***Official Philadelphia Phillies Thread*** - Castellanos ****s wit Philly (2 Viewers)

[sporthenry]

If Amaro doesn't get the ax this year, then we know that his hands have been tied by the owners. There was some discussion that the owners were behind the Howard deal. Also, the fact they haven't tried to raise the payroll is telling. But if you aren't going to be competitive, cut payroll and save money for the future.

The only good thing is that the farm system is being replenished. Law has them at 14 after having them at 29 last year. Most of it has to do with last year's draft and a lot of their really young pieces. Add in the #7 pick this year (which has historically been a great pick) and the future is bright. Hopefully Amaro doesn't do anything stupid.

I think you look to move Brown at the deadline if he replicates last year at all.

The problem with that is that the best pieces of the farm are so young that we honestly have no idea which way they'll go. If they do pan out, that's at least 4 to 5 years away since this organization historically doesn't bring guys up until they are 24-25.

Fair enough, but having this many young pieces graded so highly, odds are some of them come through. The #7 pick has actually been promoted rather quickly and looking at ESPN's projections for this year, the Phillies might get the #2 pick next year.

I agree they are probably several years away, which also coincides with Howard coming off the books. It kinda sucks since the NL East is sort of up for grabs right now. Braves are good but not great and the rest of the division sucks. By the time the Phillies are set to contend, the Mets should be better and who knows with the Braves/Nats.

And if the Phillies want to compete earlier, those pieces can be used to try to go after someone like Stanton. Either way, it isn't as fun as winning but at least its building towards something which was woefully missing the last few years.

Who are you talking about?

I was talking historically. Kershaw, Tulo, Mike Minor, Harvey were in the majors within 2 years of being drafted. So they should be able to add someone who could conceivably be with the big club in 2 years.

 

[Insein]

If Amaro doesn't get the ax this year, then we know that his hands have been tied by the owners. There was some discussion that the owners were behind the Howard deal. Also, the fact they haven't tried to raise the payroll is telling. But if you aren't going to be competitive, cut payroll and save money for the future.

The only good thing is that the farm system is being replenished. Law has them at 14 after having them at 29 last year. Most of it has to do with last year's draft and a lot of their really young pieces. Add in the #7 pick this year (which has historically been a great pick) and the future is bright. Hopefully Amaro doesn't do anything stupid.

I think you look to move Brown at the deadline if he replicates last year at all.

The problem with that is that the best pieces of the farm are so young that we honestly have no idea which way they'll go. If they do pan out, that's at least 4 to 5 years away since this organization historically doesn't bring guys up until they are 24-25.

Fair enough, but having this many young pieces graded so highly, odds are some of them come through. The #7 pick has actually been promoted rather quickly and looking at ESPN's projections for this year, the Phillies might get the #2 pick next year.

I agree they are probably several years away, which also coincides with Howard coming off the books. It kinda sucks since the NL East is sort of up for grabs right now. Braves are good but not great and the rest of the division sucks. By the time the Phillies are set to contend, the Mets should be better and who knows with the Braves/Nats.

And if the Phillies want to compete earlier, those pieces can be used to try to go after someone like Stanton. Either way, it isn't as fun as winning but at least its building towards something which was woefully missing the last few years.

Who are you talking about?

I was talking historically. Kershaw, Tulo, Mike Minor, Harvey were in the majors within 2 years of being drafted. So they should be able to add someone who could conceivably be with the big club in 2 years.

Not historically in the Phillies system though. We've had high draft picks that took years to find their way to the big leagues.

 

[Eephus]

If Amaro doesn't get the ax this year, then we know that his hands have been tied by the owners. There was some discussion that the owners were behind the Howard deal. Also, the fact they haven't tried to raise the payroll is telling. But if you aren't going to be competitive, cut payroll and save money for the future.

The only good thing is that the farm system is being replenished. Law has them at 14 after having them at 29 last year. Most of it has to do with last year's draft and a lot of their really young pieces. Add in the #7 pick this year (which has historically been a great pick) and the future is bright. Hopefully Amaro doesn't do anything stupid.

I think you look to move Brown at the deadline if he replicates last year at all.

The problem with that is that the best pieces of the farm are so young that we honestly have no idea which way they'll go. If they do pan out, that's at least 4 to 5 years away since this organization historically doesn't bring guys up until they are 24-25.

