5/4 The "Minors While You Wait" Minors Thread
by FirebatM3 on May 4, 2009 6:06 PM CDT
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PrintSince the Rangers are in Seattle today, let's celebrate with a minors thread.
After a long rain delay, Elizardo Ramirez takes the mound for the Redhawks looking to bounce back from an absolute schellacing and then an implosion by Pedro Strop in back to back games. Slightly Angry Max is not yet in the lineup tonight.
In Frisco, Kasey Kiker finally gets his shot at the Corpus Christie hooks after being pushed back for uber-prospect Kris Benson.
In Bakersfield, Kennil Gomez is looking to recover his excellent control after having his last outing shorted by a power outage (lol tball joke).
Hickory is off tonight after Martin Perez and Jacob Brigham sent Lakewood home crying.
Discussion:
What is wrong with Julio Borbon? After flying out in his first AB, Julio has been in a death spiral the last few weeks, with his slash numbers being down to .268/.343/.309. That's Drew Meyer awful!
Well, looking at his numbers, his BABIP isn't awfully low (it's at .287), so not all of it is luck. The problem, so far, is his awful GB%. Last year, Julio Borbon's GB% was 59% in Bakersfield and an acceptable 54% during his Frisco breakout. This year, it's up to 64%. Combined with his less-than-optimal 14% LD rate, it's obvious he's not hitting the ball with any sort of authority. Nevertheless, we can expect a slight regression in his BABIP (towards .300 or so), but the utter lack of power after a very encouraging summer is discouraging (his ISOP is 1/3 of what it was at Frisco and 1/2 of what it was at Bakersfield). It's at .043 - he's not hitting for any power in any sort of way.
The good news, though, is that he is working walks (7.4%) and still not striking out (9.3%). So what are your thoughts? Is this an adjustment in his approach or is it just a dude not getting anything to hit or is it just Firebat pulling a clark and small sample size freakin?
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cmon KX2
make it happen.
should i be at all worried about our high-A pitchers, or do you think it is a product of the trash Cal league?
If a woman has to choose between catching a fly ball and saving an infant's life, she will choose to save the infant's life without even considering if there are men on base. ~Dave Barry
look at their peripherals
I think in Beavan’s case, he’s just getting unlucky so far. Main has certaintly struggled though. At the end of the year, I think both of them will have Poveda and Kiker type years which is fine as long as they can come back next season in Frisco and play really well there.
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
I'm just pretending our minors don't exist until
one of two things happen
a> they all start playing awesome instead of occasionally mysteriously and frustratingly bad.
b> the Rangers lose 5 in a row.
Borbon
The higher BB rate is more encouraging to me than the low hitting rates are discouraging. Maybe he’s working counts for the first time and finding himself behind in counts. I think he’ll adjust. Optimism.
"I saw your act, just didn't make it for me. Just a lot of fluff."
me too
the lack of power is so much as a dissapointment, but its something i was hoping he’d develop. Everything else looks ok so far and i think he’ll be fine over the long haul.
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
He's faced a lot of full counts recently
updated info!
But the thing is, at which point does his OB polish overshadow his miniscule slg? Guys like Reggie Willits are fine, but they’re not ML quality OFs. I’d rather have Carl Crawford than Reggie Willits
"Hustle doesn't cost a dime and it looks good." - Pete Rose as Channeled by Marcus Lemon
yea, my hope is that Borbon is C Crawford
i was looking at Crawford’s # from the minors and they looked pretty similar, I just dont know if Borbon actually has the raw power to eventually hit 15-20 HRs in a year. If he did, he’d be an invalueable player with his other skills that are alot more obvious.
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
That's were my optimism originates w/ Borbon-
Envisioning Carl Crawford.
"I saw your act, just didn't make it for me. Just a lot of fluff."
Better Willits than that
thieving motherfu… I can’t say his name.
"I saw your act, just didn't make it for me. Just a lot of fluff."
I think
teams would not mind a Willits who can play very good CF defense
Guys with
low Slg don’t tend to maintain high walk rates. For Borbon to be an effective hitter, he needs to get that SLG up regardless.
