LINE DRIVES: v2.0--Five-Man Rotation

Is there something wrong with Stephen Strasburg?

Felipe M

I was recently asked about five starting pitchers that have not pitched up to par in this 2013 season.  Of course, it was all from a fantasy baseball perspective, but, if you have been paying attention, I basically share both fantasy and "real" baseball analysis interchangeably. So if you read between the lines, whether you're a "real" baseball fan or a fantasy baseball owner, you will get the info you are looking for.

Here's a quick look at the five starting pitchers in question (all stats are as of May 14, 2013):

Pitching Raw Stats
Player	K/BB	K/9	BB/9	H/9	WHIP	ERA	HR/9
Stephen Strasburg	3.40	9.3	2.7	7.8	1.18	3.10	0.9
David Price	3.69	8.2	2.2	10.3	1.39	4.78	1.4
Jonathan Niese	0.95	4.6	4.8	11.0	1.76	5.93	1.1
Josh Beckett	2.73	8.5	3.1	10.4	1.50	5.19	1.7
Ryan Vogelsong	2.47	8.5	3.4	12.1	1.73	7.78	2.1

We will start with Stephen Strasburg:

The issue that many baseball fans have with the young phenom pertains to his current 1-5 record.  After going 15-6 in 2012, fans are wondering if there's something wrong with Strasburg as he's off to a "bad" start.  However, if one looks at his season numbers, one can easily identify that he's having a great season so far.  He's striking out hitters at a high clip, has no, apparent control or command issues, and he's not hurting himself with the long ball.  Also, for the traditional fans out there, his ERA is pretty low for current baseball standards.  

Clearly, at plain sight, there's nothing wrong with Strasburg.  So we will take a deeper look to see what can be hidden that's making Strasburg sport a 1-5 record:

• Right off the bat, the run support has been missing for the Washington Nationals.  At only 2.3 runs per game, even Strasburg's capabilities aren't enough to keep the Nationals in the game.  League average hovers around 4.2 runs/game.  A few more runs by the offense would help immensely.
• Perhaps Strasburg doesn't have the stuff that he's used to having.  His Strikeout rate of 24.9% is a career low.  Then again, that stat is still above league average.  Walk rate is pretty steady to his career norms.  Matter of fact, all of his advanced pitching stats are pretty on par with his career.  However, there are a few categories that have seen a noticeable change:
• He's now pitching in more 3-0 counts than we've ever seen him pitch in the Big Leagues.  3-0 Count% is at 5% (career high).  However, that stat puts him at league average so what that tells me is that maybe he is human after all.
• 0-2 Count% is also a career low.  And that stat puts him slightly below league average.  Either way, you can't expect a pitcher to continually dominate with constant 0-2 counts.
• The biggest drop in category is probably one that will shock a lot of baseball fans; Strikeouts While Looking% is at 14% (lowest since 2011).  This puts him well below league average and would explain his career low strikeout rate.

Nevertheless, Strasburg is still pitching lights out and continues to give the Nationals a chance to win; even if the offense can only muster up 2.3 runs/game in games that he pitches.

David Price: Heck of a mystery to figure out the struggles of a pitcher that has a 3.69 K/BB.  At first glance, it seems that Price might be having command issues.  And then you see that he's actually sporting a BABIP of .338.  So Price is pretty much going through lots of bad luck.  Or is he?

Lack of command or bad luck?  That is the question!  Right away, I see that his OPSAgainst is a career high .797.  However, that is only slightly above league average, so with a bit of luck, that number can drop.  However, luck doesn't explain career highs in the following categories:

• Extra Base-Hit%: 9.3% 
• Line Drive%: 24%
• Homerun%: 3.6%
• HR/FB: 11%

So there's something in his pitches that opposing hitters are seeing better than at anytime in Price's career.  Nevertheless, these numbers are mostly, but slightly above league average.  Nonetheless, one alarming stat is his strikeout rate of 21.3%--the lowest it's been since 2010.  And even then, it's still a rate that's slightly above league average and secondly, he's still sporting a career low walk rate (5.8%).  All of this comes with a career high 66% 1st Pitch Strike%!  You finally add in the fact that he is seeing a career low in run support/game (3.6) and I must conclude, although there are some command issues that are evident, most of Price's struggles seems to come at the hands of bad luck: balls that find the holes for singles or flyballs that fall safely out of the reach of his outfield.  A few lucky breaks here and there, and a lot of these stats drop down to league average.  Add to the fact that his walks and strikeouts are near elite and we're looking at a pretty good starting pitcher.

