR, 72 hits. Not bad.
He made zero starts in his 5 previous seasons in the Orioles organization.
The Orioles are hurting for starters at Norfolk, so this could be Mitchell's big chance to get noticed. Last night he started and went 6 innings, giving up 2 runs on 4 hits (one homer). 5 strikeouts and no walks. I hope he stays in the rotation and gets a chance to prove himself.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Edwar Ramirez (Yankees)
Edwar Ramirez is a right-handed relief pitcher recently called up by the Yankees. He's 26, and was pitching for the independent league Edinburg Coyotes before the Yankees signed him as a free agent on July 9, 2006.
Originally signed by the Angels out of the Dominican Republic in 2001, Edwar didn't pitch too well and was released in March of 2004. In 2005 he pitched great for Pensacola of the independent Central League (62 IP, 93 SO, 15 BB, 1.45 ERA) and pitched in one (1!) game for AAA Salt Lake City (2 IP, 2 SO, 0 BB, 0 hits) with the Angels, but they dropped him again.
In 2006 Edwar was in the Yankee organization and pitched in 19 games for Tampa of the Florida State League. 1.17 ERA, 30.2 innings, 47 strikeouts, 6 walks, 0 homers, 14 hits. He overpowered them.
This season he pitched for AA Trenton and AAA Scranton. Combined for a 0.62 ERA in 43.1 innings. 80 strikeouts, 17 walks, 1 home run, 19 hits. Dominant.
Edwar Ramirez gets strikeouts, has fine control, and doesn't give up hits or homers. I'd say he has a bright future. What an unlikely success story!
Originally signed by the Angels out of the Dominican Republic in 2001, Edwar didn't pitch too well and was released in March of 2004. In 2005 he pitched great for Pensacola of the independent Central League (62 IP, 93 SO, 15 BB, 1.45 ERA) and pitched in one (1!) game for AAA Salt Lake City (2 IP, 2 SO, 0 BB, 0 hits) with the Angels, but they dropped him again.
In 2006 Edwar was in the Yankee organization and pitched in 19 games for Tampa of the Florida State League. 1.17 ERA, 30.2 innings, 47 strikeouts, 6 walks, 0 homers, 14 hits. He overpowered them.
This season he pitched for AA Trenton and AAA Scranton. Combined for a 0.62 ERA in 43.1 innings. 80 strikeouts, 17 walks, 1 home run, 19 hits. Dominant.
Edwar Ramirez gets strikeouts, has fine control, and doesn't give up hits or homers. I'd say he has a bright future. What an unlikely success story!
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
2007 Ken Phelps All-Star Team
Here's the complete 2007 Ken Phelps All-Star Team, with links to individual write-ups. Selection criteria include: 1) in the minors (mostly) this season and last, 2) "freely available" (waiver claim, minor league free agent, long-time minor leaguer), and 3) performance that stands out among AAA peers.
Position Players:
LF: Ryan Raburn, 26, Tigers
CF: Darnell McDonald, 28, Nationals
RF: Hiram Bocachica, 31, Padres
3B: Scott Seabol, 32, Marlins
SS: D'Angelo Jimenez, 29, Nationals
2B: Jeff Keppinger, 27, Reds
1B: Joe Dillon, 31, Brewers
C: JD Closser, 27, As
DH: JR House, 27, Orioles
Honorable Mention:
LF/2B/3B: Bobby Scales, 29, Red Sox
2B: Edgar Gonzalez, 26, Cardinals
3B/2B: Jack Hannahan, 27, Twins
Starting Pitchers:
Devern Hansack, RHP, 29, Red Sox
Ron Chiavacci, RHP, 29, Tigers
Buddy Carlyle, RHP, 29, Braves
Mike Gosling, LHP, 26, Reds
Bobby Livingston, LHP, 24, Reds
Relief Pitchers:
Cory Doyne, RHP, 26, Orioles
Grant Balfour, RHP, 29, Brewers
Brian Sanches, RHP, 28, Phillies
Travis Driskill, RHP, 35, Astros
Dan Giese, RHP, 30, Giants
My Ken Phelps All-Stars can play, and could fill a role for the right major league team. They just need a chance. Free the Ken Phelps All-Stars!
