Sunday, October 18, 2009

2010 Free Agent: Aroldis Chapman



Larry Stone
of the Seattle Times wrote of Cuban Defector Aroldis Chapman last week:
Envision a 21-year-old pitcher — left-handed, no less — that has lit up radar guns to the tune of 102 mph, drawing raves from scouts as the southpaw Stephen Strasburg. Now consider that this pitcher is not just a myth, but a living, breathing entity, who can be found these days in, of all places, Madrid. And just one other thing: He's a free agent, poised to sign in the upcoming weeks with a major-league team.
Chapman is going to be one of the hottest free agents in the market this fall/winter. Teams are already lining up to make chair-breaking bids. The problem is Chapman unlike the last Cuban pitcher to draw this much interest, Jose Contreras, is not a finished product. He is a prospect. He is extremely raw with little beyond his extreme fastball to his arsenal. His control is just not good at this by most reports.

Fantasy owners with deep minor league systems may well want to take a chance with Chapman. Heck, I recommend that they do. But if you're thinking of Chapman as a player ready to make an impact in 2010 you need to re-think things. He's more Kendry Morales than Contreras.

Strasburg Wins in AFL Debut


Despite all the cautions you'll hear about the dangers of drafting rookie pitchers, Stephen Strasburg is likely to be a much discussed talent from now until April. Strasburg made his AFL debut on Friday to much fanfare. Here is a round-up of writing on the results:

Strasburg wins his professional debut(Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com)
Strasburg, taken first in June's First-Year Player Draft by the Nationals, threw 50 pitches -- 32 of them strikes -- for the Phoenix Desert Dogs. He faced 11 Scottsdale Scorpions hitters, walked one, struck out two, allowed a pair of singles and earned the win in his club's 7-4 victory. The two strikeouts came with one out in the first inning and were of the swinging variety.

Strasburg sparkles in AFL debut (Jason Grey /ESPN)
The first pitch was 99 miles per hour. That was how Washington Nationals prospect Stephen Strasburg announced his presence at the Arizona Fall League...As expected, Strasburg busted out the 88-91 mph changeup he rarely used as an amateur. Not only was it impressive, he used it as an out pitch in the first inning, getting both his strikeouts on changes with good tumble. He showed off a heavy two-seam fastball at 90-94 mph to go with the four-seamer, and his 82-84 mph slider was a solid 60 on the 20-80 scouting scale on this night, though I've seen it even better...It would shock me if he were not in the Nationals' opening day rotation.

Strasburg’s AFL Debut (Conor Glassey/Baseball America's Prospects Blog)

From a mechanical standpoint, the scout stated that Strasburg “gets a little forward with his arm and hand in his delivery. Also, his elbow gets closed up on top. I’m a little worried about his ability to drive downward all the time. He throws so hard and gets such ride and carry on his fastball, he can throw it up in the zone and get away with it. There are a few little red flags and he needs to clean up his delivery a bit. But the positives outweigh the negatives.”

I think the consensus says that Stephen Strasburg is going to be a force for the Washington Nationals and soon. I would not go out of my way to add a rookie pitcher to my roster but if he came easily and naturally enough (and at a rookie pitcher price) I would gladly accept his presence on my fantasy rosters in 2010.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Baseball Headlines and Observations


Rangers hitting Coach Rudy Jaramillo Will Not Return

Longtime hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo rejected a contract and will not return to the Texas Rangers next season, a team official said Wednesday... The Rangers' offense struggled in 2009, scoring 784 runs, the fewest since Jaramillo was hired before the 1995 season. The team batted .260, its lowest average since moving into Rangers Ballpark in Arlington in 1994. The disappointing season came after the Rangers hit .283 and scored a league-high 901 runs in 2008.

I believed the Rangers would make a great effort to bring effort to bring Jaramillo back in 2010. For all I know, they did just that. Perhaps Jaramillo had a problem with the way manager Ron Washington used the offense. I have no idea. I do know that Jaramillo is roundly considered one of if not the best hitting coach in the game. The Rangers will miss him. As for Ron Washington, I can't help but like him. He's an old-time baseball guy. A throwback to the days of the chewing, spitting, tough love, pitching and defense managers that our fathers remember and sometimes miss. But I have no idea if he is actually a good manager.

Ricketts Family Acquires 95 percent of the Chicago Cubs

The Ricketts family has signed a definitive agreement with Tribune Company to acquire a 95 percent interest in the Chicago Cubs National League Baseball Club, Wrigley Field and Tribune’s approximately 25 percent interest in Comcast SportsNet (CSN) in a transaction valued at $845 million.

The Tribune Company had a reputation as an owner who was more interested in profits than winning. They would make moves with marketing and filling the seats as a higher priority than actually winning a World Series. The former Red Sox ownership had the same type of reputation. I believe that it is now possible for the Cubs to now take a giant step forward as an organization. I'm looking forward to watching how this transaction changes the way the Cubs do business.

