LSB Community Prospect Project: #14
by thedirkatron on Dec 1, 2008 6:28 AM CST
100 comments
Another vote, another guy who finished second in the previous poll emerging as the victor.
After 202 votes, Wilfredo Boscan has won the right to be called the LSB Community #13 prospect!
Seems like field is getting a lot more wide open now, with Fredo only able to secure 38% of the vote.
The list so far:
1. LHP, Derek Holland.
2. RHP, Neftali Feliz
3. 1b, Justin Smoak
4. RHP, Michael Main
5. SS, Elvis Andrus
6. C, Taylor Teagarden
7. C, Maximiliano Ramirez
8. LHP, Martin Perez
9. OF, Julio Borbon
10. RHP, Eric Hurley
11. OF, Engel Beltre
12. RHP, Blake Beavan
13. RHP, Wilfredo Boscan
Time to move on to the vote for #14.
The polls are open, so go ahead and vote in the poll at the bottom and feel free to make any suggestions and/or criticisms in the comments below.
And please don't hesitate to tell me you want on the list for next time.
NOTE: There has been some speculation as to what the criteria are for this vote. Should guys who have spent time in the bigs be involved in "prospect" discussions? For the sake of this exercise we're taking what the guys have done in the big leagues and using the BA prospect formula of 130 AB's or 50 ip. If a guy is under those limits, he's still a prospect and he goes on the poll. It's that simple.
Resources:
- MJH's prospect previews for the DMN Blog:
- 11 Weeks of FFG (Prelude to Prospects Lists below)
- RH Starters 1-5
- RH Starters 6-10
- RH Starters 11-15
- LH Starters 1-5
- LH Starters 6-10
- Relievers 1-5
- Catchers
- Outfielders
Jason Parks and Joey Matschulat's Top 25 list from their excellent Rangers' site, BBTiA.com.
8 recs |
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yes Im first!
The bloggerformelyknownasBigBaddBubbaJ
by NYTXFAN on Dec 1, 2008 6:43 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
and Im going with Kiker
The bloggerformelyknownasBigBaddBubbaJ
by NYTXFAN on Dec 1, 2008 6:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Ramirez
Damn this team is deep in 2nd tier pitching prospects.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Dec 1, 2008 6:44 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
+1 on both counts.
" He throws it where he wants it, his breaking ball kept getting better and better and of course God gave him that special arm. He's great." ~ Neftali Feliz on Derek Holland.
by Kinslerhomer on Dec 1, 2008 8:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Its great, isn't it?
Because while those guys fail at about a 75% rate, that means odds are at least one or two will make some sort of impact at the big league level.
I’d be interested where some of these guys would rank if they were time-transported to previous years – how many years would Ramirez or Ross have been the top pitcher in our organization? I’m certainly more intrigued by them than I ever was by guys like Colby Lewis and Jonathan Johnson…
by JBImaknee on Dec 1, 2008 11:52 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Kiker again for me.
Peep these:
Obviously the FIP and the WHIP aren’t too pretty, but beyond that a couple of things really stand out to me.
First his K and BB ratios were better than I expected before checking. 8 k’s per 9 is pretty darn good, and he managed to keep his BB/9 well under 3, which is a strong combo.
Second, look at the ridiculously low LD%. I’m a little skeptical about balls in play classification stats as a rule (who decides what’s a line-drive and what’s a flyball?), and that counts double for A ball… but even so, 11% is crazy. And it also makes his .353 BABIP seem even more flukey-high than it already did.
Also, something that doesn’t show here is how disappointed people within the organization apparently were with the way he came to camp last year and how that’s supposed to have been addressed. (WWND, Kasey!?)