Position Players:
LF: Ryan Raburn, 26, Tigers
CF: Darnell McDonald, 28, Nationals
RF: Hiram Bocachica, 31, Padres
3B: Scott Seabol, 32, Marlins
SS: D'Angelo Jimenez, 29, Nationals
2B: Jeff Keppinger, 27, Reds
1B: Joe Dillon, 31, Brewers
C: JD Closser, 27, As
DH: JR House, 27, Orioles
Honorable Mention:
LF/2B/3B: Bobby Scales, 29, Red Sox
2B: Edgar Gonzalez, 26, Cardinals
3B/2B: Jack Hannahan, 27, Twins
Starting Pitchers:
Devern Hansack, RHP, 29, Red Sox
Ron Chiavacci, RHP, 29, Tigers
Buddy Carlyle, RHP, 29, Braves
Mike Gosling, LHP, 26, Reds
Bobby Livingston, LHP, 24, Reds
Relief Pitchers:
Cory Doyne, RHP, 26, Orioles
Grant Balfour, RHP, 29, Brewers
Brian Sanches, RHP, 28, Phillies
Travis Driskill, RHP, 35, Astros
Dan Giese, RHP, 30, Giants
My Ken Phelps All-Stars can play, and could fill a role for the right major league team. They just need a chance. Free the Ken Phelps All-Stars!
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
2007 Ken Phelps All-Stars: Relief Pitchers
I've decided to present all five of the relief pitchers on my 2007 Ken Phelps All-Star Team at once. There are many qualified relief pitchers out there, so consider my selections as representative of lots of other effective relievers stuck in the minors. Why don't teams try these guys instead of spending millions on free agent retreads?
Cory Doyne - 26-year-old RHP, Orioles. Signed as a minor league free agent.
2007: 10.31 k/9, 2.95 bb/9, 1.97 FIP at AAA Norfolk
2006: 10.58 k/9, 5.70 bb/9, 2.94 FIP at AA Springfield (Cardinals)
Grant Balfour - 29-year-old RHP, Brewers. Comeback from injury. Minor league free agent.
2007: 13.00 k/9, 2.67 bb/9, 2.16 FIP at AAA Nashville
2006: 11.12 k/9, 4.76 bb/9, 2.85 FIP at A Sarasota (Reds)
Brian Sanches - 28-year-old RHP, Phillies. At AAA for 3 seasons. Now doing well in bigs.
2007: 11.70 k/9, 1.20 bb/9, 2.40 FIP at AAA Ottawa
2006: 10.72 k/9, 2.68 bb/9, 2.38 FIP at AAA Scranton
Travis Driskill - 35-year-old RHP, Astros. Pitching well in a tough park.
2007: 9.44 k/9, 1.98 bb/9, 3.10 FIP at AAA Round Rock
2006: 8.07 k/9, 1.81 bb/9, 3.66 FIP at AAA Round Rock
Dan Giese - 30-year-old RHP, Giants. Signed minor league contract.
2007: 8.40 k/9, 1.00 bb/9, 2.24 FIP at AAA Fresno
2006: 8.33 k/9, 1.01 bb/9, 2.78 FIP at AAA Scranton (Phillies)
Obviously I favor relievers who can get the strikeout and have excellent control. "FIP" is Fielding Independent Pitching and is a better stat for relief pitchers than ERA.
Cory Doyne - 26-year-old RHP, Orioles. Signed as a minor league free agent.
2007: 10.31 k/9, 2.95 bb/9, 1.97 FIP at AAA Norfolk
2006: 10.58 k/9, 5.70 bb/9, 2.94 FIP at AA Springfield (Cardinals)
Grant Balfour - 29-year-old RHP, Brewers. Comeback from injury. Minor league free agent.
