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ALL QUESTIONS ANSWERED THREAD

Carew_tiny by John Sickels on in News Comment 298 comments

Here is an All Questions Answered Thread

  1. ONE question per poster. This will be enforced.
  2. Don't try and cram multiple questions into a single question, if you know what I mean. Shorter questions are easier to answer than long ones.
  3. Begin posting questions now (11:45 AM CST). The cutoff will be 2:00 PM CST, no questions posted after 2:00 PM CST will be answered.

0 recs | Comment 298 comments

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Better Hitting Prospect
Who do you think has the greater likelihood of being a consistent .300+ hitter in the major leagues - Moustakas or Wieters?

by dmitri on Feb 19, 2008 12:50 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

.300
There is no objective evidence to go on given lack of professional data in both cases. In terms of scouting, I haven't seen either one enough to judge. Any answer I give would just be BS.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 1:11 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Scott Lewis
Do you think Scott Lewis' arm will ever recover to the point where he will be considered as a possible FOR pitcher as he was in college before the arm troubles?

by sdtribefan on Feb 19, 2008 12:52 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

lewis
I don't think he'll pick up enough velocity to be a top-notch rotation guy. He could be a fourth/fifth starter type.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 1:13 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Alvarez
Where would Pedro Alvarez rate among your top 50 hitters at this point?

by hfunderburke on Feb 19, 2008 12:52 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

alvarez
Hmm....somewhere in the 30s right now. Would have to see what he does this year, etc.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 1:14 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

role
Depends on the role. If used in relief, an above average major league closer with excellent control. If used as a starter, probably a number three guy.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 1:16 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Fun question
Do you ever partake in any fantasy leagues with other people from the industry ?(or even with friends from home)
-1 and only member of the Jed Lowrie fan club!

by Jgaztambide on Feb 19, 2008 12:54 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

leagues
I used to do this, but I never had enough time to devote to it, and by the middle of the season I would be neglecting my roster. I also found myself focusing too much on rookies and prospects and would always invest too much in them. It wasn't fair to the other players to do this, so I no longer participate in fantasy leagues. Sometimes I will play in an historical simulation league with old-time players, but I haven't played an active fantasy game in years.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 1:18 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Japan
Thanks as always for doing these.  In your opinion, who will be next in the line of great Japanese imports (Ichiro, Matsuzaka, etc.)?

by Yakker on Feb 19, 2008 12:55 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

japan
My knowledge of Japanese baseball is too limited to speculate about this. Sorry.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 1:31 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cubs Youngsters
Who has the better year in 08, Soto or Pie?  Both fantasy stats-wise and real world baseball-wise.  Mahalo

Matt

I reject your reality and substitute my own.

by WayneCampbell05 on Feb 19, 2008 12:55 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

soto
I think I will go with Soto slightly better than Pie this year, though Pie will be better in the long run. I think both should be decent, but Soto has a bit less to learn.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 1:32 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Thanks
I'd be great if both worked out well for this year and beyond.  Mahalo

Matt

I reject your reality and substitute my own.

by WayneCampbell05 on Feb 20, 2008 12:13 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

top 5 (or 10) prospects in 12 months
Depending on how much time you have to answer the 200+ questions, any level of detail is fine.

Top 5 or 10 prospects in 2009, in order or not.

by Galt on Feb 19, 2008 12:56 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

2009
Assuming that people aren't promoted ahead of schedule, and NOT including potential 2008 draftees.

Hitters:

Wieters
Teagarden
Lars Anderson
Elvis Andrus
Triunfel

Pitchers:
Kershaw
Price
McGee
Tillman
Latos (sleeper to move forward)

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 1:35 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Who do you like better for a 'bounce-back' season?
Chris Nelson or Reid Brignac?

I thought Briggy did ok last year, but many were disappointed...

by daveh33 on Feb 19, 2008 12:58 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

hmmm, maybe Nelson's 'break-out' was in 07
if I can please rephrase that....

If you had to pick a player to back for a stellar campaign in 08, would you take Briggy, Nelson, or Dexter Fowler?

by daveh33 on Feb 19, 2008 1:01 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

breakout
Hmm. Well I like all of those guys. Exact comparison is difficult since only Brignac has played in Double-A. I would say that I think Nelson has the highest potential CEILING of the group, while Brignac's floor is probably a bit higher. Fowler I have major questions about his power.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 1:54 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Twins
You were named GM of the Twins on February 1, 2006. What do you do different than what's been done since then?
I won't get married until the Red Sox win the World Series. AGAIN!!

by Shep on Feb 19, 2008 12:59 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

GM
That's a great question but to answer it I would have to go back and look at a list of all their transactions.

I would definitely have tried to lock Santana up. If I couldn't, I would probably have taken the alleged Red Sox offer this past fall. I'd have signed Mauer long-term, but I'm not certain I would have signed Morneau to the big long-term deal, since it is easier to find a first baseman who can hit. I would have let Torii go.

I'm not sure what I would have done about a potenital Garza/Delmon deal. I had mixed feelings about that. I suppose I would have done it ultimately.

For drafting, look at my shadow drafts for ideas about what I'd do there.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 1:57 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wilson Ramos
I noticed you didn't include him in your Twins top 20; a miss on your part, or are you not a believer?  BA has him as the number 3 Twins prospect, and in a poll I did on this site, 15 percent thought he was an A/A- prospect, 64 percent a B-/B/B+ prospect, and  18 percent a C/C+ prospect.  How would you grade him?

by gogotabata on Feb 19, 2008 12:59 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ramos
I'd give him a Grade C+/B- at this point, wanting to see more. BA raves about him certainly. On the other hand, Midwest League people I talked with last summer who saw teams I didn't get to see didn't mention him as a top prospect at all.

I SHOULD have put him in the book but didn't do so. This was a mistake. I pride myself especially on my knowledge of the Twins system being a big fan of the organization since 1977, but for some reason he got past me. Every year there are some guys that should definitely be in the book but who get overlooked for one reason or another. In the coming weeks I will be writing more about Ramos and other guys that I should have paid more attention to.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 2:03 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Stephen Drew
offensively what can we expect over the next three years...above or below tulo?
http://www.simdynasty.com/index.jsp?refer=mychiefs58

by huckleberry on Feb 19, 2008 12:59 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

drew
Hmm...I'll take the under.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 2:17 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

carlos quentin
projection and/or general thoughts on him for this season?

by larry on Feb 19, 2008 1:00 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

health
Health is the main thing I worry about for him. If healthy, I'd say something like .270/.340/.460. I think he's capable of more than that a year or two down the road.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 2:19 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Two draft picks or
the actual Santana trade?
1941 .406

by FrozenTed9 on Feb 19, 2008 1:00 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

trade
Well let's see.

