rate these pitchers

by melt12 on Feb 26, 2007 9:34 AM EST

Looking to get some feedback on how people would rate or rank these pitchers. If you think that a guy or 2 is head and shoulders better than the others(or worse)then that would be of great help also. Brian Wilson (SF), Carlos Martinez(FL), Juan Salas(TB), Nick Masset(CHA), Charlie Haeger(CHA), Logan Kensing(FL)...........while I'm at it, any takes on these potential starting pitchers, Angel Guzman, Jason Hammel, and Eveland. I know there was a thread on Eveland here...how does he rate with Guzman or Hammel? Anyone still high on these 3 SP's?

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Salas

Looks like a future closer and is a very nice reliever.

by was385 on Feb 26, 2007 10:55 AM EST reply actions

Wilson and Salas

I will give my opinion on Brian Wilson and Juan Salas because I'm looking at them for my upcoming draft.

I like both pitchers and I think they both could someday be ML closers, they might even get a few chances in 2007.

Salas has pitched very well since converting to pitching. He didn't give up any runs in Double-A and barely gave up any runs in Triple-A. He didn't look great in a short ML stint.

Wilson pitched great in 2005 and like John said he might have been rushed a bit. I saw him pitch a couple times with the Giants and sometimes he looked good and sometimes he looked bad.

I think both pitchers will win bullpen jobs. If I had to pick one I like, it would be Salas because I think he has a better fastball. I also think he might be able to get get saves sooner because the D'Rays don't really have a closer. I've never been a Seth McClung guy.

by The Scout on Feb 26, 2007 11:00 AM EST reply actions

Giants fan's opinion

I don't believe the Giants are going to bring Benitez north, which leaves Wilson as the most likely closer. They've got Robb Nen working with him every day.

If you're going to speculate, I'd go in his direction.

by 3Com Park on Feb 26, 2007 11:03 AM EST reply actions

closer for Giants

How can you guys talk about future Giants closers and not mention Brian Anderson? His numbers have been nothing short of spectacular and had more saves than anyone else in the minors last year.

IMO, he is the future in the 9th for SF. If Wilson gets in there, it's just to keep it warm for him.

by tweeener on Feb 26, 2007 5:18 PM EST up reply actions

Nice to hear

That's what I love about these boards.

If that's the case I will move Wilson up my draft board. I have a few friends that are Giants fans and they told me they think Benitez is going to be ready to go. This was a few weeks ago though and they also see the world through black and orange sunglasses.

Hey, since you're a Giants fan, tell what you think of Cain this year. What kind of season do you predict?

Thanks

by The Scout on Feb 26, 2007 11:16 AM EST reply actions

Why not Sadler?

I know I just posted a diary on this a week ago, but the question still remains why Wilson is the "closer to be" when Sadler and Correia both could fill the role too. I didn't think Wilson's stats were that much more impressive, but granted I've never seen him pitch either. I'm looking for the Giants fans to chime in on that - thoughts?

Jim Leyland:manager-Ty Cobb:player

by TigerFanInCleveland on Feb 26, 2007 12:09 PM EST reply actions

With closers

it doesn't always boil down to pure statistics to identify who the closer should be.

You have to look at a guys mental makeup and determine if he has the stuff to perform ably under serious pressure.

You have to look at what the guy brings to the table. Most closers bring some serious gas, and they almost always have a plus secondary pitch that they can mix it up with. There are guys like Hoffman and Foulke who have performed without 100MPH heat, but those two guys have amazing changeups.

Just looking at one part of the equation can lead to disaster. For example, Ambiorix Burgos had the gas, but the makeup just isn't there and he was consistently inconsistent as a closer. Another guy who I have never really been impressed with as a closer is Octavio Dotel, I think he deserves the shot he is getting now, but the guy was absolute nails in the 8th before Wagner, but struggled as a closer and I think that could be in part to mental makeup.

Thoughts?

by wildthang on Feb 26, 2007 8:08 PM EST up reply actions

Wilson

Wilson's fastball is about 3-4 MPH faster than either Sadler or Correia. He's also bigger physically. I think that's why some people are projecting him as a more likely future closer than Sadler or Correia.

I wouldn't count Benitez out quite yet, though. Early reports are that he looks to be in somewhat better shape than the last two years and does not seem to be favoring anything when he's walking around. Throwing good so far.

by DrBGiantsfan on Feb 26, 2007 1:09 PM EST reply actions

Guzman

Guzman - I think he is going to find it. He has got some really good stuff. He k'd 60 batters in 56 innings. His walk rate and hits were on the high side but this was his first 56 major league innings. I really think he is going to end up being a surprise this year in the Cubs rotation.

by slickwdb on Feb 26, 2007 2:25 PM EST reply actions

Don't give up yet

I still like Eveland. You just can't ignore his AAA stats, and if Arizona can get him to overcome his tendency to nibble in the bigs, I think a lefty power pitcher is still a good bet, even in the BOB. Excellent late round flyer.

Since no one else has chimed in on Masset, I guess I will. Very good fastball and curve, inconsistent in his ability to locate them or his other stuff. The move to the bullpen helped him stay healthy and avoid the big inning, and he'll get a shot in Chicago to be a part of that bullpen. I'd expect good K numbers, an average ERA, and a below average WHIP. Personally, I'd rank him above Kensing, and below Wilson, as far as the RPs go. I am not familiar enough with Salas and Martinez (beyond the usual suspect prospect handbooks) to comment there on what to expect.

I like Hammel okay, but he pitched himself into question mark status last year. A buddy of mine who follows the D-Rays more closely says he's a favorite for a rotation spot, and looks good this spring, so take that for whatever it's worth from a homer (yes, D-Rays fans do exist). I don't see him as a winning guy myself, especially given Tampa's somewhat poor track record developing homegrown starters. I like Eveland better. As for Guzman, I think he's behind a number of other, better and/or more expensive candidates to make the Cubs rotation. I just think he's buried in Chicago, and I don't know if he'll move to the pen or keep bouncing back and forth from the minors. Although I have to admit looking at the present big league staff, there should be plenty of injury-related opportunities for young Cubbies. Anyway, if you're looking for immediate impact, I'd go Hammel, Guzman, Eveland. If you're looking at long-term upside, I'd flip it around the opposite way, or maybe put Hammel 2nd and Guzman 3rd. Not sure.

by morellyn on Feb 27, 2007 2:12 PM EST reply actions