LSB Community Prospect Project: Mid-Season #7
After capturing 63% of 238 votesAfter capturing 63% of 238 votes, Justin Smoak has won the right to be called the LSB Community #6 prospect!
The list so far:
1. 1b, Chris Davis
2. RHP, Neftali Feliz
3. RHP, Eric Hurley
4. SS, Elvis Andrus
5. C, Maximiliano Ramirez
6. 1b, Justin Smoak
Time to move on to the next vote.
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 are currently 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 right now, so he goes on the list. It's that simple.
7 recs |
94 comments
Comments
Main
I voted for Main, but I could have gone with Kiker, or Beavan or possibly even Beltre sinec he has come on nicely lately. Tough call.
by uthornfan on Jul 10, 2008 11:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Main is my man!
Zing!
This is the Texas Rangers, professional destroyers of hope, we're talking about. - BAC
by nikpin on Jul 10, 2008 11:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Kasey Kiker
His improvements (much improved BB rate and much better GB/FB ratio) are being masked somewhat by the unforgiving nature of the Cal league, which is where pitchers go to take a beating and see if they have it takes to shake it off.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
by thedirkatron on Jul 10, 2008 11:46 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Main
just a smidgen ahead of Beavan for me.
Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.
by t ball on Jul 10, 2008 11:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Teagarden
Still regarded as one of the top 5 catching prospects in the minors.
by chrisR on Jul 10, 2008 11:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Borbon
I had to show him some love this time around. He is a legit CF talent who has shown the ability to get on base and wreak havoc and play stellar defense. Perhaps only because I really have no idea which young pitcher belongs here, between Kiker, Main, Beavan, and Harrison.
by clark on Jul 10, 2008 11:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
+1
wanted to vote for borbon surprisingly, but figured it would be a waste of a vote so I went with my next prospect, main.
I'm sorry my parents never had me sarcamsized.
by rchawk12 on Jul 11, 2008 12:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Same here
Borbon impressed the Hades out of me over the weekend on TV – like MJH is declaring over on the DMN blog, I’m wondering if he’ll give Byrd and Boggs a run for their money next Spring Training in the OF competition. Z is wary of the low walks – which is dang true, but Borbon can handle the bat and make hard contact – and he really won me over in the interviews – bright guy, nice guy, hopefully a conscientious guy who’ll work on his OBP game between now and MLB stardom.
But in the end I asked myself, “Which player would I least like to have bite Z in the butt.” And Main was the answer. I’m a big Beavan guy but his lack of velo and low K-rate makes me gaze longingly to see what Main is selling. And I’m buying this time around.
by shroomer on Jul 11, 2008 1:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Another thing about Borbon
Even if the OBP never improves, players like him carry solid trade value.
I think many see him as a likely Juan Pierre or Michael Bourn type and hope for better. The thing is, players like Bourn and Pierre and Tavares, etc always seem to have pretty good trade value. Those three guys have been included in deals for some significant talent.
I guess I’m saying that there is more value with Borbon than meets the eye, even if he falls toward the low end of the spectrum of expectations.
Warner Madrigal makes Ezequiel Astacio look downright handsome.
by tricer on Jul 11, 2008 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That is exactly what I love about Borbon
Zywica may have fits about the fact that he doesn’t walk, but in 2 years he’ll be valued enough by people in the league to be a very solid trade chip.
Baseball players are like stocks. Sometimes you buy stocks because you think it’ll soon be a good company and you’ll want to own it in ten years. Other times you buy stock because you know other people will soon think it’ll be a good company and you’ll be there to sell it to them. Either way you make money.
by JBImaknee on Jul 11, 2008 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here's what I'd love to hear a good answer on
I keep hearing all the Borbon-drinkers-lovers talking about how he has pop and the “power will come around.”
If the guy couldn’t once manage more than 3 home runs, with a metal bat, why is everyone so certain that he will hit for even a whiff of power?
And if the dude remains a slap and scurry singles machine, what makes the cognoscenti think that he will be able to maintain that high batting average once it comes time to faces big boy pitching?
