Video: Joseph Wieland and Matt Thompson

by NoNameOnCard on May 20, 2009 1:28 PM CDT

Here is my second-to-last Rangers prospects video entry. This time, I bring you two 2008 draft choices: 4th round pick RHP Joseph Wieland and 7th round pick RHP Matt Thompson.

Texas Rangers Prospects: Joseph Wieland and Matt Thompson

Joseph Wieland excerpt:

When Wieland's front foot lands, his pitching forearm is nearly vertical, and active external rotation has already stopped. Though he picks up the ball with his elbow, he avoids an inverted arm position.

Matt Thompson excerpt:

Thompson flexes his trunk and rotates his shoulders simultaneously, and he does so while staying fairly tall. This description is similar to what I said about Neftali Feliz's trunk and shoulders, and even though Thompson does this very well, Feliz does it much better.

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Comments

Thanks for posting these

I think they are fascinating reading, even though I don’t really understand all that you are saying.

Godwin's Law Version 2.0 (Rangers Edition)
"As a Ranger discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Danks, Volquez, or Young approaches one."

by LBBRangerFan on May 20, 2009 2:13 PM CDT reply actions

Thinking about Wieland adding 3 mph more to his fastball makes me happy.

Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D

by rooster on May 20, 2009 2:44 PM CDT reply actions

FWIW

Updating the Wieland data base – the Hickory radio guy said his weight is up to 205 lbs. and that he has “linebacker calves.”

Sigh ... we are sooo gonna suck again next season.
Rangers Farm Probables
Rangers Video Highlights

by shroomer on May 20, 2009 2:54 PM CDT reply actions

son of a gun

did he steal my “linebacker calves” line. Damn. Yeah, Joe looked a lot heavier than the 175 he was listed at.

Comtemplating The Crawdads

by ncrangerfan on May 20, 2009 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions

pic

Comtemplating The Crawdads

by ncrangerfan on May 20, 2009 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions

Maybe I got things crossed up – but I swear I remember the GM of the team saying that line over the radio broadcast. Maybe he didn’t. Ask him at the ballpark if he stole your line – seems like a nice guy.

Sigh ... we are sooo gonna suck again next season.
Rangers Farm Probables
Rangers Video Highlights

by shroomer on May 20, 2009 3:17 PM CDT up reply actions

either way, I really don't care.

Comtemplating The Crawdads

by ncrangerfan on May 20, 2009 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions

That's part of the whole skinny/projection issue I have.

The kid has clearly added serious weight. His legs have always been strong (check out the video associated with the MLSB draft report).

I was just blown away by the “not much to project” comment.

Texas Rangers Prospects: Martin Perez and Juan Grullon - TexasLeaguers.com

by NoNameOnCard on May 20, 2009 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions

His body, the way he carries himself, and the way he moves around all remind of me of Mark Prior.

That’s a good thing.

Say what you will about Prior in retrospect, but the guy had a great pitcher’s frame.

The 40 Trumps All!!!

I think movies where it turns out the British guy did it are probably pretty accurate.

by thedirkatron on May 20, 2009 7:17 PM CDT up reply actions

When Wieland’s front foot lands, his pitching forearm is nearly vertical, and active external rotation has already stopped. Though he picks up the ball with his elbow, he avoids an inverted arm position.

Texas Rangers Prospects: Joseph Wieland and Matt Thompson - TexasLeaguers.com

by NoNameOnCard on May 24, 2009 10:05 PM CDT up reply actions