SB Nation User Blog: bbdbrandon

Put Yourself in Frank Wren's Shoes

bbdbrandon — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 19:09:24 -0000

That's exactly what I begin to do at The Outsider's Look as I continue a series entitled 'What Would the Outsider Do?' Some (most) may be thrilled that I am not in a position to make the moves that I suggest. Some may even classify this as 'spamming'. The last certainly should not be the case. Rather, I am looking to the fans of specific teams to join in with the discussion...

That said, check out what I've written at TheOLIB and let me know what you would have done. Either a different approach, a similar one, or otherwise.

What do you think of my trade for Eric Byrnes? Possible?

How about the other ideas of acquiring Covelli Crisp and Paul Maholm?

Is there any interest in Ryan Dempster?

Detroit Tigers Offseason Outlook

bbdbrandon — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 16:59:32 -0000

Over at The Outsiders Look I take a look at the Detroit Tigers and what I think they should do this coming offseason. The look at the Tigers is a part of a series in which I put my GM hat on and make team-by-team moves to best set up a club for today and tomorrow.

Two major moves I advocate for is the acquisition of contract-year catcher, Ramon Hernandez, a stopgap until James Skelton is ready for the majors. The second, is the addition of defensive minded Adam Everett. While his bat would be a downgrade for the Tigers, the improved left side infield defense would make up for that. Furthermore, it's not as if the Tigers are lacking the ability to put runs across the plate.

With what is turning into a fairly nice minor league system, the Tigers are at a crossroads. I believe, another season of big draft-day spending, and surprise prospect developments will be enough to continue to strengthen this franchise.

Bounce back seasons, coupled with the additions I mention should be enough to put the Tigers back in post season contention for the 2009 season.

If you were in charge, what direction would you take the team in? Do you agree with my moves, why or why not?

Keep in mind, this article is not written from the perspective of what the Tigers will do, rather, what they should do.

San Francisco Giants Offseason Outlook

bbdbrandon — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 16:51:37 -0000

Over at The Outsiders Look I am in the midst of a team-by-team series which looks at what I would do if I were running a Major League franchise. A recent installment has me looking at the San Francisco Giants, a team that is shooting up baseball's team prospect list.

The 2009 season, in my opinion, should be similar to what the Indians were doing in 2006-essentially holding season long tryouts for the following year. While some of the stones have begun to fall into place, the Giants could use another season to ensure they have the right idea on the likes of Schierholtz and Sandoval.

Additionally, the 2009 season is a good chance for the Giants to take a shot at some Major Leaguers looking to rehab their images. Wily Mo Pena, is a player I advocate bringing aboard and allowing the still youthful slugger a fulltime gig.

Check out what I've written and let me know what you would do I you were running the Giants. Keep in mind, this is not what you expect the Giants to do, rather, what you would do. Also, keep the ideas reasonable (ie. no Ishikawa for Pujols+cash trades).

San Diego Padres Offseason Outlook

bbdbrandon — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 16:38:18 -0000

Over at The Outsiders Look I am in the midst of a team by team look into what I would do if I was running the show-some may be thankful that I am not! In a recent installment, I take a look at the Padres and what I think their 2009 Opening Day roster should look like.

As devout Padres fans, what do you think about what I've done? What would you have done differently?

Pittsburgh Pirates Hotseat

bbdbrandon — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 16:21:13 -0000

Over at The Outsiders Look I have been doing a series about what I would do if I were in the front office of a specific organization. My latest installment checks in with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

While things look dire for the 2009 season, I ascertain that the future is getting bright for the Bucs. I see the makings of a nice system that, as I'm sure you all know, could still use some fixing up.

The unfortunate part of writing this, was being unable to find homes for Adam LaRoche, Freddy Sanchez, and John Grabow. Each of whom appear to be valuable commodities. However, the issue was finding low level prospects with whom the Pirates organization can watch grow and eventually build around.

Check out my article and let me know what you think of my plan for the Pittsburgh Pirates. In addition, are there players that fit the criteria I mentioned that you would like to go after and could conceivably land.

WWOD - Cincinnati Reds Edition

bbdbrandon — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 14:22:22 -0000

Over at The Outsiders Look I continue a series in which I put myself in the shoes of a Major League General Manager. A recent edition sees me taking over for Cincinnati Reds GM Walt Jocketty.

I suggest three major moves to improve the clubs hitting, starting with the addition of outfielder Willy Taveras, short stop JJ Hardy, and catcher Jeff Mathis.

In order to acquire Hardy and Mathis, the Reds would move Arroyo, and his seemingly affordable contract to the Brewers in exchange for Hardy. Mathis, a backup catcher with pop, would be traded for the still youthful Danny Dorn.