If he comes to camp in better shape and now that he’s free of the pitchers hell that is Bakersfield… I think we could really see the kid shoot up the charts this year.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
There are two kinds of men in this world: Men who make jump throws, and men who wish that they were Derek Jeter so that they could make jump throws.
by thedirkatron on Dec 1, 2008 6:51 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
velocity
I know it’s not the end all, but it sure is a lot easier for me to get excited about Kiker if he’s throwing in the mid 90s than if he’s sitting in the 80s. Seems like it has been quite a while since we’ve heard good things about his velocity.
In memory of Ulysses Simpson Grant Stoner. RIP Lil Stoner.
by tricer on Dec 1, 2008 7:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hmm... Who said he sits in the 80's?
Reports on his stuff are kinda all over the place.
From MJH:
Kiker still has excellent stuff — mid-90’s cheese and a good curve — and the ability to become a significant contributor to a big league pitching staff, but he’s going to have to show up for work and get a lot done in 2009 if he’s going to become the pitcher the Rangers believe he can become.
From BBTiA:
during the ’08 campaign Kiker was more of an upper-80s to low-90s pitcher that would mix in a slider and a very good change-up.
That’s the problem with trying to get a handle on what some of these guys throw: Everyone has a different story.
If Kiker can show an avg fbv of 90mph or above that’s more than enough fastball, imo. More would be nice, obviously, but plenty of pretty darn good starters keep their avg fbv’s around 90.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
There are two kinds of men in this world: Men who make jump throws, and men who wish that they were Derek Jeter so that they could make jump throws.
by thedirkatron on Dec 1, 2008 7:57 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Kiker
I think he still has the arm to hit the mid 90s, but he wasn’t there very often, if at all, during the ‘08 season and he wasn’t there in the FIL. I know he hit 97 mph on the gun during the playoffs in ‘07, but I don’t think he ever sat in the mid 90s.
by jparks77 on Dec 1, 2008 8:19 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hindman
I take a couple mph off of some of his radar quotes. I’m not saying he intentionally juices them, but I get this feeling that he remembers the highest readins he hears/sees from a guy, or takes readings that are only hit in bullpen sessions and extrapolates. I love reading Mike’s stuff, but his enthusiasm means taking his reports with a grain of salt, as we know.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Dec 1, 2008 9:36 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
I think his velo reports on Kiker and Pimentel (both mid-90’s) and to a lesser extent Boscan were not spot on. For Kiker, I think MJH might expect him to regain his velo but the consensus seems to be that he never even sniffed 97 this year like he did in last years playoffs…
by Goyogringo on Dec 1, 2008 2:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I've always liked Kiker a lot
Gotta go with him here. I’ve heard a lot of good things about Ramirez, but the walks (which I believe you brought up in the last thread, dirk: BB/9 of nearly 6) bug me – they contribute greatly to his FIP being more than twice his ERA.
NeRam is definitely one of the breakout candidates for 2009, but he’s got a definite problem right now (control) that he’ll need to overcome, whereas Kiker, despite his shitty overall season, actually improved his K/BB ratio, increased his GB% while lowering his LD’s and had an FIP .72 lower than his ERA.
"Somewhere out there, between 14-32 BBWAA NL MVP voters are trying to get cheaper winter heating by drilling a hole in the microwave." - Jeff at LoL
by lonestarJon on Dec 1, 2008 7:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Kiker's line
I’d like to see that avg. against go down. .290 is a little scary, even in a hitter’s league. I’m expecting a big jump from him in 2009, though, if his work ethic improves to match his talent. But I went with Ramirez here because I think he projects better in the long run.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Dec 1, 2008 9:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The avg. shoould've been much lower looking at his BIP stats.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
There are two kinds of men in this world: Men who make jump throws, and men who wish that they were Derek Jeter so that they could make jump throws.
by thedirkatron on Dec 1, 2008 12:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
I’m expecting better numbers next year even if nothing else changes. Here’s what will happen with Kiker in 2009:
1. He shows up in better shape and looks good in the spring. He says the right things and coaches praise his new attitude.
2.He pitches pretty well (again) and his overall numbers are more in line with his peripherals, FIP, avg. against, etc. all look better. His luck is better and his numbers show it.
