If you had to cut 5 of these Minor Leaguers...

by Kenner's Corner on Jan 11, 2009 11:19 AM EST Comment 45 comments

Hello fellow baseball lovers,

I am having a real hard time trimming my Minor League roster. I am in a league with a roster limit of 50. 23 starters, the rest as reserves or Minor's. I currently have 27 minors, so I need to clear about 5 spots to make room for my reserves.

Most of these guys are B's according to John, which is why I am having such a hard time. Some are obvious keepers, but I wanted to list them all so you can see where I have depth.

I appreciate any and all input, and welcome expansions as to why...

Montero, Jesus C NYY

Ramos, Wilson C MIN

Santana, Carlos C CLE

Wieters, Matt C BAL

Carter, Chris C. 1B OAK

Dominguez, Matthew 3B FLA

Soto, Neftali 3B

Beckham, Gordon SS CHW

Frazier, Todd SS CIN

Allen, Brandon OF CHW

Borbon, Julio CF TEX

Brown, Dominic OF PHI

Burgess, Michael RF WAS

Jennings, Desmond OF TB

Kalish, Ryan OF BOS

Alderson, Timothy SP SF

Anderson, Brett SP OAK

Arrieta, Jake SP BAL

Barnese, Nick P TB

Betances, Dellin SP NYY

Cecil, Brett SP TOR

Duffy, Danny P KC

Heredia, Jairo P NYY

Hunt, Shooter P MIN

Latos, Matthew SP SD

Moore, Matthew P TB

Robertson, Tyler P MIN

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Need more info

What’s your ML roster look like?

I’d say for starters, cut at least one maybe two catchers…..Wieters is so clearly dominant at his position that the chance everyone else there will be blocked is quite high.

I don’t know much about Allen and Heredia, which makes me wonder if they are not the bottom feeders at those positions.

by siddfynch on Jan 11, 2009 11:34 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

The ML roster isn't that big of a factor...

We can keep up to 15 player each year(no minimum), and it is a $26 salary cap league, with contracts up to 4 years. So, I have alot of flexibility with drops, trades(I traded McCann a month ago to make room for Wieters) etc. to meet my needs. I rarely sign guys long term, the “Option” is our leagues best contract IMO. I realize with that many C, I should probably drop at least 1.

I am more or less looking for the 5 with the lowest ceiling. Wieters will be up this year, so I will sign him to 3 or 4 years, but figured a guy like Montero would be coming along shortly after that time or sooner. With C being such a shallow position, there is no such thing as to many.

"Yesterday Is History, Tomorrow Is A Mystery, Today Is A Gift...That's Why We Call It The Present." Master Oogway (Kung Foo Panda)

by Kenner's Corner on Jan 11, 2009 12:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

For sure

Robertson, Heredia, and Allen. The other 2 depend on your ML squad and how the league is set up.

by TCapone30 on Jan 11, 2009 11:40 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

Almost entirely.

Some of the ones I’d consider are Kalish, Jennings, Ramos (lots of catchers), and Barnese.

A noob or n00b is someone that lacks intellegance or common sense, most people think that noob is a word used only in the online gaming world, but in reality it is becoming an ever popular word with teenage society.

a noob could be simply a level 100 running round shouting ‘’WTF DO I GO!?’’ or someone calling someone else a noob and then getting hit with a brick, anyone can call anyone a noob, but normally they are noobs themselves
-robert_d_wilfong

by cwhitman412 on Jan 11, 2009 12:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

+1

Those 3 are the easy choices. Given the depth at C, Ramos is another easy choice.

As for the 5th guy, I’d probably go with Barnese. I wouldn’t argue with Duffy either, but I like his chances of being a decent #3 starter. There are plenty of other pitching prospects listed, and I like both Kalish and Jennings’ chances to bounce back quite nicely in 2009.

by guru4u on Jan 11, 2009 4:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Borbon, Ramos, Soto, Heredia, Allen

"Sometimes Joe (morgan) doesn't like facts to get in the way of his opinions."- billy beane
"That was a great pick...if this was 2002" Me, to guy who selected Barry Zito in a fantasy draft

by harendaman365 on Jan 11, 2009 12:08 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Borbon

I wouldn’t cut Borbon. He’s got a chance to make an impact this year with a decent AVG and possibly tons of SBs. Keep him.

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by Andy Seiler on Jan 11, 2009 3:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I Won't

Your right, he’s one of the ones closest to MLB ready.

"Yesterday Is History, Tomorrow Is A Mystery, Today Is A Gift...That's Why We Call It The Present." Master Oogway (Kung Foo Panda)

by Kenner's Corner on Jan 11, 2009 4:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Good Call

You’ve got yourself quite a list.

