FLORIDA MARLINS TOP 20 PROSPECTS

 

1. Jeremy Hermida, OF, Grade A

2. Anibal Sanchez, RHP, B+

3. Scott Olsen, LHP, B+

4. Yusmeiro Petit, RHP, B+

5. Chris Volstad, RHP, B+

6. Josh Willingham, C-1B, B

7. Aaron Thompson, LHP, B

8. Ricky Nolasco, RHP, B

9. Gaby Hernandez, RHP, B

10. Hanley Ramirez, SS, B

11. Travis Bowyer, RHP, B (grade change from book)

12. Josh Johnson, RHP, B-

13. Sean West, LHP, B-

14. Chris Resop, RHP, B-

15. J.T. Restko, OF, B-

16. Kris Harvey, 3B-OF, B-

17. Mike Jacobs, 1B, C+

18. Reynel Pinto, LHP, C+

19. Ryan Tucker, RHP, C+

20. Brad McCann, 1B, C+

 

The winter salary dump has obviously had a huge impact here. Lots of depth in pitching. Note that there are lots of promising prospects not in the Top 20. Guys like Jeff Allison, Robert Andino, Matt Goyen, Brett Hayes, Jacob Marceaux, Randy Messenger, Grant Psomas, Jason Stokes, Taylor Tankersley, Scott Tyler, and Dan Uggla would all make the Top 20 list for many organizations.

 

I'm changing Travis Bowyer from a B+ in the book to a straight Grade B, after poor reports about the status of his breaking ball in the Arizona Fall League. I've talked with some baseball folks who believe that the Twins picked exactly the right time to trade Bowyer, when his value was at its highest.

 

I don't know what to make of Hanley Ramirez any more. His tools are excellent, and he flashes skills, but his track record just doesn't support a higher rating than Grade B right now, at least in my mind.

 

link if you want to see peeps comments

Interesting he's not that high on Jacobs...makes sense though from the things I've read about his swing and all that

Biggest shocker is that Petit is seen as an equal of Olsen and Sanchez.

Biggest shocker is that Petit is seen as an equal of Olsen and Sanchez.

 

Meh, I wasn't very surprised by that, considering BA sees Sanchez-Olsen-Petit as 3-4-5 in the Marlins system and BP has Petit ahead of Sanchez and possibly Olsen (depending on whether or not they have him as exhausting his prospect status, which if so would be kind of dumb IMO).

 

I was most surprised by the amount of love for Sean West.

Biggest shocker is that Petit is seen as an equal of Olsen and Sanchez.

 

 

I would say it's a shocker Olsen and Anibal are seen as equals of Petit, but that's me. In double AA last year, Petit posted a run lower era, 35 lower points in whip (thirty five!!!), and had a marginally lower K/9 - 10.5 to 9.9. Both amazing totals. Anibal favored slightly better then Olsen (notable less IP however) with a half run era advantage, 7 points in whip, and the same 9.9 K/9 comparison. Petit did it at a year younger then them also. I mean, there is nothing wrong with any of them - these are definitely the top 1-2-3 SP prospects in the farm system and should be 2-3-4 in some order right after Hermida. All should be at worst mid rotation starters, but Petit has this awful reputation his numbers do not show. I take him over those other two. His control is light years better, and his K numbers are the same. He could be the next Dontrelle when you add in his funky deliver. I see Olsen being a Doug Davis clone, maybe slightly better with BB, and Anibal in this Beckett/Zambrano relentless fireballer mold.

 

Regardless, it's a nice problem to have. Just don't understand the surprise around Petit. Kid is going to be great. Can't wait to see them all in the bigs this year.

Biggest shocker is that Petit is seen as an equal of Olsen and Sanchez.

 

 

I would say it's a shocker Olsen and Anibal are seen as equals of Petit, but that's me. In double AA last year, Petit posted a run lower era, 35 lower points in whip (thirty five!!!), and had a marginally lower K/9 - 10.5 to 9.9. Both amazing totals. Anibal favored slightly better then Olsen (notable less IP however) with a half run era advantage, 7 points in whip, and the same 9.9 K/9 comparison. Petit did it at a year younger then them also. I mean, there is nothing wrong with any of them - these are definitely the top 1-2-3 SP prospects in the farm system and should be 2-3-4 in some order right after Hermida. All should be at worst mid rotation starters, but Petit has this awful reputation his numbers do not show. I take him over those other two. His control is light years better, and his K numbers are the same. He could be the next Dontrelle when you add in his funky deliver. I see Olsen being a Doug Davis clone, maybe slightly better with BB, and Anibal in this Beckett/Zambrano relentless fireballer mold.

 

Regardless, it's a nice problem to have. Just don't understand the surprise around Petit. Kid is going to be great. Can't wait to see them all in the bigs this year.

 

Not to beat a dead horse...but I will.

 

Judging by all the latest reports I would be very reluctant to trade any of the big three for Gaithwright. I assume TB is holding out for one of the aformentioned arms. Any thoughts as to an alternative that might interest Tampa? How about Josh Johnson and/or Kensing? What about one of the young Cub pitchers we acquired? How far behind are JJ and Gaby in comparison to Olson, Petit & Anabel? As stated previously, what a great problem to have - an abundance of promising young arms. Beinfest needs to pull the trigger somehwere before opening day.

 

 

:thumbup

Looking at the grades JS has given some of the prospects, and looking at those of other teams, I think some players like Josh Johnson have suffered just due to the abundance of talent the marlins have in pitching. I also would have expected an A- from at least one of the 2-4. Not really sure why Gaby is so high, given that most reports on him say he relies pretty much on that sinking fastball to get hitters.

Shadez at 10 is not right...

Not to beat a dead horse...but I will.

 

Judging by all the latest reports I would be very reluctant to trade any of the big three for Gaithwright. I assume TB is holding out for one of the aformentioned arms. Any thoughts as to an alternative that might interest Tampa? How about Josh Johnson and/or Kensing? What about one of the young Cub pitchers we acquired? How far behind are JJ and Gaby in comparison to Olson, Petit & Anabel? As stated previously, what a great problem to have - an abundance of promising young arms. Beinfest needs to pull the trigger somehwere before opening day.

 

:thumbup

 

Sorry for the length in advance, but if you are going to ask my opinion, I have to defend it. And that takes some words haha.

 

You are probably right that Gathright is not worth the big 3 (and Vargas) straight up in a trade.... that's why the Marlins should explore getting a 2nd player back for him if they have their hearts set on Gathright and TB won't do it without Olsen. I go back and forth if I want Joey. I think he's going to be good player, better then most here believe, but if Willingham is a LF, we have two of the three OF spots covered long term and that last OF spot is not as big of a weakness as C or 2B. My main concern is, I don't want Eric Reed getting any sort of AB. He is going to be a nightmare offensively. I can live with Aguila. I think he could be "ok" for a center fielder. But Reed.... yuck. I am more stressed then most about building the field now then just dealing with it in a year or two. I want to get high ceiling players everywhere, like they did with Hanley and Jacobs, and not just have 20+ pitchers with great ceilings, and a bunch of bums like Reed, Abercrombie, Uggla, and Andino fighting for playing time they don't deserve. We can live without some of the minor league pitching depth if it's going to make the offensive and defensive (Uggla is going to be terrible) sides of the team better now and for the future. They will still have plenty of pitching, and emerging hitters such as McCann, Harvey, and Restko, to bring in or trade for other pieces if guys they get now fail. Which some surely will.

 

I'm not a huge Johnson fan. He's be a nice P prospect for a lot of teams, I see 3rd/4th starter potential, but he is clearly behind Vargas, Petit, Anibal, Olsen, and Nolasco, in the short term, and Gaby, Volstad, Thompson, and maybe someone else when they become MLB ready in 2 years. Johnson is striking out just over 7 per 9 in double aa, allowing pretty much a hit an inning, and 3+ walks per 9. Those are solid numbers for his age and should translate pretty identical to the bigs in coming seasons, but those other 8-10 SP should all be more dominant when push comes to shove. Which is insane when a guy like Johnson is bumped for a bunch of future # 2 or better starters. I think Johnson or Nolasco straight up for Gathright is an excellent trade. They are the top of our '2nd tier' starters (which is first tier for 25 other teams in baseball, including TB) and should be valued perfect against Gathright, who is a complimentary player and needs to be on the right team and enviroment (all indications are Girardi will be SB crazy, Dolphins stadium is spacious in CF maximizing his speed on D, Marlins need a natural leadoff hitter) to succeed. That trade still gives the Rays an excellent P to develop for the next 6 years, and likewise gives the Marlins a huge missing piece. I think Tampa knows this also and is just playing hardball. They've had amazing success with Zambrano/Kazmir and Baez/Jackson + Tiffany, so I think they figuere they can eventually bully Olsen out of the Marlins. I don't blame them for trying to do it, but I don't think Beinfest, with a non-contending Marlins team versus the Mets and Dodgers both building for playoff runs, will budge as easily as those other two unless TB lowers demands or throws in somebody else. This is what I think today though. Tomorrow, when I start hating Eric Reed even more, I might want say just pull the trigger, get Joey, and rely on your P depth to where you won't really miss Olsen. But the prudent decision is probably wait to see where Willingham ends up, if Aguila can hit a little bit in CF, and which of the young P really shows something this spring/april.

