the next ..

by god allah star on Mar 31, 2008 11:24 PM EDT Comment 19 comments

to me, one of the most intriguing and engaging parts of following prospects is the comps.

some people are better at it than others,
and some players just dont have good comps.

but it's fun nonetheless.

feel free to post comparisons you've read or heard,
or just make some up.

Billy Butler is a mix of Todd Helton and Edgar Martinez.

Prince Fielder is the next Frank Thomas,
with a little Cecil thrown in.

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Prince

Don't think I'd ever compare him to Frank. They are both huge, sure. But Prince seems to try and hit for more power. Frank had a more level stroke that led to a very high average, great OBP, and just destroyed top pitchers.

Prince seems to be more uppercut, more K prone, and more of a mistake hitter. Maybe he will improve. But guys that can destroy pitchers pitches and force pitchers to pitch around them are gold. Look at Papi and Manny.

by pedrophile on Apr 1, 2008 1:04 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Prince

I dunno, man.

Prince could still make some big strides, he's only 23.
last year post-all star break he had an even 1-1 bb-k ratio

I really think he could be similar to Frank Thomas.

I definitely understand the skepticism, though.

by god allah star on Apr 1, 2008 7:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

billy is manram...

they're both very intelligent hitters. they both have line drive swings that result in good but not great power, and they both are useless defensively.

by billybeingbilly on Apr 1, 2008 2:00 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

on what planet...

....does Manny Ramirez have "good but not great power"?

by bleedjaxblue on Apr 1, 2008 3:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

On what planet....

is Billy Butler anywhere close to manny ramirez lol. You cant say guys are intelligent so they compare favorably - manny ramirez is one of the best hitters of all time.

by jsmall404 on Apr 1, 2008 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh...

and looking at their minor league numbers which is the only way to compare them, they are very similar...with billy having a pretty significant edge in batting average, similar obp and similar power numbers with manny having a slight edge...but continue to attack away if you feel it appropriate

by billybeingbilly on Apr 1, 2008 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

meaning...

he's never been a 'home run' hitter. he's been a great hitter who hits almost every ball hard, which results in lots of balls going out of the park. mcgwire, howard, fielder, thome, etc are pure home run hitters. manny's career high is 45 homers...thats not that spectacular for the time period in which he played

by billybeingbilly on Apr 1, 2008 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

dude

45 homers is a damn lot in any era. for instance, in the year he hit 45, he was 3rd in the league (behind ARod's 48 and Ortiz's 47).

he has 491 career home runs as i write this. nobody in the 500 home run club -- regardless of era -- should be referred to as having "good but not great power." if that's your standard of "great," then NO prospects should be expected to live up to it. absolutely none.

by bleedjaxblue on Apr 2, 2008 6:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

butler

his body and swing reminded me a lot of carlos lee.

by FRANCHISEv2 on Apr 1, 2008 2:44 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

i like this comp

i definitely agree that the aesthetic is similar

by bleedjaxblue on Apr 1, 2008 3:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Comps

I really dislike Comps for the most part. It muddies up the scouting and information process. Its very easy to say, oh well Carlos Gomez is the next Alex Rios.

Yes, they have some similar qualities, Arm Strength, OFers, Size, body type. But they don't play anywhere close to the same type of baseball.

When your making a comparison is it based on statical evidence or an actual comparable player?

Price Fielder... 300 Pounds(+?) lefty huge power. Great Athelete I'm not sure I can think of one that could match him. Willie McCovey(a lot smaller in weight, slightly less power and ks)?? I'm not sure that that its a bad statical comp, but are the two players comparable? I don't think so.

Billy Butler- I think Edgar fits in someways and not others. I think Butler Could have Albert Belle Potential though. Who knows?

I think we should let Price Fielder be Price Fielder and like wise for Billy Butler. Lets analyze how they play and what makes them great. Not what makes them like someone who's career is already over.

I can tell you on thing justin, Price would be an awfully big cookie

Remember: baseball guys... baseball...

by Metty5 on Apr 1, 2008 7:59 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

haha

prince is one big cooky.
one of those birthday cake replacement jawns.

one of the reasons i do like comparisons is so i can relay a general opinion on a player, to someone who may not follow prospects.

by god allah star on Apr 1, 2008 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

RE

Billy Butler is a mix between Edgar martinez and Todd Helton??? LOL Helton and Martinez are 2 of the best contact hitters of their generation...

by jsmall404 on Apr 1, 2008 12:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

RE

and Billy Butler doesn't have that similar ceiling?

you're so abrasive.
go play.
it's nice outside.

by god allah star on Apr 1, 2008 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No it isn't

It might be around 60 here, but it's overcast and I think we might still get some more rain later. (hmph)

"...and the only things I've found better than listening to Vin Scully are listening to Keith Jackson and uncut cocaine." (bleedjaxblue)

by drjayphd on Apr 1, 2008 5:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The next...

James Loney - Todd Helton; forget the complications in complexion, both are high average hitter types and a smooth defenders at first base. Loney looks to hit for power in his prime, like Helton did at one point.

Carlos Gomez - Brian L. Hunter; Hunter wasn't a complete flop, but a guy who was all about speed and trying to hit the ball. Hunter's numbers weren't at all great, but he was decent at times and not much more.

by BBFan1 on Apr 1, 2008 6:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs