Prospect in the Theo Epstein Trade: Chris Carpenter
by John Sickels on Feb 21, 2012 2:42 PM EST
Email
PrintProspect in the Theo Epstein Trade: Chris Carpenter
The Chicago Cubs and the Boston Red Sox finally came to agreement today, and the Cubs will send right-handed pitching prospect Chris Carpenter (obviously not the same one who pitches for the St. Louis Cardinals) to the Red Sox to compensate for the hiring of Theo Epstein. Who is Chris Carpenter II, Electric Boogaloo?
Chris Carpenter, RHP: Chris Carpenter the prospect is a 6-4, 215 pound right-handed hitter and thrower, born December 26, 1985. The Cubs drafted him in the third round in 2008 out of Kent State University, where he excited scouts with his arm strength but also worried them with his health. He had two elbow surgeries (including Tommy John) in college, but in pro ball he's been durable, if erratic.
After spending most of his career as a starter, he moved to the bullpen in Triple-A last year and got hammered, posting a 6.53 ERA in 30 innings for Iowa. He fanned 28, but he also walked 23, and he walked seven more during a 10-inning trial with the Cubs. However, Carpenter made significant progress with his command in the Arizona Fall League, where he posted a 18/2 K/BB with a 3.29 ERA over 14 innings in a hitting-dominant league.
Carpenter has the stuff to overpower a lineup when his command is on. He features a fastball clocked as high as 100 MPH and works consistently in the mid-90s. His slider and changeup are erratic, but the breaking ball is quite effective on his best days, and in the bullpen he doesn't have to worry as much about his changeup. In the majors, he'll be a valuable middle reliever if he throws enough strikes, and there's been talk of him becoming a closer eventually, although that seems less likely to happen in Boston. He could also return to starting under the right circumstances. If his Arizona Fall League performance is any indication, he could be quite effective in the majors in 2012.
7 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Carpenter
Went to a 2-seamer of sorts more as a starter, and that pitch had good action on it. Out of the pen, he tries to blow guys away a lot more, and certainly, with that type of velo, it’s understandable. Still … I thought the sinking action that he got was the most intriguing thing about his potential, and I wish he’d go back to it. I think his control will improve from last year’s disaster, but even then, will it be better than the below average control before? Not sold.
I’ve compared him to Kyle Farnsworth elsewhere, although that might be a tad more on the positive side. Nice arm, but not a big loss for the Cubs. That said, for the Red Sox, they can sell this as a ready guy with decent ceiling who could step into a key area of their pen right away as a power middle reliever. I think he’s a good arm in a power middle relief role who might see some time as a setup option.
Breakin' II
Man, I remember seeing that in the theaters as a pre-teen…Ice-T’s big break!
I was shocked when MLB.com listed him as the Cubs #5 prospect
(among other glaring problems with that crap list)
Not a big loss.
Seems about right
although with all the talk about Garza, Castro, or Jackson, I was slightly surprised is wasn’t a bit more. Cubs fans must be exhaling sighs of relief (although I doubt they were too worried either). Add Soler and that franchise could rebuild quickly, which sucks as a Pirates fan.
Come on, let us have two years (14-15) to have fun in the NL Central.
by McCutchenIsTheTruth on Feb 21, 2012 5:47 PM EST reply actions
what was the average age in AFL?
and where did he rank (as in oldest)?
Cherington has taken off his pants and he’s shitting all over my hopes for 2012
by TheLoneDavid on Jan 10, 2012 12:31 PM CST
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