Mike Grouse Interview - Rangers' Midwest Cross Checker

by Andy Seiler on Jan 11, 2009 4:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i think it is clear

from everyone saying ramos, allen, heredia, robertson that the fact that I was going to say those only means that everyone agrees those 4 are the easy cuts, i wouldn’t be worried about those at all, the next one is going to be a tougher call, I think the list i would really think hard over would be:

Burgess-his Ks are very very high and he didn’t look like he will be able to hit for avg
Barnese- i just doubt his ultimate upside, though, he could be very serviceable, maybe even good, i just doubt his “greatness”
Jennings- many may say this is dumb, but i just don’t see it, he wouldn’t be one of my 5 though, i would cut burgess or barnese
Kalish- he probably was just hurt, but his numbers last season were a little underwhelming and he is still decently far off, but his upside is still very high
Frazier- he isn’t playing SS and I don’t know how special he will be anywhere else

by IHateMitchMustain on Jan 11, 2009 4:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

For some reason...

I Like Heredia…

I think the overwhelming dumps are Ramos, Robertson and Allen(even though, again, for some reason I like him).

I am also leaning toward Kalish, because in Boston he will probably bat 8th and never be a true star.

Frazier is more apt to be “servicable” as opposed to “impact”.

I’d like to see another season of Barnese and Jennings before passing judgement.

"Yesterday Is History, Tomorrow Is A Mystery, Today Is A Gift...That's Why We Call It The Present." Master Oogway (Kung Foo Panda)

by Kenner's Corner on Jan 11, 2009 6:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

No love for Heredia, huh...

"Yesterday Is History, Tomorrow Is A Mystery, Today Is A Gift...That's Why We Call It The Present." Master Oogway (Kung Foo Panda)

by Kenner's Corner on Jan 11, 2009 12:33 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

i'm quite high on heredia

i think he has a very nice upside considering his ARL

my 5 cuts (in no particular order) – ramos/frazier/kalish/borbon/robertson

by Wheelhouse on Jan 11, 2009 1:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

+1

--Pablo Zevallos of yankeesfuture.wordpress.com

by Pablo Zevallos on Jan 11, 2009 9:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Pitchers

I’d cut from among the last six names on your list, all pitchers. Of those six, I’d probably keep Latos since he appears to have the best stuff. I may be in the minority but I don’t like to invest in pitchers in long-term keeper leagues since the attrition rate is so high.

by FI2 on Jan 11, 2009 12:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Cuts

Tyler Robertson
Brandon Allen
Wilson Ramos
Ryan Kalish
Michael Burgess

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

by Dewey Finn on Jan 11, 2009 1:31 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Surprised with Burgess

John grades him at B+

"Yesterday Is History, Tomorrow Is A Mystery, Today Is A Gift...That's Why We Call It The Present." Master Oogway (Kung Foo Panda)

by Kenner's Corner on Jan 11, 2009 1:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

deep thoughts

you should be surprised, but is it because everyone is saying cut him or because one person rated him higher than he should be?

by IHateMitchMustain on Jan 11, 2009 4:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Good Point

But I kind of agree with John…some serious power in that kid!

"Yesterday Is History, Tomorrow Is A Mystery, Today Is A Gift...That's Why We Call It The Present." Master Oogway (Kung Foo Panda)

by Kenner's Corner on Jan 11, 2009 4:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

My 5

Ramos
Kalish
Latos
Allen

Frazier or Robertson depending on pitcher/hitter preference

The Dodgers won't win a playoff series until the Cool-a-Coo returns.

by mckeeno on Jan 11, 2009 1:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Allen, Robertson, Kalish, Soto, Heredia

probably in that order

by gogotabata on Jan 11, 2009 2:43 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

hello

my top 5 i’d cut

1. Robertson- really not looking like he has much upside at all

2. Barnese- Again just not looking like more than possible innings eater.

3. Duffy- average sp prospect at best so many better than him in the minors.

4. Allen- Looking like a bench player at best and is pretty old to get excited about his numbers.

5. between moore, heiredia, latos for pitchers. Then Borbon and Kalish could go for hitters but it does depend what the rest of your roster looks like. I peronally always go for hitting rather than pitching. If pressed i would say Moore should be your 5th cut.

by mark kl on Jan 11, 2009 2:48 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Moore and Barnese?

wow they’re both pretty high upside young SP in a system that has proven they can develop that kind of talent… I’m not sure which 5 I would cut yet but I would not cut those two

by foolintherain on Jan 11, 2009 7:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The Five... in order:

1. Allen – Not that great and you have plenty of others.
2. Heredia – Future RP I think, but not a closer.
3. Ramos – You are doing fine at catcher. Even if Montero moves to 1B, that’s fine since you only have one other.
4. Barnese – Won’t steal a rotation spot from all the Rays’ pitchers. Lowers his value.
5. Robertson or Moore – I think Moore will end up as an odd man out, like Barnese. And I am not sure Tyler is that good.

