Billy Sadler

by TigerFanInCleveland on Feb 22, 2007 7:26 PM EST

Looking at John's book entry for Sadler (B- rating), he notes that this is a guy he's been watching for some time. Looking at his stats, I can see why. The K/9 and K/BB rates are great, and while he doesn't have an imposing frame he has been closing games at the AA level. From what I've read elsewhere, he doesn't figure to fit into the Giants' backup plans for when Armando Been-Eatin-ez implodes, with Brian Wilson tabbed as the future closer. I don't quite see how Wilson's stats project any better than Sadler's. Has anyone else noticed this? Steve Kline, Kevin Correia and Vinny Chulk could be options, but I think Sadler should be the next guy there given his raw stuff and ability to make guys miss. Thoughts?

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Kevin Correia

I think at this point Correia should be third in line for the closer role behind Benitez and Wilson. That's just my opinion, but he's got great stuff and has proven some consistency at the big-league level.

I really like Sadler, and think he is one of the better arms in the mix to emerge sometime in '07. I like him ahead of Taschner, Munter, and even Hennessey. Sadler hasn't quite established he can keep the ball down consistently enough to be effective as a late-inning big leaguer, but he has certainly shown that his raw stuff is good enough. I like him as a middle man in '07, and a viable set-up man in '08.

by StickRat on Feb 22, 2007 7:58 PM EST reply actions

Walks

Walks have been the only thing holding Sadler back. I absolutely love the way the Giants have develped him. Kind of the exact opposite of David Aardsma. Sadler has consistently gotten the ball ever 2n'd or 3'rd day for 1-3 innings at a time. He's racked up about 80 innings each year, enough to hone his craft, but keeps the mileage fairly low on his arm. He somehow dramatically cut down on his walks about midseason last year and that's when he really took off. I'm really curious to know how he did that.

Anyway, Wilson is physically bigger, and has a couple more MPH on the heater so I rank him a hair higher. I put Wilson as my #10 Giants prospect in my Top 50 list and had Sadler at #11. I guess I sort of see Wilson as the future closer and Sadler as the future setup guy.

Agree with StickRat on Correia. Very underrated right now. I think he will make a huge contribution this year in some way.

by DrBGiantsfan on Feb 22, 2007 11:20 PM EST reply actions

Correia's comps

The PECOTA comps for Correia are interesting; Dave Stewart 1983, Bobby Thigpen 1990, and Dan Wheeler 2004. If not mistaken, those are three pre-breakout years. Hmmm. I guess he could end up a Trevor Hoffman-lite type pitcher, with softer stuff still being able to contribute at the back of the pen.

Jim Leyland:manager-Ty Cobb:player

by TigerFanInCleveland on Feb 23, 2007 7:19 AM EST reply actions