"Hustle doesn't cost a dime and it looks good." - Pete Rose as Channeled by Marcus Lemon
.309 slugging is obviously not going to cut it
Even Willits was a high .300 to low .400 slugging guy in the minors, and dude slugged a might .344 in his full season. It’s conceivable that a guy might be able to maintain a fairly high walk rate if he can hit .300 and slug around .370 or so.
Nevertheless, I don’t think that’s going to happen to Borbon, even if he texts with Whittleman everyday. He has never been that kind of a hitter, and I don’t think you just metamorphose into Willits in a season. Guys like Willits are a byproduct of suffering and ridiculous mental fortitude – they are not born, but shaped by wind, rain, tornadoes, volcanoes, and the hands of Willie Bloomquist. Maybe what is happening right now is just a byproduct of him struggling at the plate. If you are not getting hits, you tend to take a few pitches (i.e. the David Murphy Plan)
Whittleman
is playing a pretty nice 3B. Diving play to stop the GB.
"Hustle doesn't cost a dime and it looks good." - Pete Rose as Channeled by Marcus Lemon
And his walk up
music is apparently (Nelly – It’s getting hot in here)
AJM just found his new favorite player
"Hustle doesn't cost a dime and it looks good." - Pete Rose as Channeled by Marcus Lemon
KK
pitches well when he’s mad.
Walks Drew Meyer in 4 pitches. Gives up a knock up the middle after Meyer takes 3rd on a GB.
Next hitter.
Swinging Strike (FB)
Swinging Strike (FB, other side of the plate)
Swinging Strike (Cause he’s better than you)
"Hustle doesn't cost a dime and it looks good." - Pete Rose as Channeled by Marcus Lemon
Damn, 15 minutes away
And I’d rather stay home and watch the Rangers. Lazy.
"I saw your act, just didn't make it for me. Just a lot of fluff."
i love watching him pitch
he’s fun to watch
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
2nd inning
Walk (5 pitches)
Double (to Steve Murphy)
The Frisco OF defense is awful
"Hustle doesn't cost a dime and it looks good." - Pete Rose as Channeled by Marcus Lemon
not listening, misplay?
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
Popup
to Murphy
"Hustle doesn't cost a dime and it looks good." - Pete Rose as Channeled by Marcus Lemon
on the double?
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
now it causes a run
that sucks
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
Kiker
all 6 swing strikes on the fastball.
It’s his f*ck you pitch
"Hustle doesn't cost a dime and it looks good." - Pete Rose as Channeled by Marcus Lemon
haha, he gets epically pissed after giving up runs
awesome
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
also
when i went to his game earlier this season, he’d pitch at 88-89 most of the time with his FB, but when he wanted to, he could throw 94. I think thats what he’s doing here after he gives up those runs. I guess it does give some credence to the thought that he might be perfect for a late relief role.
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
That's nice and all
but he can’t just expect to get pissed and throw a bunch of fastballs by major league hitters.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
But its a good mentality to have
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.
and it's good to know
that he has it in his back pocket. I would also contend that 94 mph from a short lefty can get by plenty of ML hitters
"Hustle doesn't cost a dime and it looks good." - Pete Rose as Channeled by Marcus Lemon
I love watching good pitchers, Zach Grienke is dominating through
2… The guy is awesome
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
Pina's batting streak
has been extended. Single up the middle, on the first pitch. He’s hacktastic, but that’s ok.
"Hustle doesn't cost a dime and it looks good." - Pete Rose as Channeled by Marcus Lemon
hey
so was pudge… just saying
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
seriously, that might be all it takes... we'll likely never now (unless someone knows a
human growth hormones dealer)
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
BTW, this made me laugh..
Go Rangers...don't suck...
by Kinslerhomer on May 4, 2009 7:39 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Man, I miss
watching that guy hit. Funny though.
"I saw your act, just didn't make it for me. Just a lot of fluff."
the pirate is boarding
in OKC
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
A Arr worthy strikeout.
"Hustle doesn't cost a dime and it looks good." - Pete Rose as Channeled by Marcus Lemon
swinging K against his first batter
X Henry a lefty who was hitting .360
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
whoops, Xavier Paul, not henry
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
it better not be henry
he needs to be practicing that jump shot and his net cutting for next year
Charter member of the Dutch bandwagon
AJs out
after 2 Ks and groundout, one step closer to the bigs?