I don’t understand why people are calling for Soto and Burgess to be cut. Soto is still real young and has real power at 3B, I really like him. Same with Burgess in the OF. His only knock right now is his strikeouts, which is hurting his average. But if he can alleviate that problem in the next couple years he will be a very good player. Real power and he knows how to take a walk. Frazier is also a good guy to hold onto since he has a pretty good, and developing bat. Sure he likely won’t stay at SS, but if he can keep multiple positions in fantasy then he makes a great guy to keep on your bench in case of injury.

"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 Jan 11, 2009 6:43 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Remember...

Don’t just evaluate players on what you think they will do, but evaluate them on how others view them. So if you know someone in the league overvalues Jennings, Barnese, Burgess, Frazier, etc, then hold onto them and try to make a trade. Even if it is a 2 for 1 deal, if you were planning on dumping Barnese, why not use him as a toss in to get a trade done?

"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 Jan 11, 2009 7:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

my 5

Robertson- seems like the most obvious choice in the group
Ramos- he might be alright but with your depth there he’s expendable
Allen- another pretty obvious choice
Kalish- decent prospect but not an impact guy and will have a hard time getting playing time in Boston
Latos- never really believed in him

by foolintherain on Jan 11, 2009 7:14 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Borbon

I only saw one guy sending him packing, and depending on what type of league this is (if this is a typical fantasy league, then steals may be a reason to keep him around), but I think Borbon is a fourth OF all the way. His numbers were good, but put up in good hitters parks, and he was a little old, at least for the California League. I see him as the kind of guy that won’t hit the bigs until he’s 24, have an OBP around .320 and wind up wearing out his welcome, assuming that he gets the chance to start in the first place.

And I apparently like Allen more than most. Good power, good discipline and he’s improving.

Definitely ditch Robertson, Heredia, Ramos and probably Kalish.

by mac37203 on Jan 11, 2009 7:59 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Borbon

I don’t know why you think he won’t get his chance. He’ll be in center for the Rangers probably by the end of 2009. And you’re also talking about a guy that markedly improved while adjusting to AA pitching in his first full minor league season after almost no pro experience the year before. He’s the kind of hitter that has less problems adjusting to tougher pitching as he moves up. He might not drive balls much for the first couple years in the bigs, but he’ll be a good bit more productive than you think. He’s capable of taking walks, as evidenced by his AFL stint. He can do a lot of good things with the bat, and his range in center is good and improving as he learns to take better angles. The Rangers have every intention to give him plenty of shots.

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by Andy Seiler on Jan 11, 2009 8:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Borbon

To me, he is the PERFECT example of how fantasy and reality baseball differ. In reality, I agree with you. In an absolute perfect world, Borbon becomes the Marlins version of Juan Pierre, with his floor resembling the Dodgers version of Pierre or the Colorado version of Willy Taveras. Great speed, decent contact skills, but does not really know how to take a walk. But because the guy will rack up a ton of SBs and likely bat leadoff, he could easily post a .280/40 SB/100 Run season with a .320 OBP. Great for fantasy, not so good for reality.

by guru4u on Jan 12, 2009 10:46 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Borbon

What kind of PT will he be able to get when he reaches the majors? Dont the Rangers have quite a few OF’s?

Never, Never, NEVER give up

by hero66 on Jan 11, 2009 8:01 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

He's the CF by the end of 2009.

If he continues to hit in the upper minors, which has been no problem. He showed patience in the AFL and he has better range than any Texas option in center right now. Hamilton will be sliding to right field. Borbon will be the full-time center fielder.

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by Andy Seiler on Jan 11, 2009 8:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

where do you find a minor league league

like the one you are in?

by dustinvandeman on Jan 11, 2009 8:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Brown/Allen/Heredia/Robertson/Kalish

in no particular order.

Substitute Betances (I’m low on him, and I’ll probably take heat for saying that) for one of these guys if you want.

by Navi's_Navy on Jan 11, 2009 8:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

throws fire

but seriously, I think Betances is on his way up to be one of the better prospects in the minors. Just check his improvement since the all-star break.

--Pablo Zevallos of yankeesfuture.wordpress.com

by Pablo Zevallos on Jan 11, 2009 9:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

What about his health?

Think he’ll stay healthy long enough to fulfill his potential?

Mike Grouse Interview - Rangers' Midwest Cross Checker

by Andy Seiler on Jan 11, 2009 9:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Health

He has made huge strides in repeating his delivery. Last season, this was a major issue and it contributed to the elbow soreness. His upside is huge. Big fastball coming in the mid 90s from a kid that looks like a giant on the mound (6’9"). In addition to the heater, he has a sometimes plus hammer. His 2nd half performance has me VERY optimistic.

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

by Dewey Finn on Jan 11, 2009 11:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Easy 3 to drop

Montero, Betances, Heredia – Because they’re Yankees!

by rmarx01 on Jan 11, 2009 10:01 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

brandon allen

this thread truly confirms how under-rated he is….late bloomer with very good power….perhaps there will be more people convinced when he duplicates his ’08 success in ’09, but i think most are missing the boat here

by Wheelhouse on Jan 12, 2009 4:15 AM EST reply actions 0 recs