Who really doesn’t love a song that isn’t closely related to baseball being the lead in? I mean I could have made the title Africa, same band, but further from the premise. So we are onto an update of those every crazy relievers that garner some attention but are like the guys buried in the lower left corner on Hollywood Squares. Sure, they’re useful, but only when you need to go for the win. These guys aren’t rosterable everywhere because not every league is cool enough to have a Holds category. Holds are about as wonky to figure out this early in the season as to why BJ and the Bear isn’t still on TV. Once you get through all the early stretches, you start to see patterns form on the lesser known guys. The big guns for Holds, are guys that are rosterable everywhere and help out with all those hip peripheral numbers that all the stat heads try to figure out in their dorm rooms in between smoking the tweed and Intro to Human Anatomy. So with 4 weeks in, we can see who is setting up who and how they are being used in certain situations. So enjoy the holds update and how some teams bullpens are breaking down. The NL version will be along shortly. (Before we get into the Holds post, here’s this week’s FanDuel contest.)
AL East:
Boston - A muddled up mess. No clear definition is the best I can come up with. Franklin Morales looks to be the only usable guy outside of when they get the whole Daniel Bard and Afredo Aceves situation in order. Sleeper guy here is Scott Atchison, he is a hundred years young and has been pretty affective so far.
New York – K-Rob and Soriano should be owned in most hold leagues already. Look out for Boone Logan, great K rate early on and has started to get more burn with Girardi. Sleeper guy is Cory Wade as he swoops in and vultures all those wins.
Baltimore – Matt Lindstrom is the most popular guy here, but Pedro Strop is the guy to own in Charm City. Dude throws hard and Baltimore goes to their bullpen often. Re-tread Luis Ayala has been getting a few 7th inning appearances and could be a sneaky AL-Only guy.
Toronto – CoCo was the main guy, but now he is off to greener pastures. Until Sergio gets back it looks like Luis Perez is the guy to own here, failed starter turned reliever. 12/4 K/BB rate so far. Jason Frasor is the veteran presence when all is normal and sees tons of time in front of the closer, whomever it may be.
Tampa Bay – Has the third worst bullpen ERA in the AL. Joel Peralta is still the favorite for holds, if you can stomach his 10 ERA. Jake McGee is on the radar but has been very ineffective.
AL Central:
Chicago – I think they have the best set of bullpen arms in MLB. Crain. Reed and Thornton have basically been unhittable and Crain is doing his normal thing. Ventura mixes and matches but all 3 should be owned universally.
Detroit – Joaquin Benoit is the guy here, he should have been drafted as a #1 option in holds leagues anyways. Coke and Dotel are the other options for when Leyland needs a smoke break. Leyland uses the same set of relievers a ton so expect to see a lot of games from both guys.
Kansas City – Greg Holland was supposed to be the man and he stumbled, enter Aaron Crow. Has a .161 BAA and should see most set-up chances if they get any. Sleeper til Holland gets better is Tim Collins, the non alcoholic version of Tom.
Minnesota – Glen Perkins was supposed to be the stalwart here and he has battled both injury and ineffectiveness. Jared Burton has pitched very unheralded because it’s usually Capps who blows the lead after he holds it.
Cleveland – Tons of great arms here to choose from. Pestano is most likely owned but other usable options are Tony Sipp and Joe Smith. Sleeper here is Jairo Asencio.
AL West:
Oakland – Oakland’s pen has done a nice job so far in front of Balfour. Ryan Cook leads the team in holds and is the best option moving forward. Blevins and Figueroa are lying in the weeds for low AL Only productivity.
Los Angeles – Scott Downs is the guy to own here. LaTroy Hawkins and Kevin Jepsen have contributed early. Outside of Downs, this is not a bullpen that screams pennant contender.
Seattle – The flame throwing pot smoking Tom Wilhelmsen is the main set-up guy to League. Sneaky good option Steve Delabar has a comfy 12/0 K/BB rate in the early going, too bad he gave up 4 Hr’s already. Sleeper here is Lucas Luetge.