Look at it!  Its warning track has a warning track....

Josh Beckett: A lot of publicity has been made about Beckett's struggles in the last few seasons or so: decrease in velocity, commitment questions (apparently, the guy loves playing golf on his off days), the odd-even theory (more like a fallacy, but moving on...), tough AL East lineups, etc.  Whatever the excuse is, we've heard them all.  What is known is that Beckett is now pitching in a perceived, weaker-hitting National League and pitching in a notorious, pitchers' ballpark in Dodgers Stadium.  So how has he fared?

Despite the good K/9 and decent BB/9, Beckett is getting lit up because of the number of base-hits he has given up so far this year.  A deeper look that the base-hits might be a product of a high BABIP--.336--but he also has a career high 4.1% HR% and his Extra Base-Hit% is 10.3 (highest since 2010).  Furthermore, his Line Drive% is 24% (highest since 2002) and his Groundball/Flyball ratio 0.66.  All those flyballs seem to be turning into extra base-hits and only 6% of those flyballs actually stay in the infield (Infield/Flyball ratio--pop ups).  To make matters worse, he is also posting a 74% contact rate--the lowest it's been since 2011.  So even though hitters are struggling to make contact with Beckett's pitches, they still find a way to drive his pitches into the outfield.

And even his good K/9 is clouded by the fact that his Strikeout Looking% is a career worst, 20%.  Again, command issues as Beckett struggles to locate his pitches in the strike zone.  And it's been reported that he went on the DL today with a groin injury.  So that'll give him 15 days to figure out what's wrong with him. 

Jon Niese: Coming into the 2013 season, Niese was expected to have a good year, coming off a successful 2012 campaign.  Unfortunately, it has been disastrous for Niese, heretofore.  

Despite receiving almost 6 runs/game of support, Niese is only 2-4.  Despite the projections showing a pitcher with good control, Niese has displayed terrible control.  His Walk% is a ridiculously high 11% (highest it's been since 2008--his rookie year) to go along with a pathetic 10.9% Strikeout% (also a career low). 

Despite the high H/9, Niese's advanced stats didn't show any numbers lying too far off his usual norm.  As a matter of fact, he is still doing a good job inducing groundballs as his Groundouts/Airouts ratio is at 1.66.  His Line Drive% is a career low 16%.  His HR/FB is a league average 7.9%.  However, his IF/FB is at 6% (career low) so hitters are finding opportunities to drive the ball for extra base-hits (.841 OPS is highest it's been since rookie year of 2008).  

But Niese's main problem is definitely his lack of control.  He's only thrown 59% of his pitches for strikes (career low), Swinging Strike% at only 11%, and %of Pitches Swung at 42%--the latter figures are the lowest we've seen since 2008.  

As far as working the count, Niese has started out a count with a 1st Pitch Strike only 48% of the time.  His 3-0 Counts Seen% is a league (and career) high 9% and only 18% of hitters see an 0-2 count from Niese (career low).

So hitters are doing a good job in hitting their way on base, but Niese is assisting them with his terrible control.  Poor control we haven't seen from Niese since--2008--his rookie year.