3. Media ascribes his better numbers to Nolan Ryan’s little talk.
I’m looking forward to all of that.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Dec 1, 2008 2:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You forgot...
4. Evan Grant takes the rest of the media to task, saying, “It’s not due to Nolan at all, it’s cause he stopped hanging out with that miscreant, Chris-John Wilson!!!”
The 40 Trumps All!!!
There are two kinds of men in this world: Men who make jump throws, and men who wish that they were Derek Jeter so that they could make jump throws.
by thedirkatron on Dec 1, 2008 2:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Kiker v NeRa
Kiker in SPO (18 y.o.)
53.1 IP, 48 H
52/37 K/BB
NeRa in SPO (19 y.o.)
44.0 IP, 25 H
52/29 K/BB
Neil’s first year is redolent of Kiker with the iffy BB rate alongside a strong K rate. The hit rate is beautiful, and we’re told scouts love his stuff to pieces.
But Kiker’s higher up, and being in Frisco positions him for a more credible breakout season. Neil’s best 2009 effort probably won’t elevate him above some Cal League starts.
The vote’s Kiker.
Go Strangers.
by hightowersmith on Dec 1, 2008 7:47 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
i vote eric hurley.
as a write in candidate.
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Dec 1, 2008 8:02 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
lol
naw i went w/ ramirez
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Dec 1, 2008 8:02 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I went with Kiker
When in doubt, go with a Lefty.
by Coolbean04 on Dec 1, 2008 8:18 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
with the possible exception
of Vallejo, I could see a run of pitchers from 12 to 20+. I voted NeRa here, but Kiker, Tim Murphy, Gomez, Hunter, Poveda, Wieland all have strong cases.
by clark on Dec 1, 2008 8:25 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
is Juan Dominguez still eligible?
jk…went with NeRa here….the promise of that curve is too tempting
by El Jefe on Dec 1, 2008 9:10 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I find myself voting Vallejo
Since learning about his ability to potentially play a plus shortstop, I have a new excitement about him.. Post steroid era I believe he is more than just a utility player.
"My mother always taught me that if the only thing you have to say is,
‘(Expletive) Dave Samson,’ then don’t say anything at all.
So I’m not going to say anything at all.
Is my mother the greatest or what?"
- Mariners GM Bill Bavasi, after signing Ichiro to a $90 million contract
by tyd3311 on Dec 1, 2008 9:57 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I have no problem with a Vallejo vote. But what indication do we have that he could play a “plus” shortstop again?
by Brett Perryman on Dec 1, 2008 10:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
His range, his arm,
his speed, his great defense at 2B. These things suggest he could play a plus shortstop.
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw
by Gdawg on Dec 1, 2008 10:47 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I know I'm just a broken record
but you don’t know that someone can play plus defense at shortstop until you see them play plus defense at shortstop. It’s a little like (obviously to a lesser degree) saying that a point guard can play corner back because he’s fast and athletic.
by Brett Perryman on Dec 1, 2008 11:13 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I understand what you're saying
more just giving you some crap for saying “could play a plus shortstop”. You didn’t specify the whole proof thing.
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw
by Gdawg on Dec 1, 2008 11:21 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I guess I'm just saying
I know what the source is, and I’d figure we’d have learned our lesson on the overhyping by now. Vallejo is a great athlete, and if you look back, I was suggesting that I’d like to see guys like him and Duran worked at shortstop some so that they could potentially be viable assets here and not just as trade bait, but I don’t think that you can get carried away until a guy does it. And the word plus really threw me. Some of the greatest natural infield talents in the history ot the planet couldn’t play plus defense at shortstop because they weren’t consistent there, didn’t make all those tough plays consistently. Let’s get past not a total liability and then adequate first.
by Brett Perryman on Dec 1, 2008 11:27 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
“ability to potentially play”
I guess you can say I’m ignorantly assuming his defense will play well at SS. We will see.