Texas - Mike Adams and Alexei Ogando lead the way in holds for baseball and will be used a ton. Underutilized Koji is still very usable and the sleeper here could be Robbie Ross who is the win vulture in the early going.
Kansas City Royals 2010 Minor League Review
Overall farm rankings via Baseball America (2010)
2010 (17) | 2009 (11) | 2008 (24) | 2007 (11) | 2006 (23) | 2005 (28) | 2004 (19)
Record of Major and Minor League Teams
MLB: [67 – 95] AL Central
AAA: [81 – 63] Pacific Coast League – Omaha
AA: [86 – 54] Texas League – Northwest Arkansas
A+: [68 – 70] Carolina League – Wilmington
A: [64 – 75] Midwest League – Burlington
R: [27 – 49] Pioneer League – Idaho Falls
R: [34 – 34] Appalachian League – Burlington
The Run Down
The volatility of minor league system ranking, especially Baseball America, is exemplified with the Kansas City Royals. Baseball America pegged them eleventh overall entering the 2009 season, several top prospects struggled in notably tough environments and the Royals received the shaft entering 2010. Oh, how the prospect mavens tune changed to laud the collection of talent Dayton Moore has gathered. Seems like I’ve heard that before. This didn’t stop the Royals from adding to their minor leagues talent pool by trading Zack Greinke. I’m not here to grade the merits of the trade, you can find that elsewhere. Everyone should know who Lorenzo Cain is, and many know that Jeremy Jeffress has a blazing fastball and little command. Jake Odorizzi is the unknown as he just completed a full season of Low-A ball and fails to make this article due to the depth of the Royals system, but looks like a number two starter at best, but more a number three starter. The Royals farm system also saw Mike Moustakas bounce back, taking the “Future” third baseman for the Royals title from Alex Gordon, if defensively he’s allowed to stay. Eric Hosmer, Mike Montgomery, the return of Danny Duffy, the surprise of John Lamb, and the continued performance of William Myers should elicit much needed enthusiasm in the town of Kansas City. Remember, 2011 isn’t the year the Royals are planning on graduating the majority of their farm system – that’s 2012.
Graduating Prospects
#15 (1B) Kila Ka’aihue
Arizona Fall League Players – Surprise Rafters
Pitchers – Danny Duffy (LHP), Patrick Keating (RHP), Mike Montgomery (LHP),
Hitters – Salvador Perez (C), Johnny Giavotella (2B), Eric Hosmer (1B), Derrick Robinson (OF)
Players of Interest for 2010 Hitters #4 Mike Moustakas | 3B | D.o.B: 9-11-88 | Stats (AA/AAA): .322/.369/.630 | 484 AB | 77 XBH | 36 Hr | .308 ISO | 2/1 SB/CS | 67:34 K:BB | .342 BABIP (AA); .271 BABIP (AAA)
Moustakas had a monster year hitting .347/.413/.687 at Double-A in 259 at-bats and receiving a midseason promotion to Triple-A where he hit .293/.314/.564 in 225 at-bats. Although he struggles taking many walks due to an aggressive hitting philosophy, Mike “The Moose” Moustakas has all the tools to become a fantasy stud, ahem, a great baseball player but without stellar defense. To quote my 2009 Review, “[re: Sophomore Slump] John Sickels did pointed out that his Home/Road splits were the main culprit to his stats (Home: .208/.269/.381 Road: .292/.331/.473) … Another concern a few scouts have risen is his body is transforming into Mr. Moobs (Billy Butler). From a fantasy perspective, he’ll have to hit well next year to stay on the fast track to the majors. This doesn’t necessarily mean 30 homers with a .350/.425/.550 slash line. However, we will want to see an improvement upon his nearly 3:1 K:BB ratio … I am still on his bandwagon, but I am teetering on the edge of the his drivers seat or bailing out.” I guess I was as fickle as Baseball America, but his turnaround sure happened. ETA: June 2011 at the latest. This will be another Evan Longoria type wait. See Scouting the Unknown article for more details.
#5 Eric Hosmer | 1B | D.o.B: 10-24-89 | Stasts (A+/AA): .338/.406/.571 | 520 AB | 72 XBH | 20 Hr | .233 ISO | 14/2 SB/CS | 66:59 K:BB | .382 BABIP (A+); .310 BABIP (AA)
Hosmer actually has more home run potential than Moustakas, however, at a position where it’s more expected than an added benefit. His swing is considered “pure enough that it should produce good average.” He also plays average defense. Supposedly he was having eye issues, and received Lasik. His stat lines show that it helped. In split-time between High-A and Double-A Hosmer showed great power (.233 ISO), although was aided greatly by a high BABIP at High-A (.382) where he played 60 percent of the season (325 AB). Nevertheless, don’t expect Moore to be calling Hosmer up early. Dayton Moore has been quoted of saying that Hosmer will receive a full season at Triple-A for some “seasoning.” Yeah, the same way all other prospects need to be held back until June to save Super-2 status. A good move for the team to stay competitive in the long(er) run.
#16 Johnny Giavotella | 2B | D.o.B: 7-10-87 | Stats (AA): .322/.395/.460 | 522 AB | 49 XBH | 9 Hr | .138 ISO | 13/7 SB/CS | 67:61 K:BB | .354 BABIP
I compared him to Luis Castillo last year, but I was giving too much credit to Giavotella’s defense. His defense is fringe-average at best and his steals are due to him being aggressive when on base. He has a good eye, generally has good at-bats, but does nothing spectacular. A good reserve or possible short-term help if hot.
#10 David Lough | LF | D.o.B: 1-20-86 | Stats (AAA): .280/.346/.437 | 460 AB | 38 XBH | 11 Hr | .157 ISO | 14/5 SB/CS | 72:40 K:BB| .307 BABIP
Above-average speed is best asset as displayed by 12 triples, but his speed isn’t translated to the base paths as he doesn’t get good jumps. Beyond his speed, most of his skills are major league average. Defensively, he can play center field with great results but has often been superseded by superior defenders. Although he struggles against lefties, Lough shows gap power, or doubles power. Seems like a Denard Span-type player to me. May make his appearance in the majors this year as he doesn’t have much left to prove.
#22 Derrick Robinson | CF | D.o.B: 9-28-97 | Stats (AA): .286/.345/.380 | 511 AB | 38 XBH | 2 Hr | .094 ISO | 50/17 SB/CS | 86:45 K:BB | .336 BABIP
He made a stance adjustment at the end of the 2009 season that he gives credit to for his newfound success. Doesn’t have much power, doesn’t walk enough to be a top of the order threat, but his speed makes him a “well above-average center fielder.” Arm is fringe-average. Looks like a Juan Pierre-type prospect.
Pitchers #1 Mike Montgomery | LHP | D.o.B: 7-1-89 | Stats (A+/AA): 8.5 K/9 | 3.0 BB/9 | 93 IP | 2.61 ERA | 1.01 FIP (A+); 3.97 FIP (AA) | 1.15 WHIP | .4 Hr/9 | 7.4 H/9 | .277 BABIP (A+); .302 BABIP (AA)
According to Baseball America, “[Montgomery is] close to a complete package.” Fastball is a plus pitch that sits between 90 to 92 mph and tops out at 95 mph. Lanky frame could add strength and fastball velocity. Throws a curveball that grades as above-average and change-up flashes plus potential. Mechanically sound. Wasn’t overly lucky at Double-A (.302 BABIP) where the majority of his pitching happened (59 2/3 IP). If he continues his success, Montgomery may have a mid-season call-up. See Scouting the Unknown article for more details.
#19 (TOR) Tim Collins | LHP | D.o.B: 8-21-89 | Stats (AA/AAA): 13.6 K/9 | 3.4 BB/9 | 71 1/3 IP | 2.02 ERA | 2.13 FIP (AA); 2.31 FIP (AAA) | .94 WHIP | .6 Hr/9 | 5.0 H/9 | .323 BABIP (AA); .199 BABIP (AAA)
This is for all you middle-reliever believers. He benefited tremendously from BABIP but this 5 foot 7 inch reliever throws a nasty hook (12-to-6 curve) and a 93 MPH fastball. Could help out in the bullpen during the 2011 season.
Honorable Mention Hitters #3 William Myers | C | D.o.B: 12-10-90 | Stats (A/A+): .315/.429/.506 | 447 AB | 54 XBH | 14 Hr | .191 ISO | 12/2 SB/CS | 94:85 K:BB | .335 BABIP (A); .411 BABIP (A+)
Excellent raw power and a smooth swing that should allow him to hit for average and power. Scouts compare him to Jayson Werth, a pseudo-catcher in the minors but possessing a body that dictates a position switch. Seems to be the new Jesus Montero. The steals are deceptive as he stole 10 bases at Single-A but isn’t overly fast. His slash line is evenly split between the two levels this year. Don’t expect to see Myers in the majors until 2012.
Clint Robinson | 1B | D.o.B: 2-16-86 | Stats (AA): .335/.410/.625 | 477 AB | 75 XBH | 29 Hr | .290 ISO | 4/3 SB/CS | 86:58 K:BB | .357 BABIP
Robinson is blocked by two players named Hosmer and Moustakas, not to mention Kila Ka’aihue. His power is intriguing but I don’t expect to see the numbers again. His season high in home runs before this year was 17 at Low-A when he was 23. If Robinson hits well to start the year next year and the Royals need a hitter, they may give Robinson a chance to save some time on the arbitration clocks of other prospects.
Pitchers #7 John Lamb | LHP | D.o.B: 7-10-90 | Stats (A/A+/AA): 9.7 K/9 | 2.7 BB/9 | 147 2/3 IP | 2.38 ERA | 1.13 WHIP | .3 Hr/9 | 7.4 H/9
The success of John Lamb is one of the reasons why the Royals are considered to have a stud farm system (along with the other stud names previously mentioned). He throws a 88 to 91 MPH fastball that can tough 94 MPH with a deceptive delivery, a curveball and a changeup. Scouts praise his veteran like demeanor. Here is a break down of his BABIP and FIP this year: BABIP (.256 at Low-A; .321 at High-A+; .343 at Double-A); FIP (3.20 at Low-A; 1.69 at High-A+; 3.87 at Double-A). As you can see, he pitched well all year. 2012 should be this ETA.
#2 Aaron Crow | RHP | D.o.B: 11-11-86 | Stats (A+/AA): 7.9 K/9 | 3.6 BB/9 | 163 1/3 IP | 5.73 ERA | 3.04 FIP (A+); 4.74 FIP (AA) | 1.51 WHIP | 1.0 Hr/9 | 10 H/9 | .388 BABIP (A+); .322 BABIP (AA)
Crow struggled, at least statistically, during his first year in professional baseball. He strikeout rates left a lot to be desired and was far too hittable (10.0 H/9). His FIPs indicate that he pitched better than his ERA would initially state, but statistically, Crow was a disappointment. He throws a 91 to 94 MPH fastball with good movement that induces a fair amount of groundballs – potentially with a better defense, his number will look better. Crow also throws a slider with above-average potential and fringe-average changeup. I would expect him to see the majors in 2012 – just like the majority of the Royals top prospects.
#8 Danny Duffy | LHP | D.o.B: 12-21-88 | Stats (R/A+/AA): 10.0 K/9 | 2.5 BB/9 | 62 1/3 IP | 2.74 ERA | 4.20 FIP (A+); 2.80 FIP (AA) | 1.11 WHIP | .7 Hr/9 | 7.5 H/9 | .218 BABIP (A+); .331 BABIP (AA)
Duffy nearly quit baseball – he left the team for about a month in March and April. Upon his return, Duffy continued to throw his 88 to 92 MPH fastball with good downward movement, a changeup that he uses deceptively and his slow-arching curveball as an out-pitch with success. The majority of his innings happened between High-A and Double-A (14 IP and 39 IP respectively). He projects to be a number three pitcher. Duffy has a lot of potential, but is probably the further from any of the pitchers mentioned so far. A mid-season call up in 2012 would see to be appropriate, but a 2011 September call up could happen to test him – like all these prospects could use to see if 2012 will be as big as people believe.
#9 Christopher Dwyer | LHP | D.o.B: 4-10-86 | Stats (A+/AA): 10.0 K/9 | 3.8 BB/9 | 102 IP | 3.00 ERA | 2.70 FIP (A+); 4.11 FIP (AA) | 1.30 WHIP | .4 Hr/ 9 | 7.9 H/9 | .347 BABIP (A+); .232 BABIP (AA)
Yet another lefty pitching prospect. Dwyer throws his fastball between 90 to 94 MPH and has a power curveball. Baseball America calls his changeup an “advanced pitched … [and] above-average.” With just 17 1/3 innings thrown at Double-A, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Dwyer held in the minors all year, or at best a September call up. May end up as a reliever if he cannot develop a third pitch.
Toronto Blue Jays 2009 Minor League Review
Overall farm ranking via Baseball America (2009)
2009 (19) | 2008 (25) | 2007 (25) | 2006 (25) | 2005 (15) | 2004 (8)
Record of Major and Minor League Team(s)
MLB: [75 – 87] AL East
AAA: [71 – 73] Pacific Coast League
AA: [64 – 78] Eastern League
A+: [67 – 67] Florida League
A: [54 – 84] Midwest League
A(ss): [29 – 49] New York – Pennsylvania League
R: [30-28] Gulf League
The Run Down
The recent trade of Roy Halladay has made this piece a bit more interesting. Clearly, the Blue Jays are in “rebuilding” mode. They definitely received good talent in return, and especially [near] major league ready talent – namely Wallace and Drabek. With Adam Lind breaking out, Aaron Hill finally performing up to expectations, Travis Snider holding his own in the majors, Shawn Marcum set to return from injury (Tommy John), as is Dustin McGowan (bum shoulder and knee), the Blue Jays may be better than expected. However, there is a rather large “IF” on each of those players. Granted, the Jays have restricted mobility in the free agent market to improve their team, but there are a few players that may make an impact in the majors in 2010. Additionally, the 2009 starting rotation saw four rookies make large contributions (Romero, Cecil, Rzepczynski, and Richmond) and one that called up mid-season (Brad Mills) to keep your eyes on. (Important to note, none of the graduating rookie pitchers increased their innings pitched by more than 30 innings.) Even with that many rookies, replacing Halladay’s presence, innings and experience is going to be extremely difficult to find. Not wanting to compare, but the Blue Jays are going to be relying on youngsters much like the Florida Marlins do in 2010.
Graduating Prospects
#1- OF – Travis Snider; #3 – P – Brett Cecil; #8 – P – Ricky Romero; #9 – P – Marc Rzepczynski; #20 – P – Scott Richmond
Arizona Fall League Players -Phoenix Desert Dogs
Pitchers – Reidier Gonzalez, #15 Robert Ray
Hitters – (C) AJ Jimenez, (2B) #10 Brad Emaus, (OF) Adam Loewen
Players of Interest Due to the recent trade, the rankings before a player, unless otherwise noted, are the Blue Jays rankings.
Hitters #2 (St.L) Brett Wallace | 1B/3B | AA/AAA | 22 | .293/.367/.455 | 532 AB | 26 2B | 20 HR | .162 ISO | 116:47 K:BB | .338 BABIP | 51.7 GB% | 19.6 LD% | 28.7 FB% | .9.4 IF/F
Traded again this year, Wallace’s defense is now coming into question. With Edwin Encarnacion manning third and Lyle Overbay manning first, I am not sure what the Jays plan for Wallace is going to be. Back in August, Scouting the Unknown article detailed his specifics out. Don’t be surprised to watch him play in left field (with Snider manning the other corner). Then again, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him play half a season at Triple-A first before a June call up.
#7 (PHI) Travis d’Arnaud | C | A | 20 | .255/.319/.419 | 482 AB | 38 2B | 13 HR | .164 ISO | 75:41 K:BB | .279 BABIP | .336 wOBA | 40.2 GB% | 14.5 LD% | 45.3 FB%
A fixture in the Halladay trade, d’Arnaud was the second rated catcher in the Phillies minors behind Lou Marson. D’Arnaud has a good arm, above average catching skills, a gap-power swing, and quoting Baseball America, “… could become trade fodder if he continues his offensive development [due to Marson].” Well, that’s exactly what he became. In his first full season, he played fairly well. His average is more like .275 with a normal BABIP, however, that doesn’t mean he’ll blast off next year. He’s good, just a few years away. Plus, the Jays have JP Arencibia …
#2 JP Arencibia | C | AAA | 23 | .236/.284/.444 | 466 AB | 32 2B | 21 HR | .208 ISO | 114:26 K:BB | .269 BABIP | .316 wOBA | 30.2 GB% | 17 LD% | 52.5 FB%
Arencibia was considered the catcher of the future, but with the d’Arnaud acquisition and the signing of John Buck, that may be in question. His slash line is destroyed by a low batting average on balls in play (.269), albeit he hit a ton of fly balls (52.5%). The power is legit, the strikeouts are scary and the lack of walks is more of a turn off than Joan Rivers. Playing the Pacific Coast League may have inflated his numbers a wee bit, however, expect to see him in the majors at some point in early summer 2010. Keep expectations in check, but if you need a catcher, plug him in and see what he can do. It’s worth a chance over anyone not named Mauer, McCann, or Martinez.
Brian Dopirak | 1B | AA/AAA | 25 | .316/.371/.549 | 546 AB | 42 2B | 27 HR | .232 ISO | 119:48 K:BB | .366 BABIP | 43.5 GB% | 21.1 LD% | 35.4 FB%
Not a sexy prospect by any means, Dopirak was acquired in 2008 from the Cubs where he couldn’t hit the moon if it was falling, exploded for the Jays. He was recently added to the 40-man roster, meaning no one could take him in the Rule-5 draft, which they easily could have. Not that first base is an extremely weak point for the Jays, but Overbay isn’t necessarily locked to keep his spot. Dopirak could provide some sneaky power in the Jays line-up in 2010.
Pitchers #5 (PHI) Kyle Drabek | RHP | A+/AA | 21 | 8.5 K/9 | 2.8 BB/9 | 158 IP | 3.19 ERA | 3.26 FIP | 1.21 WHIP | .5 HR/9 | .305 BABIP | 43.6 GB% | 12 LD% | 39.4 FB%
It was either him or Dominic Brown (and possibly Happ, but don’t get me started) that the Jays could’ve received in the Halladay trade. Coming of Tommy John surgery in 2007, Drabek pitched his first full season in the minors (2008 he pitched in 54 innings). He possesses a low to mid 90′s fastball (top 95 mph), a sharp and biting curve, and a “work in progress” change-up. Due to the heavy influx of pitchers at the top end of the Jays system (Romero, Rzepczynski, Cecil, Richmond, David Purcey, Shawn Marcum and Dustin McGowan), Drabek wont be rushed. The earliest, June. Most likely, August/September.
