We'll here we are, the day after the aftermath. I got worn out last night because I did so much reading, I didn't have the energy to actually put it into words.
But now that I've got all the info, let's get to this.
First off, refer to the depth chart at times, I'm keeping it updated rather quickly with the new googledocs awesomeness. It's still a WIP with knowing who's going into the rotation and who's going out.
GOING OUT - TEAM
RHP Rafael Betancourt - COL
IF/OF Mark DeRosa - STL
1B Ryan Garko - SF
LHP Cliff Lee - PHI
OF Ben Francisco - PHI
C Victor Martinez - BOS
COMING IN - LEVEL
RHP Justin Masterson - MLB
RHP Chris Perez - MLB
RHP Carlos Carrasco - AAA
RHP Jess Todd - AAA
RHP Connor Graham - AA
LHP Scott Barnes - A+
RHP Bryan Price - A+
RHP Jason Knapp - A
LHP Nick Hagadone - A
C Lou Marson - AAA
SS Jason Donald - AAA
To supplement the information and links I'm about to provide, here are a few more links.
Mark Shapiro press conference MP3 courtesy of the Indians twitter page. Or you could read Anthony Castrovince's quotes and opinions in his latest blog entry. Castrovince put together a lengthier feature with more quotes on Indians.com as well. 1:29 long video of Shapiro's presser.
Even though most of the work has been done for me, I'm still going to make it nice Plus who has time to read a PDF? The Indians put together all the positive information, key positive information, on the players the Indians received. So using this lovely PDF the Indians put together, here is the review on the incoming trades.
*Will no longer be prospect eligible in 2010
RHP Justin Masterson - MLB
AGE: 24, B/T: R/R, HT: 6'6", WT: 250
College: San Diego State
Drafted: Boston, 2006 2nd Round
Highest Baseball America Ranking: 64th Overall in 2008
2009 Team: Boston Red Sox
-Jamaican born, first ever pitcher in MLB history
-2008 Season W/BOS: 6-5, 3.16 ERA, 36 G, 9 GS, 88.1 IP, 40 BB, 68 K
-2009 Season W/BOS: 3-3, 4.50 ERA, 31 G, 6 GS, 72.0 IP, 25 BB, 67 K
-Pitched in 2008 Postseason for Boston: 9 G, 9.2 IP, 1.86 ERA, 1-0, 5 BB, 9 K
-Possible Nickname: His middle name is Daniel, which means he's a JD. I also like "The Mastard." I'm sure Boston fans had something good, but we need our own.
The Plan
Masterson is going back into the rotation in Cleveland, but he'll start out in the bullpen as the Indians build him back up to being a starter.
Links of Notice
A Tearful Tribute to Justin Masterson, the Legend Who Almost Was
Justin Masterson Prospect Profile on SoxProspects.com
Justin Masterson Profile on Sons of Sam Horn
Justin Masterson on Baseball-Reference
RHP Chris Perez - MLB
AGE: 24, B/T: R/R, HT: 6'4", WT: 230
College: Miami (FL)
Drafted: St. Louis, 2006 1st Round (Supplemental Round)
Highest Baseball America Ranking: 2nd Overall for St. Louis in 2008
BA Rank in 09: #3 in STL, #91 Overall*
2009 Team: St. Louis Cardinals/Memphis(AAA)
-Gold Medal Winner for 2007 World Cup Team USA
-2008 Season W/AAA: 1-1, 3.20 ERA, 25 G, 25.1 IP, 11/11 SV, 12 BB, 38 K
-2008 Season W/STL: 3-3, 3.46 ERA, 41 G, 41.2 IP, 7/11 SV, 22 BB, 42 K
-Possible Nickname: I think we've already settled on "Benz" because of the Mercedes in his name, but something incorporating that hair will eventually have to be added
The Plan
Perez has been in the bullpen since his acquisition and he's looked upon as a long term late inning relief pitcher with awesome power. He got off to a rocky start, but he's going to be more trusted to take on late inning situations and the Indians will expect him to thrive.