2007: 13.00 k/9, 2.67 bb/9, 2.16 FIP at AAA Nashville
2006: 11.12 k/9, 4.76 bb/9, 2.85 FIP at A Sarasota (Reds)
Brian Sanches - 28-year-old RHP, Phillies. At AAA for 3 seasons. Now doing well in bigs.
2007: 11.70 k/9, 1.20 bb/9, 2.40 FIP at AAA Ottawa
2006: 10.72 k/9, 2.68 bb/9, 2.38 FIP at AAA Scranton
Travis Driskill - 35-year-old RHP, Astros. Pitching well in a tough park.
2007: 9.44 k/9, 1.98 bb/9, 3.10 FIP at AAA Round Rock
2006: 8.07 k/9, 1.81 bb/9, 3.66 FIP at AAA Round Rock
Dan Giese - 30-year-old RHP, Giants. Signed minor league contract.
2007: 8.40 k/9, 1.00 bb/9, 2.24 FIP at AAA Fresno
2006: 8.33 k/9, 1.01 bb/9, 2.78 FIP at AAA Scranton (Phillies)
Obviously I favor relievers who can get the strikeout and have excellent control. "FIP" is Fielding Independent Pitching and is a better stat for relief pitchers than ERA.
Monday, July 2, 2007
2007 Ken Phelps All-Stars: Bobby Livingston (SP)
The fifth and final member of the starting rotation for my 2007 Ken Phelps All-Star Team is Bobby Livingston. Bobby is a 24-year-old left-handed pitcher. Now you might say "Whoa there! 24 is awful young for a Ken Phelps All-Star." And you'd be right. It is young, but Livingston was waived by the Mariners in December of last year and claimed by the Reds (the Reds did well snagging both him and Gosling off waivers), so he definitely counts as "freely available talent." He was selected in the 4th round of the 2001 draft by the Mariners and was in their organization until they prematurely dumped him.
Livingston consistently demonstrated good control in the minors and gives up few home runs. His strikeout rate is borderline good, but that's forgivable for a left-hander who gets a lot of ground-outs.
This season Livingston made 14 starts for AAA Louisville. Over 89.1 innings he had a 3.83 ERA with 58 strikeouts and only 13 walks and 4 homers. He murdered left-handed batters (.213 BA, 28 SO, 2 BB, 20 H in 26 IP).
SO/9: 5.85 (marginal)
BB/9: 1.31 (excellent)
HR/9: 0.40 (excellent)
GO/AO: 2.01 (excellent - gets lots of ground outs)
In 2006, Livingston made 22 starts for AAA Tacoma. In 135.1 innings he had 69 strikeouts, 36 walks and 18 home runs. His ERA was 4.59. Not inspiring, but remember he was only 23 years old and his stats from previous years were better (he was an all-star in the California League in 2004 and in the Texas League in 2005).
Livingston consistently demonstrated good control in the minors and gives up few home runs. His strikeout rate is borderline good, but that's forgivable for a left-hander who gets a lot of ground-outs.
This season Livingston made 14 starts for AAA Louisville. Over 89.1 innings he had a 3.83 ERA with 58 strikeouts and only 13 walks and 4 homers. He murdered left-handed batters (.213 BA, 28 SO, 2 BB, 20 H in 26 IP).
SO/9: 5.85 (marginal)
BB/9: 1.31 (excellent)
HR/9: 0.40 (excellent)
GO/AO: 2.01 (excellent - gets lots of ground outs)
In 2006, Livingston made 22 starts for AAA Tacoma. In 135.1 innings he had 69 strikeouts, 36 walks and 18 home runs. His ERA was 4.59. Not inspiring, but remember he was only 23 years old and his stats from previous years were better (he was an all-star in the California League in 2004 and in the Texas League in 2005).
