|
Post by The Duke on Jun 2, 2015 8:10:16 GMT -5
If we don't get an offer of a top 50 prospect, then we should seriously think about just waiting and taking the draft pick. Jesse Winker and Michael Lorenzen were both taken in the comp pick area in the draft.
|
|
|
Post by redsfanman on Jun 2, 2015 8:50:42 GMT -5
I'd be happy to see OF Derek Fisher acquired, but not as a centerpiece. Thrown in along side more valuable prospects, sure.
Josh Hader, eh, the Red Sox might have better and closer to ready LHPs to trade. Still, like Fisher not valuable enough to be a centerpiece.
I don't know why the Reds would want Tony Kemp, Brandon Phillips isn't going anywhere with his 10/5 rights.
|
|
|
Post by floydgator on Jun 2, 2015 10:16:26 GMT -5
I'd be happy to see OF Derek Fisher acquired, but not as a centerpiece. Thrown in along side more valuable prospects, sure. Josh Hader, eh, the Red Sox might have better and closer to ready LHPs to trade. Still, like Fisher not valuable enough to be a centerpiece. I don't know why the Reds would want Tony Kemp, Brandon Phillips isn't going anywhere with his 10/5 rights. He after 2017, maybe a little earlier if he remains something resembling competent and the Reds 2016 and 2017 squads are as bad as expected. That is not to say I'm all that interested in Kemp.
|
|
|
Post by crashdavissports on Jun 2, 2015 10:16:43 GMT -5
Well, you are right about getting something better I guess. Perhaps the better package would be: 3) Michael Feliz, RHP, Grade B+/Borderline B: Age 21, posted 4.03 ERA with 111/37 K/BB in 103 innings in Low-A. Aggressive grade but this is an arm I believe in, Midwest League observers very positive about current stuff (up to 96, plus breaking ball) and projection for more. High upside stands out. Like I said, I know this is aggressive and Lancaster will challenge his command. 9) Derek Fisher, OF, Grade B/Borderline B-: Age 21, compensation round pick from University of Virginia, hit .310/.386/.419 with 17 steals in 42 games in pro debut in short-season ball. Across-the-board tools, should eventually show more power to go with batting average and running skills, possibly one of the steals of the ’14 draft. 12) Tony Kemp, 2B, Grade B-/Borderline B: Age 23, undersized second baseman with oversized skills, hit .316/.411/.449 with 41 steals, 73 walks, 67 strikeouts in 528 at-bats between High-A and Double-A. Good athlete, strong for his size (5-6), reliable defender. Not sure how he fits in Houston but he’s been excellent so far and has lived up to what he did at Vanderbilt. I know Brandon has 10/5 rights. Who cares? He is eventually going to be done with his contract, Kemp is only in AA. He is an ideal type lead off hitter with great eye, speed and a decent defender. Now Altuve is the guy not going anywhere. Brandon is on the backside of his career. Besides, worst case scenerio, Kemp has to work in as a bench play for a couple years once making it here. Best case scenario, he is able to work in the starting lineup at 2B or SS (just temporary until Brandon leaves, or is hurt during a season as he gets older and older). May not be the ideal SS, but almost worth taking a little hit defensively at SS to actually get some production from that spot in the lineup. I think Fisher is going to one of those fast track players to the majors and quick to rise in the prospect lists. Hell, just the other night, Fisher hit 3 home runs, 2 grand slams and drove in 12 runs in his High A debut. sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/astros-prospect-derek-fisher-hits-three-homers--drives-in-12-in-cal-league-debut-181618719.htmlFeliz gets us a strong arm that at least has the power of Cueto, and gives us at least their #3 prospect instead of #7. I liked the fact Hader was a LHP, but Feliz has a strong arm. Problem is, Houston only has 2 top 100 Prospects: Carlos Correa #2 Overall, and Mark Appel #31 Overall. I want nothing to do with Appel so the next best player on that prospect list is Feliz. Boston may have a better pitching prospect, but I really like Fisher and Kemp, and our biggest needs are at the plate right now. So in order to get more prospects, and include both Fisher and Kemp, you have to expect a lesser primary prospect. So the one above is satisfactory as well I guess.
|
|
|
Post by floydgator on Jun 2, 2015 10:19:59 GMT -5
If we don't get an offer of a top 50 prospect, then we should seriously think about just waiting and taking the draft pick. Jesse Winker and Michael Lorenzen were both taken in the comp pick area in the draft. Richie Martin is likely a late first-comp round-early second rounder in this draft, and he's a major league SS. I'm with you. If we aren't getting really good offers, just hold on to him. Does that mean we have to be getting back a surefire star? Of course not, a near-MLB ready starter with good #3 upside plus some other guys with potential would be acceptable. Tony Kemp is a utility player. I'd rather the throw ins be higher ceiling/lower floor type guys. I think if he looks strong in his next couple of starts, he's gone for a good return.
