I know it's a little early to be looking to next year, but I'm just curious to get people's opinions on Mat Latos. He showed signs of brilliance in his short time in the majors, but also showed signs of being erratic which is normal for a 21 year old. I had a chance to watch him face my Braves twice and he looked very good both times. The walk total is a bit concerning, but he also is able to strike out guys. Pitching in Petco Park is a big advantage as well.

 

I've heard many reports saying he has ace stuff, and will end up a top of the rotation starter if he reaches his potential. My question is, from what you've seen from him in the limited number of starts he's made this year, do you think he will be able to make the adjustments next year to continue the path to eventually reaching that ceiling. Thanks for your input.

http://scottmerkin.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/09/dan_hudson_on_the_way.html

 

Daniel Hudson will be promoted to the major leagues by the White Sox, according to a report by MLB.com.

"When they told me, I did a double-take. They had to tell me twice before I believed them," Hudson said. "It's an awesome feeling. Just an amazing feeling." Hudson, a 2008 fifth-round pick out of Old Dominion, has blitzed through Chicago's farm system this year. Between four stops, he is 14-5 with a 2.32 ERA in 26 starts. At Double-A Birmingham and Triple-A Charlotte, he was 9-0 with a 2.02 ERA. Hudson has solid middle-of-the-rotation potential. He could become relevant in AL-only formats if given a spot in the rotation.

The guy flat out dominated at every level this year. Do you agree with the estimation here that he has the ceiling of a middle of the rotation starter, or does he have ace potential?

Diamondbacks pitching prospect Jarrod Parker will be shut down for four-to-six weeks due to a strained right elbow.

Parker paid a visit to an associate of Dr. James Andrews last week. He'll avoid Tommy John surgery, but probably won't resume throwing until late mid-September. The 20-year-old has a 3.68 ERA and 74/34 K/BB ratio in 78 1/3 innings at Double-A Mobile this season.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090811&content_id=6373040&vkey=news_ari&fext=.jsp&c_id=ari&partnerId=rss_ari

http://startelegramsports.typepad.com/foul_territory/2009/07/smoak-to-triple-a.html

He was due for this because it seemed like he had nothing left to prove in AA. The only thing that held him back was the injury. I wonder how long it will be until he cracks the majors. Any guesses? With the continuing struggles of Chris Davis, I'm not sure how long they can keep him down, especially if they want to contend this year.

I was thinking about this last night, wondering if there was any direct correlation between how many swings and misses a pitcher generates per start, and the success that the pitcher has? Is there actually anywhere to go that lists these stats? On the surface, it would seem that most elite pitchers K alot of guys because after all, putting a ball in play has a chance to be a hit when a K doesn't. But also, usually pitchers who K alot of guys have the best stuff .

 

So if anyone could shed some light into this I would be grateful, and even provide some stats because I haven't been able to find any. Thanks.

If anyone can help me find some recent info on either of these guys regarding their injuries, that would be very helpful. I did a search, and all I could find was an article from Baseball America from about 2 weeks ago saying that neither has played a game since the end of May. I believe Smoak has an oblique issue, and Heyward an injury to his side? I'd like to know when either of these will be expected back, thanks.

I haven't heard much about this guy who seems to be in a middle of a breakout season for the Orioles AA Bowie team.

Current Stats:

.343 Avg   22 R   59 H   15 2B   10 HR   41 RBI   20 BB   38 K   .411 OBP   .605 SLG   1.016 OPS

His 10% BB rate and 19% K rate don't seem horrible for a power hitter.

I have to admit I haven't heard much about him, so I don' t really know about his future potential and where he fits into the Orioles plans. Can anyone provide me with some info on him, thanks!

After tonight's game, 1-4 with a Grand Slam, he now is hitting .302 with 10 HR, 32 RBI, and an OPS well over 1.000 in 132 AB. I went back through this site and saw that John Sickels had him ranked I believe #5 in the Houston system in 2005, and #8 in 2006. He called him a sleeper prospect and a possible Bill Meuller type. However, he never seemed to rank that highly overall as a prospect.

Looking at his minor league numbers, he never seemed to hit for much power, but always seemed to have great plate discipline, walking more than he struck out at each level.

My question to the community, is this breakout so far for real, and what should we expect from him going forward. Thanks.

 

http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2009/06/03/tommy_hanson_braves.html

 

Saw it posted in the Glavine thread, but thought it deserved its own topic. Can't wait to watch him pitch for my Braves. I keep hearing all of these comparisons to the year Lincecum had in the minors a few years ago, but I'm really trying to temper my expectations on this one. It's been awhile since the Braves have had a pitching prospect this highly touted get called up.

I know he was struggling a bit on the Indians, but c'mon, it seemed like their plan all along was to see the kid fail. He would get the start one day, and then not play again for 3 days. He was also being flip flopped between 1B and LF. He was given a total of 42 AB to prove himself.

If they don't feel they have the AB to give him now, I can see that, but c'mon, the team is in last place and tanking fast, and it's not like Ben Francisco is doing much better. I think this is just another reason as to why Wedge and Shapiro are both going to be gone soon.