 

I would say Nolasco has 3/4 starter potential just like Johnson, but I just like him slightly better guys because he whiffs some more guys. Gaby had an amazing single A at 19 years old last year. 2.43 era, .96 whip, 9+ K/9, and 3 BB per 9. Also, you can't take this away from him, but he threw a no hitter and that *might* be inflating those numbers a bit. Throwing a perfect 9 innings is seriously going to effect your whip (unless you are AJ and walking 9 guys haha)... and again, can't take it away from him, but it's unlikely he ever does that again. He might not be as good as the numbers say, even though it sounds crazy to give him a knock for throwing a no-no. It's just how if you take out 5 of Bostick's starts last year, his numbers go up crazy. If you are going to make an argument as to why a bad pitcher looks good by removing some starts, you also have have to be fair take out the totally insane start Gaby threw and realize both pitchers might not be as good or as bad as perceived.... I want to his his split A/AA this season before giving him "1st tier" starter status. I think highly of him though, and think he'll prove himself further in 06. I think he and Volstad will be the top 2 in the next wave of MLB pitching in 2 years. As for the last pitcher you mention, Kensing.... long relief. Gives up tons of hits, doesn't strike out enough. Has shown good control in the minors, even if that hasnt translated to the bigs yet, which will probably keep him in the bigs for awhile when he settles. It was smart of the Marlins to convert him. He has a shot to carve a long relief role in this league, kind of like Joe Kennedy or Saarloos for Oakland. I don't think he has trade value, besides throw in.... but there is nothing wrong with being a backend of the bullpen kind of guy.

 

Shadez at 10 is not right...

 

 

I agree.... I'd go 6/7 depending on if Willingham is a C/LF

As always Lou your posts are exceptionally well researched, but I just think that for now we wait and see what Reed does, I think with his defense and speed he can be better than most believe and at least given a chance until late may/june when we can really evaluate the wealth of talent pitching wise we have.

As always Lou your posts are exceptionally well researched, but I just think that for now we wait and see what Reed does, I think with his defense and speed he can be better than most believe and at least given a chance until late may/june when we can really evaluate the wealth of talent pitching wise we have.

 

 

Thanks.... just real quick concerning Reed, sure give him his shot. I've never said once I don't want to see any of the kids play - but even if Reed hits .280 in the bigs, he might not even have a .310 OBP, let alone any sort of slugging. He is not going to walk at all. This works for Jose Reyes (but he doesn't whiff like Reed either), but Eric is not an infielder. I think he can be a a 5th OF type on the right team. Light hitting, amazing defensive replacement and speed. Not to excited by his starting prospects.

 

Can the season just start already!

Not to beat a dead horse...but I will.

 

Judging by all the latest reports I would be very reluctant to trade any of the big three for Gaithwright. I assume TB is holding out for one of the aformentioned arms. Any thoughts as to an alternative that might interest Tampa? How about Josh Johnson and/or Kensing? What about one of the young Cub pitchers we acquired? How far behind are JJ and Gaby in comparison to Olson, Petit & Anabel? As stated previously, what a great problem to have - an abundance of promising young arms. Beinfest needs to pull the trigger somehwere before opening day.

 

:thumbup

 

Sorry for the length in advance, but if you are going to ask my opinion, I have to defend it. And that takes some words haha.