And he remains probably the most outstanding defensive infielder in the system, Elvis and Joaquin notwithstanding, mjh
"My mother always taught me that if the only thing you have to say is,
‘(Expletive) Dave Samson,’ then don’t say anything at all.
So I’m not going to say anything at all.
Is my mother the greatest or what?"
- Mariners GM Bill Bavasi, after signing Ichiro to a $90 million contract
by tyd3311 on Dec 1, 2008 2:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I guess it’s up to each of us to determine how much of a filter to put on the endless line of absolute declarations.
by Brett Perryman on Dec 1, 2008 2:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hindman quote
that is a funny way of saying he might be the third best infielder in the system.
In memory of Ulysses Simpson Grant Stoner. RIP Lil Stoner.
by tricer on Dec 1, 2008 3:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Here's a short video of him:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tN3G6_MXwoQ&feature=related
" He throws it where he wants it, his breaking ball kept getting better and better and of course God gave him that special arm. He's great." ~ Neftali Feliz on Derek Holland.
by Kinslerhomer on Dec 1, 2008 11:04 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I got interested in Vallejo after Newberg basically said that if you thought Marcus Lemon was a better prospect than Vallejo you were an idiot and no longer worth talking to.
Even for a notoriously high-strung Lemon-hater like the Berg that sort of reaction got my attention.
Apparently he’s one of those guys you need to see to appreciate.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
There are two kinds of men in this world: Men who make jump throws, and men who wish that they were Derek Jeter so that they could make jump throws.
by thedirkatron on Dec 1, 2008 12:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Only problem with that
more often than not, guys who you need to see to appreciate are overrated by those who think that you need to see them to appreciate them. Joaquin Arias you had to see to appreciate. Drew Meyer.
by Brett Perryman on Dec 1, 2008 12:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Derek Jeter.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
There are two kinds of men in this world: Men who make jump throws, and men who wish that they were Derek Jeter so that they could make jump throws.
by thedirkatron on Dec 1, 2008 1:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
who has a better jump throw?
tebow or jeter?
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Dec 1, 2008 1:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I already answered this.
Come on, kok.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
There are two kinds of men in this world: Men who make jump throws, and men who wish that they were Derek Jeter so that they could make jump throws.
by thedirkatron on Dec 1, 2008 1:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
How is Ramirez beating Kiker
His stuff is great, but the guy walks about a hundred guys per nine innings!!!
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw
by Gdawg on Dec 1, 2008 10:08 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Ceiling/curveball
I understand the rationale, because I’ve been placing more importance on ceiling than anything else for most of these polls myself. But I totally agree, NeRam’s BB’s are gonna be a big obstacle for him. Of all the young high-ceiling SP’s we’ve voted for so far (Main, Perez, Boscan, Beavan) I think Ramirez is different in the respect that he has the biggest potential flaw among them: wildness.
"Somewhere out there, between 14-32 BBWAA NL MVP voters are trying to get cheaper winter heating by drilling a hole in the microwave." - Jeff at LoL
by lonestarJon on Dec 1, 2008 10:19 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Not having particularly good stuff isn't a potential flaw?
by Brett Perryman on Dec 1, 2008 10:20 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Who doesn't have particularly good stuff?
"Somewhere out there, between 14-32 BBWAA NL MVP voters are trying to get cheaper winter heating by drilling a hole in the microwave." - Jeff at LoL
by lonestarJon on Dec 1, 2008 10:22 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I would take a bit less
on the stuff if it meant much improved control, not that I necessarily think NeilRam’s stuff is any better than the guys ahead of him.
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw
by Gdawg on Dec 1, 2008 10:48 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You don’t think that Ramirez has better stuff than Boscan?
by Brett Perryman on Dec 1, 2008 11:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Honestly
Its tough for me to tell. I haven’t really given it much thought before and haven’t seen them pitch past maybe a clip or two here and there. Right now, I don’t think there is that big of a difference between the two to rank him higher because of Ramirez’s huge control problems. I guess its just that these guys are being talked about as top of the rotation ceilings with a lot left to prove, so I think you need to look at who has the biggest question marks with them.
