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Texas Rangers Top 20 Prospects in Review

Napoleon_tiny by John Sickels on

This list was originally posted November 24, 2007. THIS IS NOT A NEW LIST!! THIS IS A REVIEW OF THE OLD LIST!!!!!!!

1) Taylor Teagarden, C, Grade B+
      A disappointing .217/.331/.378 between Double-A and Triple-A this year, with excessive strikeouts the main problem. I have liked him a lot and still do, but I exepcted more.
2) Eric Hurley, RHP, Grade B+
      4.83 ERA with 74/30 K/BB in 82 innings between Double-A and Triple-A, 5.47 with 13/9 K/BB and five homers allowed in 25 major league innings. The fly ball tendency looks like it is going to be an issue.
3) Elvis Andrus, SS, Grade B+
     .285/.340/.359 with 47 steals for Double-A Frisco. Just 19 years old and in Double-A, so at this point the lack of power doesn't worry me too much given his other skills.
4) Chris Davis, 3B, Grade B+
     .333/.386/.643 between Double-A and Triple-A, .270/.310/.546 in the majors. Incredible power, so far the strikeouts have not hurt him.
5) Matt Harrison, LHP, Grade B+
      3.43 ERA withi 55/28 K/BB in 84 innings between Double-A and Triple-A. 7.07 ERA with 7/19 K/BB in 36 innings in the majors. Capable of better, but has to make the adjustments and get the components back in line.
6) Michael Main, RHP, Grade B
     2.61 ERA with 43/17 K/BB in 41 innings between AZL Rangers and Clinton in the Midwest League. Looks good right now.
7) John Mayberry Jr, OF, Grade B
     .270/.322/.478 for Triple-A Oklahoma. Has all the tools, shows flashes of skills but still pretty raw.  
8) Kasey Kiker, LHP, Grade B
     4.30 ERA with 90/29 K/BB in 103 innings for Class A Bakersfield, 110 hits allowed. Not bad for a 20 year old in the Cal League.
9) Max Ramirez, C, Grade B
     .354/.450/.646 for Double-A Frisco, .233/.313/.395 in 13 games for the Rangers. Looks like a terrific hitter, main problem is finding a defensive home.
10) German Duran, 2B, Grade B
      .225/.279/.363 for the Rangers. Capable of better, but has just 20 games of Triple-A under his belt.
11) Omar Poveda, RHP, Grade B
       5.05 ERA with 77/29 K/BB in 73 innings, 69 hits allowed for Bakersfield. Component ratios are better than the ERA; he's still a good prospect.
12) Neftali Feliz, RHP, Grade B-
       Massive breakthrough season, 2.52 ERA with 106/28 K/BB in 82 innings in the Midwest League, then 3.56 ERA and 35/17 K/BB in 30 innings after skipping High-A and moving to Double-A. One of the best pitching prospects in baseball.
13) Blake Beavan, RHP, Grade B-
      2.56 ERA with 61/17 K/BB in 106 innings for Clinton, 93 hits allowed. Good command, but strikeout rate is low and ground ball tendency may not be quite strong enough to overcome that. Still very young.
14) Brandon Boggs, OF, Grade C+
      .237/.335/.397 for the Rangers. He will do better with more experience and should/could have long career as a fourth outfielder.
15) Johnny Whittleman, 3B, Grade C+
       .265/.379/.403 for Bakersfield. Has drawn 81 walks, but power production has been disappointing.
16) Julio Borbon, OF, Grade C+
       .307/.347/.405 with 46 steals combined between Bakersfield and Frisco. Lacks plate discipline, but has doubles power to go with the speed.
17) Tommy Hunter, RHP, Grade C+
        3.56 ERA with 95/29 K/BB in 144 innings, 151 hits combined between A-ball, Double-A, and Triple-A. Has been crushed in three major league starts, but given meteoric rise this is not unexpected.
18) Armando Galarraga, RHP, Grade C+
      Traded to Tigers, 11-4, 3.11 with a 92/44 K/BB in 133 innings, 109 hits allowed in the majors, much better than expected.
19) Neil Ramirez, RHP, Grade C+
       3.38 ERA with 35/18 K/BB in 29 innings for Spokane in the Northwest League. Good K/IP, needs better command.
20) Brennan Garr, RHP, Grade C+
       3.40 ERA with 52/24 K/BB in 42 innings for Frisco. Command needs sharpening, but still on line to provide bullpen help eventually.