 

You are probably right that Gathright is not worth the big 3 (and Vargas) straight up in a trade.... that's why the Marlins should explore getting a 2nd player back for him if they have their hearts set on Gathright and TB won't do it without Olsen. I go back and forth if I want Joey. I think he's going to be good player, better then most here believe, but if Willingham is a LF, we have two of the three OF spots covered long term and that last OF spot is not as big of a weakness as C or 2B. My main concern is, I don't want Eric Reed getting any sort of AB. He is going to be a nightmare offensively. I can live with Aguila. I think he could be "ok" for a center fielder. But Reed.... yuck. I am more stressed then most about building the field now then just dealing with it in a year or two. I want to get high ceiling players everywhere, like they did with Hanley and Jacobs, and not just have 20+ pitchers with great ceilings, and a bunch of bums like Reed, Abercrombie, Uggla, and Andino fighting for playing time they don't deserve. We can live without some of the minor league pitching depth if it's going to make the offensive and defensive (Uggla is going to be terrible) sides of the team better now and for the future. They will still have plenty of pitching, and emerging hitters such as McCann, Harvey, and Restko, to bring in or trade for other pieces if guys they get now fail. Which some surely will.

 

I'm not a huge Johnson fan. He's be a nice P prospect for a lot of teams, I see 3rd/4th starter potential, but he is clearly behind Vargas, Petit, Anibal, Olsen, and Nolasco, in the short term, and Gaby, Volstad, Thompson, and maybe someone else when they become MLB ready in 2 years. Johnson is striking out just over 7 per 9 in double aa, allowing pretty much a hit an inning, and 3+ walks per 9. Those are solid numbers for his age and should translate pretty identical to the bigs in coming seasons, but those other 8-10 SP should all be more dominant when push comes to shove. Which is insane when a guy like Johnson is bumped for a bunch of future # 2 or better starters. I think Johnson or Nolasco straight up for Gathright is an excellent trade. They are the top of our '2nd tier' starters (which is first tier for 25 other teams in baseball, including TB) and should be valued perfect against Gathright, who is a complimentary player and needs to be on the right team and enviroment (all indications are Girardi will be SB crazy, Dolphins stadium is spacious in CF maximizing his speed on D, Marlins need a natural leadoff hitter) to succeed. That trade still gives the Rays an excellent P to develop for the next 6 years, and likewise gives the Marlins a huge missing piece. I think Tampa knows this also and is just playing hardball. They've had amazing success with Zambrano/Kazmir and Baez/Jackson + Tiffany, so I think they figuere they can eventually bully Olsen out of the Marlins. I don't blame them for trying to do it, but I don't think Beinfest, with a non-contending Marlins team versus the Mets and Dodgers both building for playoff runs, will budge as easily as those other two unless TB lowers demands or throws in somebody else. This is what I think today though. Tomorrow, when I start hating Eric Reed even more, I might want say just pull the trigger, get Joey, and rely on your P depth to where you won't really miss Olsen. But the prudent decision is probably wait to see where Willingham ends up, if Aguila can hit a little bit in CF, and which of the young P really shows something this spring/april.

 

I would say Nolasco has 3/4 starter potential just like Johnson, but I just like him slightly better guys because he whiffs some more guys. Gaby had an amazing single A at 19 years old last year. 2.43 era, .96 whip, 9+ K/9, and 3 BB per 9. Also, you can't take this away from him, but he threw a no hitter and that *might* be inflating those numbers a bit. Throwing a perfect 9 innings is seriously going to effect your whip (unless you are AJ and walking 9 guys haha)... and again, can't take it away from him, but it's unlikely he ever does that again. He might not be as good as the numbers say, even though it sounds crazy to give him a knock for throwing a no-no. It's just how if you take out 5 of Bostick's starts last year, his numbers go up crazy. If you are going to make an argument as to why a bad pitcher looks good by removing some starts, you also have have to be fair take out the totally insane start Gaby threw and realize both pitchers might not be as good or as bad as perceived.... I want to his his split A/AA this season before giving him "1st tier" starter status. I think highly of him though, and think he'll prove himself further in 06. I think he and Volstad will be the top 2 in the next wave of MLB pitching in 2 years. As for the last pitcher you mention, Kensing.... long relief. Gives up tons of hits, doesn't strike out enough. Has shown good control in the minors, even if that hasnt translated to the bigs yet, which will probably keep him in the bigs for awhile when he settles. It was smart of the Marlins to convert him. He has a shot to carve a long relief role in this league, kind of like Joe Kennedy or Saarloos for Oakland. I don't think he has trade value, besides throw in.... but there is nothing wrong with being a backend of the bullpen kind of guy.

 

Shadez at 10 is not right...

 

 

I agree.... I'd go 6/7 depending on if Willingham is a C/LF

 

Thanks Lou...great info. I guess you pretty much validated my opinion. I would move Johnson for Gaithright in a heartbeat. As for moving one of the so-called "Big Three" who would you like to see back in addition to Gaithright to make it happen? Would Nick Green do it for you? Is there another 2nd base prospect that interests you?

 

:mischief2

Thanks Lou...great info. I guess you pretty much validated my opinion. I would move Johnson for Gaithright in a heartbeat. As for moving one of the so-called "Big Three" who would you like to see back in addition to Gaithright to make it happen? Would Nick Green do it for you? Is there another 2nd base prospect that interests you?

 

:mischief2

 

 

Callapso! But he's a DBack now, and we could have had him for pennies. So frustrating. Other top 2B prospects are basically untouchable, like Barfield (SD), Kendrick (LAA), and Pedroia (Bos). Brandon Phillips in cleveland has lost a lot of steam recently. I think he could be a low risk-high reward guy if the price is right. Not sure if Cleveland has totally given up on him yet. He's definitely a piece they will float around the allstar break for whatever hole the team has. Hopefully we have that piece expendable.

 

I like Nick Green.... as a fantastic bench infielder. He'd be a nice player to have for a few years. I think I've said in the past I wanted Green as a throw in, but like I said, I keep going back and forth. I have to see where Willingham ends up before wondering about Gathright. If the price is right, Johnson or Nolasco, no problem. But Olsen could be really good if he reaches his potential

Thanks Lou...great info. I guess you pretty much validated my opinion. I would move Johnson for Gaithright in a heartbeat. As for moving one of the so-called "Big Three" who would you like to see back in addition to Gaithright to make it happen? Would Nick Green do it for you? Is there another 2nd base prospect that interests you?

 

:mischief2

 

 

Callapso! But he's a DBack now, and we could have had him for pennies. So frustrating. Other top 2B prospects are basically untouchable, like Barfield (SD), Kendrick (LAA), and Pedroia (Bos). Brandon Phillips in cleveland has lost a lot of steam recently. I think he could be a low risk-high reward guy if the price is right. Not sure if Cleveland has totally given up on him yet. He's definitely a piece they will float around the allstar break for whatever hole the team has. Hopefully we have that piece expendable.

 

I like Nick Green.... as a fantastic bench infielder. He'd be a nice player to have for a few years. I think I've said in the past I wanted Green as a throw in, but like I said, I keep going back and forth. I have to see where Willingham ends up before wondering about Gathright. If the price is right, Johnson or Nolasco, no problem. But Olsen could be really good if he reaches his potential

 

Well there is about a 50/50 chance that Brandon Phillips gets traded or gets put on waivers during or after spring training. I believe what Malman was trying to say is if Tampa wanted one of the big 3 (Olsen,Sanchez, Petit) for Gathright but the Marlins don't think its quite enough will a extra player included in the deal like Nick Green be enough for the Marlins to pull the trigger. I personally don't thnk Nick Green and Joey Gathright is not enough compensation for Anibal Sanchez, Scott Olsen, Yusmeiro Petit or for that matter Josh Johnson. If I where Beinfest I tell Tampa if you want one of the big three I want either Wes Bankston, Elijah Dukes or Wade Davis in return as well otherwise no deal. Not to high on Joey Gathright and I'll feel just fine with Chris Aguila out there in CF who has more power, better d, and a better arm than Gathright.

Well there is about a 50/50 chance that Brandon Phillips gets traded or gets put on waivers during or after spring training. I believe what Malman was trying to say is if Tampa wanted one of the big 3 (Olsen,Sanchez, Petit) for Gathright but the Marlins don't think its quite enough will a extra player included in the deal like Nick Green be enough for the Marlins to pull the trigger. I personally don't thnk Nick Green and Joey Gathright is not enough compensation for Anibal Sanchez, Scott Olsen, Yusmeiro Petit or for that matter Josh Johnson. If I where Beinfest I tell Tampa if you want one of the big three I want either Wes Bankston, Elijah Dukes or Wade Davis in return as well otherwise no deal. Not to high on Joey Gathright and I'll feel just fine with Chris Aguila out there in CF who has more power, better d, and a better arm than Gathright.

 

I just responded to you in another thread, but yea. I disagree with Johnson. The Marlins should run to get Gathright for Johnson if they can. Wade Davis? No more pitching! Bankston we really don't have a spot for if Willingham is in LF, which leaves Dukes.... who yea would be great. But I wonder how many people will complain that he is even worse defensively then Gathright and will be a strikeout machine, despite the other offensive production he will hit. I'd be happy with Dukes, don't get me wrong. He's got potential But he could be a "non 2005 Encarnacion" type, and really.... Aguila *might* be that.

Well there is about a 50/50 chance that Brandon Phillips gets traded or gets put on waivers during or after spring training. I believe what Malman was trying to say is if Tampa wanted one of the big 3 (Olsen,Sanchez, Petit) for Gathright but the Marlins don't think its quite enough will a extra player included in the deal like Nick Green be enough for the Marlins to pull the trigger. I personally don't thnk Nick Green and Joey Gathright is not enough compensation for Anibal Sanchez, Scott Olsen, Yusmeiro Petit or for that matter Josh Johnson. If I where Beinfest I tell Tampa if you want one of the big three I want either Wes Bankston, Elijah Dukes or Wade Davis in return as well otherwise no deal. Not to high on Joey Gathright and I'll feel just fine with Chris Aguila out there in CF who has more power, better d, and a better arm than Gathright.

 

I just responded to you in another thread, but yea. I disagree with Johnson. The Marlins should run to get Gathright for Johnson if they can. Wade Davis? No more pitching! Bankston we really don't have a spot for if Willingham is in LF, which leaves Dukes.... who yea would be great. But I wonder how many people will complain that he is even worse defensively then Gathright and will be a strikeout machine, despite the other offensive production he will hit. I'd be happy with Dukes, don't get me wrong. He's got potential But he could be a "non 2005 Encarnacion" type, and really.... Aguila *might* be that.

 

The reason I wouldn't trade Johnson either is because he is a huge guy (6-7 245) who is still very young and posses a 91-96 mph fastball. His problem is he needs to refine his 2 and 3 pitches abit and stay away abit from the strikezone.

 

As for the throw in question.

Why no more pitching? I always thought you can't have enough. The Devil Rays don't have any real good inf prospect in the minors. Wade Davis has lots of potential, Wes Banston can be used as a trade chip later on if not he can play lf,rf,1b and the Devil Rays are gonna teach him third now so he is very versatile. As for Dukes I don't where you read that he is a worse defender than Gathright. Post your source if you can please. Elijas Dukes has all the tools his problem is he is a Milton Bradley clone.

 

Again I don't dislike Joey Gathright I feel he has the potential to be a solid Big Leaguer if he improves his work ethic but he is not worth anything close to what the Devil Rays are asking.

The reason I wouldn't trade Johnson either is because he is a huge guy (6-7 245) who is still very young and posses a 91-96 mph fastball. His problem is he needs to refine his 2 and 3 pitches abit and stay away abit from the strikezone.

 

As for the throw in question.

Why no more pitching? I always thought you can't have enough. The Devil Rays don't have any real good inf prospect in the minors. Wade Davis has lots of potential, Wes Banston can be used as a trade chip later on if not he can play lf,rf,1b and the Devil Rays are gonna teach him third now so he is very versatile. As for Dukes I don't where you read that he is a worse defender than Gathright. Post your source if you can please. Elijas Dukes has all the tools his problem is he is a Milton Bradley clone.

 

Again I don't dislike Joey Gathright I feel he has the potential to be a solid Big Leaguer if he improves his work ethic but he is not worth anything close to what the Devil Rays are asking.

 

 

PECOTA pegs Gathright and Dukes to be awful defensive CF. It was unfair of me to declare Joey better, when they are near identical in poor defensive expectations. I posted a thread the other day on the main board where this defensive analysis showed Gathright the # 3 defensive CF in baseball last season (look in archives back a page or two, or Gammons insider blog on espn for link). I guess that is unfair since Dukes was not included because he didn't play at the MLB level.

 

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/pecota/gathrjo01.php

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/pecota/DUKES19840626A.php

 

You can never have enough pitching, granted, but we need C, MI, and CF position players in our system, let alone on the big league squad. All we have is a bunch of corner players coming up (Restko, McCann, Harvey), with De Aza being the only CF (and he ranks pitiful defensively as well) that might turn into something. Johnson and Nolasco are expendable. They won't crack Willis, Anibal, Olsen, Petit, and Vargas, and when Willis or whoever moves on with free agency/trade, Volstad, Gaby, Thompson, and others will be cheaper, and higher ceiling alternatives. I guess we can just disagree on that aspect of Gathright. I think he is definitely worth one of the 2nd tier pitchers straight up.

Bankston is a 1B if memory serves me right, not a LF...and we have Harvey for there in the near future anyway.

Bankston is a 1B if memory serves me right, not a LF...and we have Harvey for there in the near future anyway.

 

 

Oh yeah...and one other thing Willingham sucks.

 

:whistle

Bankston is a 1B if memory serves me right, not a LF...and we have Harvey for there in the near future anyway.

 

 

Oh yeah...and one other thing Willingham sucks.

 

:whistle

:lol

Bankston is a 1B if memory serves me right, not a LF...and we have Harvey for there in the near future anyway.

 

 

 

That will be great but have you heard about Pablo Ozuna, Julio Ramirez, Nate Rolison, Wes Anderson, Geof Geotz, Joe Fontenot, Jason Grilli, Blaine Neal, Todd Dunwoody, Rafeal Medina, Aron Atkin the list goes on and on.... thats why they are called prsopects. Kris Harvey is no sure thing. Right now he is basically Jason Stokes with a better arm. He has no Stirke zone judgement what so ever so lets think about that before we call him the LF of the future.

They are the top of our '2nd tier' starters (which is first tier for 25 other teams in baseball, including TB) and should be valued perfect against Gathright, who is a complimentary player and needs to be on the right team and enviroment (all indications are Girardi will be SB crazy, Dolphins stadium is spacious in CF maximizing his speed on D, Marlins need a natural leadoff hitter) to succeed.

 

Sorry, but wouldn't that suggest Gathright does not have much trade value? That his worth is restricted to a limited amount of teams, thus reducing the market for him and the price the Rays can command? We shouldn't succumb to a mild concession to Tampa's crazy demands. One of our third tier starters is who we should trade. I don't know about you, but I'd rather give Aguila and Reed a chance than give up superior talent in a trade.

They are the top of our '2nd tier' starters (which is first tier for 25 other teams in baseball, including TB) and should be valued perfect against Gathright, who is a complimentary player and needs to be on the right team and enviroment (all indications are Girardi will be SB crazy, Dolphins stadium is spacious in CF maximizing his speed on D, Marlins need a natural leadoff hitter) to succeed.

 

Sorry, but wouldn't that suggest Gathright does not have much trade value? That his worth is restricted to a limited amount of teams, thus reducing the market for him and the price the Rays can command? We shouldn't succumb to a mild concession to Tampa's crazy demands. One of our third tier starters is who we should trade. I don't know about you, but I'd rather give Aguila and Reed a chance than give up superior talent in a trade.

Maybe that suggests Johnson and Nolasco have relatively no trade value. And just because a player isn't good for Colorado, doesn't mean he wouldn't be great for us to put it in an analogous form. Gathright might have a lower 'market' of teams where his skills are perfect for, but I don't necessarily think that severely lowers his value. I think it lowers it from Olsen to Johnson. That's about it.

 

I'd rather see Gathright in CF, Aguila as the platoon LF starter(Willingham)/4th OF, and Eric Reed in AA/AAA learning how to take a walk.

Gathright's worth a 3rd/4th starter. One of our third tier SP prospects is just that for the Rays and nearly every other team.

Gathright's worth a 3rd/4th starter. One of our third tier SP prospects is just that for the Rays and nearly every other team.

 

Maybe we just view Johnson and Nolasco in a different light, because I think both of those guys will top out as just that