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw
by Gdawg on Dec 1, 2008 12:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Ramirez vs Boscan
In my opinion, Ramirez has a significantly better curve than Boscan and Boscan has a significantly better change-up. Ramirez has more velocity on his fastball while Boscan has better movement.
by spurdynasty on Dec 1, 2008 1:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Jason Cole's comment on Ramirez, who he ranks #9 in the system
9. Neil Ramirez, RHP – The fourth of the Rangers’ five first round picks in the 2007 Draft, Ramirez could turn out to be the best of them all. The Virginia Beach native had an outstanding debut with short-season Spokane this past summer, as he held batters to a .166 average while striking out 52 in 44 innings. The 6-foot-3 hurler consistently works in the low-90s with a plus hammer curveball.
BA ranked him as having the best curveball in the system before he’d even pitched in a regular season game.
by Brett Perryman on Dec 1, 2008 11:34 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Mmmm curveball...
And that BAA is just phenomenal. I voted for Ramirez.
by hiafex on Dec 1, 2008 12:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
retread
see propect #13 discussion thread
by Goyogringo on Dec 1, 2008 2:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
This is one helluva poll so far
We’ll see if it turns out to be the best one. Kiker started off leading, but NeRam caught up and is starting to pull away, ever so slowly. Up to a 4 vote lead right now.
"Somewhere out there, between 14-32 BBWAA NL MVP voters are trying to get cheaper winter heating by drilling a hole in the microwave." - Jeff at LoL
by lonestarJon on Dec 1, 2008 10:09 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
6 vote lead at 10:40
I guess you heard Fat Joe left Atlantic.
by Haeger Champ on Dec 1, 2008 10:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
KK
Downing for me.
"...my balls are really like a veiny flesh color" blueballlefty on Jun 4, 2008 7:44 PM EDT
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
by Rodney on Dec 1, 2008 10:13 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Hey Rodney
What’s your top 15 look like? Just Curious.
Me, I think I’ve got:
1. Dutch
2. Feliz
3. Smoak
4. Main
5. Andrus
6. MaxRam
7. Perez
8. Borbon
9. Tea
10. Boscan
11. Beavan
12. Beltre
13. Hurley
14. Kiker
15. NeRam
"Somewhere out there, between 14-32 BBWAA NL MVP voters are trying to get cheaper winter heating by drilling a hole in the microwave." - Jeff at LoL
by lonestarJon on Dec 1, 2008 10:22 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I've never put pen to paper
on my own list. There are many here who are much better at this than I, who have seen/talked with these guys.
I think we all learn much from the give & take, cussin’ & discussin’ that these lists bring up…that’s the best part about it.
"...my balls are really like a veiny flesh color" blueballlefty on Jun 4, 2008 7:44 PM EDT
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
by Rodney on Dec 1, 2008 10:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, absolutely
Reading the banter is the best part of these polls, especially when guys like Jason and spurdynasty join in.
Mine “list” is by no means an indiction of how good these guys actually are, just how my little pea-brain would rank ’em based on what the smart folk tell us. I just wondered about yours.
"Somewhere out there, between 14-32 BBWAA NL MVP voters are trying to get cheaper winter heating by drilling a hole in the microwave." - Jeff at LoL
by lonestarJon on Dec 1, 2008 10:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Julio Borbon
Playing some LF for Aguilas in the DWL. Off to a nice start.
Borbon was a league-average AFL hitter according to the BA prospect blog.
Smoak was a 149 OPS+ guy there.
by shroomer on Dec 1, 2008 11:18 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Borbon was a league-average AFL hitter
Of course, so was Matt Wieters…
by clark on Dec 1, 2008 12:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Borbon was league average in OPS+, but Top 10 in OBP
by spurdynasty on Dec 1, 2008 1:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
and really
thats all i care about, either he’s hitting number 1 or 8th or 9th, either way he’s setting the table for guys with more power. Just need him on base where his speed can help us
by blalock84 on Dec 2, 2008 4:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If you were wearing pants...