Santana trade netted four prospects. Two of them (Guerra and Gomez) have the physical ability to be stars, but with major question marks. The other two (Mulvey and Humber) won't be stars but should be useful.

Could you beat that with two draft picks? Depends on the picks obviously. But these wouldn't be super premium, top ten picks, they'd be mid range guys, no guarantee that you'd get anyone better than the four you got.

I'd take the real Santana deal over the draft picks.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 2:23 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Thanks I have
been following a long argument about this and I thought the drafts pick argument was absurd.
1941 .406

by FrozenTed9 on Feb 19, 2008 3:43 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Dodger Breakout Prospect
Who is your choice to be the Dodgers' breakout prospect this year? Thank you.

by kinbote on Feb 19, 2008 1:02 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

dejesus
Ivan DeJesus. Great glove. Some offensive potential, good plate discipline, still very young.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 2:25 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

2007 draft
Please rank the top 10 prospects from the 2007 draft.  A list alone is fine, as I'm sure you'll be pressed for time.  Thanks.

by ElGuapito on Feb 19, 2008 1:03 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

draft
Wieters
Price
Moustakas
Heyward
Porcello
LaPorta
Parker
Vitters
Detwiler
Cecil
Dominguez

OFF THE CUFF

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 2:36 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Allen Craig
John,

What type of projection do you see for Allen Craig?

Thank you.

by southboundpachyderm on Feb 19, 2008 1:06 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

craig
I like Craig a lot and rate him as a big sleeper in the book. Not sure where he fits defesnively, but I like his power a great deal and I think he will continue to hit at higher levels. Very much an unsung prospect.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 2:39 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Mat Latos
coming off his very good debut season, do you think he will continue his success in High A ball and does he have a chance to reach AA in '08?

by Wheelhouse on Feb 19, 2008 1:06 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Latos
I like Latos a lot and he is a big breakthrough candidate if he stays healthy. I would not push him to Double-A this year unless he's just incredibly dominant. Don't know if the Padres agree with that or not. If he stays healthy and sharpens his command a bit more, he could be a top ten prospect eventually.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 2:40 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Alderson or Bumgarner
Pick one, your arch rival gets the other, Alderson or Bumgarner?

by Deputy Dingleberry on Feb 19, 2008 1:07 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

toughie
Toughie. I gave Alderson a higher grade in the book due to more polish but Bumgarner has a higher ceiling, if more risk.

I'd take Bumgarner right now.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 2:42 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Tigers Shortstops
Who will be starting at Short for the Tigers after Edgar Rentaria leaves(assuming we don't go after a free agent)?

Thanks John.

by demondeaconbaseball on Feb 19, 2008 1:08 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

worth
Of current candidate I would go with Worth.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 2:57 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wlad Balentien
low-average, poor defense slugger?
MLB regular, league ave. defense, but nothing spectacular?
or all-star slugger, with ave. defense (or better)?

by marc w on Feb 19, 2008 1:10 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

wlad
I'd go midway between option two and option three.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 2:58 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Alexi Casilla
Do you think he will develop into a utility type middle infielder or fulfill his potential as an impact .280 hitting speedster with leather?

by cboy on Feb 19, 2008 1:11 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

util
I think utility work is more likely at this point.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 2:59 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Lester
How about a off-the-cuff prediction of Lester's 2008 season line...

by Dfarth on Feb 19, 2008 1:14 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

lester
hmmm..

26 games, 19 starts, 117 innings, 117 hits, 94/63 K/BB, 4.54 ERA, 8-8.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 3:03 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Rickie Weeks?
Can you please project the next four years' worth of stats for a healthy Rickie Weeks? Years ago, he was said to be the next Gary Sheffield. Is there still truth to that?
On the lookout for minor-league sleepers ...

by psugator01 on Feb 19, 2008 1:14 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

weeks
Injuries have really banged him up.

Wild guessing

2008  .275/.370/.445
2009  .265/.359/.435
2010  .283/.378/.467
2011  .295/.380/.475

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 3:05 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

gomez
Ceiling....would be a .280-.300 guy with 20 homers, 20 steals, adequate strike zone judgment, and excellent defense.

Floor: Angel Berroa.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 1:15 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oakland
Who should emerge as the Oakland rotation by midseason?  Assuming Blanton is moved, there's Harden and...
What is your best guess as to who ends up getting innings for them?
Thanks John.
JAS

by jasvlm on Feb 19, 2008 1:16 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

rotation
would suspect that Gio Gonzalez would be up pretty quick if he does well in Triple-A. James Simmons could also be up fast if he keeps pitching well.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 3:07 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Job
Have you ever been offered a job by an MLB team?

by colinadam on Feb 19, 2008 1:19 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Rays 3 headed SP Monster on the way ...
Of Davis, McGee and Price: in what order would you put them for expected IPs in MLB this year (if any)?

Thanks for everything , John ...

Paul Householder, Gary Redus, Tommy Lawless, Duane Walker ... prospects rawk!

by design28 on Feb 19, 2008 1:20 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

innings
Geez. toughie.

Davis, Price, McGee.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 3:13 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Adenhart
After a so-so debut in AA, how do you think Adenhart does this season?

by spoondoggie on Feb 19, 2008 1:23 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

adenhart
Hmm...my guess, fast start in Triple-A, pitches great in April and May, starts to slump in June, promoted to the majors to fill a gap in July, hit hard, goes back to Triple-A, pitches well in August, comes back to the majors in September, shut down with a tired arm after one or two decent starts.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 3:14 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Andy Marte
Starting 3B by midseason?  That career up through his age 21 AAA season can't be a complete fluke, can it (ie, players get bored repeating levels)?

by kwoog on Feb 19, 2008 1:23 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

marte
I'm giving up on Marte.

Which means he'll hit .297 with 27 homers for the Indians, lol.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 3:15 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Dioneer Navarro
Navarro has certainly had an interesting last couple of years. First he becomes a HUGE prospect with the Yanks, then traded, struggles, and the world forgets about him. Yet his second half numbers last year point to a big 08 season. Did all of us overhype him while he was in the minors, or was his adjustment time to the bigs just longer than most?

