Q&A: A Different Perspective

Does anyone else in fantasy baseball cause more headaches
than this guy?
(photo courtesy of Mike McCann's Field of Fotos)

Josh C

(Editor's note: Josh was kind enough to answer a few, select fantasy baseball questions from this past week.  You may know Josh as our resident Sacramento Kings' fan and is one of my biggest fantasy sports' rival, most notably defeating my baseball team in our league's 2012 championship game.  He brings a different view on what he thinks makes for a successful fantasy baseball season).

QUESTION #1: "Need OF help and I have to choose between Coco Crisp, Jayson Werth, and Melky Cabrera.  Who would you choose?"

Of course, Crisp and Werth are currently injured at the moment so Melky Cabrera is the default answer.  However, if all three are healthy, I would definitely have Werth as my third choice.  So it boils down between Cabrera and Crisp and what kind of OF your team is looking for.  In terms of pop, Melky has a slight advantage, but Crisp is clearly the better base stealer.  However, if you're looking for batting average, Cabrera is your man as I highly doubt that Crisp can continue to hit over .280.  Plus Cabrera is hitting in a better lineup than Crisp.  Toronto is struggling now, but when they turn things around, I want to have Cabrera in my lineup so he can reap the benefits and starts helping my team.

QUESTION #2: "Is Kyle Kendrick for real?"

Depends on your definition of "real."  Is he as good as the numbers he's putting up?  No, but he's one of those guys that you "power stream" (meaning you play them against everyone except the "power" lineups).  I say he can finish the year with 12-14 wins, 3.34 ERA, WHIP of 1.19, and approximately 140 strikeouts.  Not too shabby.

QUESTION #3: "I'm a B.J. Upton owner.  Now what?"  (I too have B.J. Upton on my current squad--Ed)

Huge fan of Justin Upton, but never been a fan of B.J.  That being said, he can still contribute in all the major categories, except batting average and I still figure that he can hit around .240.  Without doing the math, for him to have a "spike" from his current average of .138 to .240 means he's going to have a hot stretch at some point to get there.  I think the fact that Justin is there with him this season is going to help him out of this slump.  I wouldn't drop just yet and would continue to keep riding him in my bench until I see a glimmer of hope (if you insist that I should continue to practice patience...--Ed).

QUESTION #4: "Would you trade Giancarlo Stanton for Matt Holliday?"

Even if assuming that Stanton is healthy and Holiday can continue to be a durable player at his advanced age, I think I would still have to say 'yes' on this one.  I don't believe Holliday is as good of a player as Stanton, but I was already doubting Stanton entering this season (and even long before I realized just how bad this Miami Marlins' lineup would be).  His statements about how he felt about the organization after their fire sale in the offseason made me wonder how a guy with a fire inside like that is going to do when his team is the worst in the league and he doesn't have anybody in the lineup to protect him.  The current results have answered all of my questions.  Nobody is pitching to him, but then again, he's not walking that much either.  That tells me that he's getting frustrated at not being pitched to and swinging at pitches he wouldn't swing at in the past.  

I think the homeruns will come eventually this year, however (I'd take the over on 27), but not sure any of the other peripherals or counting stats will come around in 2013.  Conversely, it's very hard to count out a guy when he has uber talent.  

QUESTION #5: "Jim Henderson or Jim Johnson?"

I really want to say Henderson here, but I actually prefer him from a skills standpoint (I don't know about you, but I like my closers to be able to fan the side).  However, for some reason, the Milwaukee Brewers love Axford.  I just have this feeling that if Axford continues pitching well like he has been of late (although he took the loss yesterday against the Pirates--Ed), that they are going to give him another shot (or turn it into some sort of "platoon"/"closer by committee"). 

I have to go with Jim Johnson on this one because of the current solidity of his role. 

QUESTION #6: "Lorenzo Cain or Starlin Marte?"

I like both of these guys, but Marte still hacks a little too much for me to completely believe in his average.  He's going to steal more bases, but I think Cain has more ability to be a multi-way guy.  Slight advantage to Cain.

More MLB content is available here.  

Fantasy baseball content is available here.   