TBS Wins Big By Backing Baseball Playoffs

According to Media Week, the network enjoyed the best ratings of its 33-year history with its coverage of the first-round playoff series, averaging 5.41 million total viewers, per Nielsen live-plus-same-day ratings data. The network also set highs by averaging 2.54 million adults age 25 to 54, 2.46 million viewers 18 to 49 and 1.12 million viewers 18 to 34. According to the report, TBS owned seven of the week's 10 most-watched cable telecasts, including Game 3 of the Yankees-Twins American League DS on Oct. 11, which drew 6.79 million viewers. That series was the most watched among the four DS matchups, averaging 6.63 million total viewers. Baseball boosted TBS' ratings 232 percent over the previous week.

I still miss the days of TBS airing the Atlanta Braves games. As a Yankees fan trapped in Boston, I appreciated the ability to tune in on a team that I actually enjoyed watching. the Red Sox are a little more fun to watch these days but I still miss the old TBS. Heck, for that matter I also miss Ted Turner as the owner of the Braves. Here's a perfect example of how much ownership can change the direction of a baseball team.

Billy Wagner's Agent Disputes Retirement Claims

Billy Wagner's agent refuted Tuesday's reports that the closer, who just completed his 15th season and is 15 saves short of 400, is planning to retire. The New York Post reported Tuesday that when asked where he might play next season, Wagner responded: "I don't plan on talking to nobody." When asked if that meant he would retire, according to the newspaper, Wagner said: "Why wouldn't I? I've got nothing else to [accomplish]" On Wednesday, Wagner's agent, Bean Stringfellow, told media outlets that the left-hander had no intention of retiring. "He wants a ring and he did not do all that rehab just to quit now," Stringfellow said, according to FoxSports.com. "His family supports him fully."

In Boston the rumors are flying wild about a possible trade of closer Jonathan Papelbon. If this actually happened Wagner would be a solid option to bridge the gap between Papelbon and Daniel Bard who seems destined to become Boston's closer in the very near future. Boston has promised not to utilize the option they hold on Wagner for the 2010 season but they could still very easily work out a deal if the closer role were open.

The San Francisco Giants retain Brian Sabean and Bruce Bochy
...Bochy and Sabean each received two-year contract extensions with a club option Tuesday after meeting with managing general partner Bill Neukom... Sabean is gearing up for a busy winter. One of his top priorities will be to upgrade the offense by adding a big bat in the middle of the order, though he's said that will be a challenge in this free-agent market.

I love the Giants but I have had my fair share of doubts over Brian Sabean's ability as General Manager. There is no doubt that the organization is loaded with quality young arms. However, Sabean has consistently chosen to go with older veterans rather than younger players with more upside. Part of that has been due to a severe lack in the farm system but that is also on him. I would love to see a great hitter in the middle of the Giants lineup surrounded by their young players at catcher and third base. But Sabean seems to struggle to make meaningful trades as demonstrated in the deadline deals this season. I have high hopes but little faith.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Top New York-Penn League Players of 2009