The development of Feliz is terrific, of course. I'm very worried now about Hurley's gopher problems. He might need another organization. Mayberry could languish but still has a great tool set and shows flashes of the skills needed to make it work. There have been some guys jumped ahead of schedule to the majors, but overall I think the Rangers have a bright future.

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Where was Engel?

Why was Engel Beltre not on your list John? I have a hard time to believe he wasn’t ranked higher then Garr, or Neil Ramirez.

"When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in confederacy against him."
-Jonathan Swift

by King Billy Royal on Aug 19, 2008 10:44 AM EDT   0 recs

beltre

Oh, I should have put him on there. He was a Grade C in the book, a grade for which I took much flak….but I thought people were really overreacting to Boston and Texas propaganda about how great he would be. He looked like another raw tools guy with strike zone problems to me.

by John Sickels on Aug 19, 2008 11:03 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I'm sorry

But have you changed your mind or do you still think that people are overrating him?

www.loftylantern.com

by OldProspects on Aug 19, 2008 11:38 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

dunno

I’d move him to C+ right now. Need to see more scouting reports and final numbers before higher than that, could be a B-. I think the future superstar talk is still overblown.

by John Sickels on Aug 19, 2008 2:52 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

who's a better prospect...

Beltre or Villalona?

to me, abortion is not a religious issue, it's a common sense one...

by Longhorn on Aug 19, 2008 3:32 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Villalona

Higher offensive upside, younger.

Pretty clearly the first time he has ever looked at a web site. "And there are readers' comments at the bottom! And advertisements for products! And best of all, I won a free iPod!"
-Ken Tremendous on Mike Downey.

by BudLight on Aug 19, 2008 3:34 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

offensive upside? More than Beltre? How?

And he’s just 9 months younger than Beltre…really not that big of a difference.

to me, abortion is not a religious issue, it's a common sense one...

by Longhorn on Aug 19, 2008 3:58 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

At this point, more projectable power

Some of it due to physical build, some to natural swing.

Pretty clearly the first time he has ever looked at a web site. "And there are readers' comments at the bottom! And advertisements for products! And best of all, I won a free iPod!"
-Ken Tremendous on Mike Downey.

by BudLight on Aug 19, 2008 9:37 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Derek Holland

I realize the point of these posts is to review the top 20 from the beginning of the year, but just curious what John’s thoughts may be on Derek Holland. He followed up his debut in AA with another solid outing last night. Is this kid for real after only being a draft-and-follow?

by goose102977 on Aug 19, 2008 10:49 AM EDT   0 recs

Hopefully John will comment

…but those of us who have seen him think he’s definitely for real, probably the second best pitching prospect in this system behind Feliz right now (and that might even be closer than one would think). Really good fastball and he’s obviously handled the promotions well.

Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return

by zywica on Aug 19, 2008 12:33 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Holland

IMO, Holland is and will be better than bullpen bound Feliz.

Now raise your goblet of rock. It's a toast to those who rock!

by Dewey Finn on Aug 19, 2008 1:57 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Why?

www.loftylantern.com

by OldProspects on Aug 19, 2008 2:18 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Feliz

Feliz reminds me of Jake McGee (who I always thought was overrated), a kid who gets by with a strong fastball, but not much by way of secondary offerings.

Holland has a wider arsenal of pitches, and can touch 96-97 with his heater.

Now raise your goblet of rock. It's a toast to those who rock!

by Dewey Finn on Aug 19, 2008 2:34 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Feliz's fastball is better than strong

He repeatedly hits triple digits. That’s a rung over McGee, is it not?
His secondary stuff Isn’t great, but he hasn’t really been developing it much to this point. Reports are that he’s been working on that lately. There’s still a lot of room for improvement there.
In addition, the throwing motion he employs has been dubbed ‘Smooth’ too many times for me to feel comfortable relegating him to the bullpen. When you have a potential ace starter, you do everything you can to grow him into that role.

Pretty clearly the first time he has ever looked at a web site. "And there are readers' comments at the bottom! And advertisements for products! And best of all, I won a free iPod!"
-Ken Tremendous on Mike Downey.

by BudLight on Aug 19, 2008 3:05 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Comps

Holland:

High end upside – Scott Kazmir
Low end upside – Jon Lester

Feliz:

High end upside – Joel Zumaya
Loe end upside – Kyle Farnsworth

Until Feliz can prove he has more than just a fastball, I see him as a reliever.

