Sunday, February 19, 2012
Well, That's Lin-sensitive
Cheers
Pretty Girl 02.19.12 - Rebecca Hazlewood
I don't think that Outsorced is coming back, so we'll explore my Indianess fantasy for no reason. ;-j
Tribe Prospect Countdown: #2 SS Tony Wolters
Bats: Left; Throws: Right
2011 Stats (SS-A Mahoning Valley): .292, HR, 20 RBI, 19/23 SB, .748 OPS, 1.63 K/BB
The more that I read about Tony, the more that I read the phrase "left-handed Dustin Pedroia." Sign me up! While Wolters lacks a highlight skill, he is pretty damn good at just about everything. The bat-to-ball contact is certainly there, evidenced by his BA and K/BB. Although this 2010 3rd rounder has only slightly above average speed, his highly developed baserunning instincts led to that 83% success rate and 19 steals in just 69 games (broken hamate bone in spring training). Similar to Pedroia, he is a work in progress, but Tony equally adept at yanking the ball down the right field line and driving it into the left center field gap. As his frame fills out from off-season condition, the power will come. His arm is, again, only average, but Wolters consistently puts himself in good position while fielding the ball, thus maximizing the effect of his throw. Ultimately it's not going to matter. Blocked by Asdrubal Cabrera in front and our #1 from behind, Tony seems destined to play second base just like Pedroia. Defensively, he is much more of a natural than Jason Kipnis, who Baseball America projects as a DH down the road. Earmarked as a prototype #2 hitter, Wolters is also adept at such lost arts as bunting and pushing the ball to the right side. Keep an eye out, when Tony makes The Show, he will be there to stay for a very long time.
Up Next: #1 - SS Francisco Lindor
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Tribe Prospect Countdown: #3 LHP Nick Hagadone
2011 Stats (AA Akron/ AAA Columbus): 6-4, 2.79, 1.10 WHIP, .212 OBA, 2.8 BB/9, 9.8 K/9
2011 Stats (MLB Indians): 1-0, 4.09, 0.91 WHIP, .118 OBA, 4.9 BB/9, 9.0 K/9
It took Nick awhile to arrive, but he is certainly here now. After years of bouncing between the rotation and the bullpen, this piece of the 2009 Victor Martinez trade has found himself as a lefty set-up man. Hagadone's arsenal includes a 96 MPH heater with good movement, a plus slider (devastating to lefties, .127 @ AAA), and an effective straight change. In addition to the gaudy strikeout numbers, Nick also induces a good number of ground balls (1.01 GO/AO @ AAA) such that fly balls account for just 32% of his outs. Although his control improved dramatically last season (career 4.7 BB/9), the adrenaline of The Show brought out some hitches in his giddy-up. Just 3 years removed from Tommy John surgery, Hagadone can be pardoned the lapse, especially because left-handers managed just one single in 14 trips against him at the big league level. Nick was eased back in cautiously from the surgery and has shown no side effects to his stamina, pitching 80+ innings in each of the past two seasons, including 55 appearances in 2011. Now, if the Tribe's left-handed relief tandem of Tony Sipp and Rafael Perez had not been so effective last season (or if they had traded one, learn the Kelly Shoppach lesson and sell high!), then Hagadone would be all but guaranteed a spot on the opening day roster. I still say that Nick has a spot to lose. Assuming that he does not blow up in spring camp, expect him there against the Jays.
Up Next: #2 - SS Tony Wolters
Shit People (Bleep)
Not only have I recently heard someone recently express their fond desire for a Filet-O-Fish, but also another express his fervent opinion that the Beatles are "overplayed" and "overrated."
Friday, February 17, 2012
Tribe Prospect Countdown: #4 RHP Dillon Howard
2011 Stats (Instructional League): 4 G, 6.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R/ER, 2 BB, 6 K, 1.35 ERA, 0.60 WHIP
This prep right-hander was the Indians' 2nd round selection in the 2011 draft. Be aware that most talent evaluators agreed that Howard's skills were mid-1st round worthy and that he dropped because of his commitment to the University of Arkansas and his affiliation with Scott Boras. The Tribe went right ahead and payed the price tag ($1.85mil bonus, more than triple his slot recommendation), acquiring themselves an incredibly polished young pitcher. Dillon's fastball sits at 92 and has since his freshman year of high school. Given his advanced physical development, he has spent his time developing a nice running action on the pitch and spotting it to different parts of the strike zone. His complimentary offerings include a tight 11-5 curve (78 MPH), a slurvy slider (82 MPH and something that will be reworked in the minors) and a little used 80ish change. Howard has shown great repeatability with his motion, one that allows ease of delivery and a deceptive release. With his prototypical build, he projects as an MLB workhorse, eating innings as a #2 or 3 guy in the rotation. Of course, his ceiling is much higher. If Dillon can stay healthy and develop his secondary pitches, he has every opportunity to be the ace of a staff. Expect Howard to make his pro debut in April, when Low-A Lake County opens their season.
Up Next: #3 - LHP Nick Hagadone
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