Fantasy Baseball Advice

Pittsburgh Pirates 2010 Minor League Review
Overall farm ranking via Baseball America (2010)
2010 (16) | 2009 (18) | 2008 (26) | 2007 (19) | 2006 (19) | 2005 (18) | 2004 (11)

Record of Major and Minor League Team(s)
MLB: [57 – 105] NL Central
AAA: [71 – 72] International League – Indianapolis
AA: [82 – 60] Eastern League – Altoona
A+: [76 – 62] Carolina League – Bradenton
A: [65 – 74] South Atlantic – West Virginia
A(ss): [33 – 42] New York Pennsylvania League – State College
R: [29 – 30] Gulf League

The Run Down
After another “they are who we thought they are,” (thank you Denny Green) type of season for the Pirates, 2011 does pose a few bright spots. The 2010 season saw several prospects graduate with varying success, most notably, Pedro Alvarez, Jose Tabata and Neil Walker. You could call it the year of the [rookie] hitter in Pittsburgh. The 2011 season should bring along the year of the pitcher. With Jeff Locke and Rudy Owens being the main rookies to keep an eye on, along with the infamous Daniel Moskos as a reliever. Don’t fret, Tony Sanchez wasn’t forgotten, just not 2011 fantasy season ready. Oh, and you can catch a Manny Machado MLB scouting Report here – he won’t be ready for a couple years. This young squad has the ability to have more than Andrew McCutchen shine in 2011. Pitching will still be the struggle even with Owens and Locke, but the hitters – that graduate in 2010 – have the best upside for the 2011 season.

Graduating Prospects
#1 (3B) Pedro Alvarez; #2 (RF) Jose Tabata; #4 (RHP) Brad Lincoln; #21 (RHP) Dan McCutchen; #26 (2B) Neil Walker;

Arizona Fall League Players Scottsdale Scorpions
Pitchers – (LHP) Justin Wilson
Hitters – #3 (C) Tony Sanchez; #29 (2B) Josh Harrison; #22 (SS/OF) Jordy Mercer; #7 (LF – LAD) Andrew Lambo

Players of Interest
Hitters
#5 Chase d’Arnaud | 2B/SS | D.o.B: 1-21-87 | Stats (AA): .247/.331/.377 | 530 AB | 48 XBH | 6 Hr | .130 ISO | 33/7 SB/CS | 102:56 K:BB | .293 BABIP
The older brother of Travis d’Arnaud, Chase plays a sound defensive game, usually playing more shortstop than second base; at shortstop he has solid range and strong arm. Scouts differ on his final position stating his range may be too limited for shortstop at the major leagues. With below average power and scouts stating that his strength is his on-base skills, d’Arnaud may be nothing more than a middle infield flier, or, deep breathe, a utility player.

Alex Presley | OF | D.o.B: 7-25-85 | Stats (AA/AAA): .320/373/.494 | 518 AB | 53 XBH | 12 Hr | .174 ISO | 13/8 SB/CS | 75:41 K:BB | .385 BABIP (AA); .330 BABIP (AAA)
I don’t have much information on Presley beyond the numbers. He did have 25 insignificant major league plate appearances in September. With a loaded outfield, Presley is poor man’s Denard Span at best. Most of his stats are inflated with high BABIP, so don’t expect much from him if given a call up due to injuries.

Matt Hague | 1B | D.o.B: 8-20-85 | Stats (AA): .295/.375/.442 | 509 AB | 45 XBH | 15 Hr | .147 ISO | 3/6 SB/CS | 62:61 K:BB | .310 BABIP
Just like Presley, I only have the numbers to work with. Hague appears to have good plate-discipline combined with boring power at first base. Not overly lucky (.310 BABIP), nor exciting, Hague reminds me of James Loney, expect I don’t know if he plays good defense. With Lyle Overbay and Steve Pearce/Garrett Jones, I don’t see Hague getting much time in the majors until September.

Pitchers
#9 Rudy Owens | LHP | D.o.B: 12-18-87 | Stats (AA): 7.9 K/9 | 1.4 BB/9 | 150 IP | 2.46 ERA | 2.95 FIP | .98 WHIP | .7 Hr/9 | 7.4 H/9 | .280 BABIP
This is who I am extremely excited about. No, he may not pitch until the mid-summer, but he could be this year’s Travis Wood. Throwing a 88 to 90 MPH fastball, a changeup – his best pitch – and a “slurvy curveball” doesn’t speak of a dominating pitcher. Baseball America calls him the, “classic crafty lefthander.” I call him a midseason sleeper barring injury.

#13 Jeff Locke | LHP | D.o.B: 11-20-87 | Stats (A+/AA): 8.7 K/9 | 1.6 BB/9 | 144 IP | 3.56 ERA | 3.37 FIP (A+); 2.95 FIP (AA) | 1.15 WHIP | .7 Hr/9 | 8.7 H/9 | .372 BABIP (A+); .280 BABIP (AA)
Received in the Nate McLouth trade in 2009, Locke might be the best piece in return. Baseball America calls him a “hard-throwing lefty.” Locke throws a 91 to 94 MPH fastball with “heavy sink,” a “decent” curveball, and an improving changeup. Statistically, Locke’s seasons were identical at High-A and Double-A with 8.7 K/9 at each level, with similar control (1.5 BB/9 at A+; 1.9 BB/9 at AA); innings were split as follows: 86 1/3 IP at High-A and 57 2/3 IP at Double-A. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him start a major league game in 2011 during the late summer (i.e. August).

#30 Dan Moskos | LHP | D.o.B: 4-28-86 | Stats (AA): 9.4 K/9 | 3.5 BB/9 | 41 1/3 IP | 1.52 ERA | 2.50 FIP | 1.02 WHIP | .0 Hr/9 | 5.7 H/9 | .261 BABIP
Moskos is the infamous prospect that was picked ahead of Matt Wieters because they didn’t want to pay. Well, Wieters is in the majors with productions nowhere near the hype while Moskos struggles in the minors. Moskos dominated Double-A with the aide of a .261 BABIP and a strong strikeout rate (9.4 K/9). However, Triple-A was a different story.

• AAA: 9.3 K/9 | 10.4 BB/9 | 17 1/3 IP | 19 games | 2.65 WHIP | 1.6 Hr/9 | 13.5 H/9 | 4.27 BABIP

That’s not pretty. He’s a two-pitch power reliever throwing a 95 MPH fastball and a power slider. Upside is a closer, or back end starter.

Honorable Mentions
Hitters
#3 Tony Sanchez | C | D.o.B: 5-20-88 | Stats (A+): .314/.416/.454 | 207 AB | 21 XBH | 4 Hr | .140 ISO | 2/1 SB/CS | 41:28 K:BB | .367 BABIP
Baseball America calls him an “outstanding defensive catcher with soft hands,” along with having a “strong arm” and “good ball-blocking skills.” Another grammatically confusing sentence brought to you by Baseball America, “[Sanchez] should have solid-average power.” Translated, Sanchez could hit 10 to 15 home runs and looks like Jose Molina with lesser defense.

#6 Starling Marte | CF | D.o.B: 10-9-89 | Stats (A+): .315/.386/.432 | 222 AB | 21 XBH | 0 Hr | .117 ISO | 22/8 SB/CS | 59:12 K:BB | .424 BABIP
A five-tool prospect, Marte has plus-plus speed that translates to some steals and good defense in center field. His swing produces a fair amount of line-drives. Still very raw and statistically relied upon an unstable .424 BABIP to increase his slash line. There are still to many questions to make a fair comparison.

