LSB Community Prospect Project: #16
by thedirkatron on Dec 3, 2008 7:28 AM CST
125 comments
That one was pretty easy to predict.
After 258 votes, Kasey Kiker has won the right to be called the LSB Community #15 prospect!.
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
14. RHP, Neil Ramirez
15. LHP, Kasey Kiker
Time to move on to the vote for #16.
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.
6 recs |
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Tommy Diamond for me. He's finally gonna be healthy and at full strength again for the first time in ages and he's gonna show the world why he used to be considered a grade-A stud.
Though it was a freaking crapshoot.
You could make a case for Font, Poveda and Ross here. I went back and forth between those four. Oh, and then there’s Madrigal and Hunter too.
And of course don’t forget that Marcus Lemon is going to be a solid above average starting MIF in the majors some day, no matter Jamey Newberg might scream at you from across a Dairy Queen parking lot.
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 3, 2008 7:35 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Diamond
I think he will end up being a very good setup man or above average closer. Which at this point would not be bad at all. I wonder if everyone realizes how legit the bullpen is going to be in a few years as well. Obviously, there is going to be minor leaguer starter fall out like Diamond and others have argued Beavan, Kiker, and Feliz too. Not only will our rotation look good (crossing fingers) but the bullpen could be lights out as well.
by Michael Cave on Dec 3, 2008 8:21 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I stopped voting a few prospects ago...
…because for me the lines are too blurry from one to the next.
I consider myself well-informed on Rangers prospects but in no way qualified to differentiate from say #15 and #16.
But I do enjoy reading these posts to see what everyone else thinks of these prospects.
Physician: Primum non nocere
Batter: First, make no out
by Chad Crudup on Dec 3, 2008 8:23 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
no matter Jamey Newberg might scream at you from across a Dairy Queen parking lot.
Hilarious.
Go Strangers.
by hightowersmith on Dec 3, 2008 8:25 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Marcus Lemon
will be working cleaning up the Dairy Queen Parking Lot, some day.
Fixed.
Nolan Ryan is the Greatest Pitcher ever, because Google says so.
"BTW I’m officially welching ab03. Yeah I planned too all along, but I figured I’d try to get off the hook with double or nothing first."- Sharky
by DJCahill on Dec 3, 2008 9:33 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
There's no way he can do that job. He doesn't have the tools to be able to clean parking lots at that level. [/Jamey Newberg]
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 3, 2008 9:44 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Julio Borbon
Future peep show night shift assistant janitor.
Nah, noob.
by Brian Thomas on Dec 3, 2008 7:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hope he doesn't
have to walk to get to work.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Dec 3, 2008 10:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
for me its font followed by diamond/poveda/ross/vallejo in some unknown order
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 3, 2008 9:51 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Dirk
please add O’campo and Strop (maybe in lieu of Telis, whittleton, murphy)…
by Goyogringo on Dec 3, 2008 5:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I went the upside of Font, here
but you could pretty easily justify several guys here, Poveda, Vallejo, Hunter, Diamond if you believe NoNameOnCard’s enthusiasm.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Dec 3, 2008 7:37 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Omar and the Howlers
I went w/ Poveda as my first instinct, then checked Jason & Joey’s list to find that this is exactly where they slotted him, so that made me feel comfortable that I made a good choice.
He’s got the plus changeup and youth on his side, I’m calling for a breakout in Frisco this season.
In memory of Ulysses Simpson Grant Stoner. RIP Lil Stoner.
by tricer on Dec 3, 2008 7:38 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Hard times in the land of plenty
Oops, I meant to work that in.
In memory of Ulysses Simpson Grant Stoner. RIP Lil Stoner.
by tricer on Dec 3, 2008 8:19 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Me too on Poveda.
"...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 3, 2008 11:23 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I go Omar
I guess you heard Fat Joe left Atlantic.
by Haeger Champ on Dec 3, 2008 7:48 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
+1
" 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 3, 2008 7:57 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Vallejo
Wow, Looks like he is getting none of the Kiker vote.
"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 3, 2008 7:49 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I've yet to be convinced he'll hit enough to be a useful major leaguer.
The damage done by those two back to back dreadful seasons in Clinton can’t be completely undone by one marginally-good season in A+/AA.
Don’t get me wrong, he jumped up quite a bit, imo.
But not enough for me to even consider him over guys like Diamond, Poveda, Ross, Font, Hunter and Madrigal.