Don't knock masturbation, it's sex with someone I love .
by Brian Thomas on Jul 12, 2008 6:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And
if people are so sure that I’m the only idiot who values OBP in a no-power player, why did this extremely prominent major college player drop to 35? If the asset of a low OBP, no power, good range CF is really valuable now, it was also really valuable last June, when anyone could have picked him in the first round – and in a first round with about the worst set of centerfielders in years.
by Brett Perryman on Jul 12, 2008 7:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jesus, Z
You’ve really got the whole MJH-persecution complex down pat.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
by thedirkatron on Jul 12, 2008 8:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry
forget that part, I only used myself because a couple of guys above specifically did. And I don’t even dislike the guy as a prospect. I just don’t understand discounting the importance of that aspect of his game. To be a valuable offensive player, don’t you need to at least do one of hitting for some power and getting on base pretty well? He may manage a solid OBP with a really high BA, but that just seems like such a tall task.
by Brett Perryman on Jul 12, 2008 8:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
meant to tack on
such a tall task…if you hardly ever walk.
by Brett Perryman on Jul 12, 2008 8:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh
and as per the question you posed, don’t you think that the fact he was coming off an injury plagued season and was looking for an above slot, major league contract might have had something to do with him slipping?
No, couldn’t be.
I mean, given his skill set (super speedy CF’er with good defensive instincts), if he was more of an OBP guy, we never would’ve had a shot at him at all. Of course I’d like to see him get on base more. But if he can get on base at .340+ he’s still very usefull if he’s an outstanding defensive CF’er and can maintain a high SB% to turn a lot of those singles into doubles.
If he can keep the walk rate at around 5% like it was in Bak, he’s very useful, imo.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
by thedirkatron on Jul 12, 2008 8:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sure those things did
play a certain role. But, he was only looking for over-slot because he slipped, for one thing, and for another, unless you factor in the injury really prominently, the major league contract shouldn’t be all that much of a problem for an advanced guy with the skillset you’re talking about.
I don’t discount the injury though. Not being able to see a guy at his best for basically his whole last season does seem like it makes evaluators really nervous.
by Brett Perryman on Jul 12, 2008 8:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not so fast, Sneaky Pete
IIRC, the MLB deal was an 11th hour idea that was never broached pre-draft.
Don't knock masturbation, it's sex with someone I love .
by Brian Thomas on Jul 13, 2008 7:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he really won me over in the interviews – bright guy, nice guy, hopefully a conscientious guy
Boy, I have to say, I was really impressed too. All of the things you mentioned, probably helps to have his background, but he just seems like a really impressive guy.
by Brett Perryman on Jul 12, 2008 7:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's very unique
He has a bit of a southern drawl that he combos with his perfect Dominican Spanish. An intelligent man. The more he opens his mouth, the more I want him to make it.
by jparks77 on Jul 12, 2008 7:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Woo, finally a toughie
I’m split between Main and Kiker. I think I’ll go with Main though.
"My keyboard is a Yankees fan" - Whipsmart
by lonestarJon on Jul 11, 2008 12:00 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I voted Beaven. I think he has the highest ceiling.
"But the point is, [Jeff] Mathis is a bush-league uber douche." -lonestarJon
by ghtd36 on Jul 11, 2008 12:03 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree
I think his velocity will come back, and the fact that he is succeeding as a teenager in Clinton without his best fastball is quite impressive. He also seems to be taking instruction very well, working on tweaks to his delivery and the circle change.
His frame and exceptional command set him apart from the other guys I was looking at for this spot.
Warner Madrigal makes Ezequiel Astacio look downright handsome.
by tricer on Jul 11, 2008 8:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
voted for Main
will probably go Borbon, Harrison, Teagarden, Beaven. But I just don’t know yet.
by Hull Fan on Jul 11, 2008 12:10 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
He's still got a shot, imo
The 40 Trumps All!!!
by thedirkatron on Jul 11, 2008 12:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Scott Heard?
"So you think the Celtics will beat Detroit? Hell will freeze over before that happens, mark my words." miles 5/20/08
by badradiorules on Jul 11, 2008 8:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Danny Kolb?
This is the Texas Rangers, professional destroyers of hope, we're talking about. - BAC
by nikpin on Jul 11, 2008 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cesar King?
"So you think the Celtics will beat Detroit? Hell will freeze over before that happens, mark my words." miles 5/20/08
by badradiorules on Jul 11, 2008 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rob Sasser?
Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.
by t ball on Jul 11, 2008 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Andrew Vessell?
"So you think the Celtics will beat Detroit? Hell will freeze over before that happens, mark my words." miles 5/20/08
by badradiorules on Jul 11, 2008 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Matt Perisho?
Warner Madrigal makes Ezequiel Astacio look downright handsome.
by tricer on Jul 11, 2008 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Corey Lee?
"So you think the Celtics will beat Detroit? Hell will freeze over before that happens, mark my words." miles 5/20/08
by badradiorules on Jul 11, 2008 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
jovany cedeno
bitches.
Every pitch thrown to Josh Hamilton is recorded as an E1. -- clark
by knockoutking on Jul 11, 2008 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hector Fajardo
Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.
by t ball on Jul 11, 2008 10:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ahh
The next Pedro Martinez
"So you think the Celtics will beat Detroit? Hell will freeze over before that happens, mark my words." miles 5/20/08
by badradiorules on Jul 12, 2008 12:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tonight
Main: Clinton debut, 4.2ip 7hits 1run 1ER 2BB 3k’s
Poveda: 6.0ip 5hits 1run 1ER 1walk 5k’s
The 40 Trumps All!!!
by thedirkatron on Jul 11, 2008 12:23 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Why isn't Poveda on the list?
He’s clearly the Rangers #7 prospect.
This is the Texas Rangers, professional destroyers of hope, we're talking about. - BAC
by nikpin on Jul 11, 2008 12:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's what she said.
Burn.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
by thedirkatron on Jul 11, 2008 12:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Touche sir. Touche.
This is the Texas Rangers, professional destroyers of hope, we're talking about. - BAC
by nikpin on Jul 11, 2008 12:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Matt Harrison
2nd straight time.
Chris Davis: He hits home runs.
by dstar442005 on Jul 11, 2008 12:28 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Beavan
I luv me some C-Wun
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 Jul 11, 2008 7:18 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Teagarden
going a little against the grain here and voting teagarden just ahead of main
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
by rentz on Jul 11, 2008 7:37 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Beaven
The CW is going to go all supernova when he starts tossing heat again.
by bushe on Jul 11, 2008 9:00 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yuh
Main finally winning one
"Well, the Dallas Mavericks got beat by the New Orleans Hornets last night ending their season. Word is that someone on the team is dating Jessica Simpson." - Jay Leno
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by hinduplaya on Jul 11, 2008 9:12 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I went down Main Street
But, TeaBag & Borbon are gonna feel the love soon…
"...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
"If you ain't got no money, ain't nobody calls you honey," Bo Diddley
by Rodney on Jul 11, 2008 9:12 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
A little early for Harrison
He’s had an up and down year, but is very popular right now for obvious reasons. I think he’s a decent bet to be an ok #3 or #4 starter, but he just doesn’t have the ceiling to me that Main and Beavan do, and they both belong in front of him.
Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.
by t ball on Jul 11, 2008 9:16 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree intellectually...
but I can’t help but have this “feeling” he is going to be special. (bends down on one knee) Forgive me for picking with my gut.(tries to stand back up, but can’t due to enormous gut)
by Parman on Jul 11, 2008 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Probably an overreaction
but I’m getting sucked in and itching to go Hunter at 10 after Beavan/Tea.
"Mr. Hicks, you watch, I'm going to be a leader on this team." Kinsler
by sprite on Jul 11, 2008 9:50 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yep, that's an overreaction
I’d put Beavan, Tea, Kiker, Borbon and Harrison ahead of him. Oh, and Beltre. I love what Hunter is doing, but I’m not sold that his ceiling is any higher than #4. Not sexy, but solid contributor type. But I’m not going to vote him too high just because he is moving faster than other guys with higher ceilings.
Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.
by t ball on Jul 11, 2008 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Went with Harrison
But just by a smidge over Main and Kiker. A 22 year old who has had an ERA under 3 at every level (4.09 at one but close enough) and has hit the bigs is just too much to overcome for the other two in my book right here. His ML debut certainly helped but I don’t think it moved him ahead of anyone, just solidified his spot in my eyes
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 Jul 11, 2008 9:50 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Beavan
His peripherals, outside of K/9, are outstanding. He barely walks anyone ever and his GB rate is very healthy.
I think (hope) his velo picks up by next year. Hopefully it’s just a case of his arm not being used to throwing as much as he’s indicated. If he’s operating in the 93-95 range next year, he’s a top 5 guy on my board.
by LiamP on Jul 11, 2008 9:52 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Main
I’ve got Main ahead of Andrus and Kiker.
CD, Feliz, Maximus, Hurley, Smoak, Main, Andrus, Kiker, T2, Beavan
Smoak should move up quickly. I just can’t put him in the top 3 without seeing some pro stats. I think Main could move up quickly too. His upside might be about the same as Feliz’s, but with a different tool set, and I hope to see Main manhandle the Midwest league in the same way Feliz did.
Go Rangers!
by rooster on Jul 11, 2008 10:32 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Main vs. Feliz
You know, I can see that. I see Main as a John Lackey type, who quietly does real well, while Feliz gets more attention because of his sexy stuff. I’m not saying Lackey is unappreciated, but he does not get anywhere near the attention he deserves.
Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.
by t ball on Jul 11, 2008 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
speaking of Lackey
When looking at the numbers, I think Eric Hurley’s progression so far is pretty similar to Lackey.
I
Warner Madrigal makes Ezequiel Astacio look downright handsome.
by tricer on Jul 11, 2008 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How so?
Looks like Hurley’s had more K’s, but more BB’s, and definitely more HR’s, though they end up with a similar WHIP. Not disagreeing with you, but I want to know what your angle is on that.
Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.
by t ball on Jul 11, 2008 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
well
I don’t have time to look it up again, but if I am remembering correctly, both had similar peripherals, similar ages at each level, similar rates of advancement, plus I think that Lackey was similarly rated by BA – a solid prospect, but I don’t think when he was in the minors that many people envisioned him becoming the ace that he is.
Warner Madrigal makes Ezequiel Astacio look downright handsome.
by tricer on Jul 11, 2008 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Question
Rather than C-Wun, could we can Beavan C-1?
I think it looks better, and is still phonetically the same.
by Adam J. Morris on Jul 11, 2008 11:31 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, but that nickname is already confusing enough as is
You’d have people thinking we were naming him after a vitamin strand or something.
by BudLight on Jul 11, 2008 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm down
he’s that good.
It also leaves the impression:
“See one—it’s the best you’ll ever see!”
"I’ll say something that doesn’t need context: anyone who is a Mariner’s fan is a douchebag." - FuturePants
by Chase Irwin on Jul 11, 2008 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sea One
in Florida!

"...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
"If you ain't got no money, ain't nobody calls you honey," Bo Diddley
by Rodney on Jul 11, 2008 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Grandpa!
"My keyboard is a Yankees fan" - Whipsmart
by lonestarJon on Jul 11, 2008 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ahahaha
"I’ll say something that doesn’t need context: anyone who is a Mariner’s fan is a douchebag." - FuturePants
by Chase Irwin on Jul 11, 2008 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm a seacow...
i live in the ocean
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
by rentz on Jul 11, 2008 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sure
Although C-Wun has the advantage of also mocking the whole “first letter of your first name, followed by a dash, followed by the first syllable of your last name” nickname craze.
T-Mac and A-Rod would approve, I think.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
by thedirkatron on Jul 11, 2008 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nah
C-Wun is just too Wonderful to dump!