Ryan Vogelsong: Everybody's favorite underdog baseball story of 2011, Vogelsong has had  a sort of fairy tale baseball experience the last couple of seasons.  This season however, the magic is disappearing.  His walks, although pretty high, is not as big of a concern as his command.  The following stats are all highs since Vogelsong joined the Giants:

• OPSAgainst: .939
• HR%: 4.9%
• Line Drive%: 24%
• HR/FB: 13.6%

His IF/FB of 11% is also the lowest Vogelsong has seen as a Giants' pitcher.  The homeruns allowed is the real red flag as AT&T Park is notorious for being a pitcher-friendly ballpark (although, teammate Matt Cain has also been struggling with the long ball this season as well).  

Despite the fact that his BABIP is a high .370, the rest of the numbers, especially the homeruns, do not indicate issues of bad luck, bur rather issues with [diminished?] skills and command.

More MLB content is available here.  

All photos courtesy of Mike McCann's Field of Fotos.

Have been meaning to share the six baseball teams I will be keeping a close eye on, but continue to forget.  Here they are:

AL EAST: TAMPA RAYS

AL CENTRAL: CHICAGO WHITE SOX

AL WEST: OAKLAND A'S

NL EAST: NEW YORK METS

NL CENTRAL: CHICAGO CUBS

NL WEST: SAN DIEGO PADRES

MAKING THE PITCH: Washington Nationals

Will Gio Gonzalez repeat his breakthrough performance
from 2012?
(photo courtesy of Mike McCann's Field of Fotos)

Felipe M

We take a look at the projected starting rotations and closer situations of every MLB team.  Of course, this will come from a fantasy perspective.  All cited stats are based on 2013 projections.  

To look at the Detroit Tigers, click here. 

Let's take a look at the Washington Nationals.

PROBABLE STARTING ROTATION

1. Stephen Strasburg
• Good: In terms of numbers, he might be the best pitcher in the Majors right now.
• Bad: It remains to be seen how he will react to a full season and, presumably, no more pitching limits.
2. Gio Gonzalez
• Good: 9.18 K/9 proves that he can dominate hitters.  Based on his HR/9 of 0.71, Gonzalez won't hurt himself by giving up many homeruns.
• Bad: 3.53 BB/9 is a concern.  It also raises his WHIP to 1.25 and is stopping him from becoming a legit, 1st Tier pitcher.  Barry Zito is projected to have a similar BB/9.
3. Jordan Zimmerman
• Good: He pitched a full season of baseball in 2012.  He struggled down the stretch, but that was due to fatigue as he's never pitched that deep into the season before (2011, was shut down early due to pitch count/innings limit).  3.93 K/BB shows he can limit walks (BB/9 of under 2) and provide enough strikeouts.  
• Bad: Health is a slight concern, but he's proven himself in the last two seasons that he's ready to take his game to another level.  He did admit having "dead arm" issues earlier in the spring, but recent reports show he's pitching a lot better.  
4. Dan Haren
• Good: Last season's K/BB of 3.72 and 7.25 K/9 showed he can still be a good starting pitcher (Similar numbers to teammate Zimmerman).  However, a drop in velocity (team is actually content that he can top 90 m.p.h.) is the reason why a decrease in K/BB and K/9 is expected this season.  
• Bad: Recurring back problems have many publications doubting that Haren can return to being a legit ace on your pitching staff and actually surviving an entire, Big League, season. Many doubt that he can actually post K/9 of 7.17 and K/BB of 3.36.
5. Ross Detwiler
• Good: He won't hurt himself with homeruns or too many walks.
• Bad: Low strikeout numbers (K/9 of 5.67) and high WHIP of 1.35 makes him near unusable.  Currently ranked between Bud Norris and Wily Peralta: two pitchers with control problems.

CLOSER

1. Rafael Soriano
• Good: Armed with a decent K/9 (9.80) and respectable K/BB of 3.21, Soriano does enough to earn saves.  He also limits the number of base-hits he gives up (6.59 H/9)
• Bad: It is unknown that he will be ready for the beginning of the season as he's recovering from an infected wisdom tooth.  

FANTASY ADVICE

Soriano is currently ranked outside of the 1st-tier closers' rankings, just ahead of Chris Perez.  Might not be a bad idea to handcuff him with Drew Storen or perhaps even Tyler Clippard.