Links of Notice
Perez to get surgery to remove extra bone in foot after season
Chris Perez Prospect Profile (2008) Future Redbirds
Chris Perez on Baseball Reference
RHP Carlos Carrasco - AAA
AGE: 22, B/T: R/R, HT: 6'3", WT: 178
College: None, Native Venezuela
Drafted: Signed as a International Free Agent, 2003 by Philadelphia
Highest Baseball America Ranking: 1st Overall for Philadelphia in 2007 and 2008
BA Rank in 09: #2 in PHI, #52 Overall
2009 Team: AAA Lehigh Valley, Phillies
-3 Time Futures Game Participant, Led International in Strikeouts at the time of Trade
-2008 Season W/AA: 7-7, 4.32 ERA, 20 GS, 114.2 IP, 45 BB, 109 K
-2009 Season W/AAA: 6-9, 5.18 ERA, 20 GS, 114.2 IP, 38 BB, 112 K
-Pitches: Low to Mid 90's Fastball, Curveball, Slider, Changeup
-Possible Nickname: I've really got nothing. We're going to have to find out more about him.
The Plan
Carrasco is already in the Triple-A rotation and 40-man roster, so the plan is to get him into the majors by the end of this season. Best case scenario is that he wins a rotation spot in 2010 Spring Training.
Links of Notice
Baseball Prospectus PECOTA
Top 50 Prospects on MLB.com
Carlos Carrasco on Fangraphs
RHP Jess Todd - AAA
AGE: 23, B/T: R/R, HT: 5'11", WT: 210
College: Arkansas
Drafted: St. Louis, 2nd Round 2007
Highest Baseball America Ranking: 4th Overall for St. Louis in 2009
BA Rank in 09: #4 in STL
2009 Team: AAA Memphis
-Led Pacific Coast League in Saves at the time of Trade to Cleveland.
-2008 Season W/AA: 4-5, 2.97 ERA, 17 G, 16 GS, 103 IP, 24 BB, 87 K
-2009 Season W/AAA: 4-2, 2.20 ERA, 41 G, 24/24 SV, 49 IP, 13 BB, 59 K
-Pitches: High 80's to Low 90's Fastball, Slider, Cutter
-Possible Nickname: We've already dubbed him "The Todd" after Dr. Todd Quinland from Scrubs. It's set forever.
The Plan
It was said the Indians are going to try and "stretch" Todd because that's how the Indians do it with their relief prospects. However Todd saved the last game for Columbus so maybe that ridiculous strategy is being junked. Todd should be with the team later this year.
Links of Notice
Breaking down the mechanics of Jess Todd
Jess Todd Prospect Profile (2008) Future Redbirds
Jess Todd on Fangraphs
RHP Connor Graham - AA
AGE: 23, B/T: R/R, HT: 6'7", WT: 235
College: Miami (OH)
Drafted: Colorado, 2007 5th Round
Highest Baseball America Ranking: 12th Overall for Colorado in 2009
BA Rank in 09: #12 in COL
2009 Team: A+ Modesto
-From Bowling Green, Ohio, Attended College in Miami, Ohio
-2008 Season W/A: 12-6, 2.26 ERA, 26 GS, 147.1 IP, 83 BB, 138 K
-2009 Season W/A+: 7-4, 3.14 ERA, 16 GS, 80.1 IP, 41 BB, 87 K
-Pitches: Mid 90's Fastball, Slider, Unfinished off-speed pitch
-Possible Nickname: Too early, but those glasses open up a world of possibilities.
The Plan
His lack of pitches maybe signal that his future is in the back end of the bullpen. He's got control issues which also support that idea. Right now he's in the Double-A rotation.
Links of Notice
Graham Named to Cape Cod Baseball League Top Prospect List
Diamonds in Single A: Connor Graham
Connor Graham on Fangraphs
LHP Scott Barnes - A+
AGE: 21, B/T: L/L, HT: 6'4", WT: 191
College: St. John's
Drafted: San Francisco, 2008 8th Round
Highest Baseball America Ranking: 9th Overall for San Francisco in 2009
BA Rank in 09: #9 in SF
2009 Team: A+ San Jose
-Led Cal League in Wins at the Time of Trade, 2nd in ERA
-2008 Season W/A: 3-2, 1.38 ERA, 6 GS, 32.2 IP, 7 BB, 41 K
-2009 Season W/A+: 13-2, 2.85 ERA, 18 GS, 98 IP, 29 BB, 99 K
-Pitches: High 80's to Low 90's Fastball, Changeup, Curveball
-Possible Nickname: Again, we're getting to the point where it's just too young and with such a generic name like Scott, it's hard.
