All of the stat lines are still very small sample size, but here are some stat lines that are intriguing me for a variety of reasons.  These stats may not continue, they may improve or decline, but nevertheless they are things that are showing me something now.

Tommy Joseph: 8.6% BB% 12.1% K% .220 ISO

Joseph is a guy that had a ton of helium last spring coming off of Spring Training.  He started slowly and then injuries ended his year.  Joseph’s line so far is a little bit pedestrian .240/.328/.460, due to a .220 BABIP.  Joseph’s hit tool is never going to be an asset, but if he can keep the srikeout rate under 20% and show the plus power, he is a big leaguer.  The reports on the defense are a bit cooler, he still has trouble with recieving, but the arm strenght is still there.  I am cautiously optimistic on Joseph.  I want to see more from him, but a full year in Reading will be good for him.

Carlos Tocci: 0.0% IFB% 21.1% LD%

Last year Carlos Tocci made a ton of weak contact.  The power is not there yet, there is always a chance that it isn’t ever there.  But last year Tocci’s line drive rate was 13.4% and his infield fly ball rate was 8.8%.  Minor league batted ball data is still not reliable, but Tocci has a really good feel for getting the bat on the baseball.  After the first week of the year, his strikeout rate has started to drop and the hits are falling in.  There is still a long journey to the majors, but if Tocci can start showing results on the field, it could start to vault him up prospect lists.

Daniel Child: 5 BBs 4 Ks

In Clearwater last year Child also posted a 5 BB 4 K line, albeit over 5 more innings.  It was the one thing preventing me from sneaking him on the back of the Top 30 was the lack of bat missing ability.  The knock against Child in college was the lack of control and consistency on the mound.  So far in pro-ball he has shown the plus raw stuff to be a very good reliever, but he needs to start missing bats if he is going to continue on the fast track.

David Buchanan: 23 IP 13 BB 14 K

Buchanan deservedly left camp with a lot of love.  I think the control will start to stabalize, but he isn’t going to miss a ton of bats.  Despite a fastball that is above the level of normal AAAA type starters, the changeup is lacking and slider more average than anything else.  I like Buchanan a lot for what he is, a possible #5 starter who likely settles in as a long reliver or low leverage middle reliever.  A lot of appreciating players like Buchanan is knowing their role, Buchanan can help a team like Philadelphia, but he is not ging to turn their fortunes.