SB Nation User Blog: goose102977

James McDonald's AAA Debut

goose102977 — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:01:45 -0000

James McDonald made his AAA debut last night for Las Vegas and threw a QS gem. His line:

6 IP, 1 ER, 1 HRA, 2 H, 10 K, 2 BB, W

In my personal opinion, I think McDonald has really flown under the radar this season due to the hype around Clayton Kershaw. Sure his GO/AO ration is a bit troublesome (0.67 on the season), but if he was a Rockies, Phillies, or Reds prospect I would be more concerned than if he actually gets a chance in LA. I brought his name up in a previous post and rated him as a B+/B prospect but now believe his ceiling could be a #2 in an ideal world, more likely a #3. Just curious what everyone else thinks. I have not seen him pitch live, so if you have, tell me what you saw.

Worst GM in MLB

goose102977 — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 21:44:47 -0000

This is the time of year that every fan becomes critical of every move that every GM makes. Whether right or wrong we all have our opinion and having read many of these diaries I have noticed that certain people love to rip into certain GMs. Well here is your chance.

In your opinion, who is the worst GM in baseball? Don't just list the GM of your least favorite team, back it up with past transactions, mismanagement of the roster, etc. I have my personal opinion, but will save it so as not to draw the ire of that team's fans who may think this is just a chance to rip them.

What do you guys think?

Kotchman v Morales

goose102977 — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 20:08:35 -0000

Bill Stoneman is known to love his prospect, but the recent signing of Shea Hillenbrand makes little sense to me. It seems as if Hillenbrand will be taking ABs away from both Casey Kotchman and Kendry Morales when Rivera returns from his injury.

That said, who do you see having a better 2007 and beyond, Morales and Kotchman? Technically they both are 1B (I see Morales more as a corner OF or DH in the future). Who do you think has a greater upside?

Kendrick v Scioscia

goose102977 — Mon, 01 May 2006 14:26:57 -0000

I am very confused by Mike Scioscia's handling of Howie Kendrick. Why bother calling up one of your most prized prospects in order to have him sit on the bench all week? He could have been working on his defense and continnuing to swing the hot stick in AAA. I do not understand why the Angels would not call up a lower lever prospect, ala Erick Aybar for example, to be a back up for Cabrera at SS. Can someone enlighten me?

Carlos Marmol

goose102977 — Thu, 20 Apr 2006 15:58:29 -0000

There has been very little written about Carlos Marmol as one of the top pitching prospects in the Minor Leagues and I am not certain as to why that is. So far he is off to an amazing start at AA West Tennessee posting an 0.52 ERA and 21 Ks in his first 17.1 IP. Not to mention allowing only 2 hits in his first two starts combined, and 7 total all season. He was not included in Baseball America's Top 100, but he has continued to post a great ERA and a 1:1 K/IP ratio at every level he has pitched. What is Marmol's ceiling?

Howie Kendrick ETA

goose102977 — Sun, 09 Apr 2006 18:05:18 -0000

I realize it is extremely early in the season, but it is tough to ignore Howie Kendrick already tearing up AAA to a tune of a .600 BA and .692 SLG. I think the Angels realize that Adam Kennedy is just keeping 2B warm for Kendrick, but how long can the they afford to keep Howie's bat in AAA, when their offense is a clear weakness?

I think the Angels need to consider a mid-May call up for Kendrick. His glove was an issue in Spring Training, but his offensive abilities have to negate those deficiencies. I am interested in everyone's thoughts on this topic.

Wood vs. Kendrick

goose102977 — Fri, 13 Jan 2006 16:45:29 -0000

Both Howie Kendrick and Brandon Wood had unbelievable seasons in 2005. Which of the two do you foresee having a better career?

In my personal opinion, I feel Howie Kendrick is the type of player that comes around less often than Wood. He hits for a high average, has pop, and can steal bases from a position that historically is not known for its offense. Wood on the other hand strikes out too often and is destined to play 3B in the Bigs, a position where power is easily found.

What current or past players would you compare Wood and Kendrick to?