Henderson Alvarez | RHP | A | 19 | 6.7 K/9 | 1.4 BB/9 | 124 1/3 IP | 3.47 ERA | 2.43 FIP | 1.13 WHIP | .1 HR/9 | .307 BABIP | 51.4 GB% | 10.4 LD% | 33.8 FB%
An extreme ground ball pitcher, Alvarez is the Jays top Venezuelan prospect. He has a low 90′s fastball that tops at 94, a slurve and an average at best change up. Considered to have a power arm, Alvarez still needs to harness some of his talent and not just “throw.” However, it seems like this year he has figured it out. Not a great strikeout pitcher, but his control is stellar. Look for him to reach Double-A in 2010 and possibly a September call up if he has no injuries.
#15(CIN) Zach Stewart | RHP | A+/AA/AAA | 22 | 8.0 K/9 | 2.7 | 105 IP | 1.89 ERA | 3.04 FIP | 1.31 WHIP | .334 BABIP | 53 GB% | 21 LD% | 20.1 FB%
A key component in the Scott Rolen trade, Stewart has a mid 90′s fastball (93-96 mph), a power slider and a “promising” change-up. His fastball has natural sink to it, laminated by his high ground-ball rate (53%). Not to many hitters put good wood on his pitches. I would imagine Stewart to start in Triple-A this year as he didn’t throw consistently at each stop (he played A+ and AA for the Reds).
Honorable Mentions Hitters #5 David Cooper | 1B | AA | 22 | .258/.340/.389 | 473 AB | 32 2B | 10 HR | .131 ISO | 95:59 K:BB | .302 BABIP | .335 wOBA | 42.4 GB% | 17.5 LD% | 40.1 FB%
Didn’t have a great year. However, he is the projected starting first baseman by 2012 according to Baseball America. Keep an eye on him, he’s a better hitter (strikezone/plate discpline) than his numbers lead one to believe.
Johermyn Chavez | LF | A | 20 | .283/.346/.474 | 22 2B | 21 HR | .191 ISO | 10/6 SB | 133:40 K:BB | .350 BABIP | .371 wOBA | 40.4 GB% | 10.3 LD% | 49.3 FB%
The low line-drive hitting percentage (10.3%) and high strikeouts (133) lead me to believe that he won’t repeat these type of numbers again in 2010 at High-A or Double-A. He is one of the Venezuelans I was talking about earlier, and he does have the potential and talent to prove my prediction wrong.
Darin Mastroianni | CF/LF | A+/AA | 23 | .297/.398/.364 | 478 AB | 21 2B | 1 HR | .067 ISO | 70/15 SB/CS | 83:76 K:BB | .335 BABIP | 50.2 GB% | 11.1 LD% | 38 FB%
No power to speak of here. Mastroianni is all speed, and it’s a good thing he keeps the ball on the ground too. If you’re a firm believer in SAGNOF, then Mastroianni may be someone you steal on the waivers if he gets called up in 2010. But that is a big IF.
Pitchers Tim Collins | LHP | A+/AA | 19 | 13.5 K/9 | 4.1 BB/9 | 77 1/3 IP | 2.91 ERA | 2.34 FIP | 1.22 WHIP | .337 BABIP | 40 GB% | 16.2 LD% | 36.8 FB%
He hasn’t pitched many innings (150) in the minors in the last two years, but Collins is in the mold of a reliever. He should start at Double-A again this year. If he pitches well again in 2010, he could be a sneaky sleeper in 2011.
#14 Danny Farquhar | RHP | A+/AA | 22 | 10.6 K/9 | 5.9 BB/9 | 62 2/3 IP | 1.87 ERA | 3.17 FIP | 1.31 WHIP | .277 BABIP | 51.6 GB%| 12.3 LD% | 31.6 FB%
Yet another Blue Jays pitcher who works the ground balls (51.6%). I mention Farquhar because he has a killer last name and a deadly fastball that sits between 92 and 94 mph, an average curve, and a cutter – and that is just from a three-quarter slot. He also can throw a 89 to 91 mph fastball with tons of action and a “frisbee action” slider from a below-sidearm angle. Used as a starter in college, the Jays like what they see from him as a reliever. Farquhar could become Lord Farquaad of the Jays ‘pen by 2012, and a stellar mid-to-late relief role by 2011.