Now raise your goblet of rock. It's a toast to those who rock!

by Dewey Finn on Aug 19, 2008 8:20 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

LOL

Low end upside of Jon Lester?

by aCone419 on Aug 19, 2008 8:29 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Bingo

Holland is THAT good, seriously.

Now raise your goblet of rock. It's a toast to those who rock!

by Dewey Finn on Aug 19, 2008 8:49 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

+1

I’m considering +1’ing myself too.

Rowdy Hardy Fan Club member.

by doublestix on Aug 20, 2008 12:41 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

From Kevin Goldstein chat...

Sam (Arlington): How long will Derek Holland continue to fly under the radar? The kid has been filthy in AA.

Kevin Goldstein: Based on the number of Holland questions in the queue, I don’t think he’s flying under any radar. The thing about Holland that is most exciting is that this really doesn’t look like a fluke at all, all of the scouting reports are as eye-popping as the stats, including a fastball that’s been touching 97.

Now raise your goblet of rock. It's a toast to those who rock!

by Dewey Finn on Aug 20, 2008 1:19 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

LOL

I’m not LOLing that you think he is a good prospect. I’m LOLing your expectations.

LOL

by aCone419 on Aug 20, 2008 9:40 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

feliz

high end zumaya?

you think hes stuck in the pen…at age 19?

Every pitch thrown to Josh Hamilton is recorded as an E1. -- clark

by knockoutking on Aug 19, 2008 9:34 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Yes

Until Feliz shows me something other than a fastball, I dont see him succeeding as a starter at the major league level. The fastball is the easiest pitch to hit, especially when the batter knows the pitcher has nothing else in his bag of tricks.

Now raise your goblet of rock. It's a toast to those who rock!

by Dewey Finn on Aug 19, 2008 10:39 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

This would be a good diary

or fanpost, or whatever the hell they’re calling it now. You’ve convinced me to be more wary of Feliz, though I’m not nearly as cynical as you on him, but I’m less convinced about Holland (which is ironic because I own him in a league, and not Feliz). I think he’s a strong prospect, but not yet an elite one. I’d want to hear other people’s opinions and comments, though

www.loftylantern.com

by OldProspects on Aug 20, 2008 12:04 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Well...

I accept that I am perhaps overly critical of Feliz. He does indeed have a special arm that doesn’t grow on trees. I just think the labels of ‘elite prospect’ or ‘potential ace’ are premature. I’ve seen more flamethrowers become relievers than starters, that’s all. If Feliz can develope a second above average pitch, I would definitely be convinced that he has a shot to be an effective starter. At this point, that hasn’t occurred, and until it does, we shoud limit our expectations of Feliz.

As for Holland, he has only 1 plus pitch at the moment (mid 90s heater), however, his other pitches (slider, curve, change) have shown above average potential, but just require more consistency.

Now raise your goblet of rock. It's a toast to those who rock!

by Dewey Finn on Aug 20, 2008 8:27 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

never seen Feliz pitch have you???

or if you have it was probably in A ball when he didnt have to throw any secondary pitches, but in AA they’re making him throw a lot more offspeed pitches….he’s already throwing a curve and change that have huge potential he just needs to consistently control them….and since he’s 19 and in AA and those pitches are as far along as they are….I’d bet on them both being atleast above-average pitches when he reaches the bigs…..maybe people that have seen him pitch are more excited about him……not saying you havent but im pretty damn sure you haven’t atleast in Frisco….

by slash on Sep 18, 2008 5:21 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

i've seen his secondary pitches

and when he’s on, he has a damn good curve and killer change….he just needs to be more consistent with them and that will come…but the game i saw, he was spot on…..

by slash on Sep 18, 2008 5:15 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

oh and not saying his curve and change

are both strikeout pitches in the MLB right now lol just saying, the game where is saw him throwing them, at 19 in AA….they have huge potential and I’m happy with where he’s at in his development…..eccspecially since he skipped a whole level….as a prospect if he reaches his potential…he’s an ace, not a closer.

by slash on Sep 18, 2008 5:26 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Actually

Holland reminds me of McGee. His secondary stuff isn’t that far ahead of Feliz.

Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return

by zywica on Aug 19, 2008 3:19 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

nah

The only similarities between Holland and McGee is that they are both white and left-handed.

McGee was a one trick pony.

Holland has a quality slider, curve, and change. They are a little inconsistent, but very effective at complimenting his mid 90s heater. Holland has 4 quality pitches. Feliz has one.

Now raise your goblet of rock. It's a toast to those who rock!

by Dewey Finn on Aug 19, 2008 8:55 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Holland has 4, Feliz 1

is a gross oversimplification. Both have much work to do on their secondary pitches, both at this point seem likely to have decent secondary stuff eventually. Since Frisco is so close to Arlington a lot of Ranger fans have been able to catch their starts and see this in person. Few are saying either is a one trick pony.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 19, 2008 9:09 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

IMO

Although both kids have plenty of development left, Holland is FAR ahead of Feliz.

Holland is a pitcher, Feliz is a chucker.

Now raise your goblet of rock. It's a toast to those who rock!

by Dewey Finn on Aug 19, 2008 10:43 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

5ip?

Thats as far as he went? Wow.

he case against him becoming a starter just got stronger.

Now raise your goblet of rock. It's a toast to those who rock!

by Dewey Finn on Aug 20, 2008 12:03 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

typo

The case….

Now raise your goblet of rock. It's a toast to those who rock!

by Dewey Finn on Aug 20, 2008 12:03 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I don't remember the last time

I saw someone downplay a no-hit performance.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 20, 2008 12:54 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

60 pitch count?

If that is really is his pitch count there is cause for alarm. Kershaw is 20 and is allowed to go 100 in the majors. There is a difference between protecting an arm and training an arm to be unable to go deep into the games. That is what I fear is going to happen hear. I really think the Zumaya comp will be accurate in many different ways.

"When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in confederacy against him."
-Jonathan Swift

by King Billy Royal on Aug 20, 2008 12:56 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

It's all about how many pitches you want to increase a guy year-to-year

Feliz has never thrown many innings in a season, so they’re easing him into it rather gradually.

He’s never been a full time starter or even played in a full-season league before this year.

The 40 Trumps All!!!

by thedirkatron on Aug 20, 2008 2:27 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Or more likely

Kershaw has been rushed. Considering the Dodgers management Im going with that one.

Many organizations feel 20 years old is too young to push a young arm. In two years he’s past the injury nexus, his body is fully developed and he’s less likely to break down. Smart management if you ask me.

Id be worried about Kershaw, but I already was. Then again, I fear for every Dodgers prospect…

by alskor on Aug 20, 2008 4:53 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Dodgers or Rangers

I am pretty sure the Dodgers have a MUCH better track record of developing pitchers. Keeping Kershaw in the minors when he can be VERY succesful in the majors makes zero sense for a team, and will do little more then stunt his development. I think Feliz will be a good pitcher but like Zumaya and probably Jake McGee, he will have to move to the pen due to his lack of secondary pitches.

"When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in confederacy against him."
-Jonathan Swift

by King Billy Royal on Aug 20, 2008 9:45 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

track record

What young starting pitchers have the Dodgers developed recently and that have stuck in the big leagues other than Billingsley? Kershaw just got there, but as aslkor demonstrates above, it’s arguable as to whether or not he SHOULD be there.

How did Greg Miller turn out? Broxton went to the bullpen. Edwin Jackson is just now starting to turn things around in Tampa Bay.

Seriously, where’s this “track record” of which you speak? The Rangers recently have developed Danks, Volquez, Galarraga, and a ton of pitching prospects in the minors. Is there really any major (i.e. to be used as an argument) difference in track records here?

by naropean on Aug 20, 2008 10:12 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

So the Dodgers don't get Credit for Jackson...

But you give credit for Danks, Volquez, and Gallarga? You can’t have it both ways my friend.

The Dodgers have developed Billz, Kershaw, Broxton, Hong-Chih Kuo, Eric Gagne, Chan Ho Park (hmmmm…..what happened after he went to the Rangers). These are just guys off the top of my head. Name me ONE starter who had more then TWO good years of success for the Rangers after being drafted by Rangers in the last 10 years and I will be very suprised. I am not saying the Dodgers are perfect at developing young arms (nobody is) but it is OBVIOUS that they do a much better job then the Rangers.

"When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in confederacy against him."
-Jonathan Swift

by King Billy Royal on Aug 20, 2008 10:27 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

fine

For the record, I didn’t give credit to the Dodgers for Jackson because he’s just now starting to become a decent starter, and he’s been with Tampa Bay for the past 3 seasons. Galarraga and Volquez were with Texas just last year. The Danks point, I won’t argue too much, although he is EXCELLING in just his 2nd season away from Texas.