Top New York-Penn League Batters

Name Team BB% K% AVG OBP SLG ISO Spd BABIP wOBA
Ryan Westmoreland Red Sox 14.60% 22.00% 0.296 0.401 0.484 0.188 7.4 0.353 0.427
Julio Martinez Astros 7.40% 16.00% 0.326 0.38 0.54 0.214 3.8 0.36 0.417
Sean Ochinko Blue Jays 7.80% 13.80% 0.324 0.382 0.527 0.202 3.4 0.353 0.415
Neil Medchill Yankees 10.00% 30.60% 0.278 0.35 0.551 0.273 6.2 0.338 0.412
Tyler Bortnick Rays 11.10% 17.50% 0.3 0.386 0.47 0.171 8.1 0.349 0.406
Deangelo Mack Yankees 8.30% 19.00% 0.306 0.372 0.513 0.207 4.2 0.354 0.399
Luke Murton Yankees 8.80% 25.70% 0.295 0.374 0.477 0.181 5.2 0.369 0.399
Luis Rivera Mets 14.30% 23.90% 0.297 0.402 0.441 0.144 6.6 0.376 0.395
Leandro Castro Phillies 4.80% 19.10% 0.316 0.351 0.512 0.195 8.2 0.37 0.393
Sebastian Valle Phillies 5.00% 21.40% 0.307 0.335 0.531 0.224 3.9 0.366 0.39
Derrik Gibson Red Sox 13.30% 16.50% 0.29 0.395 0.38 0.09 8.4 0.347 0.386
Welinton Ramirez Blue Jays 4.80% 25.00% 0.318 0.353 0.477 0.159 6.4 0.414 0.385
Brock Holt Pirates 9.30% 12.20% 0.299 0.361 0.449 0.15 6.6 0.323 0.383
John Murrian Tigers 7.90% 17.70% 0.296 0.356 0.468 0.172 3.6 0.342 0.381
Jordan Henry Indians 16.50% 14.90% 0.286 0.408 0.335 0.048 5.7 0.336 0.379
Alan Ahmady Cardinals 16.20% 21.40% 0.292 0.407 0.391 0.099 3.3 0.362 0.377
Rawley Bishop Tigers 10.50% 20.00% 0.282 0.378 0.439 0.157 5 0.337 0.376
Evan Chambers Pirates 20.00% 39.00% 0.245 0.393 0.38 0.135 4.5 0.381 0.375
Kyle Jensen Marlins 9.00% 25.30% 0.28 0.354 0.456 0.176 5.7 0.356 0.375
Christopher McGuiness Red Sox 15.50% 20.40% 0.255 0.374 0.434 0.179 1.4 0.293 0.375
Jeremy Barnes Phillies 8.70% 24.90% 0.287 0.359 0.464 0.177 5.5 0.366 0.372
Justin Byler Pirates 10.00% 23.70% 0.256 0.352 0.447 0.191 4.3 0.31 0.371
Zoilo Almonte Yankees 10.70% 22.40% 0.274 0.355 0.44 0.166 5.5 0.33 0.371
Francisco Soriano Nationals 15.30% 20.10% 0.291 0.398 0.387 0.095 7.1 0.361 0.371
Erik Castro Astros 11.90% 19.80% 0.266 0.351 0.453 0.188 2.8 0.299 0.37
Yan Gomes Blue Jays 9.00% 16.60% 0.296 0.363 0.444 0.148 3 0.348 0.369
Gregory Folgia Indians 12.50% 21.10% 0.272 0.383 0.409 0.138 4.6 0.333 0.366
Wilfred Pichardo Red Sox 6.80% 31.00% 0.302 0.351 0.392 0.09 7.1 0.431 0.363
Christopher Murrill Rays 6.30% 23.80% 0.306 0.36 0.363 0.057 8 0.401 0.362
Dustin Biell Rays 8.60% 21.50% 0.277 0.362 0.366 0.089 7.7 0.345 0.356
Jimmy Paredes Yankees 4.70% 14.60% 0.302 0.336 0.41 0.107 8.7 0.347 0.35
Aaron Baker Pirates 12.40% 23.80% 0.247 0.341 0.414 0.167 5.9 0.312 0.348
Patrick Irvine Pirates 11.50% 22.70% 0.245 0.346 0.389 0.144 5.5 0.305 0.348
Sean Nicol Nationals 13.60% 12.60% 0.269 0.375 0.323 0.054 4.5 0.304 0.345
Mark Thomas Rays 10.50% 21.50% 0.268 0.355 0.385 0.117 2.9 0.325 0.344

Top 25 New York-Penn League Pitchers

Name Team K/9 BB/9 HR/9 WHIP BABIP LOB% ERA FIP
Alexander Colome Rays 11.13 3.79 0 1.03 0.277 73.50% 1.66 2.19
Collin McHugh Mets 9.48 2.52 0.12 1.09 0.312 72.40% 2.76 2.31
Joshua Zeid Phillies 8.13 2.26 0.11 1.05 0.292 70.40% 2.94 2.46
Marty Popham Indians 9.96 1.2 0.84 1.13 0.346 74.50% 2.76 2.6
Nicholas Hernandez Phillies 7.54 2.25 0.23 1.15 0.306 73.50% 2.7 2.68
Erick Carillo Marlins 7.34 2.64 0.15 1.09 0.281 76.60% 2.05 2.71
James Fuller Mets 9.57 2.14 0.57 1.16 0.328 73.90% 2.86 2.76
Brett Brach Indians 7.04 2.31 0.12 1.05 0.277 72.80% 2.19 2.8
Brandon Moore Mets 7.79 1.87 0.44 0.95 0.262 76.90% 2.09 2.83
Dave Sever Blue Jays 7.62 2 0.4 1.02 0.277 66.90% 3.34 2.93
Tyler Cox Pirates 7 1.84 0.37 1.31 0.342 60.50% 3.93 2.95
Kyle Lobstein Rays 9.08 2.82 0.49 1.06 0.277 76.90% 2.58 2.95
Jose Alvarez Red Sox 6.83 1.08 0.43 0.84 0.247 84.30% 1.52 2.96
Siulman Lebron Phillies 6.83 1.83 0.41 1.31 0.34 60.00% 4.48 2.98
Clayton Cook Indians 8.51 3.46 0.27 1.2 0.295 74.20% 2.79 3.02
Mark Cohoon Mets 6.85 1.96 0.39 0.97 0.255 76.70% 2.15 3.03
Cesar Cabral Red Sox 7.01 2.54 0.3 1.38 0.342 61.30% 4.03 3.07
Patrick Kantakevich Orioles 7.06 3.22 0.25 1.18 0.282 67.70% 3.34 3.1
Kyle McPherson Pirates 6.81 1.31 0.6 1.08 0.295 74.00% 2.99 3.11
Nicholas Haughian Orioles 6.51 2.41 0.24 1.08 0.274 73.90% 2.05 3.19
Michael Blazek Cardinals 8.72 3.38 0.42 1.52 0.371 58.30% 4.5 3.23
Yeiper Castillo Red Sox 7.48 3.04 0.35 1.18 0.288 70.80% 2.92 3.25
Clemente Mendoza Tigers 6.14 2.33 0.37 1.2 0.296 74.00% 3.19 3.31
Luis Sanz Tigers 6.64 3.81 0.22 1.29 0.289 73.10% 3.27 3.6
Preston Guilmet Indians 7.93 2.05 1.02 1.22 0.313 61.20% 4.09 3.68
Colin Allen Orioles 7.27 3.25 0.65 1.64 0.376 60.00% 5.45 3.73
Deryk Hooker Cardinals 7.82 3.39 0.59 1.3 0.304 69.30% 3.98 3.74
Tyler Sexton Orioles 7 3.62 0.45 1.29 0.292 69.00% 3.39 3.76
Curtis Petersen Marlins 7.14 4.43 0.43 1.46 0.312 59.90% 4.29 3.9
Scott Gracey Blue Jays 7.15 2.71 0.99 1.47 0.342 56.80% 5.3 3.98
Colton Pitkin Astros 6.45 4.21 0.66 1.58 0.331 69.90% 4.21 4.21
Darin Gorski Mets 7.22 3.75 0.87 1.24 0.263 50.30% 4.91 4.24
Wander Alvino Astros 6.18 3.66 1.01 1.42 0.296 67.50% 5.17 4.59

