Brock for Broglio

Lets run down yesterday’s (April 12th) MiLB box scores.

Batters:

Pitchers:

• Sean Gallagher was a very underrated pitching prospect coming into this season; he’s one of the youngest prospects in AAA, and dominating thus far: 5 walks, and 25 strikeouts, in 23.1 innings pitched. I’d put him in the same class as the Gallardo’s and Lincecums’ of 07.

Lets run down yesterday’s (April 17th) MiLB box scores.

Batters:

Pitchers:

Lets run down yesterday’s (April 8th) MiLB box scores.

Batters:

Pitchers:

It’s widely accepted throughout most talent-evaluating circles that a pitchers’ “frame” (usually referring to his height and weight) is a good indication of how well the pitcher will develop, and remain healthy.

The conventional thought is pretty simple: The bigger the body, the more workload the pitcher is likely to sustain; and the better the chance the pitcher overcomes the injury nexus, and materializes into an affective major leaguer.

I was reading through John Sickel’s fantastic minor league blog, and came across this nugget about Shaun Marcum:

“One thing that stands out for Marcum is his athleticism as a former college shortstop. Athleticism is something that’s often underrated when discussing pitchers, but it’s a critical factor in development. Marcum may be “undersized” classically as a shorter right-hander, but his athletic ability makes that a lot less important, in my view, and should help him stay healthy and reach his ultimate peak.

Next time somebody tries to down play Tim Lincecum’s potential–citing his small frame–challenge them by mentioning his raw athleticism.

Sickels on Lincecum’s athleticism:

“Some people worry that he’s not a huge guy, being just 5-11 and 170 pounds officially. Personally I don’t really care about that. I’m more impressed by the fact that he’s incredibly athletic. I’ve always felt the whole short right-hander thing was overemphasized by some people, and in the case of guys like Pedro Martinez or Greg Maddux or Roy Oswalt, the premium athleticism and wiry strength is much more important than the lack of height.

Lets run down yesterday’s (April 7th) MiLB box scores, and see if we can spot the next Ryan Braun. I’m only going to mention prospects that:

1. Could provide fantasy value to your team this year, and
2. Did something worth mentioning. IE: If Jay Bruce goes 0-4 you won’t find an update on his performance here.

The last column to the right will keep track of players extra base hits over the season.

Extra Base Hits per Plate Appearance (XBH/PA) is the single greatest indicator of how ready a position player is. For pitchers; it’s probably K/BB ratio.

Batters:

Pitchers: (Right Column Days Performance Only)

Aaron Laffey is currently in AAA, and #6 on the Indians SP Depth Chart. I’d only recommend stashing him in the deepest of leagues, but he’s another name worth keeping an eye on. He won’t strike many batters out, (6.21 MiLB career K/9) but he’s somebody who will induce ground balls at elite levels (60+ %) and pitch deep into games with a good ERA.

PECOTA projects a 4.55 ERA, with 100 IP this season, and an impressive 59% improve rate. For comparison, Homer Bailey is projected for 100 IP with a 5.40 ERA, and a 49% improve rate.

Laffey’s park, and team, should bode well for his ratios, and win totals.

Recommendation: Keep a close eye on him.

Lets run down yesterday’s (April 3 - Opening Day) MiLB box scores, and see if we can spot the next Ryan Braun. This might turn into a daily or weekly series; but I’ve made promises I couldn’t keep before, so don’t count on it.

Extra Base Hits per Plate Appearance (XBH/PA) is the single greatest indicator of how ready a position player is. For pitchers; it’s probably K/BB ratio.

Batters:

Pitchers:

I tried to keep this list exclusive to minor leaguers who have a shot at making a major league roster this season. What prospects should I include in these reports?