There's a lot of talk when analyzing prospects or current MLB players that a person's ceiling is a #2 or a #3, or that this guy can be a #1 if he develops correctly.  I realize that these are just reference points, but they are still vague reference points.  

So, I'm wondering if anyone out there wants to list who they think of when they think of a #3 starter.  Is there a player out there who you think of that fits your description of each spot in the rotation?

I'll give it a shot...

#1 - Johan Santana
#2 - A.J. Burnett
#3 - Jason Jennings
#4 - Kyle Lohse
#5 - Ramon Ortiz

#5 really doesn't matter, but that's a pretty solid rotation.  Generally when I hear of a prospect described in a certain rotation slot, those are some of the names that pop up in my head.

The David Carr talk is at least intriguing...but I just read this on ESPN:

ALAMEDA, Calif. -- The Oakland Raiders, who own the No. 1 pick in April's NFL draft, cut ties with Aaron Brooks on Thursday, declining to pick up the option on the quarterback's contract after one difficult season.

Here's the link:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2775325

This really scares me, because of the possibility of seeing him in purple.  Yuck.

Does anyone know of a source on the web that lists where players drafted in 2006 played in the minors?  I'm trying to find the guys that moved through the systems rapidly and made it to AA.  

Otherwise does anyone just know of guys off the top of their heads?  I know of Kevin Mulvey and Joe Smith for sure.  

Thanks.

I logged onto the Star Tribune's website today, and was greeted by the headline, "Interest in Feeley."  I couldn't help but fight the sick feeling in my stomach as I read that.  It was bad enough that we signed Mike McMahon in the offseason, and the thought of replacing him with an equally appalling former Eagles backup started to nauseate me.  

Fortunatley, it was just the camp blog, and only speculation by Jeff Zulgad, who actually laid out some logical choices in the article.  I just hope we either let Tarvaris be the backup, or we actually find someone competant to fill the role...not just another throwaway like McMahon or Feeley.

On a side note, it looks like the Raiders are giving Jeff George a chance, so that was entertaining to read.

Who will be the Vikings' best fantasy football player this season?  Use the ESPN scoring format, which can be found here:

http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/football/ffl/story?page=fflrulesstandardscoring

It would be easy to say Chester Taylor, because of the high value of RBs in fantasyland, but there are some prognosticators speculating that he won't be able to get it done in a full-time situation.

Brad Johnson looks like a QB that is tailor-made for  a West Coast offense, and KoRo had his best fantasy season in the WC at Seattle.

I was just reading through the Kansas City Royals review, and took note of Andy Sisco.  As a Rule V pick, he played really well this season, and I'm guessing he has a good chance of being in the big league bullpen again next season.  

Does this happen very much with Rule V picks?  Personally, I can't think of any situation where this has happened, but I don't follow Rule V picks all that closely.  Are there any other Rule V picks that have played so well in their season in the majors that they just stuck on the roster?

I had the opportunity to go to last nights Twins game, just my second of the season, which puts me way behind my normal pace.  Here's a few observations I made during the game:

1. I hate the Metrodump as much as the next person, but honestly, last night in Minneapolis, it was miserable outside, and it was a releif to be in the air-conditioned 68 degrees of the Stay-Puff Marshmallow Dome.
2. JC Romero - Ugh.  4 batters faced.  3 of them left-handed (Kotsay, Chavez, Dan Johnson). 0 outs. 2 runs allowed. Gave up the lead inning after Cuddyer hits a monster homerun to tie it.  If there's any truth to the rumor that we could have had Youkilis for him, I'm gonna be sick.  I don't see how Boston would do that, I think they'd want more, say like Joe Mays in that deal...
3. Speaking of Joe Mays - pitched great for the first 5 innings.  I may be wrong on this, but it seems like that's his limit now.  And this is one of the guys keeping Baker and/or Liriano out of the rotation.
4. Terry Mulholland. I am begging someone to please tell me why he has a spot on a major league roster?  I really want to know if there is any justification for that, especially when we've got someone like Bowyer in AAA.  
5. Jason Bartlett - Hit the ball hard, but for outs.  Made some pretty solid to outstanding plays in the field.  One game, but pretty encouraging.