2012 MLB PROSPECT REVIEW: #15-11

 A lot of Mariners' players were on this list.  Seattle is looking
to get back to their "glory" days and are hoping that their
young, pitching prospects can lead them to success.
(photo courtesy of Felipe M)

Felipe M

15. James Paxton--SP--Seattle Mariners

• 2012 Outlook: "Dominant in 1st year of Minors.  Big League call-up may not be too far off in 2012."
• 2012 Achievements: #4 Prospect in Mariners' system as well as having its Best Curveball; #10 Prospect in Southern League.
• Conclusion: The Mariners are loaded with young, hot prospects and Paxton is one of them.  His Double-A numbers saw Paxton struggle a bit with control, but was still able to display dominance: K/BB 2.4; WHIP 1.31; H/9 7.7; BB/9 4.1; K/9 10.0.  Paxton was invitied to the Mariners' spring training camp, but it is very likely he will be returning to the Minors in 2013, but many scouts think he can be a top-of-the-rotation starter and a mid-season call-up would not be out of the ordinary.

14. Brad Peacock--SP--Houston Astros

• 2012 Outlook: "If he makes the A's roster, he can be the 2012 version of Brandon Beachy."
• 2012 Achievements: #4 A's prospect
• Conclusion: After performing well in the Nationals' system, he struggled mightily in Pacific Coast league last season post the following numbers: K/BB 2.11; K/9 9.3; BB/9 4.4; HR/9 1.1; H/9 9.8; WHIP 1.58.  He recently was traded along with Chris Carter to Houston for SS Jed Lowrie.

13. Jacob Turner--SP--Miami Marlins

• 2012 Outlook: "'Control artist' should make his way to the Big Leagues in 2012."
• 2012 Achievements: Started 10 games the Majors. 
• Conclusion: Turner was traded to Miami for Anibal Sanchez and Omar Infante as Detroit was stocking up for a playoff run.  Before being called up, Turner garnered 18 pitching starts in the Minors:  K/BB 1.95; WHIP 1.24; BB/9 3.3; H/9 7.9; K/9 6.4.  His MLB stat line looks like this: K/BB 2.25, WHIP 1.20; BB/9 2.62; H/9 8.2; K/9 5.9.  So very similar numbers, but slightly improved his walks in the Majors.  Turner's ticket to the Majors is his control and is projected to start in the middle of the rotation.  A concern is his low strikeout rate as many scouts and experts are starting to doubt his reputation as a potential, elite starter.  

12. Randall Delgado--SP--Arizona Diamondbacks

Seattle was also in pursuit of Justin Upton this offseason and
were willing to give up their promising prospects for him.
Instead, Upton will be playing in Atlanta with his
brother B.J.
(photo courtesy of Mike McCann's Field of Fotos)

• 2012 Outlook: "Might start the season in the Big Leagues depending if Tim Hudson is healthy."
• 2012 Achievements: Made 17 pitching starts for the Atlanta Braves last season.
• Conclusion: Delgado was dealt to Arizona in the Justin Upton trade. Very likely that Delgado will get a shot to compete for the back end of Arizona's rotation in spring training.  His numbers in Triple-A: K/BB 2.38; K/9 10.4; BB/9 4.4; H/9 9.0; WHIP 1.49.  His numbers for the 2012 MLB season: K/BB 1.81; K/9 7.38; BB/9 4.08; H/9 8.69; WHIP 1.41.  So clearly he needs to show he can improve his control and command, but has also shown dominance throughout his young career as well and that's why he remains such an enticing pitcher. 

11. Duane Below--SP--Detroit Tigers

• 2012 Outlook: "Might make the Tigers as team's 5th starter out of spring training."
• 2012 Achievements: Appeared in 27 games for the Tigers, including one pitching start.
• Conclusion: Posted solid numbers as a reliever last year.  His K/9 did dip to an ordinary 5.66.  Might start 2013 in the Minors as well. Triple-A stats: WHIP 1.30; H/9 8.4; BB/9 3.3; K/9 6.1; K/BB 1.84.  So it is noticeable that Below's strikeout rate has been dropping throughout his career as he continues to struggle with command and tries to improve his walks' totals.  

Prospects #20-16 are available here.

Prospects #10-6 are available here.

