2008 Mark Anderson/TigsTown.com Chat - Monday, 10.20.08 (4:00 pm EST) - Page 2

Microline133 · #41 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edman85

I'll just throw some names out there to see if any stand out:

Victor Larez
Brayan Villareal
Cody Satterwhite
Mauricio Robles
Zach Simons
Luis Sanz (the pitcher)

Larez - He really impressed at Instructs; there's a ton of projection here and already some very good stuff.

Villareal - I've not gotten a good look at him first hand, and I've had very mixed reviews from scouts on him. I'm actually slated to speak with someone that saw him everyday this year, later this evening.

Satterwhite - WOW on the fastball and the delivery is nightmarish for hitters, with that high arm angle and lanky frame. If he can even become average with his ability to routinely throw quality strikes, he's a big league reliever in an instant.

Robles - Lefties with that kind of pop stand out, but there's a lot of refinement required here.

Simons - First bold claim of the chat....he sees Detroit at some point in 2009.

Sanz - I don't see that much projection here, but he's a quality arm to have around with a slim chance at something breaking out and sending him flying.

Microline133 · #42 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chitownsizzle

Mark,

Do you know of any chatter about the rash of injuries the past few years? It seems like all the shortstops have been hurt along with the tommy johns: Crosby, McBride, Furbush, etc.

Also, your personal take on Crosby.

I think the injuries are a pretty freak thing. The handling of them may be a slightly different discussion, but the occurance is something that every team goes through.

Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to see him live at Instructs, other than in some side sessions. He's filled out a ton, and his fastball is electric...he's back from TJ surgery, there is no doubt. He wasn't even pitching while I was in town, and there was a buzz about him.

Microline133 · #43 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zimm

my "aspirational" comp for Clete has been another Leyland favorite, R.J. Reynolds. sound fair? it seems to line up with what you just mentioned i.e. CF skillset, quality 4th Of, passable starter on a bad team. imo, probably not a long career window.

I think he's got a pretty long career window actually, but the performance comp isn't a bad one.

Microline133 · #44 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaYooperASBDT

Mark, could we see Mr. Fien closing any ballgames for the Tigers this season?

Closing? Not quite yet. He's a strike thrower, but he's got to refine that command, particularly with the slider. I think he's a late inning guy in the end, with exceptional durability and ability to pitch back-to-back nights, but I'm not convinced of closer long term.

Microline133 · #45 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyJM

Mark,

You seemed pretty skeptical of mlb.com's assessment of Will Rhymes. Where do you seem in the long-term?

-Tony

I actually like Rhymes, not necessarily as a legit MLB second baseman, but a solid guy that could fill a backup role at the big league level, and provide good defense and some good average at the minor league level. With the mlb.com assessment, I just had issue with their selection of him as Organizational Player of the Year; it seems as though they just wanted to be contrary, because there were clearly numerous players more deserving.

Microline133 · #46 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by helendale009

What pitchers in the organization do you see benefitting from the new pitching coach?

Any of them willing to listen. Every pitcher on earth -- sans mid-90s Greg Maddux -- can improve their strike throwing ability and command of their pitches. If they're willing to listen and work hard to apply the ideas and teachings, every single one of them could benefit from Knapp.

DaYooperASBDT · #47 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 03:33 PM

Mark, will Danny Worth have enough bat to project as a starting SS for us? Do you expect Iorg to "pass" him soon?

Microline133 · #48 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by helendale009

Who do you think is on the short list?

Inside organization??

Thanks

I think it will be inside the organization, though I'm not sure who. I could see one of the Roving Instructors being promoted to the position.

Chitownsizzle · #49 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 03:33 PM

Mark,

I was hoping for good things in the fall league for L. Marte. But he has gotten hammered. Is he healthy because in Lakeland last year, he was dominant. I am guessing he will start at Erie?

Microline133 · #50 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by helendale009

What do you see in the future for Tom Brookens in the organization, after four consective successful seasons?

Tommy's in the same place Wally was afte the 2007 season. He's succeeding, is highly thought of, carries the respect of his players, and has the mentality to help both manage the game and personalities. If Leyland's contract is extended, I'm afraid we may lose him to an organization willing to promote him above the Double-A level.

Edman85 · #51 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 03:35 PM

So if I was to compare Anthony Shawler now to Jordan Tata five years ago, would I be crazy?

Microline133 · #52 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaYooperASBDT

Mark, will Danny Worth have enough bat to project as a starting SS for us? Do you expect Iorg to "pass" him soon?

Iorg has already passed him in my eyes. There is a significant gap between them in my preliminary rankings (20+ spots). The bat is much more of a question for me than it was this time last year, as scouts just didn't like it this summer. I think he's a utility guy long term, but with his glove, instincts for the game, and work ethic, there's a chance for more.