The Nationals have themselves a good rotation.  Strasburg's numbers and potential are astronomical.  He and Justin Verlander will be battling for the top fantasy pitchers' spot all season long.

Gonzalez would rank a lot higher if he can control his walks, but being a potential 2nd Tier pitcher is not too shabby.  On the other hand, Zimmerman has plenty of doubters out there that might lower his stock in drafts, but his numbers and ability make him a borderline, top 30 starter.  He is a possible steal in drafts this season.  

Dan Haren can also prove to be a steal as many owners will be wary about his back issues and drop in velocity, but he still has enough control of his pitches to be a serviceable pitcher.  Speaking of control, Detwiler's ticket to a fantasy roster will be his control, otherwise he is close to being a spot starter, coming off the waivers to fill in for your club throughout the 2013 season.  

More MLB content is available here. 

2012 MLB PROSPECT REVIEW: Top 5

Bryce Harper had a heck of a 2012 season.

Felipe M

5. Trevor Bauer--SP--Cleveland Indians

• 2012 Outlook: "Compared to Tim Lincecum.  Best of the D'backs' prospects."
• 2012 Accomplishments: #3 in Pacific Coast League and the league's best pitcher.
• Conclusion: Aside from a 4.2 BB/9, Bauer absolutely dominated in the Minors in 2012.  He did pitch for the Big League club, but was playing hurt in his time with the D'backs.  Unfortunately for Arizona, conflict between the young pitcher and the entire organization forced the D'backs to ship him to Cleveland for a bushel of balls, a 2-year supply of hot dogs, and a high volume of the freshest Lake Erie water.  People are going to get fired in Arizona because of this trade.  However, management wanted to get rid of this promising prospect, but the real "snake bite" come from the fact that they really didn't get fair value for this player and that's very unfortunate.  At least they were able to get solid players in the Justin Upton deal.  Currently, Bauer is competing for the #5 spot in the Indians' rotation.  

4. Julio Teheran--SP--Atlanta Braves

• 2012 Outlook: "Compared to Pedro Martinez; best of the Braves' pitching prospects."
• 2012 Accomplishments: #1 Prospect in Braves' organization and possesses Best Changeup in the system; #4 Prospect in International League. 
• Conclusion: Struggled mightily in the Minors last season, but many pundits are blaming the organization for trying to change his delivery.  Reports out of spring training are that Teheran has returned to his old delivery and is pitching with extreme confidence.  He is currently competing for a rotation spot. 

3. Jesus Montero--C--Seattle Mariners

A young Jesus Montero readying himself with that lumber.

• 2012 Outlook: "Will mainly DH for the Mariners.  Can hit for power and average."
• 2012 Accomplishments: Played 135 games for the Mariners in 2012, but only 56 games at catcher.
• Conclusion: One of the many players that were linked to the recent BioGenesis scandal adds to Montero's problems, mainly his defensive duties at the catching position and how will he exactly bounce back from a disastrous 2012 (.260/.298/.389 BB:K .29).  His last season at Triple-A shows what Montero is capable of: .289/.351/.493/.843 BB:K .43.  That potential has management salivating at things to come and opted to hand him the keys to the #1 catching spot as they got rid of any potential competition that might get in his way this season. 

2. Bryce Harper--OF--Washington Nationals

• 2012 Outlook: "At 19, he's the best prospect in baseball.  Will get called up in 2012."
• 2012 Accomplishments: NL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR and All-Star
• Conclusion: Now 20, Harper is slated to start in LF for the Nationals.  What's very impressive about Harper is that not only did he succeed as a teengager in his first season in the Majors, but that he showed no indication that he was ready for the Big Leagues in the Minors.  He struggled in Double and Triple-A posting mediocre batting average, low on-base%, and displaying absolutely no power.  His patience at the plate did improve so there might have been hope for him in that aspect.  He put on more weight to endure a full season in the Majors and, obviously, to hit for more power and improve on his .817 OPS from last season.