Thanks so much.

by avpro05 on Feb 19, 2008 1:24 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

catchers
Catchers are weird and often fail to develop along expected lines offensively. He was great in August and September but I want to see more before totally buying into him again. John Buck had a great April and May and it didn't mean his overall skills had changed.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 3:20 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

'08 draft
Your top 10 '08 draft prospects?

by bhoov on Feb 19, 2008 1:27 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

too early
I haven't focused on this yet.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 3:21 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Question
As somebody who understands the value of prospects, how do you generally evaluate trades that involve prospects for established major leaguers? To put it another way, do you think that fanbases tend to over-estimate the value of prospects, or do you think the reverse - that we tend to over-value known names?

by mrkupe on Feb 19, 2008 1:27 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

prospects
Well, the thing is you CAN'T fairly evaluate a prospect-laden trade for at least two or three years and sometimes longer. Everyone has panned the Santana trade, but it is simply too early to know if it's a failure or not. Who knows...what if Guerra blows out his elbow, but at the same time Mulvey improves his command from very good to superb and emerges as a legitimate number one starter? Stranger things have happened.

As I get older, I'm more and more comfortable with the answer "I don't know yet.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 3:24 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Rays rotation
Thanks for doing another AQA.

By 2009, you'll probably see Kazmir, Shields, Garza, Price, McGee and Davis all ready for the majors.  Assuming none of them gets traded or injured, which one do you think is most likely to end up in the bullpen?

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Feb 19, 2008 1:33 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

wow
Wow, you look at it like that, the thing really stands out how much talent they have ammassed.

Garza and Shields perhaps.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 3:27 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

mcgee
McGee too, if his changeup becomes an issue.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 3:27 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Pitching peripherals
Please rank these stats in importance for judging ML potential(in your opinion).

K/9, K/BB, H/9, WHIP, GB%, HR/9, BB/9, anything else really important you look at.

My first mistake was assuming you knew what I was talking about.

by Shamus on Feb 19, 2008 1:34 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

numbers
No magic numbers. They are ALL important and can't be seperated out, you have to look at every one.

The one I look at least is WHIP.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 3:29 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Jermaine Mitchell
breakout potential (how much), given the nice numbers in very tough environment?

by bootsy on Feb 19, 2008 1:35 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

mitchell
I rate him as a sleeper and breakout candidate in the book. Limiting factor is age, but I agree, he's a breakout guy and could put up strong numbers in the Cal League. I'd rate his breakout potential as "significant" but not "assured."

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 3:32 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You're the GM of the M's
Would you have done the Bedard trade or was it too rich?

by montenegro on Feb 19, 2008 1:35 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ms
I would not have done the trade. Very short-sighted in my view.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 3:33 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

2008 draft
Do you think there will be fewer 'signability' concerns this year as more teams give up following the slotting system?

by t ball on Feb 19, 2008 1:38 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Travis Snider tools
On a 20-80 scale, can you break down how Snider rates and projects in terms of hitting, power, running, throwing, and fielding?

by parrot11 on Feb 19, 2008 1:39 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

snider
Well I prefer using Seven Skills rather than Five Tools, but if you insist.

Projection
Hitting 60
Power 65-70
Running 50
Throwing 50
Fielding 55

Now, to do that right I would want to see him play several times and watch video and really focus on the scouting numbers. I don't normally use the 20-80 scale. It's traditional of course but I don't think it is detailed enough.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 3:41 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

PED Question
Have you ever encountered a "hot tip" about a player's use, and do you penalize players for what you suspect to be PED use when ranking them?  I'm basically asking how much you factor the juice in when deciding on a player's ranking?

(It's really just one question, I promise!)

by GuyinNY on Feb 19, 2008 1:40 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

tips
yes I have gotten such tips. Sometimes they are true, and sometimes they aren't, so unless it's something I'm really sure of I don't factor it in much.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 3:42 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Matt Harrison
You've expressed concern about Eric Hurley pitching in Arlington, but how do you think Matt Harrison will fare in Rangers Ballpark, which typically favors left-handed pitchers?

by naropean on Feb 19, 2008 1:41 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

harrison
I really like Harrison and if he stays healthy I think he will surprise people this year. Like his ground ball ability. I want him to get a good dose of Triple-A but they might rush him, which would increase risk of course.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 3:46 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Richie Robnett
Any chance of him contributing at the ML level and if so in what role?

by Big J on Feb 19, 2008 1:44 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

robnett
He's been disappointing. Great tools, but erratic skills. I could see him as a platoon outfielder but I dont' think he will be a regular now.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 3:47 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Twins in 2010
Assuming no new draftees or FA signings, who makes up the Twins rotation and in what order in 2010?
Liriano/Baker/Bonser/Slowey/Blackburn/Duensing/Robertson/Humber/Mulvey/Perkins/Guerra/Swarzak/Mullin s/Burnett/other?

by Diggity Dino on Feb 19, 2008 1:47 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

twins
Liriano
Baker
Slowey
Swarzak
Mulvey

Bonser traded. Perkins and Humber in bullpen.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 3:48 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Manny Parra
I believe you gave him a B+ and said something like "he doesn't get talked about enough".  Care to talk about him?

by drwmsu1 on Feb 19, 2008 1:47 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

sure
sure.

Parra has an outside shot at winning Rookie of the Year and could be one of the best young pitchers in baseball. He's come all the way back from arm problems and has regained his velocity and command. Watch him closely.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 3:49 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Brewers Breakout
Who do you see poised to breakout in the Brewers farm system?

by beerambassador on Feb 19, 2008 1:47 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

brew
If Michael Brantley can gain some strength, he could break out big.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 3:51 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hmm
What are Jeri's measurements?
"The Dodgers won't win a playoff series until the Cool-a-Coo returns." -mckeeno

by PujolsJunkie on Feb 19, 2008 1:47 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Jeri
She's a beautiful woman and she is my best friend and I am very very lucky to have married her. Beyond that you don't need to know dude.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 3:51 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sounds good
I'm doing a top 25 of minor league talent evaluators' spouses. I needed to gather some information here. That should be sufficient. Now let's see what Foster's got cooking...
One day, Elijah Dukes will be President of the United States.

by PujolsJunkie on Feb 19, 2008 4:01 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Inman vs. Volstad
Which has a better legit shot at becoming an All-Star?

by waka25 on Feb 19, 2008 1:49 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

hmm
Good combination. That would be a good choice for a prospect smackdown.

I will say Inman, which would go against what most scouts think.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 3:52 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Joba and Weight
Coming out of college, it seemed like the consensus on Joba Chamberlain was that he had great stuff but his weight and conditioning was a potential problem.  It seems like after one (admittedly fantastic) season, no one is really talking about his weight anymore.  Has something changed with regard to his conditioning, or are people just so wowed with his performance that they forget about the risk that's still there?

by wmenzer on Feb 19, 2008 1:49 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

joba
I think it is still an issue. He doesn't have to get svelte, of course, His body is naturally heavy and sometimes too much concentration on losing weight can backfire if you start asking your body to do too many things it is not designed to do. But of course you don't want TOO much weight, either. The question is, are Joba's occasional bouts of soreness related to his weight really? Or would they happen even if he lost 50 pounds? Plenty of thin pitchers have arm problems, too. It's a physiological question really, one I don't have the expertise to answer. Overall I don't think the risk is any greater than it was before, but it's not less either.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 3:55 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Moustakas
Is Mike Moustakas's talent worthy of being selected with the #2 overall pick?

by count sutton on Feb 19, 2008 1:49 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

moust
I think so. The only high school hitter I liked as much as him was Heyward.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 3:56 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Kala Kaaihue
What happened to him after his promotion to AA?
Was he hurt?

by Johnny Ruin on Feb 19, 2008 1:51 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

bb
He couldn't handle Double-A breaking stuff from what I heard.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 3:56 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Geovany Soto
Do you think his break-out is for real?

by OldProspects on Feb 19, 2008 1:51 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

soto
I think the power spike is for real. I don't think the batting average will sustain, but I think he can hit .260-.280 with above average power production and decent plate discipline.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 3:57 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Matt Garza
What do you expect from Garza this year?
http://tbfutureconsiderations.blogspot.com - A Rays Prospect Blog

by KGengler on Feb 19, 2008 1:52 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

stat
About the same as last year, pro-rated out over 190 innings or so.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 3:57 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The Mets have three first round picks in the draft
who should they select with their first three picks?

by future on Feb 19, 2008 1:54 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

mets
Way too early to make a call on that. If I were them I would concentrate on hitters this year.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 3:58 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Jeff Niemann
Is there any hope for him to become a good major league SP?  Whats a more likely career path, Brad Penny or Jeff Juden?

by sprucemoose on Feb 19, 2008 1:54 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

niemann
Sure, he can be a solid number four guy I think. Don't see him as really comparable to either Penny or Juden.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 3:59 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Mitch Canham
Do you think Canham can stick at catcher?  
The Dodgers won't win a playoff series until the Cool-a-Coo returns.

by mckeeno on Feb 19, 2008 1:55 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Matt LaPorta
When do you think LaPorta will be ready to contribute to the big league squad?
Come check out BrewersNation, a new Brewers blog that keeps you up to date on ALL Brewers news and rumors.

by jimmyb1799 on Feb 19, 2008 1:59 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

laporta
I think he's ready to hit now, or at the latest 2009. Schedule will depend on his glove and what other players do.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 4:01 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Fernando Martinez
Crystall Ball, will he be seen a legitimate phenom after 2008 and establish himself as the Mets 2009 starting outfielder?

by Deech on Feb 19, 2008 2:00 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

martinez
F-Mart needs some stability. if I were the MEts I would stick him in Double-A for this year and LEAVE HIM THERE. Then Triple-A in '09 and the majors in '10. They won't listen to me of course. His ceiling is immense of course but that's not a guarantee that he'll reach it.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 4:02 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

favorite prospects
who are your three favorite prospects by level?

AAA
AA
A

by god allah star on Feb 19, 2008 2:00 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

fav
I dunno, need to see where people get assigned, lol.

Right now I don't really have a favorite prospect. I have guys I like and guys I like as sleepers, and guys who are marginal prospects that I like for some strange reason. But no absolute favorites right now.

Of the top guys right now, I really like "as favorites" Ellsbury, Franklin Morales, Lowrie, Teagarden, and Price.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 4:05 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Follow up to last 'all questions answered'

If you were taken hostage...
by a gang of Nicaraguan thieves lead by Angelina Jolie and they told you that you would only be released if you satisfied one of their two demands, either A) cut off your own left arm with a sterile hacksaw, or B) allow the ring leader (Angelina) to use your body as her sexual play toy for the next week, which would you choose?  

by rothe on Thu Aug 16, 2007 at 02:48:11 PM CDT

C
C) allow Angelina Jolie to use me as her toy for a week, then join the group of thieves.

by John Sickels on Fri Aug 17, 2007 at 03:48:13 PM CDT
[ Parent ]  

Now, after your week of being used as her toy, you are miraculously and unexpectedly rescued and returned home to your wife and family.  Do tell your wife why you still have both your arms?  The entire band of thieves was killed during your rescue.

by rothe on Feb 19, 2008 2:00 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

jolie
Well of course I would. I wouldn't get in trouble for circumstances such as those, although I assume that I'd have to take an STD test to make sure I didn't catch anything weird from Angelina. She's kinda freaky.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 4:06 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Rowdy Hardy crystal ball
Could you give me a rough outlook as to what Rowdy Hardy will contribute in his professional career from here on out?  How do you see him performing until the day he signs those retirement papers?
Become a member of Royals Nation!

by Royals Nation on Feb 19, 2008 2:02 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

hardy
My guess is that he puts up above average numbers in Double-A, average numbers in Triple-A, and get hammered in the majors. Bounces aorund the minors for the next ten years, pitches a total of 14.2 innings in the majors with a 6.50 ERA and a 7/7 K/BB.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 4:07 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Have you lost more respect .....
....for Roger Clemens or Andy Petitte in the PED fallout?

by Samdog7 on Feb 19, 2008 2:02 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

respect
This assumes that I respected either of these people beforehand.

Let me put it this way.

EVERY time I have adopted a professional athlete as some sort of hero, I have been disappointed. So I don't do that any more. I still have heroes, of course, but not pro ball players.

Clemens is a jerk and I've thought that for years. He is just a big a jerk as Barry Bonds even if the press doesn't see it that way. I have no particular feelings about Pettite either way.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 4:09 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Great outlook
Athletes can have heroic moments, but should not really be held up as heroes.

by t ball on Feb 21, 2008 1:19 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Jesse Litsch
What kind of a career do you see him having?

by auclairkeithbc on Feb 19, 2008 2:03 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Litsch
5.50 ERA this year, then stablizes around league average for four or five seasons.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 4:10 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Projection for pitchers
How do you determine projection for pitchers? Do you look for height, weight, frame, mechanics, or some combination of all those factors? For example, does Brett Cecil have some projection (6'3 200lbs)?

by doppledfly23 on Feb 19, 2008 2:05 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

case
that really is a case by case thing. The ht/wt doesn't tell you everything. You have to look at the body, the musculature, etc. It's possible to be 6-3, 200 and have projection, and it's possible to be 6-3, 200 and be maxed out. It depends on so many other things.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 4:22 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

who is..
your must under looked prospect, a guy that could make is way up to the top 30 next year, who isn't looked so highly right now? Basically, a guy I can get cheap in my league and have him be a great prospect.

Thanks!

by Rezze21 on Feb 19, 2008 2:07 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

eh
Depends on how deep you want to go. Some possibilities

Jeff Locke
Jake Arrieta
Josh Reddick
Ryan Kalish
Erik Lis
George Kontos
Clayton Tanner

Those are a variety of sleepers for you. Locke, Arrietta, and Kalish would be the top ones.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 4:30 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Edinson Volquez...
Is he another Rich Hill where it takes a while for the minor league results to translate to the majors?  What is his ceiling and do you think he will be able to achieve that pitching in Cincinnati's hitter friendly park?

by lebronballer23 on Feb 19, 2008 2:08 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

volquez
I can see that, yes, Volquez needing some adjustment time but figuring it out eventually. The park is another issue. I can see Volquez as a 2/3 starter if he can handle the environment.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 4:31 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

David Price
What is the ceiling for David Price with the Rays?

by cUBSsUCK on Feb 19, 2008 2:08 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

one
Number One Starter is his ceiling.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 4:31 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Matt Sulentic
After his awful 2007 season can/will he get back on track and become a bonafide prospect?

by JimmyJack on Feb 19, 2008 2:09 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

sulentic
Sure, he can get back on track. He was basically a college freshman last year. He has time.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 4:32 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Rohrbaugh
What does Cole need to do to validate himself as a potential ace?

by JFP on Feb 19, 2008 2:09 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

full season
Prove he can repeat that in full-season baseball over 130 innings. I think he can.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 4:32 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Austin Jackson, Jose Tabata, Fernando Martinez
Who do you like the most and why?

by kan tong on Feb 19, 2008 2:11 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

mart
Mart, Tabata, and Jackson.

Mart ahead because he is so young and already has some success in Double-A.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 4:33 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Two A's prospects who didn't make your list
Gregorio Petit: not enough of a bat?

Also, what's your take on Alex Arnold Leon? He pitched in the two Mexican Leagues this year, and was signed by the A's in around November or so. His numbers in those leagues are great (you can look them up at MiLB.com)-- are they predictive?

by PaulThomas on Feb 19, 2008 2:11 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hm, didn't notice the one question thing
This is sort of two questions.

OK, if I was picking, I'd rather hear about Leon. But if you feel like taking a stab at both, that would be OK too.

by PaulThomas on Feb 19, 2008 2:13 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

leon
I don't know much about Leon. Mexican League stats are as good as any other stats, somewhere in the Double-A/Triple-A range. If Leon can pitch well there he should at least be a good Triple-A pitcher.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 4:36 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

value of prospects
which MLB player would you trade straight-up for a prospect and consider it an even trade, assuming the prospect is...

a. jay bruce
b. trevor cahill
c. austin jackson

you may choose to ignore MLB contract status or not.

by jpahk on Feb 19, 2008 2:17 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

oops
i suppose i'm cheating. well, if you want, just pick one of the 3 and answer it.

by jpahk on Feb 19, 2008 2:20 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

dunno
I hate questions like this...I really have no idea how to answer it. It's impossible really to answer this question. What team? What are my circumstances? Contracts and money? My farm system?

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 4:37 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Moskos or Aumont?
Who do you like better from a MLB and fantasy standpoint?

by purppride1 on Feb 19, 2008 2:17 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

mosko
Moskos is better from a fantasy perspective. Way too much uncertainty about Aumont. Pure baseball-wise, Aumont has a higher ceiling of course.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 4:38 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Braves' corners
Whose manning the Braves' corners post Chipper and Tex and why?

by parish on Feb 19, 2008 2:17 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

no idea
No idea. Too early to know by far.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 4:39 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Any hope for...
Is there any hope for David Purcey & Ricky Romero? What's the best case scenario for both?

by ganglyh on Feb 19, 2008 2:17 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

injuries
Both have injury issues, hard to tell at this point.

If healthy I think Purcey may be best off as a power reliever. Romero more of a fourth/fifth starter at this stage.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 4:55 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Brandon Wood
I feel Brandon Wood has become the favorite prospect to downgrade this year.  How much blame do you place on the Angels organization for last year's "struggles?"  Up and down just to ride the pine in LA.

by goose102977 on Feb 19, 2008 2:17 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

wood
Well I still like him. They didn't handle him well last year but given his youth and past performance it is way too early to start massively downgrading him. They need to stick him in the lineup and let him play, or trade him to someone who will do so.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 4:56 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

2B
Who has a brighter future...Josh Barfield or Alberto Callaspo?

by krisangels on Feb 19, 2008 2:18 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

bar
I'd say Barfield. Broader range of talent.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 4:57 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Edward Salcedo
Is Edward Salcedo really worth $5 million for the Yankees?

by Reno on Feb 19, 2008 2:21 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Salazar, snelling or murphy
All three of these guys look like 4th or 5th OF's this year.  Who do you see actually emerging as regular either this year or in the future?
shoedog

by shoedog on Feb 19, 2008 2:22 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

John Shelby
what's your take on him john? after they moved him to CF last season (I think the last ~2 months) he went on a tear hitting homers and throwing OF assists. what do you see on his future?
southsidesox.com

by The Wizard on Feb 19, 2008 2:23 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

shelby
I like his broad skill base...speed, power. Strike zone judgment a bit sketchy, will have to see how that pans out. As a college guy in the Sally League, he still needs to prove out at higher levels, but he is intriguing.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 6:40 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ian Desmond
Is there still hope for Ian Desmond to develop into the impact player that many people thought he'd be a few years ago? Do you have faith in him to do so?

Thanks for your time.

by csommers on Feb 19, 2008 2:23 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

desmond
He has a pretty good year last season, better production across the board though he was repeating the league. I still think he can be a good player, but Double-A will be critical this year.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 6:41 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What does...
2008 hold in the cards for Ross Detwiler?  What is his ultimate potential?

by ItsTribeTime on Feb 19, 2008 2:24 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

detwiler
I'd see him as a potential number two starter, assuming good health, no control collapse, all the usual caveats. I like him.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 6:42 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wilmer Flores
Any thoughts on this kid the Mets signed out of Latin America?  Is it too early to even consider the type of career he could have?

by Lunkwill Fook on Feb 19, 2008 2:26 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Kevin Ahrens
What are your thoughts on Toronto prospect, Kevin Ahrens? I have read some reports that have compared him to an all-star, and projected him to be one in the future.
http://mvn.com/mlb-tossingtherosin/

by koolkerns101 on Feb 19, 2008 2:27 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ahrens
The comparison scouts made in high school was Chipper Jones. He didn't play well in rookie ball, but then again, neither did Chipper. But that's the kind of potential that scouts see in him.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 6:44 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

De Los Santos
I know he had a really stellar year last year, but something tells me he's being extremely overrated this offseason (lack of a good 3rd pitch being the main factor there).  What are your thoughts on him going forward in terms of his performance at the upper levels of the minors and ultimately the majors?  I actually had one guy tell me he thinks his career path will mirror Gallardo's (being under the radar and then emerging as a top 10 prospect the following year).  

by JohnR on Feb 19, 2008 2:30 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Just so you know
DLS has 3 plus pitches according to BA, and his changeup that's not included in that is "greatly improved."

