LSB Community Prospect Project: #22

by thedirkatron on Dec 9, 2008 7:52 AM CST Comment 67 comments

After 198 votes, Thomas Diamond has won the right to be called the LSB Community #21 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
16. 2b, Jose Vallejo
17. RHP, Wilmer Font
18. RHP, Omar Poveda
19. LHP, Robbie Ross
20. RHP, Tommy Hunter
21. RHP, Thomas Diamond

Time to move on to the vote for #22.

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.

Poll

Who is currently the #22 prospect in the Rangers' system?

C, Tomas Telis

0 votes

C/OF, Cristian Santana

3 votes

1b/OF, Mitch Moreland

6 votes

1b/OF, Clark Murphy

0 votes

SS, Marcus Lemon

15 votes

SS, Joaquin Arias

3 votes

3b, Johnny Whittleman

3 votes

3b, Matt West

2 votes

OF, Greg Golson

38 votes

OF, Juan Polanco

0 votes

RHP, Warner Madrigal

39 votes

RHP, Joe Wieland

76 votes

RHP, Kennil Gomez

5 votes

RHP, Pedro Strop

2 votes

RHP, Kyle O'Campo

2 votes

RHP, Carlos Pimentel

1 votes

RHP, Doug Mathis

0 votes

LHP, Tim Murphy

31 votes

LHP, Beau Jones

0 votes

LHP, Zach Phillips

1 votes

227 votes | Poll has closed

6 recs | Comment 67 comments

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Comments

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 9, 2008 7:53 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

You spelled "Lemon" wrong.

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 9, 2008 7:56 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Heh

" 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 9, 2008 8:02 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, yes. It's finally time. Oh, yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yup.

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 9, 2008 7:55 AM CST reply actions 4 recs

What took you so long?

well….?

by bushe on Dec 9, 2008 8:05 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Haha

REC

This is an exciting time in my life.

The LSB CPP's are in full bloom.

by Chase Irwin on Dec 9, 2008 11:00 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

+1

Although I’ve voted for him for a while.

And That Happened: Sports with a Hint of Sarcasm

by philkid3 on Dec 9, 2008 2:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

TMurph again

by Goyogringo on Dec 9, 2008 7:56 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Ditto

"Holland didn’t make that kid question his swing, he made him question his career path"

by trident on Dec 9, 2008 8:01 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

yep

again

I'm undefeated in fights. Have I been in any? No. Thats because people know my f'ing status. Don't mess with the elite. - Miles

by Dirk Diggler on Dec 9, 2008 8:04 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wieland for me

then Murphy, though really that’s a coin flip.

G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....

by t ball on Dec 9, 2008 8:34 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

yup

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Dec 10, 2008 6:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Golson

did anyone notice that Golson is meeting with Jaramillo in the coming weeks. Let us all imagine a post-Jaramillo Golson…Drool.

by Goyogringo on Dec 9, 2008 7:57 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

+1

i voted for ’shed

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 9, 2008 1:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You know it

Freddie King rules faces.

by Ryin A on Dec 9, 2008 10:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm torn between Golson, Gomez, Wieland and Murphy.

I ended up voting for Wieland.

by Butters on Dec 9, 2008 8:11 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Moscoso

What was decided regarding adding him to the poll? Is this too low?

"Holland didn’t make that kid question his swing, he made him question his career path"

by trident on Dec 9, 2008 8:16 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

separate poll at end of top 30

ranking acquisitions

by Goyogringo on Dec 9, 2008 8:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

West!

by cmkelly29 on Dec 9, 2008 8:45 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

PED's or not...

from what I understand, kid’s got talent.

by cmkelly29 on Dec 9, 2008 9:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wieland

I have a feeling he’s going to be a lot more than your average Joe next year.

"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 9, 2008 9:01 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

turrible

I'm undefeated in fights. Have I been in any? No. Thats because people know my f'ing status. Don't mess with the elite. - Miles

by Dirk Diggler on Dec 9, 2008 9:10 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

+1

This is an exciting time in my life.

The LSB CPP's are in full bloom.

by Chase Irwin on Dec 9, 2008 11:02 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Murphy

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 9, 2008 9:08 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

No maddog?

I an amazed he is not getting more votes. The guys has been pitching for only 3 years, was rushed to the ML last year, and did great except for his initial outing in NY. Maddog will be in our pen for a long time as a 7th inning guy.

"That one is headed for the moon!" - All Star Derby

by m_nieft on Dec 9, 2008 9:10 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

He's my vote after Lemon... though it appears I'll be voting Lemon for a long time here. :(

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 9, 2008 9:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yah

Know how you feel.

Vote your conscience!

Go Strangers.

by hightowersmith on Dec 9, 2008 9:24 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Honestly

I feel like no matter who I vote for there are 5 other guys that deserve it just as much.