It might be the worst ballpark,
but it will be home to a lot of
young, promising players.

1. Matt Moore--SP--Tampa Rays

• 2012 Outlook: "Might be better than Stephen Strasburg."
• 2012 Accomplishments: Pitched 177.1 innings for the Rays. 
• Conclusion: After dominating and destroying everything in his path in Double and Triple-A, Moore's 2012 was sort of ordinary: WHIP 1.35; H/9 8.0; HR/9 0.9; BB/9 4.1; K/9 8.9.  He did find his rhythm in the 2nd half of the season so that's a good sign; that and his high strikeout rate.  Moore is very likely to break camp as the Rays' #3 starter.  

 More MLB content is available here. 

The rest of the prospects can be found here.

All pictures courtesy of Mike McCann's Field of Fotos.  

SPORTS FROM THE HIP: A Quick Look at the Sports Week That Was

The following is a collaborative effort as we look back at the week in sports. We only use one sentence or less, or your money back!

Pathological Hate

• Lance Armstrong--The former Tour de France cyclist admitted to doping on the Oprah Winfrey Show: What are your thoughts on Lance Armstrong?

The guy is a fraud. (Felipe M)
Straight Shooter! (Johnny J)
Made cycling sexy, the OWN watchable, and the BBWAA bummed out he didn't play baseball so they could prove a point. (Donny R)
He didn't care what he had to do to reach the top and thoroughly convinced he believes what he did isn't cheating. (Dan P.)
To just call him a cheater would be an insult to the Pete Roses of the world. (C. McLain)
He was still whooping others who admitted doping as well. (Josh C)

•  Manti Te'o--The Linebacker out of Notre Dame is mired in a scandal that dealt with his dead girlfriend...who wound up being not dead... and fake: What are your thoughts on Te'o?

He’s an attention whore. (Felipe M)

False award receiver (Johnny J)
He puts the BS in BCS. (Donny R)
 An idiot and will be a bust in the NFL. (Dan P.)
This story will be footnoted throughout his entire career. (C. McLain)

I still don’t know what to think/feel about this one. (Josh C)

• The Atlanta Falcons ended another post-season in major disappointment: What do the Falcons have to do to get over the hump?

Not a single clue. (Felipe M)

Brand Nubian: "Punks jump up to get beat down," (Johnny J)
If Coca-Cola brought the '96 Olympics to the ATL, they can buy them a better secondary. (Donny R)

Play 60 minutes and, unfortunately, replace Tony Gonzalez. (Dan P.)

Coaching change (C. McLain)

Falcons need to shore up their defense and running games. (Josh C)

• Tom Brady failed to get his team back into the Super Bowl. What do you think of Tom Brady's legacy now?

3-Time, Super Bowl Champ. (Felipe M)

Seventh round wonder! (Johnny J)
He won 3 Rings with a great receiving corps, couldn't wint with Moss, and once again he got some good WRs, but he still couldn't win the big game! (Donny R)
Give credit to the Ravens, but it really doesn’t tarnish Brady’s legacy (Dan P.)
Unchanged. (C. McLain)

Still one of the 3 greatest of all time. (Josh C)

• Former Washington Nationals' OF, Michael Morse, was dealt to the Seattle Mariners: What are your thoughts on Morse?

Cautiously, skeptical on how good he really is. (Felipe M)

Welcome to Triple A son. (Johnny J)
The only thing I know less about Michael Morse is Morse code. (Donny R)
Speechless the Nationals dealt Morse over LaRoche--still in shock. (Dan P.)
What’s the Morse code for Déjà vu? (C. McLain)

Morse can rake. (Josh C)

• Kevin Durant scored 52points in 50 minutes against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday. Your thoughts on KD?