I had asked you for starters developed recently by the Dodgers, and all you could give me were relievers, Billingsley, Kershaw (who should arguably still be in the minors), and CHAN HO PARK? CHoP is definitely not a recently developed starter. Hell, if you wanted to go that far back, we’ll throw out Kevin Brown and Kenny Rogers. But we’re not talking about a long time ago. I’m trying to talk about recent development.

Even if I give you Billingsley, Kershaw, and Jackson, there isn’t that great of a difference in terms of quality development from Danks, Volquez, and Galarraga. And if you look at the minors, the Rangers’ quality of pitching prospects far outweighs the Dodgers’ current pitching prospects.

Chris Young is pretty much the only starter the Rangers developed that has had had two good years with the team. But then he was traded. We can develop pitchers; we just can’t keep them.

by naropean on Aug 20, 2008 10:55 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I am not asking for Jackson..

First off Chris Young had 1 good year for the Rangers. If you consider his 7 game rookie line ‘good’ then your expectations are incredibly low.

Secondly, I am saying you can’t take credit for guys who had no success WITH the Rangers just like the Dodgers shouldn’t get credit for Jackson.

Thirdly, in the last four years the Dodgers have developed 2 great starters in Kershaw and Billz and 2 good relievers in Broxton and Kuo. Why have they not developed more starters? Because they have Penny, Lowe, Kuroda and other veteran starters at the beginning of the season. The fact that the Rangers pitchers had to LEAVE to reach their success after all performing poorly in Texas should tell you something about their potential to develop pitching.

Find me 5 teams who have developed 4 pitchers as good as the Dodgers mentioned over the last 3 seasons and I will be very surprised.

"When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in confederacy against him."
-Jonathan Swift

by King Billy Royal on Aug 20, 2008 11:05 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

you win

I wanted to make a point about track records only mattering as far back as the GM goes, and we are only now seeing results from Jon Daniels’ tenure at the helm…and it’s coming with a lot of pitching prospects.

It’s easy to get caught up in these types of narrow debates, isn’t it?

by naropean on Aug 20, 2008 11:22 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Very true

I am glad that we were both able to refrain from any personal insults that typically clutter the board. It is nice to have a discussion based more on facts that whoever has the most clever insult.

"When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in confederacy against him."
-Jonathan Swift

by King Billy Royal on Aug 20, 2008 2:49 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

ahh eric gagne

what a career as a starter that guy had. nobody will ever remember him in the bullpen

Every pitch thrown to Josh Hamilton is recorded as an E1. -- clark

by knockoutking on Aug 20, 2008 1:06 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Ummm...

I was referring to developing relievers as well.

"When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in confederacy against him."
-Jonathan Swift

by King Billy Royal on Aug 20, 2008 1:09 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Texas has a inninglimit they want him to achieve, but also

wants him to pitch in the playoffs in at the end of minor league season for AA Frisco. Hes going to be on this pitch count just to make sure that he gets to do both things.

They will let him go till tired once the playoff start. Its just a precautionary thing to make sure he doesn’t hurt himself. People forget that this was his first full season at full season ball, and has went from Low A to AA.

by laxtonto on Aug 20, 2008 8:11 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

He's got an arm of gold

Can you blame the Rangers for being cautious?

Pretty clearly the first time he has ever looked at a web site. "And there are readers' comments at the bottom! And advertisements for products! And best of all, I won a free iPod!"
-Ken Tremendous on Mike Downey.

by BudLight on Aug 20, 2008 12:18 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

It's tricky...

A couple of arguments can be made.

1. As you have stated, they are protecting the kid’s arm from wear and tear.

2. Babying the arm prevents the building arm strength (Mazzone school of thought).

Now raise your goblet of rock. It's a toast to those who rock!

by Dewey Finn on Aug 20, 2008 8:31 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

you're right

The Rangers should hire Dusty Baker away from Cincinnati just so he can knock some sense into the way we develop pitchers. Because if Feliz is going to have low inning totals per year, it should be because of injuries, not because the Rangers are babying his arm.

by naropean on Aug 20, 2008 10:16 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Mazzone

Mazzone’s beliefs don’t injure arms, he tends to get much greater success and health from his starters. In the book “The Baseball Economist”, the writer examines how Mazzone’s staffs compared to others during the time period and his results were off the charts. It is important to note that this was even after subtracting Smoltz, Glavine, and Maddux from his research so people couldn’t just give the credit to his 3 aces.