The Top South Atlantic League Players of 2009

I'm gonna try to finish off the minor league rankings over the next couple of days so we can get to reviewing the 2009 MLB season.

Top 25 South Atlantic League Batters (min. 50 at-bats)

Name Team BB% K% AVG OBP SLG ISO Spd BABIP wOBA
Kiel Roling Rockies 10.20% 26.70% 0.331 0.401 0.593 0.262 2.7 0.405 0.44
Brian Pellegrini Astros 14.20% 29.10% 0.291 0.396 0.578 0.288 4.2 0.338 0.431
Derek Norris Nationals 17.10% 26.50% 0.286 0.413 0.513 0.227 2.8 0.342 0.417
Erik Morrison Rangers 8.10% 22.70% 0.297 0.368 0.558 0.261 5.3 0.341 0.414
Ryan Lavarnway Red Sox 11.00% 28.00% 0.285 0.367 0.54 0.255 2.7 0.348 0.403
Jordan Pacheco Rockies 7.80% 9.80% 0.322 0.379 0.492 0.171 5.3 0.335 0.398
Jim Murphy Phillies 12.90% 32.90% 0.279 0.393 0.467 0.188 3.1 0.383 0.393
Nate Recknagel Indians 12.70% 21.70% 0.28 0.379 0.482 0.202 3.8 0.324 0.385
Ben Lasater Marlins 7.50% 24.60% 0.29 0.352 0.468 0.178 3.9 0.356 0.375
Jeremy Synan Marlins 8.10% 22.40% 0.291 0.353 0.483 0.192 3.1 0.345 0.374
Ronnie Welty Orioles 9.60% 27.80% 0.29 0.373 0.425 0.135 4.8 0.382 0.37
Joshua Satin Mets 14.20% 23.40% 0.284 0.385 0.418 0.134 1.7 0.358 0.37
Corban Joseph Yankees 11.40% 16.10% 0.3 0.381 0.418 0.118 5.1 0.349 0.368
Tyler Moore Nationals 8.70% 26.40% 0.297 0.363 0.447 0.15 2.7 0.385 0.368
Josh Mazzola Giants 7.00% 25.30% 0.284 0.347 0.455 0.171 4.7 0.351 0.367
Andy D'Alessio Giants 9.00% 25.10% 0.3 0.361 0.443 0.143 3.1 0.384 0.366
Calvin Anderson Pirates 8.10% 29.60% 0.274 0.347 0.446 0.172 4.3 0.36 0.362
Donnie Webb Indians 7.80% 23.40% 0.289 0.351 0.42 0.132 7.9 0.364 0.362
Scott Robinson Rockies 3.80% 22.20% 0.309 0.349 0.415 0.106 8.1 0.393 0.361
Kevin Mattison Marlins 8.20% 22.50% 0.25 0.323 0.422 0.172 7.1 0.284 0.361
Harold Garcia Phillies 6.10% 22.50% 0.291 0.35 0.414 0.124 7.5 0.36 0.361
Stephen Lombardozzi Nationals 11.10% 16.10% 0.296 0.375 0.395 0.099 6.5 0.349 0.36
Mark Thompson Indians 11.10% 23.50% 0.257 0.358 0.408 0.151 4.9 0.304 0.358
Brandon Short White Sox 7.30% 22.60% 0.284 0.342 0.417 0.133 6.5 0.35 0.356
Joseph Mahoney Orioles 7.10% 23.50% 0.281 0.333 0.41 0.129 8.6 0.353 0.356
Robbie Grossman Pirates 14.30% 36.40% 0.266 0.373 0.355 0.089 6.4 0.408 0.351
Ryan Dent Red Sox 12.40% 32.50% 0.252 0.35 0.391 0.139 6.8 0.357 0.349
Will Middlebrooks Red Sox 11.40% 32.90% 0.265 0.349 0.404 0.139 4.8 0.377 0.348
Abraham Almonte Yankees 7.40% 18.40% 0.28 0.333 0.391 0.111 8.3 0.333 0.348
Isaias Velasquez Rays 7.80% 17.30% 0.278 0.342 0.39 0.112 6.5 0.332 0.343
Sean Ratliff Mets 6.20% 28.00% 0.265 0.312 0.451 0.186 6.2 0.339 0.343
Karexon Sanchez Indians 13.40% 30.00% 0.234 0.35 0.375 0.141 6.5 0.31 0.342
James Cesario Rockies 6.00% 15.60% 0.285 0.333 0.418 0.133 5.2 0.319 0.341
David Christensen Rockies 5.70% 38.50% 0.234 0.293 0.452 0.218 8.3 0.336 0.341
Joel Campusano Braves 6.80% 13.60% 0.288 0.343 0.387 0.099 5.8 0.323 0.34

Top 25 South Atlantic League Pitchers (min. 50 IP)

Name Team K/9 BB/9 HR/9 WHIP BABIP LOB% ERA FIP
Eric Surkamp Giants 11.61 2.68 0.41 1.28 0.38 70.30% 3.3 2.2
Jordan Lyles Astros 10.39 2.36 0.31 1.19 0.349 72.60% 3.24 2.42
Justin De Fratus Phillies 8.26 1.31 0.25 1.13 0.334 69.30% 3.19 2.43
Stephen Sauer White Sox 7.8 1.2 0.25 1.28 0.364 70.40% 3.36 2.53
Juan Nicasio Rockies 9.24 1.85 0.48 1.19 0.341 72.30% 2.41 2.57
J.J. Hoover Braves 9.92 1.67 0.6 1.19 0.353 70.60% 3.35 2.58
Jesus Sanchez Phillies 7.94 2.78 0.26 1.32 0.335 68.80% 3.44 2.77
Matthew Moore Rays 12.88 5.12 0.44 1.27 0.319 72.30% 3.15 2.83
Dexter Carter White Sox 10.91 2.44 0.69 1.14 0.331 76.30% 3.13 2.84
Chris Schwinden Mets 6.87 1.17 0.47 1.22 0.336 69.00% 3.28 2.87
Eric Beaulac Mets 10.32 3.18 0.47 1.3 0.349 70.60% 2.95 2.87
Cole McCurry Orioles 9.34 2.96 0.52 1.17 0.307 74.10% 2.71 2.88
Marcos Frias Nationals 7.96 2.13 0.43 1.22 0.325 69.20% 2.91 2.97
Jeurys Familia Mets 7.32 3.09 0.2 1.16 0.283 72.50% 2.69 3.16
Brock Huntzinger Red Sox 7.32 2.3 0.5 1.27 0.323 64.90% 4.09 3.18
Randall Delgado Braves 10.23 3.56 0.65 1.39 0.353 65.30% 4.35 3.2
Robert Bono Astros 4.14 1.19 0.31 1.23 0.311 66.90% 3.2 3.23
Oliver Drake Orioles 7.16 2.89 0.41 1.38 0.333 63.80% 4.34 3.26
Kyle Nicholson Giants 6.11 1.62 0.51 1.08 0.282 69.40% 2.8 3.27
Charles Leesman White Sox 6.68 3.31 0.23 1.41 0.329 73.40% 3.08 3.34
Ari Ronick Giants 7.54 2.25 0.66 1.07 0.273 64.70% 2.65 3.34
Robert Carson Mets 6.15 3.08 0.27 1.4 0.324 66.00% 3.21 3.37
Ezekiel Spruill Braves 7.37 1.86 0.7 1.24 0.324 70.10% 3.03 3.37
Kyle Greenwalt Astros 5.81 1.81 0.45 1.31 0.327 66.10% 4.2 3.4
David Phelps Yankees 7.19 2 0.72 1.26 0.322 73.50% 2.8 3.41
Parker Frazier Rockies 6.75 2.27 0.48 1.46 0.358 68.80% 4.48 3.43
T.J. House Indians 7.3 3.28 0.54 1.31 0.306 73.30% 3.15 3.51
T.J. McFarland Indians 6.34 3.13 0.45 1.41 0.323 69.90% 3.58 3.56
Stolmy Pimentel Red Sox 7.88 2.22 0.92 1.39 0.35 70.10% 3.82 3.62
Kyle Kaminska Marlins 7.07 2.27 0.63 1.39 0.344 61.50% 4.16 3.63
Ryan O'Shea Orioles 6.54 3.07 0.52 1.31 0.303 70.90% 3.6 3.72
Chris Andujar Rays 5.93 3.15 0.53 1.18 0.262 74.30% 2.7 3.74
Kyle Allen Mets 7.97 3.66 0.57 1.28 0.294 71.30% 3.45 3.74
Mike Loree Giants 5.11 1.9 0.66 1.34 0.319 62.30% 4.67 3.77
Johnny Dorn Marlins 5.38 2.4 0.63 1.42 0.327 68.20% 4.18 3.87

Saturday, October 10, 2009

The Missed Call

I was rooting for the New York Yankees but this was a terrible call. I'm not sure it would have made a dramatic difference in the game but the umpires should not miss calls that are this clear.