2007 Ken Phelps All-Stars: Buddy Carlyle (SP)
Buddy Carlyle is in the majors at the moment, but started the season in the minors and was stuck there for years. That qualifies him for the 2007 Ken Phelps All-Star Team. Buddy is a 29-year-old right-handed pitcher, selected by the Reds in the 2nd round of the 1996 draft. He pitched in Japan in 2001 and 2002, then signed minor league contracts with the Royals, Yankees, Dodgers, Marlins and Braves.
Carlyle can get strikeouts and has good control, but has been plagued by giving up too many home runs through most of his career. This season he pitched great for AAA Richmond before his call-up. 2.59 ERA in 9 starts.
SO/9: 10.44 (excellent)
BB/9: 1.68 (excellent)
HR/9: 0.93 (acceptable)
GO/AO: 1.26 (good - fewer flyballs is the key for him)
In 2006 Carlyle had a 1.93 ERA for AAA Albuquerque. He had 2 starts and 11 relief appearances for a total of just 28 innings. 22 strikeouts, 7 walks, 3 home runs. Then he was sold to a team in Korea (really).
With the Braves this season he's pitched 4 good starts and 3 poor starts. If he settles in and gains confidence, Buddy Carlyle could be a success story in the second half for the Braves.
Carlyle can get strikeouts and has good control, but has been plagued by giving up too many home runs through most of his career. This season he pitched great for AAA Richmond before his call-up. 2.59 ERA in 9 starts.
SO/9: 10.44 (excellent)
BB/9: 1.68 (excellent)
HR/9: 0.93 (acceptable)
GO/AO: 1.26 (good - fewer flyballs is the key for him)
In 2006 Carlyle had a 1.93 ERA for AAA Albuquerque. He had 2 starts and 11 relief appearances for a total of just 28 innings. 22 strikeouts, 7 walks, 3 home runs. Then he was sold to a team in Korea (really).
With the Braves this season he's pitched 4 good starts and 3 poor starts. If he settles in and gains confidence, Buddy Carlyle could be a success story in the second half for the Braves.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
2007 Ken Phelps All-Star: Mike Gosling (SP)
Mike Gosling is a left-handed starting pitcher for my 2007 Ken Phelps All-Star team. He's 26 years old and was selected out of Stanford in the 2nd round of the 2001 draft by the Diamondbacks. The Reds claimed him off waivers in February of 2006, thus qualifying him as a "freely available talent" eligible for this team. He actually cleared waivers in September of 2006 and was outrighted to Louisville.
This season Gosling has made 13 starts for AAA Louisville. 78 innings, 65 strikeouts, 23 walks and 7 home runs.
SO/9: 7.50 very good
BB/9: 2.65 good -- staying below 3 is the key
HR/9: 0.81 very good
GO/AO: 1.93 -- gets lots of ground-balls
In 2006 at AAA Louisville, Gosling threw 118 innings in 22 starts with 100 strikeouts, 53 walks and 12 home runs. The strikeout rate was good, but that's too many walks.
Mike Gosling pitches better as a starter than a reliever. He's appeared in 5 games of ineffective relief for the Reds this season. He's young enough to gain a little more control and become a useful long-term part of a big-league rotation. Being lefthanded will get him more opportunities.
This season Gosling has made 13 starts for AAA Louisville. 78 innings, 65 strikeouts, 23 walks and 7 home runs.
SO/9: 7.50 very good
BB/9: 2.65 good -- staying below 3 is the key
HR/9: 0.81 very good
GO/AO: 1.93 -- gets lots of ground-balls
In 2006 at AAA Louisville, Gosling threw 118 innings in 22 starts with 100 strikeouts, 53 walks and 12 home runs. The strikeout rate was good, but that's too many walks.
Mike Gosling pitches better as a starter than a reliever. He's appeared in 5 games of ineffective relief for the Reds this season. He's young enough to gain a little more control and become a useful long-term part of a big-league rotation. Being lefthanded will get him more opportunities.
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