Thursday, February 16, 2012
¿Habla Español? ¿Con La Verdad?
In case you don't, this is Not-a-Fausto advising yougn'ns to use their real name. Ha!
Go here for a more detailed explanation.
Tribe Prospect Countdown: #5 LHP Scott Barnes
2011 Stats (AA Akron/ AAA Columbus): 8-4, 3.45, 1.22 WHIP, .230 OBA, 3.3 BB/9, 9.7 K/9
Yeah, those numbers look pretty good and Barnes, the fruit of the 2009 Ryan Garko (out of baseball) trade, is only getting better. His primary breaking pitch, a curve, was shelved during 2010 as the brass felt a slider would better compliment his arsenal, particularly against left-handers. Now, with the slide piece fully integrated, Scottie is able to work with both pitches as secondary offerings. His best pitch, by far, is his change-up, of which he has complete command. The pitch has a bit of back-up action and is staggeringly effective against righties. The continued development of the slider is key to his success versus left-handed hitter because his fastball sits right around 91. Basically, Barnes isn't going to overpower anyone. I love the way that he uses his heater and it is described as having late pop and movement. I think of Scottie as sort of a left-handed Josh Tomlin, but with better swing-and-miss ability. As the two breaking balls are refined, his walk totals should drop and that OBA should shine through to an even more impressive WHIP. Scottie's GO/AO was a flat 1.00 in 2011, which is fine, especially for a guy with his strikeout totals. Barnes did tear his left ACL making a play off of the mound last July, but, not to worry, he will be entirely recovered and ready to go when spring camp opens. More importantly, the injury was kind of a freak thing. That is, it had nothing to do with his mechanics or delivery and, thus, the chances of recurrence are very low. With Roberto Hernandez (nee Fausto Carmona) indefinitely detained in the Domincan, the 5th spot in the rotation is up for grabs and Barnes will be in competition for it against the likes of Kevin Slowey, Jeanmar Gomez, David Huff and Zach McAllister (more on him soon). Believe you me, if Scottie pitches the best of the bunch at Goodyear, he will be on the opening day roster.
Up Next: #4 - RHP Dillon Howard
Pretty Girl 02.16.12 - Elizabeth Olsen
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
MVotD - Course Of Nature - Caught In the Sun
Sometimes the words just conjure elusive emotions. ;-j
Cheers.
Tribe Prospect Countdown: #6 RHP Felix Sterling
2011 Stats (Arizona Rookie League/ A- Lake County): 4-6, 4.12, 1.33 WHIP, .236 OBA, 4.4 BB/9, 8.8 K/9
Here's the big boy... and he's only 18. Even though he is still adding mass to his frame and power behind his fastball, his MPH already sits at 94. As a 16 year-old kid coming in from the Dominican Republic, Felix already had a solid slurve and a functional change. They have only gotten better. While he has signinificant development ahead of him command wise, the organization has been incredibly impressed with the young man's ability to miss bats. The fastball has some back-up action, almost like a cutter, and, thus, lefties beat it into the ground (.197 OBA, 1.36 GO/AO against left handers @ LC) while right-handed batters simply flail (22 K in 22 IP @ LC against righties). Although Sterling has a long road ahead of him to get to the bigs, coaches rave about his maturity. I know. What are they going to say? Still, it is better than the alternative. Most of all the brass loves Felix's motion and delivery. Once he can stick the repetition (this leads to better control), his easy mechanics will go a long way toward preserving his health and allowing him to eat a truck load of innings. Stick this one in you back pocket. It will be a few years before he makes The Show, but, when he does, Sterling will be around for a long time.
Up Next: #5 - LHP Scott Barnes
Canadian Va-LIN-tine
I suppose that if you don't get on the train at some point, then you simply get left behind.
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