Another move, would be to try Homer Bailey out in relief, see if his stuff can translate into being an end of the game reliever rather then what he has been in the rotation thus far. While this may seem as though I am giving up on Bailey, quite the opposite is true. I feel as though Bailey could be an excellent set up man for years to come.

Check out my entire article and let's begin a discussion of what you would do. Not what the Reds should do or will do, what you would do-try to be realistic.

A Shot at Texas in 2009

bbdbrandon — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 14:10:03 -0000

Over at The Outsiders Look I am in the midst of a series of what I would do if I were in the shoes of a Major League General Manager. This installment has me breaking down the Rangers and giving an in depth analysis of the best plan of attack for the Rangers in 2009 and looking forward.

Over at Minor League Ball, John Sickels has opened the door for discussion as to what you would do, I'd like to continue that discussioin here.

That is, with all the tools in the minor league system, the glimpse of hope, specifically from Hamilton, Kinsler, Davis, and the boatload of impressive catchers, should the Rangers give it a go in 2009, or let the high ceiling pieces fall into place for 2010 and beyond?

I asserted in WWOD that the Rangers should make two major moves:

Trade M. Ramirez to the Kansas City Royals for L. Hochevar, and
Trade J. Saltalamacchia to the Boston Red Sox for C. Buccholz

The club, in my opinion should also attempt to be aggressive with some of their high ceiling pitchers, specifically Derek Holland and Neftali Feliz. It would also be interesting to see the Rangers be slightly more patient with their prospects once they finally do make the show.

Keep in mind, this article is written from the perspective of what would I do. The moves I suggested may not be moves that the Rangers would make, rather, they are moves that I would make if I were sitting in the front office in Arlington.

So what would you do?

Start #4 of the Adam Miller Watch

bbdbrandon — Fri, 09 May 2008 12:46:01 -0000

The return of the Adam Miller Watch comes at you after the worst statistical start of Miller's season. Miller's last start on May 4th, was a relatively shaky one, in which he was more the victim of bad luck then terrible pitching. This was noted in last week's Miller Watch when I discussed the play by play action of the game as I saw it unfold live. I do however want to make note that I am worried with how Miller was working behind in many of the counts.

On May 4th, Miller started the game off strong, striking out two in the first inning and beginning four of the five hitters he faced with a first pitch strike.

When Miller allowed two hits in the second inning, you could see his location was beginning to fade and he was not able to fool many of the hitters he faced. During this inning, three of five hitters started their at bats out with a ball.

This trend continued as Miller missed the strike zone to all but three of the first eight hitters he faced. Keep in mind, one of those three was a first pitch single that plated two of the three runs Miller allowed in that inning.

During the forth inning, Miller looked to be reestablishing himself early on against hitters, forcing them to go after his stuff. After two quick outs he again struggled to find the strike zone early and fell behind the next two hitters he would face. At this point, it was obvious Miller was laboring as he was clearing his season high for pitches thrown and had done so with a great amount of stress considering the amount of base runners he had allowed to this point.

As mentioned, luck played a role in the lack of success Miller had on that Sunday afternoon. The weather was not the best for a ballgame, especially for a kid from Texas. However, the biggest issue Miller ran into, was not being able to control hitters. He was constantly putting himself into situations where he was behind in the count and thus was forced to throw strikes. While Adam has the stuff to get by in instances where he is struggling to locate, occasionally the balls will simply fall into play, even greater are the chances of this happening when you are playing in front of Minor League defense.

A couple positives to take from this start. The first, despite Miller's lack of control, he managed to only allow one walk. Possibly Miller could have been a little more careful in hitters counts to not entirely give in. Second, Miller induced the most strike outs per inning of his short season. Although the negative of this is that it took more plate appearances then Adam's previous time out, the stat of K/9 increased, if ever so slightly.

A source close to the team is reporting that Miller's fastball has been working in the 90 to 93mph range. This is about where Torey Lovullo suggested it would be for much of the season as Adam focuses more on how to pitch.

My source also tells me that Miller has stated he is feeling fine, however he is frustrated with his location. Obviously with how Adam's track record, we can see that his walks are an anomaly and are presumably more due to rust then his actual ability. However, it isn't as if Miller's walk rate is terrible. So this could in fact be Miller's frustration with being unable to get ahead of hitters early.

Overall, my source tells me Miller hasn't felt as crisp as he would like. This, as I am told, is part of the reason why Miller has not been working very far into games. Keep in mind however, that Miller is essentially in Mid-April form instead of approaching Mid-May form. Even a minor set back, like the blisters Adam started the season with can have a major effect on a pitchers performance well into the season.