2012 MLB PROSPECT REVIEW: #20-16

Will Lonnie Chisenhall meet his potential and be a long-term
fixture at 3B for the Cleveland Indians?
(photo courtesy of Mike McCann)

20. Will Middlebrooks--3B--Boston Red Sox

• 2012 Outlook: "Hits for power; might get called up in 2012."
• 2012 Achievements: Garnered 267 at bats for the Red Sox.
• Conclusion: Unfortunately, Middlebrooks' season ended early last year due to a fractured wrist he suffered on August 10, 2012.  He posted a Major League Slash Line of .288/.325/.509 to go with 12 homeruns, but posted a dismal .19 BB:K.  He posted similar numbers throughout his career in the Minors (.276/.333/.454/.787) where he hit only 1 homerun every 30 at bats, but was able to show off his gap power as he hit 1 extra-base hit (minus homeruns) every 14 at bats.  He will definitely come back as the everyday 3B in Boston and is projected to hit between 3-6. 

19. Nate Eovaldi--SP--Miami Marlins

• 2012 Outlook: "Might make it to Big Leagues out of spring training, but needs more seasoning in Triple-A."
• 2012 Achievements: Made 22 pitching starts combined for the Dodgers and Marlins.



The Marlins were able to flip Hanley Ramirez for former
Dodger pitching prospect, Nate Eovaldi
(photo courtesy of Mike McCann)

• Conclusion: Eovaldi was traded to Miami in the deal that shipped Hanley Ramirez to L.A. His 2012 in the Majors is as follows: K/9 5.9; BB/9 3.55; K:BB 1.66; WHIP 1.51.  Just to have a basis of comparison, here are his numbers after 138 innings pitched in Double-A: K/9 8.4; BB/9 3.8; K/BB 2.19; WHIP 1.20.  He is supposed to have the inside track to start at the back end of the Marlins' starting rotation.  

18. Lonnie Chisenhall--3B--Cleveland Indians

• 2012 Outlook: "Competing for 3B job.  Described as a 'complete hitter.'"
• 2012 Achievements: Garnered 142 at bats with the Indians. 
• Conclusion: Missed about three months due to a right wrist injury after getting hit by a pitch.  He finished the 2012 Major League campaign with a BB:K of .30; .311OBP%; .430SLG%. Numbers at Triple-A were solid: BB:K .46; .282/.349/.458/.808.  Has inside track to to win 3B job with the Indians for 2013. 

17. Yonder Alonso--1B--San Diego Padres

• 2012 Outlook: "Competing for 1B job.  Numbers might suffer at Petco Park."
• 2012 Achievements: Played 155 games for the Padres last season.



Petco Park: where balls fly only to die and end up in
outfielders' gloves.
(photo courtesy of Felipe M.)

• Conclusion: Alonso will highly likely break camp with the Padres as the starting 1B.  That much is for sure.  How much will Alonso benefit from the fences being moved in at Petco?  It remains to be seen, but he can't be as bad as he was last season: 9 homeruns and 62 RBIs in his first full season with San Diego.  Based on his Triple-A stats, he should be able to produce big at the Major League level: .61 BB:K; .296/.364/.478/.842.  So he obviously does have the potential to be a big bat in the middle of the order.  The rest of his 2012, Padres, stats: .61 BB/K (not a type), .273/.348/.393.  Despite the weak SLG%, Alonso did hit 39 doubles last season (1 in 14 at bats).  Hopefully that's a positive sign that he can take advantage of a less, spacious Petco Park.   

16. Drew Pomeranz--SP--Colorado Rockies

• 2012 Outlook: "Might win job out of spring training.  Can be effective."
• 2012 Achievements: Started 22 games for the Rockies, but was on a very limited innings count (finished with 96.2 IPs in 2012).
• Conclusion: Pomeranz not only struggled with the Rockies last season, but he was already struggling in Triple-A: 10 GS, K/BB 2.38; WHIP 1.52; BB/9 3.7; K/9 8.9; H/9 9.9.  Last season with the Rockies, he posted K/BB 1.80; WHIP 1.49; BB/9 4.3; K/9 7.7; H/9 9.1.  Somewhat similar numbers, but despite last year's struggles, the Rockies are still hoping that he can make it back to the Big Leagues as, at the very least, a #5 starter. 

