Andrew Oliver | LHP (SP) | Detroit Tigers | D.o.B: 12/4/87 | 6’3″ | 210 lbs | B/T: L/L | 2nd rd, 2009 | DET #3 ranked prospect per Baseball America 2011 | MiLB Player Page
Oliver has faced major league batters in his brief career, although, not with much success. The five starts he received mid-summer 2010 went poorly: 7.36 ERA in 22 innings and a 18:13 K:BB ratio. With loose arm action, he throws a 93 to 95 MPH fastball with plus movement per John Sickels. Changeup is an average pitch and the 81 to 85 MPH slider is a good pitched but inconsistent. He needs to work on refining secondary offerings. Scouts also state that command wanes, needs to locate pitches lower in the zone and refine delivery to keep hips closed longer and quit landing on heel.
Career stats: 8.5 K/9 | 3.5 BB/9 | 167 IP | 3.40 ERA | 1.28 WHIP | .8 Hr/9 | 8.0 H/9
2011 stats (AAA): 9.3 K/9 | 3.7 BB/9 | 36 2/3 IP | 3.19 ERA | 3.06 FIP | 1.28 WHIP | .5 Hr/9 | 7.9 H/9 | .313 BABIP
*Career stats include 2011 season results.
Starting his career at Double-A, Oliver has pitched effectively, consistently but not necessarily efficiently. The walks are still concerning (3.7 BB/9 in ’11), even if he’s limiting baserunners via hits (8.0 H/9 career). I haven’t had the privilege to watch him pitch, so I’m not quite sure if his delivery has improved. However, his statistics show a pitcher who is getting the job done. The sabermetrics show that the traditional numbers currently posted aren’t fabricated. Baseball America, “projects [Oliver] as an impact arm.” That can mean an effective and electric reliever or a solid middle rotation starter. John Sickels recommends what he calls the “Tampa Bay ‘be patient with pitchers’ approach.” Which means staying at Triple-A for the full year. Selfishly for fantasy purposes, his high strikeout potential is exciting. ETA: mid-summer.
Jason Kipnis | 2B | Cleveland Indians | D.o.B: 4/3/87 | 5’10” | 180 lbs | B/T: L/R | 2nd rd, 2009 | CLE #3 ranked prospect per Baseball America 2011 | MiLB Player Page
Kipnis is a converted outfielder learning to play second base. This transition has happened seamlessly as defense is currently average with good range and solid reads. Footwork needs refinement but arm is adequate (fringe-average) with a quick release and solid glove work. What makes Kipnis a coveted prospect is his ability to hit effectively. His simple and balanced swing projects to generate 10 to 15 home runs a year with good average. A discerning eye at the plate, and ability to utilize the full field when hitting, Kipnis will be able to use average speed and good base running instincts often. Offensively, his ceiling could be slightly higher than already stated.
Career Stats: .303/.385/.483 | 750 AB | 81 XBH | 20 Hr | .180 ISO | 17/7 SB/CS | 152:88 K:BB | .354 BABIP
2011 Stats (AAA): .281/.376/.463 | 121 AB | 13 XBH | 3 Hr | .182 ISO | 5/0 SB/CS | 27:18 K:BB | .345 BABIP
*Career stats include 2011 season results.
I like what I see here, especially with Orlando Cabrera and Adam Everett only brought in as place holders until Kipnis was ready for The Show. With solid gap power (47 doubles and 20 home runs in career), and decent speed, Kipnis could quietly become a fringe 20/20 player. At second base, that’s excellent news for fantasy managers. His minor league track record is similar to Brandon Phillips but without the power ceiling being 30 home runs, instead 20 home runs would more appropriate. ETA: Summer 2011.