In addition to this, I am curious if Miller is holding something back. My source tells me Miller has hit 95mph at least once on the ballpark radar gun. For a pitcher who typically works in the mid 90s this could either be Miller trying a new approach (as asserted by Lovullo) or this could be Miller cautioning against injury.

I will be in Detroit for the Tigers-Yankees game and to set a long time friend off (aka Bachelor Party) so I won't be able to do my usual pitch-by-pitch analysis on the game. I will return for Miller's following start having hopefully attended the game in Buffalo that evening-weather permitting.

The Return of The Adam Miller Watch

bbdbrandon — Sun, 04 May 2008 16:25:33 -0000

Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported that Miller's fastball was being clocked at 93 MPH in Spring Training, which is excellent for a pitcher who missed a great deal of the 2007 season. In a recent Hey Hoynsie, Hoynes responds to a question about Adam Miller,

Miller recently rejoined Class AAA Buffalo after spending much of April in extended spring training in Winter Haven, Fla. He still hasn't recovered all his arm strength from last year, when he tore a ligament in his right middle finger and injured his right elbow. A blister on the same finger caused him to miss a great deal of spring training this year.
At full strength, Miller throws between 94 mph and 100 mph. He could help the Tribe in the pen or rotation if he can stay healthy.

While it is possible that Miller returns to the mid/high 90s form of his pre-injury days, Torey Lovullo however, asserted that it is probably unreasonable to think that Miller will be the pitcher of old. Hoynes does, however, bring up an interesting comment regarding Miller to the bullpen or rotation if healthy.

From what I have seen and recorded to date, Miller looks as though his confidence is rising, however his stamina and stuff is still slightly lacking. He has made hitters look foolish on occasion, but he is still lack that killer instinct that a pitcher with his ability needs. Think Jake Peavy over Daniel (or closer to home, Fernando) Cabrera. That, I'm going to throw strikes and you can't hit 'em mentality.

With Miller's start having been rained out yesterday, he will take the bump in the first of a double header. With Miller's arm strength building, and the game being shortened due to IL rules that limit doubleheader games to 7 innings, Miller is looking for his first victory of 2008, that will hopefully not be spoiled by the bullpen.

One thing that I would really like to see in Miller's start this afternoon, is more control of the plate. Having walked 10% of the batters he has faced, Miller has not done himself any favors, although this is not a terrible figure, consider that in 2007 Fausto Carmona sat just inside the top 30 with a 6.9%.

I will be keeping my eye on the game and giving some more feedback as Miller pitches. It is currently cool sitting in the low 50s. The sun is shining and the forecast is calling for a bright afternoon with some winds blowing from the west. Right handed hitters may see some of the balls off their bats fly a little bit longer because of that and we'll keep it in mind for when Miller is on the mound.

The internet's latest attempt at understanding the insides of baseball.

Over at my blog, I will be writing pitch by pitch analysis of Miller's start (scheduled for 1:05pm). Come over and check it out.

Adam Miller Watch: Part Two

bbdbrandon — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:16:02 -0000

After a successful return to the Hill for the 2008 season, Adam Miller will look to build off of what should have been a nice win. Without the errors and a little bit better fielding, I believe Miller would have made it through 6 innings without issue.

Let's take a walk through Adam's first start of the season using MiLB's Gameday.

Miller went 5 innings sticking to around the pitch count that Torey Lovullo suggested he would be at. Although I imagine had things went a little bit better for Miller, in terms of luck, he would have went on for a another 5 to 10 pitches. And as I mentioned, should have been able to make it through 6 innings, it not more.

The MiLB Gameday is not as detailed as MLB's, however it does give us a good impression of what the hitters were seeing and how the pitcher either tricked the hitters or was very predictable.

In the 1st inning, Adam Miller struck out Brett Gardner, the first hitter he faced in the season on a 4th pitch swinging strike. It was a pitch that was on the outside edge of the plate. The second batter Miller faced was Bernie Castro who walked on seven pitches, then moved to second on a passed ball. Castro fouled off three pitches as Miller worked mostly on the outside edge of the plate. Juan Miranda moved Castro from 2nd to 3rd as he grounds out in what would have been an inning ending double play (according to the Buffalo radio announcers). During this at bat Miller missed outside with his first two pitches, followed by a swinging strike inside. He hit his spot with pitch four on a called strike and and on pitch number five he left it over the plate a little bit where Miranda hit the ball to first. Shelly Duncan then managed to single in Castro looping an Adam Miller slider down the left field line. Miller was actually lucky to only allow a single as the slider went right down the middle of the plate. Miller was able to get out of the inning without allowing an earned run when Jason Lane grounded out to first; this, after he swung and missed on two fastballs. The first of which was out of the zone. Not a bad first inning, 2 strikeouts, a walk, a hit and an unearned run.