To check out Mike McCann's "Field of Fotos" and check out other great baseball pics, click here.

Prospects #25-21 are available here.

Prospects #15-11 are available here. 

2012 MLB PROSPECT REVIEW: #45-41

Felipe M

The following is a review of a list that was compiled way back in March of 2012.  "2012 Outlooks" are based on a summation of scouting reports (entering the 2012 MLB season) of each player condensed into a sentence or two for easier reading.

45. Alfedo Silverio--OF--Miami Marlins

• 2012 Outlook: "Might get shot at LF, but more of a long-term prospect."
• 2012 Accomplishments: N/A
• Conclusion: Silverio had a pretty chaotic 2012. Last January, he was involved in a car accident that derailed his baseball season as he suffered an array of injuries including a concussion. In May, he underwent Tommy John surgery. Eventually, the Dodgers designated Silverio for assignment in November only to re-sign with the team. Ultimately, he would be picked up by the Marlins in the Rule-5 draft where he has "a moderate chance to stick with the Marlins all year long." He has shown a capability to steal a few bases and hit for a high contact rate, which is his preference to get on base, but will need to show ability to take more walks. 

44. Ryan Lavarnway--C--Boston Red Sox

• 2012 Outlook: "Power/Average combo, might steal Catcher's spot for Boston in 2012."
• 2012 Accomplishments: Named Best Defensive Catcher in International League; Played 46 games for the Red Sox.
• Conclusion: Was completely overmatched by Big League pitching, posting a BB:K of .27. However, that small sample doesn't take away from the fact that he has potential to be a consisten Big League hitter. He has posted a .57 BB:K in his last two seasons in the Minors and has a career .376 on-base%. Power production did dip a bit in 2012, but still managed to display good contact rate. The problem in Boston is that the Red Sox are clogged up at catcher with David Ross and Jarrod Saltalamacchia on the roster and Mike Napoli, although will take over 1B, will add a 4th catcher to the mix (if and when both Napoli and the Red Sox finally make the deal official). Because of the team's depth at catcher, Lavarnway has been heavily involved in trade rumors this past offseason. 

43. Taijuan Walker--SP--Seattle Mariners

• 2012 Outlook: "Best long-term prospect in Seattle's system.  He's only 19."
• 2012 Accomplishments: #2 Best Prospect in Mariner's system; #2 Prospect in Southern League.
• Conclusion: The Mariners are very highly committed on Walker's upside and talent. They have all ready warded off trades with other clubs, including one with the Pittsburg Pirates. He has shown struggles with control in the Minors (averaging a BB/9 of 3.6), but did post a K/9 of 8.4 in 2012. Reports indicate that Walker will more than likely get an invitation to Spring Training with the Mariners, but subsequently he will see himself start the year in the Minors.

42. Willin Rosario--C--Colorado Rockies

• 2012 Outlook: "Power hitter, but poor plate discipline."
• 2012 Accomplishments: Played in 117 games for the Rockies; Finished 4th in Rookie of the Year voting; Played in Dominican League
• Conclusion: Rosario's power was on full display in the Majors last season hitting 28 homers, 71 RBIs, and slugging .530. Despite his success, he still has a lot of improvements to make. The Rockies are concerned with his defense and is the primary reason why he went to play in the Dominican League this offseason as he looks to work on his catching skills. He also displayed poor plate discipline (BB:K of .25). His Minor League career saw him post a BB:K of .29, .267 batting average, and an on-base% of .316. Very underwhelming in on-base abilities and contact rate, but proved once again that his calling card is in his power (career .449 SLG% in Minors; 1 homer run every 24 at bats, roughly one dinger per week). He's all ready penciled in as the Rockies' starting catcher in 2013.

41. Jedd Gyorko--3B--San Diego Padres

• 2012 Outlook: "Long-term prospect, has higher ceiling than fellow prospect, James Darnell."
• 2012 Accomplishments: #10 Prospect in Pacific Coast League; #11 Prospect in Texas League
• Conclusion: Unlike fellow farmhand, Darnell, Gyorko will actually be given an opportunity to win a starting job for the Padres in 2013. Even though he's listed as a 3B (played in 223 games at the position in the Minors), his ticket to the Majors will be playing 2B (48 career games in the Minors). He has a career BB:K of .54 and OPS of .913. If he is able to win the Padres' job at 2B, he might benefit and take advantage of the fact that the Padres will be moving in the fences at Petco Park.

Prospects #50-46 are available here.

Prospects #40-36 are available here. 

2012 MLB PROSPECT REVIEW: #50-46

Felipe M

The following is a review of a list that was compiled way back in March of 2012.  "2012 Outlooks" are based on a summation of scouting reports (entering the 2012 MLB season) of each player condensed into a sentence or two for easier reading.

50. Jake Marisnick--OF--Miami Marlins

• 2012 Outlook: "Long-term, but can hit for power/average and is fast."
• 2012 Accomplishments: #2 Prospect for Toronto Blue Jays as well as Best OF Arm and Best Outfielder in their farm system; #11 and #9 Best Prospect in Florida State and Eastern Leagues, respectively. 
• Conclusion: Marisnick was traded to Miami in the trade that brought Jose Reyes, Emilio Bonifacio, Mark Buehrle, and John Buck to Toronto. Marisnick posted decent stats in Hi-A Ball (.263/.349/.451/.800), but struggled in Double-A, posting Slash Lines of .233/.286/.336/.622). He did manage to steal 24 bases in 2012 proving that he is fast on the basepaths. However, Marisnick will have to have a better season in Double-A before the Marlins even think about calling him up to the Big Club. 

49. Gerrit Cole--SP--Pittsburgh Pirates

• 2012 Outlook: "Looked sharp in [2011] Arizona Fall League. Might make the Big Leagues by late 2012."
• 2012 Accomplishments: #2 Prospect and Best Fastball in Florida State League; #3 Best Prospect in Eastern League.
• Conclusion: If there was any more wonder as to why the Diamondbacks traded away prize prospect Trevor Bauer, Cole might have known something about Bauer that others might not have as both were teammates at UCLA and both were high draft picks in 2011. Should be interesting to see how both pitchers' careers will continue to connect with each other. Sort of similar to the 2012 NFL QB Class of Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III, Russell Wilson, etc. The Pirates are taking their time with Cole, but Cole is accelerating rapidly beginning his first year of Professional Baseball in High-A Ball and made one start in Triple-A in 2012. Last year, Cole posted dominant stats, but a BB/9 of 3.1 is a slight alarm. 

48. Matt Dominguez--3B--Houston Astros

• 2012 Outlook: "Ready to play in the Majors, but bat is suspect."
• 2012 Accomplishments: Best Defensive 3B in Pacific Coast League
• Conclusion: Dominguez came to the Astros via Miami in a trade that sent Carlos Lee to the Marlins in July. Dominguez actually was called up to Houston in September, but instead of battling pitchers, he was battling a sore wrist and a stomach ailment that sidelined him throughout the month. Dominguez had shown decent discipline in Triple-A, although power numbers were lacking. In the Majors, however, he did hit .284 with a SLG% of .477, but his BB:K of .24 and on-base% of .310 did not fully display the discipline he had showcased in the Minors. His glove has always been his ticket to the Majors and the Astros are content with giving him a shot at the hot corner this season. Needless to say, he needs to start finding a way to put the bat on the ball.

47. James Darnell--3B--San Diego Padres

• 2012 Outlook: "High average hitter with 20+ homerun power potential."
• 2012 Accomplishments: N/A
• Conclusion: Darnell spent most of his 2012 season on the DL with a left shoulder injury. Darnell had all ready proven that, despite power still in development, he can post a high contact rate and an even more impressive OBP%. The good news for Darnell in 25 games with the Padres, thus far, he has been able to display strong plate discipline. The smart money is to bet on Darnell to start 2013 in Triple-A, but has an outside chance of winning a bench role with the Padres. Either way, it's worth keeping an eye on Darnell throughout the upcoming season.

46. Trayvon Robinson--OF--Baltimore Orioles

• 2012 Outlook: "Had a great spring training session (2012), but will be sent to the Minors. Might come up later in '12."
• 2012 Accomplishments: N/A
• Conclusion: Robinson was traded to the Baltimore Orioles for Robert Andino in the fall. Robinson had a tough time in the Majors last season and was all ready struggling in Triple-A Tacoma with lack of plate discipline, power, and on-base%. He might be able to compete for a 4th OF spot for the Orioles, but it's highly doubtful. 

Prospects #55-51 can be reviewed here. 

Prospects #45-41 can be reviewed here. 

2012 MLB PROSPECT REVIEW: #90-86

Felipe M

The following is a review of a list that was compiled way back in March of 2012.  "2012 Outlooks" are based on a summation of scouting reports (entering the 2012 MLB season) of each player condensed into a sentence or two for easier reading.

90. Manny Banuelos--SP--New York Yankees

• 2012 Outlook: "21, hard thrower, but comes with control issues"
• 2012 Achievements: #8 Best Yankees' Prospect
• Conclusion: Banuelos only pitched in 24 innings last season which ultimately ended with him undergoing Tommy John Surgery in October and won't be back until 2014. Before he got hurt, Banuelos was said to have a good changeup, but was already having issues with control and command throughout his Minor League career.  He was becoming more hittable as he moved up in class as well.  

89. Jean Segura--SS--Milwaukee Brewers

• 2012 Outlook: "Great contact and adequate power.  Should make Majors by 2013."
• 2012 Achievements: #12 Prospect and Best Baserunner in Texas League. Played in Dominican League.
• Conclusion: Was involved in trade that sent Zack Greinke to the Angels.  Had Segura stayed in Anaheim, he probably would not have been called up in 2012.  But it only took Milwaukee 8 games in their farm system to call up the promising young shortstop. Despite looking overmatched in the Majors, the patience he displayed in the Minors streamlined fairly well in the Big Leagues. Segura's calling card is definitely his ability to get on base. He's expected to be the Brewers' starting SS in 2013.

88. Christian Yelich--OF--Miami Marlins

• 2012 Outlook: "Good gap power, but a couple of years away."
• 2012 Achievements: Made Arizona Fall League's Top Prospects' Team; #4 Prospect and Most Exciting Player in Florida State League.
• Conclusion: Standing at 6'4", but only 189 lbs, Yelich's baseball skills are not the only thing that he needs to develop. What he lacks in homerun production, he makes up for it in hitting doubles, but if he were to bulk up, those doubles could turn into homeruns, obviously. Could also improve his approach at the plate. Regardless, reports show that he probably won't make the Marlins until 2014, but with the Marlins seemingly willing to trade anybody under long-term contract on their roster, I wouldn't be surprised if Yelich makes the Big League club by summer of 2013. 

87. Jon Pettibone--SP--Philadelphia Phillies

• 2012 Outlook: "Throws hard with good command."
• 2012 Achievements: #19 Prospect in Eastern League; Was added to Phillies' 40-man roster in November
• Conclusion: Of all the Phillies pitching prospects, Pettibone was the closest to joining the Big League club, but not in 2012. His chances did not increase much for 2013. At 6'5", he has the size the Phillies are always looking for in their pitchers (i.e. Ryan Madson, Gavin Floyd, etc.). Has improved his K/9 since 2010, but high has only reached 6.8. What he lacks in "punch out power," he makes up for it in good command as evident by low walk rate and WHIP. Too soon to categorize Pettibone as a strikeout pitcher or a future "pitch to contact" hurler.

86. Matt Barnes--SP--Boston Red Sox

• 2012 Outlook: "Might move up very quickly through Minors, but not play in Majors in 2012."
• 2012 Achievements: #3 Carolina League Prospect; #3 Red Sox Prospect as well as having Best Fastball and Curveball in Red Sox farm system.
• Conclusion: Not to be confused with the NBA player.  After dominating Low-A, he struggled a bit in High-A ball.  Still was able to post great K:BB, K/9, and BB/9 rates. Aggressive style might be the reason why he became a bit more hittable in Hi-A as opposed to Lo-A (8.2 H/9 vs 4.0 H/9, respectively). Might spend another full year in the Minors in 2013. 

Prospects #95-91 can be viewed here.

Prospects #85-81 can be viewed here.