Dewey is just pointing out that there is a difference of opinion between whether protecting an arm is beneficial or whether increased throwing improves arm strength. Personally, I think it is an individual question but I find it hard to disagree with the success of Mazzone in keeping starters healthy. Heck how many other pitching coaches have had 3 starters pitch over 20 years in the majors?

"When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in confederacy against him."
-Jonathan Swift

by King Billy Royal on Aug 20, 2008 10:32 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

-1

For trying to use a Dusty Baker reference to get support for your argument. Stating Dusty Baker in a post is pretty much like a politician bringing up lower taxes, and 911 in an effort to get a cheap reaction from the crowd. Using the Baker name is like Mick Foley strutting out to the crowd and stating the name of the city he is in to get a cheap pop from the audeince. Boo urns on the uncalled for Baker reference.

"When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in confederacy against him."
-Jonathan Swift

by King Billy Royal on Aug 20, 2008 10:40 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

fair enough

I was being snarky, and that is no way to build an argument. But Feliz’s high for innings prior to this year was 42.1. He now sits at 117.1 IP, and the team is playoff bound. He’s likely to more than triple his previous IP count. For a 20 year-old who is not build like a horse, I don’t think it’s unreasonable at all to play it safe with that great arm of his. I certainly wouldn’t calling it “babying” his arm at all.

Given the Rangers’ lack of success with young pitchers in the John Hart era, I think Jon Daniels wants to play it as safe as possible, or else risking an injury to the brightest pitching prospect they’ve had in a long time.

by naropean on Aug 20, 2008 11:03 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

You're so confident

you must be right!

Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return

by zywica on Aug 20, 2008 12:30 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Dewey

only has one pitch.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 20, 2008 12:53 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I do...

and it’s a plus plus pitch (100 on the 20-80 scale).

I call it the ‘spanker’.

Now raise your goblet of rock. It's a toast to those who rock!

by Dewey Finn on Aug 20, 2008 8:12 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I love

me some Holland. Seriously, he’s a baller and he’s left handed…

by blalock84 on Aug 19, 2008 5:56 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

great reasoning.

sounds like hurleyhurler

Every pitch thrown to Josh Hamilton is recorded as an E1. -- clark

by knockoutking on Aug 19, 2008 6:01 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Teagarden

had a .411 BABIP last year. Isn’t this just regression to the mean?

I’m not really big on Andrus. He’s playing in a hitters’ league, and his lack of power is a damning indictment of other prospects like Tabata.

by number_twentyone on Aug 19, 2008 10:54 AM EDT   0 recs

andrus

look at his stats since he got hurt. hes hitting for a MUCH higher BA since then.

Every pitch thrown to Josh Hamilton is recorded as an E1. -- clark

by knockoutking on Aug 19, 2008 11:28 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

power

Andrus is never going to be more than a 15 HR guy in the majors, but power just isn’t his game. He makes contact, hits for average, and wreaks havoc on the basepaths. So I disagree when you say his lack of power is a damning indictment of anything. Besides, power is one of the last skills to develop, and Elvis is still 19.

by naropean on Aug 19, 2008 11:40 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

+1

I have been an Andrus critic for a year or two now, but he has really impressed me this year. When you grab international shortstops I think you are hoping they become either Miguel Tejada or Rafael Furcal. Power or speed. I don’t think any organization would complain about the lack of power if you have speed. Andrus just looks more like a lead-off hitter than a 3-hitter right now. Nothing wrong with that.

"My mom always taught me it's better to laugh at yourself than to laugh at others. She was so wrong. ;)" -Pedrophile

by Boxkutter on Aug 19, 2008 12:14 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Also

to say that lack of power should “damn” Andrus the same way it does a Tabata isn’t a very good point. Andrus is a premium defensive shortstop. Tabata is a bat-only left fielder. BIG difference in how much power those two need to develop to be a quality player.

But most important is what you mentioned about him being 19 and in AA.

Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return

by zywica on Aug 19, 2008 12:27 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

not so fast...

I have gotten to watch this kid most of the games he has played in Corpus Christi this season and his defense is ok. Manzella (now with RR) set a pretty high standard for SS’s here.

Now on the basepaths…flat scary.

Allen Wahlström
CC, Texas

by FFWally on Aug 19, 2008 1:23 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Defense

I think Andrus is young and tries to do too much occasionally on defense. He’ll grow up and be fine, there. You have to be impressed with how he’s matured as a hitter month to month this season. The defense will take more time but I’m not worried about it.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 19, 2008 2:46 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs