Daily prospect thread for 8/26
by limozeen on Aug 26, 2025 6:02 PM EDT
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Been a while since I made one of these.
The E-Town wrecking crew is in full force today.
Eddie Rosario: 0-1, 4 BB. 8 HR, 1.037 OPS in August.
Miguel Sano: 2-5, HR (17), 3B. 10 HR, 1.052 OPS in August.
Niko Goodrum: 2-4, 2B, BB, K. .351/.461/.514 (.974 OPS) in August.
All three are among the approximately twenty-five teenagers who have gotten at least 100 PA in the Appy League this year. Somewhat exciting.
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martin perez and robbie ross for the rangers
martin perez needs a good outing
>mfw
by MonkeyEpoxy on Aug 26, 2025 6:18 PM EDT reply actions
perez got scratched for some reason
>mfw
by MonkeyEpoxy on Aug 26, 2025 9:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Some other starters I am following...
Randall Delgado, Jon Bachanov, Ross Seaton, Jonathan Graham, Mike Foltynewicz
by auclairkeithbc on Aug 26, 2025 7:18 PM EDT reply actions
Jonathan Graham = J.R. Graham, for those few that care.
by auclairkeithbc on Aug 26, 2025 7:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Folty
Seems fatigued to me. He had been doing so well for so long and all of a sudden has been getting pounded, more of the same so far tonight. Saw the same thing out of Lyles last season.
by kyuss94 on Aug 26, 2025 7:32 PM EDT up reply actions
George Springer
Is making his professional debut tonight for Tri-City of the NYPL. He’s batting leadoff and playing CF.
by kyuss94 on Aug 26, 2025 7:29 PM EDT reply actions
Travis d'Arnaud
named Eastern League MVP!
Good Job KID!
by mgrich on Aug 26, 2025 7:46 PM EDT reply actions
Eric Surkamp being called up from AA by SFGiants
to start tomorrow vs. the Astros.
by you'vejustbeenCAINED on Aug 26, 2025 7:46 PM EDT reply actions
Wish he wasn't ...
pitching against the Astros…
I want to have a gauge of how he competes against “REAL”
MLB talent.
by mgrich on Aug 26, 2025 7:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Bochy just said in a pregame interview that it might be for more than one start.
Assuming it would depend on how he does tomorrow.
by you'vejustbeenCAINED on Aug 26, 2025 7:59 PM EDT up reply actions
At least the Astros are a VERY good AA team
http://www.crawfishboxes.com
by OremLK on Aug 27, 2025 12:21 AM EDT up reply actions
For guys wearing SF Giants jerseys,
the Houston Astros seem to be about the best baseball team in the world.
by Philly:Blunt on Aug 27, 2025 2:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Matzek so far
3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 6 K
But realistically you could take away the walk, one of the hits, the run…and add another SO. He had a 3-2 count with 2 outs, and threw one right down the middle, but it was inexplicably called a ball. The next batter got a hit, though the only reason the run scored was due to poor fielding by Dickerson in RF. Still, looking very good again, so far.
Alanna Rizzo is my dream girl.
by Cargo's Ball Sack5 on Aug 26, 2025 7:55 PM EDT reply actions
Is that with or without the CBSDT?
(“Cargo Ball Sack Data Transformation”)
Eagerly waiting to hear the Cox to Wong to Pujols double play call.
by siddfynch on Aug 26, 2025 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions
you saying he should have at least 17 K's now if not for the ump?
R.I.P. cwhitman412, Frederick0220, & Mets2k9
http://twitter.com/doublestix
by doublestix on Aug 26, 2025 8:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Would be 18
6 innings, 3 ks per inning if not for bad umps/hops/mound condition/sun/etc.
Eagerly waiting to hear the Cox to Wong to Pujols double play call.
by siddfynch on Aug 26, 2025 11:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Context is important
The numbers themselves don’t really matter much(though that’s all we have to go on with minor leaguers, most of the time)….but there is a huge difference when someone is walking guys while being competitive in counts and commanding his stuff, and when he is completely wild and walking guys on four pitches that are nowhere close.
Earlier in the season, Matzek had no control whatsoever, and fell into the latter of those two. Lately, even when he does walk guys, it’s generally been with him still commanding his stuff and just missing the zone. Which is fine with me, as teams are being overly patient with him lately anyway. If he can continue to show that he isn’t completely wild anymore, batters will likely start swinging at those borderline pitches, and the walks will go down even more.
Stats only tell you so much, I was just trying to give some perspective to the numbers.
Alanna Rizzo is my dream girl.
by Cargo's Ball Sack5 on Aug 26, 2025 11:35 PM EDT up reply actions
I know
I’m just busting your chops a little. Your original post was a little funny, no?
Eagerly waiting to hear the Cox to Wong to Pujols double play call.
by siddfynch on Aug 26, 2025 11:57 PM EDT up reply actions
That's without
Updated
7 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 13 K
Again, that’s the actual line.
Alanna Rizzo is my dream girl.
by Cargo's Ball Sack5 on Aug 26, 2025 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, that IS nice
Can I start to hope he’s not my worst MiLB bust pick ever?
Eagerly waiting to hear the Cox to Wong to Pujols double play call.
by siddfynch on Aug 26, 2025 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions
he's been great since his "reboot"
3.19 era, 1.25 whip, 62 K in 48 IP
Showing TOR potential once again imo.
by John Black on Aug 27, 2025 11:33 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Lobstein making his AA debut today.
Walked the first two batters.
by mr. maniac on Aug 26, 2025 8:13 PM EDT reply actions
Marisnick
3-4, HR, 2 doubles… great night for him
by Sniderlover on Aug 26, 2025 10:07 PM EDT reply actions
He should be in Toronto's OF by mid-way next season full time
Liriano, Mijares, Angel Morales, & Anthony Swarzak for Josh Johnson and Brad Hand
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Aug 26, 2025 11:11 PM EDT up reply actions
lol not a chance. He is in Lansing A ball. At most, he might move up to double AA by the end of next year
by Sniderlover on Aug 26, 2025 11:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Oooops correct
silly me, meant mid-way 2013, already thinking its 2012, maybe cause my Twins season has been over for month(s) now… of course, my mistake
Liriano, Mijares, Angel Morales, & Anthony Swarzak for Josh Johnson and Brad Hand
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Aug 26, 2025 11:18 PM EDT up reply actions
But now even thinking about it, mid-way 2013 would be a bit of a hurry up by the Jays
so maybe even that is too soon.
Liriano, Mijares, Angel Morales, & Anthony Swarzak for Josh Johnson and Brad Hand
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Aug 26, 2025 11:19 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah 2014 is when I think he will arrive unless he completely starts tearing up higher levels
by Sniderlover on Aug 26, 2025 11:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed
It is going to be a while before he sees T.O. Gose, Rasmus, Thames, Snider, and Joey Bats are all ahead of him on the depth chart.
Big Sexy
Follow KBR and Dewey on Twitter! @KBRandDewey
by King Billy Royal on Aug 27, 2025 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Andrew Brackman teasing us again?
Today: 3.2 IP, 3 K, 0 BB, 2 H (singles), 0 R. In August: 15.1 IP, 15 K, 2 BB, 1.76 ERA, 0.59 WHIP (1 HR, all other hits were singles). That is a 27.3% K-rate, and a 3.6% BB-rate.
by auclairkeithbc on Aug 26, 2025 10:25 PM EDT reply actions
J.R. Graham
6 IP, 5 K, 0 BB, 4 H, 0 R, 10-2 GO:FO
by auclairkeithbc on Aug 26, 2025 10:28 PM EDT reply actions
Bogaerts
2 for 4 with a homer (14) and a strikeout.
by blackoutyears on Aug 26, 2025 10:29 PM EDT reply actions
No one man should have all that power
by blackoutyears on Aug 27, 2025 12:12 AM EDT up reply actions
That shit cray
Bullpen Banter
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by Jeff Reese on Aug 27, 2025 1:12 AM EDT up reply actions
Alen Hanson
2 for 3 with a double and two walks.
by blackoutyears on Aug 26, 2025 10:32 PM EDT reply actions
hammer'n Joe Benson 1-3 , 3B , 2 BB , K
Brian Dozier 3-4
Liriano, Mijares, Angel Morales, & Anthony Swarzak for Josh Johnson and Brad Hand
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Aug 26, 2025 11:00 PM EDT reply actions
Why not Joltin' Joe Benson?
Hammer’n Joe Benson just doesn’t roll off the tongue.
by PissedMick on Aug 27, 2025 8:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Jackin' Joe Benson?
seems more apropos
by apoxonbothyourhouses on Aug 27, 2025 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions
I like the repetative alliteration though
J , J , J
Liriano, Mijares, Angel Morales, & Anthony Swarzak for Josh Johnson and Brad Hand
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Aug 27, 2025 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions
high school nickname Joiliet Illinois
Liriano, Mijares, Angel Morales, & Anthony Swarzak for Josh Johnson and Brad Hand
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Aug 27, 2025 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Pat Dean 7.0 IP - 7 H - 0 BB/ 5 K's - 2 ER
Liriano, Mijares, Angel Morales, & Anthony Swarzak for Josh Johnson and Brad Hand
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Aug 26, 2025 11:03 PM EDT reply actions
Angel Morales 1-4, HR , BB , K
Oswaldo Arcia 2-4
Aaron Hicks continues to go hitless
Liriano, Mijares, Angel Morales, & Anthony Swarzak for Josh Johnson and Brad Hand
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Aug 26, 2025 11:04 PM EDT reply actions
Anybody have any recent scouting reports on Hicks?
He has been slumping huge and was wondering if anyone has some insight into what is going on.
Big Sexy
Follow KBR and Dewey on Twitter! @KBRandDewey
by King Billy Royal on Aug 27, 2025 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Corbin vs Fife
Battle of groundballers
Corbin
6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 5/3 K/BB, 12/2 GO/FO
Fife
5 1/3, 8 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 3/1 K/BB, 11/3 GO/FO
by bbtng on Aug 26, 2025 11:06 PM EDT reply actions
wow.....what a stat line...
Hmm give me the southpaw Corbin still….
Liriano, Mijares, Angel Morales, & Anthony Swarzak for Josh Johnson and Brad Hand
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Aug 26, 2025 11:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Nate Robets 1-3 , HR , BB , K
Liriano, Mijares, Angel Morales, & Anthony Swarzak for Josh Johnson and Brad Hand
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Aug 26, 2025 11:06 PM EDT reply actions
Pedro Guerra in MDWL
5.0 IP - 11 K’s !
Liriano, Mijares, Angel Morales, & Anthony Swarzak for Josh Johnson and Brad Hand
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Aug 26, 2025 11:06 PM EDT reply actions
loving that ratio 11K/2BB - O ER
Liriano, Mijares, Angel Morales, & Anthony Swarzak for Josh Johnson and Brad Hand
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Aug 26, 2025 11:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Max Kepler 2-4 , BB , K
another one of those Appy Leaguers mentioned in title thread
Liriano, Mijares, Angel Morales, & Anthony Swarzak for Josh Johnson and Brad Hand
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Aug 26, 2025 11:09 PM EDT reply actions
meanwhile the M's Kyle Seagar 2B/3B is on fire like going 10-13 in his last 14 AB's
what will he do tonight against Peavey’s White Sux?
Liriano, Mijares, Angel Morales, & Anthony Swarzak for Josh Johnson and Brad Hand
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Aug 26, 2025 11:10 PM EDT reply actions
Correction, Seager -playing 3B
Liriano, Mijares, Angel Morales, & Anthony Swarzak for Josh Johnson and Brad Hand
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Aug 26, 2025 11:10 PM EDT up reply actions
how does one go 10-13 in 14 ABs???
by apoxonbothyourhouses on Aug 27, 2025 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions
deep sleeper Tim Shibuya with another solid outing
6.0 IP -3 H - 1BB/ 4 K’s - 1 ER
attaining a 1.75 GB/FB ratio in SSS since being drafted in about rd. 23
Liriano, Mijares, Angel Morales, & Anthony Swarzak for Josh Johnson and Brad Hand
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Aug 26, 2025 11:14 PM EDT reply actions
Juan Lagares
3 for 3 with a double, which boosts his already impossible Double-A .383 avg and .449 BaBIP.
by blackoutyears on Aug 26, 2025 11:19 PM EDT reply actions
wow this guy is sickly red hott right now
the other thing about him is he has that nice low K rate…
Liriano, Mijares, Angel Morales, & Anthony Swarzak for Josh Johnson and Brad Hand
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Aug 26, 2025 11:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Tyler Moore
3 for 6 with a double and two homers. If he walked at all…
by blackoutyears on Aug 26, 2025 11:21 PM EDT reply actions
He is what I call "Little Beast Mode"
2nd straight 30HR season.
Sleep, those little slices of death. Oh how I loathe them.
by Daggerrrrrr on Aug 26, 2025 11:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Alfredo Silverio streaking
2 for 3 with a double. Seven doubles, three triples and a homer in his last nine games and a respectable 8:6 K:BB.
by blackoutyears on Aug 26, 2025 11:25 PM EDT reply actions
Spoke too soon
3 for 4 with a second double and a walk.
by blackoutyears on Aug 26, 2025 11:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Shairon Martis
CG, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 K
Game was part of a double header so only 7 innings but still impressive.
by TwoEyesForAnEye on Aug 26, 2025 11:29 PM EDT reply actions
I still don't know what to make of him.
All I can remember is him pitching for the Nats in 08 or 09 and struggled getting hitters out. Maybe there’s still hope for him.
Sleep, those little slices of death. Oh how I loathe them.
by Daggerrrrrr on Aug 26, 2025 11:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Henderson Alvarez
with an odd start. 6IP 4H 4R 4ER 2BB 6K but 3 HRA.
by blackoutyears on Aug 26, 2025 11:32 PM EDT reply actions
Saw the game on TV
Alvarez was throwing some good sliders today with some good break around the mid 80’s. If I remember correctly, all 3 HR’s were off of pitches right near the middle of the plate.
No matter how much they are hyped, my teams always find a way to disappoint.
by thedudeofdudes on Aug 27, 2025 12:50 AM EDT up reply actions
The breaking ball looked good?
That’s crucial.
by blackoutyears on Aug 27, 2025 1:10 AM EDT up reply actions
sort of. It looked solid early on… I think he even got a strikeout with it but he also hung one against Jennings that got absolutely crushed. It still needs works, but it’s coming.
His change-up and fastball are great pitches though. I don’t know why he didn’t get more strikeouts in the minors but he does have the swing and miss type stuff. Solid command too… well maybe more like control. On 2 strikes, he might be around the zone maybe too often but his stuff plays good.
by Sniderlover on Aug 27, 2025 1:15 AM EDT up reply actions
Needs a solid breaking ball
to get a boost in K’s. As blackoutyears stated, it’s crucial and happy to see that tonight he threw 12 sliders, 7 for strikes. On the night, he had 13 swinging strikes. Really a big fan of his and tonight showed promise.
by RedHopeful on Aug 27, 2025 1:46 AM EDT up reply actions
Gotta love ESPNs highlight p[ackage for the game
One pitch from Alvarez that results in a homer and three times as much coverage of Bautista throwing equipment on the field.
by blackoutyears on Aug 27, 2025 2:37 AM EDT up reply actions
just watched a replay of the game on mlb.tv
A few of those sliders looked great! Completely handcuffing the hitter. IF he can become more consistent with them, I think the ceiling is huge to be honest.
by John Black on Aug 27, 2025 11:40 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Average at best.
Breaking ball is average at best in my opinion. It’s worse than I thought it was going to be. Alvarez also has some deception similar to what Cueto is doing right now but not as pronounced. I can see how his arsenal worked in the minors and I understand now why he is not striking as many guys out as people hoped. He’s got a plus fastball with some deception but does not really have an out pitch. Change was as adverised but he is a 2 pitch SP right now.
by ROBERTS04 on Aug 27, 2025 9:02 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
deception similar to what Cueto is doing
I’m wondering if this is something TOR is doing with some of their pitching prospects because I see the same thing with Molina. There’s a slight rotation away from the plate, showing his back to the hitter.
by blackoutyears on Aug 27, 2025 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions
interesting
Good way to hide the ball and delaying showing the hitter the release point of the pitch so that he doesn’t pick up the spin of the ball quickly. I’ve seen Cueto and Kuroda do this quite effectively.
by John Black on Aug 27, 2025 11:38 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I've been amazed at Cueto
He basically made this adjustment while rehabbing from his ST injury and has implemented it almost flawlessly, despite its being a more involved delivery than his old one.
by blackoutyears on Aug 27, 2025 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Adam Warren
Also an odd start. 6.2IP 5H 6R 6ER 3BB 11K and 2 HRA.
by blackoutyears on Aug 26, 2025 11:37 PM EDT reply actions
Gave up a home run to Jose Iglesias
I’d sooner expect Luciano Pavrotti to hit a HR off of Adam Warren over Iglesias
Brandon Jacobs of Lowell > Brandon Jacobs of NYG
by Lesterfan on Aug 27, 2025 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Ha!
That’s how I felt when the Reds gave up a three-run homer to Emilio Bonifacio the other day.
by blackoutyears on Aug 27, 2025 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions
Tim Wheeler still rolling
2 for 5 with a double and a strikeout.
by blackoutyears on Aug 26, 2025 11:41 PM EDT reply actions
batting .363 now
What kind of upside do people see in this kid? Lots of speed, good defense, good approach at the plate, hits lefties well. So so in the power department.
by John Black on Aug 27, 2025 11:42 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Christian Villanueva
2 for 4 with a double.
by blackoutyears on Aug 26, 2025 11:41 PM EDT reply actions
who is the future 3B for Tex?
Olt or Villy?
by John Black on Aug 27, 2025 11:43 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I think Olt
and Villanueva is a DH? 2B? LF?
by apoxonbothyourhouses on Aug 28, 2025 1:37 AM EDT up reply actions
DH?
His best asset is his defense at 3B. Why in the world would you move him to LF or DH?
If his bat continues to be unexpectedly impressive (and Olt continues on his path), I see him as trade bait.
Bullpen Banter
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Twitter Account: @Ioffridus
by Jeff Reese on Aug 28, 2025 7:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Beltre, most likely
through at least 2015. Olt seems likely to be major league ready before then, spending 2012 in AA and 2013 on the cusp, with Villanueva about a year behind. I’d be shocked if both were still in the organization in 2016, at least one will be traded.
Some see a glass half empty, some a glass half full. I see a glass that's twice as big as it needs to be. - George Carlin
by t ball on Aug 28, 2025 7:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Matt Adams
1 for 3 with a double and two walks.
by blackoutyears on Aug 26, 2025 11:42 PM EDT reply actions
Kaleb Cowart
2 for 4 with a strikeout (71 on the year).
by blackoutyears on Aug 26, 2025 11:44 PM EDT reply actions
very meh on him
Minus his red-hot start, he’s been very mediocre, despite being a second year player in a league where just about everybody hits.
I had him at B- last year . . .does he deserve a downgrade?
by mrkupe on Aug 27, 2025 1:13 AM EDT up reply actions
no. he was supposed to be raw, so that would've factored into the grade last year. I've seen him as high as top 40 for some people, and way low for others.
Just depends on who you are I guess
Mike Trout- The Man, The NOW, The Legend
by miketrout on Aug 27, 2025 1:19 AM EDT up reply actions
i just pictured chef Gordon Ramsey scream:
“Its raw! Shut it down!”
by John Black on Aug 27, 2025 11:45 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Second year player
is stretching it a bit. He played fewer than ten minor league games last year and missed a good chunk of his year working in extended spring. He’s a tools guy, and like a lot of HS two-way players he’s a little behind because of his time being divided between the field and the mound. I still like his upside a lot, and I expected him to be a bit of a project and take awhile to develop. He’s looked perfectly solid to me.
by blackoutyears on Aug 27, 2025 1:20 AM EDT up reply actions
lol same thing as what I said pretty much.. I just beat you by 1 minute!
Mike Trout- The Man, The NOW, The Legend
by miketrout on Aug 27, 2025 1:22 AM EDT up reply actions
That's because
I took three times as many words to say the same thing. I started typing five minutes before you did. lol
by blackoutyears on Aug 27, 2025 1:24 AM EDT up reply actions
I don't think I'm stretching it at all
He got only a little bit of time last year, but he did sign last year. He has had the ability to focus exclusively on his development and the opportunity to receive professional training for over a year now. He was quite obviously in XST because he wasn’t ready to play in full season ball, so the first half of the year doesn’t qualify as “missed time”.
Yeah, he is raw, but a nearly 27% K rate in rookie ball without production to compensate is not promising in any case.
by mrkupe on Aug 27, 2025 1:29 AM EDT up reply actions
Second year player
implies that he played something resembling a minor league season last year. I don’t consider the guys who signed too late to log minor league ABs or IPs second year players, and seven games is not a season. I’m not sure what “professional training” he should have been receiving between last year and this that you assume he didn’t, but it hardly replaces actual game experience. That whole charge is supercilious in the extreme actually. Are we to now assume that every kid who struggles didn’t focus on their development?
He was in extended spring to work on his defense and his switch-hitting because he hadn’t had as much to do so in HS as, again, he spent a lot of time pitching. It’s important to remember that he was considered a pitching prospect first by most evaluators, so the Angels’ holding him back to work on his D and hitting is neither surprising nor a strike against him. The fact that he’s in full season ball as a teenager at all is a mark in his favor, and a sign of the Angels’ faith in him. Not sure why that’s taken for granted.
You can focus on the strikeouts to the exclusion of what he’s done well if you like. That’s your prerogative. Clearly I posted his strikeout total because it’s worth noting, but it’s hardly some rate that dooms him. I honestly don’t care whether you like him or not, but I don’t find your explanation particularly objective, and in certain parts it’s downright odd.
by blackoutyears on Aug 27, 2025 2:24 AM EDT up reply actions
just to clarify
Cowart is not in a full-season league. He was XST for the first half of the year and all of his actual games played this year have been for Orem in the Pioneer League, which is a rookie ball, short-season league.
Also, my point was not that he hasn’t been receiving pro trainin. In fact, he has actually had more exposure to that training and coaching than your average player in his league.
by mrkupe on Aug 27, 2025 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions
+1
I thought these points were clear. That extra training and coaching that he’s received, for a young raw player, is probably of comparable value to game experience.
by FI2 on Aug 27, 2025 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions
I'd love
to see what type of extra coaching stands in for game experience. Sort of how college prepared you for your eventual career? Right…
by blackoutyears on Aug 27, 2025 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions
He has been less impressive statistically than I expected
I don’t see the case for C+ at all though. You have to be very down on the bat for that kind of grade, I think.
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by Jeff Reese on Aug 27, 2025 1:27 AM EDT up reply actions
well, perhaps you would know a bit more about him defensively
John mentioned something about his glove being “unreliable” at this point . . .do you have any info regarding that? It was my understanding that he supposedly has a potentially plus glove.
I wasn’t high on his bat last year and am even less so this year.
by mrkupe on Aug 27, 2025 1:34 AM EDT up reply actions
I think the plus glove projections were optimistic
Reports I’ve seen peg him as more of an average defender with a plus-plus arm.
Bullpen Banter
MLB Bonus Baby
Twitter Account: @Ioffridus
by Jeff Reese on Aug 27, 2025 1:50 AM EDT up reply actions
okay, so where does the B-/B grade come from with him?
In what I have seen, he shows pretty good bat speed and not much else.
by mrkupe on Aug 27, 2025 1:58 AM EDT up reply actions
oh, just to be clear
I’m leaning slightly towards B- with him, giving him a bit of a mulligan. But if the Angels had stuck him in the MWL this year, is there much doubt that his performance would have been bad enough to warrant putting him in the C+ range? I’m concerned about giving leeway where it isn’t appropriate.
by mrkupe on Aug 27, 2025 2:05 AM EDT up reply actions
if the Angels had stuck him in the MWL this year
The presumably worse performance would, at least to some degree, have been ameliorated by the challenge of that level to his age and experience. It’s not like the majority of HS kids, even high draft picks, are thrown into the MWL immediately. Your expectations seem way out of whack. You’re acting like he’s some polished kid who’s failing to deliver on that promise, when in fact anyone familiar with him knew that he was a raw, toolsy kid who was going to need significant development time. If you want to ding him for being raw, that’s fine, but let’s not act like he’s something he’s not.
by blackoutyears on Aug 27, 2025 2:33 AM EDT up reply actions
I don't think I'm asking for terribly much
Short-season to full-transition stat translations are always a little awkward, but a .790 OPS in Orem probably works out to something close to .650 OPS in the Midwest League. He’s striking out in 27% of place appearances in the Pioneer League, so projecting his K rate to be somewhere in the area of 35% doesn’t seem like a stretch. Those are not good numbers to see, unpolished product or not.
Obviously, I’m not just grading him on present performance here, which I would guess you already know. While he is clearly less polished than anticipated, it’s worth asking what we are thinking about Cowart now in terms of projection, and if that has changed over the last year. I do think he has been dinged a little bit, which is entirely reasonable.
I do like his raw power potential, so I’m thinking that his projection is right in the area of 40-45 contact, 55 power, 50 glove at 3B. That’s not a bad player to have, but considering that he is a long way from turning that projection into reality, I’m not exactly getting excited about him just yet. If the performance improves, he’ll move up as I think he is more likely to realize his potential. If he develops better skills, his projection itself might even improve.
by mrkupe on Aug 27, 2025 5:02 AM EDT up reply actions
I think that undersells the future contact & power grade
He may be further from actualization than I thought he would be, but I do think there’s potential for average contact and plus power. Add that with average grades and a plus plus arm, and we’re looking at an OFP in the 57-58 range.
As for his status, I actually think he’s more well regarded by the national outlets than he was coming into the year. Here’s Jason Parks from his chat on August 10th:
Jon (Santa Clara): What are you hearing about Kaleb Cowart’s transition to full-time player status?
Jason Parks: Nothing but good things.
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by Jeff Reese on Aug 27, 2025 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions
that comes out to 56
Although a lot of that is based on his arm, and there’s only so much weight I want to put on that for a non-amateur. Take it out of the equation, and the OFP is 52-53.
I don’t doubt that the talent to be a decent player is there, but I’m seeing a lot of the concerns that I had about him last year play out in the numbers.
by mrkupe on Aug 27, 2025 9:46 AM EDT up reply actions
I went:
Hit: 50
Power: 60
Arm: 70
Field: 50
Run: 55
To get to 57, and I think there are those that would go 55 on the hit and/or field. And just to note, this is a mere thought process as I have definitely not seen him play enough to put actual grades on his tools. And as a switch hitter, you’d probably see someone adjust upward (especially if you discount the value of the arm grade) for a potential switch hitting power threat.
You have been low on him so I’m not surprised that you continue to be. I just don’t see the C+ grade.
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by Jeff Reese on Aug 27, 2025 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions
fair enough
The difference between our calculations was the run grade.
I think I’m sticking with B-, as I think his well-rounded set of tools and raw potential are enticing enough to warrant patience. His full-season transition next year is going to be one of the more interesting ones to track.
by mrkupe on Aug 27, 2025 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions
But what were these concerns
based on? He’s basically refining his swing as we speak, so whatever you’ve seen in that regard may be completely obsolete. You have yet to expand on what supposedly concerned you and what looks the concerns are based on.
Jeff is being honest about the questionability of throwing grades on tools, and you need to be as well. The problem with your explanations above is that they’re all spin. “Second year player with a too-high strikeout rate” becomes “He’s got just 275 plate appearances in a full-season league as a teenager with a strikeout rate that’s a flag but which is ameliorated by his developing power and wilingness to take an occasional walk” if you like him. Both are equally subjective, and highlight how much of your “analysis” is simply spin rather than substance. Your posts reek of confirmation bias.
As I said, I don’t care if you dislike him, but you’re not supporting your point. The MWL projection is completely tangential. Even if you could translate his current numbers to a higher league (point?), what does this have to do with Cowart? So a raw, toolsy player would have poor numbers in his first minor league season if thrown into Low-A? Shocked I am. lol
by blackoutyears on Aug 27, 2025 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions
sorry that you feel I'm being "dishonest"
He has a .130 IsoP in the most offense-friendly league in pro baseball. He has struck out in nearly 27% of his plate appearances. Over a full season, at his current rate, he wouldn’t even get to 45 walks. Those are the facts, and while I’m typically averse to putting much stock in rookie ball numbers, as a second year player who has had over a year to adjust to the demands of pro ball, he is playing with a decided advantage over many other players in this league. Consequently, I do think the numbers are worth looking at to get a better feel for where he is at in his development. That doesn’t mean they’re the entire book on the player, obviously, and I believe I’ve made reference to that in other posts here.
To be more specific about my concerns, I watched all the video I could find on him last year, and I thought that his swing looked long and uppercut-ish. I liked the athleticism (which showed up in looseness) and the bat speed, as I noted, so I thought the power production would be there, although I will note that I thought it would show up a bit better even at this point. I also thought, however, that his swing path would result in a lot of swing and miss. I by no means presume to be the be-all end-all on any player, but I do research faithfully and without bias, and I tend to stay away from commenting too much on a player that I haven’t done my homework on. Feel free to disagree with my POV, just don’t crap on my process.
Anyways, as I said, sorry if you feel that I have represented myself and my perspective falsely or dishonestly. I am a little surprised at how vehemently negative your responses have been, as I have generally found you to be quite congenial and pleasant to discuss things with. In all honesty, you really haven’t come across as either of those here.
by mrkupe on Aug 27, 2025 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions
The second year player thing is rubbish, plain and simple.
Unless he was playing in a significant number of minor league games last year, you’re being disingenuous.
Per the swing, that’s pretty much what I surmised, and my point about basing an opinion on old video of a kid who spent a lot of time pitching and who was almost completely certain to undergo an overhaul by his drafting team stands. The conservative course is to wait and see the swing now before putting weight on that leg of the stool.
Nothing is vehemently negative about my posts. Vehement? Absolutely. Negative? That would be your subjective reaction to vehemency. You find me to be generally congenial. Thanks. I find you to be generally much more rigorous in your opinion formation, so we’re both lacking today.
by blackoutyears on Aug 27, 2025 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions
And you may want to
reassess your process if it involves locating the scant video that was available on a raw kid like Cowart and forming a conviction about his swing based on it. That may work with college kids, and it certainly works with players who have a significant amount of professional performance, which is where you excel. This business of taking a HS kid’s hitting or pitching mechanics as the bedrock basis for assessing them is, to put it diplomatically, dubious. Kids change.
by blackoutyears on Aug 27, 2025 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions
bedrock? no. starting point? yes.
I made a hypothesis off of what I was able to observe, and this season has provided data which serves as some evidence in support of that hypothesis. At no point have I considered anything “conclusive”, and I think I’ve emphasized that. You are the only person who seems to think otherwise on both counts, as far as I can tell.
You may find my process disagreeable, but I think it is far more useful than the process you’re advocating, that of “stick head in sand and refuse to say anything about the player until he’s old enough to drink”.
by mrkupe on Aug 27, 2025 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions
So
your process is to form your initial assessment of an amateur based on video and scouting reports and then reassess based purely on statistical performance in their initial pro exposure sans benefit of current video and scouting.
Leaving aside the fact that the video you based that initial assessment on was probably marginal — I’ve been following Cowart since his junior year and and can attest to the dearth of publicly available vid, especially of his hitting — you seem to have barely considered his circumstances as two-way player and their affect on his hitting.
I checked his BA Handbook writeup. Short version: Most preferred him as a pitcher (I did), LAA saw potential as a switch-hitting 3B but said from the start that he needed work on his left-handed swing/pitch recognition from that side and on shortening his swing from both sides. “Because of his background as a two-way player and the need to iron out his lefthanded swing, he’ll need time to develop.”
The fact that you’re comfortable dooming teenagers or pronouncing them stars based on 175 rookie ball plate appearances doesn’t mean you have a process, just as there’s a tremendous difference between letting a prospect get some experience constituting a decent sample size at a meaningful minor league level and “sticking your head in the sand”.
by blackoutyears on Aug 28, 2025 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions
I keep forgetting to ask:
what’s the purpose of this “process”? To slap letter grades on kids so that you can rank them, that noblest of pursuits? lol
by blackoutyears on Aug 28, 2025 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions
I think only one of us here is coming off as a spin doctor
Information gathered from statistical data is informed by scouting data and vice versa. I see no harm with using previously gathered scouting data to inform the analysis provided that the limitations on using that data are recognized. And I’d rather have “some” scouting-related data rather than “no” scouting-related data. I’m perfectly competent at negotiating the obvious issues.
I’ve considered his circumstances plenty, I’m not sure where you got the impression that I haven’t other than that I didn’t state it explicitly.
I’d really appreciate it if you’d stop characterizing me as somebody who pronounces absolute judgment on a player at a young age. I don’t do that and I never have, and both of these things should be exceedingly evident to a veteran of this site such as yourself. I’m perfectly entitled to make and state an informed opinion about a player, just as everyone else here is. I’m also entitled to make educated hypotheses about a player’s future, again, same as everyone else here. Let me emphasize, it’s a GUESS informed by an ever-evolving base of data. Consequently it is inherently fluid, and hardly set in stone as you make it out to be.
I typically keep my exact rankings private simply because I have nowhere to put them. That being said, I don’t really care too much about “ranking” prospects. What I do care about is analysis of each individual player, and how I can improve on that analysis. If I don’t establish what I think and why I think what I think, I really can’t hope to learn anything. I don’t get why you would begrudge me for that.
I am increasingly confused as to why you have a problem with any of this. Rankings are a near-daily point of debate around here. “Grading” prospects, even really young ones, happens all the time from lots of people, even the guy who runs this site. I have a hard time believing that you have that much of a problem with what goes on around here, but if you do, please go back inside your ivory tower and let the people without sticks up their asses enjoy themselves. At heart, we’re all just a bunch of dorks who watch entirely too much baseball.
by mrkupe on Aug 28, 2025 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions
I really can’t hope to learn anything
Yes, I see you avail yourself of opportunities to learn all the time. Oh the humility. lol
You are using zero scouting and video to assess Cowart by your own admission, the elements that were the sole basis for your initial assessment. If you don’t see the disconnect there…
And clearly you are failing to adequately consider his profile and circumstances, or you wouldn’t be basing your initial asessment on video of a HS swing that was bound to be overhauled or compounding that by now kvetching about the stats of a player whose own org believes that he’s going to take a long time to develop.
You keep on acting as if your process is unassailable, but it’s exactly the process that is in question. If anything I probably grade Cowart lower than you, and it means something because it’s not based simply on ten minutes of HS swings on youtube and his firat 175 minor league plate appearances.
by blackoutyears on Aug 29, 2025 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Grading and ranking
is red meat for fanboys, and a necessity for someone in John’s position. If there wasn’t a lot more on offer from the community I wouldn’t be here. In terms of player evaluation, grades/rankings lack seriousness, especially for players with no significant pro sample size. If you’re going to do it, at least do it rationally. Anyone can claim they have a process, with the sense of purposefulness and design that term implies, but words are cheap.
by blackoutyears on Aug 29, 2025 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
dude, seriously, what do you want from me
You obviously don’t regard anything that I say as being sincere, and I’m tired of you acting like this is my problem rather than yours. It’s not my responsibility to convince you of anything.
I’m not going to waste more time talking about the limitations of the analysis, because I’ve addressed them sufficiently in previous posts. There are always going to be limitations when it comes to data; more is never enough. If you’re uncomfortable with those limitations, just abstain from the conversation. Better yet, start your own site where you can whine about how everybody else is so silly with their grades and their rankings and whatnot.
I couldn’t care less what you think of Cowart. You’ve offered absolutely no input on that topic whatsoever, choosing only to insult my efforts. As far as I can tell, the only reason why you think your opinion is better/more meaningful is because it’s your opinion. I’m the only one between the two of us who is offering thoughtful ideas and transparency.
Speaking more broadly, I have been watching your posts lately, because I have noticed that I’m not the only person that you’ve been getting into it with. Lately you’ve been overly argumentative, dismissive, and generally rude to an intolerable degree, which is most unlike what I’ve come to expect from a valued member of the community. I don’t know if/what the problem is (and if there is a problem, my apologies), but you need to cool it more than a little bit. Feel free to take this part of the discussion privately to e-mail with me.
by mrkupe on Aug 29, 2025 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Lately you’ve been overly argumentative
No more so than normal. I’m just arguing with you so you’re noticing. You don’t like being disagreed with, and certainly aren’t used to being tasked, and so you’re staunchly defending the indefensible in a clear victory of pride over reason. I’ve made my point many times over, so at this point you’re simply willfully disregarding it. If I seem more agumentative it’s likely because I’m encountering more than the usual stubbornness on the part of people who don’t want to admit the slack in their opinion.
by blackoutyears on Aug 30, 2025 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions
BTW,
telling me to cool it is a ridiculous double standard. You’re the mod. If you wanted things to remain cool then that should have been apparent in your own side of the exchange. Casting blunt remarks as excessively negative so that you can feign hurt feelings shows a passive aggressive streak you may want to reflect on.
by blackoutyears on Aug 30, 2025 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions
not so much
I’m perfectly fine with disagreement. I’m not fine with somebody disagreeing with me and then trying to discredit the value of my opinion on a bogus claim of me being dishonest. I don’t think I’m being unreasonable for that. You made a personal attack on me and there is really no getting around that and no justification for that, regardless of whether or not you agreed with my opinion. My feelings weren’t hurt, so no worries. I’m just trying to make it clear that such actions aren’t tolerated. If it was anybody but me, you would have been warned, so you’re welcome for that much.
I don’t think I have been “staunchly” defending anything. I’ve repeatedly emphasized the flexibility and fluidity of my thought process. Every time I have, however, you’ve dismissed my words as lies. You’re really not debating in good faith if you’re just going to accuse the other guy of being a liar when he says something that isn’t in your best interests.
Again, if you’re not comfortable stating an opinion or making an hypothesis about something (and saying “Player X is Grade B-” can be classified as both of those), that’s cool. Just stop busting my balls over the fact that I’m comfortable doing so. You’re not the Minor League Ball Ombudsman, stop pretending that you are. Nobody cares that you think grading or ranking prospects is silly.
by mrkupe on Aug 30, 2025 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions
discredit the value of my opinion on a bogus claim of me being dishonest
This is what I’m talking about.
Taking this: “Jeff is being honest about the questionability of throwing grades on tools, and you need to be as well.”
as this: "sorry that you feel I’m being “dishonest” is pathetically passive aggressive. To construe that as a personal attack is as craven as your attempts to discredit our exchange with claims that I’ve been “more argumentative than usual” Since when? The moment I started asking you pointed questions? lol
The flaws in your analysis are numerous:
“I watched all the video I could find on him last year, and I thought that his swing looked long and uppercut-ish.” There was almost no video of Cowart hitting. I know because I looked. Even if there were, his swing has undergone a massive overhaul since then, so assessments of him based on scant video of HS swings is meaningless. Scouting reports of him as a hitter are equally scarce. He was primarily scouted as a pitcher.
“I made a hypothesis off of what I was able to observe, and this season has provided data which serves as some evidence in support of that hypothesis.”
Read: I formed my hypothesis based on very litle video of a swing that was almost certain to change, and I now find that 175 Pioneer League plate appearances of performance support that carefully reasoned assessment, I’m not referencing current swing video or scoutign reports and I’m calling that My Process. Compelling stuff. lol
The idea that you could “warn” me is ridiculous. Would that warning be coming from the person who invited me to “start [my] own site where you can whine about how everybody else is so silly with their grades and their rankings and whatnot.”?
You don’t get to moderate, or warn, anyone after posting that sort of juvenile banter. Lose your cool. Lose your cred.
I’m ending this now out of respect for John, and you need to reflect on how a moderator is expected to conduct himself as well as your ridiculously self-important and priggish persona.
by blackoutyears on Aug 31, 2025 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions
C+/B-
That’s why grades are a continuum. Cowart, like many other struggling ’10 first rounders with tools and upside, are somewhere at that borderline in my opinion.
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by OremLK on Aug 27, 2025 4:05 AM EDT up reply actions
I still think it's B territory
Just closer to B- than I had him before.
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by Jeff Reese on Aug 27, 2025 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Struggling is
a completely subjective term though. I’m fascinated that people expected him to debut in full season ball and start showing polished skills. “Grading” a player like this based purely off performance is nonsensical. Jeff is right: wait for the scouting reports.
by blackoutyears on Aug 27, 2025 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions
I did expect him to get a full season assignment
For what it’s worth
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by Jeff Reese on Aug 27, 2025 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions
I didn't
think there was any way he’d be ready based on what we knew of him coming out of HS and the type of development needed. It’s certainly reasonable to expect that aggressive an assignment from the Angels based on the way they’ve pushed a lot of their kids, but I think it would have been objectively aggressive.
by blackoutyears on Aug 27, 2025 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Ruben Tejada
3 for 5 with a double. His IsoP is minuscule, but he’s starting to make consistent contact, he walks almost as much as he strikes out, and he’s only 21.
by blackoutyears on Aug 26, 2025 11:51 PM EDT reply actions
He's a nice player
Very good contact hitter. He’s had some great ABs this year where he’s fouled off a bunch of pitches and worked out a walk or single. Great eye, especially for a 21 year old. His MLB numbers are much better than his AAA numbers, which is something to consider, but he’s still developing and he’s shown improving plate discipline in the minors too. No power, and not going to steal many bases, but his offensive profile is fine for a SS, and his defense is very good.
As a Mets fan, I hope Reyes is re-signed, but Tejada is not nearly as valuable if he’s playing 2B. Ideally, the Mets would re-sign Reyes and trade Tejada to a team looking for a good young SS. With the scarcity of the position, Tejada may be turning himself into a pretty solid major leaguer.
by ArbeeEye on Aug 27, 2025 3:08 AM EDT up reply actions
Feels like he's been around forever
I forgot he was only 21.
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by OremLK on Aug 27, 2025 4:06 AM EDT up reply actions
Carter Capps continuing his nice pro start
5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 7 K.
18:5 K:BB in 14.2 IP since signing. I really hope this guy can stick as a starter.
by dnc on Aug 26, 2025 11:51 PM EDT reply actions
Neftali Soto
2 for 5 with…wait for it…a home run.
by blackoutyears on Aug 26, 2025 11:52 PM EDT reply actions
Nick Hagadone
Per rotoworld
http://www.rotoworld.com/playernews/mlb/baseball?r=1
Eagerly waiting to hear the Cox to Wong to Pujols double play call.
by siddfynch on Aug 26, 2025 11:58 PM EDT reply actions
guess this means he isn't PTBL to twins
Liriano, Mijares, Angel Morales, & Anthony Swarzak for Josh Johnson and Brad Hand
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Aug 27, 2025 12:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Twins have until Oct 15 to decide on the PTBNL...
So it could still be Hagadone.
by dbreer23 on Aug 27, 2025 7:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Altuve
You know you’re short when Miguel Tejada looks tall standing next to you! The 3B umpire towered over him.
by blackoutyears on Aug 27, 2025 12:02 AM EDT reply actions
Even Justin Upton's singles look good this year.
Swinging the bat with much more purpose when I’ve seen him.
by blackoutyears on Aug 27, 2025 12:07 AM EDT reply actions
Goldschmidt robbed by Maybin
Gave it a ride. Hung breaking ball.
by blackoutyears on Aug 27, 2025 12:11 AM EDT reply actions
Anthony Gose
1-4, HR
That’s 15 homeruns for him on the season. His power has been a pleasant surprise this season.
by Sniderlover on Aug 27, 2025 12:34 AM EDT reply actions
Love the tools
Strikeout rate is still concerning, but he has time.
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by OremLK on Aug 27, 2025 12:46 AM EDT up reply actions
indeed
If there’s any bat at all, with 3 70 tools in speed, glove, arm, he’s going to be a major contributor.
by mrkupe on Aug 27, 2025 1:08 AM EDT up reply actions
Devon White Version 2.0
Won’t be quite the same defender but few have been.
Big Sexy
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by King Billy Royal on Aug 27, 2025 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Nice comp Toronto
He was a glider. Gose might be that good out there though, from what I hear.
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by casejud on Aug 27, 2025 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah the strikeouts are really high but he was an athlete more than a ball player when drafted. I don’t think the bat has been too bad considering how young he is in a pitchers league. Still, despite the strikeouts, he is drawing tons of walks and showing power when most people didn’t expect him to hit for much power.
by Sniderlover on Aug 27, 2025 1:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeepppppppppppppppppppp
And he is a hell of a lot better then Brett “I am the Walrus” Wallace.
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by King Billy Royal on Aug 27, 2025 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions
I think
Brett “I am the” Wallace works a bit better.
by blackoutyears on Aug 28, 2025 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Cory Spangenberg, professional hitter
3-for-5 today with his 10th SB in 37 MWL games.
Nine game hitting streak w/ a .450 average.