|
|
|
Post by redsfanman on Jun 2, 2015 11:36:36 GMT -5
Well, you are right about getting something better I guess. Perhaps the better package would be: 3) Michael Feliz, RHP, Grade B+/Borderline B: Age 21, posted 4.03 ERA with 111/37 K/BB in 103 innings in Low-A. Aggressive grade but this is an arm I believe in, Midwest League observers very positive about current stuff (up to 96, plus breaking ball) and projection for more. High upside stands out. Like I said, I know this is aggressive and Lancaster will challenge his command. 9) Derek Fisher, OF, Grade B/Borderline B-: Age 21, compensation round pick from University of Virginia, hit .310/.386/.419 with 17 steals in 42 games in pro debut in short-season ball. Across-the-board tools, should eventually show more power to go with batting average and running skills, possibly one of the steals of the ’14 draft. 12) Tony Kemp, 2B, Grade B-/Borderline B: Age 23, undersized second baseman with oversized skills, hit .316/.411/.449 with 41 steals, 73 walks, 67 strikeouts in 528 at-bats between High-A and Double-A. Good athlete, strong for his size (5-6), reliable defender. Not sure how he fits in Houston but he’s been excellent so far and has lived up to what he did at Vanderbilt. I know Brandon has 10/5 rights. Who cares? He is eventually going to be done with his contract, Kemp is only in AA. He is an ideal type lead off hitter with great eye, speed and a decent defender. Now Altuve is the guy not going anywhere. Brandon is on the backside of his career. Besides, worst case scenerio, Kemp has to work in as a bench play for a couple years once making it here. Best case scenario, he is able to work in the starting lineup at 2B or SS (just temporary until Brandon leaves, or is hurt during a season as he gets older and older). May not be the ideal SS, but almost worth taking a little hit defensively at SS to actually get some production from that spot in the lineup. I think Fisher is going to one of those fast track players to the majors and quick to rise in the prospect lists. Hell, just the other night, Fisher hit 3 home runs, 2 grand slams and drove in 12 runs in his High A debut. sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/astros-prospect-derek-fisher-hits-three-homers--drives-in-12-in-cal-league-debut-181618719.htmlFeliz gets us a strong arm that at least has the power of Cueto, and gives us at least their #3 prospect instead of #7. I liked the fact Hader was a LHP, but Feliz has a strong arm. Problem is, Houston only has 2 top 100 Prospects: Carlos Correa #2 Overall, and Mark Appel #31 Overall. I want nothing to do with Appel so the next best player on that prospect list is Feliz. Boston may have a better pitching prospect, but I really like Fisher and Kemp, and our biggest needs are at the plate right now. So in order to get more prospects, and include both Fisher and Kemp, you have to expect a lesser primary prospect. So the one above is satisfactory as well I guess. Who cares that Phillips has 10/5 rights? The Reds, for one. The same people looking to make a trade do. They're unlikely to be able to trade Phillips, they're unlikely to bench him, they know he's their starting secondbaseman through 2017. Those same people making the decisions (usually) want young guys to be playing every day, that's why Eugenio Suarez is in Louisville rather than sitting on the bench. I doubt after all this time keeping Suarez from being a bench player they'd turn Kemp into one. Also Alex Blandino, who many people don't have faith in as a shortstop, could already be seen as a candidate for Phillips' job. As far as moving Kemp to shortstop... players often get moved from SS to 2b, but not the other way around. Kemp is more likely to be moved to the outfield than SS, having played a few games in CF and LF in his minor league career. And as a 23 year old hitting well in his second season at AA I think he'll be ready to compete (somewhere) for a starting job (but not necessarily win it) in MLB next season, if not this September.... keeping him in the minors or on the bench until 2018 seems silly. With next to no power I doubt Kemp ever becomes more than a utility player. That said, his OBP skills seem promising. Fisher hit 3 homeruns and drove in 12 runs in one game? That was one day. One game. It was a very impressive day, but I wouldn't make too much of one day, any more than I'd panic about a game with a Golden Sombrero. Anyway, Fisher was just promoted to advanced A ball, we'll see how he does in AA - a tougher jump - and beyond. Maybe he will take off, get fast tracked, and rise up prospect lists, but maybe not... at this point he seems to be a little ways away from the majors, and the Reds could be searching for a shorter-term/faster rebuild. If you like his bat, check out Manuel Margott, maybe. He's also in advanced A ball, he's just a year younger. If you like that Hader is a LHP, so are Henry Owens, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Brian Johnson of the Red Sox. Michael Feliz started this season in the rotation at advanced A ball, before quickly promoted into the Astros' bullpen. He's talented, but years away from being a MLB starter. Similarly Derek Fisher is years away. Josh Hader is pitching well in the AA rotation, I guess he might be ready next year. Owens, Rodriguez, and Johnson are all in AAA, and are all pretty deserving of promotions this year. Henry Owens has some problems with walks (which may make the Red Sox question him), but is pretty unhittable. Do the Reds want players, especially starting pitchers, who might be candidates for callups in 2017 or 2018, or do they want close-to-MLB ready prospects who can join Billy Hamilton, Lorenzen, Iglesias, DeSclafani, as they adjust to MLB? We'll see. Clearly the Reds are no longer playing the 'all-in' game. But are they playing a short or long game? I think they'll try to do a short rebuild, rather than a longer rebuild in which guys like Derek Fisher and Michael Feliz would fit.
|
|
|
Post by redsfanman on Jun 2, 2015 12:22:53 GMT -5
Of course the Red Sox are now in last place, and will probably need to improve before they feel comfortable making big trades... I thought he Blue Jays would make good trade partners for the Reds until they fell into last place, but the Red Sox recently surpassed them. Of course the Red Sox are only 5.5 games out of first.
The 19-33 Phillies are trying to trade Cole Hamels and the 22-29 Red Sox are one of the top candidates. Ouch.
|
|
|
Post by Lark11 on Jun 2, 2015 12:24:19 GMT -5
Of course the Red Sox are now in last place, and will probably need to improve before they feel comfortable making big trades... I thought he Blue Jays would make good trade partners for the Reds until they fell into last place, but the Red Sox recently surpassed them. Of course the Red Sox are only 5.5 games out of first. The 19-33 Phillies are trying to trade Cole Hamels and the 22-29 Red Sox are one of the top candidates. Ouch. I think now would be a very good time to talk to the Red Sox about Mookie Betts. Mookie is scuffling, the Red Sox have tremendous depth in the system and we might be the one team that can turn their season around with one trade. Cueto and Chapman would be a huge boost for them. Landing some of their prospects might be a huge boost for us.
|
|
|
Post by crashdavissports on Jun 2, 2015 13:12:34 GMT -5
Well, you are right about getting something better I guess. Perhaps the better package would be: 3) Michael Feliz, RHP, Grade B+/Borderline B: Age 21, posted 4.03 ERA with 111/37 K/BB in 103 innings in Low-A. Aggressive grade but this is an arm I believe in, Midwest League observers very positive about current stuff (up to 96, plus breaking ball) and projection for more. High upside stands out. Like I said, I know this is aggressive and Lancaster will challenge his command. 9) Derek Fisher, OF, Grade B/Borderline B-: Age 21, compensation round pick from University of Virginia, hit .310/.386/.419 with 17 steals in 42 games in pro debut in short-season ball. Across-the-board tools, should eventually show more power to go with batting average and running skills, possibly one of the steals of the ’14 draft. 12) Tony Kemp, 2B, Grade B-/Borderline B: Age 23, undersized second baseman with oversized skills, hit .316/.411/.449 with 41 steals, 73 walks, 67 strikeouts in 528 at-bats between High-A and Double-A. Good athlete, strong for his size (5-6), reliable defender. Not sure how he fits in Houston but he’s been excellent so far and has lived up to what he did at Vanderbilt. I know Brandon has 10/5 rights. Who cares? He is eventually going to be done with his contract, Kemp is only in AA. He is an ideal type lead off hitter with great eye, speed and a decent defender. Now Altuve is the guy not going anywhere. Brandon is on the backside of his career. Besides, worst case scenerio, Kemp has to work in as a bench play for a couple years once making it here. Best case scenario, he is able to work in the starting lineup at 2B or SS (just temporary until Brandon leaves, or is hurt during a season as he gets older and older). May not be the ideal SS, but almost worth taking a little hit defensively at SS to actually get some production from that spot in the lineup. I think Fisher is going to one of those fast track players to the majors and quick to rise in the prospect lists. Hell, just the other night, Fisher hit 3 home runs, 2 grand slams and drove in 12 runs in his High A debut. sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/astros-prospect-derek-fisher-hits-three-homers--drives-in-12-in-cal-league-debut-181618719.htmlFeliz gets us a strong arm that at least has the power of Cueto, and gives us at least their #3 prospect instead of #7. I liked the fact Hader was a LHP, but Feliz has a strong arm. Problem is, Houston only has 2 top 100 Prospects: Carlos Correa #2 Overall, and Mark Appel #31 Overall. I want nothing to do with Appel so the next best player on that prospect list is Feliz. Boston may have a better pitching prospect, but I really like Fisher and Kemp, and our biggest needs are at the plate right now. So in order to get more prospects, and include both Fisher and Kemp, you have to expect a lesser primary prospect. So the one above is satisfactory as well I guess. Who cares that Phillips has 10/5 rights? The Reds, for one. The same people looking to make a trade do. They're unlikely to be able to trade Phillips, they're unlikely to bench him, they know he's their starting secondbaseman through 2017. Those same people making the decisions (usually) want young guys to be playing every day, that's why Eugenio Suarez is in Louisville rather than sitting on the bench. I doubt after all this time keeping Suarez from being a bench player they'd turn Kemp into one. Also Alex Blandino, who many people don't have faith in as a shortstop, could already be seen as a candidate for Phillips' job. As far as moving Kemp to shortstop... players often get moved from SS to 2b, but not the other way around. Kemp is more likely to be moved to the outfield than SS, having played a few games in CF and LF in his minor league career. And as a 23 year old hitting well in his second season at AA I think he'll be ready to compete (somewhere) for a starting job (but not necessarily win it) in MLB next season, if not this September.... keeping him in the minors or on the bench until 2018 seems silly. With next to no power I doubt Kemp ever becomes more than a utility player. That said, his OBP skills seem promising. Fisher hit 3 homeruns and drove in 12 runs in one game? That was one day. One game. It was a very impressive day, but I wouldn't make too much of one day, any more than I'd panic about a game with a Golden Sombrero. Anyway, Fisher was just promoted to advanced A ball, we'll see how he does in AA - a tougher jump - and beyond. Maybe he will take off, get fast tracked, and rise up prospect lists, but maybe not... at this point he seems to be a little ways away from the majors, and the Reds could be searching for a shorter-term/faster rebuild. If you like his bat, check out Manuel Margott, maybe. He's also in advanced A ball, he's just a year younger. If you like that Hader is a LHP, so are Henry Owens, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Brian Johnson of the Red Sox. Michael Feliz started this season in the rotation at advanced A ball, before quickly promoted into the Astros' bullpen. He's talented, but years away from being a MLB starter. Similarly Derek Fisher is years away. Josh Hader is pitching well in the AA rotation, I guess he might be ready next year. Owens, Rodriguez, and Johnson are all in AAA, and are all pretty deserving of promotions this year. Henry Owens has some problems with walks (which may make the Red Sox question him), but is pretty unhittable. Do the Reds want players, especially starting pitchers, who might be candidates for callups in 2017 or 2018, or do they want close-to-MLB ready prospects who can join Billy Hamilton, Lorenzen, Iglesias, DeSclafani, as they adjust to MLB? We'll see. Clearly the Reds are no longer playing the 'all-in' game. But are they playing a short or long game? I think they'll try to do a short rebuild, rather than a longer rebuild in which guys like Derek Fisher and Michael Feliz would fit. I said who cares in the respect that if he hits, the Reds will be able to find a position for him, like when Frazier out prices himself from us. The one thing the Reds desperately need are OBP guys and that is the type of player Kemp is. Especially when at a position where our second baseman is older, and if we go into a rebuilding mode, he may very well waive his no trade clause to one of his designated teams if he is not complete dog crap by then. Could be as early as this off season if we start throwing in the towel and say, here ya go: Cueto, Leake, Bruce, possibly Frasier, Chapman. I don't really see Frazier moving since he is still affordable, but next year that pay will hike pretty good. You go full on rebuild mode, and Phillips may say, a contender sounds pretty good right now to end my career and go for a ring. Plus, I can see Suarez being the career utility guy as Kemp surpasses and keeps him out of the starting lineup while Blandino mans SS. I think Kemp's ceiling is much better than utility player. I am thinking more like an Altuve clone is his ceiling. It isn't like Kemp is a Punch and Judy. He has some power for a guy who is 5'6". It isn't going to amount to more than 10 HR in a major league season, but he has gap power where doubles and triples could drive the train, especially with as bad as Hamilton has become in the leadoff. We need OBP guys, and yes, with the purge of Cueto, Leake, Latos, Simon we need starting pitching, and maybe Feliz is not ready to be a major league starter, but we have several candidates and I am hoping there are some decent veteran rotation filler in the off season to sign that will not cost an arm and leg. I was giving you a sample of Fisher. I was not saying one game defines him. Nor would I say that a single bad game would define him either. It was a sample of what he is capable of, and he produced all year in his first year in pro ball as well. He has all the tools maybe lacking power a little right now, but all the rest are there and he is capable of growing into a little more powerful of a player especially in GABP. Fisher was a first round pick last year, and I can almost guarantee that following this season he will crack that top 100 list. I could see an eventual: RF Fisher 2B Kemp 1B Votto C Mesoraco LF Winker SS Blandino 3B Prospect from one of the trades CF Hamilton Right now that looks disastrous only because most have never even hit in the pros and have no idea what you are getting eventually, but I like the future of Kemp and Fisher. We get what we get I suppose and something is better than nothing. But I think we need to go into full blow rebuild mode minus the immoveable pieces, Votto and Bailey. Phillips is probably immoveable but he may be interested in a contender if that much of the roster is turned over.
|
|
|
Post by redsfanman on Jun 2, 2015 18:01:01 GMT -5
I could see an eventual: RF Fisher 2B Kemp 1B Votto C Mesoraco LF Winker SS Blandino 3B Prospect from one of the trades CF Hamilton Right now that looks disastrous only because most have never even hit in the pros and have no idea what you are getting eventually, but I like the future of Kemp and Fisher. I don't think that looks disastrous at all. Just... I don't know... an odd confluence of a series of outcomes. Or an unlikely number of positive outcomes at an undefinable date. Even if Kemp does become an Altuve clone, I doubt starting a constant Phillips-Kemp debate for months or years is high on the Reds' list of goals. Sure the Reds would find a place for a guy who hits, but it's complicated by the fact (well, safe assumption) that they have plans (whether optional or forced upon them by prior commitments) for the next few years for all the positions he plays - 2b (Phillips), CF (Hamilton), and LF (Winker). I guess Kemp could start his career playing LF for the Reds. One interesting prospect in the Dodgers' system that came to my attention a few days ago is C/2b Austin Barnes. He's 25, was acquired over the winter from the Marlins (in the Andrew Heaney-Dee Gordon trade), and made his MLB debut this season. In 2014 he hit .304 with a .398 OBP between A+ and AA, and this year he was hitting .290 with a .390 OBP in AAA. He has more walks than strikeouts in the minors, including this year in AAA. From what I've read he's a decent fielder at both positions, frames pitches well, and plays some 3b. With concerns about Mesoraco's future I think Barnes would be an interesting fit, maybe moreso than Tony Kemp... whose minor league numbers are fairly comparable. Maybe the Dodgers (backup catcher AJ Ellis has been terrible) would like Brayan Pena is a part of a larger deal. Suddenly the Reds would have a third catcher who also fills in at 2b/3b. From Kiley McDaniel of Fangraphs: 8. Austin Barnes, C Video: Barnes is a unique prospect that had industry value and, when the Dodgers acquired him in the Dee Gordon trade, it had many executives mad that Friedman beat them to the versatile Barnes. He’s a bit of a late-bloomer as a 5’9/185 catcher that signed for $95,000 out of Arizona State in 2011. Barnes emerged in the upper levels as an advanced bat with feel for the strike zone, but below average power that’s most unique because he can catch at a big league level and also is a 45 runner that plays second base and third base to keep fresh and keep his bat in the lineup.
He’s the third catcher for the Dodgers right now, starting in Triple-A, and will continue to play in the infield. That said, he’s apparently an excellent framer, with one exec telling me he’s top 25-30 in the minor leagues, so the plan is to develop him as a potential everyday catcher but know that he can also be a utility guy if needed.
So if the Reds were to pursue a mid-20s MLB ready 2b who plays other positions, I'd prefer Barnes over Kemp. But that's just me.
|
|
|
Post by redsfanman on Jun 2, 2015 18:25:01 GMT -5
Maybe the Dodgers would agree to do something like Mike Leake and Brayan Pena for... RHP Jose De Leon (22, AA) or RHP Zach Lee (22, AAA) - centerpiece C/2b Austin Barnes (25, MLB) - sweetener MIF/OF Darnell Sweeney (24, AAA) or OF Scott Schebler (24, AAA) - filler These aren't the untouchable guys in the Dodgers system, but who knows how much or how little they're valued by the Dodgers... I have no idea. Fangraphs: 7. Jose De Leon, RHP Video: De Leon is the success story you’re hoping for when you read a report about a low minors power arm that flashes big stuff at times but has trouble with consistency. De Leon exploded in 2014 with ridiculous numbers, better stuff and better command after an okay pro debut in 2013. De Leon’s profile has raised in a big way (he signed for $35,000 as a 26th rounder out of Alabama State in 2013) and he now sits 93-95 mph with life, hitting 97 mph, his slider is a 55 and his changeup is at least average on most nights.
The stuff got a notch better in 2014 with help from a smoothed out delivery, but there’s also some deception and outstanding makeup and smarts helping everything play up. De Leon is now 22 and has only made four starts in full-season ball, with the Dodgers saying he should be at multiple levels this year, possibly even three.
RFM Note: De Leon was recently promoted to AA, and is having a good season: www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=deleon008jos 8. Austin Barnes, C Video: Barnes is a unique prospect that had industry value and, when the Dodgers acquired him in the Dee Gordon trade, it had many executives mad that Friedman beat them to the versatile Barnes. He’s a bit of a late-bloomer as a 5’9/185 catcher that signed for $95,000 out of Arizona State in 2011. Barnes emerged in the upper levels as an advanced bat with feel for the strike zone, but below average power that’s most unique because he can catch at a big league level and also is a 45 runner that plays second base and third base to keep fresh and keep his bat in the lineup.
He’s the third catcher for the Dodgers right now, starting in Triple-A, and will continue to play in the infield. That said, he’s apparently an excellent framer, with one exec telling me he’s top 25-30 in the minor leagues, so the plan is to develop him as a potential everyday catcher but know that he can also be a utility guy if needed.
9. Zach Lee, RHP Video: Lee was a super high profile prep prospect as a four star quarterback recruit for LSU that skipped out on the gridiron to sign with the Dodgers as a first rounder in 2010 for $5.25 million. After signing, the 19-year-old Lee headed to Low-A and sat 92-94, hitting 96 mph with a plus slider and the athleticism you expected to see, but all three attributes have backed up since then.