Friday, October 09, 2009

Around Baseball: News, Links, and Observations

Want a job working for a Major League Baseball team? Joe Sheehan of Baseball Prospectus shares an attempt by a major League team to tap into the knowledge of baseball fans. You can win your chance by sending your answer to the following question (send it by November 9th, 2009) to mlbquestion@gmail.com just don't expect an answer unless you are in the running.
If you had access to all of the information available to a major league team - both public and proprietary data, such as scouting reports, training reports, video, etc - what question(s) would you attempt to answer with that data? How would you go about that process? What potential problems do you foresee?
David O'Brien runs the excellent Atlanta Journal Constitution, Atlanta Braves Blog. This is one of the better sources for information on the Braves and the thinking of their management team. In the post linked above, O'Brien discusses the Braves' priorities for the 2010 season. They have placed a right-handed power hitter at the top of their list of needs. Closely followed by re-signing Adam LaRoche (or another power-hitting first baseman). Interestingly, O'Brien seems to think the Braves could pry outfielder (and right-handed power hitter) Nelson Cruz away from the Texas Rangers and I think he may be right.
But anyway, Cruz is right-handed and hit .260 with 33 homers, 20 stolen bases and an .856 OPS in 128 games, and while his .931 OPS at hitter-friendly Arlington was a lot higher than his .778 on the road, he hit almot as many homers (15) on the road than at home (18) in virtually the same number of at-bats.
Nelson Cruz had a fantastic season in 2009 but found himself on the bench frequently in the second half. This is partly due to minor injuries and a few slumps but manager Ron Washington seemed to like his other options much better. The Rangers are very deep in the outfield. They have rookie Julio Borbon (who looked a lot like a junior version of Carl Crawford) projected as the 2010 center fielder. Josh Hamilton is moving to right field (he's still a stud in case you were wondering). That leaves left field open for one of Nelson Cruz; Marlon Byrd, who hit 20 home runs and who the Rangers want to re-sign; 0r lesser possibilities like David Murphy, Brandon Boggs, and Greg Golson.

The Nationals Farm Authority is repeating a rumor first tweeted by ESPN’s Jose Arangure which suggests that Jeff Zona, currently a Nats Cross Checker could be promoted to Director of International Scouting. Zona was a scout for the Boston Red Sox in 2004 when they finally broke The Curse. I have a good feeling about the direction of the Nationals. Since Mike Rizzo took over they've almost exactly what I would have wanted them to do. The Nats have a powerful lineup that should be even better in 2010. Their bullpen is beginning to look like a potential strength with Sean Burnett, Tyler Clippard, Garrett Mock and Mike MacDougal forming the heart of it. They are quickly building a formidable farm system featuring players with true star potential such as Stephen Strasburg, Derek Norris, and Michael Burgess. I suggest that Fantasy Owners look very deeply at Mike Rizzo's moves this off-season.

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks completed the Jon Garland trade when the D'Backs accepted infielder Tony Abreu as the player to be named later. There has been some controversy over Abreu's service time but apparently not enough to force the Dodgers to change the compensation. Abreu is a strong contact hitter who does not draw many walks. He has good pop for a middle infielder and decent speed, but does not steal many bases. I think of Abreu as a Howie Kendrick-lite who could have some value in NL-only leagues in 2010, if he wins the starting job at second base. He will definitely be in the mix.

If you have ever found yourself bitching about the price of tickets to the best sporting events you needs to read Seats of Gold. Hell, even if you haven't the insanity that is the Legends Suite at the New Yankee Stadium is worth reading about. I'm pretty certain I won't ever be going to Yankee Stadium ever again. I want to, but I don't think I'll ever be able to do it.

In the downstairs half of the suite, there are all the same food stations -- plus dessert. Ice cream served in little blue Yankees helmets. Or maybe an entire pint for your seat. Pan-sautéed whoopie pies. I get three or four of those and take them to the bar, where I order a $60 glass of Johnnie Walker Blue Label (food's free, booze isn't). A house ad airs on the television in front of me. Apparently, I can buy Kobe beef to take home from the stadium. Yes, there's a butcher here. And an art gallery. I can get sushi and lobster rolls and Scottish salmon in another nearby lounge, along with duck pasta. On the first- and third-base side of the room, hidden from common view behind home plate, sit gigantic tables covered with every snack imaginable. There's Cracker Jack and peanuts, Twizzlers and Twix, Skittles and Starburst, plus five or six other kinds of sugar-coated goodness.

I watch a kid, maybe 8 years old, stand in front of the spread. He's paralyzed. His dad is trying not to laugh, and the boy can't figure out what to take. He's never seen anything like this.

The dad finally laughs. "It's all included," he tells his son. "It's like Willy Wonka."

Welcome to the new America, kid. Too bad you can't save a bag of Skittles in your wallet for 50 years. Luckily, you'll never know what you're missing.

