Lets try something new. To preface this, my intention from the beginning was for this site to be a site just for Phillies prospects. Some people think that is dumb or pointless, and that since we’re all Phillies fans, anything should go. That’s one person’s opinion, but its not one I share. There are tons and tons of awesome Phillies sites out there that focus on the big league club and everything that has to do with the organization. This isn’t one of them. My goal when starting this site was for it to be an information site, more closely resembling a “website” and not a message board or traditional blog. I still have those same aspirations. The discussions here are important, but they are important on the prospect side of things. I’ve always stated that if its something directly related to a prospect, then its fine to discuss. But the discussions tend to meander. The reason I want to keep things focused is for preservation. When someone finds my site because a player is traded or something like that, and they aren’t Phillies fans, I want them to be able to read things that have been written and learn something about the player/process. If they have to weed through 30 comments about Ryan Madson, it doesn’t serve my original goal for this site. And since this is still my site, I’m exercising content control.
With that longwinded rant out of the way, I will create a new post each week for you to talk about the things that you apparently can’t talk about at other Phillies websites. I ask that you keep all of your chatter in this one post. The people who contribute their time here to write up player/org reports deserve the respect of you not “pooping” on their work by taking the posts off topic. So keep it here. Fair enough?
Phuture Phillies 
Way to lay it out, PP. I’m with you. I’ve learned a lot about MiLB and the draft and rosters and international signings and such from the content and the comments, but the comments certainly can wander into strange places sometimes. That being said:
RYAN MADSON RYAN MADSON RYAN MADSON’S WIFE
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Worley get to pitch in that if often the worst defensive game of the year. A lot of players show the rust of the layoff. But the big guy will be up to it.(mets no closer)
It will be interesting what the break will mean to Brown and for that matter Jr.
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You might have created an animal here PP. The reason I don’t contribute my thoughts to other ‘Phillies talk’ sites is that I don’t want to scroll through mounds of mindless banter from people who haven’t watched a Phillies game in two years. A site dedicated to Phillies prospects will attract only the most avid and knowledgeable Phillies phans, which is evident by the quality (usually) of posts on this site.
In any event, here’s my contribution. A question for the usuals;
What prospects are most at risk should the Phillies make a deadline deal? From my perspective, a deal is very likely, and I would be surprised if the primary focus is anything but the bullpen. The performance of Stutes and Bastardo, neither of who was expected to make the OD roster, has many feeling overly confident about our bullpen in spite of several key injuries (Madson, Lidge, Contreras) and poor performances (Romero, Baez). There’s a glaring need for a trusted arm in the back of our bullpen. Bell is likely that guy. Unless several lower-10 prospects are dealt, I expect to see either Singleton or Cosart leading the Phillies offer.
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I view this as a simple solution. If people can’t contain their comments in the right place, I’ll just remove them. No harm in that, and it makes it easy for me. Plus, if people really don’t want to read about Ryan Madson or Danys Baez or Kyle Kendrick, they just have to avoid these weekly posts.
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I suspected such. Thanks for your efforts PP
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Agree with you on this—-plenty of sites to voice Phillies comments from every newspaper in a 50/75 mile radius of Philadelphia, to assorted blogs. I know I have been a culprit of swaying off the beaten track in the past. The prospect watch is what we should be focused on.
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On the other hand maybe I would like to talk about the current team with some on the guys here who’s comments I read all the time ands opinion I respect. Making a post like this is the best solution for both sides of the coin.
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I don’t view Lidge as a key injury. I don’t expect him to be good even if he does make it back this year.
Madson is hurt, but it’s a minor injury and he should be back soon, which with Bastardo and Stutes gives three guys who are good to great. The underbelly of the bullpen is lousy but the 5th guy out of the bullpen being a lousy pitcher is almost tautological. The team is 8.5 games up on a playoff spot and once they get to the playoffs the aces and the first two/three guys out of the bullpen are going to pitch almost every significant inning. If they can get Bell for almost nothing it would be fine but I don’t think it’s going to happen and I’d really hate for them to spend top prospects on a guy who isn’t that big of an upgrade. Also, Bell’s ERA is still good this year but his strikeout rate is WAY down which worries me a little as a trade target.
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I agree that a bullpen arm is most important.
Additonally, there has been a lot of talk of adding a right-handed bat in the outfield to bolster the offense. IMO, the place we can make an impact would be to add a thumper at 3B. As great as he was in April and despite the above-average defense, Polanco is underperforming at a position that is traditionally looked to for a significant offensive contribution.
I would like to see the team acquire Aramis Ramirez from the Cubs. Right-handed power and solid in the field. It would not take a top arm to acquire him either. Most likely a collection of secondary pitchers and position players. None would be from our top 12 prospect list.
Put Polanco on the DL and let his back get better. When he returns he can spell Utley at second and possibly pull a Prado and start playing a little left field.
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I wouldn’t mind ARam, but I’m not confident the Phil’s brass will look to move Polanco into a super-utility role. Can kill two birds with one stone by pairing up with San Diego. Bell and Ludwick will likely be moved
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Heath Bell is going to be highly coveted by numerous teams, there is going to be a bidding war. It will cost the Phillies Cosart and another prospect.
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Heath Bell will not return a top 50 prospect from any but the most desperate team.
He will pitch ~ 30-40 innings for his new club, cost a healthy chunk of change (figure about about 3-4mil) to do so, and is a free agent come October. Now you say “he’s a Type A, he’s a Type A!”… well that only matters if he’s offered arbitration. Maybe, but I question whether the phillies would want to risk committing themselves to paying him 10-12 mil next year should he accept. Even if they do decide to go that route, someone bites on him and the Phillies get a couple of high picks, don’t you pay attention to our draft approach / budget??? The Phillies do not place a lot of value on high picks, at least not so much as to be major incentive in a trade. Not that they would give them back, but that is not going to be a big scale tilter.
Not that there aren’t some differences (mostly off the field) between him and KRod, but their pitching ability and $$ (after the Mets threw in 5mil) aren’t much different. Would you guys be giving up Cosart for KRod? Cause if you did, you’d be paying a hell of a lot more than the Brewers.
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You’re missing the point. The Pods will surely offer arbitration since Bell will likely seek and receive a multi-year deal on the open market. They’ll lose those compensation picks. There’s really no doubt in this. To day he’s not even worth a Top 50 prospect to the Padres? Take a breath, relax, and re-think what you are saying.
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Ok. taking a breath. relaxing… rethinking…..
Nope, not missing the point. You, my friend, suffer from what can best be described as the “Bill Conlin syndrome”.
You understand you have to pay for those compensation picks? It’s not as if two top prospects simply appear out of nowhere in your farm system. I’m not saying there isn’t value there, but the value that is being placed on compensation picks by you and others vastly outstrips the real value to the club. That’s going to mean a couple more million $$ spent on risky draft picks. That is not a huge incentive. some incentive. marginal incentive. better to have than not have. not a huge incentive. Really.
A top 50 pick (which means a lot of the risk has been removed from the investment) is an extremely high price to pay, and the Phillies won’t be paying it for 30 innings of Heath Bell.
I anticipate you’ll see that soon enough.
Now I don’t know who I’d rather the Phillies GM, Marfis or Steve from Tampa.
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Top 50 pick = top 50 prospect
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Will – if not for your condescending tone, you’d almost sound intelligent, Marfis and Bill Conlin? Again, nice rebuttal. I’m not trying to prove anything, it’s simply an opinion which you obviously disagree with. No worries. We’ll see if someone trade a Top-50 pick for Bell in the coming weeks. Trust you’ll be man enough to acknowledge when it happens. I know I will if it doesn’t
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I will.