The Plan
Barnes has already gone into the Kinston rotation and if brings that success he had with San Jose over to Kinston, he could be in Akron by the end of the year. Either way, he should start 2010 in Akron's rotation. They'll need starters.
Links of Notice
Scott Barnes on Fangraphs
RHP Bryan Price - A+
AGE: 22, B/T: R/R, HT: 6'4", WT: 210
College: Rice University
Drafted: Boston 2008 1st Round (Supplemental)
Highest Baseball America Ranking: 20th Overall for Boston in 2009
BA Rank in 09: #20 in BOS
2009 Team: A+ Salem/A Greenville
-Was a setup arm for Rice in College.
-2008 Season W/A-: 1-3, 3.83 ERA, 13 G, 9 GS, 40 IP, 10 BB, 43 K
-2009 Season W/A: 3-2, 2.45 ERA, 8 GS, 44 IP, 12 BB, 40 K
-2009 Season W/A+: 1-6, 6.54 ERA, 11 GS, 52.1 IP, 19 BB, 57 K
-Pitches: Low to Mid 90's Sinking Fastball, Slider, Change-up,
-Possible Nickname: Well that last name gets so overused with "The Price is Right" as a phrase, but we'll figure something out about him soon enough. The more we know about a player with a generic name, the better.
The Plan
He did do relief pitching as a pitcher at Rice, but the Red Sox moved him to the rotation when they drafted him. The Indians will keep him in the rotation for now as he goes to Kinston.
Links of Notice
Price Comments on Trade to Cleveland
Bryan Price Prospect Profile on SoxProspects.com
Bryan Price Profile on Sons of Sam Horn
Bryan Price on Fangraphs
RHP Jason Knapp - A
AGE: 18, B/T: R/R, HT: 6'5", WT: 225
College: None, Drafted out of High School, Native of New Jersey
Drafted: Philadelphia, 2008 2nd Round
Highest Baseball America Ranking: 10 Overall for Philadelphia in 2009
BA Rank in 09: #10 in PHI
2009 Team: A Lakewood
-Turns 19 in one month.
-2008 Season W/R: 3-1, 2.61 ERA, 7 G, 6 GS, 31 IP, 12 BB, 38 K
-2009 Season W/A: 2-7, 4.01 ERA, 17 GS, 85.1 IP, 39 BB, 111 K
-Pitches: High 90's Fastball, Slider, Change-up,
-Possible Nickname: The early lead is "Snap" just because it sounds like Knapp, and I really hope his power slider can "snap".
The Plan
Knapp will go into the Lake County rotation whenever he's ready to pitch. His last start was on the 11th of July and then he was sort of shutdown. The Indians won't rush him, but if he's in Akron by the time he's 20 (next year), then things are going very good.
Links of Notice
A quick word on Jason Knapp on Phuture Phillies
Down on the farm: Jason Knapp growing up fast in Phillies system
Prospect Profile of Jason Knapp on Baseball-Intellect
Jason Knapp on Fangraphs
LHP Nick Hagadone - A
AGE: 23, B/T: L/L, HT: 6'5", WT: 230
College: Washington
Drafted: Boston, 2007 1st Round (Supplemental); Seattle, 2004
Highest Baseball America Ranking: 12 Overall for Colorado in 2009
BA Rank in 09: #12 in COL
2009 Team: A Greenville
-Tommy John Surgery in June of 2008, First Start in 2009 on June 6th. Reportedly throwing just four months after surgery.
-Teammate of Tim Lincecum at Washington.
-2008 Season W/A: 1-1, 0.00 ERA, 3 GS, 10 IP, 6 BB, 12 K
-2009 Season W/A: 0-2, 2.52 ERA, 10 GS, 25 IP, 14 BB, 32 K
-Pitches: Mid 90's Fastball, Slider, Change-up
-Possible Nickname: Hagadone is such an awesome name, but it's really hard to formulate a nickname from it at first glance. Give me some time.
The Plan
Expect him to have an accelerated ascension up the Indians organization once he proves he's healthy at Lake County. He's a college pitcher that is 23 years old at A Ball so he's going to move. Baseball America mentioned had he not gotten hurt, he could have had a cameo in 2008 at the big leagues. Things will be good if he finishes the year in Kinston and if he does well there, maybe they'll just start him at Akron in 2010. If they want to really advance him, they could move him to the bullpen, but Hagadone projects as a very good starter, so they might want to see if that works out before they do that.
Links of Notice
On the Horizon: Nick Hagadone
Nick Hagadone Prospect Profile on SoxProspects.com
Nick Hagadone Profile on Sons of Sam Horn
Nick Hagadone on Fangraphs
C Lou Marson - AAA
AGE: 23, B/T: R/R, HT: 6'1", WT: 195
College: None, Drafted out of High School, Native of Arizona
Drafted: Philadelphia, 2004 4th Round
Highest Baseball America Ranking: 66th Overall in 2009
BA Rank in 09: #3 in COL
2009 Team: AAA Lehigh Valley
-Played on 2008 USA Olympic team w/Columbus teammates Matt LaPorta and Jason Donald and former Indian Jeff Stevens.
-2008 Season W/AA: 94 G, .314 AVG, 5 HR, 55 R, 46 RBI, 68/70 BB/K
-2009 Season W/AAA: 63 G, .294 AVG, 1 HR, 32 R, 24 RBI, 30/40 BB/K
-Was with Philadelphia for playoffs and Wold Series win, homered in first major league start in 2008.
-Possible Nickname: Lou is short for Louis and Louis could be Louie. We've already got Louie Valbuena though. Lou will be fine or we'll condense the last name Marson to Mars. MARS!!!!
The Plan
With the trade of Victor Martinez, the addition of Marson makes sense. However with Carlos Santana on schedule to debut in 2011, Marson being acquired eliminates that. Chris Gimenez's future is probably as a utility player, Kelly Shoppach is just not starting caliber anymore, and Wyatt Toregas has put together a fine career in the minors, but he's a poor-man's Lou Marson in all honesty. Marson will probably battle for the starting catchers spot in 2010 and be up by the end of 2009, but beyond that, who knows.
Links of Notice
'09 Projection from Phillies Nation
Top 50 Prospects on MLB.com
Lou Marson on Fangraphs
SS Jason Donald - AAA
AGE: 24, B/T: R/R, HT: 6'1", WT: 190
College: Arizona
Drafted: Philadelphia, 2006 3rd Round; Los Angeles Angels, 2003 20th Round
Highest Baseball America Ranking: 69th Overall in 2009
BA Rank in 09: #4 in PHI
2009 Team: AAA Lehigh Valley
-Played on 2008 USA Olympic team w/Columbus teammates Matt LaPorta and Lou Marson and former Indian Jeff Stevens.
-2008 Season W/AA: 92 G, .307 AVG, 14 HR, 57 R, 54 RBI, 47/86 BB/K
-2009 Season W/AAA: 51 G, .236 AVG, 1 HR, 26 R, 16 RBI, 14/53 BB/K
-Tore meniscus in knee earlier this year, has missed time with injury this year, returned a few days before trade.
-Possible Nickname: "The Donald" instantly comes to mind as Donald Trump has been called that and well, that last name. At least he doesn't have Mc in front of it or else he'd be Jason Mac, after we had Johnnie Mac (John McDonald).
The Plan
It looks like Donald will be a competitor for the second base job in 2010. Luis Valbuena has a head start with probably the rest of 2009 to prove himself. If not, it figures that Donald or even Valbuena, the loser of the second base battle, will be the infield utility player, to replace Jamey Carroll who is a free agent, and could still even be traded before the Waiver deadline. Donald can play third base as well as short and second base.
Links of Notice
Donald relfects on hectic 24 hours
Jason Donald Prospect Profile on Phuture Phillies
Jason Donald on Fangraphs
Original Story:
http://www.thetribedaily.com/2009/08/...
But now that I've got all the info, let's get to this.
First off, refer to the depth chart at times, I'm keeping it updated rather quickly with the new googledocs awesomeness. It's still a WIP with knowing who's going into the rotation and who's going out.
GOING OUT - TEAM
RHP Rafael Betancourt - COL
IF/OF Mark DeRosa - STL
1B Ryan Garko - SF
LHP Cliff Lee - PHI
OF Ben Francisco - PHI
C Victor Martinez - BOS
COMING IN - LEVEL
RHP Justin Masterson - MLB
RHP Chris Perez - MLB
RHP Carlos Carrasco - AAA
RHP Jess Todd - AAA
RHP Connor Graham - AA
LHP Scott Barnes - A+
RHP Bryan Price - A+
RHP Jason Knapp - A
LHP Nick Hagadone - A
C Lou Marson - AAA
SS Jason Donald - AAA
To supplement the information and links I'm about to provide, here are a few more links.
Mark Shapiro press conference MP3 courtesy of the Indians twitter page. Or you could read Anthony Castrovince's quotes and opinions in his latest blog entry. Castrovince put together a lengthier feature with more quotes on Indians.com as well. 1:29 long video of Shapiro's presser.
Even though most of the work has been done for me, I'm still going to make it nice Plus who has time to read a PDF? The Indians put together all the positive information, key positive information, on the players the Indians received. So using this lovely PDF the Indians put together, here is the review on the incoming trades.
*Will no longer be prospect eligible in 2010
RHP Justin Masterson - MLBAGE: 24, B/T: R/R, HT: 6'6", WT: 250
College: San Diego State
Drafted: Boston, 2006 2nd Round
Highest Baseball America Ranking: 64th Overall in 2008
2009 Team: Boston Red Sox
-Jamaican born, first ever pitcher in MLB history
-2008 Season W/BOS: 6-5, 3.16 ERA, 36 G, 9 GS, 88.1 IP, 40 BB, 68 K
-2009 Season W/BOS: 3-3, 4.50 ERA, 31 G, 6 GS, 72.0 IP, 25 BB, 67 K
-Pitched in 2008 Postseason for Boston: 9 G, 9.2 IP, 1.86 ERA, 1-0, 5 BB, 9 K
-Possible Nickname: His middle name is Daniel, which means he's a JD. I also like "The Mastard." I'm sure Boston fans had something good, but we need our own.
The Plan
Masterson is going back into the rotation in Cleveland, but he'll start out in the bullpen as the Indians build him back up to being a starter.
Links of Notice
A Tearful Tribute to Justin Masterson, the Legend Who Almost Was
Justin Masterson Prospect Profile on SoxProspects.com
Justin Masterson Profile on Sons of Sam Horn
Justin Masterson on Baseball-Reference
RHP Chris Perez - MLBAGE: 24, B/T: R/R, HT: 6'4", WT: 230
College: Miami (FL)
Drafted: St. Louis, 2006 1st Round (Supplemental Round)
Highest Baseball America Ranking: 2nd Overall for St. Louis in 2008
BA Rank in 09: #3 in STL, #91 Overall*
2009 Team: St. Louis Cardinals/Memphis(AAA)
-Gold Medal Winner for 2007 World Cup Team USA
-2008 Season W/AAA: 1-1, 3.20 ERA, 25 G, 25.1 IP, 11/11 SV, 12 BB, 38 K
-2008 Season W/STL: 3-3, 3.46 ERA, 41 G, 41.2 IP, 7/11 SV, 22 BB, 42 K
-Possible Nickname: I think we've already settled on "Benz" because of the Mercedes in his name, but something incorporating that hair will eventually have to be added
The Plan
Perez has been in the bullpen since his acquisition and he's looked upon as a long term late inning relief pitcher with awesome power. He got off to a rocky start, but he's going to be more trusted to take on late inning situations and the Indians will expect him to thrive.
Links of Notice
Perez to get surgery to remove extra bone in foot after season
Chris Perez Prospect Profile (2008) Future Redbirds
Chris Perez on Baseball Reference
RHP Carlos Carrasco - AAAAGE: 22, B/T: R/R, HT: 6'3", WT: 178
College: None, Native Venezuela
Drafted: Signed as a International Free Agent, 2003 by Philadelphia
Highest Baseball America Ranking: 1st Overall for Philadelphia in 2007 and 2008
BA Rank in 09: #2 in PHI, #52 Overall
2009 Team: AAA Lehigh Valley, Phillies
-3 Time Futures Game Participant, Led International in Strikeouts at the time of Trade
-2008 Season W/AA: 7-7, 4.32 ERA, 20 GS, 114.2 IP, 45 BB, 109 K
-2009 Season W/AAA: 6-9, 5.18 ERA, 20 GS, 114.2 IP, 38 BB, 112 K
-Pitches: Low to Mid 90's Fastball, Curveball, Slider, Changeup
-Possible Nickname: I've really got nothing. We're going to have to find out more about him.
The Plan
Carrasco is already in the Triple-A rotation and 40-man roster, so the plan is to get him into the majors by the end of this season. Best case scenario is that he wins a rotation spot in 2010 Spring Training.
Links of Notice
Baseball Prospectus PECOTA
Top 50 Prospects on MLB.com
Carlos Carrasco on Fangraphs
RHP Jess Todd - AAAAGE: 23, B/T: R/R, HT: 5'11", WT: 210
College: Arkansas
Drafted: St. Louis, 2nd Round 2007
Highest Baseball America Ranking: 4th Overall for St. Louis in 2009
BA Rank in 09: #4 in STL
2009 Team: AAA Memphis
-Led Pacific Coast League in Saves at the time of Trade to Cleveland.
-2008 Season W/AA: 4-5, 2.97 ERA, 17 G, 16 GS, 103 IP, 24 BB, 87 K
-2009 Season W/AAA: 4-2, 2.20 ERA, 41 G, 24/24 SV, 49 IP, 13 BB, 59 K
-Pitches: High 80's to Low 90's Fastball, Slider, Cutter
-Possible Nickname: We've already dubbed him "The Todd" after Dr. Todd Quinland from Scrubs. It's set forever.
The Plan
It was said the Indians are going to try and "stretch" Todd because that's how the Indians do it with their relief prospects. However Todd saved the last game for Columbus so maybe that ridiculous strategy is being junked. Todd should be with the team later this year.
Links of Notice
Breaking down the mechanics of Jess Todd
Jess Todd Prospect Profile (2008) Future Redbirds
Jess Todd on Fangraphs
RHP Connor Graham - AAAGE: 23, B/T: R/R, HT: 6'7", WT: 235
College: Miami (OH)
Drafted: Colorado, 2007 5th Round
Highest Baseball America Ranking: 12th Overall for Colorado in 2009
BA Rank in 09: #12 in COL
2009 Team: A+ Modesto
-From Bowling Green, Ohio, Attended College in Miami, Ohio
-2008 Season W/A: 12-6, 2.26 ERA, 26 GS, 147.1 IP, 83 BB, 138 K
-2009 Season W/A+: 7-4, 3.14 ERA, 16 GS, 80.1 IP, 41 BB, 87 K
-Pitches: Mid 90's Fastball, Slider, Unfinished off-speed pitch
-Possible Nickname: Too early, but those glasses open up a world of possibilities.
The Plan
His lack of pitches maybe signal that his future is in the back end of the bullpen. He's got control issues which also support that idea. Right now he's in the Double-A rotation.
Links of Notice
Graham Named to Cape Cod Baseball League Top Prospect List
Diamonds in Single A: Connor Graham
Connor Graham on Fangraphs
LHP Scott Barnes - A+AGE: 21, B/T: L/L, HT: 6'4", WT: 191
College: St. John's
Drafted: San Francisco, 2008 8th Round
Highest Baseball America Ranking: 9th Overall for San Francisco in 2009
BA Rank in 09: #9 in SF
2009 Team: A+ San Jose
-Led Cal League in Wins at the Time of Trade, 2nd in ERA
-2008 Season W/A: 3-2, 1.38 ERA, 6 GS, 32.2 IP, 7 BB, 41 K
-2009 Season W/A+: 13-2, 2.85 ERA, 18 GS, 98 IP, 29 BB, 99 K
-Pitches: High 80's to Low 90's Fastball, Changeup, Curveball
-Possible Nickname: Again, we're getting to the point where it's just too young and with such a generic name like Scott, it's hard.
