So with a continuation from previous post about fantasy baseball middle relievers today will be the senior circuit and the National League. I personally tend to notice that it is easier to stream or pick up relievers from the NL because of the way they substitute pitchers in games more frequently. Maybe it’s just me, you can agree to disagree if you choose, but I will always be right regardless of what you say. Here’s some pitchers that get holds for 2012 fantasy baseball:
NL East
New York – Everyone handcuffed Frank Frank with Rauch as well they should, but in the holds department Tim Byrdak and Bobby Parnell are the main set-up to the set-up guys if that makes any type of sense.
Philadelphia – Antonio Bastardo was the early on favorite to garner most of the holds attention. Retread Chad Qualls seems to be the go-to guy in the early going. Not a great situation, in general, as Philly’s starters average almost 8 innings a start.
Miami – This to me is the place to come and get a nice mixed daiquiri and maybe an unheralded RP. Steve Chisek, Edward Mujica and Randy Choate form a nice triumvirate of relievers in front of Bell. Out of the 3, I would take Chisek.
Washington – Tyler Clippard is the guy most owned, he has had it rough in the beginning, but is a good bet for 30 plus here. Sean Burnett has been turned into an everyday guy to a more situational guy and it suits him. Craig Stammen is the sleeper guy, showing great K rate and a good source for vulture wins.
Atlanta – Everyday Jonny is owned or should be in most formats. Kris Medlen and Eric O’Flaherty form a nice righty/lefty setup in front of him.
NL Central
St Louis – The more I watch St Louis, the more I am starting to like Mitchell Boggs as the guy in front of Motte. Marc Rzepczynski is a fill-in for the tough lefties and both guys should finish above 25 Holds here.
Milwaukee – K-Rod is, well, K-Rod… Shows signs of being unhittable and then looks like a tether ball. Jose Veras is a nice option to have and has pitched semi-effectively to date. Kameron Loe is the sleeper to watch here.
Cincinnati – Aroldis Chapman is all the rage, like jean jackets and IOU sweatshirts, and, to be honest, he should be starting. Logan Ondrusek has done a stand-up job in the absence of Nick Masset.
Chicago – Yuck, can I just skip them? Wood is hurt. Rafael Dolis is young and spotty at best. Definitely a bullpen to avoid. Newly acquired Michael Bowden could become useful, so monitor it closely
Houston – Outside of Wilton Lopez, Fernando Rodriguez and David Carpenter are more names for NL-only, then mixed variety.
Pittsburgh – They can’t score so how are they supposed to have a lead. Do they even need a bullpen? Juan Cruz did a great job filling in at closer for Joel Hanrahan and is rosterable based on handcuff. Sleeper here is Jason Grilli, nice 10/1 K/bb rate in the early going.
NL West
Los Angeles – Kenley Jansen is most likely the closer of the future (or of right now). Josh Lindblom is the guy no one knows, but is climbing up Hold ranks for me.
San Diego – What happened? San Diego used to be the maven for relief pitching and they have three, count it, three holds as of me writing this. Cashner is the guy to own because of the inevitable trade of Street. You can pick any other reliever in the bullpen for the Friars and their numbers are excellent just no counting stats yet. Monitor close as 3-4 guys have great ratios and will eventually put up holds in bunches.
San Francisco – Well, Romo is still the man here, Casilla is the one turning out the lights and Clay Hensley and Javier Lopez are the guys that you want for holds after Romo. Just like Bochy drew it up in his ginormous head. Don’t forget about Affeldt here, that’s all I am saying.
Colorado – It’s the Rex Brothers and Matt Belisle show here as it seems they pitch everyday for the Rockies. Guys to keep an eye on are Matt Reynolds and Josh Roenicke.
Arizona – Bryan Shaw keeps stealing David Hernandez’s thunder by getting saves. Both are decent options for holds also. Though if Putz comes to shove, I think Hernandez is the closer in waiting. Deeper leagues can look at Craig Breslow.
While none of them is particularly interesting, the Dodgers have quite a few prospects who are close to helping in some capacity at the Major League level. Among the pitchers, there isn’t much drawing excitement outside of Zach Lee, and even he doesn’t quite project as the frontline arm you expect from the organization’s top prospect. There is depth here, though. LA is loaded with mid-rotation and bullpen arms who’ll be pitching in the bigs before long. On the offensive side, the situation is much thinner. Alfredo Silverio has a future as a productive everyday outfielder, but he headlines a collection of hitters that could surely fail to produce a big league regular outside the aforementioned.
Arizona Fall League Players – Salt River Rafters
Steve Ames (RHP); Stephen Fife (RHP); Cole St. Clair (LHP); Josh Wall (RHP); Gorman Erickson (C); Jake Lemmerman (SS); Alex Castellanos (OF); Kyle Russell (OF)
Graduated Prospects
Dee Gordon (SS); Trent Oeltjen (OF); Jerry Sands (OF); Scott Elbert (LHP); Kenley Jansen (RHP); Ruby De La Rosa (RHP); Javy Guerra (RHP)
Silverio is LA’s top hitting prospect. Signed in 2003 out of the Dominican, it’s taken a while for the outfielder to develop, but he broke through in 2011 with 76 XBH in 572 trips to the plate. Silverio makes good contact and drives the ball all over the field. He should only build on those impressive numbers in the PCL. Expect Silverio to arrive late this season. Could be earlier if needed.
Federowicz is a defense-first catcher who, with Barajas out of LA, could work his way into a starting role with the Dodgers this year. Outside of a 25-game stint in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League during which he slashed .325/.431/.627, Federowicz has never impressed as a hitter. Even if he earns a regular role, he won’t be worth much in terms of fantasy.
Eovaldi was decently effective during his first stretch in the big leagues, posting a 3.63 ERA over 35 IP. He throws a heater in the mid to high-90s and counters with a power slider. He’ll be working to earn a spot as a starter during spring training. If he doesn’t crack the Dodgers’ rotation, he’ll likely be kept by the club for a bullpen role. His two-pitch power repertoire might be better suited for relief, anyway.
In 30 IP with the Dodgers last year, Lindblom posted a 2.73 ERA along with 28 strikeouts. He should stick in the big leagues for 2012 as a member of the bullpen, and could settle into a set-up role. It should be noted that Lindblom features a four-pitch repertoire (FB, SL, CB, CH), befitting of a starter. He hasn’t worked as such since early on in 2010, but the Dodgers could shift him back, conceivably.
After posting a 2.33 ERA in the hitter-friendly California League, Webster was promoted to Double-A where his performance faded somewhat. With a mid-90′s sinking fastball, he draws plenty of grounders and keeps the ball in the park. Webster figures to be headed back to Double-A to begin 2012, but depending on big league needs, he could factor into the Dodgers’ rotation at some point this year.
Tolleson has impressed since his debut in 2010. In two professional seasons, he’s put up a 13.3 K/9 and 1.01 ERA while walking just 23. The Dodgers consider him MLB-ready and Tolleson will most surely debut in the bigs at some point in 2012.
Russell is bound for Triple-A in 2012 where he’ll work on shrinking some holes in his swing. Albuquerque is one of the most hitter-friendly facilities in the minors, and he stands to put up some gaudy power figures. He projects as a 25 HR guy, but hey may never get the chance if those homers are to come along with a .230 AVG and a million K’s. Russell is a candidate for a late-season arrival in LA if he can tighten up his swing and be a little more selective at the plate.
Scott, son of Andy, had an outstanding 2011 in Double-A, slashing .346./.425/.593. It was his best year as a pro by a comfy margin, and the Dodgers are anxious to watch him build on it in Albuquerque in 2012. Like Russell, Van Slyke could be in line for a late-season call up.
DeJesus opened the 2011 season with the Dodgers and struggled mightily. After being sent to Albuquerque in May, however, he settled back into Triple-A ball nicely. Slashing .310/.389/.432, DeJesus put himself back into position to compete in spring training for a spot with the big club. The on-base specialist will likely return to Triple-A to begin 2012, but the Dodgers will be quick to recall him for their bench if his productive numbers continue. Ultimately just a utility guy, though.
Lee, the system’s top prospect, is an impressive athlete. He could have played QB at LSU, but pulled out to sign with the Dodgers in 2010. Although his numbers at Low-A weren’t overly impressive, the Dodgers believe Lee has the makeup and ability to move quickly through the minors. He projects as a workhorse number two and he should arrive in 2013.
Los Angeles Dodgers 2010 Minor League Review
Overall farm ranking via Baseball America (2009)
2010 (24) | 2009 (23) | 2008 (6) | 2007 (6) | 2006 (2) | 2005 (2) | 2004 (2)
Record of Major and Minor League Teams
MLB: [80 – 82] NL West
AAA: [72 – 71] Pacific Coast League – Albuquerque
AA: [ 65 – 74] Southern League – Chattanooga
A+: [50 – 90] California League – Inland Empire
A: [90 – 49] Midwest League – Great Lakes
R: [44 – 31] Pioneer League – Odgen
R: [30 – 25] Arizona League
The Run Down
Quite a disappointing season for Dodger fans, and that’s without introducing the McCourt’s divorce into the picture. Matt Kemp’s inability to capitalize on his spectacular 2009 season, Broxton losing his closer job and a multitude of other events, the Dodgers had some good performances from Kershaw, Kuroda, Billingsley, Ethier and the suddenly employable Vicente Padilla. The minor league system reflected their major league counterpart with a couple of brights spots such as Jerry Sands, Trayvon Robinson, Ivan DeJesus Jr., Dee Gordon and Josh Lindblom; among the lackluster season performances were from Ethan Martin, Chris Withrow, Aaron Miller, Scott Elbert and the recently traded Andrew Lambo. To save three player blurbs, Ethan Martin (8.3 K/9; 6.4 BB/9), Chris Withrow (see comment number three for more details) (8.3 K/9; 4.8 BB/9) and Aaron Miller (8.7 K/9; 4.8 BB/9) all have the same basic scouting report: great strikeout potential, mid 90s fastball, high upside, but lack control. I didn’t even mention Scott Elbert who was returning from injury, but looks to be a reliever more than a starter. If chicks dig the long ball, scouts dig projectable hype and potential. Nevertheless, the Dodgers have three young potential pitching studs, now we fantasy baseballers just have to wait. Store those names in the back of your head, if any of them start to gain more control on a consistent basis, the Dodgers have a Yovanni Gallardo-type pitcher or Daniel Cabrera is nothing breaks right.
Graduated Prospects
#23 (CF) Xavier Paul; (C) A.J. Ellis; (RHP) John Ely; (RHP) Carlos Monasterios; (RHP) Charlie Haeger
Arizona Fall League Players – Phoenix Desert Dogs
Pitchers: (#16 (RHP) Javy Guerra; (RHP) Jon Link, (RHP) Justin Miller, #6 (LHP) Scott Elbert
Hitters: (C) Matt Wallach, #8 (SS) Ivan DeJesus, #25 (1B/RF) Jerry Sands, #9 (CF) Trayvon Robinson
Players of Interest Hitters #25 Jerry Sands | 1B/OF | D.o.B: 9-28-87 | Stats (A/AA): .301/.395/.586 | 502 AB | 68 XBH | 35 Hr | .285 ISO | 18/2 SB/CS | 123:73 K:BB | .382 BABIP (A) and .286 BABIP (AA)
Even a promotion to Double-A didn’t deter one of the great surprises to the 2010 minor league season. Sands rose up from oblivion to tie second for most home runs overall in the minors. At Class Singe-A he slashed .333/.432/.646 in 243 AB with 18 Hr with 14/2 SB/CS and 61:40 strikeout-to-walk ratio. At Class Double-A, he slashed .270/.360/.529 in 259 AB with 17 Hr with 4/0 SB/CS and 62:32 strikeout-to-walk ratio. The steals dropped and the strikeouts rose. This was to be expected. Nevertheless, Sands could be the Pedro Alvarez of 2011 if given a long look in the majors. To see a more detailed scouting report, view his Scouting the Unknown article.
#8 Ivan DeJesus Jr. | SS | D.o.B: 5-1-87 | Stats (AAA): .296/.335/.405 | 553 AB | 42 XBH | 7 Hr | .109 ISO | 6/1 SB/CS | 81:32 K:BB | .333 BABIP
Missed 2009 season due to broken right tibia while being thrown out at the plate during a 2009 Spring Training game. Before that injury, his speed was average at best – think 10 to 15 steals – and his power levels remained the same. His defense is solid but has been known to make a few errors on casual plays. Think of a solid MI option but nothing spectacular. One other point to make before moving on from the shortstop of the Dodgers’ future, DeJesus Jr. will be pushed to second base if and when Dee Gordon reaches the majors.
#1 Dee Gordon | SS | D.o.B: 4-22-88 | Stats (AA):.277/.332/.355 | 555 AB | 29 XBH | 2 Hr | .078 ISO | 53/20 SB/CS | 89:40 K:BB | .323 BABIP
Speaking of Dee Gordon, nothing like pedigree. Son of Tom Gordon, better known as Flash Gordon, has dynamic speed on the basepaths and amazing range at shortstop but prone to errors caused by dropping his arm angle and letting the ball play him. Dee right now is rather skinny yet “has the frame to add strength” as he matures. Speed will always be his game as he has been timed running 60-yards in 6.3 seconds. Truly, Elvis Andrus would be his comparison at this point. Should be pushed to Triple-A for the start of 2011 if he doesn’t get a chance out of Spring Training. With the oft-injured Rafael Furcal, the Dodgers shortstop, Gordon may be seen in the majors as early as a Furcal injury.
#9 Trayvon Robinson | CF | D.o.B: 9-1-87 | Stats (AA): .300/.404/.438 | 434 AB | 37 XBH | 9 Hr | .134 ISO | 38/15 SB/CS | 125:73 K:BB | .395 BABIP
The power didn’t remain after hitting 17 home runs last year, but Robinson still rattled off nearly forty steals (38 SB) with his plus-plus speed. Right now, he has Jacoby Ellsbury-type potential – 10/40 Hr/SB. The Dodgers major league outfield has an opening with only Kemp and Ethier locked in. Then again, Manny Ramirez or Scott Podsednik could be resigned.
Russ Mitchell | 1B/OF | D.o.B: 2-15-85 | Stats (AAA): .315/.363/.535 | 505 AB | 63 XBH | 23 Hr | .220 ISO | 1/3 SB/CS | 78:35 K:BB | .332 BABIP
Mitchell received 43 plate appearances in 2010 during September where he struggled to a .143/.140/.286 slash line with eight strikeouts. Mitchell showed good power and gap power in a hitter friendly circuit (Pacific Coast League). He offers more power than current incumbent, James Loney, but his defense isn’t nearly as good. He is currently nothing more than an injury filler or an option off the bench. I wouldn’t expect to see him in the majors unless he comes out of the 2011 season on fire, a rash of injuries occur, or September rolls around.
Justin Sellers | SS | D.o.B: 2-1-86 | Stats (AAA): .285/.371/.497 | 288 AB | 32 XBH | 14 Hr | .212 ISO | 5/3 SB/CS | 49:40 K:BB | .294 BABIP
Something doesn’t add up with Mr. Sellers. It could be that he nearly doubled his career home runs in a little over half a season of play (31 career home runs in 2281 at-bats) or the fact that Sickels or Baseball America chose to ignore his name. Sellers will ride a career year into a 2011 Spring Training invite.
Pitchers #5 Josh Lindblom | RHP | D.o.B: 6-15-87 | Stats (AAA): 8.0 K/9 | 3.0 BB/9 | 95 IP | 6.54 ERA | 4.31 FIP | 1.84 WHIP | 1.1 Hr/9 | 13.5 H/9 | .416 BABIP
Lindblom was extremely unlucky this past year (.416 BABIP) and had a crazy low 62.4 LOB%. He was used as a reliever and a starter. Seems that the Dodgers aren’t sure what role they want Lindblom to play. He throws a mid-90s fastball with heavy sink, a power curveball and an inconsistent changeup. To see a more detailed report, read his Scouting the Unknown article from the end of 2009.
Javier Solano | RHP | D.o.B: 3-31-90 | Stats (A+/AA):10.5 K/9 | 1.8 BB/9 | 64 2/3 IP | 2.94 ERA | FIP (see below) | 1.10 WHIP | .6 Hr/9 | 8.1 H/9 | BABIP (see below
A potential reliever for you MR. B’s. Solano had a .336 BABIP and 2.39 FIP at High-A and a .301 BABIP and 2.95 FIP at Double-A.
Honorable Mentions Hitters #22 Blake Smith | RF | D.o.B: 12-9-87 | Stats (A): .281/.363/.488 | 430 AB | 49 XBH | 19 Hr | .207 ISO | 2/3 SB/CS | 135:49 K:BB | .366 BABIP
An early red flag, a 31.4 strikeout percent. An early sign of excitement, a .207 ISO. Smith has a long uppercut swing with a potential of 25 home run power, his defense is above-average with a strong arm. All in all, this was a great year for Smith who struggled after signing a contract in 2009. Look for him to play at High-A in 2011 and a potential midseason promotion to Double-A if all goes well.
Rafael Ynoa | 2B | D.o.B: 8-7-87 | Stats (A): .286/.340/.395 | 441 AB | 29 XBH | 9 Hr | .109 ISO | 40/14 SB/CS | 55:37 K:BB | .305 BABIP
Not much information on Ynoa, but this is a call out to all SAGNOF followers. Has many steps of the minor league ladder to climb before he needs to be on your radar, but better to have the early word than the too late leftovers.
Pitchers Rubby De La Rosa | RHP | D.o.B: 3-4-89 | Stats (A/AA): 7.7 K/9 | 3.1 BB/9 | 110 1/3 IP | 2.37 ERA | FIP (see below) | 1.13 WHIP | .3 Hr/9 | 7.1 H/9 | BABIP (see below)
Gotta love the name and the sabermetric stats: A: .291 BABIP and 3.12 FIP; AA: .261 BABIP and 3.22 FIP. Beyond this numbers and reading outside the lines, even Bob Levy could see that the Rub(b)y of Roses has the potential for some underappreciated value if his 2011 season fares well.
Matt Magill | RHP | D.o.B: 11-10-89 | Stats (A): 9.6 K/9 | 3.7 BB/9 | 126 1/3 IP | 3.28 ERA | 3.75 FIP | 1.10 WHIP | .9 Hr/9 | 6.2 H/9 | .251 BABIP
A ridiculously low BABIP (.251 BABIP) helped Magill’s numbers. His traditional numbers make his performance standout, his sabermetrics make him a questionable recommendation at this point.
#10 Allen Webster | RHP | D.o.B: 2-10-90 | Stats (A): 7.8 K/9 | 3.6 BB/9 | 131 1/3 IP | 2.88 ERA | 1.31 WHIP | .4 Hr/9 | 8.2 H/9
As with Magill, it’s hard to recommend Webster until more innings are thrown at higher levels.
Los Angeles Dodgers 2009 Minor League Review
Overall farm ranking via Baseball America (2009)
2009 (23) | 2008 (6) | 2007 (6) | 2006 (2) | 2005 (2) | 2004 (2)
Record of Major and Minor League Teams
MLB: [95 – 67] NL West – best record in NL
AAA: [80 – 64] Pacific Coast League
AA: [ 65 – 74] Southern League
A+: [59 – 81] California League
A: [81 – 59] Midwest League
R: [24 – 32] Arizona League
R: [42 – 34] Pioneer League
The Run Down
After several years in the top 10, the Dodgers farm ranking fell significantly due to several trades (Manny Ramirez, Ronnie Belliard) and a significant lack of a promising young prospect. In the past, the Dodgers were able to recovery from poor trades (Joel Guzman traded for Julio Lugo) because of a deep pool of talent. With the graduations of Kershaw, Billingsley, Kemp, Ethier, Loney and Russell Martin, the Dodgers farm isn’t quite as bountiful this year. However, they still have a few young power arms that are moving their way through the minors. When the Dodgers acquired George Sherrill for third baseman Josh Bell and pitcher Steve Johnson the Dodgers lost their top third base prospect and a mid-level pitcher who had a fine year. The Dodgers have a couple of top prospects that are nearing the majors, number one ranked Andrew Lambo (Double-A) and fourth ranked Josh Lindblom (Double and Triple-A).
Graduated Prospects
#2 – (P) James McDonald; #5 – (P) Scott Elbert #12 – (RP) Ramon Troncoso; (RP) Ronald Belisario
Arizona Fall League Players – Peoria Javelinas
Pitchers – Javy Guerra, Eric Krebs, Aaron Miller, Travis Schlichting (received September call-up)
Hitters – (C) Lucas May, (C) Jessi Meir, (1B) Russ Mitchell (won AFL Sportsmanship Award), (SS/2B) Justin Setters, (LF) Andrew Lambo, (CF) Trayvon Robinson
Players of Interest Hitters #1 – Andrew Lambo | LF | AA | 20 | .256/.311/.407 | 492 AB | 39 2B | 11 HR | .151 ISO | 95:35 K:BB | .298 BABIP Scouting the Unknown article in September laid him out pretty well. He slashed .330/.365/.484 in the AFL this fall. Overall, it was a pretty underwhelming season for the Dodgers top prospect. Though keep his age in context; he was a couple of years younger than his competition. However, a September call-up looks like the best case scenario for 2010. He should report back to Double-A in 2010 with a potential promotion to Triple-A in mid-June.
#7 – Devaris Gordon | SS | A | 21 | .301/.362/.394 | 538 AB | 17 2B | 12 3B | 3 HR | .093 ISO | 73/25 SB/CS | 90:43 K:BB | .357 BABIP
The son of Tom “Flash” Gordon went the route of running as fast as his father could throw. He has been timed running 60 yards in 6.3 seconds. (For reference, Tyson Gillies mentioned in last week’s Seattle Minor League Review, ran 30 yards (from the batter’s box to first) in 3.8 seconds.) Looks like Gordon put his speed to work, stealing 73 bases in 140 games. Baseball America said that the only thing holding him back from being a major league ready shortstop is himself. His defense is immaculate (although he did have 34 errors) and he is able to move to both sides. Reminds me of Elvis Andrus, except faster.
Pitchers #4 – Josh Lindblom | SP (RH) | AA/AAA | 22 | 7.7 K/9 | 2.4 BB/9 | 96 1/3 IP | 3.83 ERA | 1.19 WHIP | 1.04 GO/AO | .306/.295 BABIP (AA/AAA)
Mentioned in a September Scouting the Unknown, Lindblom looked impressive across two levels in 2009. He actually improved his strikeout rate from Double to Triple-A by over 1 K/9 (7.22 to 8.31 K/9). Although he isn’t the top ranked pitching prospect for the Dodgers, he does have the best fastball (as of 2009 rankings) and is the closest top prospect to immediately helping the Dodgers in 2010. Look for him to start in Triple-A with a mid-summer call up, especially if there is an injury.
#3 – Ethan Martin | SP (RH) | A | 20 | 10.8 K/9 | 5.5 BB/9 | 100 IP | 3.87 ERA [3.45 FIP] | 1.46 WHIP | .89 GO/AO | .333 BABIP
Yet another Dodger I mentioned in a September Scouting the Unknown (the same one as Lambo). He needs to harness that power fastball of his (92 to 94 mph with late movement) to become successful. Keep in mind that he was mainly a third baseman in high school and only pitched his senior year, meaning he still has a lot to learn. However, 100 innings in his first year means he probably shouldn’t pitch more than 130 next year.
#9 – Chris Withrow | SP (RH) | A+/AA | 20 | 10.4 K/9 | 4.5 BB/9 | 113 2/3 IP | 4.51 ERA [3.68 FIP] | 1.42 WHIP | 1.14 GO/AO | .301 BABIP
The 2008 top draft pick has started to pick it up. He has a 92 to 94 mph fastball that has topped 98 before. Additionally, he has a power curve and a “clean delivery.”
Honorable Mentions Trayvon Robinson | CF | A+/AA | 21 | .300/.373/.493 | 527 | 29 2B | 11 3B | 17 HR | .193 ISO | 47/20 SB/CS | 143:60 K:BB | .391/.324 BABIP (A+/AA)
Hit .241/.353/.402 in the AFL this fall. He only had 70 AB at Double-A. If he produces at Double-A like he did at High-A, which is highly unlikely as the California League is a hitter’s haven, he’ll have legit major league potential.
Scott Van Slyke | RF | A+ | 22 | .294/.372/.534 | 496 AB | 42 2B | 23 HR | .240 ISO | 128:61 K:BB | .357 BABIP
Like teammate Robinson, Van Slyke hit extremely well in the California League. Matter of fact, this was easily his best year in his entire career. He’ll have to hit like this at Double-A if he wants to be a fourth major league outfielder.
Looking around the jumbled mess of the internet, I found this rather interesting article over at FanGraphs detailing the bust rate of minors league players relative to their letter grade given by scouts. The grading scale was based upon Baseball America. It is short, interesting, and it pertains; so go read it. Secondly, Jason Heyward was named Minor League Player of the Year by Baseball America on last Friday. I talked about him here and Grey talked about him here. Keep your eye on him next spring because the Minor League Player of the Year usually is in the majors by the next year (it was with Wieters, Jay Bruce, Alex Gordon, Delmon Young, and you get the point); whether it is to start the season, or by the middle of the season, he’ll be up sooner rather than latter.
Josh Lindblom | SP/RP | Los Angeles Dodgers | DOB: 6/15/87 | 6-5 | 220 lbs | Bats/Throws: Right | LAD #4 ranked prospect according to Baseball America The Cube: Control (96) | K-Rating (85) | Efficiency (95)
He transferred twice while in college, and during his last transfer when he went to Purdue, he switched from a starting pitcher to their closer. This caused his draft value to drop the following year. The Dodgers swooped in and drafted Lindblom in the second round. The Dodgers wanted to stretch him back out into a starter and they did that in 2008. He didn’t pitch that much in 2008 because of his career innings and that he had to be stretched back out. However, this year he started 14 games (11 in AA), but he pitched out of the bullpen in 17 games at AAA. This could be for a few reasons, though I am speculating as I didn’t find any article detailing the switch back. The first reason I can think of is to keep his innings down but allow him to work on his pitches all year. Secondly, the Dodgers want him in the closer role (I doubt it). Lastly, there is no third option.
Lindblom possesses a fastball that can reach 96 mph when he pitches out of the bullpen, but it stays around 89 to 94 mph when he starts; a slider with a fair amount of lateral movement; a splitter that induces a good share of ground balls and strikeouts; and a change-up that he rarely uses (as of spring 2008). He has a striking command of the mound, a smooth delivery, but his high arm slot makes it easy for batters to pick up the pitch. On a praiseworthy note, Peter Gammons during spring training said of Lindblom, “Best young arm I saw all spring in Arizona.” Here are his stats:
08 (totals) 9.8 K/9 | 1.3 BB/9 | 34 IP | .5 HR/9 | 2.12 ERA | .71 WHIP | 9/9 GS/G
(A) 10.24 K/9 | 1.24 BB/9 | 29 IP | .62 HR/9 | 1.86 ERA | .62 WHIP | 8/8 GS/G
(AA) 7.2 K/9 | 1.8 BB/9 | 5 IP | 0 HR/9 | 3.6 ERA | 1.2 WHIP | 1/1 GS/1 09 (totals) 7.7 K/9 | 2.4 BB/9 | 96 1/3 IP | .7 HR/9 | 3.83 ERA | 1.19 WHIP | 14/34 GS/G
(AA) 7.22 K/9 | 2.2 BB/9 | 57 1/3 IP | .63 HR/9 | 4.71 ERA | 1.2 WHIP | 11/14 GS/G
(AAA) 8.3 K/9 | 2.77 BB/9 | 39 IP | .69 HR/9 | 2.54 ERA | 1.18 WHIP | 3/20 GS/G As SP 7.67 K/9 | 2.18 BB/9 | 95 IP | .66 HR/9 | .98 WHIP As RP 8.92 K/9 | 1.24 BB/9 | 36 1/3 IP | .25 HR/9 | 1.05 WHIP
Career .269 BABIP
He has performed well in both roles (starter and reliever) and could be used out of the rotation as soon as spring 2010. He has above average control (2.1 BB/9 for career), above average strikeout rates (8.2 K/9) but he has only pitched in 130 professional innings. If the Dodgers want to use him as a starter, his innings should be severally limited. If he makes the team as a reliever he could help all you, MR. Bs (Middle Reliever Believers). Realistically, the Dodgers are going to make him a June call up to save on arbitration and his innings. He looks like he could be an adequate number three starter or top of the line closer or end of the bullpen-type pitcher.
Chris Marrero | 1B | Washington Nationals | DOB: 7/2/88 | 6-3 | 210 lbs | Bats/Throws: Right | WAS #3 ranked prospect according to Baseball America The Cube: Power (90) | Speed (1) | Contact (34) | Patience (46)
Per request of Glenn Gulliver’s Travels, here is Washington’s top hitting prospect (with Michael Burgess a close second). Having spent most of 2008 on the disabled list with a broken fibula from catching his cleat in the dirt while sliding home, he bounced back this year hitting extremely well. He started rookie ball at age 17, which is the same age Vitters started rookie ball. However, Marrero has played in a league higher than Vitters at each age jump, performing far better at each level. Marrero is projected to hit 20 to 25 homers with decent average and above average plate coverage and average plate discipline. He is a below average runner and defensive range at first base, but does have a good arm and soft hands – which serve little worth if he cannot get to the ball. Scouts, managers and team reps rave about his work ethic and have high hopes. Here are his stats:
06 (R) .309/.374/.420 | 81 AB | 0/.111 HR/ISO | 23.5 K% | 9 BB% | .403 BABIP 07 (totals).275/.338/.484 | 484 AB | 23 HR
A .293/.337/.545 | 222 AB | 14/.252 HR/ISO | 17.6 K% | 5.9 BB% | .302 BABIP
A+ .259/.338/.431 | 255 AB | 9/.173 HR/ISO | 24.7 K% | 11.1 BB% | .338 BABIP 08 (A+) .250/.325/.435 | 289 AB | 11/.203 HR/ISO | 21.5 K% | 8.9 BB% | .279 BABIP 09 (totals) .284/.358/.452 | 489 AB | 17 HR
A+ .287/.360/.464 | 414 AB | 16/.176 HR/ISO | 23.4 K% | 9.2 BB% | .312 BABIP
AA .267/.345/.387 | 75 AB | 1/.120 HR/ISO | 24 K% | 9.6 BB% | .339 BABIP Career: Against LHP .300/.386/.462 | 327 AB | 13 HR Against RHP .269/.333/.458 | 970 AB | 37 HR
The Nationals have not produced a top hitter since Ryan Zimmerman back in 2006. They have had talented players in their system, they just don’t pan out. Marrero is by far their best power hitting prospect and, at only age 21, he still has time to produce. He should start in AA to open the 2010 season and possibly move up to AAA by the middle of June and get a chance to show himself to the world by September – assuming he doesn’t get injured or struggle with the jump to AAA. However his promotions go, he still strikeouts too much for a hitter to have an average over .275 and his plate discipline is adequate – nothing spectacular, but nothing awful – and his ISO has been average too. He isn’t the sexy power hitter like Mike Stanton, the all round player like Heyward, or even the hitting scarce position prospect like Carlos Santana. However, he reminds me of Kyle Blanks did this year before he went down with an injury. He has the potential to be the Nationals starting first baseman by 2011.