…they’d be on fire.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
There are two kinds of men in this world: Men who make jump throws, and men who wish that they were Derek Jeter so that they could make jump throws.
by thedirkatron on Dec 1, 2008 1:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I know I'm a little late to the party with this comment but...
I’m still shocked that Holland went from not even in our top 30 prospects with last years LSB rankings to number 1 in one year. I don’t think Kinsler would have even done that. I forget who our prospects were at the time but I’m fairly certain of that.
by slimshadty12 on Dec 1, 2008 1:35 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Heh
at that time we wouldn’t have felt the need or desire to rank all the way to 30, and Kinsler wouldn’t have had to climb that far.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Dec 1, 2008 2:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
True
Even maybe 2 years back, anything over 15 prospects was prospects was pushing it. There will be some legitimate battles from 20 all the way up to 30 this year. Got to love it.
by slimshadty12 on Dec 1, 2008 9:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Went with Kiker
Just got a feeling that hes going to come out this season more motivated (seeing as how hes been passed over by other prospects) and get himself in shape to dominate this year.
Still see him as a Billy Wagner type of closer here
In Smoak We Trust
by Smoak Some on Dec 1, 2008 3:20 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
It’s probably not the case for you guys who have been voting for him, but it’s easy to forget that if he has his shit together, his timetable could be quite short. Pitchers with a year of High A under their belts can always come very fast if it clicks.
by Brett Perryman on Dec 1, 2008 4:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Wow
I must be a real sucker for high-upside, high-risk guys. Voted Beltre earlier, been going for Neil last few times up.
by jonthefon on Dec 1, 2008 4:22 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Wow, I just found this list over at HH, bad.
http://www.halosheaven.com/2008/11/30/675766/rangers-minor-league-perfo
" He throws it where he wants it, his breaking ball kept getting better and better and of course God gave him that special arm. He's great." ~ Neftali Feliz on Derek Holland.
by Kinslerhomer on Dec 1, 2008 5:51 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Troubling news: the Texas Rangers are improving, and improving in a hurry.
So much so, that I think we’ll hear Tampa Rays comparisons fly beginning late 2009.
:)
"...my balls are really like a veiny flesh color" blueballlefty on Jun 4, 2008 7:44 PM EDT
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
by Rodney on Dec 1, 2008 6:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Strange ranking system
I don’t see any reason to rank a rookie ball season (Will Smith’s) ahead of Feliz’s AA stuff, nice as it was.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Dec 1, 2008 8:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Huh.
everything happens in cycles. the Rangers have been soo bad the last few yrs that its only time all those high picks would start to add up throughout the organization.
:(
Always trade away their arms for bats anyway. I can think of 2 off the top of my head, Volquez last year and Chris Young of the Padres.
:((
Easier to Develope SP the Hitters: I have said it before and I will say it again. Just shows with 5 Tex players being SP
:(((
by LiamP on Dec 1, 2008 11:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Golson
It occurs to me that Golson might not get votes because he’s new and most people don’t know much about him. Where would his trade counterpart have fit into this list? Would he be getting votes now or would he still be a ways down? Golson hasn’t even sniffed recognition yet.
Many tools, not many votes.
"You taste like a burger. I don't like you anymore."
by Heebs on Dec 1, 2008 5:56 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Not sure about this list, but for me, late 20s to 30s.
by Brett Perryman on Dec 1, 2008 6:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I've got him at 27
In a weak Phillies system (#22, 07) he has been top 10 or 11 since his rookie yr, 2004
by Goyogringo on Dec 2, 2008 12:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
MLB.com top 50 prospects
Starting with 41-50.
With Derek Holland coming in at 46.
