BA's Midseason Top 25

4. Justin Smoak, 1b RANGERS
An oblique strain slowed Smoak a tad, but he jumped to high levels with no problems and fits the first-base profile perfectly.
13. Neftali Feliz, rhp RANGERS
The minors' biggest fastball sits at 94-98 mph. If his move to the bullpen at Triple-A proves permanent, he'll be less valuable; improved pitchability would go a long way.

4 months ago Kinslerhomer 21 comments 1 recs |

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Martin Perez made the "next 25" honorable mention

"andruw jones hits 3 HRS at LA of Anaheim last nite after hitting zero at LA of LA as Dodger in all of '08. thats nuts." SI_JonHeyman

by WestTxAg06 on Jul 9, 2009 12:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Heyward, Stanton, Montero

None of them were drafted ahead of Smoak.

Alma para conquistarte, corazón para quererte, y vida para vivirla junto a ti.

by chrisR on Jul 9, 2009 2:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Montero

wasn’t drafted at all.

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

by t ball on Jul 9, 2009 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think he is just making the pt we, perhaps, got the best prospect in the draft last yr

by Michael Cave on Jul 9, 2009 3:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yup

but especially because of the Hosmer/Alvarez/Alonso/Smoak debates. Although I think he will end up as the 2nd best position player to come out of that draft if Tim Beckham reaches his potential.

Alma para conquistarte, corazón para quererte, y vida para vivirla junto a ti.

by chrisR on Jul 9, 2009 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

for whatever reason

i am really cheering for Jason Castro. The fact that he landed above Pedro Alvarez on that list makes me very happy.

What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.

by clark on Jul 9, 2009 3:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

You gotta respect a guy

who the day after he’s drafted has to read articles everywhere saying he’s one of the dumbest picks in a long time, yet makes his team look genius by becoming one of the best picks of the draft.

It’d be cool if he can keep that up.

Go Rice Owls!

by JBImaknee on Jul 9, 2009 3:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not a genius pick, I'd say

but definitely now a justifiable one instead of “drafting for need”.

The rest of the Stros draft could be getting the “great” tag though.

Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.

by jonthefon on Jul 9, 2009 10:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

am i the only one

who absolutely hates the idea of moving feliz to the bullpen permanently? that should only be used as a last ditch effort incase his shoulder falls apart in two years or he forgets how to pitch. we forget just how young this kid is.

if he doesnt make his debut until 2011 I’m totally fine with that because his talent seems worth the wait to me.

seriously 5innings > 1 inning

Fresh since 1822

by kmacsm on Jul 9, 2009 3:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

something to be said

For easing into life in the majors. The club realizes a starter is more valuable over the course of a career. But if he can shore up the ML pen, he’s better off than AAA any role.

by ericeric on Jul 9, 2009 3:17 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah,

i see what you’re saying and i agree with easing guys in at the ML level through the bullpen.
but if he’s still in OKC i don’t get it. and just in general. i think the club and fans should cool down on waiting for feliz he’s barely 21 yr’s old

remember what rushing volquez to the majors did to his mind?

Fresh since 1822

by kmacsm on Jul 9, 2009 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rodney just posted a reassuring note from Daniels

on Bad Radio today, saying Feliz is still a starter long term.

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

by t ball on Jul 9, 2009 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thats great to hear

Fresh since 1822

by kmacsm on Jul 9, 2009 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

A permanent move would be absurd

Unless his other stuff doesn’t develop or he can’t prove himself as a starter. That kind of talk is incredibly premature.

by GhostofGaryHogeboom on Jul 9, 2009 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No Perez?

I’m pretty shocked, actually.

The 40 Trumps All!!!

Everyone needs to drive a vehicle, even the very tall. This was the largest auto I could afford. Should I therefore be made the subject of fun?

by thedirkatron on Jul 9, 2009 3:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

He was honorable mention

and I’d bet he gets that high by season’s end if he keeps on like he has.

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

by t ball on Jul 9, 2009 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You'd have to think he'd move up

after what hes done this year if perez isnt top 25 i dont know what is

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

by rentz on Jul 9, 2009 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Seriously

he’ll be what, 19 next year in AA?

He’s set to debut in ‘11 at age 20. That’s Kershaw status, right there.

"We're One Nation Under a Groove"
- Ayjayem

by Chase Irwin on Jul 9, 2009 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Perez

I feel like the BAs and BPs don’t really take him so serious yet. I want to say I read a Goldstein chat where he was dismissive of the guy’s top 100 status.

"[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 Jul 9, 2009 3:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm more shocked....

That there was not one mention of Neftali Perez…….totally expecting him to be in the top 5

Haters

Bill Simmons: "I will tell you right now, if the Boston Red Sox traded Clay Buchholz for Justin Smoak, I will run around my neighborhood naked...celebrating for an hour. I love Justin Smoak"

by Smoak Some on Jul 9, 2009 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs