SB Nation User Blog: rhodehead

Curtis Granderson - Where does he go from here?

rhodehead — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 04:22:35 -0000

Watching the Yankees/Tigers game tonight, I got to thinking about Curtis Granderson (a nice 3 hit game, including a late inning HR). What does the future hold for young Curtis?

With an impressive spring training, he was touted as a possible 20/20 candidate eventually. Many people on this site (including John) spoke very favorably of him early in the season. He started out of the gate like gangbusters, with 57 runs, 20 2b, 11 HR, 43 RBI, 47 BB, 97 K, 7/11 SB, .278/.366/462 before the all star break. I think these numbers are more reflective of his talent level and potential.

From July on, though, he fell off the pace, hitting just .238 with 33 runs and just 19 walks in 72 games. He did end the season with 19 HR and 90 runs scored, very solid out of the leadoff spot.

He led the AL in K's in 174, which is a problem. He is very solid defensively and seems to have a strong work ethic. Being his first full season in the bigs, I think he has potential to improve and make adjustments.

Can anyone comment on his stolen bases or lack there of? Is he not getting the green light or does he not have a good technique? I am curious because his minor league sb numbers combined with his overall solid speed I thought would translate to more sb's. Can we expect improvement in '07 in the sb department?

Where do you think Curtis Granderson goes from here?

Jeremy Accardo - Future Closer?

rhodehead — Sun, 04 Jun 2006 04:49:47 -0000

Before we shift gears into draft mode, I just wanted to get some thoughts on this guy.

I have not had a chance to see him pitch this year, but the numbers are impressive:
22 2/3 IP, 2.78 ERA, 7 BB, 23K.

Does he have back of the bullpen stuff? Any chance he will be groomed as San Francisco's future closer? It seems he is being used in more pressure situations lately and so far he has been very effective. Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated...

Grading Ryan Shealy...

rhodehead — Mon, 02 Jan 2006 23:15:49 -0000

Since the poll question about Ryan Shealy's prospect grade got a ton of votes, i figured i would post a diary to discuss...

Shealy is an interesting case. Obviously, he is blocked by Todd Helton at 1b. He has shed about 15 lbs. since the the outfield. He did a nice job when Helton went down last year and he put up nice AAA numbers as well...

I am not sure if his knees will hold up for the shift to the outfield, but at least the Rockies realize that they have to get his bat in the lineup. I still think there is a good chance he is dealt. At any rate, I think he can hold his own as an above-average major leaguer with his bat in any park, but in Coors Field he has the potential to be a borderline star with regular PT (but will he get that PT with the Rockies in 2006?)

I voted that he would be a very solid B prospect (almost B+), and i really like his offensive potential. I am curious as to why everyone else voted the way they did...

Ryan Madson to the rotation?...

rhodehead — Fri, 16 Dec 2005 00:28:02 -0000

Now that Vicente Padilla was dealt to Texas for a bag of marbles, it looks likely that Ryan Madson could move to the rotation this year...

What does everyone think his numbers would look like? He had success as a starter in the minors, he is 25 years old and pitched well in relief for the past two years. He broke down at the end of last season with a terrible September (overuse), but other than that, he was very good.

2006: 185 IP, 12 W, 3.90 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 160 K

Is that a reasonable projection? Does he have potential to be better? I am not expecting ace material, but I think he does have very appealing potential in the rotation...

thoughts on joey gathright...

rhodehead — Tue, 15 Nov 2005 23:59:18 -0000

Here is a guy alot of people seem to be split on. On one hand, he has awesome speed, probably one of the fastest in the majors. On the other hand, he has no power, definitely a slap hitter. Juan Pierre is the comparison that gets thrown out there the most. Others say he will make an impact because of his speed, but not as a regular...

The Drays OF is crowded as it is and Rocco is coming back. Gathright has been rumored in a number of trades, the latest i believe has him going to the Padres.

What does everyone think about him? Will he get on base enough to make a difference as a regular leadoff hitter in the bigs? Fantasy-wise, can he get enough PT to have an impact with his speed?