Fair enough, but having this many young pieces graded so highly, odds are some of them come through. The #7 pick has actually been promoted rather quickly and looking at ESPN's projections for this year, the Phillies might get the #2 pick next year.

I agree they are probably several years away, which also coincides with Howard coming off the books. It kinda sucks since the NL East is sort of up for grabs right now. Braves are good but not great and the rest of the division sucks. By the time the Phillies are set to contend, the Mets should be better and who knows with the Braves/Nats.

And if the Phillies want to compete earlier, those pieces can be used to try to go after someone like Stanton. Either way, it isn't as fun as winning but at least its building towards something which was woefully missing the last few years.

Who are you talking about?

I was talking historically. Kershaw, Tulo, Mike Minor, Harvey were in the majors within 2 years of being drafted. So they should be able to add someone who could conceivably be with the big club in 2 years.

Not historically in the Phillies system though. We've had high draft picks that took years to find their way to the big leagues.

Every Phillies #1 pick since Utley in 2000 has been a high schooler. The only collegiate #1 was Joe Savery who turned out to be just a guy. They've generally picked towards the end of the round which probably explains part of their draft day strategy.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

If Amaro doesn't get the ax this year, then we know that his hands have been tied by the owners. There was some discussion that the owners were behind the Howard deal. Also, the fact they haven't tried to raise the payroll is telling. But if you aren't going to be competitive, cut payroll and save money for the future.

The only good thing is that the farm system is being replenished. Law has them at 14 after having them at 29 last year. Most of it has to do with last year's draft and a lot of their really young pieces. Add in the #7 pick this year (which has historically been a great pick) and the future is bright. Hopefully Amaro doesn't do anything stupid.

I think you look to move Brown at the deadline if he replicates last year at all.

The problem with that is that the best pieces of the farm are so young that we honestly have no idea which way they'll go. If they do pan out, that's at least 4 to 5 years away since this organization historically doesn't bring guys up until they are 24-25.

Fair enough, but having this many young pieces graded so highly, odds are some of them come through. The #7 pick has actually been promoted rather quickly and looking at ESPN's projections for this year, the Phillies might get the #2 pick next year.

I agree they are probably several years away, which also coincides with Howard coming off the books. It kinda sucks since the NL East is sort of up for grabs right now. Braves are good but not great and the rest of the division sucks. By the time the Phillies are set to contend, the Mets should be better and who knows with the Braves/Nats.

And if the Phillies want to compete earlier, those pieces can be used to try to go after someone like Stanton. Either way, it isn't as fun as winning but at least its building towards something which was woefully missing the last few years.

Who are you talking about?

I was talking historically. Kershaw, Tulo, Mike Minor, Harvey were in the majors within 2 years of being drafted. So they should be able to add someone who could conceivably be with the big club in 2 years.

Not historically in the Phillies system though. We've had high draft picks that took years to find their way to the big leagues.

Hey, Jeff Jackson ruled!

 

[Long Ball Larry]

They actually had a really good run from 97-02 and outside of that, almost nothing from the first round.

2002 Cole Hamels LHP San Diego, CA 17

2001 Gavin Floyd RHP Mt. St. Joseph HS, Baltim 4

2000 Chase Utley 2B Long Beach, CA 15

1999 Brett Myers RHP Jacksonville, FL 12

1998 Pat Burrell 1B U. of Miami (FL) 1

1997 *-J.D. Drew OF Florida State U 2

 

[CentralPA]

They actually had a really good run from 97-02 and outside of that, almost nothing from the first round.

2002 Cole Hamels LHP San Diego, CA 17

2001 Gavin Floyd RHP Mt. St. Joseph HS, Baltim 4

2000 Chase Utley 2B Long Beach, CA 15

1999 Brett Myers RHP Jacksonville, FL 12

1998 Pat Burrell 1B U. of Miami (FL) 1

1997 *-J.D. Drew OF Florida State U 2

I still have hope for Biddle. He was a first rounder wasn't he?

 

[Eephus]

Jamie Moyer and Matt Stairs are reportedly going to join the Phillies' broadcast team.

I wouldn't be surprised to see either one on the 25 man roster by the All-Star break.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

They actually had a really good run from 97-02 and outside of that, almost nothing from the first round.

2002 Cole Hamels LHP San Diego, CA 17

2001 Gavin Floyd RHP Mt. St. Joseph HS, Baltim 4

2000 Chase Utley 2B Long Beach, CA 15

1999 Brett Myers RHP Jacksonville, FL 12

1998 Pat Burrell 1B U. of Miami (FL) 1

1997 *-J.D. Drew OF Florida State U 2

I still have hope for Biddle. He was a first rounder wasn't he?

Yep

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Jamie Moyer and Matt Stairs are reportedly going to join the Phillies' broadcast team.

I wouldn't be surprised to see either one on the 25 man roster by the All-Star break.

I'm just wondering how many beers Stairs is going to chug during each game.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

AJ Burnett signed to a 1-year 16 million dollar deal and Cole says he'll more then likely miss the first month of the season

 

[sporthenry]

AJ Burnett signed to a 1-year 16 million dollar deal and Cole says he'll more then likely miss the first month of the season

This team is going to have a nasty regression to the mean with Burnett and Byrd.

In the CSN article, Hamels made it seem like he might miss a few rotations (which isn't huge since they have a few off days in the first 2 weeks).

Should be a solid rotation and potential for a very good one if they get anything out of MAG.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

@CoreySeidman: A.J. Burnett led NL with 9.85 K/9 last year.

He's 2nd in MLB with 56.7% groundball rate since 2012.

Rare stuff.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

There are definitely going to be problems for Burnett with the fans and the media, but as a baseball move, I am good with it.

 

[fred_1_15301]

This city is going to LOVE Burnett

 

[Insein]

The money doesn't really matter as it's a 1 year deal but Ruben really doesn't know how to negotiate. Did he just blurt out $16 mil when AJ's agent feigned disinterest at $12 or $14mil? Sheesh.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

@CSNBaggs: Phillies cut Chad Gaudin after he fails physical. http://t.co/isgEPrJ7dh

 

[Long Ball Larry]

@CSNBaggs: Phillies cut Chad Gaudin after he fails physical. http://t.co/isgEPrJ7dh

comatose women fear for their safety as he now has more time (among other things) on his hands.

 

[fred_1_15301]

The money doesn't really matter as it's a 1 year deal but Ruben really doesn't know how to negotiate. Did he just blurt out $16 mil when AJ's agent feigned disinterest at $12 or $14mil? Sheesh.

The Phillies are one of the few teams that can outbid just about anyone. They now have a formidable 1-3 in the rotation. If they get anything out of that lineup (I know big if), they're in the playoff hunt. For a 1 year deal, not sure how anyone can be critical.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

The money doesn't really matter as it's a 1 year deal but Ruben really doesn't know how to negotiate. Did he just blurt out $16 mil when AJ's agent feigned disinterest at $12 or $14mil? Sheesh.

The Phillies are one of the few teams that can outbid just about anyone. They now have a formidable 1-3 in the rotation. If they get anything out of that lineup (I know big if), they're in the playoff hunt. For a 1 year deal, not sure how anyone can be critical.

Hamels saying he may miss a month is bad. Also, AJ was contemplating retirement not too long ago so I can't imagine he's in the best of shape either.

 

[fred_1_15301]

The money doesn't really matter as it's a 1 year deal but Ruben really doesn't know how to negotiate. Did he just blurt out $16 mil when AJ's agent feigned disinterest at $12 or $14mil? Sheesh.

The Phillies are one of the few teams that can outbid just about anyone. They now have a formidable 1-3 in the rotation. If they get anything out of that lineup (I know big if), they're in the playoff hunt. For a 1 year deal, not sure how anyone can be critical.

Hamels saying he may miss a month is bad. Also, AJ was contemplating retirement not too long ago so I can't imagine he's in the best of shape either.

Yeah injuries are a concern and he tends to fade quickly after about 6 innings. He's also likely due for a bit of a regression. With a 1 year deal, the Phillies can take the risk. At worst, if they're out of contention, they move him for prospects. The one fear is that this guy has a lot of passion and could turn into a papplebon type situation if things go south quickly. If they're contending, he will be a team leader who fans will love.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

Wow:

@EliotShorrParks: #Phillies have to give Burnett $8.5 mil to walk away next season. So really RAJ guaranteed him $25 mil for maybe one season (@JonHeymanCBS)

 

[Bigboy10182000]

@JeffPassan: Source: With bonuses, Craig Kimbrel can earn around $46 million over the first four years of his deal.

Less money then Papelbon. Unreal.

 

[Eephus]

@JeffPassan: Source: With bonuses, Craig Kimbrel can earn around $46 million over the first four years of his deal.

Less money then Papelbon. Unreal.

Even Ruben Amaro Jr understands the difference between buying out arbitration years and signing free agents on the open market

 

[Eephus]

Well, this kind of sucks

One of the NCAA's many silly rules prohibits its athletes from using an agent to negotiate with professional teams, but many do and it is an open secret in baseball. The agents are typically referred to as "advisors." With thousands and sometimes millions of dollars being discussed, having proper counsel is imperative.

According to Baseball America's Aaron Fitt, the Phillies turned Oregon State left-hander Ben Wetzler in to the NCAA after he declined to sign as their fifth round pick in last summer's draft and returned to school for his senior season. Fitt says the Phillies also tried to turn in sixth rounder Jason Monda, an outfielder/first baseman who declined to sign and returned to Washington State. Fitt adds the team was upset both players didn't sign, so this is all sour grapes.

The exact details of what happened are unknown -- were the team's decision makers on board with this, or did someone do it behind the boss's back? -- but based on what we know, this is a rather scummy move by the Phillies. Yes, Wetzler broke the rules, but the rule itself is unfair and unrealistic and the team intentionally sabotaged the kid's future. Wetzler has been suspended indefinitely by the NCAA, so he can't play and try to improve his stock for this year's draft or simply help Oregon State try to win a national championship.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Based on Larry Andersen interview yesterday (and it's still early), it sounds like there is a fair chance that Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez will start the year in triple A.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/24444795/arm-strength-an-issue-for-miguel-alfredo-gonzalez-early-in-phillies-camp

Last July, the Phillies and Cuban right-hander Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez agreed to a six-year contract worth upwards of $60 million. The deal hit a snag a few weeks later, reportedly due to concerns about his elbow, and the two sides later worked out a three-year deal worth only $12 million.

That substantial drop in price may have been a harbinger of things to come. According toDavid Murphy of the Philadelphia Daily News, Gonzalez's velocity has lagged behind the team's other starters so far in spring training. "I'm interested to see him build arm strength," said manager Ryne Sandberg.

The Phillies originally planned to have Gonzalez report to the team's complex in Florida last September to pitch in Instructional League games, but he was only playing catch and long toss by mid October. Joe Jordan, the team's director of player development, said the club decided to take it easy on their new addition.

Now, obviously being concerned about a pitcher's arm strength during the first days of camp is pretty silly. Gonzalez is a bit of a different case though because the team found something they didn't like in his elbow and reduced his contract considerably. He also didn't pitch for two years prior to signing because he had been suspended in Cuba for previous defection attempts.

Philadelphia signed A.J. Burnett last week but Cole Hamels is dealing with a shoulder issue and is not expected to be ready for the start of the season. Cliff Lee and Kyle Kendrick will join Burnett in the rotation while Gonzalez, Jonathan Pettibone, Roberto Hernandez and Sean O'Sullivan compete for the remaining spots.

 

[Eephus]

Based on Larry Andersen interview yesterday (and it's still early), it sounds like there is a fair chance that Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez will start the year in triple A.

Maybe they'll turn him in to the Cuban authorities for violating rules during his defection.

 

[Billy Bats]

Well, this kind of sucks

One of the NCAA's many silly rules prohibits its athletes from using an agent to negotiate with professional teams, but many do and it is an open secret in baseball. The agents are typically referred to as "advisors." With thousands and sometimes millions of dollars being discussed, having proper counsel is imperative.

According to Baseball America's Aaron Fitt, the Phillies turned Oregon State left-hander Ben Wetzler in to the NCAA after he declined to sign as their fifth round pick in last summer's draft and returned to school for his senior season. Fitt says the Phillies also tried to turn in sixth rounder Jason Monda, an outfielder/first baseman who declined to sign and returned to Washington State. Fitt adds the team was upset both players didn't sign, so this is all sour grapes.