Just call him, Kid Dynamite (KD)! (Felipe M)

Height always beats size! (Johnny J)
Imagine when this kid starts to play angry--scary! (Donny R)
Having one of the all-time best offensive seasons ever, yet he’s not even the best player in the league somehow (Dan P.)
Du·ran·tu·la-- Bite is believed to have deadly venom. (C. McLain)

Shocked that 52 is his career high--…..S….T……U…..D….. (Josh C)

• The Baltimore Ravens will return to the Super Bowl. What are your thoughts on the Ravens' performance this post-season?

Clutch! (Felipe M)

Riding on Ray Lewis' emotions! (Johnny J)
We get it social media, Ray Lewis may have killed a guy, but coverage isn't fair to the rest of the Ravens. (Donny R)
Joe Flacco is playing as well as he's been telling everyone he is (Dan P.)

Who knew that Ray Lewis’ dances were to the Super Bowl gods? (C. McLain)

Kudos to the Ravens this postseason for being able to close out games after limping into the playoffs. (Josh C)

• The SF 49ers return to the Super Bowl. What are your thoughts on the 49ers' performance this post-season?

Amazing teamwork. (Felipe M)

Thanks for shaking those pom-poms, Alex Smith. (Johnny J)
They have a shut down defense, are electric on offense--there's a lot to like on this team (Donny R)
At times they look like one of the best teams ever and other times they look like the Chicago Bears (Dan P.)
“Those who can, do... Those who can’t, teach” - Jim Harbaugh? (C. McLain)

Electric! (Josh C)


Part II is available here. 

Donny Rodriguez is part of the sketch comedy troupe, Wood Sugars and covers the Chicago Bulls for Gapers Block. Follow him on Twitter, here.

Dan Plotsky is one of the most knowledgeable fans out there and previously helped Pathological Hate contribute to The Curious Case of: Tyreke Evans.

Josh C. is a very opinionated sports fan and, currently, a very disgruntled Sacramento Kings' fan. 

2012 MLB PROSPECT REVIEW: #55-51

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.

55. Arodys Vizcaino--SP-Chicago Cubs

• 2012 Outlook: "Higher ceiling than Randall Delgado (Braves), but might be used as relief pitcher in the interim."
• 2012 Accomplishments: Underwent Tommy John surgery in March
• Conclusion: In what proved to be one of many, wacky Cubs' transactions since the Theo Epstein era began, Vizcaino was the consolation prize for Ryan Dempster refusing to get traded to Atlanta where the Cubs had a chance to get hihgly touted Braves' prospect, Randall Delgado.  Instead, the Cubs traded Reed Johnson and Paul Maholm in late July and acquired the mending pitcher who is projected to compete for a rotation spot by 2014. He did post good numbers in the Minors before getting hurt. 

54. Anthony Rendon--3B--Washington Nationals

• 2012 Outlook: "Might move to 2B; would increase value."
• 2012 Accomplishments: Named to Arizona Fall League Top Prospects' Team; Moved from Rookie to Double-A ball
• Conclusion: Rendon could do no wrong this season as he played a total of 43 games in 4 different classes for 4 different teams in the Minors.  Unfortunately, a fractured ankle injury limited his 2012 season.  He did post an .851 OPS and showcased great plate discipline and alongside a high contact rate. His Slash Line in the AFL were .338/.436/.494. Is considered to be on the outside looking in for the Nationals roster in 2013, but it seems that Rendon has nothing else to prove in the Minors. 

53. Nick Castellanos--3B--Detroit Tigers

• 2012 Outlook: "Hit a lot of doubles in Minors. Still developing."
• 2012 Accomplishments: Participated in AFL; #1 Tigers' prospect, as well as Best Hitter for Average and Strike Zone Discipline; #5 and #4 Prospect in Florida State League and Eastern League respectively--Best Batting Prospect in both league; 
• Conclusion: Despite getting recognized for Strike Zone Discipline, he posted a BB:K of .31 in 2012. He also struggled with a .642 OPS in AFL, but even GM Dave Dombrowski admitted that the young prospect simply "ran out of gas."  He is listed as a 3B, but because of Miguel Cabrera, he has been forced to play in RF (Minors) and LF (in AFL). He posted great overal numbers in the Minors the last two seasons and at 6'4", 210 lbs, his high number of doubles (68 in last 2 seasons) makes him a future, potential power hitter in the Majors. Despite showing a decrease in plate discipline, he has a chance to make the Tigers as an OF in 2013 out of spring training. 