Any and all thoughts welcome...

thoughts on these young guys for '06?

rhodehead — Mon, 31 Oct 2005 16:10:32 -0000

I am in a 20 team keeper league and i thought this would be as good a place as any to get thoughts on these guys for 2006 and beyond. Who stands out among these guys as having the most fantasy potential? All these guys are on the cheap for next year (except Upton), but unfortunately, I can't keep all of them.

1b Justin Huber - Playing time? Does have have enough power to be a reliable fantasy 1b?

1b Ryan Shealy - Helton. Will he produce big numbers outside of Colorado if traded?

SS BJ Upton - the million dollar question, does he have a gig in Tampa to start '06 (or anytime in '06), and if so what position?

RP Rafael Soriano - Mariners next closer? How does he look since his return from TJ - 2003 form?

RP Fernando Cabrera - Indians next closer? When?

RP/SP Aaron Heilman - I have a feeling he will be dealt, but does he end up in the rotation or the pen and will he have a (fantasy) impact?

RP Ryan Madson - Will the Phillies let him close?

Many offseason moves in real baseball could answer some of these fantasy baseball questions, but i am not afforded that luxury. Lists must be submitted in a couple weeks. Any thoughts on any of these players would be greatly appreciated. thanks!

Pirates SP prospects...

rhodehead — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 00:22:50 -0000

Would anyone care to rank/give thoughts on the plethora of pitching prospects the Pirates have brought up this year...

Who will have a rotation spot in '06? What about potential beyond next year?

Zach Duke - should have a spot locked up. Highest regarded prospect of the group.

Ian Snell - walks too many, but has had a couple pretty good starts lately.

Tom Gorzelanny - probably needs a year of AAA

Paul Maholm - a finesse lefty

Bryan Bullington - had a pretty good year at AAA this year.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Mike Jacobs C/1B Mets

rhodehead — Thu, 25 Aug 2005 14:04:30 -0000

Does anyone have a scouting report on this guy?

He has been tearing the cover off the ball in the little time that he has been up with the Mets so far to the tune of .538/.625 with 4 HR and 9 RBI in 4 games.

Extremely small sample size, but he has definitely caught my attention. He is a fairly young left handed bat, playing 1B (i think is the 3rd Catcher). Numbers in AAA look good this season as well...

Does he have enough power to stay at first? Should/will he get a look at 1B with the Mets next season? Of course, I am well aware he could fizzle out of memory with an 0 for 25 streak, but any feedback on him would be appreciated....

Thoughts on Scott Hairston?

rhodehead — Fri, 08 Jul 2005 03:40:07 -0000

What are everyone's thoughts on Arizona OF Scott Hairston?

He showed pretty good pop last season while playing 2B, hitting 13 HR in 339 AB's. This season he has been up and down a couple times, but has not seen a significant number of AB's.

He has been converted to the OF this season from 2B. Does he have a future in Arizona's OF as a starter next season? Is he an every day player? I have heard some coaches/scouts feel hit has 25-30 HR potential, but i have not heard much else about his scouting report.

He has hit real well in AAA this season:

.302/.386/.611 with 13 HR, 31 RBI and 34 Runs in 46 games...

Melky Cabrera OF, NYY gets the call....

rhodehead — Thu, 07 Jul 2005 17:21:22 -0000

http://www.trentonthunder.com/release/zRelease.asp#Latest

Reported on the Trenton Thunder (Yankees AA team) site, OF Melky Cabrera will be called up and be in the starting lineup tonight against Cleveland.

He was just last week promoted from AA to AAA following the Yankee pow-wow in Tampa. In a very small sample size (9 games), he tore up AAA - hitting .324/425/647 with 2 doubles, 3 HR, 11 RBI and 6 Runs.

He will likely be playing centerfield for the Yankees. Possible showcase for a trade? Or do they see what the 20 year old can do before deciding whether to make a trade or stick with what they have?