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
Back to back days
that’s what he needs.
"Hustle doesn't cost a dime and it looks good." - Pete Rose as Channeled by Marcus Lemon
i love the thought
of having O’Day and AJ in the pen
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
random note on O'Day
I just read that O’Day “discovered” his submarine arm slot while playing in an adult recreation league, then walked on at Florida, earned a scholarship then pitched for 4 years and became the closer. Signed as an undrafted FA by the Angels. Pretty long and winding road to Arlington.
He also has a torn labrum that he elected to rehab rather than go under the knife.
Guy is a pretty interesting story, hopefully Beau Vaughan can interview him later this year.
Doctor please. Some more of these.
I did not know
that O’Day had a changeup. It’s a good discovery.
"Hustle doesn't cost a dime and it looks good." - Pete Rose as Channeled by Marcus Lemon
It was the pitch
he K’d Thome on Saturday night.
"Hustle doesn't cost a dime and it looks good." - Pete Rose as Channeled by Marcus Lemon
i love the thought
of having him and CJ in the pen. as promising as those guys looked in their first swim through Frisco in ’03 (can that be right?) it would be awesome to see them ultimately make it as big leaguers with this team.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
I remember that
I worked for the RoughRiders their first year and they had an all lefty rotation. C.J., A.J., Ben Kozlowski, and I can’t remember the other 2
"calmer than you are dude" Walter (Big Lebowski)
by Arlington Stadium Legend on May 5, 2009 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions
That's for sure.
And then the club deciding they can take the locker room hit for cutting Eddie. I don’t think he is close to being cut, but he needs to get it together soon.
"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
i really get the feeling that Eddie is a fall down a step away
from an extended stay on the 60, gives them an excuse to lose Eddie off the 40, keep eddie around the clubhouse and then convince him to go to coaching
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
I could easily see that playing out.
"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
Craig Gentry
he’s not very good at the game of baseball and should stop leading off.
"Hustle doesn't cost a dime and it looks good." - Pete Rose as Channeled by Marcus Lemon
hey, so is michael bourne
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
by blalock84 on May 4, 2009 7:46 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
He's actually
not very fast.
"Hustle doesn't cost a dime and it looks good." - Pete Rose as Channeled by Marcus Lemon
when guys are not good at anything else
they are fast
When they are not even fast, they are gritty
and when they are Eddie Guardado
well, they are the fat mexican who makes everyone laugh.
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
Kasey Kiker
hate Drew Meyer and would gladly bang his sister if given the chance.
A swinging K that made Meyer look “lost and ridiculous”
"Hustle doesn't cost a dime and it looks good." - Pete Rose as Channeled by Marcus Lemon
2 IP, 3H, 2ER, 2BB, 3K
One very bad outfield defense.
Kiker hits his 8th person.
"Hustle doesn't cost a dime and it looks good." - Pete Rose as Channeled by Marcus Lemon
OT: Laporta just got his first MLB jack.
Right after Garko broke up a no-hitter.
"I saw your act, just didn't make it for me. Just a lot of fluff."
yea, im watching that
it was gonna be hilarious if Tallent somehow managed a no-hitter, that guy is about the most scrub-like professional athlete i’ve ever seen.
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
Why do you like the Falcons?
"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
Over my head, Rodney.
I skipped breakfast today.
"I saw your act, just didn't make it for me. Just a lot of fluff."
Your profile.
"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
Oh.
I’m ex-AF.
"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
Father meet son?
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
Kasey Kiker
11.5 Swinging strikes so far tonight.
I like KK
"Hustle doesn't cost a dime and it looks good." - Pete Rose as Channeled by Marcus Lemon
me too
although, I am almost expecting him to become a late inning reliever for us, if he does end up as a quality major league starter, I’ll be estatic and i’ll probably go to every game he pitches
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
OBTW, it's shellacing.
A method of finishing wood.
"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
You were undoubtedly confused,
and thinking that Schlacting was the word for getting repeatedly pounded in the minors…
;-)
"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
13.5 swinging strikes
"Hustle doesn't cost a dime and it looks good." - Pete Rose as Channeled by Marcus Lemon
he's having a really solid game
he could use a bit better control, but overall, he’s showing great stuff.
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
13.5?
Is that a check swing?