The exact details of what happened are unknown -- were the team's decision makers on board with this, or did someone do it behind the boss's back? -- but based on what we know, this is a rather scummy move by the Phillies. Yes, Wetzler broke the rules, but the rule itself is unfair and unrealistic and the team intentionally sabotaged the kid's future. Wetzler has been suspended indefinitely by the NCAA, so he can't play and try to improve his stock for this year's draft or simply help Oregon State try to win a national championship.

Sounds like a pretty ####ty move by the front office. More great GMing by Rube.@aaronfitt

Hearing from one agent after another today about the Ben Wetzler situation. There will be repercussions for the Phillies.

2:28pm - 20 Feb 14

One agent: "As of today, Phillies are out. Phillies are not getting into any more of our households. We're shutting down all communications"

2:30pm - 20 Feb 14

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Suggested on the morning show today that perhaps RAJ just wanted to improve Stanford's chances of winning the PAC-12.

 

[Jaysus]

Based on Larry Andersen interview yesterday (and it's still early), it sounds like there is a fair chance that Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez will start the year in triple A.

Maybe they'll turn him in to the Cuban authorities for violating rules during his defection.

 

[sporthenry]

Well, this kind of sucks

One of the NCAA's many silly rules prohibits its athletes from using an agent to negotiate with professional teams, but many do and it is an open secret in baseball. The agents are typically referred to as "advisors." With thousands and sometimes millions of dollars being discussed, having proper counsel is imperative.

According to Baseball America's Aaron Fitt, the Phillies turned Oregon State left-hander Ben Wetzler in to the NCAA after he declined to sign as their fifth round pick in last summer's draft and returned to school for his senior season. Fitt says the Phillies also tried to turn in sixth rounder Jason Monda, an outfielder/first baseman who declined to sign and returned to Washington State. Fitt adds the team was upset both players didn't sign, so this is all sour grapes.

The exact details of what happened are unknown -- were the team's decision makers on board with this, or did someone do it behind the boss's back? -- but based on what we know, this is a rather scummy move by the Phillies. Yes, Wetzler broke the rules, but the rule itself is unfair and unrealistic and the team intentionally sabotaged the kid's future. Wetzler has been suspended indefinitely by the NCAA, so he can't play and try to improve his stock for this year's draft or simply help Oregon State try to win a national championship.

Sounds like a pretty ####ty move by the front office. More great GMing by Rube.@aaronfitt

Hearing from one agent after another today about the Ben Wetzler situation. There will be repercussions for the Phillies.

2:28pm - 20 Feb 14

One agent: "As of today, Phillies are out. Phillies are not getting into any more of our households. We're shutting down all communications"

2:30pm - 20 Feb 14

On the surface, this sounds bad, but honestly, what can agents do? I doubt this really influences who the Phillies draft. Most people in the first few rounds aren't likely to go back to school.

So maybe a few juniors in the mid rounds just ignore the Phillies. That is their prerogative and they might have gone back to school anyways. But even then, after your junior year, you lose a lot in negotiations.

Fortunately for the Phillies, they have enough power that I don't see this mattering much.

ETA: Law clarified and said that agents/players might keep the Phillies out of the loop on signability, predraft tests, etc. Not getting info on signability might hurt especially with high schoolers but I don't think it is nearly as bad as some say. Unnecessary but not the end of the world.

 

[Pumpnick]

If Amaro doesn't get the ax this year, then we know that his hands have been tied by the owners. There was some discussion that the owners were behind the Howard deal. Also, the fact they haven't tried to raise the payroll is telling. But if you aren't going to be competitive, cut payroll and save money for the future.

The only good thing is that the farm system is being replenished. Law has them at 14 after having them at 29 last year. Most of it has to do with last year's draft and a lot of their really young pieces. Add in the #7 pick this year (which has historically been a great pick) and the future is bright. Hopefully Amaro doesn't do anything stupid.

I think you look to move Brown at the deadline if he replicates last year at all.

The problem with that is that the best pieces of the farm are so young that we honestly have no idea which way they'll go. If they do pan out, that's at least 4 to 5 years away since this organization historically doesn't bring guys up until they are 24-25.