2009 Top Midwest League Prospects

The Midwest League rankings feature the up and coming Jaff Decker who will reach San Diego far too late to save Kevin Towers his job. I never had a huge problem with Towers. He was far more handicapped (and successful despite this) by his team's ownership and budget than a frequent complainer like J.P. Ricciardi and his $100 million dollar losing squads.

MLB Fantasy Prospects wrote a great piece on Jaff Decker that I may have mentioned previously, but if you missed it you should certainly check it out. the site is an excellent resource for the prospect crazy or just the committed Advanced Fantasy Baseball Shark in need of an edge.
The big boy was no slouch this year at Low-A hitting .299, with 16 HRs, a .442 OBP, and a .514 SLG. Decker has a phenomenal eye that is indicative of a future fantasy star. He had a 19.2% walk rate and .92 BB/K rate batting third in the Fort Wayne (Padres’ Low-A affiliate) batting order. Notably, Decker has had a fairly high Batting Average on Balls in Play [BABIP] (.364 at Low-A /.432 in the AZL). Usually, such a high BABIP suggests a lucky hitter. In this case, there’s no luck involved, as Decker’s BABIP is sky high because he hits the ball freakishly hard.
MLB Fantasy Prospects has recently reported on prospects like Derek Norris of the Washington Nationals, Hector Rondon of the Cleveland Indians, and Brian Matusz of the Baltimore Orioles.

Top 25 Midwest League Batters (minimum 50 at-bats)

Name Team BB% K% AVG OBP SLG ISO Spd BABIP wOBA
James Darnell Padres 20.40% 23.00% 0.329 0.468 0.518 0.189 4 0.402 0.449
Brett Jackson Cubs 8.90% 28.60% 0.295 0.383 0.545 0.25 8.2 0.356 0.436
Jaff Decker Padres 19.20% 25.70% 0.299 0.442 0.514 0.215 4.8 0.364 0.434
Chris Dennis Brewers 12.60% 29.50% 0.318 0.409 0.538 0.22 4.2 0.427 0.432
Xavier Scruggs Cardinals 15.10% 33.30% 0.295 0.409 0.527 0.233 3.4 0.392 0.427
Jermaine Curtis Cardinals 14.50% 18.80% 0.304 0.426 0.438 0.134 5.3 0.367 0.417
Kyler Burke Cubs 14.40% 21.30% 0.303 0.405 0.505 0.202 5.8 0.359 0.417
Kyle Russell Dodgers 13.00% 37.40% 0.272 0.371 0.545 0.272 7.6 0.382 0.416
Joseph Becker Dodgers 10.60% 20.30% 0.339 0.403 0.492 0.153 3.9 0.413 0.407
Sawyer Carroll Padres 13.80% 22.80% 0.316 0.41 0.464 0.148 5.1 0.394 0.406
Josh Vitters Cubs 2.50% 15.60% 0.316 0.351 0.535 0.219 4.4 0.33 0.402
Conner Crumbliss Athletics 18.00% 18.00% 0.28 0.438 0.4 0.12 6.5 0.341 0.401
Kris Sanchez Mariners 13.60% 27.20% 0.291 0.391 0.496 0.205 1.7 0.366 0.401
Billy Nowlin Tigers 8.10% 16.00% 0.311 0.39 0.483 0.172 3.9 0.346 0.399
Chris Swauger Cardinals 7.30% 20.00% 0.296 0.357 0.522 0.226 6.7 0.341 0.397
Jerry Sands Dodgers 12.60% 30.80% 0.26 0.361 0.51 0.25 5.9 0.328 0.395
Grant Desme Athletics 7.50% 31.30% 0.274 0.334 0.49 0.216 8.4 0.359 0.394
Charles Cutler Cardinals 9.00% 10.30% 0.351 0.41 0.455 0.103 2.8 0.38 0.393
Byron Wiley Reds 16.60% 29.80% 0.275 0.395 0.461 0.186 5.4 0.363 0.392
Brian Van Kirk Blue Jays 14.00% 25.70% 0.278 0.389 0.451 0.173 4.1 0.344 0.392
Alexia Amarista Angels 9.50% 12.80% 0.319 0.39 0.468 0.149 7.8 0.359 0.391
Nick Van Stratten Royals 9.90% 12.50% 0.318 0.393 0.447 0.129 7.7 0.36 0.39
Blake Ochoa Mariners 7.50% 20.20% 0.318 0.379 0.48 0.162 3.6 0.376 0.387
Josh Harrison Cubs 5.00% 8.30% 0.337 0.377 0.479 0.142 7.3 0.358 0.386
Marc Krauss Diamondbacks 10.90% 18.30% 0.304 0.377 0.478 0.174 3.1 0.359 0.386
Luis Flores Cubs 20.00% 22.90% 0.208 0.387 0.458 0.25 1.9 0.229 0.385
Brendan Duffy Diamondbacks 11.10% 20.90% 0.308 0.414 0.393 0.085 7.7 0.39 0.384
Anthony Delmonico Dodgers 11.20% 23.60% 0.285 0.383 0.43 0.145 4.4 0.352 0.382
Andrew Cumberland Padres 12.10% 12.40% 0.293 0.386 0.41 0.117 7.9 0.329 0.382
Matt Carpenter Cardinals 13.90% 12.40% 0.295 0.405 0.39 0.095 4.6 0.337 0.381
Matt Clark Padres 11.60% 28.60% 0.266 0.352 0.484 0.218 1.6 0.331 0.381
Ramon Santana Twins 11.90% 25.30% 0.296 0.384 0.453 0.156 4 0.377 0.379
Anthony Hatch Dodgers 9.60% 14.60% 0.294 0.363 0.463 0.169 5.4 0.327 0.379
Jarrod Dyson Royals 6.90% 20.90% 0.343 0.397 0.403 0.06 8 0.434 0.377
Scott Savastano Mariners 11.90% 17.90% 0.3 0.39 0.404 0.104 6.1 0.354 0.377

