SB Nation User Blog: Kevin Gengler

Jeff Niemann wants to be called up, apparently

Kevin Gengler — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 03:37:11 -0000

Tonight at Durham: 9 ip 7 h 1 er 1 bb 12 so

This is the obligatory disclaimer where I mention he did not say anything like "Call me up" or "Betcha Mitch Talbot can't do that" or "This word limit is really really dumb I hope I'm at 75 words. Nope not yet that was only 53 words damn I'm tall and I think DRaysBay is awesome la la la la la la."

Good News, Bad News

Kevin Gengler — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:22:40 -0000

The good? David Price makes his AA debut tonight with Montgomery, while Tim Beckham makes his professional debut in Princeton playing DH. Also, Rays 1B Carlos Pena will be DHing for high class-A Vero Beach and should be activated if all goes well. Also, relief prospect Eduardo Morlan will represent the Rays as a member of the World team in the Futures Game.

The bad? ProjectProspect is reporting that top LHP prospect Jake McGee will undergo Tommy John surgery. McGee was removed from a start last week with forearm/elbow soreness. Assuming he has the surgery within the next few weeks, it will wipe out the rest of this season(obviously) as well as most of next season. For means of comparison, Phillies RHP prospect Kyle Drabek had TJ last June and won't return to a mound during a game until August this year at the earliest. TJ is no death sentence for a pitcher, particularly one of McGee's age, but he lives and dies by his fastball. If his velocity never returns to the mid-high 90's, I very much doubt how effective he can be.

Ryan Morse Named FSL East Starter For All-Star Game

Kevin Gengler — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 22:04:32 -0000

The FSL All-Star Game is tonight, and Vero Beach right-hander Ryan Morse was named the starter for the East squad. Other Devil Rays(they're still called that down there, don't fine me) participating are pitchers Jeremy Hellickson and Heath Rollins, outfielders Garrett Groce and J.T. Hall, and infielder Cesar Suarez. Pitcher Ryan Reid was also selected, but was since promoted to AA Montgomery. J.T. Hall is also a participant in the FSL home run derby, which precedes the 7:15 EST game.

Also, this is mostly conjecture, but my guess is Hellickson would've started if he was healthy, but he was removed from his last start with a blister problem. I'd be surprised if Hellickson winds up pitching tonight since he didn't start.

Rays Will Select Tim Beckham

Kevin Gengler — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 14:21:15 -0000

Marc Topkin reporting:

The Rays will take Griffin (Ga.) High SS Tim Beckham with the top pick in today's draft.
The Rays on Wednesday said they had narrowed the field to Beckham and Florida State catcher Buster Posey.
Here is what Rays scouting director R.J. Harrison said about Beckham at last week's media session:
"A really good player at a premium position. Middle of the field player, very good athlete, an advanced bat, had a real good awareness on the field. He plays the game with a great deal of enthusiasm, and then when you spend time with him away from the field, he's the same guy. He's a fun guy to be around.''
The draft starts at 2 p.m. and Rays officials will discuss the decision shortly after that. One question is likely to be about rumors, reported by Baseball Prospectus and other web sites, that Posey was seeking a package of $12-million.

Rays Still Undecided On #1 Pick?

Kevin Gengler — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:39:44 -0000

According to BaseballAmerica, the Rays are still back and forth on the #1 pick, though it appears to be down to just two:

According to BA’s sources, the Rays’ scouting department prefers Georgia prep shortstop Tim Beckham, the kind of toolsy, middle-of-the-diamond athlete the Rays have drafted repeatedly—the kind of athletes that have put the Rays in first place in the American League East as the draft approaches. Others in the organization, such as de facto GM Andrew Friedman, are said to prefer Florida State catcher Buster Posey as the perfect complement to the organization’s impressive current stockpile of talent.

Desmond Jennings due back as soon as this weekend

Kevin Gengler — Fri, 30 May 2008 22:13:00 -0000

Stacy Long says :

Center fielder Desmond Jennings, a top Rays prospect who hasn't played this year because of injuries, could be close to shipping out of extended spring and joining Vero Beach.

Jennings has been playing in extended spring games, is up to playing at full speed and could be activated as soon as this weekend, field coordinator Jim Hoff said.

Excellent news indeed, should provide a much-needed boost to Vero Beach's offense.

Prospect Odds & Ends

Kevin Gengler — Mon, 05 May 2008 15:41:55 -0000

We're done with roughly a month of the minor league season, and by now most people know what Jeremy Hellickson did(which is: dominated). We know that a couple top guys struggled(Chris Mason, Ryan Royster, etc)... but what about the less-heralded guys? Just because a player doesn't make a top 30 prospect list doesn't mean he won't contribute someday, especially in an organization as deep as ours. So after the jump I take a look at some things that happened in the first month that may have slipped through the cracks.

In Vero Beach, right-handed reliever Ryan Reid was exceptional. In 11 appearances spanning 15.2 innings, Reid allowed just 6 hits, 2 walks, and 1 earned run. He struck out 24 and opponents hit .115 off of him. And he's done it getting groundballs, with an GO/AO rate of 1.75. This isn't exactly out of nowhere since he did much of the same in Columbus last year. Now, it needs to be mentioned that Reid is a 23-year old in high-A, so he's definitely old for the FSL, which is pitcher-friendly to begin with. He's only 5'11", so he'll have to fight the bias against short righties. Reid was the Rays' 7th round pick in 2006 out of James Madison. I'd really love to hear a report on his stuff because his stats are ridiculous so far in 2008. One last caveat: His BABIP is an abnormally low .214, so as that regresses toward the mean, his hit rate will rise. Still, his strong K/BB and groundball rates bode well for continued future success.

In Columbus, another short college guy is putting up pretty good numbers: 2007 13th rounder Brian Flores. The lefty has made 2 starts and relieved in 7 other games, sporting a 3.86 ERA in 18.2 innings. Like Reid, Flores has racked up strikeouts, 25 of them, to be precise. He's walked 9, which is more than you'd like, but the thing that caught my eye were his numbers against lefties. Admittedly, this is a very small sample size, but take a look: In 6 innings, lefties are hitting just .105 off him, with 8 strikeouts. Last year in Hudson Valley, in an otherwise disappointing year for Flores, lefties hit just .150 against him with 12 strikeouts in 38 at-bats. Again, we're talking about 60 or so at-bats, but it seems that lefties are really having problems with this guy. Also, it's a 23-year old in low-A ball, so it's nothing to get very excited over. It looks like the Catfish have him relieving/spot starting for now, but ultimately he'll wind up in the bullpen as he moves through the system. His ceiling is limited to a loogy role, but if he continues to give lefties fits, he could eventually crack the big leagues.

Keeping it in Columbus, Shawn O'Malley finally reported to the Catfish from XST and has played in two games so far, going 3-8. The 2005 5th rounder is a speedy shortstop who's worth keeping an eye on. His small size(5'10" 155) might prove too much to overcome, though, Speaking of speed in Columbus, centerfielder Emeel Salem has already swiped 22 bases. He's hitting for decent average and getting on base, but his low slugging percentage(.355) needs to be improved.

In Montgomery, there isn't a whole lot going on that would surprise you. My 2008 super-sleeper Jeff Kamrath hasn't quite come through, sporting and ERA over 15 and currently on the disabled list. Ronnie Merrill leads the team in hitting, while Richard De Los Santos leads the Biscuits in innings pitched. Don't expect either to last all that long.

Lastly, we go to Durham. The Bulls have had about a hundred different players make appearances for them with all the injuries in the organization. Dale Thayer, a 28-year old right-hander who came over in the Russell Branyan trade, has an ERA of 2.57 and has struck out 20 in 14 innings. Unfortunately, he's also walked 9 in that span, and he's probably pretty far down the list of guys to call up. Another guy I really like, Calvin Medlock, is back with the Bulls after clearing waivers when he was taken off the 40-man roster. One of the guys we got for Jorge Cantu, Medlock is another short righty(just 5'10"). Like Thayer, opponents aren't hitting him(.186 OBA) but he's putting too many guys on base(9 walks in 13 innings). He walked 5 in 47 innings with Cincy's AA team last year, but for whatever reason, hasn't been able to keep the ball in the zone at AAA(32 walks in 44 innings). The fact he was taken off the 40-man probably means he won't be coming to a Tampa Bay bullpen near you any time soon.

Quick hits: Jesse Darcy has walked just 1 guy in 17 innings at Columbus... Austin Hinkle, 2007 41st rounder, reported to Columbus from XST... Not a prospect, but Grant Balfour hasn't allowed a run in 10 innings. He recently returned after an injury... Nevin Ashley is still looking for his first extra-base hit...

New game: WTF is on Matt Garza's arm?

Kevin Gengler — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:09:11 -0000

via assets.sbnation.com

Apparently a picture isn't worth a thousand words any more, so this is filler. Apparently a picture isn't worth a thousand words any more, so this is filler. Apparently a picture isn't worth a thousand words any more, so this is filler. Apparently a picture isn't worth a thousand words any more, so this is filler. Apparently a picture isn't worth a thousand words any more, so this is filler.

