SB Nation User Blog: schaef888

Free Agency Privew of First Basemen

schaef888 — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:08:56 -0000

Free Agency Privew of First Basemen

Jim Callis on Braves Prospects

schaef888 — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:12:21 -0000

Richie (SC)

Do you think that Craig Kimbrel will ever gain good enough control to be an effective major league pitcher?

Jim Callis

(2:29 PM)

Yes. With his mid-90s fastball and his slider, he just needs to get to "effectively wild" to get the job done in the majors. If he can do better than that, he has closer potential.

Tom (San Francisco, CA)

Should Freddie Freeman's performance thus far in the Arizona Fall League be a cause for concern?

Jim Callis

(2:30 PM)

I had a scout tell me he was disappointed in Freeman's bat speed and athleticism. But Freeman had wrist problems during the season, and it often takes a long time for a hitter to recover from that. I don't place a lot of stock in AFL performance and I'm not alarmed by Freeman's.

jim (virginia)

As a Braves fan I couldn't be more exicted about having one of the game's top prospects (if not the top prospect) in Jayson Heyward. But after him I worry about the depth of the farm system. How would you rate the overall strength of the farm as compared to other organizations?

Jim Callis

(2:38 PM)

I haven't lined up all the systems, but I was shocked at the Braves' lack of depth, considering they always seem to have a Top 10 system. But once you get past Heyward, Freeman, Teheran, Minor and Kimbrel, it falls off quickly. Particularly in terms of position players.

Tom (ATL) What do you think of Freeman? Some Braves fans think he will be ready to be our...

schaef888 — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:55:17 -0000

Tom (ATL)

What do you think of Freeman? Some Braves fans think he will be ready to be our opening day starter come 2011. I just don't see it. Am I wrong?

Jim Callis (2:21 PM)

I think you are wrong. I like Freddie Freeman.

M-Braves GM on Heyward/Freeman

schaef888 — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 20:40:35 -0000

My brother was at a civic meeting where Steve DeSalvo, GM of the M-Braves was the guest speaker. Steve said to not be surprised if Heyward and Freeman were promoted prior to Sept callups. And they would definitely be promoted when the rosters expand. He said he heard talk that Freeman wasn't ready, but that since Heyward & Freeman are best friends, that they would progress together.

I don't know if I believe that statement because there is nowhere to put Freeman, and they aren't going to promote him to sit the bench. I always thought they would advance them together, but I thought that meant Heyward wouldn't get the call prior to Sept.

Jim, can you give me scouting information on J.J. Hoover. His single A stats look to be pretty good...

schaef888 — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 19:00:38 -0000

Jim, can you give me scouting information on J.J. Hoover. His single A stats look to be pretty good so far, whip 1.17, 83/11 K/BB.

Jim Callis (2:43 PM)

Workhorse-type starter with four solid pitches, starting with an 88-92 mph sinker.

Kyle Cofield

schaef888 — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:19:45 -0000

Kyle Cofield

ESPN reports Burrell to Rays

schaef888 — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 20:04:54 -0000

I hate Burrell as much as the next guy but at 2/$16M, why were we not in on this? Seriously, he puts up 30 HRs & 100 RBIs every year. ATL has proven it can handle a middle of the order bat putting up a .250 average. His biggest deficiency is defense. I don't like that either. Again, for an $8 million commitment for only two years. That seems like a no brainer. word