Fair enough, but having this many young pieces graded so highly, odds are some of them come through. The #7 pick has actually been promoted rather quickly and looking at ESPN's projections for this year, the Phillies might get the #2 pick next year.

I agree they are probably several years away, which also coincides with Howard coming off the books. It kinda sucks since the NL East is sort of up for grabs right now. Braves are good but not great and the rest of the division sucks. By the time the Phillies are set to contend, the Mets should be better and who knows with the Braves/Nats.

And if the Phillies want to compete earlier, those pieces can be used to try to go after someone like Stanton. Either way, it isn't as fun as winning but at least its building towards something which was woefully missing the last few years.

Who are you talking about?

I was talking historically. Kershaw, Tulo, Mike Minor, Harvey were in the majors within 2 years of being drafted. So they should be able to add someone who could conceivably be with the big club in 2 years.

Not historically in the Phillies system though. We've had high draft picks that took years to find their way to the big leagues.

Hey, Jeff Jackson ruled!

Do philly fans view M Franco as a top notch prospect?

 

[Long Ball Larry]

If Amaro doesn't get the ax this year, then we know that his hands have been tied by the owners. There was some discussion that the owners were behind the Howard deal. Also, the fact they haven't tried to raise the payroll is telling. But if you aren't going to be competitive, cut payroll and save money for the future.

The only good thing is that the farm system is being replenished. Law has them at 14 after having them at 29 last year. Most of it has to do with last year's draft and a lot of their really young pieces. Add in the #7 pick this year (which has historically been a great pick) and the future is bright. Hopefully Amaro doesn't do anything stupid.

I think you look to move Brown at the deadline if he replicates last year at all.

The problem with that is that the best pieces of the farm are so young that we honestly have no idea which way they'll go. If they do pan out, that's at least 4 to 5 years away since this organization historically doesn't bring guys up until they are 24-25.

Fair enough, but having this many young pieces graded so highly, odds are some of them come through. The #7 pick has actually been promoted rather quickly and looking at ESPN's projections for this year, the Phillies might get the #2 pick next year.

I agree they are probably several years away, which also coincides with Howard coming off the books. It kinda sucks since the NL East is sort of up for grabs right now. Braves are good but not great and the rest of the division sucks. By the time the Phillies are set to contend, the Mets should be better and who knows with the Braves/Nats.

And if the Phillies want to compete earlier, those pieces can be used to try to go after someone like Stanton. Either way, it isn't as fun as winning but at least its building towards something which was woefully missing the last few years.

Who are you talking about?

I was talking historically. Kershaw, Tulo, Mike Minor, Harvey were in the majors within 2 years of being drafted. So they should be able to add someone who could conceivably be with the big club in 2 years.

Not historically in the Phillies system though. We've had high draft picks that took years to find their way to the big leagues.

Hey, Jeff Jackson ruled!

Do philly fans view M Franco as a top notch prospect?

I don't think so. I'm not claiming to be an expert, but I've never really heard anyone say anything like "just wait til Franco gets here" or "Franco's got all the tools" or things like that. I think that people are expecting good things and don't have any other hope at 3rd (if he stays there), but he's certainly not the savior, though he may be the top prospect in the organization (which isn't saying that much).

http://phuturephillies.com/2014/03/03/phillies-2014-top-30-prospects/#more-18080

1. Maikel Franco (21) – 1B/3BClearwater: 289 PAs .299/.349/.576, 16HRs, 20 BBs, 39 Ks

Reading: 292 PAs .339/.363/.563, 15HRs, 10 BBs, 31 Ks

Projection: First Division Regular

Risk: Medium – While Franco mastered AA, questions about approach and defense could limit upside

Major League ETA: Late-2014

Summary: Franco’s offensive upside is immense; there is big time raw power, great bat speed, and good hand eye coordination. If it all comes together he could hit .290-.300 with 30 HRs. The problem is Franco’s approach limits the on base ability, and his body makes it unlikely he stays at third base. At first base it is still a first division profile, but it does limit his overall upside some. I do worry about the quality of contact right now, and I think it could be a struggle when he reaches the majors while he makes adjustments. Overall I am a big fan of Franco’s raw tools, including the power and bat speed, but I worry about the overall development and positional value.

Previous Rank: 6

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Obviously the results are still murky, but as a comparison, people were salivating over Dom Brown's arrival in the majors.

 

[sporthenry]

Guess it depends what people mean as top notch. .290-.300 with 30 bombs would make him top notch in my opinion. Not a ton of hype surrounding him b/c he seemingly came out of nowhere, although Phillies fans are starting to jump on the band wagon.

Law isn't a huge fan in the sense that after watching him last year, pretty much called out his inability to hit off speed pitches. That will be the deciding factor into how good he is. It'll be interesting to see what they do position wise. Below average 3B but above average 1B. Hitting wise though, he'd provide a ton more value at 3rd.

Law summed it up:

"[Franco's] an everyday player as a first baseman who should hit .290 or so with a low OBP but 25-30 homers a year, which might get him into the occasional All-Star game along the way."

Again, not sure if that is top notch by your standards but I'm definitely excited. They have either their future 3B or 1B (hopefully 3B) but we'll see. Then again, I'll get excited for every young, every-day player there is.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

Just saw that Cole had another setback citing shoulder fatigue

 

[Billy Bats]

Just saw that Cole had another setback citing shoulder fatigue

Shocking. Ya think they should've gotten that MRI back in november when the tendinitis came up? It's getting really hard to root for and even care about this team anymore.

 

[Billy Bats]

No MRI to be done on Cole, because, well, he doesn't want one.

 

[sporthenry]

So Rollins is being benched but he doesn't know why. Guess Bowa just getting his rocks off for getting fired.

This team is a mess.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

So Rollins is being benched but he doesn't know why. Guess Bowa just getting his rocks off for getting fired.

This team is a mess.

I hate to say it but this team needs a Bowa. Maybe not as the manager but they need an attitude like his on their team. The offense lost their nuts somewhere over the past 3-4 years

 

[Eephus]

So Rollins is being benched but he doesn't know why. Guess Bowa just getting his rocks off for getting fired.

This team is a mess.

I hate to say it but this team needs a Bowa. Maybe not as the manager but they need an attitude like his on their team. The offense lost their nuts somewhere over the past 3-4 years

Their offense got old and bad in the past 3-4 years. Having another old guy screaming from the dugout wouldn't have prevented that from happening.

Bowa's a good baseball guy and he can help Sandberg out if they're both clear about their roles. This Rollins thing is a tempest in a teapot that will be forgotten next week but it does suggest that Sandberg isn't communicating with his veterans.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

So Rollins is being benched but he doesn't know why. Guess Bowa just getting his rocks off for getting fired.

This team is a mess.

I hate to say it but this team needs a Bowa. Maybe not as the manager but they need an attitude like his on their team. The offense lost their nuts somewhere over the past 3-4 years

Their offense got old and bad in the past 3-4 years. Having another old guy screaming from the dugout wouldn't have prevented that from happening.

Bowa's a good baseball guy and he can help Sandberg out if they're both clear about their roles. This Rollins thing is a tempest in a teapot that will be forgotten next week but it does suggest that Sandberg isn't communicating with his veterans.

Many reports over those years, through various sources and coaches, mention them having a very cavalier attidude about things...preperation, workouts etc.. I get that this won't work much like football (regarding the rah-rah attitude) but with this being Bowa's second go-round with the team and seeing the same stuff may have set him off...obviously the lack of hitting off of some of these pitchers has helped as well.

Other teams and players have had similar age and to my knowledge they havent fallen off a cliff like we did. I think the lackadaisical attitude became a culture here under Charlie and with a lot of young guys in spring training seeing the preperation (or lack of) from players like Jimmy needed to be addressed as unacceptable

 

[Eephus]

So Rollins is being benched but he doesn't know why. Guess Bowa just getting his rocks off for getting fired.

This team is a mess.

I hate to say it but this team needs a Bowa. Maybe not as the manager but they need an attitude like his on their team. The offense lost their nuts somewhere over the past 3-4 years

Their offense got old and bad in the past 3-4 years. Having another old guy screaming from the dugout wouldn't have prevented that from happening.

Bowa's a good baseball guy and he can help Sandberg out if they're both clear about their roles. This Rollins thing is a tempest in a teapot that will be forgotten next week but it does suggest that Sandberg isn't communicating with his veterans.