G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....

by t ball on Dec 9, 2008 9:42 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Lemon

I’ve been voting for him for a long time already :(

"You’re the only here who contributes schtick only." - brettgardner

by trza on Dec 9, 2008 9:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Phenom Phodder ...

Kyle O’Campo – 6’3" 195 lbs. His last 10 appearances in the AZRL …
3.00 ERA, 39.0 IP, 45 K’s, 15 BB’s, 36 hits – season overall — 1.55 GO/AO ratio, .249 BAA

Carlos Pimentel – 6’3" 180 lbs. – same build as Carlos Melo, BTW. His last 10 appearances for SPO …
2.98 ERA, 42.1 IP, 39 K’s, 19 BB, 31 hits – season overall — 0.56 GO/AO ratio [ouch], .204 BAA
If you think GO/AO is important in our ballpark then this is a guy who you want building trade value while he’s on the farm. The tidbit of nat’l hype he got helps, too.

Kennil Gomez – 6’3" 170 lbs – that build sound familiar?
Last 10 appearances, remember he might have been in pain some here …
3.33 ERA, 54.0 IP, 44 K’s, 17 BB, 48 hits — season overall — 2.08 GO/AO [!!], .232 BAA
This guy is no joke. IIRC, Z liked him best to graduate from CLN before he got shutdown.
Here’s to his ’09 health.

by shroomer on Dec 9, 2008 9:27 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Gomez

Yeah, if his stuff is pretty solid as we’ve been told, we’re talking about a guy who was having similar success at Clinton as Feliz and Holland and who was only 19. As you said, similar (listed, anyway) dimensions as mr projectable, Joe Wieland, so you figure there’s some room to get stronger. Seems like it’s all about health. Just think, if Holland had had arm soreness scuttle his season before he promoted to Bakersfield, would we even be talking much about him? Hopefully Gomez is healthy.

by Brett Perryman on Dec 9, 2008 10:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

re: "we’re talking about a guy who was having similar success at Clinton as Feliz and Holland"

Clinton tRA’s:
Neftali Feliz: 2.88
Derek Holland: 3.23
Kennil Gomez: 4.79

I know there’s been a massive backlash against fancy boy stats lead by Tricer and GDawg who say that you make your own luck and that ERA and Wins are the only way to judge a pitcher, but I’m just saying is all…

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 9, 2008 4:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Agree with you here.

Gomez wasn’t as impressive as people think. He was good, but not as good as the other two.

Mike Grouse Interview - Rangers' Midwest Cross Checker

by Andy Seiler on Dec 9, 2008 5:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Gomez was very impressive

Don’t forget that Gomez jumped to Low A after pitching only 34 innings (mostly in relief) in the AZL in ’07. That is a pretty significant jump.

Updated Kevin Goldstein Q&A

by jparks77 on Dec 9, 2008 6:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I Agree in a way

I’m just agreeing with dirkatron that he didn’t have similar success to Feliz and Holland.

Mike Grouse Interview - Rangers' Midwest Cross Checker

by Andy Seiler on Dec 9, 2008 6:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Good grief

IP H HR BB SO GO/AO AVG
93.2 77 2 29 91 1.30 .228

IP H HR BB SO GO/AO AVG
88.0 75 8 20 70 2.08 .232

That’s not fairly similar? I know that this is what we tend to do on message boards, but if you guys have such tunnel vision that you read what I posted and decided that what you needed to take from that was the contention that Gomez had nothing like the success that Holland and Feliz had, you really, really need to relax a little. I mean holy shit. Really. Gomez gave up more HR and didn’t strike out quite as many guys, but seriously, good gosh.

by Brett Perryman on Dec 9, 2008 6:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

While Gomez was nursing an injury, Holland and Feliz were advancing their stuff, regardless of whether or not they were in Clinton. Even when they were all in Clinton together and healthy, Gomez was a step below Holland, with Feliz probably a step above Holland. I’m not really disagreeing with you that he’s a quality pitcher when healthy. That’s all. Sorry if it came out wrong.

Mike Grouse Interview - Rangers' Midwest Cross Checker

by Andy Seiler on Dec 9, 2008 7:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Okay

I just wasn’t making nearly as much of a sweeping statement as it might have appeared. Just that he had a really nice start to the season, and if he’d stayed healthy we probably would be hearing a whole lot more about him right now. The comparison with the studs was limited to their time in Clinton and was not intended as an intense statistical comparison, but just a frame for the fact that he was performing really well for a guy with his profile until he was injured.

And that I hope he’s okay.

by Brett Perryman on Dec 9, 2008 7:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Agree

I think the injury derailed what would have been seen as one of the top 5 seasons for a Ranger prospect in the minors this system. I also hope he’s ok, too.