Top 25 Midwest League Pitchers (minimum 50 IP)


Name Team K/9 BB/9 HR/9 WHIP BABIP LOB% ERA FIP
Andrew Taylor Angels 14.55 3.33 0 0.94 0.32 85.40% 1.23 1.08
Brad Brach Padres 11.59 1.55 0.14 0.74 0.264 82.70% 1.27 1.54
Cheyne Hann Mariners 9.75 1.05 0.26 0.82 0.279 83.30% 1.32 1.85
Chris Huseby Cubs 12.17 1.67 0.5 0.98 0.335 86.90% 1.83 1.94
Vladimir Veras Angels 9.83 3 0 1.13 0.316 68.30% 3 2.13
Matt Daly Blue Jays 9.59 3.55 0 1.09 0.283 76.80% 1.95 2.31
Bryan Woodall Diamondbacks 9.86 2.3 0.27 1.35 0.382 68.00% 3.24 2.34
Blaine Hardy Royals 9.16 1.66 0.29 0.95 0.29 76.00% 2.05 2.37
Zachary Herr Padres 12.71 3.18 0.64 1.24 0.366 62.70% 4.13 2.41
Bayron Zepeda Diamondbacks 7.3 2.04 0 1.43 0.375 62.00% 4.58 2.43
Henderson Alvarez Blue Jays 6.66 1.38 0.07 1.13 0.317 63.60% 3.47 2.43
Nick Schmidt Padres 10.28 4.01 0 1.18 0.305 67.70% 2.79 2.48
Nick Schumacher Padres 8.74 2.22 0.16 1.08 0.305 88.20% 1.11 2.49
Barry Bowden Royals 11.22 3.86 0.35 1.01 0.257 75.70% 2.28 2.56
Ezequiel Infante Reds 7.91 1.55 0.34 1.15 0.325 69.30% 3.44 2.57
Robert Boothe Dodgers 12.46 4.63 0.32 1.49 0.396 62.20% 4.95 2.65
Kenn Kasparek Mariners 8.51 2.03 0.32 1.12 0.313 73.50% 2.41 2.68
Liam Hendriks Twins 8.37 2.03 0.41 1.32 0.357 65.30% 3.51 2.69
Ryan Buchter Cubs 11.66 5.02 0.15 1.15 0.273 77.10% 1.33 2.69
Jamie Richmond Athletics 7.2 0.9 0.54 1.06 0.308 74.30% 2.7 2.74
Tyler Stohr Tigers 8.11 2.36 0.3 1.23 0.328 69.20% 3.54 2.76
Casey Crosby Tigers 10.06 4.13 0.26 1.13 0.273 72.80% 2.41 2.8
Tyler Conn Tigers 7.97 2.31 0.39 1.19 0.314 72.70% 3.21 2.8
Simon Castro Padres 10.07 2.37 0.58 1.1 0.313 68.20% 3.33 2.8
Anthony Shawler Tigers 8.19 2.59 0.33 1.23 0.321 66.50% 3.76 2.89
Daniel Merklinger Brewers 9 2.89 0.51 1.17 0.303 76.10% 2.55 2.9
Austin Bibens-Dirkx Cubs 6.37 1.15 0.51 0.91 0.255 77.10% 2.04 2.9
Brayan Villarreal Tigers 10.28 2.96 0.44 1.15 0.316 73.60% 2.87 2.91
Steven Blevins Twins 7.87 3.05 0.23 1.37 0.34 66.90% 3.52 2.97
Michael Montgomery Royals 8.07 3.72 0.16 1.14 0.269 73.60% 2.17 2.98
Geison Aguasviva Dodgers 6.61 2.87 0.14 1.16 0.285 80.20% 1.58 2.99
Wily Peralta Brewers 10.24 3.99 0.43 1.32 0.33 71.60% 3.47 3
Christopher Archer Cubs 9.83 5.45 0 1.32 0.293 72.90% 2.81 3.03
Ramon Delgado Cardinals 7.46 1.87 0.55 1.06 0.285 74.40% 2.41 3.03
Luke Putkonen Tigers 6.93 2.83 0.18 1.31 0.321 70.60% 3.13 3.05