How awful was July? He has a 945 OPS this month and just got his overall number to 700.
by realitypolice on Aug 27, 2025 12:38 AM EDT reply actions
Obviously, his overall MWL number
He’s at 854 between the two levels.
by realitypolice on Aug 27, 2025 12:48 AM EDT up reply actions
I don't think a true professional
would have taken a whole month off. Unless he’s French, but then he’d have taken August.
by blackoutyears on Aug 27, 2025 1:14 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Jonathon Singleton 1-4 1R 2B
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
by StrosSouth on Aug 27, 2025 12:54 AM EDT reply actions
Kody Hinze 3-6 HR 1R 2RBI in Dbl Header
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
by StrosSouth on Aug 27, 2025 12:56 AM EDT reply actions
Gary Brown 3-5, 2B, BB, 2RBI, SB
dude seems to be in beast mode lately.
by you'vejustbeenCAINED on Aug 27, 2025 1:43 AM EDT reply actions
he's been that way for most of this season
I’m quite not sure how he managed only a .579 OPS in June, as his lowest monthly number otherwise is .845. Walks are a little low for a top of the order type of player (yes, I know how much he has hit this year, just saying to head off the critique), but otherwise he has been about as good as one could hope for.
by mrkupe on Aug 27, 2025 1:50 AM EDT up reply actions
yea, i know he's been doing well all season for the most part
but i meant specifically the past week or so, it’s been ridiculous.
.556/.571/1.037
2 HR, 4 2B, 2 3B, 2 SB
that’s beast mode. unsustainable, but awesome.
by you'vejustbeenCAINED on Aug 27, 2025 2:47 AM EDT up reply actions
The biggest critique I've seen
Is that his instincts and routes aren’t so good in the outfield. He has the speed and bat to make up for it, of course, but it’s something to keep an eye on.
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by OremLK on Aug 27, 2025 4:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Schoop
2-6, triple - .347avg in august w/ .950ops
by hybrid on Aug 27, 2025 3:45 AM EDT reply actions
Other studs
Sonny Gray 5ip 5h 0er 0 bb 6k at AA last night … overall 11.1ip 9h 0er 2bb 12k in 3 starts at AA
Jackie Bradley jr 2-3 1bb 2r at Low A … overall 4bb in 12pa .250 .500 .250 at Low A
Both small samples. To me, Gray profiles like a young “Roy Oswalt” if Oakland chooses to keep him as a starter. Bradley reminds me of a left-handed “Tori Hunter”.
Both should move quickly, however Jackie Bradley jr needs to shake off some rust from recent injuries.
by bryeic on Aug 27, 2025 7:36 AM EDT reply actions
I'll bet on the bullpen with Gray
And I think he’ll be an impact reliever with his stuff.
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by Jeff Reese on Aug 27, 2025 9:40 AM EDT up reply actions
+1
I wouldn’t be surprised if he makes an initial call up from the bullpen.
Sonny Gray has 2 plus pitches that would make him a legit 9th inning closer. He’s between 5" 11’ to 6’ 1" (depending on the website), so he’ll be challenged to remain a starter based on size alone.
However, Oakland has been on record stating that they are committed to stretching him out as a #1/#2 type starter. Only time will tell. Either way, I am fan and believe he will be a quick riser, health permitting.
by bryeic on Aug 27, 2025 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions
It's not the size that I'm worried about (although that may be the stem of the problem)
It’s the effort with which he throws and the resulting lack of command that follows.
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by Jeff Reese on Aug 27, 2025 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions
Height
Height isn’t necessarily a reason to discount a guy, unless he doesn’t have the stuff to begin with or the room to add to his build (and therefore, stamina). Gray has both. Some of the recent era’s best SPs have been in the 6’ range: Oswalt, Pedro, Hudson (amongst others). I’d like to see some pro data before thinking he’s bullpen bound just due to height/size; I do agree with JR in that the effort in his delivery will dictate his fate more than build.
by dbreer23 on Aug 27, 2025 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Not sure I see much projection
Excellent athlete but I wouldn’t expect him to add much to the frame.
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by Jeff Reese on Aug 27, 2025 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree with this
And that’s why I had him relatively low on my draft board. Not that I don’t like him as a relief pitcher, but a reliever’s a reliever.
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by OremLK on Aug 27, 2025 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions
but Gray is a battler
he battles…lol
Liriano, Mijares, Angel Morales, & Anthony Swarzak for Josh Johnson and Brad Hand
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Aug 27, 2025 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Brandon Jacobs
2/4 3B OF assist
Mookie Betts debut 2/4 sb
Brandon Jacobs of Lowell > Brandon Jacobs of NYG
by Lesterfan on Aug 27, 2025 9:41 AM EDT reply actions
Just want to get an idea from the community -
but who does everyone like more?
Justin Nicolino
or
Noah Syndergaard
I figure it shouldn’t be out of line to compare the two seeing as how they’re on a similar development path.
by smk1363 on Aug 27, 2025 10:12 AM EDT reply actions
I'm sure we'll all be wrestling with this one a lot in the months to come :)
I have a fondness for LHPs with good changeups, but I’m going to have to go with Syndergaard. Multiple reports of his ability to maintain his velocity start after start are easing my hype-related concerns, and I love seeing a natural affinity for fastball command. I’m not quite sure if he’ll be able to handle throwing this kind of heat all the time or what else he’ll be able to bring to the table, so I’m going to keep a close eye on him early next season. But he’s a good starter kit for a frontline arm.
Syndergaard is most likely a high B or low B+. Nicolino is in the mid-to-lower area of the Grade B pack.
by mrkupe on Aug 27, 2025 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions
and that's no knock on nicolino
but noah is looking like top 50 material, if he keeps this up.
by at022482 on Aug 27, 2025 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions
Think you're getting ahead a little
Syndergaard was my pre-season helium pick so i’m certainly not going to critique his upside. As is his secondaries are all merely average with upside, that’s not a top 50 player and probably not yet top 100, though next year he likely will be. A big fastball with plus control is a cornerstone pitch for sure, but for now it’s just a great building block to a future star.
I’d still for now have Nicolino ahead, as he has that natural control on all his pitches, and looks like having enough plus offerings longterm to be a rock solid #2/#3. Control makes a pitcher a #4 or better, the stuff just determines how good that pitcher will be. Nicolino has that #4 floor given his natural control.
by TtD on Aug 27, 2025 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Javier Baez
Pro debut. 1-4, SB. According to www.bleedcubbieblue.com he made one error but started two double plays.
by KevinB2 on Aug 27, 2025 11:14 AM EDT reply actions
Interested to see
how long he stays at SS.
by blackoutyears on Aug 27, 2025 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions
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