Final Draft Notes; First Mock Draft

Kevin Gengler — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 17:00:13 -0000

Okay, we've taken a look at the top four candidates to be selected with the first overall pick. Now it's time to see what you guys think, and I've set up a poll below for just that. Also, after the jump you can find some additional notes on the draft, as well as the coldly-anticipated first mock draft of the year.

Buy! Buy! Buy!
Gordon Beckham, SS, Georgia - No relation to Tim, but they share last names, positions, and the top ranking among middle infielders in their respective classes. Beckham doesn't have one outstanding tool, but he sure can swing the bat, hitting .430/.530/.868 and shooting up draft boards this spring. I hate to make the comparison, but Beckham's scouting report sounds a lot like Evan Longoria's coming out of college. Of course, Longoria has far exceeded even the most optimistic projections for him, and it's doubtful Beckham does that. On the other hand, Beckham should be able to stick at SS, though some teams view him as a 3B down the line.

Brady Quinn Award
Justin Smoak, 1B, South Carolina - Smoak was among the big boys last year, ahead of Pedro Alvarez in some rankings, but a poor showing with Team USA and an underwhelming junior season have knocked him down a peg or two. Smoak still offers plus power from both sides of the plate, and he'll take his walks, too. He's still putting up some great numbers, but just hasn't wowed scouts the way many expected. He'll still go in the upper half of the first round.

A Couple Of Catchers
Buster Posey, FSU, and Kyle Skipworth, Patriot HS(Ca.), Catchers - This could be the first year since 1990 that two catchers go in the top 10 picks(Mike Lieberthal and Dan Wilson did it that year). Posey is absolutely crushing the ball at Florida State, hitting .479/.582/.850. Meanwhile, all Skipworth has done is, among other things, reach base in 25 straight plate appearances at one point. He's also very sound defensively and could hit the majors quickly, as far as high school catchers go.

Other Trends
The Boras Factor: Always something to watch for. Already he's reportedly floated out contract numbers for two of his clients, Pedro Alvarez and Eric Hosmer($9.5 million and $7 million, respectively). It might be tough to get that for Alvarez, who was hurt, but it's Scott Boras and who knows. As the draft approaches, everyone will get a better idea of which teams are willing to pay out the nose. Which brings us to...

Teams Are Willing To Pay Out The Nose: Many teams are on record as saying they'll be willing to go over MLB's recommended contract numbers, but it'll be interesting to see if teams draft accordingly. Just for a random example, take Pedro Alvarez. He's easily a top-4 talent, but if Boras doesn't budge from his alleged contract demands, then is a team like Pittsburgh going to take that risk? They will if they're serious about winning.

Where's The Blue-Chipper: Not since 2005(okay, so it's not that long ago) has there been a class without a bona-fide blue-chip HS pitching prospect. 2006 had Clayton Kershaw and 2007 had Rick Porcello. 2008 has... Gerrit Cole, who has the best fastball but lacks secondary stuff, Sonny Gray, who has the best breaking ball, and Tim Melville, who is sort of the best overall package.

2008 1st Round MLB Mock Draft

1. Tampa Bay Rays - Tim Beckham, SS, Griffin(Ga.) HS - Rays can't resist the 5-tool potential, position scarcity doesn't hurt.
2. Pittsburgh Pirates - Brian Matusz, LHP, San Diego - If at first(Sean Burnett, 2000), second(John VanBenschoten, 2001), third(Bryan Bullington, 2002), fourth(Brad Lincoln, 2006), or fifth(Daniel Moskos, 2007) you don't succeed, try again.
3. Kansas City Royals - Aaron Crow, RHP, Missouri - KC appeases the fans by taking a local guy, appeases them more when they find out Crow can really bring it
4. Baltimore Orioles - Pedro Alvarez, 3B, Vanderbilt - Orioles showed they'll deal with Boras, rebuilding around some big bats in Wieters and Alvarez
5. San Francisco Giants - Gordon Beckham, SS, Georgia - He's been rocketing up draft boards this spring, and SF takes the polished college SS(no relation to Tim)
6. Florida Marlins - Eric Hosmer, 1B, American Heritage HS, Fla. - Marlins don't have to go far for a slugging 1B who can simply mash
7. Cincinnati Reds - Tim Melville, RHP, Holtz HS, Mo. - He's the most complete HS pitcher in this year's draft
8. Chicago White Sox - Buster Posey, C, Florida State - Two way player in college, Posey has improved a lot at the dish this year
9. Washington Nationals - Kyle Skipworth, C, Patriot HS, Ca. - Nats have been loading up on pitching, now it's time to take a potential star to catch them all
10. Houston Astros - Shooter Hunt, RHP, Tulane - The Astros need everything, but Hunt's fastball-slider combo is a good place to start