Pitchers
#7 Tim Alderson | RHP | D.o.B: 11-3-88 | Stats (A+/AA): 5.9 K/9 | 2.8 BB/9 | 128 1/3 IP | 6.03 ERA | 4.83 FIP (A+); 4.47 FIP (AA) | 1.55 WHIP | 1.1 Hr/9 | 11.2 H/9 | .333 BABIP (A+); .345 BABIP (AA)
I once wrote a Scouting the Unknown article praising Alderson. Now, I might have to say that Alderson was a cheap price for the Giants to receive Freddy Sanchez. Alderson has a downward trending strikeout rate, and this year was the worst at 5.9 K/9. The control is still there, but he isn’t fooling anyone now. Also, he is giving up too many home runs (1.1 Hr/9) along with too many hits (11.2 H/9). Still young, I’m not going to sing praises for this prospect until he can dominate a level. Scouts noticed decreased velocity during the 2009 season. There are more red flags than in China. There are a few bright spots. He had extremely low LOB percentages (LOB%: 55.4 % at High-A; 65.2% at Double-A; normal is about ~70%). Beyond this, I would steer clear while he tries to rebound at Double-A again in 2011.

#15 Bryan Morris | RHP | D.o.B: 3-28-87 | Stats (A+/AA): 8.3 K/9 | 2.6 BB/9 | 133 2/3 IP | 3.03 ERA | 2.01 FIP (A+); 3.87 FIP (AA) | 1.21 WHIP | .6 Hr/9 | 8.3 H/9 | .301 BABIP (A+); .316 BABIP (AA)
Morris was received in the Jason Bay trade. He throws a 91 to 93 MPH fastball that touches 95 MPH, a plus-curve and a mediocre changeup. At this point, he is more exciting than Alderson. There are injury concerns in his past, and a few character blemishes due to a combative/competitive nature. Should not be in the majors until the end of the 2011 season.

Pittsburgh Pirates 2009 Minor League Review
Overall farm ranking via Baseball America
2009 (18) | 2008 (26) | 2007 (19) | 2006 (19) | 2005 (18) | 2004 (11)

Record of Major and Minor League Team(s)
MLB: [62 – 99] NL Central
AAA: [70 – 73] International League
AA: [62 – 80] Eastern League
A+: [73 – 66] Carolina League
A: [67 – 70] South Atlantic
A(ss): [38 – 38] New York – Pennsylvania League
R: [29 – 31] Gulf League

The Run Down
Trades to the Yankees and Red Sox in 2008 (Xavier Nady, Damaso Marte, and Jason Bay) reaped benefits in 2009 as five of the eight prospects played a role for the Pirates (Craig Hansen, Jeff Karstens, Andy LaRoche, Brandon Moss and Ross Ohlendorf). Granted, LaRoche and Ohlendorf were the bright spots, the remaining prospects still have potential to help the team in 2010. Furthermore, when the Pirates salary dumped Nate McLouth, they gained more prospects (Gorkys Hernandez and Jeff Locke) to replenish their depleted farm system that lacked any sort of depth. Not to mention sending Freddy Sanchez to the Giants for Tim Alderson. A record 17 straight losing seasons probably won’t end in 2010, however, their prized prospect, Pedro Alvarez, is one year closer to the majors as are a few other pitching prospects. Pirate fans don’t hold your breath just yet, the losing isn’t over. Progress is being made however, and the future is brighter than Capt’n Jack’s chance at a fourth movie. But please give three cheers to the act that The Dread Pirate can put on while you wait for the other players to arrive on set. Plus, there is more talent on this young squad than most will give them credit for (Andy LaRoche plays great defense, Garrett “Robot” Jones, Paul Maholm, and Milledge). Although they didn’t improve greatly, their farm system should stay ranked in the middle of the pack for 2010.

Graduating Prospects
#2 – OF – Andrew McCutchen; #22 – P – Evan Meeks; #27 – 2B – Brian Bixler #28 – C – Jason Jaramillo; Garrett Jones, Chris Jakubauskas

Arizona Fall League Players – Scottsdale Scorpions
Pitchers – #19 – Danny Moskos, #26 – Donnie Veal, Tony Watson
Hitters – #17 – (2B/SS) Chase d’Arnaud, #14 – (SS) Brian Friday, #3 (RF) Jose Tabata

Players of Interest
Gorkys Hernandez, Jeff Locke and Tim Alderson’s prospect rankings are from their previous teams (Atlanta for the first two and San Francisco for Alderson).

Hitters
#1 – Pedro Alvarez | 3B | A+/AA | 22 | .288/.378/.535 | 465 AB | 32 2B | 27 HR | .247 ISO | 129:71 K:BB | .350 BABIP | 42.5 GB% | 14.5 LD% | 43.1 FB% | 10.3 IF/F%
Splitting time between High-A and Double-A, Alvarez laced the ball all over the field. His slash line improved greatly between the two levels (.247/.342/.486 at High-A compared to .333/.419/.590 at Double-A). However, his BABIP at Double-A was over a 100 points higher (.407). I wrote about Alvarez with the last Scouting the Unknown of the year. There is no reason to repeat myself. Let’s just say if you’re looking for Braun/Longoria type rookie numbers for 2010, look no further.

#17 – Chase d’Arnaud | 2B/SS | A/A+ | 22 | .293/.398/.454 | 423 AB | 33 2B | 7 HR | .161 ISO | 31/8 SB/CS | 72/60 K:BB | .332 BABIP | 37.3 GB% | 17.9 LD% | 44.3 FB% | 13.8 IF/F%
His slash line between the two levels was pretty even. He had a great combined walk rate this past year (~12.4%) but he finally hit for a bit of power, granted, at the cost of a few more strikeouts. This Chase will never be confused for Utley, both with the bat or the glove. However, the brother of Travis d’Arnaud — I was wondering about that too — has the making of an slightly above-average (if not just average) second baseman in his future. With a little pop and some speed, he’ll be an enticing middle infield grab in the near future, if he can hit next year in Double-A.

#3 – Jose Tabata | RF | AA/AAA | 20 | .293/.357/.406 | 362 AB | 22 2B | 5 HR | .113 ISO | 11/8 SB/CS | 43:30 K:BB | .322 BABIP | 52.8 GB% | 19.3 LD% | 27.6 FB% | 6 IF/F%
The prize return in the Nady/Marte trade in 2008.  He isn’t the speedster that he once was as he has started to fill out his frame. Additionally, he hasn’t hit for much power ever. The most home runs he has ever had in one season has been five. Although he hasn’t played a full season, his homer cap seems to be in the low-to-mid teens if it develops. He hits most his balls on the ground (52.8 GB%). Turning just 21 this year, Tabata has a lot time to develop his game. But he can’t be written off yet.

#4 – Gorkys Hernandez | CF | AA | 21 | .282/.331/.358 | 556 AB | 25 2B | 3 HR | .066 ISO | 19/16 SB/CS | 130:35 K:BB | .363 BABIP | 53.1 GB% | 19.3 LD% | 27.1 FB% | 11 IF/F%
Remember Ben Revere from the Minnesota Twins? Hernandez is much like him but with a strong arm – all speed and no power. His talent is the stereotypical leadoff hitter. With gap power, stellar speed, and great defense, the Braves were forced to trade him because they have Jordan Schafer who is nearly identical (with a bit more power and poorer strikeout rates). As it stands, Hernandez has annually struggled with strikeout rates and this year was no different. When he does put the ball in play, it is usually on the ground (53% ground ball rate) which plays into his strengths. Part of the McLouth trade, Hernandez will push Andrew McCutchen for the starting center field position in 2011. However, he will have to improve his on-base percentage to supplant McCutchen as the leadoff hitter. Look for him at Triple-A in 2010.

Pitchers
#4 – Tim Alderson | RHP | A+/AA | 20 5.5 K/9 | 2 BB/9 | 137 1/3 IP | 3.93 ERA | 4.29 FIP | 1.28 WHIP | .9 HR/9 | .294 BABIP | 46.9 GB% | 15.8 LD% | 33 FB% | 12.3 IF/F
Alderson lost over a strikeout per inning in his promotion from High-A to Double-A (5.7 K/9 to 4.2 K/9). Furthermore, he had a rate of ~7 K/9 in 2008. Control has never been an issue for Alderson, but there are now red flags about his speed of his pitches being sacrificed for said control. Nevertheless, if he can improve his strikeout rate by about one per inning in 2010 (so between 5.5 K/9 to 6 K/9) and induce a few more ground balls, Alderson can still be an effective pitcher. Just his value has declined as his strikeout rate has declined. Keep in mind that he was still ranked as the #33 ranked prospect in all the minors after the trade by MLB.com.

#4 – Brad Lincoln | RHP | AA/AAA | 24 | 7.1 K/9 | 1.8 BB/9 | 136 1/3 IP | 3.37 ERA | 3.48 FIP | 1.2 WHIP | .7 HR/9 | .309 BABIP | 39 GB% | 17.2 LD% | 39.4 FB% | 16.2 IF/F%
Lincoln works a low-to-mid 90′s fastball, a power curve, and a change-up. He keeps most of his pitches near the strike-zone which is both a plus and a negative – he gives up too many homers, especially when the ball is in the upper half of the zone. A Tommy John survivor, Lincoln seems to have recovered from the surgery fine, pitching effectively in 2009. He received a September call up and looks poised for a starting gig in 2010. If he can improve his ground ball rate slightly, he could be nice waiver wire pick-up in early May.

Rudy Owens | LHP | A/A+ | 21 | 8.2 K/9 | 1.2 BB/9 | 124 IP | 2.10 ERA | 3.32 FIP | .94 WHIP | .8 HR/9 | .263 BABIP | 38 GB% | 15.2 LD% | 39.5 FB% | 17.5 IF/F%
Aided by a low BABIP (.263), Owens dominated High-A (he only threw 23 IP at Low/Single-A).  He isn’t an overpowering pitcher and the low ground ball rates (38%) is way too low for him to excel at the next level. The control is excellent, and if he pounds the lower half of the zone, Owens could be a prized low draft pick. Look for him to start at Double-A in 2010 with a late season call-up.

#7 – Jeff Locke | LHP | A+ | 21 | 7 K/9 | 3.1 BB/9 | 127 1/3 IP | 4.55 ERA | 3.48 FIP | 1.48 WHIP | .363 BABIP | .4 HR/9 | 48.6 GB% | 16.3 LD% | 29.8 FB% | 14.8 IF/F%
Finally, a pitcher in the Pirates’ farm system that has a good ground ball rate. He has a 51 GB% for his career too. The other prospect received in the McLouth trade, Locke pitched adequately. He gave up a ton of hits but was cursed with a high BABIP. Look for that number to rebound to the league average (.300 to .305) and for his WHIP to fall. He has a low 90′s fastball, a biting plus-curve and an above-average change-up. He should start the year in Double-A.

#9 Dan McCutchen | RHP | AAA | 26 | 6.9 K/9 | 1.8 BB/9 | 142 2/3 IP | 3.47 ERA | 3.30 FIP | 1.22 WHIP | .6 HR/9 | .316 BABIP | 33.6 GB% | 19 LD% | 42.3 FB% | 15.2 IF/F%
The last piece to the Nady/Marte trade, Capt’n McCutchen isn’t your typical prospect. Old enough to quote The Goonies, and more tired than the trek those young boys took, Dan threw 171 innings in 2008 with the Yanks and Pirates. Thus, the Pirates chose to rest him for the beginning part of 2009. After being homer prone for most his career, he significantly cut his homer rate this year. Definitely a fly-ball pitcher, McCutchen has a 90 to 93 mph fastball, a hard curve and a decent change-up. With impeccable control and the potential to be the middle of the rotation stalwart (no. 3 or 4), the Pirates should give McCutchen all the chances he needs to pitch in the majors in 2010 as he has performed well at each level in the minors.

Honorable Mentions
Hitters
#10 – Robbie Grossman | CF | A | 19 | .266/.373/.355 | 451 AB | 21 2B | 5 HR | .089 ISO | 35/12 SB/CS | 164/75 K:BB | .405 BABIP | 54.4 GB% | 22.1 LD% | 22.8 FB% | 5.3 IF/F%
Another all speed and no power outfielder. Actually that is a half-truth (which isn’t feasible, but just go with me), he has gap-power. In returning to his senior season at Texas University, Grossman lost a step and now only have above-average speed at best. With a decent arm, he’ll likely end up in left field. Like Gorkys and Tabata, Grossman has utilized one of his stronger suits, speed, by hitting the ball mainly on the ground (54 GB%). Oh, and because my Vikings played the Bears Monday, this Grossman is already better than Rex.

Pitchers
#19 – Dan Moskos | LHP | AA | 23 | 4.7 K/9 | 3.5 BB/9 | 149 IP | 3.74 ERA | 4.49 FIP | 1.46 WHIP | .7 HR/9 | .308 BABIP | 54.6 GB% | 12 LD% | 27.6 FB% | 10.4 IF/F%
Forever linked with Matt Wieters as the Pirates chose him in the 2007 draft ahead of Wieters. None of his stats are overly impressive, except for his envious ground ball rate (54%) and line-drive rate (12%). Truthfully, since his disastrous rookie season in which everything that could go wrong did, 2009 was a great improvement. Although he doesn’t have jaw-dropping strikeout rates or a minuscule walk rate, Moskos isn’t done pitching at a high level. He’ll most likely get promoted to Triple-A, and if he put up identical numbers in 2010 as he did in 2009, the Pirates may have the next Joel Pineiro. Nothing great, but how many players can eat innings while providing adequate services? Livan Hernandez doesn’t count anymore.

Carlos Ruiz and angry Philly fans have a new battery mate in Cliff Lee, as he was traded from the Indians along with Ben Francisco. Going the other way were a slew of prospects, including my fave, Carlos Carrasco.  J.P. Ricciardi thought the Indians should’ve held out for Howard, Utley and Rollins.  Now to finalize this deal, Cliff should change his name to Phil.  Cliff Lee’s value takes a small boost, but he has a 3.14 ERA already.  You’ll take a low 3 ERA and love it.  You know who else gets a nice boost from this trade?  Matt LaPorta.  The MLP Package should get the call up to play with Francisco leaving his starts in, well, Cleveland.  Though the MLP Package should’ve been up and playing already and that hasn’t really happened yet.  Keep an eye on LaPorta in mixed 12 team leagues and deeper, because when he gets called up, he’ll be worth owning.  In some leagues, I’d even do a preemptive grab.  Anyway, here’s what else I saw yesterday in fantasy baseball:

Freddy Sanchez – Traded to the Giants.  Sanchez’s value stays about the same.  Finally, the Giants have a 2nd baseman.  Now if they only had a 1st baseman, shortstop and three outfielders, they’d be all set.  The Giants must’ve thought to themselves, “Hey, if the Dodgers can compete with essentially the same quality 2nd baseman as Sanchez, why can’t we?”  A wise man once said that, “If Freddy Sanchez is an upgrade to your offense, you need a lot more than just Freddy Sanchez.”  That wise man was me.

Tim Alderson – Was the prospect that the Pirates got for Sanchez.  Scouting the Unknown has already gone over Tim Alderson.  The Cliff Notes version is, “Tim Alderson very good.  For Freddy Sanchez?  Giants idiots.”

Ian Snell – Headed to Safeco with Jack Wilson (blech) for Jeff Clement and Ronny Cedeno (blech x 2).  Jack Wilson for Ronny Cedeno is like trading a wiffle bat for a foam bat.  Snell though is intriging.  He was decent for about a year in Pittsburgh.  Going to Safeco and a fairly weak AL West isn’t terrible for his value. (The AL West weak?  The Mariners are contenders and they traded for Jack Wilson.  ‘Nuff said.)  Would I pick Snell up?  Nope, not yet.  But I’ll be watching him as he mows ‘em down in Tacoma.

Jeff Clement – He’ll be in the minors at first at, um, first, but if he gets the call he’ll be worth looking since he has catcher eligibility.  More than likely, he won’t steal ABs from Doumit, unless Doumit gets hurt, which has a decent chance of happening every day Doumit gets out of bed.  Clement will probably work his way into the 1st base mix when, or if, he gets called up.

Lastings Milledge – Argh, enough Pirates news already.  Milledge is supposed to be recalled on Friday.

Matt Cain – 9 IP, 0 ER and a no decision.  Glad to see that trade for Garko has added some much needed punch.

Roy Halladay – 7 IP, 3 ER.  J.P. Ricciardi asked Halladay to give up a few runs so no one would meet his demands.  Part of the master plan!

Jose Lopez – HR yesterday.  Usually he hits homers in bunches.

Adam Jones – Last week, I pointed out how Jones was hot again.  This week, he has 3 straight games with a homer.

Chris Tillman – 4 2/3 IP, 3 ER.  Eh, he looked a’ight.  Touched up for a few long balls and left some pitches up in the zone that could have led to a worse line.  Vs. the Royals you’d like to see a bit more, but he’s a rookie.  If you wanna try for the upside, you have to take on the risk.  Vs. the AL East?  I wouldn’t bother in one year leagues, except for matchups.

Jim Johnson – He entered the 8th in a save situation then the O’s added on, so Johnson stayed in and got the save.  Doesn’t mean he’s now the closer, but it may mean he’s next in line.  Which is good to know, ya know?

Joba Chamberlain – 8 IP, 0 ER.  Now three great starts in a row where he’s looked less like his mother’s son.

David Ortiz – DNP as Lowell DH’d and LaRoche played 1st.  The LaRoche Situation™ is costing all of these guys playing time.

Aaron Harang – 7 IP, 7 ER.  Not pretty, obviously, but after being touched up in the 1st inning, he threw 6 scoreless until Dusty left him in there too long.

Mat Latos – 7 IP, 1 ER, 4 Ks, 2 baserunners.  Very encouraging start from the young pitcher, but keep in mind he only threw 86 pitches.  On most nights, 86 pitches won’t get you through the 7th inning.  But as a HopdgePadre?  Get on the train!

Edward Mujica – Well, that cleared that up.  He’s no longer in the running for the closer job if Bell moves, because Mujica’s taking Geer’s spot in the rotation.  Mujica will be limited to 60 pitches so he’s not a wise investment.

Andruw Jones – 2 HRs. Oh, and having a better season than Josh Hamilton.

Scott Feldman – 2 1/3 IP, 6 ER, while looking more like his brother, Corey.

Curtis Granderson – 2 HRs.  I feel like Grandy’s putting together a very solid season (22 HRs/17 steals) and it’s going by pretty unnoticed.  Not sure why.  Is it because he’s batting .259?  Cause I’ll take a .240 average from a guy who’s on his way to a 30/25 season.

Justin Verlander – 7 IP, 3 ER, 13 Ks and his 12th win.  He has 172 Ks through July.  Incredible.  Yeah, he could win the Cy Young.

Carlos Quentin – HR yesterday.  About flippin’ time.

Wladimir Balentien – Traded to the Reds for bag of buttered popcorn.  Confusing on a few levels.  The Reds needed an outfielder?  The Reds are buyers?  I guess Baker just can’t stand the thought of playing Gomes every day.

Howie Kendrick – Batting .450 in the last seven games.  Yesterday, homer and 5 RBIs.  Is it me or is every middle infielder simultaneously hot?  It’s The Age of the MI Schmohawk.

Francisco Liriano – Brian Duensing replaced him yesterday not because Liriano’s been terrible, though that reason would’ve worked for me, but because Lirano had swelling in his forearm.  Supposedly, Liriano should be fine by next week.  I’m not sure if that’s good news or bad news for Liriano owners.

Alfonso Soriano – Al-So’s smoking the ball.  You know who else is hot?  Aramis and Lee.  About time the Cubbies stepped up their hitting. (BTW, I like how in yesterday’s blowout Piniella pulled his regulars, except Bradley.  Maybe Lou feels the same way as me.  If Milton plays enough, he’s got to get hurt.  It’s no coincidence that Milton Bradley makes the Operation game.)

Reed Johnson – Out four weeks with a broken foot.  The other day Randy was hurt.  This is the worst week to be a Johnson since Lorena Bobbitt was famous.

Tim Alderson – SP – San Francisco Giants – AA – 6′ 6″ 220 lb – DOB 11/3/1988 – Throws Right

This young righty was drafted with the 22nd pick straight from his Arizona high school with the control of a veteran. Scouts were afraid of his quirky mechanics, and this caused him to drop much further than he should have in the 2007 draft. Picked 12 picks after Madison Bumgarner, the Giants seem to have a load of pitching crops rising through the minors. What’s more, the Giants have shown with Tim Lincecum that they aren’t worried about “weird” deliveries.

Coming out of high school Alderson’s fastball was clocked from 89-94 mph, and since joining AA, its been consistently hitting anywhere between 92-94 mph. Along with an impeccably controlled fastball, he throws a plus curve that the majority of scouts say is one of the top in the minors. Unlike his teammate Bumgarner, Alderson relies more on the curve than his fastball. Nothing to fear, he has yet to encounter any major injuries. Nevertheless, a pitcher needs at least a third pitch to be successful and typically a change-up. Tim’s change-up is still a work in progress, and he will need to master this pitch to sustain success at the remaining levels of baseball.

After a lengthy contract “dispute” he played a few games in rookie ball in 2007. In 2008, the club decided to place one of their top arms in high-A and he rose to the occasion. With a line of 13 W 4 L, 145 1/3 IP, 34 BB, 124 K, 1.08 WHIP and 2.79 ERA (7.68 K/9, 2.11 BB/9, .25 HR/9, 2.65 FIP). After essentially skipping rookie ball, that is highly impressive. Not quite the strikeout machine that Mad-Bum is, it is his control that separates him from the pack, and the lack of the long ball. Interestingly, the Giants sent him back to high A ball to start the 2009 year (with Mad-Bum). With nothing left to prove, I found out that the Giants did this to avoid the inclement weather of the northeast (their high A ball plays in the southwest). With April long gone, Alderson was promoted to AA ball and has succeed well there. His first game he k’d 10 in 6+ innings. The numbers continue to dazzle as he has k’d 24 batters in 27 innings and only has walked 1 batter!

Though Mad-Bum gets all the hype, press, and drool, look for Alderson to reach the majors after Mad-Bum in 2010. There would be a small chance that we could see him in September, but the Giants have no reason to rush either of their top pitching prospects as they aren’t going anywhere for quite some time.

Kyle Blanks – 1B – San Diego Padres – AAA – 6′ 6″ – 270 lbs – DOB 9/11/1986 – Bat/Throws – Right

Mr. Blanks has probably heard all the jokes that one can think of from his last name, but his future in a Padres uniform definitely looks rather bleak. Due to Adrian Gonzalez playing first base, Kyle Blanks has started to shag some fly balls in the outfield before games.  Kyle will need to learn to play LF, otherwise, barring a trade of either Gonzales or Blanks, he will have trouble seeing time in the majors. He has the athleticism to change positions, but he will never be an above average outfielder. In Petco, this might become a problem, but the way the Padres hit the ball they might be willing to substitute a bit of defense for any kind of offense. (Interesting factoid, if Blanks plays in the outfield, he will become the heaviest outfielder in the history of the game. Just thought you would like to know)

He is an above average hitter who is still developing some pop to his bat. I saw one blog compare him to Adam Dunn, but upon further review he would be a poor man’s Dunn. He hits for decent power and average. Look at these lines since rookie ball:

2005 Rookie .299/.420/.500 (164 AB)
2006 Low A .292/.382/.455 (308 AB)
2007 High A .301/.380/.540 (465 AB)
2008 AA .325/.404/.514 (492 AB)
2009 AAA .256/.377/.468 (203 AB)

Pretty impressive. If not for a early May slump this year’s numbers would be relatively similar to last year’s. He walks at an impressive rate, especially this year’s 14.7 BB/9, but this year his k-rate has jumped to 29.6 after last year’s all time low of 18.3. Needless to say, his power is his top attribute, but he is still hitting far more doubles than homers.  Keep on eye on the injury to Scott Hairston, or the continuing dismal Padres hitting situation because he could be called up sooner rather than latter. I expect him to be up by mid-July hitting some doubles and walking, but with an average near .275.