Many reports over those years, through various sources and coaches, mention them having a very cavalier attidude about things...preperation, workouts etc.. I get that this won't work much like football (regarding the rah-rah attitude) but with this being Bowa's second go-round with the team and seeing the same stuff may have set him off...obviously the lack of hitting off of some of these pitchers has helped as well.

Other teams and players have had similar age and to my knowledge they havent fallen off a cliff like we did. I think the lackadaisical attitude became a culture here under Charlie and with a lot of young guys in spring training seeing the preperation (or lack of) from players like Jimmy needed to be addressed as unacceptable

Well, they signed Delmon Young as a free agent last year

 

[Bigboy10182000]

So Rollins is being benched but he doesn't know why. Guess Bowa just getting his rocks off for getting fired.

This team is a mess.

I hate to say it but this team needs a Bowa. Maybe not as the manager but they need an attitude like his on their team. The offense lost their nuts somewhere over the past 3-4 years

Their offense got old and bad in the past 3-4 years. Having another old guy screaming from the dugout wouldn't have prevented that from happening.Bowa's a good baseball guy and he can help Sandberg out if they're both clear about their roles. This Rollins thing is a tempest in a teapot that will be forgotten next week but it does suggest that Sandberg isn't communicating with his veterans.

Many reports over those years, through various sources and coaches, mention them having a very cavalier attidude about things...preperation, workouts etc.. I get that this won't work much like football (regarding the rah-rah attitude) but with this being Bowa's second go-round with the team and seeing the same stuff may have set him off...obviously the lack of hitting off of some of these pitchers has helped as well.

Other teams and players have had similar age and to my knowledge they havent fallen off a cliff like we did. I think the lackadaisical attitude became a culture here under Charlie and with a lot of young guys in spring training seeing the preperation (or lack of) from players like Jimmy needed to be addressed as unacceptable

Well, they signed Delmon Young as a free agent last year

My point exactly.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

So Rollins is being benched but he doesn't know why. Guess Bowa just getting his rocks off for getting fired.

This team is a mess.

I hate to say it but this team needs a Bowa. Maybe not as the manager but they need an attitude like his on their team. The offense lost their nuts somewhere over the past 3-4 years

Their offense got old and bad in the past 3-4 years. Having another old guy screaming from the dugout wouldn't have prevented that from happening.

Bowa's a good baseball guy and he can help Sandberg out if they're both clear about their roles. This Rollins thing is a tempest in a teapot that will be forgotten next week but it does suggest that Sandberg isn't communicating with his veterans.

Many reports over those years, through various sources and coaches, mention them having a very cavalier attidude about things...preperation, workouts etc.. I get that this won't work much like football (regarding the rah-rah attitude) but with this being Bowa's second go-round with the team and seeing the same stuff may have set him off...obviously the lack of hitting off of some of these pitchers has helped as well.

Other teams and players have had similar age and to my knowledge they havent fallen off a cliff like we did. I think the lackadaisical attitude became a culture here under Charlie and with a lot of young guys in spring training seeing the preperation (or lack of) from players like Jimmy needed to be addressed as unacceptable

Everyone praised Manuel's approach when they won. It seemed like the right mix at the time. As Eephus said, the offense got old and declined and RAJ has done a horrible job of fixing that. They need to change up the players if they want to change the culture, like when Gillick arrived.

 

[sporthenry]

Cholly was right coach at right time but it was the right time to let him go. Same with Francona and the Red Sox.

This team needs Ryno to put the elders in line and more importantly make sure that the younger guys don't learn the bad habits. Cholly had guys like Chase, Roy, Thome, Rowand, Lieberthal, etc. to lead the team and I'm sure the combination of these leaders with the relaxed clubhouse led to success. But they seemingly stopped listening to him and he was just too passive especially as guys like Roy and Chase got injured.

Now we have Ryno who won't take crap from Rollins or Howard and just slot them in the line up. Not that this isn't being overblown but sitting J-Roll, dropping, Howard, etc. is a nice change of pace. Not that this team is going to be good and it falls on RAJ or ownership but at least they are moving in the right direction.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

What's the O/U on wins?

 

[Long Ball Larry]

7

 

[Snotbubbles]

What's the O/U on wins?

Vegas has it at 76.

 

[Insein]

So did they score more runs today than all of spring training?