The Plan
Barnes has already gone into the Kinston rotation and if brings that success he had with San Jose over to Kinston, he could be in Akron by the end of the year. Either way, he should start 2010 in Akron's rotation. They'll need starters.
Links of Notice
Scott Barnes on Fangraphs
RHP Bryan Price - A+AGE: 22, B/T: R/R, HT: 6'4", WT: 210
College: Rice University
Drafted: Boston 2008 1st Round (Supplemental)
Highest Baseball America Ranking: 20th Overall for Boston in 2009
BA Rank in 09: #20 in BOS
2009 Team: A+ Salem/A Greenville
-Was a setup arm for Rice in College.
-2008 Season W/A-: 1-3, 3.83 ERA, 13 G, 9 GS, 40 IP, 10 BB, 43 K
-2009 Season W/A: 3-2, 2.45 ERA, 8 GS, 44 IP, 12 BB, 40 K
-2009 Season W/A+: 1-6, 6.54 ERA, 11 GS, 52.1 IP, 19 BB, 57 K
-Pitches: Low to Mid 90's Sinking Fastball, Slider, Change-up,
-Possible Nickname: Well that last name gets so overused with "The Price is Right" as a phrase, but we'll figure something out about him soon enough. The more we know about a player with a generic name, the better.
The Plan
He did do relief pitching as a pitcher at Rice, but the Red Sox moved him to the rotation when they drafted him. The Indians will keep him in the rotation for now as he goes to Kinston.
Links of Notice
Price Comments on Trade to Cleveland
Bryan Price Prospect Profile on SoxProspects.com
Bryan Price Profile on Sons of Sam Horn
Bryan Price on Fangraphs
RHP Jason Knapp - AAGE: 18, B/T: R/R, HT: 6'5", WT: 225
College: None, Drafted out of High School, Native of New Jersey
Drafted: Philadelphia, 2008 2nd Round
Highest Baseball America Ranking: 10 Overall for Philadelphia in 2009
BA Rank in 09: #10 in PHI
2009 Team: A Lakewood
-Turns 19 in one month.
-2008 Season W/R: 3-1, 2.61 ERA, 7 G, 6 GS, 31 IP, 12 BB, 38 K
-2009 Season W/A: 2-7, 4.01 ERA, 17 GS, 85.1 IP, 39 BB, 111 K
-Pitches: High 90's Fastball, Slider, Change-up,
-Possible Nickname: The early lead is "Snap" just because it sounds like Knapp, and I really hope his power slider can "snap".
The Plan
Knapp will go into the Lake County rotation whenever he's ready to pitch. His last start was on the 11th of July and then he was sort of shutdown. The Indians won't rush him, but if he's in Akron by the time he's 20 (next year), then things are going very good.
Links of Notice
A quick word on Jason Knapp on Phuture Phillies
Down on the farm: Jason Knapp growing up fast in Phillies system
Prospect Profile of Jason Knapp on Baseball-Intellect
Jason Knapp on Fangraphs
LHP Nick Hagadone - AAGE: 23, B/T: L/L, HT: 6'5", WT: 230
College: Washington
Drafted: Boston, 2007 1st Round (Supplemental); Seattle, 2004
Highest Baseball America Ranking: 12 Overall for Colorado in 2009
BA Rank in 09: #12 in COL
2009 Team: A Greenville
-Tommy John Surgery in June of 2008, First Start in 2009 on June 6th. Reportedly throwing just four months after surgery.
-Teammate of Tim Lincecum at Washington.
-2008 Season W/A: 1-1, 0.00 ERA, 3 GS, 10 IP, 6 BB, 12 K
-2009 Season W/A: 0-2, 2.52 ERA, 10 GS, 25 IP, 14 BB, 32 K
-Pitches: Mid 90's Fastball, Slider, Change-up
-Possible Nickname: Hagadone is such an awesome name, but it's really hard to formulate a nickname from it at first glance. Give me some time.