If he keeps showing he can post .750+ seasons, then I’ll hop on the Vallejo trolley.
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 3, 2008 8:12 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
In fairness to Vallejo
He was learning to switch hit in those dreadful Clinton seasons and you have to admit that hitting from the opposite side of the plate while trying to break in as a very young player in full season ball would greatly impact his early numbers. I really think that he is going to continue to get better.
by brentash on Dec 3, 2008 8:32 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I hope you're right.
Cause his speed/defense combo could make him a true weapon if he can OPS above .700 at the major league level.
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 3, 2008 8:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Vallejo
was also dealing with the death of both of his parents before his first year in Clinton.
by jparks77 on Dec 3, 2008 9:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
wow
did not know that.
wow.
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 3, 2008 9:52 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Anyone
who has lost a parent (let alone both of them) can understand how that might affect your job performance.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Dec 3, 2008 10:04 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I can speak from experience.
Employers are usually not full of empathy. Screw ’em, I say.
Neftali Feliz is not a swimmer.
by NoNameOnCard on Dec 3, 2008 5:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
In college, I had a roomate kill himself
Found him.
I was waiting tables at everyone’s least favorite semi-defunct eatery, Bennigan’s. The sum total of my general manager’s response when informed: when can I put you back on the schedule?
Nah, noob.
by Brian Thomas on Dec 3, 2008 7:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Put Vallejo ahead of Borbon on chats im looking foward to in the PIS.
"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 3, 2008 3:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Vallejo and Borbon
are both out of the country at the moment, so I might have to wait until ST to reach them. I will try before then, though.
The only interview I have coming up is Martin Perez. It should be out in the next few weeks. If you have any other players you want to see interviewed, let me know.
by jparks77 on Dec 3, 2008 3:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Bianucci – how’s the recovery going, etc.
by shroomer on Dec 3, 2008 3:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Joe Wieland
" 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 3, 2008 3:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
+1 on weiland
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 3, 2008 4:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
+2
"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 3, 2008 5:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Wieland
Jason Cole did an excellent interview with Wieland.
You can find it here: http://rangers.scout.com/2/780866.html
by jparks77 on Dec 3, 2008 5:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Do I even need to ask?
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 3, 2008 3:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Lemon
I spoke with him in Arizona. It didn’t yield much. I’m going to try again.
by jparks77 on Dec 3, 2008 4:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Probably cause you don't speak the language of his people.
Shoot me an e-mail if you need me to serve as translator, cause I’m fluent in Awesome.
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 3, 2008 5:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Thomas "the train" Hunter
and MaXXX
Don't believe the hype about sloppy seconds. They ain't bad.
by tricer on Dec 3, 2008 4:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
greg golson
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 3, 2008 4:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
There is a brief interview with him
on the DMN just after the trade i believe…
by Goyogringo on Dec 3, 2008 6:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Golson
Anyone think that him only getting one vote so far is weird? Not that he deserves many more, but more than one person would have been voting Mayberry by now.
by JBImaknee on Dec 3, 2008 6:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I was thinking about this too
I think he’ll go much later than JMJ would have. A little home-town bias, coming through… but why not? We’ve been hearing about most of these other guys since the draft, at least. Hearing someone’s name over and over certainly has an impact
"Holland didn’t make that kid question his swing, he made him question his career path"
by trident on Dec 3, 2008 7:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I just slotted him in my MJH slot at 27
He has plus plus speed, and arm and above average power, all in a CF package. That is special. However, his anemic performance in the areas of pitch recognition and plate discipline will be difficult to overcome. Not everyone can lead the minors in totat strikeouts so no I’m not surprised people view him as a late 20’s early 30’s guy. He had his best season last year so I hope he is on his way to figuring things out…
by Goyogringo on Dec 3, 2008 8:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Diamond.
"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 3, 2008 5:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
A few things
I’ll do my best to contact the players you guys requested, but some of the contact info will be difficult to locate because it’s the off-season. I already have info for a few of the players requested, so it shouldn’t be a big issue.
A rant: I refuse to be creepy and use facebook to request interviews from players. It’s amateur hour. A huge pet peeve of mine. The players find it suspect as well. /rant.
Also, I’m trying to set up a Q&A with Director of Baseball Operations Don Welke. That should be really cool, assuming I can pull it off.
by jparks77 on Dec 3, 2008 5:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Q & A sounds great
I would be interested in hearing from O’campo, Brigham, Kirkman
by Goyogringo on Dec 3, 2008 6:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for your hard work on these.