52. Chad Bettis--SP--Colorado Rockies

• 2012 Outlook: "Dominated hitter-friendly California League. Long-term prospect."
• 2012 Accomplishments: N/A
• Conclusion: The Rockies shut down Bettis' 2012 due to shoulder injury suffered in April so he will be looking to bounce back in 2013. He has posted a 1.09 WHIP, 7.6 H/9, 2.2 BB/9, and 9.1 K/9 in his Minor League career so far. 

51. Josh Bell--OF--Pittsburgh Pirates

• 2012 Outlook: 19, switch-hitter with great power potential. Long-term prospect."
• 2012 Accomplishments: N/A
• Conclusion: Bell's season was cut short because he underwent surgery to repair meniscus in left knee. He did appear in 15 games and made 66 plate appearances.  He would strike out once every 3 at bats and walked a total of two times.  Nevertheless, Bell remains a very long-term prospect. 

Prospects #60-56 can be reviewed here.

Prospects #50-46 can be reviewed here.

2012 MLB PROSPECT REVIEW: #110-106

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.

110. Nick Weglarz--OF--Cleveland Indians: 

• 2012 Outlook: "Started Minors late because of knee injury. Potential to post high on-base percentage"
• 2012 Achievements: Designated for assignment back in May of 2012
• Conclusion: This past season saw Weglarz strike out once every 2.6 at bats and his BB:K dipping to .41 as his reputation for discipline at the plate has all but disappeared. His free-swinging ways has not equaled to higher power numbers as he only hit 1 homerun in 30 at bats at Double-A Akron.

109. Dan Klein--P--Baltimore Orioles

• 2012 Outlook: "Underwent  right shoulder surgery in August of 2011. Future closer?"
• 2012 Achievements: Underwent surgery in spring of 2012, marking third surgery on throwing shoulder.
• Conclusion: Before surgeries, Klein had a reputation of having the best curve and changeup in Orioles' system. However, at 24 years-old, he's only appeared in 21 games as a relief pitcher. Will have to see how he bounces back from surgery.

108. Brian Goodwin--OF--Washington Nationals

• 2012 Outlook: "Long-term prospect. Speedy CF."
• 2012 Achievements: Player of the Week honors in Arizona Fall League. Has shown promising hitting approach (.69 BB:K).
• Conclusion: Goodwin tore up Low-A ball, but struggled in Double-A. However, before the Nationals acquired Denard Span, Goodwin was rumored to come into 2013 Nationals Camp to compete for their CF spot.  Will need more seasoning, but there is a lot to like about Goodwin, mainly his speed and discipline.

107. Lars Anderson--1B--Cleveland Indians

• 2012 Outlook: "Falling out of radar, but still at 24, young enough to regroup."
• 2012 Achievements: Was traded on July 31, 2012 from Boston to Cleveland for P Steven Wright. Rated Best Defensive 1B in International League
• Conclusion: Once a top prospect in Boston's system, he came into 2012 as the 28th best prospect in Boston. Going to Cleveland (where all prospects go to die, apparently) seems more of a death march than a fresh start for the big 1B. Plate approach improved last season, but OPS and other power indicators have dropped. Needs to start producing, stat!

106. Matt Purke--SP--Washington Nationals

• 2012 Outlook: "Long-term prospect. Has to overcome shoulder issues."
• 2012 Achievements: Started 3 games in Low-A.  Had surgery in left, throwing shoulder back in August.
• Conclusion: Purke has ability to post impressive strikeout rate, but struggled with control and command last season.  How much his struggles had to do with shoulder injury remains to be seen.

To read previous edition of Prospects' Review, click here.

To read the next edition of Prospects' Review, click here.