The Plan
Expect him to have an accelerated ascension up the Indians organization once he proves he's healthy at Lake County. He's a college pitcher that is 23 years old at A Ball so he's going to move. Baseball America mentioned had he not gotten hurt, he could have had a cameo in 2008 at the big leagues. Things will be good if he finishes the year in Kinston and if he does well there, maybe they'll just start him at Akron in 2010. If they want to really advance him, they could move him to the bullpen, but Hagadone projects as a very good starter, so they might want to see if that works out before they do that.
Links of Notice
On the Horizon: Nick Hagadone
Nick Hagadone Prospect Profile on SoxProspects.com
Nick Hagadone Profile on Sons of Sam Horn
Nick Hagadone on Fangraphs
C Lou Marson - AAAAGE: 23, B/T: R/R, HT: 6'1", WT: 195
College: None, Drafted out of High School, Native of Arizona
Drafted: Philadelphia, 2004 4th Round
Highest Baseball America Ranking: 66th Overall in 2009
BA Rank in 09: #3 in COL
2009 Team: AAA Lehigh Valley
-Played on 2008 USA Olympic team w/Columbus teammates Matt LaPorta and Jason Donald and former Indian Jeff Stevens.
-2008 Season W/AA: 94 G, .314 AVG, 5 HR, 55 R, 46 RBI, 68/70 BB/K
-2009 Season W/AAA: 63 G, .294 AVG, 1 HR, 32 R, 24 RBI, 30/40 BB/K
-Was with Philadelphia for playoffs and Wold Series win, homered in first major league start in 2008.
-Possible Nickname: Lou is short for Louis and Louis could be Louie. We've already got Louie Valbuena though. Lou will be fine or we'll condense the last name Marson to Mars. MARS!!!!
The Plan
With the trade of Victor Martinez, the addition of Marson makes sense. However with Carlos Santana on schedule to debut in 2011, Marson being acquired eliminates that. Chris Gimenez's future is probably as a utility player, Kelly Shoppach is just not starting caliber anymore, and Wyatt Toregas has put together a fine career in the minors, but he's a poor-man's Lou Marson in all honesty. Marson will probably battle for the starting catchers spot in 2010 and be up by the end of 2009, but beyond that, who knows.
Links of Notice
'09 Projection from Phillies Nation
Top 50 Prospects on MLB.com
Lou Marson on Fangraphs
SS Jason Donald - AAAAGE: 24, B/T: R/R, HT: 6'1", WT: 190
College: Arizona
Drafted: Philadelphia, 2006 3rd Round; Los Angeles Angels, 2003 20th Round
Highest Baseball America Ranking: 69th Overall in 2009
BA Rank in 09: #4 in PHI
2009 Team: AAA Lehigh Valley
-Played on 2008 USA Olympic team w/Columbus teammates Matt LaPorta and Lou Marson and former Indian Jeff Stevens.
-2008 Season W/AA: 92 G, .307 AVG, 14 HR, 57 R, 54 RBI, 47/86 BB/K
-2009 Season W/AAA: 51 G, .236 AVG, 1 HR, 26 R, 16 RBI, 14/53 BB/K
-Tore meniscus in knee earlier this year, has missed time with injury this year, returned a few days before trade.
-Possible Nickname: "The Donald" instantly comes to mind as Donald Trump has been called that and well, that last name. At least he doesn't have Mc in front of it or else he'd be Jason Mac, after we had Johnnie Mac (John McDonald).
The Plan
It looks like Donald will be a competitor for the second base job in 2010. Luis Valbuena has a head start with probably the rest of 2009 to prove himself. If not, it figures that Donald or even Valbuena, the loser of the second base battle, will be the infield utility player, to replace Jamey Carroll who is a free agent, and could still even be traded before the Waiver deadline. Donald can play third base as well as short and second base.
Links of Notice
Donald relfects on hectic 24 hours
Jason Donald Prospect Profile on Phuture Phillies
Jason Donald on Fangraphs
Original Story:
http://www.thetribedaily.com/2009/08/...