Lee now sits 88-93 mph with an average fastball from a less athletic, east-west delivery designed to create deception but that also stresses his shoulder more than his former free-and-easy delivery. His slider is solid average at it’s best, his changeup has improved to flash above average and his fourth pitch curveball is also average at times, but the stuff is no more than a 4th starter at this point; he should get a big league look this year.
RFM Note: Zach Lee is having a great season in AAA - www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=lee---001zac 12. Darnell Sweeney, CF Video: Sweeney signed for $100,000 in the 13th round in 2012 out of UCF. He’s slid down the defensive spectrum from shortstop to second base to center field due to his spotty hands. Sweeney is a plus runner with an average arm, more pop than you’d expect from his skinny 6’1/180 build and feel for contact and the strike zone from both sides of the plate. He’ll be big league ready by the end of 2015 in Triple-A and fits as a 2B/CF/LF utility guy that may end up hitting enough to be a low-end starter in the Frank Catalanotto mold.
14. Scott Schebler, LF Video: Schebler signed for $300,000 in the 26th round in 2010 out of an Iowa junior college, then followed up a breakout 2013 in the hitter-friendly High-A Cal League with another outstanding stat line in 2014 in Double-A. One scout put a Brandon Moss comp on Schebler and a bat-first, lefty-hitting outfielder with a fringy to average bat and above average raw power. Schebler is listed at 6’1/208 but will actually flash plus speed at times, though his arm and instincts are below average, limiting him to left field. He doesn’t have big bat speed, so some scouts are still wart, but he fits the bill of an under-the-radar performer who could surprise. Schebler could be knocking on the door of the big leagues as early as late in 2015.
|
|
|
Post by crashdavissports on Jun 2, 2015 18:50:36 GMT -5
Maybe the Dodgers would agree to do something like Mike Leake and Brayan Pena for... RHP Jose De Leon (22, AA) or RHP Zach Lee (22, AAA) - centerpiece C/2b Austin Barnes (25, MLB) - sweetener MIF/OF Darnell Sweeney (24, AAA) or OF Scott Schebler (24, AAA) - filler These aren't the untouchable guys in the Dodgers system, but who knows how much or how little they're valued by the Dodgers... I have no idea. Fangraphs: 7. Jose De Leon, RHP Video: De Leon is the success story you’re hoping for when you read a report about a low minors power arm that flashes big stuff at times but has trouble with consistency. De Leon exploded in 2014 with ridiculous numbers, better stuff and better command after an okay pro debut in 2013. De Leon’s profile has raised in a big way (he signed for $35,000 as a 26th rounder out of Alabama State in 2013) and he now sits 93-95 mph with life, hitting 97 mph, his slider is a 55 and his changeup is at least average on most nights.
The stuff got a notch better in 2014 with help from a smoothed out delivery, but there’s also some deception and outstanding makeup and smarts helping everything play up. De Leon is now 22 and has only made four starts in full-season ball, with the Dodgers saying he should be at multiple levels this year, possibly even three.
RFM Note: De Leon was recently promoted to AA, and is having a good season: www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=deleon008jos 8. Austin Barnes, C Video: Barnes is a unique prospect that had industry value and, when the Dodgers acquired him in the Dee Gordon trade, it had many executives mad that Friedman beat them to the versatile Barnes. He’s a bit of a late-bloomer as a 5’9/185 catcher that signed for $95,000 out of Arizona State in 2011. Barnes emerged in the upper levels as an advanced bat with feel for the strike zone, but below average power that’s most unique because he can catch at a big league level and also is a 45 runner that plays second base and third base to keep fresh and keep his bat in the lineup.
He’s the third catcher for the Dodgers right now, starting in Triple-A, and will continue to play in the infield. That said, he’s apparently an excellent framer, with one exec telling me he’s top 25-30 in the minor leagues, so the plan is to develop him as a potential everyday catcher but know that he can also be a utility guy if needed.
9. Zach Lee, RHP Video: Lee was a super high profile prep prospect as a four star quarterback recruit for LSU that skipped out on the gridiron to sign with the Dodgers as a first rounder in 2010 for $5.25 million. After signing, the 19-year-old Lee headed to Low-A and sat 92-94, hitting 96 mph with a plus slider and the athleticism you expected to see, but all three attributes have backed up since then.
Lee now sits 88-93 mph with an average fastball from a less athletic, east-west delivery designed to create deception but that also stresses his shoulder more than his former free-and-easy delivery. His slider is solid average at it’s best, his changeup has improved to flash above average and his fourth pitch curveball is also average at times, but the stuff is no more than a 4th starter at this point; he should get a big league look this year.
RFM Note: Zach Lee is having a great season in AAA - www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=lee---001zac 12. Darnell Sweeney, CF Video: Sweeney signed for $100,000 in the 13th round in 2012 out of UCF. He’s slid down the defensive spectrum from shortstop to second base to center field due to his spotty hands. Sweeney is a plus runner with an average arm, more pop than you’d expect from his skinny 6’1/180 build and feel for contact and the strike zone from both sides of the plate. He’ll be big league ready by the end of 2015 in Triple-A and fits as a 2B/CF/LF utility guy that may end up hitting enough to be a low-end starter in the Frank Catalanotto mold.
14. Scott Schebler, LF Video: Schebler signed for $300,000 in the 26th round in 2010 out of an Iowa junior college, then followed up a breakout 2013 in the hitter-friendly High-A Cal League with another outstanding stat line in 2014 in Double-A. One scout put a Brandon Moss comp on Schebler and a bat-first, lefty-hitting outfielder with a fringy to average bat and above average raw power. Schebler is listed at 6’1/208 but will actually flash plus speed at times, though his arm and instincts are below average, limiting him to left field. He doesn’t have big bat speed, so some scouts are still wart, but he fits the bill of an under-the-radar performer who could surprise. Schebler could be knocking on the door of the big leagues as early as late in 2015.
I would love the Reds to work with the Dodgers, as I know Pederson and Seager are untouchable, so the players I would want back in return would be: Scott Van Slyke, Grant Holmes and Austin Barnes sounds like a decent piece. I know Van Slyke is older, but I like his bat and I think if he got more regular playing time he would actually produce more. Relegate Bruce to bench OF or platoon Bruce, Hamilton and Van Slyke. Byrd is the only one deserving of starting in that OF right now.
|
|
|
Post by redsfanman on Jun 2, 2015 19:57:21 GMT -5
Maybe the Dodgers would agree to do something like Mike Leake and Brayan Pena for... RHP Jose De Leon (22, AA) or RHP Zach Lee (22, AAA) - centerpiece C/2b Austin Barnes (25, MLB) - sweetener MIF/OF Darnell Sweeney (24, AAA) or OF Scott Schebler (24, AAA) - filler These aren't the untouchable guys in the Dodgers system, but who knows how much or how little they're valued by the Dodgers... I have no idea. Fangraphs: 7. Jose De Leon, RHP Video: De Leon is the success story you’re hoping for when you read a report about a low minors power arm that flashes big stuff at times but has trouble with consistency. De Leon exploded in 2014 with ridiculous numbers, better stuff and better command after an okay pro debut in 2013. De Leon’s profile has raised in a big way (he signed for $35,000 as a 26th rounder out of Alabama State in 2013) and he now sits 93-95 mph with life, hitting 97 mph, his slider is a 55 and his changeup is at least average on most nights.
The stuff got a notch better in 2014 with help from a smoothed out delivery, but there’s also some deception and outstanding makeup and smarts helping everything play up. De Leon is now 22 and has only made four starts in full-season ball, with the Dodgers saying he should be at multiple levels this year, possibly even three.
RFM Note: De Leon was recently promoted to AA, and is having a good season: www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=deleon008jos 8. Austin Barnes, C Video: Barnes is a unique prospect that had industry value and, when the Dodgers acquired him in the Dee Gordon trade, it had many executives mad that Friedman beat them to the versatile Barnes. He’s a bit of a late-bloomer as a 5’9/185 catcher that signed for $95,000 out of Arizona State in 2011. Barnes emerged in the upper levels as an advanced bat with feel for the strike zone, but below average power that’s most unique because he can catch at a big league level and also is a 45 runner that plays second base and third base to keep fresh and keep his bat in the lineup.
He’s the third catcher for the Dodgers right now, starting in Triple-A, and will continue to play in the infield. That said, he’s apparently an excellent framer, with one exec telling me he’s top 25-30 in the minor leagues, so the plan is to develop him as a potential everyday catcher but know that he can also be a utility guy if needed.
9. Zach Lee, RHP Video: Lee was a super high profile prep prospect as a four star quarterback recruit for LSU that skipped out on the gridiron to sign with the Dodgers as a first rounder in 2010 for $5.25 million. After signing, the 19-year-old Lee headed to Low-A and sat 92-94, hitting 96 mph with a plus slider and the athleticism you expected to see, but all three attributes have backed up since then.
Lee now sits 88-93 mph with an average fastball from a less athletic, east-west delivery designed to create deception but that also stresses his shoulder more than his former free-and-easy delivery. His slider is solid average at it’s best, his changeup has improved to flash above average and his fourth pitch curveball is also average at times, but the stuff is no more than a 4th starter at this point; he should get a big league look this year.
RFM Note: Zach Lee is having a great season in AAA - www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=lee---001zac 12. Darnell Sweeney, CF Video: Sweeney signed for $100,000 in the 13th round in 2012 out of UCF. He’s slid down the defensive spectrum from shortstop to second base to center field due to his spotty hands. Sweeney is a plus runner with an average arm, more pop than you’d expect from his skinny 6’1/180 build and feel for contact and the strike zone from both sides of the plate. He’ll be big league ready by the end of 2015 in Triple-A and fits as a 2B/CF/LF utility guy that may end up hitting enough to be a low-end starter in the Frank Catalanotto mold.
14. Scott Schebler, LF Video: Schebler signed for $300,000 in the 26th round in 2010 out of an Iowa junior college, then followed up a breakout 2013 in the hitter-friendly High-A Cal League with another outstanding stat line in 2014 in Double-A. One scout put a Brandon Moss comp on Schebler and a bat-first, lefty-hitting outfielder with a fringy to average bat and above average raw power. Schebler is listed at 6’1/208 but will actually flash plus speed at times, though his arm and instincts are below average, limiting him to left field. He doesn’t have big bat speed, so some scouts are still wart, but he fits the bill of an under-the-radar performer who could surprise. Schebler could be knocking on the door of the big leagues as early as late in 2015.
I would love the Reds to work with the Dodgers, as I know Pederson and Seager are untouchable, so the players I would want back in return would be: Scott Van Slyke, Grant Holmes and Austin Barnes sounds like a decent piece. I know Van Slyke is older, but I like his bat and I think if he got more regular playing time he would actually produce more. Relegate Bruce to bench OF or platoon Bruce, Hamilton and Van Slyke. Byrd is the only one deserving of starting in that OF right now. Scott Van Slyke just went on the DL today, with back problems.... resulting in Chris Heisey getting called up. I assume they see Van Slyke as important to their bench and playoff run, so I'd be mildly surprised to see him traded. And back problems seem to make a trade even less likely. I also like Grant Holmes, I think he'd probably be a target in a hypothetical Cueto trade, but not a Leake trade. He's better, but further from the majors, than Jose De Leon and Zack Lee. In my opinion Byrd, with his 2016 vesting option, is the one who needs to go, not Bruce. Byrd's improvements in May didn't make me think he has a future with the Reds, it just made me feel better than the Reds should be able to trade him. Not necessarily for much, but for something. Like, Byrd is now closer to being traded to a team desperately needing outfield help than he is to being DFA'ed. Byrd was a piece to help the Reds to contend, but hope of contention vanished with the injuries to Bailey and Mesoraco. Jay Bruce is quietly outperforming Marlon Byrd in several ways (numbers through yesterday). Average (.222 vs .209), OBP (.328 vs .308)... since he's hit better and walked more... WAR (1.5 vs 0.8). Defense. Baserunning. This year Bruce has odd reverse platoon splits, hitting .195 with a .321 OBP this season against RHPs (.228 BABIP), but .295/.347 OBP against LHPs (.355 BABIP). Overall Bruce's numbers have improved lately, mostly due to an increased BABIP, but it's still only at .264 on the season, well below his career BABIP of .292. In summary, Byrd needs to go along with Cueto and Leake, before the trade deadline. They need to trade Byrd, they can't let his option vest. The Reds can postpone a decision on Bruce, who still deserves to play everyday. And the Reds can postpone trading Chapman and Frazier too, if they want. Hope the Reds can find someone to replace Byrd in LF, or that Jesse Winker starts tearing up AA pitching soon.
|
|
|
Post by walstib on Jun 4, 2015 14:13:26 GMT -5
Of course the Red Sox are now in last place, and will probably need to improve before they feel comfortable making big trades... I thought he Blue Jays would make good trade partners for the Reds until they fell into last place, but the Red Sox recently surpassed them. Of course the Red Sox are only 5.5 games out of first. The 19-33 Phillies are trying to trade Cole Hamels and the 22-29 Red Sox are one of the top candidates. Ouch. I think now would be a very good time to talk to the Red Sox about Mookie Betts. Mookie is scuffling, the Red Sox have tremendous depth in the system and we might be the one team that can turn their season around with one trade. Cueto and Chapman would be a huge boost for them. Landing some of their prospects might be a huge boost for us. I agree. Why should we accept mediocrity for Cueto, Chapman, Leake, et al. If the RSox want one of the aforementioned then Betts at least must be a part of the discussion.
|
|
|
Post by redsfanman on Jun 4, 2015 14:33:32 GMT -5
I think now would be a very good time to talk to the Red Sox about Mookie Betts. Mookie is scuffling, the Red Sox have tremendous depth in the system and we might be the one team that can turn their season around with one trade. Cueto and Chapman would be a huge boost for them. Landing some of their prospects might be a huge boost for us. I agree. Why should we accept mediocrity for Cueto, Chapman, Leake, et al. If the RSox want one of the aforementioned then Betts at least must be a part of the discussion. Rumor had it that an unwillingness to trade Mookie Betts is why Cole Hamels didn't become a Red Sox over the winter. Regardless of his struggles I'd be really surprised if that has change so fast. The Red Sox have a bunch of interesting prospects to trade this summer to upgrade their major league team, but it seem unlikely they'll deal their starting CF (or SS, since Bogaerts seems to come up almost as much). Like Correa of the Astros and Seager of the Dodgers, insisting on Betts is likely the end of a discussion. There are other pitchers out there for the Red Sox to target if they can't make a deal work with the Reds. I don't think we have to accept mediocrity to accept the strong possibility that Mookie Betts may remain untouchable.
|
|