Who is the Drizzle? · #53 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 03:36 PM

Dusty Ryan....is he good enough to play in Detroit this year? And how would you rate Skelton and Avila as catching prospects?

Microline133 · #54 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chitownsizzle

Mark,

I was hoping for good things in the fall league for L. Marte. But he has gotten hammered. Is he healthy because in Lakeland last year, he was dominant. I am guessing he will start at Erie?

I truly don't think he's healthy. The velocity was down when he returned to Erie, and while I have yet to talk to coaches out west, I'd suspect the same is still true. He may be healthy enough to be on the mound without significant pain, but I question whether or not he's at 100%. If he's not under the knife by the time spring training closes in 2009, his performance will dictate Erie or a repeat at Lakeland.

sportz4life · #55 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 03:38 PM

Has Dlugach turned into Tony G

Is Darrow a legit propspect

Will simons be added to the 40??

Is Larish.. Eric Munson#2

Think DD may trade Polanco..doen't St. Louis seem like a fit.

Edman85 · #56 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Microline133

Iorg has already passed him in my eyes. There is a significant gap between them in my preliminary rankings (20+ spots). The bat is much more of a question for me than it was this time last year, as scouts just didn't like it this summer. I think he's a utility guy long term, but with his glove, instincts for the game, and work ethic, there's a chance for more.

How is Worth's recovery? A cyst in the shoulder sounds pretty rough.

Microline133 · #57 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edman85

So if I was to compare Anthony Shawler now to Jordan Tata five years ago, would I be crazy?

I think Shawler's got more and better stuff than Tata ever had. With a fastball at 89-91/93 that he can throw strikes with low, a nice splitter, and a good change, he's got more pitches than Tata ever dreamed of having. He also mixes in slider/cutter that some scouts love, but he didn't use it as much at Oneonta from what I was told.

sbcaptain2 · #58 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 03:41 PM

Is Virgil Vasquez still a prospect?

Microline133 · #59 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by helendale009

What are your projections regarding current pitchers in the organization with the upcoming Rule 5 draft? Looking at the list that Edman put out on his website I can see a lot of pitchers drafted.

Looking at the years group, compared to who was drafted last year[ Bierd & Forgoso] I see a lot of quality +rhymes!

Christensen
French
Marte

If the organization thinks Marte is healthy, I think he gets protected, because he's certainly got enough upside to be drafted and the last guy in a bullpen in 2009 if he had to be. I'm a bit more of a pessimist when it comes to the list than you, as I don't see guys like Christensen and French having much chance at being selected in the Major League portion. Other guys that could draw interest because of polish or raw stuff are guys like Ramon Garcia, Alfredo Figaro, Guillermo Moscoso, Jay Sborz, and Zach Simons.

grandma g · #60 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 03:42 PM

THANK YOU, MARK & PAUL for all you do to support & keep us informed on ALL the Tigers! Keep up the great work!! Grandma G & Don

Microline133 · #61 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Who is the Drizzle?

Dusty Ryan....is he good enough to play in Detroit this year? And how would you rate Skelton and Avila as catching prospects?

Ryan's certainly good enough defensively to handle Detroit right now; but the bat is another story. I just don't see enough polish for him to be the full time guy in 2009. If he's expected to split duty with someone else, or play caddy for another starter for a year, he's certainly capable of handling that in 2009.

Forgot the last portion here....I rate Avila ahead of Skelton by about a full point on my scale (actually ahead of Ryan as well). I like the overall bat better and think he profiles better long term.

sbcaptain2 · #62 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 03:46 PM

What is it that you like about Josh Kite?

Of the recently signed Latino players, who have you heard the best things about?

Does Andrew Hess project better as a starter or reliever?

helendale009 · #63 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 03:47 PM

We seem to have a lot of arm injuries in the organization. Your thoughts?

Microline133 · #64 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sportz4life

Has Dlugach turned into Tony G

Is Darrow a legit propspect

Will simons be added to the 40??

Is Larish.. Eric Munson#2

Think DD may trade Polanco..doen't St. Louis seem like a fit.

1 - I wouldn't go quite that far on Dlugach. He had a pulled muscle in his back that kept him out of GCL action this summer. When I spoke with him briefly at Instructs, he said his arm feels good, and I'd expect him to be ready to compete for a job at Erie/Toledo in spring training.

2 - Legitimate from what standpoint I guess is the question. He's got enough stuff to draw attention, but he's not someone I consider a top flight relief prospect. I've currently got him rates as the 13th best reliever in the system, in the preliminary rankings.

3 - I think we need to add Simons to the 40-man roster. He's got plenty of arm strength, show amazing improvement in the second half thanks to some help from Joe Coleman at Lakeland, and I really like him going foward.

4 - Larish is a better defender than Munson could ever dream of, with a slightly more compact swing. I think he has a bit more projection than Munson had.