The 2008-2009 Dallas Mavericks are the biggest teases in the world.
"We love Wash.....As a team, we want Wash as the head of that team." Hamilton
"The NFL made me undergo a psychiatric evaluation......Please. It was an accident. If I wanted to post a picture of my penis I wouldn't have been all hunched over."- Chris Cooley.
Ah. Ok.
The 2008-2009 Dallas Mavericks are the biggest teases in the world.
"We love Wash.....As a team, we want Wash as the head of that team." Hamilton
"The NFL made me undergo a psychiatric evaluation......Please. It was an accident. If I wanted to post a picture of my penis I wouldn't have been all hunched over."- Chris Cooley.
Holy shitzz
did anyone else just see that play by Tyler Greene? Wow
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
by the way, that was one of the best plays i've ever seen a SS make
also, this just in, Zach Grienke is good, really good
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
Grienke should have a no hitter right now
through 5, two crappy, crappy hits
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
Whittleman
with a 9 pitch walk. Once in awhile, he’ll have just an awesome AB.
"Hustle doesn't cost a dime and it looks good." - Pete Rose as Channeled by Marcus Lemon
OT: New Mock Draft
My new mock over at Minor League Ball has us getting Shelby Miller in the first round. That was without any attempt. There are that many players jumping up right now. It’s beginning to look like a better class than we thought.
Drew Meyer
bunt base hit. What a tool. I hope KK stays until he faces again just to put on in his teeth.
"Hustle doesn't cost a dime and it looks good." - Pete Rose as Channeled by Marcus Lemon
haha, I think one of my favorite things that Kiker has done
was hit Brett Wallace three times in two games… That was awesome
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
Isn’t it a problem that he keeps hitting people? This dude is walking too many too…
"[Font} doesn't turn 19 until the end of May and his heater can already hit 99 on the gun. That's baseball porn." - Jason Parks
by hightowersmith on May 4, 2009 8:26 PM CDT up reply actions
His Strike % is good
his mechanics still must be pretty inconsistent.
"Hustle doesn't cost a dime and it looks good." - Pete Rose as Channeled by Marcus Lemon
i just enjoy when the idea that Kiker
hits people because he hates them
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
Why isn’t Eric Fry disdaining something?
"[Font} doesn't turn 19 until the end of May and his heater can already hit 99 on the gun. That's baseball porn." - Jason Parks
by hightowersmith on May 4, 2009 9:32 PM CDT up reply actions
He's trying to
but it’s not working!
"Hustle doesn't cost a dime and it looks good." - Pete Rose as Channeled by Marcus Lemon
Kiker done
5IP, 5H, 2ER, 3BB, 6K
"Hustle doesn't cost a dime and it looks good." - Pete Rose as Channeled by Marcus Lemon
6
but he did cope 17.5 feels.
"Hustle doesn't cost a dime and it looks good." - Pete Rose as Channeled by Marcus Lemon
And 1 HBP?
"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
Someone tried to pay him back
he was not amused.
"Hustle doesn't cost a dime and it looks good." - Pete Rose as Channeled by Marcus Lemon
Whittleman > Fox, Duran, and German
If you’re confused that’s German Duran and Esteban German. Whittleman will be a lot better.
And Adam Fox is just plain awful
Riders game over
it was ugly
10-0 Hooks
My garden this year... planted tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, okra, and for the first time i went with eggplant
Can you guys post Shroom's link
in future thread headlines?
it isn't a favorite on your computer?
for shame.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
nice start for Kennil
6 IP, 2 ER, 6 Ks. I really wouldn’t have predicted he and Kirkman would be our best starters so far.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
What's the story
with Adalberto Flores? He put up some decent numbers last year in Clinton, especially looking at that K rate. He’s a little old for the league he’s in, and it says he was drafted in ’05 by the Marlins. Will he be rule 5 eligible after this year?
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
He's probably
someone we picked up either in minors rule 5 or as a FA. Nothing to see here.
"Hustle doesn't cost a dime and it looks good." - Pete Rose as Channeled by Marcus Lemon
he isn't exactly ancient
and he has that great K rate (20 in 12.2 IP this year in his first year in high A). He may not deserve a top 20 spot yet, but I wouldn’t write him off completely, either.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
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