Michael Main

by fewgoodcards on Jun 27, 2007 2:56 PM EDT

The Rangers' second first round pick Michael Main is making his pro debut today, but its not as a pitcher. He is in the lineup for the AZL Rangers as the DH and is 0-1 with a RBI so far. He was considered to be a possible 5 tool centerfield prospect by some, and it is interesting to see what he could do DHing a game or two in between starts, but how long do you think this will last? Is it a good idea?

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SP

Will he be pitching at all? Maybe this is a good way to keep him in shape and involved but not overwork his arm?

by cooper7d7 on Jun 27, 2007 2:51 PM EDT reply actions

Re:

I like the idea, and I don't see any harm in letting him hit in SS ball. There's really no reason to tax his arm this season after his senior season and previous shoulder injuries.

How awesome would it be to see Texas keep him as a true two-way prospect?

by Bowser on Jun 27, 2007 2:54 PM EDT reply actions

Response

I liked him a bit more as a OF prospect, actually. As a pitcher, he looks like a late-inning guy to me.

by mrkupe on Jun 27, 2007 3:05 PM EDT reply actions

just picked up his first hit

he is now 1-2 with 2 RBIs

by fewgoodcards on Jun 27, 2007 3:09 PM EDT reply actions

What have they got lose?

Keep him as an RP this season to keep the innings down, and have him hit in 1/2 the games. This postpones any firm decision until next year, when they've had a chance to get to know him a little better / see him a little more.

by siddfynch on Jun 27, 2007 4:22 PM EDT reply actions

BA said

"Main, one of the best athletes available in the draft, was drafted as a righthander, but he told the Orlando Sentinel that while he will focus on pitching, he will do some hitting, at least in the short term."

by nms on Jun 27, 2007 4:45 PM EDT reply actions

Q & A

Would you still spend a high pick on Main now that it seems he will play both ways for a while?

by JD Sussman on Jun 27, 2007 7:01 PM EDT reply actions

why not?

look at what rick ankiel is doing right now. some guys are just that talented that they could do anything they want. ankiel showed that he could be a very good pitcher (at least for a year in the bigs) and he is about to make it back as a slugging outfielder. maybe michael main is the same type of athlete. if he wants to try out both ways for a while why not let him see what he can do? i see no problem letting him DH a few games in between starts.

by fewgoodcards on Jun 27, 2007 7:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Response

Sure . . .although I would've made him choose one or the other. If he wanted to be a two way player and keep his options open, he probably should've reconisdered going pro out of HS.

by mrkupe on Jun 27, 2007 7:57 PM EDT up reply actions

for 1.25 million would u reconsider?

by JD Sussman on Jun 27, 2007 8:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Response

Lots of guys want to go to college. Rick Porcello could've had probably 3 times that without much of a problem . . .but apparently UNC really does mean that much to him.

But you know, assuming he stays healthy, Porcello is probably going to make millions off of baseball in any case. It's not like he's fading from memory, and not even a subpar season or two would diminish his star significantly.

I see no reason why Main should think that he wouldn't remain a fine pro prospect if he were to go to school. In three years, he's still going to be a great athlete with a big time arm.

Wish John had done the "where would the high school 1st round prep class of three years ago have gone in the draft?" thing that he did last year for this year's draft.

by mrkupe on Jun 27, 2007 9:57 PM EDT up reply actions