"de los Santos has a collection of plus pitches and the innate ability to use them. He has developed four pitches at a young age, including a fastball, slider, and curveball that all rate among the best in the system."

by deadboy on Feb 19, 2008 4:52 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

DLS
there's just a lot of disagreement in him this preseason.  some people see him as a bona fide top prospect, others have him ranked in the bottom half of top 100 lists.  thats too wide of a disparity for someone with 3 plus plus pitches.

just asking for another expert's point of view and since i respect john the most out of all of them, im very interested in hearing the answer

by JohnR on Feb 19, 2008 5:24 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

15
I have De Los Santos at Number 15, so I'm in the optimistic category.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 6:45 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ive seen DLS in the 40-50 range on lists
thats with one yr pitching in a full season league in the US for the first time. he could go either way, continue to do well and jump into elite territory or struggle against tougher competition. he'll be going to an offensive Cal league, so we'll see. but the pure stuff is there

by rayver723 on Feb 19, 2008 7:19 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

2010 MN Twins
Who do you see as their starting rotation when the new stadium opens...any way Guerra is ready by then?
Thanks John!

by viggo21 on Feb 19, 2008 2:30 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Asked above...sorry
a different question....Who is your favorite all time Twin? and your favorite current Twins prospect?  Thanks!

by viggo21 on Feb 19, 2008 2:52 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

twins
Favorite all time: Tony Oliva and Bert Blyleven

No current favorite prospect.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 6:48 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Gavin Floyd
This former top prospect has yet to hit his stride in the majors, but he had a nice AAA season and ended the season on an up note for the White Sox. What potential remains?

by rdf8585 on Feb 19, 2008 2:30 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

floyd
i can still see Floyd being a fourth or fifth starter type. He is still young enough to get his command in gear. But every year that passes without it happening makes it less likely in the long run.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 6:53 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What do you think of...
Rene Leveret and Wilson Ramos from the Twins system?
The squirrels have become organized...and they're angry!

by maxisagod on Feb 19, 2008 2:34 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If I had to pick one for you to comment on
Wilson Ramos
The squirrels have become organized...and they're angry!

by maxisagod on Feb 19, 2008 5:27 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh, asked above.
Then Rene Leveret by default.
The squirrels have become organized...and they're angry!

by maxisagod on Feb 19, 2008 6:09 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

leveret
big righthanded slugger, did well at Elizabethton but is already 22. Let's see what happens in the Midwest League.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 6:55 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Since the Trade That Wasn't... well, wasn't...
What do the Red Sox do with Lowrie?  Try to move him elsewhere or keep him at SS?
"...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 Feb 19, 2008 2:34 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

lowrie
Send him to Pawtucket, wait for a trade or an injury on the major league roster.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 6:58 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Blake Beavan or Michael Main?
Who will have the better Major League career?

by jamcadbury on Feb 19, 2008 2:36 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

main
I like Main a little better at this point.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 6:58 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Edgar Osuna
John-

I was disappointed that there wasn't room in the book for Edgar Osuna. I had kind of thought of him and Ortegano as the "sleepers" in the Braves' low-A rotation of lefties with crazy upside. So anyhow, I was hoping to hear your thoughts on Osuna. IE, how far below Ortegano, Evarts, and the rest is he, and does he project as a big-leaguer?

Thanks!

by mraver on Feb 19, 2008 2:36 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

osuna
He has good statistics certainly but I need to get more scouting information about him. I thought I put him in the book but I see I didn't. I'll stick him on the list with Wilson Ramos of guys to explore later here.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 7:00 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Mountain Lion
Any sightings of a mountain lion in your neighborhood since you took that photo?  

by HavyBeaks on Feb 19, 2008 2:37 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Young CF'ers
I need to know how you'd rank these guys for the next 5yrs and how big the gaps are between them.  Maybin, Chris Young, Adam Jones, McCutchen and Carlos Gomez.
Thanks John.

by TexasHeat on Feb 19, 2008 2:37 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

CF
Hmmm

Rasmus, Maybin, Young, Jones, McCutchen, Gomez.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 7:01 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nice order, but Maybin could end up
being the last in that group the way I see things right now.  Apparently Gomez is the talk of the Twins camp already, showing off plus bat speed and hitting ropes all over the field.  Maybin, all I see is a bigger RH Corey Patterson.

by Bravesin07 on Feb 19, 2008 7:17 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

twins camp
I thought it was just P + C reporting so far.
Go Twins?

by Turrrrrrrkey Bucket on Feb 20, 2008 9:33 AM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Early
official reporting date for position players hasn't arrived yet, but many are already there.

by purppride1 on Feb 20, 2008 11:18 AM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Prospect philosophy
Pick two teams, one that you most agree with how they handle their drafts/ promotion of prospects, etc., and the other that you disapprove of how they handle their draft/ minor league prospects .  Who are they?

by jjr on Feb 19, 2008 2:38 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

big question
Big Question.

I like the way that Boston and Oakland do things. Also like San Diego. I am not wild about the Mets rushing guys like mad.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 7:02 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Such a big question...
That it might make for an interesting item, yes?  Organizational Smackdown, although with that many people involved, it'd probably have to be a Royal Rumble...
"...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 Feb 19, 2008 10:31 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nick Blackburn
What's his ceiling?
Go Pirates!!!

by cool hand Charlie on Feb 19, 2008 2:38 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

blackburn
Fifth starter, long reliever. I think he is overrated by Baseball America.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 7:03 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Michael Main
Seems to have the stuff to be a frontline starter.  But Texas hasn't developed ANY frontline guys in recent memory. Why do you think that is and what are Main's chances of becoming one?  Thanks.

by dkny22 on Feb 19, 2008 2:38 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

main
Well he's hardly pitched yet so it is difficult to assess what his exact chances are. The preconditions for success are here, but who know? Lots of variables to guess about.

As for the Rangers and pitching, the park is a lot of it. Maybe the heat too. Jamey Newberg would know much more about the specific problems of Rangers player development than I would.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 7:44 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Rangers & pitching
Kenny Rogers is proof that the right pitcher can win in Texas despite the park and despite the heat.  The problems have been that they haven't developed the right pitchers.  