For the 2nd inning, Miller was working with a nice lead and seemed to be pitching, instead of throwing. While he still had issues hitting the outside edge of the plate, he did enough to get through the inning in order on only 10 pitches (7 strikes), zero of which were called strikes or swinging strikes. First basemen Eric Duncan was the first to the plate and Miller followed the scouting report keeping the ball away. Duncan ended up pulling the forth pitch he saw to second base for an easy ground out. Journeyman Nick Green was next to the plate and Miller made quick work of him, keeping the ball outside and getting a fly out to the opposite way in right field. Miller cannot be happy with his pitch selection against Greg Porter, however he did get him to ground out to short on 4 pitches (2 in the zone fouls).

Miller entered the 3rd inning with yet another run, but was not as sharp as he was in the second, allowing a hit and a walk. 32 pitches into his first start seems a little early to struggle, but since Miller made it out of the inning fine, it is nothing to worry about. Catcher Chris Stewart got onto first with a line drive up the middle. Stewart also took two called strikes, which were pitches that were low and in the zone, I'm guessing one of the two was Miller's signature slide piece. Brett Gardner saw four pitches, each of which were outside. Pitch one and two were perfectly placed pitches with pitch three being an obvious 'chase' pitch. Miller then missed his spot a little, but Gardner flew out to left center. Castro then worked a seven pitch at bat for a walk, he took pitch two and three for called strikes on the outside, probably a good idea given the pitch location. Pitch five and seven look to be very close pitches, low and right down the middle. With two on and one out, Miller faced his biggest test to date (image left). A nine pitch at bat which involved two swinging strikes and two pitches down the middle that were fouled off. Miller got by on his stuff during this battle, good to see from a guy coming back from an injury. Miller continued to show his ability to pitch, working both the inside and outside of the plate. It still appears as if he is struggling with location, but getting Duncan to ground out on six pitches (with an in the zone swinging strike) ended the inning.

A 32 pitch inning put Miller at 64 entering the forth inning, in what I would have expected to be a rough one given the quick fashion the Bisons went down in for their half of the inning. However, a three pitch at bat to Lane with a perfectly place inside strike two. Eric Duncan sat down after four pitches and a pop up to third base. Miller tried to go high-low during this pitch sequence (image right). Miller again made quick work of Nick Green getting him to ground out to third on two pitches, an in the zone foul and an away pulled ground out.

Miller entered the 5th inning with 73 pitches thrown, 45 being for strikes. A nice ratio, but nothing spectacular given all of the foul balls that were hit. For this inning, the Yankees did the exact opposite of what I would have suggested to do to a pitcher approaching his pitch count in his first start back, they were aggressive. Porter put a ball in play after two pitches, both pitches in the zone on the outside edge. Stewart reached on an error by Miller, who was trying to throw out Porter at second in what would have been a double play. Gardner fouled off two pitches outside and the third one he popped out to left field. In what should have been the last out of the inning, or even an inning ending double play, Castro moved the Porter to third while sacrificing Stewart at second. Another quick two pitch at bat, where Miller worked away for a called strike, then missing a little and coming a little over the plate. In essentially the same pitch as the one Castro hit to third, Miller missed in what Miranda lined for a double which scored two, bringing the Bison lead down to one and forcing pitching coach Scott Radinski to the mound. Leaving Miller in provided to be the right choice as he got Duncan to ground out to short stop ending the threat on two pitches.

Overall, a nice debut for Miller where he threw 65% of his pitches for strikes. Miller owned an adequate ground out ratio of 47%. As I mentioned, with proper fielding, Miller should have made it through at least 6 innings, which would have allowed the Bisons to enter the 7th inning with a 4 run lead. Instead the club was only leading by a single run.

Miller will go tonight, again facing the Scranton-Wilkes Barre Yankees. Pitching at home for the first time this season and against the same team in five days will be the least of Miller's obstacles, as he needs to prove he is healthy and ready to be a factor with the Indians this season. If his first start was any indication of things to come, I must admit I was wrong about the kid. Here's to hoping!

I was intending on heading to the game this evening, however I have other obligations to take care of (namely school work that I have procrastinated on up until now that is due in the next two days). I will, however, be listening to the game on the radio and will provide updates as I see fit. I hope you are enjoying this series as much as I am.

The internet's latest attempt at understanding the insides of baseball.