They really add some substance to our rants…
by Goyogringo on Dec 3, 2008 6:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Awesome.
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 3, 2008 6:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The JP
is above Awesome, Sir.
Please think up a better adjective.
"...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 3, 2008 6:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
"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 3, 2008 9:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Mike Boulanger
He’s pretty interesting if you wanna focus on the farm bats. Jason Cole did a good Q&A with him once.
by shroomer on Dec 3, 2008 7:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Next Year's Holland
Robbie Ross.
Your 2009 Snow Monkey Ambassador
by Parman on Dec 4, 2008 9:09 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The baffling manchild enigma that has chunks of all those other guys in his stool
Please.
Nah, noob.
by Brian Thomas on Dec 3, 2008 8:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Vallejo for me
Its close with Poveda here, but I’m going to be a sucker for speed right now.
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw
by Gdawg on Dec 3, 2008 8:12 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Hunter for me
there have been some heated debates over at minorleagueball about how difficult and meaningful it is for a pitcher to reach AA during his first full professional year. Hunter may have been underwhelming once he reached the majors, but that was after not only reaching AAA but pitching very effectively there in his first year, and that was after many of his college appearances coming out of the pen.
I still think he can have a very long career as a middle of the rotation guy, and I think there is a very good chance he establishes himself in that role this year.
by clark on Dec 3, 2008 8:21 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Hunter's a hard guy to read, imo.
The way he handled his rocket ship ride to the majors last year impressed the buh-Jesus right out of my body. But his ratios at AA and AAA give me a bit of trouble.
He had a sub-5 dog at both AA and AAA and you have to be able to miss bats to succeed.
I know, I know: Small sample size. (52 innings in AA, 53 in AAA.) But, still. How much of that can be attributed to the fact that he was a young inexperienced dude hurtling through the minors at a nigh unpossible rate, and how much can be attributed to that whole “Doesn’t have top-end stuff” thing we keep hearing about the guy?
He’s one of those guys where I really just don’t know what the hell to think.
I think we’re gonna end up rating him way too high or way too low, and judging by the way the voting is going, I’d say way too low will be the winner.
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 3, 2008 8:29 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, Hunter is a guy I kind of keep passing over
Maybe I’ve bought too much into the back-of-the-rotation billing that he’s already been labeled with, but I don’t think he’s going to stick in the rotation long-term. The curveball is nice, but he doesn’t really seem to have a second out pitch to miss the bats with, at least not from what I saw in his brief time in the majors. I think he’s Josh Rupe 2.0, to tell you the truth (only he’s more likely get pushed to the bullpen by superior SP talent than injuries, I think – although now that I mention it, we did work him a bit hard this year).
I’m not sure he’ll be in my top 20 – I think I’ve got Font, Wieland, and Diamond all in front of him, and likely Robbie Ross too. Hopefully that’ll be a big oversight, but I’m just not very bullish on Hunter these days.
"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 3, 2008 8:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
hunter is the teagarden of pitchers
we know what he has
we know he can be successful to a point
we know he has weaknesses
…but where exactly does he slot in the rangers plans?
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 3, 2008 9:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Toughest decision yet right here
I think I’m going with Poveda. I was originally leaning towards my old favorite Diamond (he’ll likely be next for me) but looking at Poveda’s solid numbers and good reviews from Hindman and Jason Parks I kinda got sucked in.
"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 3, 2008 8:32 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
4.68 BB/9
Diamond’s career number.
Poveda’s control dipped in BAK, but it’s been strong traditionally. He strikes out almost a batter per, has a strong hit rate (granted, like Diamond) and he’s A KID. #16’s right where he belongs.
Diamond isn’t top 20 for me.
Go Strangers.
by hightowersmith on Dec 3, 2008 8:34 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Diamond's BB9 is heavily influenced by his two injury years, though.
2006: 121 innings, 5.43 bb9
2008: 53 innings, 6.20 bb9
And I’d contend that he actually looked like he started having injury problems in late 2005 Frisco when there was a noticeable dip in his stuff from his first few starts (which I saw two of) to where he ended up (which I didn’t see but I’ve read lukewarm reports on). But even if you don’t discount those numbers for injury you still have those two definitely injury plagued years in ’06 and ’08 where there was clearly something wrong with him and it was effecting his ability to control his pitches.
And he’s always had the ability to strike people the F out.
I got faith in Tommy Diamond. I said from the time he had the TJ surgery that he’d come back in late ‘08 and have some problems and then absolutely wow people in ST ’09. I’m betting he’ll be one of the big stories to emerge from Surprise 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 3, 2008 8:46 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
i think diamond is my next guy
after reading this
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 3, 2008 9:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not convinced.
He had a terrible BB/rate his fr/so years, an acceptable bb/9 of 3.56 his Jr year, an excellent rate in 12 appearances (46ip, 2.6bb/9)) in a-/a ball (04), and an acceptable bb/9 of 3.43 in 14 starts in A+ (05). I think it is purely speculative to say that he was fine in A+ and then he lost his control due to injury after he was promoted to AA the same year. That is just too convenient. He went on to pitch the entire year in 06 with said injury and his #s improved but his 05/o6 bb totals are pretty similar at that level.
Anyways, count me as cautious, and hopeful that he can become a starter again.
by Goyogringo on Dec 3, 2008 5:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm all for him being a comeback candidate
but this organization is too deep to start voting for someone who has that injury history. Maybe around the early 20s
by JBImaknee on Dec 3, 2008 6:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Wieland
Now is when it gets tough but I’m going to go with Wieland. Although, I probably should have gone with Poveda or Vallejo.
"Yeah, like I had a chance there" - Lancaster batter, after striking out against Derek Holland
by chrisR on Dec 3, 2008 8:38 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I went with Wieland as well
It may not be rational to put him before all these other guys on the list, but I have been voting for him for a while now. I just love his control and the reports about his poise and makeup. I also love the numbers he put up last year. Anyway if the reports about his stuff really developing are true I think he will be a very fast riser.
by brentash on Dec 3, 2008 8:47 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Comparing Kiker and Poveda
If you voted for Kiker yesterday, then Poveda would appear to be your guy today. Poveda is taller (6’4" vs 5’10") and more right-handed than Kiker, but everything else about the two pitchers is remarkably similar. In the past three years, the two pitchers have traversed A-ball and now appear poised to tackle AA together. The repertoires for both pitchers include a low 90’s fastball (Kiker can apparently reach mid-90’s), a curveball, and a change-up. The pitches for both players have been rated average to above average with the exception of Poveda’s, which is apparently one of the best in the Rangers minor league system –
I had basically convinced myself that Poveda had the best change-up in the system. Well, after speaking with several of his teammates and seeing more of the pitch in person, I no longer need any convincing. It’s a really good pitch. It’s a Major League pitch. It’s a pitch that other players remember. – Jason Parks – BBTiA
Both pitchers have been among the youngest players in their respective leagues for each of their professional seasons. The cumulative stats for the two in their 18-20 yo seasons are remarkably similar:
ERA: Kiker – 3.97 vs Poveda – 4.22
WHIP: Kiker – 1.40 vs Poveda 1.29
K/9IP: Kiker – 9.0 vs Poveda – 8.9
BB/9IP: Kiker – 3.8 vs Poveda – 3.0
Poveda has thrown more innings (388 vs 270) and pitched more at higher levels than Kiker (Kiker pitched in A- and Poveda in A as 18 year olds. Poveda tossed 28 innings in A+ as a 19 yo while Kiker remained in A for his entire 19 yo season).
BBTiA, Mike Hindman, Jason Cole, and Scott Lucas have all ranked Poveda above Kiker within the past three months.
by spurdynasty on Dec 3, 2008 8:56 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
Font Again
then it’s pretty much an equal tie between Diamond,Ross and Vallejo
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
by rentz on Dec 3, 2008 9:11 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Font
This was probably the hardest one yet. Looking forward to seeing what he can do next season.
I had a paper route when I was a kid. I was supposed to go to 2,000 houses. Or two dumpsters.
by TheBZA on Dec 3, 2008 9:20 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
This might have already been posted but I haven't seen it any were else:
MILB’s profile on Derek Holland: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/minorleagues/prospects/y2009/profile.jsp?t=p_top&pid=502706
and Elvis Andrus: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/minorleagues/prospects/y2009/profile.jsp?t=p_top&pid=462101
" 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 3, 2008 9:28 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Wow this is tough
I want to vote for Poveda next, but Ross, Hunter, Moreland, Lemon and Diamond all belong here as well. And shit, Wieland, and Tim Murphy should maybe be ahead of a couple of those guys. It shocks and thrills me to realize that some of these guys won’t get on until after 20. I hope and pray this vote is still this difficult a year and two years from now.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Dec 3, 2008 9:37 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
OK, you are as good a guy to ask as anyone I guess, you master pianist/punnist
I don’t get the Moreland love. What am I missing?