11. Texas Rangers - Justin Smoak, 1B, South Carolina - Underwhelming junior season, but he's the slugger they need since Teixeira left. Of course, this depends on whether they think Saltalamacchia can stay behind the plate
12. Oakland Athletics - Tanner Scheppers, RHP, Fresno State - Oakland re-loaded their system with some quality arms, but it never hurts to add one more
13. St. Louis Cardinals - Ethan Martin, RHP, Stephens County HS, Ga. - Another two-way guy, he has power on the mound and at the plate. Probably a pitcher as a pro
14. Minnesota Twins - Alex Meyer, RHP, Greensburg(Ind.) HS - Big ol' righty can touch 96-97 and might even increase that over the next few years
15. Los Angeles Dodgers - Gerrit Cole, RHP, Lutheran HS, Ca. - Why the heck not? HS pitchers seem to work for them
16. Milwaukee Brewers - Christian Friedrich, LHP, Eastern Kentucky - I almost put them down for Yonder Alonso, because I mean, you just never can have too many Fielders or LaPortas.
17. Toronto Blue Jays - Yonder Alonso, 1B, Miami - Slips a little bit, but Alonso can really hit and has a great plate approach, too. Honestly, he'll probably go higher whenever I revise things.
18. New York Mets* - Joshua Fields, RHP, Georgia - Mets might want to get him to the majors by the end of the season
19. Chicago Cubs - Jemile Weeks, 2B, Miami - Rickie's brother, he didn't dominate college like his elder, but he's had a solid junior season
20. Seattle Mariners - Dennis Raben, OF, Miami - Second Miami guy to go in the first round, Raben is the best college OF of a weak crop

21. Detroit Tigers - Brett Hunter, RHP, Pepperdine - Nobody like Porcello falling into their lap this time, and there are some health concerns, but Hunter is elite when he's on
22. New York Mets - Aaron Hicks, OF/RHP, Wilson HS(Ca.) - Winner of this year's Kyle Drabek award, the HS pitcher who slips for whatever reason. Congratulations Aaron, Rick Porcello will be presenting you with your award shortly.
23. San Diego Padres - Brett Wallace, 3B/1B, Arizona State - Offense... we need offense...
24. Philadelphia Phillies - Connor Gillaspie, 3B, Wichita State - They've drafted a lot of arms lately, and if Gillaspie, the Cape Cod MVP, can get to the show quickly, they could have a year or two of a Howard-Utley-Rollins-Gillaspie infield. Yikes.
25. Colorado Rockies - Allan Dykstra, 1B, Wake Forest - The Rockies would rather go with a college guy, and with a weak OF class, they take the potential heir to Todd Helton
26. Arizona Diamondbacks - Sonny Gray, RHP, Smyrna(Tn.) HS - The D'backs look like they hit the jackpot with a short righty last year in Jarrod Parker, and they'll pull the lever again
27. Minnesota Twins** - Reese Havens, SS, South Carolina - Probably won't stick at SS but should hit at least enough to be average at 3B.
28. New York Yankees - Tim Murphy, LHP, UCLA - EVERY YANKEE PROSPECT IS AMAZING MURPHY IS AWESOME YEAH
29. Cleveland Indians - Tyson Ross, RHP, California - The Indians love them some college draft picks
30. Boston Red Sox - Casey Kelly, SS/RHP, Sarasota(Fl.) HS - Son of an ex-MLBer, he can do a little bit of everything.

*from Braves for Tom Glavine
**from Angels for Torii Hunter

Poll

Who should the Tampa Bay Rays select #1 in the 2008 draft?

Longoria for the Long Haul, Johnson in, Medlock out

Kevin Gengler — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:51:00 -0000

UPDATE(1:04): It's done. Could be nine years when it's all said and done. Topkin has more:

The Rays have signed 3B Evan Longoria to a long-term deal that could be worth more than $44-million over nine years. The first six years are guaranteed for $17.5-million and the Rays hold a one-year option for 2014 and a two-year option for 2015-16.

(Additional notes: The Rays have also claimed Dan Johnson off waivers and Calvin Medlock designated for assignment(hat tip: websterjtc); and I'll post the final part of my draft preview series tomorrow when things are a little less busy in Rays-world.)

---

Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the "major announcement" will be that the Rays have inked Longoria to a long-term contract:

The details of the contract are not yet known, but it is believed that the deal will be for six years in the $17 million range with option scenarios that will enable the Rays to buy out two years of Longoria's free agency.

The contract, to be announced at 1 p.m. ET, also is expected to include escalators that will enable Longoria to add to his guaranteed money if he develops into a major star.

More from Marc Topkin as the official announcement draws near:

There is no official word and lots of speculation at this point, including some talk that the deal could run for nine years (with team options) and be worth close to $50-million.