Edman85 · #65 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 03:48 PM

Would Darwin De Leon be getting more attention if his name hadn't changed?

Microline133 · #66 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edman85

How is Worth's recovery? A cyst in the shoulder sounds pretty rough.

I haven't heard anything as of yet, Ed. I'll start getting more injury updates as the winter progresses. I'm still expecting him to be ready right around the time the seasons kickoff.

Eric Cioe · #67 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 03:49 PM

Give me your thoughts on Clay Rapada.

Microline133 · #68 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by helendale009

I was impressed with the way Virgil battled back this season. If they move him off the 40 man roster, do you think we will lose him to another organization?

I'm not sure they'll drop him from the 40-man roster, first off. But I'm also not positive he'd be claimed on waivers if we did. There are enough questions about his ability to keep the ball down (which he absolutely has to do) that he may squeak through and end up in Toledo anyway.

TonyJM · #69 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 03:50 PM

Mark,

James Skelton: Great prospect - or the greatest prospect?

Seriously, the bimodal opinions on Skelton aside, where do you see him 5 years down the road? Is he willing to be moved from catcher? Does he need to be?

-Tony

Microline133 · #70 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbcaptain2

Is Virgil Vasquez still a prospect?

Yes, I believe he is. He's certainly not a top guy in the system, but I've still got him around the Top 15.

Microline133 · #71 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grandma g

THANK YOU, MARK & PAUL for all you do to support & keep us informed on ALL the Tigers! Keep up the great work!! Grandma G & Don

Sally, it is certainly my pleasure, and I believe I can speak with Paul in the same breath! Thanks!

helendale009 · #72 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 03:52 PM

Watching some of the successful organizations [Angels, Rays, Twins] they seem to have more balance with youth[patience] and vet. players. Do you see the Tigers going in a little different direction next year? I like Joyce, Clevelen, Thomas, Holliman, Vasquez and Ryan.

Will the new pitching coach follow the path of the Twins and bring up some young arms and let them develop?

Microline133 · #73 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by helendale009

What veteran playes do you see returning to Toledo who are free agents?

Hessman?

Neal ?

Johnson?

Beltran?

others?

Beltran has already been granted free agency by the Tigers. I can see Johnson returning if the Tigers opt to bring him back, but I'm unsure about both Hessman (though that depends more largely on 40-man decisions than anything and Neal. I think Neal will test the waters again and if he finds a situation he likes he'll take it, even if it means leaving the orgnaization. Some of the other guys with decisions looming include Almonte, Cosme, Kirkland, Wathan, Timo and others....all of which I can see heading elsewhere to get a fresh start; though I'm sure a few will return.

sportz4life · #74 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 03:55 PM

Jay Sborz..prospect or suspect??

Do you expect the organization to try and emphasize more positional players in the draft for the next few years

Thad Webber and Jonah nickerson propspects or Virgil Vazquez clones.

Microline133 · #75 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbcaptain2

What is it that you like about Josh Kite?

Of the recently signed Latino players, who have you heard the best things about?

Does Andrew Hess project better as a starter or reliever?

1 - Lefties with low-90s fastballs with great sink and lateral movement, and a wipeout slider aren't really common.

2 - Steven Mercedes (BA reported him as Steven Moya) has ridiculous power, but is very, very raw; though huge for a 17-year old at 6'6", 210 pounds.

3 - I like Hess better in the bullpen. I think his attacking style and strike throwing work well there.

Microline133 · #76 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by helendale009

We seem to have a lot of arm injuries in the organization. Your thoughts?

Honestly, without doing a rigorous analysis of injuries across baseball, I don't have the impression we have any appreciably great frequence of arm injuries than do other organizations. I think we are more sensitive to it because many on this site are so up on and exposed to the prospects, even those at the very low levels of the system.

helendale009 · #77 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 03:57 PM

I would like to see your projected 40 man roster when you have some time in the future. I see a lot of difficult decisions for the organization.

TonyJM · #78 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 03:57 PM

Alright, I'll stop bugging you after this one...

It really looked like the Tigers had an extraordinarily cheap draft (at least compared to previous seasons). Was this primarily due to what they saw in the draft, a changing budgetary situation, a mix of these two factors - or am I completely imagining this? Can we expect a similarly thrifty draft next season?

Thanks again, man.

Tony

Microline133 · #79 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edman85

Would Darwin De Leon be getting more attention if his name hadn't changed?

I think there's some merit Ed, but I don't think it's enough to really knock him down to far. He'll get his due when he hits full-season ball. His stuff took a jump forward, and I really was intrigued by what I saw at Instructs.

Microline133 · #80 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Cioe

Give me your thoughts on Clay Rapada.

Quality lefty reliever that is best leveraged in just that role. I think he can get you more than one out in a game, but I wouldn't want to over-utilize him that capacity. He creates enough deception and has enough velocity to be a quality situational guy.