I also don’t get the Murph love either, if anyone wants to dumb it down for me.
Nah, noob.
by Brian Thomas on Dec 3, 2008 8:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
what's not to like
about the stats posted at the end of this thread. If he can’t surpass the other high end talent in the system to become a starter he should make it pretty quickly to Arlington as a solid reliever.
by Goyogringo on Dec 3, 2008 8:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I have the same question about Arias
How can anyone consider him a top 30 guy after his pitiful display last year. He has to earn his status back.
by Goyogringo on Dec 3, 2008 8:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Seems to be quite a race between
well almost everyone. I mean every guy that has at least five votes now (Wieland, Ross, Hunter, Diamond, Font, Poveda, Vallejo) you can make a reasoned and cogent argument for any of them. Honestly, I have not seen Poveda and Kiker pitch in person. Poveda seems to be such a wildcard for me. I guess it is just because it seems as if he has been in the system FOREVER. Im sure my opinion may change as I go out to Frisco a lot this season.
by Michael Cave on Dec 3, 2008 10:20 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Ross for me
However, reading about Vallejo has me about ready to go to him. Lots of things I didnt know there
by BEW on Dec 3, 2008 11:00 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
OT: Oakland top 10
BA has Anderson ahead of Cahill. Inoa ranked third, damn – I didn’t realize the kid was 6’7".
In memory of Ulysses Simpson Grant Stoner. RIP Lil Stoner.
by tricer on Dec 3, 2008 11:53 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Neat.
Didn’t see Anderson over Cahill coming, but Inoa third makes a lot of sense. The kid is special. Just think how much better they’d look if we hadn’t gotten lucky in the loss column in ’07 and been able to snipe them on Smoak ;)
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 3, 2008 12:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sure they'll return the favor in '09
by LiamP on Dec 3, 2008 12:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
who cares about draft position, we can scoreboard them with chants of "we finished second! we finished second!"
/AJM
In memory of Ulysses Simpson Grant Stoner. RIP Lil Stoner.
by tricer on Dec 3, 2008 12:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah the Smoak – Weeks exchange really makes a big difference in overall strength of system.
In memory of Ulysses Simpson Grant Stoner. RIP Lil Stoner.
by tricer on Dec 3, 2008 12:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Good point
switch those two and I bet more people would rank the A’s ahead of the Rangers for overall system.
by groundingout on Dec 4, 2008 2:27 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Same here
I think that Badler is a bit of a loose cannon, as he always has surprising rankings, but I don’t know what their internal discussions are like, if it’s just a coincidence. Anyway, unlike him I think I’ll take Mr. Bumgarner over Anderson, thank you.
by Brett Perryman on Dec 3, 2008 9:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Joe Wieland
with Vallejo coming up next for me.
by Stephen Rushin on Dec 3, 2008 12:17 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Not yet, Clark.
Will vote for you when the time comes.
by Butters on Dec 3, 2008 6:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It's not Clark, dummy!
It is his dear sainted mother.
;)
"...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 3, 2008 6:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
voted for poveda on accident
meant to select diamond. still, poveda is a good choice, as well.
by Ian Cobb on Dec 3, 2008 1:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
You've tainted the results!!!
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 3, 2008 1:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Taint is way more
offensive than sloppy seconds. Cause, ya’ know, with taint you never even got there…
"...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 3, 2008 1:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Ross
I dunno, I just like the kid
In Smoak We Trust
by Smoak Some on Dec 3, 2008 1:37 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
After 155 votes...
Gridlock!
Go Strangers.
by hightowersmith on Dec 3, 2008 1:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
does this mean
we have a solid top 15 with somewhat of a drop off afterwards?
""If they'd have told me you can make the team but you've got to shine the shoes, I'd have been there shining shoes." -Bradley
by ab03 on Dec 3, 2008 4:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
We have an excellent top 30 IMO
with high ceiling guys like Santana, Castillo and Gomez in my high 20s. That is pretty damn impressive.
by Goyogringo on Dec 3, 2008 4:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Not necessarily.