The drafting has been much better the last few years, the resurgence in Latin America is going to prove to be huge, and the club has made it a point to go after more high-ceiling arms in trades (as well as in the draft), rather than previous regimes that seemed to favor safer arms.

by Jamey Newberg on Feb 19, 2008 11:40 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Jamey
Is Chris Davis up next year playing 1b for Texas.  What a nice park for him to hit in, huh?

by TexasHeat on Feb 20, 2008 12:10 AM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Davis
Next year, as in '09?  Yes, at some point, I would guess.  Maybe even late this year.

by Jamey Newberg on Feb 20, 2008 8:26 AM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Thank you
Dusty Baker.
Send your top 50-100 prospects to slurveone@yahoo.com!!!

by slurve on Feb 20, 2008 8:21 AM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Brendan Morrow
What is your estimate of the probability that Brendan Morrow becomes a useful starting pitcher vs. the probability that he becomes another Mariner pitching casualty?
I just put on my Member's Only Jacket, my removable hood and put a hefty bag around Fido here, and we went for it!

by Thrillhouse on Feb 19, 2008 2:42 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

A misspelled Sea Diamond is nobody's friend
It's Brandon Morrow.
One day, Elijah Dukes will be President of the United States.

by PujolsJunkie on Feb 19, 2008 2:44 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

morrow
He has the arm strength to be a topflight closer or a very good-to-excellent starter, PROVIDED he throws strikes. We don't know what will happen with that yet.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 7:45 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Royals
What is the likelihood that Derrick Robinson ever becomes a solid regular?  Star player?

by pieman1121 on Feb 19, 2008 2:42 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

robinson
Great speed. I'm skeptical that he will hit for enough pop to play regularly for a good team.

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 7:46 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Kelly Johnson
What do you make of KJ being awesome in A-ball at age 19, and then being unexceptional in the minors for three full years after that?  Do you put any stock in those "lost" 2002-2004 seasons when evaluating his current career?  Where do you see his offense going in the future -- basically repeating '07, stepping it up to Utley-level, or regressing?  And, how do you evaluate him defensively?  (I think he's a fascinating player, so I am very interested in these details.  If they would otherwise be considered more than one question, then my question is "what do you think of Kelly Johnson?"  :)
and boom goes the dynamite.

by Mean Dean on Feb 19, 2008 2:44 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

johnson
I think he'll stay about where he is, maybe improve slightly. That's still pretty good. I'd rate him as average defensively. The metrics say he's average to a bit above depending on what one you are using.

by John Sickels on Feb 20, 2008 12:53 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Jason Heyward
What do you expect from him this year?  Does he establish himself as a top 10 or 15 prospect, or merely hold his own?

by rvcomb on Feb 19, 2008 2:45 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

heyward
Pulling some numbers out of thin air, I say Heyward gets off to a slow start in the Sally League, but gets hot in July and stays hot, finishing with a .275/.365/.469 line. Then he explodes in 2009.

by John Sickels on Feb 20, 2008 12:54 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

jesus montero
whats your opinion of him?
--http://yankeesfuture.wordpress.com Bobby Mcnally (alias) "Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve."--Napoleon Hall

by bobbymcnally on Feb 19, 2008 2:45 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

montero
Intriguing power potential. I think he will hit, but his defense is really questionable according to everything I hear. Might have to move elsewhere, which would increase the pressure on his bat of course.

by John Sickels on Feb 20, 2008 12:56 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nolan Reimold
Will he have a productive major league career, or does he peak as a AAAA guy with too many holes in his swing?

by Joltin Joe Orsulak on Feb 19, 2008 2:46 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

reimold
hmmm....I say he gets a good chance to play, is wildly inconsistent in the batting average and OBP departments, but hits 20-25 homers a year, and gets traded a lot.

by John Sickels on Feb 20, 2008 12:57 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Zach Ward
Zach Ward: groundball artist deep under the radar due partially to luck/poor quality of minor league defenses, or no longer a prospect?
http://rswanzey.blogspot.com

by rswanzey on Feb 19, 2008 2:47 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ward
I like Ward as a sleeper. He's still a prospect in my view.

by John Sickels on Feb 20, 2008 12:57 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Lastings Milledge
Milledge seems to be flying under the radar. What are your thoughts?

by rwperu34 on Feb 19, 2008 2:48 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

milledge
He's still very young. He needs consistent playing time and a patient manager. If he gets those things, he still has every chance to be a fine player.

by John Sickels on Feb 20, 2008 12:59 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Better 2007 DFE pitcher
Matt Latos or Jordan Walden?

by jdm3s on Feb 19, 2008 2:49 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

good one
Good question. I will do a Smackdown for those two next week.

by John Sickels on Feb 20, 2008 1:01 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Desmond Jennings
Could he be as good as Carl Crawford? Or is he another Juan Pierre-type with little-to no power? Thanks John, you have won a convert to your book from the handbook for doing this. Happy Scouting!

by thomasps3 on Feb 19, 2008 2:54 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

jennings
I like Jennings. I'd say he would be midway between Crawford and Pierre in terms of pop. How is that for compromise? lol...but it is what I really think.

by John Sickels on Feb 20, 2008 1:12 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Who sticks in the Pale Hose rotation?
behind Vazquez, Buehrle, and Contreras...

Floyd
Danks
Egbert
Broadway
Haegar
Buehler?..Anyone?

by rhythm on Feb 19, 2008 2:54 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

sox
Hmmm....My guess is Danks and Floyd, with Broadway as the first recall when someone fails.

by John Sickels on Feb 20, 2008 1:13 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Beau Mills
What do you think of him and how does he compare to Matt LaPorta?

by FI2 on Feb 19, 2008 2:56 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

mills
I like his power but I'm really uncertain what his batting average and OBP are going to look like against better pitching.

by John Sickels on Feb 20, 2008 1:13 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Breakout Twins Pitcher
Is there a Twins pitcher that isn't in your Top 10-15 prospects that you think has a chance to jump up prospect lists in 2008? (Note - I have a feeling about Rainville)

by SethSpeaks on Feb 19, 2008 2:56 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Rainville
I agree on Rainville, definitely a pitcher of interest. Zach Ward is also interesting. Blair Erickson?

by John Sickels on Feb 20, 2008 1:15 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

McCardell
I really like McCardell from what I've read/heard.

by jfish26101 on Feb 20, 2008 2:29 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

McCardell Q&A
I just posted a Q&A with Mike McCardell last night. If you have a chance, check it out at www.SethSpeaks.net. 95 strikeouts and just 8 walks... that's worth noticing, even if it's a college guy in the rookie leagues.

by SethSpeaks on Feb 21, 2008 10:09 AM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Andrew Miller
It is still early, but do you consider Andrew Miller a disappointment so far and what do you see his future being?