Mike Grouse Interview - Rangers' Midwest Cross Checker

by Andy Seiler on Dec 9, 2008 7:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

wrong

When you are talking about minor league pitchers, I think fielding independent stats are a lot more valuable. You don’t have the specific data on their pitches and results (i.e. velocity, movement, swing%, etc.) and can’t analyze them too much given the data available.

I also think that with Major League players, they have a lot of value. The problem is that you were specifically talking about Millwood. You’re talking about a pitcher who has seen his stuff get worse these past few years, wasn’t showing great control, wasn’t striking out a lot of guys, wasn’t keeping the ball in the park much better than everyone else, and was giving up a ton of line drives. The guy simply wasn’t that good and the defense was secondary in him having another poor year.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Dec 9, 2008 6:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

IP H HR BB SO GO/AO AVG
88.0 75 8 20 70 2.08 .232

Whatever, that is a nice season for a 19/20 year old in full season ball (who, as Jason said, did make a fairly big jump to this level). If “luck” independent stats don’t blur that for you, good. If they do, you need to take a step back.

by Brett Perryman on Dec 9, 2008 6:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't doubt him.

I’m more worried about the health factor than the stats. If he’s healthy, I think he’s a big plus for the organization, especially since he proved he can adjust extremely well. I don’t think his opponents’ .273 BABIP is going to stick, but I also don’t think he’s going to stagnate either. He’s going to improve if he stays healthy, and I hope he does.

Mike Grouse Interview - Rangers' Midwest Cross Checker

by Andy Seiler on Dec 9, 2008 6:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

http://www.lonestarball.com/2008/12/9/687361/lsb-community-prospect-pro#10584939

by Brett Perryman on Dec 9, 2008 6:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

+1

Good freaking grief.

Let it go, Seiler.

This is an exciting time in my life.

The LSB CPP's are in full bloom.

by Chase Irwin on Dec 9, 2008 7:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think he had a nice season, too.

I just found his tRA interesting, epsecially comped to those other two “mortals”.

But it’s all your fault, Zebra Cakes.

You’re the one who invoked the names of the hallowed two ;)

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 9, 2008 7:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'll use

pseudonyms or something next time.

by Brett Perryman on Dec 9, 2008 7:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Or maybe just don't Gomez to 'em.

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 9, 2008 8:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, I’ll Gomez to ’em.

by Brett Perryman on Dec 9, 2008 8:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

gomez

my breakout prospect for 2009

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 9, 2008 1:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Next vote...

Early forecast: Tight tight race.

by cmkelly29 on Dec 9, 2008 9:47 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Jake Brigham on the list next time?

by cmkelly29 on Dec 9, 2008 9:49 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Okay.

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 9, 2008 9:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Moreland

MJH believes he will end up as a closer.

Mitch Moreland - Rangers 2009 Minor League Player of the Year

by RangerMad on Dec 9, 2008 10:27 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

reliever

by Goyogringo on Dec 9, 2008 11:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

yeah

He said closer to the big leagues not closer in the big leagues

Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.

by bigsteve on Dec 9, 2008 12:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I voted for...

5-1, 43.2 ip, 32 hits, 41/8 k/bb, 1.44 era, and 0.92 whip

by neon greon on Dec 9, 2008 12:06 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Nothing new but interesting:

Q: Bryan from San Francisco asks:
What are the Rangers feelings on Joe Wieland? What type of ceiling does he have and how quickly do you think he’ll move? Thanks!
A:

Aaron Fitt: The Rangers love Wieland — by this time next year, he could be in the top 10. I really believe he’ll take off in 2009. He’s ultra-projectable and already throws in the 90-93 range, but I suspect he’ll add velocity before it’s all said and done. He’s a strike-thrower with an advanced feel for pitching, and his curveball projects as a second plus pitch. His feel for pitching at a young age, easy arm action and projection are similar to Martin Perez and Wilfredo Boscan. That’s an impressive wave of pitching talent at the lower levels of the system.

" 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 9, 2008 12:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I like multiple waves of pitching talent

Simply one wave is nice, of course. But already our second wave (Feliz, Holland, Main) appears that it could be stronger than the first wave (Danks, Volquez, Hurley, Diamond). And the third wave of these guys further out (Perez, NeRa, Wieland, Boscan, Font) looks like it could be a big one as well.

by JBImaknee on Dec 9, 2008 12:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

damn

I wish I read that before voting for Murphy. Its pretty close to even between the two for me, but reading that makes me want to go for Wieland

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Dec 9, 2008 12:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

projection are similar to Martin Perez and Wilfredo Boscan

lol

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 9, 2008 1:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And basically the main reason i've been voting for Wieland the pass couple rounds

In Smoak We Trust

by Smoak Some on Dec 9, 2008 5:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Coach Joe!

or somesuch…

"...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 9, 2008 1:31 PM CST reply actions 0 recs