Upside potential: Holland may have advanced more than any Minor League pitcher in terms of expectations and now looks like he could be a front-of-the-rotation starter in the not-too-distant future.
"My mother always taught me that if the only thing you have to say is,
‘(Expletive) Dave Samson,’ then don’t say anything at all.
So I’m not going to say anything at all.
Is my mother the greatest or what?"
- Mariners GM Bill Bavasi, after signing Ichiro to a $90 million contract
by tyd3311 on Dec 1, 2008 9:13 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Nice presentation
and I know they talk with teams some, but their rankings are pretty off the wall.
by Brett Perryman on Dec 1, 2008 9:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Who is this James McDonald
And why is he ranked ahead of Holland?
by hiafex on Dec 1, 2008 10:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He's solid
Has kind of flown under the radar most of the way but is pretty legit. I think I’d definitely take Holland though.
by Brett Perryman on Dec 1, 2008 10:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He looked really promising from what I saw of him down the stretch and in the playoffs.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
There are two kinds of men in this world: Men who make jump throws, and men who wish that they were Derek Jeter so that they could make jump throws.
by thedirkatron on Dec 2, 2008 3:09 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He’s definitely gotten better and better.
by Brett Perryman on Dec 2, 2008 10:35 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Worked out of the Dodgers bullpen during the playoffs
SP prospect though.
"My mother always taught me that if the only thing you have to say is,
‘(Expletive) Dave Samson,’ then don’t say anything at all.
So I’m not going to say anything at all.
Is my mother the greatest or what?"
- Mariners GM Bill Bavasi, after signing Ichiro to a $90 million contract
by tyd3311 on Dec 1, 2008 10:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah Adam Miller at 41 pretty much killed this list for me.
by laxtonto on Dec 1, 2008 10:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
why
there is no doubt he has the talent to be there
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Dec 1, 2008 11:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't mind if he only had slight injury problems
but
Year Age IP
2007 22 AAA 65.1
2007 22 Wint 13.0
2008 23 AAA 22.2
by laxtonto on Dec 1, 2008 11:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
seriously...
wth a reliever in the top 50 without dominant closer written all over him seems pretty ludicrous
by blalock84 on Dec 2, 2008 4:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hunter...
and by the looks of it I may be voting for him for a while.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
by slc ranger on Dec 1, 2008 10:53 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Who are the 6 other Diamond lovers?
Roll call, right here.
Neftali Feliz is not a swimmer.
by NoNameOnCard on Dec 2, 2008 1:11 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
You were
encouraged by what you saw last season? Encouraging. Starter or reliever, what do you think?
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Dec 2, 2008 10:00 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Starter. Absolutely.
I fully believe he will re-breakout this year.
This biggest indicator with him will be his walk totals. He’s going to miss bats. The frequency with which is command and control desert him will be the key to his success.
Last season he was coming off Tommy John surgery, and wound up with a bone spur in his ankle/foot. He might not be ready for 200 IP, but I expect we’ll see him in Arlington starting games – possibly for good – at some point in 2009.
Neftali Feliz is not a swimmer.
by NoNameOnCard on Dec 2, 2008 7:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Wow.
That would be a nice surprise. I’d love to have his gravitas in the dugout in Arlington.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Dec 2, 2008 8:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
it should be interesting to see how he does
im a believer but i want to see him as being healthy before ill vote for him and i wouldnt vvote for him this high
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Dec 2, 2008 9:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Gravitas?
Not in the dugout, man. Just on the mound.
Neftali Feliz is not a swimmer.
by NoNameOnCard on Dec 3, 2008 1:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
A manner of speaking only
as in, on the team, in the rotation, or however you wish to put it.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Dec 3, 2008 7:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
glad to hear you say that
respect your opinion, and certainly hope you are right on this one.
In memory of Ulysses Simpson Grant Stoner. RIP Lil Stoner.
by tricer on Dec 3, 2008 8:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
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