Due to this seasons draft, I had to come up with a new way to grade players. I have been through 4 drafts and they all have one thing in common. Four to ten players that may be a shoo-in as a ML player and many maybes depending on development and some fringe players. Many are flawed, some heavily, in one way or another. The best pitchers have been relievers. Some GM's decided to lower their risk level in the early rounds hoping these players wouldn't sign and be compensated next season.
So here is how the grading works this season.
A - Shoo-in or probably a ML player in some capacity.
B - Probably a ML player depending on development
C - Fringe ML player
D - Career Minor League player
F - Better stay home under momma's care
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Analysis, AL East
The Syracuse Sycamores find themselves in first place at the moment. Will they stay in first will be the question. Hitting is really the only thing going for them. Pitching is not great. Fielding is very inept.
The Boston Red Sox find themselves currently in 2nd Place, struggling. Defense is very solid. Hitting is good. Pitching for some reason is getting eaten alive. It may not be the greatest pitching staff but just not living up to expectations. Look for them to be in it at the end. Could it be the schedule?
The Dover Dung Beetles are in third place and struggling also. Pitching is better than stats show. Fielding is strong. Hitting is good but very inconsistent. Biggest issue is at starting catcher. Can't stop running teams and the starting staff is suffering.
The Washington D.C. Senators once again find themselves looking up at everyone else. Defense hurts as the stats show. Hitting is not helping. Pitching at home should be better than it is but without support things run down hill fast. This is a place one must understand the park. Defense needs lots of range and glove. It isn't a home run park so power is not of the essence at home but everything else needs to be high and speed helps.
The Boston Red Sox find themselves currently in 2nd Place, struggling. Defense is very solid. Hitting is good. Pitching for some reason is getting eaten alive. It may not be the greatest pitching staff but just not living up to expectations. Look for them to be in it at the end. Could it be the schedule?
The Dover Dung Beetles are in third place and struggling also. Pitching is better than stats show. Fielding is strong. Hitting is good but very inconsistent. Biggest issue is at starting catcher. Can't stop running teams and the starting staff is suffering.
The Washington D.C. Senators once again find themselves looking up at everyone else. Defense hurts as the stats show. Hitting is not helping. Pitching at home should be better than it is but without support things run down hill fast. This is a place one must understand the park. Defense needs lots of range and glove. It isn't a home run park so power is not of the essence at home but everything else needs to be high and speed helps.
Season 15 Draft, 11-20
11. Footsie Carew: Las Vegas, P - Could be the best staring pitcher in the draft IMO, just don't tell Cincy that. It depends on development once again but has a better chance at getting closer to projections than the others so far. I like off-speed pitchers with control, splits and pitches, might make me a little biased though.
Grade A
12. Daniel McClain: Omaha,P - Unknown
13. Bill Wasdin: Toronto, P - He doesn't have all the requirements to be a good pitcher in Toronto IMO. Does have the control, vsR and ground ball needed. Pitches and vsL are lacking however for a hard thrower.
Grade B - Could make a #4 or #5 starter but I doubt it will be in Toronto.
14. Chuck Harris: Milwaukee, P - Depending on development and not hitting the DL early in his career, could develop into a good Middle to Long Reliever. Should have the control, power and pitches desired by the GM. Splits should end up to be adequate.
Grade A - Good middle relievers are actually hard to come by.
15. Carlton Hodges: Anaheim, SS - First non-pitcher taken for a while. Scouting says he will not be a very good SS as he will have a weak glove and probably arm also. Glove may be good enough to play 2B but that depends on development. Chances are better inclined to say he is a 3B. Hitting should be good though not outstanding.
Grade A - With all the pitchers taken already and not many great position players available, looks to be a very good safe draft pick.
16. Johnnie Good: Houston, C - Unknown. Knowing VL as a GM, I wouldn't be surprised if it is a power hitting pseudo catcher.
17. Mike Jackson: Helena, P - A possible starter as a #4 or #5. He has everything but the splits and the fact he is lefty working against him. Chances of him being viable in Helena could prove interesting.
Grade B - Even though it is getting slim pickings for a pitcher.
18. Felipe Benitez: Tampa Bay, P - Scouting tells me he is quite awkward. He may be much better than what I see. May lack control and splits with out of sync pitches.
Grade C - I am not that enamored with this pick.
19. Jesus Martinez: Philadelphia, C - Philly once again steals my future trade bait player. As a catcher, he is not great defensively but good enough as a starter due to his powerful hitting abilities.
Grade A - His projected defense may be better than I see, so I am giving the benefit of the doubt plus a weak position player draft.
20. Johnny Baker: Minnesota, P - This is the first pitcher I have seen so far that could in-fact be labeled as a #1 starter. Such a find this late in the first round. Will he develop is the question, as I don't think he will get that close to his projected splits and end pitches.
Grade A+ - The potential is there
Grade A
12. Daniel McClain: Omaha,P - Unknown
13. Bill Wasdin: Toronto, P - He doesn't have all the requirements to be a good pitcher in Toronto IMO. Does have the control, vsR and ground ball needed. Pitches and vsL are lacking however for a hard thrower.
Grade B - Could make a #4 or #5 starter but I doubt it will be in Toronto.
14. Chuck Harris: Milwaukee, P - Depending on development and not hitting the DL early in his career, could develop into a good Middle to Long Reliever. Should have the control, power and pitches desired by the GM. Splits should end up to be adequate.
Grade A - Good middle relievers are actually hard to come by.
15. Carlton Hodges: Anaheim, SS - First non-pitcher taken for a while. Scouting says he will not be a very good SS as he will have a weak glove and probably arm also. Glove may be good enough to play 2B but that depends on development. Chances are better inclined to say he is a 3B. Hitting should be good though not outstanding.
Grade A - With all the pitchers taken already and not many great position players available, looks to be a very good safe draft pick.
16. Johnnie Good: Houston, C - Unknown. Knowing VL as a GM, I wouldn't be surprised if it is a power hitting pseudo catcher.
17. Mike Jackson: Helena, P - A possible starter as a #4 or #5. He has everything but the splits and the fact he is lefty working against him. Chances of him being viable in Helena could prove interesting.
Grade B - Even though it is getting slim pickings for a pitcher.
18. Felipe Benitez: Tampa Bay, P - Scouting tells me he is quite awkward. He may be much better than what I see. May lack control and splits with out of sync pitches.
Grade C - I am not that enamored with this pick.
19. Jesus Martinez: Philadelphia, C - Philly once again steals my future trade bait player. As a catcher, he is not great defensively but good enough as a starter due to his powerful hitting abilities.
Grade A - His projected defense may be better than I see, so I am giving the benefit of the doubt plus a weak position player draft.
20. Johnny Baker: Minnesota, P - This is the first pitcher I have seen so far that could in-fact be labeled as a #1 starter. Such a find this late in the first round. Will he develop is the question, as I don't think he will get that close to his projected splits and end pitches.
Grade A+ - The potential is there
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Season 15 Draft. 6 -10
6. Mitch Knotts: Tampa Bay, P - Unknown
7. Denny Boyd: Seattle, P - An excellent choice for Seattle. Should have every thing needed to be a good middle reliever to closer.
Grade A
8. Nicky Paige: Cincinnati, P - Could be a very good starter if projections are met. Will have good control and a good pitch selection, splits may not materialize as projected but should be sufficient.
Grade A - Maybe a #2 or #3 starter
9. Quentin Henry: Vancouver, P - Could be a good starter but could suffer if the control remains lacking in development. Splits should be good and pitches are decent if they develop also.
Grade B - Much depends on development
10. Ringo Janish: Texas, P - I see him as a Quentin Henry look alike, maybe just a tad better but not much.
Grade B - Much depends on development
7. Denny Boyd: Seattle, P - An excellent choice for Seattle. Should have every thing needed to be a good middle reliever to closer.
Grade A
8. Nicky Paige: Cincinnati, P - Could be a very good starter if projections are met. Will have good control and a good pitch selection, splits may not materialize as projected but should be sufficient.
Grade A - Maybe a #2 or #3 starter
9. Quentin Henry: Vancouver, P - Could be a good starter but could suffer if the control remains lacking in development. Splits should be good and pitches are decent if they develop also.
Grade B - Much depends on development
10. Ringo Janish: Texas, P - I see him as a Quentin Henry look alike, maybe just a tad better but not much.
Grade B - Much depends on development
Monday, March 29, 2010
Season 15 Draft, 1-5
This seasons draft was messy to say the least. Outstanding hitting position players was a very slim commodity and pitching was there but not great. Like most of the drafts I have seen, it seems the players were more attuned to the new non-steroid era before the little update. Several of the position players had major flaws that downgraded them to chancey supplemental or second round picks. Pitching, while abundant, was not all that great and no true #1 starters compared to our old way of thinking. Most players, by current looks, may take longer to properly develop and even getting close to projections might be a chore.
1. Quinton Payton: Arizona, P - A hard thrower that could have very good control and good splits for a lefty. His pitches don't look exceptional however. The key to his success will be in development.
Grade B - I am not sold on the idea he could be a number 1 starter.
2. Michel Delgado: Detroit, SS - Capable of being a very good hitter. Slim chance that he will develop into the needed SS in Detroit. There is a better chance for 2B but more than likely he will end up at 3B which is still a prize in my books.
Grade A - Overall he gets a big boost of confidence from me.
3. Jim Griffin: Salem, CF - Capable of being a very good hitter. Development could be tough on this kid. Hitting wise he is about a season and half away from the majors probably. Defensively, he needs a lot of glove work to be successful at the CF position and may not come to fruition. This is the first player I have seen where you really don't want a particularly good rollover at seasons end.
Grade A - Overall I think he could be great but development could wind up leaving a GM in a tricky position.
4. John McInerney: Mets, 2B - Could be a pretty good hitter. 2B looks far fetched to me but should make a pretty good COF. This is a kid that needs a good first rollover otherwise development will be further slowed.
Grade A - Just because he was probably the best position player left on the boards already.
5. Wes Barnes: Washington, P - Another hard throwing lefty that could have good splits but maybe a bit light on control. Pitches doesn't look to help any either.
Grade B - Iffy as a starter and may wind up in the pen.
1. Quinton Payton: Arizona, P - A hard thrower that could have very good control and good splits for a lefty. His pitches don't look exceptional however. The key to his success will be in development.
Grade B - I am not sold on the idea he could be a number 1 starter.
2. Michel Delgado: Detroit, SS - Capable of being a very good hitter. Slim chance that he will develop into the needed SS in Detroit. There is a better chance for 2B but more than likely he will end up at 3B which is still a prize in my books.
Grade A - Overall he gets a big boost of confidence from me.
3. Jim Griffin: Salem, CF - Capable of being a very good hitter. Development could be tough on this kid. Hitting wise he is about a season and half away from the majors probably. Defensively, he needs a lot of glove work to be successful at the CF position and may not come to fruition. This is the first player I have seen where you really don't want a particularly good rollover at seasons end.
Grade A - Overall I think he could be great but development could wind up leaving a GM in a tricky position.
4. John McInerney: Mets, 2B - Could be a pretty good hitter. 2B looks far fetched to me but should make a pretty good COF. This is a kid that needs a good first rollover otherwise development will be further slowed.
Grade A - Just because he was probably the best position player left on the boards already.
5. Wes Barnes: Washington, P - Another hard throwing lefty that could have good splits but maybe a bit light on control. Pitches doesn't look to help any either.
Grade B - Iffy as a starter and may wind up in the pen.
Team Analysis AL North
Minnesota finds themselves in first at the time being. Defense is not the greatest. Starting Pitching is sound. Hitting is solid with a good mix of hitting types. The key to the Twinkies is getting the lead and the pen is very good at keeping it. Big gaps can be found in the infield, so hit the ball on the ground or in the air to the CF power gaps and challenge the outfield arms.
Toronto finds themselves in second place. The update hurt this team starting pitching wise but the pen is there to back them up. Defense is pretty good all the way around. Hitting is not exceptional in the power department but can slap hit any team to death. The key is team speed and they know how and when to use it.
Seattle is in third. Seattle is a bit of a mystery to me. Defense is good at the key points but not so hot at the COF and 1B positions. Pitching is not the greatest. Hitting is relatively strong. For the most part, the team is built for Seattle, why they can't win at home and do better on the road is the mystery. Actually the strong hitting might be the answer but I really don't see it that way.
Detroit brings up the rear. After looking things over on this team, they aren't as bad as one would think. The factors of Tiger stadium has to be understood to be successful. It is a slap hitters park that takes superior defense, decent doesn't cut it as one can see especially at SS. Pitching is key and Detroit is lacking in this area. Old Tuck's contract runs out this year, that will help, and some help coming from the minors.
Toronto finds themselves in second place. The update hurt this team starting pitching wise but the pen is there to back them up. Defense is pretty good all the way around. Hitting is not exceptional in the power department but can slap hit any team to death. The key is team speed and they know how and when to use it.
Seattle is in third. Seattle is a bit of a mystery to me. Defense is good at the key points but not so hot at the COF and 1B positions. Pitching is not the greatest. Hitting is relatively strong. For the most part, the team is built for Seattle, why they can't win at home and do better on the road is the mystery. Actually the strong hitting might be the answer but I really don't see it that way.
Detroit brings up the rear. After looking things over on this team, they aren't as bad as one would think. The factors of Tiger stadium has to be understood to be successful. It is a slap hitters park that takes superior defense, decent doesn't cut it as one can see especially at SS. Pitching is key and Detroit is lacking in this area. Old Tuck's contract runs out this year, that will help, and some help coming from the minors.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Team Analysis NL North
Well Sports Fans, I am back again maybe. Another wild ride with the doctors again guessing what is wrong. But who cares about that right? Back to the story.
WIS strikes again with that little Home Run update. At first I didn't think it was a big deal, so what if the top 20% hits about 10 more dingers a season. But it has far more reaching effects than that. It actually lowers all other facets of the game and that extra 10 dingers also raises the bar on other hits and hitters as well. If you think I am joking, all other aspects has to be lowered to make it happen not just raising a percentage somewhere to certain players. Did they go too far? Probably, and they probably won't tell you if they lower it some the next time around just to reach the proper middle ground. In my view they raised it enough to keep the whiners at bay and allowed those position players with no real defensive skills and iffy ones at best back in the game at positions they really can't play. The stats are also skewed a bit by the report they show to everyone because it looks to me like it is against neutral parks. If they are basing it on neutral parks, will the rest of the parks even it out? If you ask me, the teams with minus parks have a bigger advantage in this case. The plus 2 or better parks also if you have enough power hitters at each position and enough pitching to control it. Ok enough of this BS.
NL North
Pittsburgh is on top and are going to be tough to beat. They are a solid team in every aspect of the game. Best chance of beating them is in their own park playing small ball. Weakness is 2B. Best chance of beating them away from home is getting past their starting pitching with a bevy of power hitters and that isn't easy.
Cincinnati stands in second place. Hitting wise they are solid and that is how they win. Defense and pitching is not exactly a strong point. I had problems against them at home because of a tired pen. An injury, a 1-run game and 2 extra inning games in a row will cause that. Beating them is not all that hard either home or away, put the ball in play and have good ground ball pitchers.
Chicago is in third and struggling. Hitting wise they are good, not great. Defense has some big holes. Pitching is not exactly stellar. I have always struggled pitching in Cub land and don't know why and this year was no exception. The best part is I don't have to go back. I will take my revenge latter.
Milwaukee is in rebuild mode yet again and they are as bad as their record indicates.
WIS strikes again with that little Home Run update. At first I didn't think it was a big deal, so what if the top 20% hits about 10 more dingers a season. But it has far more reaching effects than that. It actually lowers all other facets of the game and that extra 10 dingers also raises the bar on other hits and hitters as well. If you think I am joking, all other aspects has to be lowered to make it happen not just raising a percentage somewhere to certain players. Did they go too far? Probably, and they probably won't tell you if they lower it some the next time around just to reach the proper middle ground. In my view they raised it enough to keep the whiners at bay and allowed those position players with no real defensive skills and iffy ones at best back in the game at positions they really can't play. The stats are also skewed a bit by the report they show to everyone because it looks to me like it is against neutral parks. If they are basing it on neutral parks, will the rest of the parks even it out? If you ask me, the teams with minus parks have a bigger advantage in this case. The plus 2 or better parks also if you have enough power hitters at each position and enough pitching to control it. Ok enough of this BS.
NL North
Pittsburgh is on top and are going to be tough to beat. They are a solid team in every aspect of the game. Best chance of beating them is in their own park playing small ball. Weakness is 2B. Best chance of beating them away from home is getting past their starting pitching with a bevy of power hitters and that isn't easy.
Cincinnati stands in second place. Hitting wise they are solid and that is how they win. Defense and pitching is not exactly a strong point. I had problems against them at home because of a tired pen. An injury, a 1-run game and 2 extra inning games in a row will cause that. Beating them is not all that hard either home or away, put the ball in play and have good ground ball pitchers.
Chicago is in third and struggling. Hitting wise they are good, not great. Defense has some big holes. Pitching is not exactly stellar. I have always struggled pitching in Cub land and don't know why and this year was no exception. The best part is I don't have to go back. I will take my revenge latter.
Milwaukee is in rebuild mode yet again and they are as bad as their record indicates.
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