"...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
"If you ain't got no money, ain't nobody calls you honey," Bo Diddley
by Rodney on Jul 11, 2008 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
its funny
but a lot of people are saying that they wont rank smoak top 3 or so without seeing him take a pro AB, but if he doesnt sign until the deadline (which is most likely), next year he will be top 3 with everyone other than feliz matriculating to the bigs. And he still wont have taken a pro AB.
I'm sorry my parents never had me sarcamsized.
by rchawk12 on Jul 11, 2008 12:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
From my perspective, to be more specific, it's not about top 3.
It’s about who’s in the top 3 currently. If CD and Hurley were no longer a part of this game, I’d have no trouble putting Smoak in the top 3.
Go Rangers!
by rooster on Jul 11, 2008 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A lot of hitters who sign at the deadline
get a few pro AB’s. (See: Borbon, Julio).
But your point is well taken.
The top of this list is going to change dramatically due to matriculation. Davis, Hurley and Mad Max are all very likely to be absent from the winter lists.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
by thedirkatron on Jul 11, 2008 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I liked Main over Beaven last year
but I have to go with Harrison over both at this time.
"An effortless 98" - Scott Gardner after Neftali Feliz's first AA pitch
by RangerMad on Jul 11, 2008 2:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
is
Madrigal not considered a prospect?
Chris Davis: He hits home runs.
by dstar442005 on Jul 11, 2008 2:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
He is, yes
Would you like to see him on the list?
The 40 Trumps All!!!
by thedirkatron on Jul 11, 2008 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes please
Chris Davis: He hits home runs.
by dstar442005 on Jul 11, 2008 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Madrigal
As many guys who are currently in the big leagues ahead of schedule, its kinda tough to keep up with them all.
"So you think the Celtics will beat Detroit? Hell will freeze over before that happens, mark my words." miles 5/20/08
by badradiorules on Jul 11, 2008 3:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
next round will be interesting
going to be tight between Harrison, Beaven,Tea, borbon and Kiker
by thedudeabides on Jul 11, 2008 2:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
2008 16th-rounder Justin Miller - RHP Fresno State
per Tim Hulett – travelling with Spokane now, should join official roster soon
by shroomer on Jul 11, 2008 2:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I cant wait for them to sign some more guys
it seems like just about all the high ceiling guys are going to be late signs if they sign at all. Bleier, murphy, bolden, weiland, etc. are all nice but I want to see the other guys, i.e. smoak, ross, clark murphy, thompson, castner, martinez, and/or armstrong. I know they wont sign them all, but they should get most, especially all but the last two.
I'm sorry my parents never had me sarcamsized.
by rchawk12 on Jul 11, 2008 3:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Question..
Is Taylor Teagarden the most controversial prospect the rangers have?
by booyahcaveman on Jul 11, 2008 7:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Beltre might give him a run for his money.
But Teagarden is very polarizing.
by Hull Fan on Jul 11, 2008 8:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
fucking hurley
easily.
Every pitch thrown to Josh Hamilton is recorded as an E1. -- clark
by knockoutking on Jul 11, 2008 10:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
some people think hes a god send
when he clearly is not…
Every pitch thrown to Josh Hamilton is recorded as an E1. -- clark
by knockoutking on Jul 11, 2008 10:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I voted Beaven
I can’t believe how far ahead Main is though. He’s great and I’d vote for either him or Kiker next, but the injury has set him behind Beaven after the great season Beaven has had even while working through mechanical adjustments
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw
by Gdawg on Jul 11, 2008 11:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Harrison.
No doubt about it. The kid has proven he is ready to pitch in the Major Leagues and at a high level. No one else on this list can say that at any level really, except perhaps a guy like Teagarden. His effort on Tuesday absolutely put him in my top 5 in the entire farm system.
My personal top 5 is:
Feliz
Davis
Andrus
Hurley
Harrison
But again, that’s me.
Ian Kinsler has finally earned the right to be the third of my co-favorite players.
by utlonghorn24 on Jul 12, 2008 12:57 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
If Davis no longer technically counts...
Then slide everyone up a notch and insert Smoak at #5.
Ian Kinsler has finally earned the right to be the third of my co-favorite players.
by utlonghorn24 on Jul 12, 2008 12:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

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