You realize the Phillies didn’t trade a single top 50 prospect for Cliff Lee two years ago, and he had an under market extra year tacked on? They then didn’t receive a single top 50 prospect when they traded Cliff Lee, with that same year left. They then didn’t trade a single top 50 prospect for Roy Oswalt last year (where are the JA Happ fan boys now? with his near 6 ERA)…
And that’s just the near hall of famers we’ve been trading recently.
They didn’t trade a prospect hardly anyone cared about for 2 years of Joe Blanton.
The big fish for Brad Lidge was Mike Costanzo.
Kyle Lohse cost, uh, not much.
I mean the list goes on.
Roy Halladay. After he agrees to a below market 3 year extension.
That’s what gets you a top 50 prospect (and a couple “nears”).
Not Heath Bell and a couple comp picks you’re gonna have to make room for in the draft budget.
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“You realize the Phillies didn’t trade a single top 50 prospect for Cliff Lee two years ago”. Both Carrasco and Marson were top 50 prospects. Comparing Lohse and Blanton? Now you’re reaching. Go smoke one, then you won’t even remember that you’re wrong
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wrong wrong wrong. Facts are your (I mean my) friend Steve from Tampa
Lou Marson was never even a top 100, so let’s get that out of the way (and btw, using these top #s is lame, but you started it. Let’s just say Lou Marson was never considered even remotely the prospect that Singleton or Cosart are right now)
Carlos Carrasco was BBA #54 prospect the year of the trade, and unranked the year after (after dropping a 5+ ERA in SWB, that’ll happen). So if anything he was well below 54 when he was traded for Cliff Lee.
That’s Cliff Lee. As in Cy Young the year before. As in a starting pitcher with another year on his contract. Not some 33 year old RP with some decent years in an extreme pitchers park (and not to mention a cratering K-rate).
Still. No. Top. 50.
Not reaching or “smoking one” Steve From Tampa, just right.
Just right.
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I started it? Are you a child. Look at the previous posts and see where you introduced the Top-50 reference.
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In retrospect, maybe I started the top 50 references. It’s still lame, but useful in so far as laying a baseline for prospect value.
– “Great rebuttal… Get a grip”
– “Take a breath, relax, and re-think what you are saying”
– “Go smoke one, then you won’t even remember that you’re wrong”
Your totally unchildish, uncondescending turns of phrase.
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The Mets are in a different situation with KRod. They desperately wanted to let him go because they didn’t want that 17.5M option to vest since they’re in financial difficulties.
And in recent memory, Brewers trading Matt Laporta for Sabathia, and the Rangers trading Justin Smoak for Cliff Lee. Both LaPorta and Smoak were top 50 prospects at the time, and Lee and Sabathia were impending FAs.
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Top-of-the-rotation starters like Sabathia and Lee are much more valuable than even a quality late-inning guy like Bell. Compare their paychecks if you don’t agree. Will is dead on. No way Cosart or Singleton would be traded for any player likely to be made available this month. Plus, the Phils don’t need a closer, assuming Madson comes back and performs as he’s been performing all year. They need someone like Koji Ueharra or Grant Balfour who can push Stutes into more of a 6th or 7th inning role. A lefty to pick up the pieces when Cy Perez crashes back to earth would be even better, but it doesn’t look like there will be many of them available.
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Definitely in a different situation, in that they need to get rid of him for financial reasons. But when there are multiple suitors that shouldn’t really affect the return. Simple fact is his numbers and cost (and in my humble opinion, his “stuff”) are very comparable to Bell, and it is safe to say the Brewers didn’t trade anyone near the value of Cosart or Singleton.
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Can’t compare two situations. Mets were looking to mitigate the risk of KRod’s vesting option. They would have taken a bag of balls for him. San Diego is in a much better position with Bell unless you believe in the theory that teams hate having 1st rd draft picks
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Why can’t you compare them? Yes, the Mets are perhaps a more motivated seller, but when you have 2 comparable units, and more than 2 motivated suitors for such units, the motivation of the seller should not appreciably affect the return. It’s what you call a sellers market.
Not sure what the point of your reference to picks is about.
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I wouldn’t consider them comparable because the value of those players to their respective team is varied. No worries either way Will. To be honest, I hope you’re right. I’d love to get Bell as a rental, and if we could get him on the cheap? Even better.
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Just to be clear, you would trade players based on how valuable they are to your own team, not how valuable they are on the open market?
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Not at all. But there’s a counter-value in this instance. San Diego is not compelled to make any move. If they kept Bell, they would surely offer him arbitration and receive two compensation picks when he signs elsewhere. My contention is that San Diego would not trade Bell for anything less than the equivalent value of those compensation picks. if you’re right, and the Pods don’t get any serious offers, they may just keep him and take the picks.
I’m afraid I helped derail this conversation. My apologies. My initial implication was that the Phils would acquire Bell, my question is what it would take to get him. I hope you’re right and we get him for a couple of mid-level prospects.
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Aramis is still owed around $6M for 2011 and he has a full no trade clause. I don’t think he’s coming here. Also, how would Polanco feel about it considering that Poalnco is still under contract for 2012. He won’t like that at all.
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I remember reading somewhere that if he is traded his option for next year becomes vested. This seems to be the opposite of normal deadline thoughts, but I would rather see a low cost rental than a high salary guy with a year or two left (unless of course they are a young stud outfielder or 3B). I know we need a bullpen arm but if they difference is a Top 5 prospect or a Top 15 prospect between Bell and Mike Adams (also SD), I would much rather have Adams, bullpen arms are too random to invest that much.
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Mike Adams is under team control next year and won’t be much cheaper than Bell.
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Assuming he can return to good health, Polanco would be a terrific utility IF and a much-needed upgrade from Valdez. That could be Polanco’s primary role for 2012.
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Aramis is an interesting idea I hadn’t considered, but not sure it would work with a healthy Polanco.
I think Cuddyer would be my first target though as far as righty bats, if he’s available. His versatility gives him the edge.
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Hey guys, I’m an avid reader, but rare contributor.
What do you guys think it would take, if it would even be feasible to pry Hanley Ramirez away from the Marlins this off-season? If there ever was a time his value would be “low,” it would be now. He’s a guy that, if put on a World Series caliber team, will rediscover his focus. Utley, Halladay, and Lee will certainly put him on track too.
He’d be owed $46M over the next 3 years and it wouldn’t be too much higher than what J-Roll would be looking for. That could be a fun lineup. Would Howard be our #5 hitter?
It would take a pretty impressive package and might clean us out. Just wonderring what your thoughts would be.
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An interesting thought but much of the industry thinks that he is not long for the SS position at which point do you like him in left or right field. Plus there is the character issues that make him risky as well.
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Well, we’d have him from ages 28-30. Could we deal with less than stellar defense for that time? With him in our ballpark sandwiched between Utley and Howard, he’d easily be a 30-homer guy. And if he only lasts 2 years at short, would Freddy Galvis be up by 2014? I’d think so, not that I want to rely on him. And even if he became a corner outfielder in his final year, he’d be a $16M run producer. That would be fair.
Again, this Phillies team is a team of professionals that knows what it takes to win. You hear about Utley giving dirty looks if guys are goofing off around the batting cage, I don’t think Hanley’s antics would fly around here. He’s just simply been the best guy on a mediocre team where the front office clearly doesn’t care about winning for some time. A change of scenery would do him well.
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I think everyone would love Han Ram, but be honest with yourself too. What sense does it make for a team moving into a new stadium next year to sell their franchise player locked up on an affordable long-term deal at his lowest point in value. They’d be selling him for 80 cents on the dollar. Also, from a business standpoint, what sense does that make for Florida when they are moving into a new stadium next year. Remember when the Phillies got Thome the year before moving into a new stadium. Teams don’t get rid of their best player before a move, they add other great players to attract buzz for the new stadium. And not to belabor the point, but finally, why would Florida trade their marquee player for anything except above his actual value to a division rival. How would it look to their fans if he faces them 19 times a year? If he were traded, which there is really no way he would be at this point, it would have to be to a place far away from Miami. It’s a nice thought, but there’s just no way I could ever see it happening.
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You’re absolutely right. I did think about them moving into their new stadium and therefore would not want to lose him. But I think with the emergence of Gaby Sanchez, Logan Morrison, Mike Stanton, and this supposed stud 3b prospect, along with that nice pitching staff, it might be a little easier to swallow. But again, what would the cost be? Vance Worley and some prospects? Who knows?
The trade was just me dreaming. I was wanting to see what people would give up for Hanley. Realistically, I don’t think that would ever happen.
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Probably Singleton, Cosart, Worley, and Colvin
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With their new stadium opening next year, the Marlins have to put on a happy face especially after this year from hell. In short no way.
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More cancerous than 2nd hand smoke.
Do not want.
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I’m thinking rizzotti is in any package, along with an of like james and a pitcher not named colvin, may or cosart
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Wouldn’t a moderately worded comment posted in the thread about the Reading game have sufficed as a way of venting annoyance? With the exception of one commenter, everyone pretty much agreed immediately that they had veered off the subject. Most days, you post nothing beyond links to the previous night’s games, which is basically an invitation for commenters to take the discussion in any direction they like. I think that’s actually one of the nicest things about the site, and I find that the commenting community deals with off-base stuff pretty much the way it should–usually by ignoring it. My personal feeling is that so long as a commenter isn’t being profane or abusive, you really shouldn’t reprimand them or delete what he or she has to say.
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What part of “It’s his site, he can do what he wants dont you understand?” At the same point,if it bothers you so much, you can feel free to leave. Pretty simple actually. or better yet, start your own blog! Possibilities are endless
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Well, I think that’s a pretty inhospitable way of thinking about it. I’d like to continue reading and commenting on the blog, without being periodically barked at and reminded that I can go someplace else if I don’t like it. I don’t think I’m disrespectful of others, and I think I’m justified in asking to be treated with respect in return. I realize I’m risking the wrath of him and others by saying this, but I can’t imagine I’m the only one who feels a little annoyed at being fairly regularly reproached (collectively or individually) for perceived offenses/disagreements/disparagement. As for starting my own blog, I could if I wanted to, but I like the company at this place. I’m just asking the bartender to smile a bit more.
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I’m not sure why I’m bothering to wade further into this. I explained this a while ago. And this will be the last time I address it. When people volunteer their time to write affiliate reports, game reports, prospect profiles, etc etc, and three comments in, someone starts talking about Raul Ibanez, or something completely unrelated, its disrespectful to the author. There are almost zero flame wars here, the comments are, by and large, very civil.
You can say “why does it matter”….but it matters to me. I had very specific goals here, and I’ve tried to maintain those goals. Its not a matter of “you can go somewhere else”…I want everyone to keep coming back. Its a matter of respect. If you had a website and you had a set of rules, I’d be obliged to follow your rules. It wouldn’t be my place to consistently question why you do things the way you do them.
For me, its a simple matter of respect. I don’t normally get involved in back and forth banter in the comments because of time, but when I read through the comments of a post that someone else prepared, and I see the discussion way off track, again, I just find it disrespectful. You can call this whatever you want. But this site is my baby, and when I see something that rubs me the wrong way, I’m going to try and remedy it. Sorry.
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Well, I completely respect your point of view and your proprietary feelings. I’m glad to hear that you’re so appreciative of the members of the community who contribute. I’m not suggesting that you compromise your view of what the site should be. I’m just a bit bummed–and please don’t take this the wrong way–that it seems like you’re so often upset by the dialogue that goes on here. You should really take joy in the fact that you’ve created something that people care so much about that they, too, feel like they own a little bit of it.
That said, I completely understand your point, and I’m happy to confine my comments to prospects from here on out.
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It’s your baby man. You get to set the House rules. If people do not like it then they should go away. Period. End of story.
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I’m wondering if we can talk about young players that are nevertheless on a major league roster, guys just removed from being prospects- Worley, Brown, Martinez, Mayberry. I have the most to say about these players because I have the opportunity to watch them.
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I guess my point is that it seems a little odd that we should have to ask whether we’re allowed to discuss certain players or not. For instance, Antonio Bastardo’s name is still on the right column of this webpage, but if we debate whether he and other bullpen prospects (Aumont, De Fratus) have made resigning Madson less necessary, is that out of line? Seems like we should all be able to exercise a bit of common sense. Discussing when or if Freddy Galvis could take over for Jimmy Rollins seems pertinent. Writing “Ibanez is a stiff!” isn’t. But the correct way to deal with the Ibanez stuff is to ignore it. And I find that there’s really pretty little of it on this site, thankfully.
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Looking over the Phillies’ minor leagues for a mid-season top 10. A few people mentioned Brandon Moss as a possible call-up. I love the guy. Class act. But a guy hitting .257 in AAA doesn’t really project well as a callup for me.
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First, the 3b prospect is Matt Dominguez, who is apparently all glove and very little bat. So stud might be a bit strong. But anyway, if we’re dreaming on our end but otherwise still considering all the realistic factors, i think to even start the conversation with them any offer would have to include Domonic Brown, plus Singleton and Cosart and probably someone like a Pettibone or De Fratus. Ramirez is still only 27, so they could realistically argue he hasn’t even reached his prime yet and even if he doesn’t play it well he plays one of the most valuable positions. Brown has a world of promise but as we can see he’s still a few years from reaching it (if he ever does), Cosart has had arm troubles and is only is single A. And then Singleton, who is also only in A ball, plays 1st base, has plenty of his own questions. So going off the BA recent rankings, that’s a recently graduated top prospect, two back end top 50 players, and an additional player with promise. I hate to use a fantasy analogy, but Hanley is a top 5 pick in all of baseball. Are four guys who might all reach the majors, let alone become stars, enough? The saying is that you win with stars, and only one person in the trade is a guaranteed star.
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This is an awesome site. I hope it continues for years to come. There really is nothing quite like it. It really makes me appreciate the players who do make the show as I have a much better understanding of their journey and the skillset they can provide.
Unfortunately, all I know I learn from this site and therefore all I really have to add is an uneducated opinion; unlike so many others who have first hand reports and interesting analysis to contribute. So to make sure I do not step out of line, I will try to go back to lurking instead of commenting. I will certainly continue to drive up the Site Odometer and promote this website as much as possible.
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•Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg told ESPN Chicago’s “The Waddle & Silvy Show” that he wants to manage in the Major Leagues and would consider returning to Chicago if the Cubs asked him to manage at some point. Sandberg, who was a candidate for the Cubs’ managerial opening over the winter, now manages Philadelphia’s Triple-A affiliate. ESPNChicago.com has highlights from the conversation.
From MLB Trade rumors, baseball’s second greatest blog.
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I would love to see Ryne Sandberg replace Uncle Charlie, but I dont think Charlie is going anywhere. So with Ryno hungery to get back to the majors, he’ll be outta LV as soon as he gets an offer for almost anywhere.
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I love this blog/site for its MiLB information on the Phillies organization and not all the stuff you can find on every other site. I am a Reading season ticket holder and go to dozens of other MiLB games every year. Keep it the way it is. I watch the blog religously and love it!
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Your site, your rules. As a somewhat frequent contributor, I second the idea that taking the subject matter off-topic is kind of aggravating. It’s somewhat rewarding after spending a few hours on an org report to hit the site and see there’s 48 comments or whatever. It’s then a kick in the pants if I read through and find that 22 of them are completely unrelated. Now back to my missive on Jiwan James that has delayed this week’s Threshers report…
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im for getting Mike Adams away at less cost and lower level prospects. i dont believe Defratus is going anywhere but someone like Schimmer and another bat. While on this back end of bullpen discussion, anyone have any clue on the Phils plans for Aumont? i hear guys speak of Defratus as possibly our future closer and im cool with that but you would think Aumont with his stuff and his high level of a being a prospect would mean they would like him to eventually fit into 8th or 9th inning roles as well? just want to read some thoughts………….
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Even though this threads preface suggests that this “general phillies discussion” was created out of resignation and designed to filter out talk about the big league club from the prospect posts, I’m still greatly appreciative you guys posted this. I’ve been reading phuturephillies for a few years now and it is far and away the best forum for intelligent phillies conversation (prospect-related or otherwise) available on the worldwide web.
I don’t think including a big league club post detracts from the website’s goal of focusing on prospect development and the farm system. Many of the prospects we follow and discuss here will bring value back to the big league club via trade. Its clear based on the write-ups following the Halladay/Oswalt/Lee trades that James views prospects, in part, as commodities and understands their value as trade assets. If were talking about how prospects fit in the grand scheme of the phils’ 25 man roster I think it makes sense to discuss how prospects may interest other teams in trades.
I guess what Im trying to say is that I don’t think this big-league discussion is such a bad thing given proximity to the trade deadline, and that as long as they are infrequent and somewhat prospect related, such discussions would greatly interest me as a reader given the quality of comments Ive come to expect from this site.
I think rizzotti should definitely be moved in a trade, even if his value is somewhat narrow, I think he deserves a chance outside the organization, most likely in the AL.
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He had a chance outside the orgainzation when he was put on waivers this spring. No one outside the orgazation claimed him.
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…Ah, for the Dodgers’ M. Kemp!!!
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Never understood the resistance to sticking to topic. I come here for prospect info and talk. Often people veer off for a few posts and catch themselves or there is a light comment from an observing poster and PP does not need to get involved. But that thread went on and on, so PP stepped in. You may not like how he did it, but he has the right to his own approach to that.
I only come here and Renegade. Relatively few nitwits. Good discussion with a lot of guys who do time-consuming research, something I did a little in the past, but don’t have time for lately. So I get the benefit of research, facts, advanced thinking in a relaxed way. I get to discuss big club on Renegade. Pretty simple world and crazy easy to follow the rules. Agree with PP that allowing off-topic invites a constant and possible out-of-control departure from his site charter/goals.
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I’m with you. I have NO CLUE why people get bent out of shape when they are told to take MLB talk somewhere else.
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Wow I guess I totally missed this yesterday. I have to apologize James I to sometimes like to go a bit off top on the box scores thread. I don’t know why I guess I always thought it was all inter-related. A trade possibility here a guy I like some where else that we might be able to get.
in the end tho I visit the site every day and have done so for a few years with the sole intent to get information on our Prospects. This site always allows me to achieve that goal. Much respect to gketch and you for all you do. Also to all the other contributors and those that see a minor league game and share their thoughts.
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I am starting to really believe Joe Savery can be a true prospect. He can be a lefthand reliever and a better pinch hitter then Ross Gload. I think he can actually be on the Playoff Roster.
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He probably will be assuming that the IronPigs make the playoffs this year.
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Did he mean MLB or AAA?
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… never mind i think I got it.
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Latin 16-year olds Players: In ESPN mag and there is an article by Jorge Arangure Jr. subject: “If You Root for a Small Market MLB team, You Don’t Want a Worldwide Draft”. He says that according to BA, the top five international bonus were paid by the Blue Jays, Pirates, Astros, Mariners, and Athletics none of whom rank in the top 10 in payroll this year. The jest of the article is that small market teams could never get these top players in the June draft which only covers US and Canada. Selig wants MLB CBA, that expires on Dec 11, a worldwide draft in the new CBA. MLBl is about controlling costs for example, Aroldis Chapman and Stephen Strasburg were the most coveted guys in 2009. Chapman a Cuban defector got about $30M and Straburg the 1st pick about half of that amount. This month the Rangers who ranked 13th in payroll, got two Dominican outfielders for 5M and 3.5M. They would probably have not gotten both in the draft. The Royals dead last in payroll got an outfielder for 3.5M. At those prices small and mid-market teams can compete with the Red Sox and Yankeses. The downside of a worldwide draft he infers will hurt the earning power of these Latin countries. not sure if that is a plausible argument, In any event, IMO a worldwide draft is the only equitible and fair allocation of talent. I am so passionate on this for the past decade.
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MLB being more restrictive, in terms of slotting and the whole world wide draft, may actually end up hurting themselves by driving athletes to other sports. The problem is, the Commish tries to shape the way things move now with an invisible hand, the slot recommendations for the MLB draft, and some teams buy into it while others completely disregard it. They do nothing about the spending in Latin America.
I think the proper method is actually just to get rid of the dumb recommendations and let 30 businesses try to run their business and allocate their dollars where they want. If a team wants to risk $30M on Chapman, or a talent like him, fine. If a team wants to spend nothing, fine. Both teams are taking a huge risk, just on different ends of the spectrum.
I think slots will actually help the Phillies, because they have some of the best scouts in the entire sport, but I think the talent pool as a whole is going to take a big dip for a number of years, because a bunch of elite high school kids who would drop out of the first round and then sign for first round money will no longer have that choice, instead they will go to college. Or, they may pursue other sports like football and basketball, as lots of this high upside kids have dual sport scholarships.
Its a dicey situation. I think a free market approach is probably for the best. As we’ve seen with Latin America, its not just the Yankees and Red Sox that spend big money, its lots of different organizations. And as we’ve also seen at the major league level, a huge payroll doesn’t guarantee you a World Series ring. Your probabilities increase, but there is no such thing as a sure thing.
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I agree with your assessment of how slotting will actually prove beneficial to teams who scout well, like the Phillies. And there may very well be a dip in the talent pool and kids go the college route—which may be the ultimate reason MLB clubs want. Baseball, as opose to NFL, NBA, and the NHL to some limited extent, is the only sport that have to fund their young talent pool from ‘cradle to grave’ development-beginning at 18 and 16 in Latin markets. So there is a large amount of monies expended by baseball clubs for development versus other sports’ professional teams. Nevertheless, Selig, who reps the owners, must be getting pressed by them for a more equitable talent allocation system.
Personally, I would prefer two distinct and separate drafts—-one of 40plus rounds for North Amercan prospects, as is now, and another separate draft of the Latin market—-but only 2 rounds—or approx 60 kids. And your point is accurate— there are no sure things,
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Interesting comment on Usa . The topic was K-Rod but may apply to Lidge or any of the other relievers if they bring an outsider.
“”Closers don’t make good setup men,” Boras said. “Does anyone want an unhappy setup man in their clubhouse?”
Too big a chance Bell upsets the applecart . The present staff accepts one another. Besides finding a reliable middle guy or fifth starter is more import. KK does better in relief ah I think.
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Nice job by Worley even with a tight strike zone. Perez is a piece of work. I wonder how he would do pitching more often thereby keeping his stuff a little less edgy .
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I just posted this in another thread but I’m not sure if is going to get removed or not:
Basically… ask yourself this question: Say this is 2010 and the Phillies never went on a run and were sellers at the deadline, looking to unload salary and restock the farm. What would you want back in a trade for Ryan Madson? Because, that’s what it would take to get Adams.
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Why? And most of you can fill in the rest of the question.
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