It just means our top 15 guys were perhaps a bit more well defined.
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 3, 2008 5:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Poveda
you got to think that he has high value to the org. for them to protect him from rule V
by El Jefe on Dec 3, 2008 4:49 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
2009 AAA and AA rosters
09 will officially mark the first year in a decade when the upper levels of our minors system will not be populated with 32 yo castoffs and rehab cases. Finally.
by Goyogringo on Dec 3, 2008 5:00 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Tim Murphy (LH), only 2 votes!
Here’s a quick plug:
First 2 years at UCLA, a 2-way prospect.Became a FT starting pitcher only during his JR year. Had problems with a consistent release point and velocity reduction (sat at 89-90) during Jr. year.
First Pro year: 5.53 h/9, 9.72so/9, whip/1.0, BAA .173. Solid Frame, not much more projection. Excellent athlete, mound presence. Plus curveball, moves 4-seamer around in the zone. Began pro yr at 89-92, but in Ba’s post-season draft report, they stated that he was among those with the best fastball in our 08 take at 93-94. Another report had him at 87-91. Reportedly has a slider in addition to an average change up. Plus pick-off move to first. Pitches inside.
by Goyogringo on Dec 3, 2008 5:35 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
i like the guy alot
if everything goes perfectly for him and he develops perfectly well, he just seems to me to be a Andy Petite clone, and i love Andy Petite. Really like his projection, of course thats like a 1/1000 chance, but its still fun to dream.
by blalock84 on Dec 3, 2008 6:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Murphy
is right here in this group I’m pondering now. Poveda/Font/Ross/Wieland/Murphy are all pretty close to one another… you gotta think somebody is gonna differentiate himself (or themselves) from the pack. This year could be really special in minors.
"Holland didn’t make that kid question his swing, he made him question his career path"
by trident on Dec 3, 2008 7:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hunter...
for the 3rd time, and it doesn’t apear that it will be the last either.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
by slc ranger on Dec 3, 2008 6:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Damn
This turned out to be an awesome poll. 231 votes in, and Poveda is only one vote ahead of Vallejo and only 3 ahead of Font.
Dirk, I think you might need to set an official hour to close this poll dude.
"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 3, 2008 9:20 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I'm going to sleep real rel soon. Might do a run-off tomorrow.
What do y’all think?
Run-off or just call it when I get on in the morning?
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 3, 2008 9:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Call it when you get up
No run-offs. Run offs are a waste of time. If it’s a tie, call it a tie and move on to #18 or something.
"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 3, 2008 9:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Call it.
"Obama is a Christian - He's always been a Christian...But.........what if he is[a Muslim]? Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country? The answer is no, that's not America." Colin Powell on Obama/Muslim assertions.
by AirJordan on Dec 3, 2008 9:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No need for a run-off when we'e in the mid-teens
Maybe if we were still in the top 10 but not now. Are you going to make Poved and Vallejo share 16 or what?
by hiafex on Dec 3, 2008 9:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Runoff if Poveda wins by 1
Since Ian Cobb’s mistake could directly lead to a Poveda victory. Poveda win by > 1, then no runoff.
"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 3, 2008 9:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Went with Font.
Very tight race.
"Obama is a Christian - He's always been a Christian...But.........what if he is[a Muslim]? Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country? The answer is no, that's not America." Colin Powell on Obama/Muslim assertions.
by AirJordan on Dec 3, 2008 9:21 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Vallejo for me
I’ve gone with him the last 2 or 3 times.
by Adam J. Morris on Dec 3, 2008 10:08 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Wouldn't peg you a Vallejo guy with the other options still there
But I’m more surprised at your vote with the Saltalamacchia trade poll.
Go Strangers.
by hightowersmith on Dec 3, 2008 10:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'll go with Font
The only fastball in the system comparable with Feliz’s, and he’s only 17.
by JimBonnick84 on Dec 3, 2008 10:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
People need to discover the awesomeness of Font
Font is so awesome that Marcus Lemon approached him for awesome lessons.
Font then took Lemon’s coca-cola drank it and threw Lemon a towel.
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
by rentz on Dec 4, 2008 8:41 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Font the proceeded to miss three months with an undisclosed injury that Jason Parks would hint was "really dark and serious as hell".
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 4, 2008 8:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He was busy at the fortress of solitude
Nah, noob.
by Brian Thomas on Dec 10, 2008 7:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
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