SB Nation - Cale Iorg

Washington Nationals: AFL/DWL Update...Nationals Fans In A Reality Series?

Ed Chigliak — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:00:35 -0000

More photos » by Gerald Herbert - AP

6 months ago: Washington Nationals assistant general manager and vice president of baseball operations Mike Rizzo, right, introduces pitcher Drew Storen, the team's first-round draft pick and 10th pick overall in the baseball draft during a news conference at Nationals Stadium in Washington, on Wednesday, June 10, 2009. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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• AFL:

The only Nationals' prospects in action on Wednesday in the AFL were on the mound as Jeff Mandel and Drew Storen both saw action in the Phoenix Desert Dogs' 11-6 win over the Peoria Javelinas. Mandel, Washington's 24-year-old right-handed '07 19th Round pick, threw a 1-2-3 5th after replacing D-Dogs' starter Mitch Talbot, a second-round pick by the Astros in 2002, who was traded to Tampa Bay, along with Ben Zobrist, in a deal that sent Aubrey Huff to Houston. Mandel gave up a leadoff single and a one-out RBI double in the sixth before back to back groundouts ended the inning. Mandel's Line: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 2 K's, 3.00 ERA, 31 pitches, 21 strikes.

Drew Storen, the Nationals' 2nd '09 1st Round pick pitched a scoreless ninth for Phoenix, striking out Dodgers' catching prospect Jesse Mier with a slider, curve and change all low in the zone in the mid-80s', popping up Tigers' shortstop Cale Iorg with a 1-1 fastball at 95, and giving up a two-out double to LA IF prospect Justin Sellers on a 2-2 slider before a two-out groundout by Trayvon Robinson on a first-pitch fastball ends the game. Storen's Line: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 K, 1.35 ERA, 12 pitches, 9 strikes.

Final Score - Desert Dogs 11, Javelinas 6. - MLB.com's Gameday.

BACKPAGE:

• DWL Update: Desmond's Still Crushing Pitches.

• Washington Nationals Fans + Reality TV = Ratings Gold.

BACKPAGE:

• DWL Update: Desmond's Still Crushing Pitches.

Ian Desmond's first HR for the Dominican Winter League's Tigres del Licey was a two-run blast and a game-winner that came in the seventh inning of Wednesday's 5-2 win over the Toros del Este. Desmond ends the game 2 for 4 with a run scored, a HR and 3 RBI's, leaving the Nationals' 24-year-old infielder hitting .227 after 6 games and 22 AB's for Licey.

• Final Score - Tigres 5, Toros 2. MLB.com Box Score.

• LIST: Nationals' Prospects in the Winter Leagues.

• Washington Nationals Fans + Reality TV = Ratings Gold.

MASN and We've Got Heart's Kristen Hudak has a post up at MASNSports.com entitled, "Casting Call: Nats Reality Series", where Ms. Hudak reports that IMG Studios is, "...looking for die-hard Nationals fans to appear in a series starting this offseason," which will focus, according to an IMG Studios casting call, on, "...a person or group of friends [who] find it hard to balance an active social, romantic relationship, work or family with the "other person" (the Nationals) in their life." Anyone interested should send a biographical paragraph and a photograph to: muvena@interfacemedia.com.. Good luck...Anyone from Federal Baseball.com who gets on this will be outfitted with a wardrobe of FB gear...

Morning Prowl: Granderson the Union Man, Missing Miguel Cabrera, and Creating Trade Rumors

Ian Casselberry — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:00:24 -0000

More photos » by Duane Burleson - AP

How will Aubrey Huff's terribly disappointing stint with the Detroit Tigers affect his value on the free agent market this winter?

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Curtis Granderson was quoted in this ESPN.com piece by Amy K. Nelson about the $11 million compensation package Donald Fehr will receive when he steps down as head of the MLB Players Association. As a member of the players' union sub-committee, Granderson explained the thinking that went into the decision.

DesigNate Robertson posts its final grades for the 2009 Detroit Tigers. How do those marks compare to Rogo's midseason grades? Well, you have to click over and see.

MLB Trade Rumors wonders what the market for Aubrey Huff will be this offseason. No Tigers fans seemed to have commented in the discussion. Too soon? Or too painful, after Huff's .189/.265/.302 batting line in 117 plate appearances with Detroit.

This is a premium article at Baseball Prospectus, but you can read Kevin Goldstein's thoughts on Cale Iorg (and his hitting struggles) and former Tigers prospect Andrew Miller, both of whom are playing in the Arizona Fall League, before running into the paywall.

Speaking of Miller, Lynn Henning shares some thoughts from a colleague who covers the Florida Marlins. The general consensus in Miami is that the Tigers made out way better on that Miguel Cabrera deal.

Detroit Tigers Den (we're overdue in welcoming this new addition to the Tigersosphere) takes a month-by-month look at the Tigers' 2010 schedule. July and August look strong. But that Interleague Play home schedule in June is ugly.

Coming up with trade rumors is a popular pastime during the offseason, and there was a ridiculous one circulating from Bleacher Report over the weekend about Zack Greinke and the Brewers. That compelled Sam Mellinger to write about just how difficult it is to come up with a viable trade proposal, including a conversation he once had with a Royals executive on the subject.

We're behind on this (and this was mentioned in the comments of Tuesday's open thread), but The Sporting News named White Sox third baseman Gordon Beckham as its American League Rookie of the Year. Beckham batted .270/.347/.460 with 14 homers and 63 RBIs in 103 games (430 plate appearances) this season, after being called up to the majors in early June.

Anthony Castrovince looks at the four candidates to be the Cleveland Indians' next manager. That list does not include former Tiger Travis Fryman, who apparently wasn't invited back for a second interview. Former Tiger Torey Lovullo is among the four finalists, however.

One of the other finalists, Dodgers hitting coach Don Mattingly, was profiled by Nick Cafardo in last Sunday's Boston Globe. Mattingly could be in line to take over for Joe Torre in L.A. after next season.

For its other awards so far, TSN named Greinke as its AL Pitcher of the Year and the Angels' Mike Scioscia as the AL Manager of the Year.

As mentioned yesterday in the FanShots, Rudy Jaramillo reached agreement with the Chicago Cubs to become their hitting coach. And he got paid. Jaramillo received a three-year deal from the Cubs worth $2.42 million.

Over at Twinkie Town, Jon Marthaler wonders if Joe Nathan has lost something off his fastball, whether it was at the end of this season or over the last couple of seasons. (Tiger Town just said, "Yes, please.")

Sizemore's a Smash in Arizona Fall League

Ian Casselberry — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 15:30:14 -0000

Perhaps Scott Sizemore senses the doubts in Tiger Town as to whether or not he can take over for Placido Polanco next season at second base. Or maybe he was disappointed over not being one of the Tigers' September call-ups, and is taking out that frustration now.

Whatever the reason, Sizemore is crushing the ball in the Arizona Fall League so far. Okay, he hasn't hit for average in three games, batting just .250. But he's also made sure those hits count, taking them over the fence. Of Sizemore's three hits, each of them have been home runs. His total line is .250/.333./1.000 with three homers (leading the AFL) and five RBIs.

How have other Tigers prospects been doing in Arizona for the Peoria Javelinas?

Outfielder Casper Wells is batting .538/.533/1.000 with one homer and six RBIs.
Shortstop Cale Iorg has a .143/.250/.143 average, with four strikeouts in seven at-bats.
Andrew Oliver had a rough first outing in which he gave up four runs and two walks in one inning, but pitched two scoreless innings with three strikeouts his second time around.
Robbie Weinhardt was also knocked around in his first appearance, allowing five runs and six hits in 1.2 innings.
Scot Drucker has allowed one run in two innings of work, with one walk and one strikeout.
Thad Weber is waiting for his first appearance.

Also of possible interest, Gerald Laird's younger brother, Brandon, leads the AFL in hitting with a .625 (10-for-16) average.

Here's more on Detroit's AFL contingent from Jason Beck. And at Take 75 North, Matt Wallace looks at how each player sent to Arizona is viewed in the Tigers' organization.

Morning Prowl: Jackson's Fatigue, Washburn's Knee, Bondo's Truck, and Mucho Minors

Ian Casselberry — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:00:38 -0000

Big League Stew's Slumpbot .200 wonders if Edwin Jackson is running out of gas and needs to have his innings limited toward the end of the season.

Tiger Geist raises a very interesting question about the Jarrod Washburn trade. Did they realize the extent of the injury to his left knee when the deal was made?

How important has August 30 been to the Tigers in recent years? Jon Paul Morosi draws an interesting parallel to what happened on that date in 2006 and what transpired this year. Coincidence or... destiny?

Brandon Lyon has his remote-controlled airplanes (when Rick "Heavy Sinker" Porcello isn't chucking them into the turf). Jeremy Bonderman rolls with remote-controlled four-wheel trucks. And if Bondo's not careful, his manager might smash that toy.

How do Fernando Rodney's 2009 numbers rate among other standout seasons by Tigers relievers? Tiger Tales stacks Rodney up against pitchers such as Aurelio Lopez, Guillermo Hernandez, and Mike Henneman.

John Lowe believes that Mike Ilitch never wanted to let Magglio Ordonez go, even at mid-season when Maggs was at his lowest production.

In case you missed it, Dontrelle Willis gave up two runs and six hits in his rehab start for Triple-A Toledo on Saturday. Willis also totaled two walks and five strikeouts.

Take 75 North looks at the Lakeland Flying Tigers' just-completed 2009 season. And though they might not have had the one top-shelf gem to look out for this year, the Flying Tigers had a few prospects worth noting.

Peter Gammons has big praise for how Jim Leyland has handled Porcello's workload this season, especially compared to the Yankees' approach with Joba Chamberlain.

John Sickels reviews his preseason rankings (published back in January) of the Tigers' top 20 prospects at Minor League Ball. It's interesting to see how many made it to the majors this season.

In a free article at TigsTown.com, Mark Anderson profiles Cale Iorg. Has the Tigers' aggressive approach with him paid off? And has Iorg's sub-par offensive production (.222/.274/.336) changed perception of him among scouts and opposing coaches?

As sort of a footnote to an article about the possible shortstop of the future, the Boston Red Sox continue to remind us just how difficult it is to find a good player at that position.

(Who's had worse luck: The Red Sox with shortstops since 2004 or the Tigers with left fielders since 2006?)

Trade Prowl: Milton Bradley Rumors Shot Down, What Was Offered For Matt Holliday, and Looking at Cody Ross

Ian Casselberry — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 12:30:09 -0000

Most of you have probably already seen this, but the Milton Bradley rumors that popped up in Chicago yesterday afternoon were almost immediately shot down by Jason Beck. (My friend Ms. Hooz suggested I post an image from Bonnie and Clyde to underline the point.) Whatever Steve Stone and David Kaplan may have heard from their sources near or with the Chicago Cubs didn't jibe with anyone associated with the Tigers.

From Beck's blog:

That was news to the Tigers. A source with knowledge of the team's plans said Bradley's name hasn't come up in organizational discussions all year. For a team that has been searching far and wide for offensive help, that speaks volumes.

Basically, the Tigers' lack of interest comes down to a simple reason: There are better outfielders available on the market. Not to mention cheaper, and far less of a headache.

Yahoo! Sports' Gordon Edes had two Tigers items in his latest column, including what sort of package Dave Dombrowski was trying to put together for Matt Holliday:

The Detroit Tigers were in hard on Matt Holliday before he went to the Cardinals, but Oakland turned down a package that included the Tigers’ top shortstop prospect, Cale Iorg. Right-handed pitcher Freddy Dolsi, currently on the DL, would have gone to the Athletics as a player to be named later.

As was pointed out when this was posted in the comments of yesterday's recap, Edes might have Dolsi and Alfredo Figaro mixed up, as Figaro is currently on the DL.

FOXSports.com added that Oakland was asking for Casey Crosby and Scott Sizemore in a deal for Holliday. I guess you can't blame Billy Beane for trying to get the most he could, but that would've been quite a price to pay for what could've been a two-month rental.

Edes also noted that Detroit has shown interest in Marlins outfielder Cody Ross (who began his career in the Tigers' organization and played in it for five years), looking for him to play right field. (That must be news to Clete Thomas. But perhaps Thomas would move to left field in such a scenario, while Ross could also be a back-up for Curtis Granderson to hit against left-handed pitching.)

For the season, Ross is hitting .267/.325/.466 with 14 homers and 53 RBIs. I'm not sure how good of a defensive right fielder he is, however.

Another name shot down yesterday - this time by Jim Leyland directly - was Troy Glaus. The Tigers were mentioned as one of four teams that might be scouting the Cardinals' (former) third baseman on his minor league rehab assignment this week, but Leyland insists that Glaus's name has never been brought up in trade discussions. Glaus has yet to play this season, while recovering from offseason surgery on his right shoulder.

Washington Nationals: Trade/Rumor Mill And Notes...Adam Dunn, Nick Johnson, Josh Willingham, Stephen Strasburg And Jim Riggleman.

Ed Chigliak — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 17:00:14 -0000

More photos » by Manuel Balce Ceneta - AP

6 months ago: Washington Nationals Nick Johnson (24) is congratulated by teammate Josh Willingham (16) as he crosses home during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Washington. Nationals won 5-4. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

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LINKS AND LINKS AND...

I scanned the internets for Washington Nationals news so you don't have to...After the JUMP you'll find talk about the Tigers' interest in a few Nationals, Stephen Strasburg's "camp's" feelings about the Nationals' "Interim" Manager and "Acting" GM, and one of many stories that are popping up on Padres blogs now that they're imagining DC might actually not sign Strasburg...Ridiculous!! Nonsense!!! Washington's Principal Owner Mark Lerner told MLB.com's Bill Ladson just the other day, in an article entitled, "Q&A with Nationals Owner Mark Lerner", that the Nationals, will, uh, try...to, uh...get it done...DERN IT!!! Here's the exchange:

"MLB.com: What's the latest on Stephen Strasburg? Can the team sign him?

Lerner: As for Stephen Strasburg, I certainly hope we will sign him. He's a great prospect, no doubt about it. I believe he will soon be wearing a Nationals uniform. We have also had great success since Draft Day in signing many of our selections."

Where we stand with Roy Halladay July 14

Matt Buggenhagen — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:01:00 -0000

More photos » by Jeff Roberson - AP

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Ok, so I know most people are exhausted about talking about Roy Halladay, but you can't deny the fact that he has lighten a fire on this trade deadline. Here are some of the latest stories circulating the country on Roy Halladay's potential destination.

Roy Halladay would be perfect for the Yankees- NY Post

If you are going to get a gunslinger, you might as well get one with a killer nickname and credentials to match. Roy "Doc" Halladay is that pitcher and the Yankees need to...

White Sox and Cubs all-stars recruiting Roy Halladay- The Chicago Tribune

Because Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay has a no-trade clause, the All-Star Game might be an opportunity for him to be "recruited" by the two Chicago representatives. That would include the Cubs' Ted Lilly, who was Halladay's teammate from 2004 to 2006, and the White Sox's Mark Buehrle, who has been asked to help in matters like this before.

Joe Torre likes Roy Halladay- The Boston Globe

"Obviously I can’t get too specific because that would be tampering,’’ Torre said. "To me he’s one of the elite pitchers in this game. I’ve watched him for a long time and I remember when they sent him all the way back to A ball to get straightened out and he came back and he was so determined.

Halladay a long shot for Rockies- The Denver Post

As I said in my Sunday column, I would advocate the Rockies trading for Halladay if I thought they had any chance of re-signing him. After talking to Halladay at the All-Star Game, I can tell he still has fond memories of Colorado, but didn't get the feeling he's dying to come back.

Tigers in Roy Halladay mix- mlive.com

According to a source familiar with the Blue Jays' needs, they want a young shortstop and a back-of-the-rotation starter in a package for Halladay. Detroit qualifies as a suitor for those needs, with deeper starting pitching than most and three quality shortstop prospects in International League All-Star Brent Dlugach, Cale Iorg (son of former Blue Jays infielder Garth Iorg) and Danny Worth.

Utley and Howard Phillies should go get Roy Halladay- The Philadelphia Inquirer

"If you're a team trying to make the playoffs, you would be stupid not to want him," Chase Utley said.

"I'm good with trying to win now," Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard said. "That's just me. Not to try to upstage anybody or anything in the front office. Obviously, they're going to make that decision. Whatever decision it is, when the dust settles, we live with it, we go on and we play. Hopefully, that's an addition we make. If not, we've still got to go out there and play. But I think if you ask everybody on this team right now, you would want to try to win now because you never know when you're going to get another chance."

Angels new leader for Roy Halladay- Toronto Sun

Infielder Brandon Wood, a pitching prospect like Trevor Reckling or Jordan Walden. Will Halladay go to the coast? Former GM Bill Stoneman was not known for deadline deals but GM Tony Reagins, added Mark Teixeira at the deadline last year.

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Tigers Reassign Six Players to Minors

Ian Casselberry — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:00:12 -0000

Per Jason Beck via Twitter, the Detroit Tigers passed out minor league assignments to six players this morning.

Catcher Alex Avila and shortstop Cale Iorg were reassigned to minor league camp. Pitcher Chris Lambert, infielder Michael Hollimon, and outfielder Casper Wells were dispatched to Triple-A Toledo. And pitcher Zach Simons was assigned to Double-A Erie.

The cuts leave the Tigers with 49 players remaining in major league camp.

Game Recap for Spring Game 3, Jays and Tigers

Tom Dakers — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 00:17:48 -0000

We win 2 in a row thanks to Dontrelle Willis who gave up 4 runs in an inning an a bit. Final score was 6-4. Guys that did well? Jason Lane! ( yay) hit a his second home run in two days. Adam Loewen hit a single. Kevin Millar was 1 for 2 with a double and a run and RBI. And Scott Rolen went 1 for 2 in his first action of the spring.

On the pitching side, Matt Clement started, gave up a hit, two walks, a run while striking out one. Not the best showing but just his first time out. Brad Mills pitched two good innings giving up just one hit. Jeremy Accardo pitched two shutout innings as well but gave up three hits. Another favorite around here Dirk Hayhurst pitched a good inning and struck out 2.

Brian Wolfe didn't show as well, allowing 4 hits and a homer, to give up 3 earned runs in his inning of work. On the Tiger side, former Jay Garth Iorg's son Cale made three errors. As noted Willis had a rough time and their starter Armando Galarraga gave up a hit, 2 walks and a run in his two innings.

Players that helped their case: Lane, Mills, Loewen and Hayhurst. Wolfe has hurt his chances a little but it was his first action.

Tomorrow Doc gets his first game action and BJ Ryan is to pitch an inning against Atlanta. The game is on Gameday Audio using the FAN feed.

Baseball Prospectus on the Tigers' Prospects

Ian Casselberry — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 17:00:38 -0000

Plenty of eyes will be on prospects like Rick Porcello and Cale Iorg during Spring Training, so the release of Baseball Prospectus' list of Detroit's Top 11 Prospects comes just in time.

No surprise as to who tops Kevin Goldstein's ranking of up-and-coming Tigers. Porcello is King of the Hill, as he is far and away the brightest star in the Detroit system. But what makes Goldstein's list interesting compared to John Sickels' and Keith Law's is where Iorg sits on his list.

Neither Sickels and Law seemed too high on Iorg, but Goldstein has him ranked right behind Porcello. (Goldstein acknowledges, however, that the seven players he has rated as three-star prospects could be ranked in any order.) His best-case scenario has Iorg projected as a Khalil Greene-type of shortstop. (Whether that's a good or bad thing depends on how you look at this, I guess.)

Goldstein also ranks the Tigers' best 10 players aged 25 or under, and still thinks highly of Edwin Jackson as a talent.

In correspondence with Goldstein's prospects list, the Tigers' minor league system was also featured on Baseball Prospectus Radio. Brad Wochomurka spoke with Iorg about taking time off from baseball while on a mission to Portugal, and what a humbling experience the past year has been.

Also interviewed was Detroit's director of player development Glenn Ezell, who talked about Porcello, Ryan Perry, Ryan Strieby, and Casper Wells. (Wochomurka is a Tigers fan and clearly knows their system well. At one point, Ezell gets so excited talking about Wells that I think he calls Wochomurka "pardner." Though maybe he calls everyone that.)

You can download a MP3 of the show here.