Thanks

by MHD on Feb 19, 2008 2:57 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

miller
Way way way too soon to consider Miller a disappointment. Assuming good health I still like his chances to be a very good-to-excellent starting pitcher. But he needs some stability, and he was rushed a bit which slows his progress.

by John Sickels on Feb 20, 2008 1:16 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Kevin Ahrens
Jays first round pick last year didn't put up great numbers in the GCL , what can we expect from him this year and beyond?
Dating Patsy's little sister!

by Jdog on Feb 19, 2008 2:58 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ahrens
Too early to know obviously. Personally I like him, though I don't think he's quite Chipper Jones as some scouts believe. Let's see what things look like after 400 at-bats in A-ball.

by John Sickels on Feb 20, 2008 1:16 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

trade
Who will put up the greatest total contribution (in terms of WARP, or the like) to their new teams while in those uniforms:

Gomez/Mulvey/Humber/Guerra (combined) or Santana?

http://crosstownrivals.blogspot.com

by zookman12 on Feb 19, 2008 3:00 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

trade
Well obviously if Gomez/Mulvey/Humber/Guerra ALL pan out, the Twins get more total WARP or Win Shares than they would have out of Santana alone.

Best case here is like what happened with the Frank Viola trade back in 1989. The Twins traded the best lefty in baseball to the Mets in exchange for a bunch of prospects...Rick Aguilera, Kevin Tapani, David West, Jack Savage, Tim Drummond...five pitching prospects. The ace of the group was supposed to be West (equivalent to Guerra?) but he never panned out. Aguilera of course turned into an excellent closer, and Tapani was superb during the 1991 World Series run and was a steady inning-eater after that. Two years after trading Viola the Twins were in the World Series, and the trade ended up benefiting the franchise in the long run.

I can see either Mulvey or Humber turning into a Tapani-type solid starter. If they BOTH do, and if they are right about Gomez being a good regular, then the Twins win the trade in terms of WARP or whatever. We'll just have to see.

by John Sickels on Feb 20, 2008 1:20 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Heyward, Schafer, La Porte
Looking at hitting alone, which one of these OF would you want in your farm system and why?
Jack Cust is this year's Marcus Thames

by Team Moneyball on Feb 19, 2008 3:00 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

heyward
I'd pick Heyward for my own farm system. Best combination of upside and power in my view.

by John Sickels on Feb 20, 2008 1:21 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Andy Marte
Will he have a productive major league career as a regular, or is he a busted prospect?

by okbluejays on Feb 19, 2008 3:14 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

marte
I go with Bust at this point.

by John Sickels on Feb 20, 2008 1:22 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Iannetta
is Iannetta still a good future prospect for the rockies or will he be relegated to career backup?
shoedog

by shoedog on Feb 19, 2008 3:14 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

chris
I haven't given up yet, but he needs to get going in '08.

by John Sickels on Feb 20, 2008 1:45 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

NO MOR E QUESTIONS
NO MORE QUESTIONS FROM THIS POINT

by John Sickels on Feb 19, 2008 3:15 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

books
Approximately how many books will you sell this year?

by LindInMoskva on Feb 19, 2008 3:16 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Danny Valencia
How would you rate his defense at third base?
cmathewson

by cmathewson on Feb 19, 2008 3:16 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Brian Anderson - Chisox
Is Brian Anderson still a prospect or is he done?
shoedog

by shoedog on Feb 19, 2008 3:17 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think I missed it
but in case not, what's your earliest memory of being at a ballpark?

by andwoo on Feb 19, 2008 3:27 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

stupid pacific time......
Is the curse of the billy goat the only real curse in sports?
"If you were a hot dog, would you eat yourself?"

by Trobone on Feb 19, 2008 3:29 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Jason Kubel
What kind of career do you see him having now that it looks like he's put the knee injury behind him? Thanks.

bc

by bluechipper on Feb 19, 2008 4:52 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

too late....
Kobayashi Iwamura or Kyle Kendrick?

by DenverBears on Feb 19, 2008 5:49 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Latos vs. Walden
Seems like you really like Latos a lot but what about another highly-touted 06 draftee who made his pro debut in 07 - Jordan Walden?

by nstaapp on Feb 19, 2008 8:57 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

O's
I know I'm way too late on this, but I'm in the military and I work at night (sleep during the day).  I was wondering what you think of the Orioles revamped farm system if you were to put a letter grade to it.  

by ultimatedub on Feb 19, 2008 10:44 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

impressive
I for one would just like to state for the record that John Sickels is a badass.

by trza on Feb 19, 2008 10:45 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What to do with Chin-Lung Hu?
there seem to be a pretty big logjam at short with the Dodgers across several level, who's the odd man out there? who do you expect to be there in 09 and beyond?

by RollingWave on Feb 20, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ian Kennedy
I've heard that there are problems with his mechanics, is this true?  If so will it prevent him from pitching 200+ innings in a season?

by ChrisLDuncan on Feb 20, 2008 1:05 AM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yanks
Thoughts on Dan mccutchen or george kontos?
http://yankeesmtom.blogspot.com/

by hallofamer2000 on Feb 20, 2008 1:15 AM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Paper Rock Scissors
When playing which one of these is your favourite?

Mine is rock because most people don't like paper.

by pedrophile on Feb 20, 2008 1:21 AM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

there have actually been studies on this
If your life depended on rock-scissors-paper, you should choose:

scissors.

Rock is the strongest of the three.  Your competitor will assume you are to throw rock since it's the most obvious.  They throw scissors to try and outthink you.

You win.

by Galt on Feb 20, 2008 9:36 AM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You mean they throw paper?
You said they throw scissors to try and outthink you.  You must have meant that they throw paper...right?

by BaseballBrain on Feb 20, 2008 2:22 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ya ya
that's what I meant.  They throw paper because they assume you are going to throw rock.

by Galt on Feb 22, 2008 12:21 AM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Rock
"Rock is the strongest of the three."

Can you explain this?  Doesn't each of the three have equal strength?  Isn't that kinda the whole point?

by Yakker on Feb 20, 2008 2:40 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I believe he means
it has the appearance of the strongest. In real life a rock would smash a pair of scissors. And it could go through paper.

It just feels stronger if you get me.

by pedrophile on Feb 20, 2008 3:02 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

E-town prospects
I realize that rookie ball is far from the best means to evaluate someone, but

Which of these guys could likely be stars for Minnesota?

by diehardtwinsfan on Feb 20, 2008 8:00 AM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Matt Gamel
It seems Gamel may have some defensive issues at 3B.  Can he manage to stick there? Will he see success at the Major League level?
Ichiro, on facing Daisuke Matsuzaka for the first time: "