2008 Mark Anderson/TigsTown.com Chat - Monday, 10.20.08 (4:00 pm EST) - Page 3

Edman85 · #81 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 04:01 PM

Elvin Soto. Is there anything there?

If you could throw the name of three guys who are outside of most top 30's right now who could take a step into the top 10 after next year?

Microline133 · #82 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyJM

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

At the risk of stirring this debate again (and I don't want this thread to go down that road), I still have a hard time seeing him as a full-time catcher long term. I think he could be a good second or platoon catcher, but I'd love him as a prospect even more if he was at second base or centerfield, where you could better utilize his instincts, speed, arm strength, and keep his legs healthier to allow longer utilization of his speed with that great on-base ability.

sportz4life · #83 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 04:01 PM

Wilkin Ramirez did the light go on?? Woudl they ever consider returning him to 3B

Microline133 · #84 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by helendale009

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?

1 - I think the Tigers are sort of being forced to down that road. With significant salary commitments to guys like Ordonez, Guillen, Sheffield, Willis, and Robertson, I think they're going to be forced to fill in with some younger guys; and that's a good thing. Dombrowski has always had a propensity for trading prospects for MLB talent, something those other organizations have never routinely done....in fact both the Rays and Angels have been renowned for their steadfast desire to hold onto prospects.

2 - It won't ultimately be just Knapp's decision on bringing up young pitchers. That's going to fall in the lap of Leyland and to some extent Dombrowski, with input from the rest of the staff. If Knapp can make a case that Player X is one of the most talented and ready (key thing here) option, then he'll have a good shot at getting that guy on the staff for him to work with.

Microline133 · #85 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sportz4life

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.

1 - Prospect, absolute prospect. He still has to duplicate it and maintain his mechanics, but with that velocity and jam it down their throat style, absolute prospect.

2 - I think the organization will take best player available, with an error towards pitchers if they have guys equally ranked.

3 - Weber's got a touch more velo than both of those guys, but I do think they are all in relatively the same mold long term.

Microline133 · #86 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by helendale009

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.

That's probably something that's a bit too robust for this chat, and something I'm sure I'll probably tackle as we approach the deadline for finalizing the 40-man prior to the Rule 5 draft.

Systematic Chaos · #87 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 04:07 PM

This has probably been asked a lot before, but what MLB pitcher would you consider Rick Porcello to? Could he be as good as someone like Lincecum? And also, do you think he'll pitch in Detroit in 2009?

Microline133 · #88 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyJM

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

I think it is definintely a mix of the two. The Tigers went with the talent they liked, it just happened that the guys they really liked this year, weren't quite as expensive where they were drafted (as compared to the likes of Iorg and Crosby last year). The 2007 draft was a very, very expensive draft, and they simply stuck much more with slot this year. I believe the 2009 draft for the Tigers will hinge on how they evaluate the talent available; I don't expect them to be overly thrifty if they feel they can get value for the investment.

sportz4life · #89 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 04:09 PM

Think Mr. Knapp can provide DD with a hidden gem or 2 in the Twins system and would it surprise you to see a minor deal or 2 between the division rivals.

Microline133 · #90 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edman85

Elvin Soto. Is there anything there?

If you could throw the name of three guys who are outside of most top 30's right now who could take a step into the top 10 after next year?

1 - Soto is really tough for me. The scouting reports are all over the map on him. There's some pop there in present power and a bit more projections, and some nice command of the strike zone, but not enough scouts believe int he hit tool.

2 - Victor Larez, Jay Sborz, and Audy Ciriaco.

Edman85 · #91 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Systematic Chaos

This has probably been asked a lot before, but what MLB pitcher would you consider Rick Porcello to? Could he be as good as someone like Lincecum? And also, do you think he'll pitch in Detroit in 2009?

not to jump in, but you're probably going to want to look more along the lines of Roy Halladay.

Systematic Chaos · #92 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edman85

not to jump in, but you're probably going to want to look more along the lines of Roy Halladay.

That's fine with me... Halladay's been my favorite pitcher in the league for the last few years (for no real reason though). I kinda figured it might be something like that because I don't think Porcello will strike a ton of guys out, but I'm not basing that on anything in particular.

Microline133 · #93 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sportz4life

Wilkin Ramirez did the light go on?? Woudl they ever consider returning him to 3B

I don't see any chance he returns to third base. He's just settling in as adequate in the outfield (though still raw). I think the light did go on this year. He's never going to be a walk or OBP guy, but he can make contact, adjust between at-bats, and has a ton of power with excellent speed (just ask Ed, since he didn't believe me

). I think Toledo will be a bit of an adjustment for him early, but I expect a very strong second half.

sportz4life · #94 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 04:12 PM

Rank these 5 in order of propsect status and then again in likelhood of 2009 big league contribution.

Marte
Moscoso
Darrow
Sborz
Simons

sportz4life · #95 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edman85

not to jump in, but you're probably going to want to look more along the lines of Roy Halladay.

that would be a shame

Systematic Chaos · #96 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 04:13 PM

After seeing the Wilkin Ramirez question, I wanna follow up on it... do you see him as an everyday MLB player someday? And give a comparison to a current player also if you could.

Microline133 · #97 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Systematic Chaos

This has probably been asked a lot before, but what MLB pitcher would you consider Rick Porcello to? Could he be as good as someone like Lincecum? And also, do you think he'll pitch in Detroit in 2009?

I don't think Porcello will be the outstanding swing-and-miss type pitcher that Lincecum is, but I do think you'll see an increase in strikeouts as he further refines and gains confidence in his full compliment of pitches, so that he can work efficiently while still not being able to put a guy away with his nastiest stuff. I've heard more and more Halladay comps on him, and I don't hate that one.

Microline133 · #98 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sportz4life

Rank these 5 in order of propsect status and then again in likelhood of 2009 big league contribution.

Marte
Moscoso
Darrow
Sborz
Simons

Prospect Status
Marte
Moscoso
Simons
Sborz
Darrow

2009 Contribution
Simons
Moscoso
Sborz
Darrow
Marte

sportz4life · #99 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 04:16 PM

Mark ..this is more fun than reading a Lynn Henning article..in fact somebody please email him this chat so he can plagerize the info and write a decent Monday feature.

Mr. Bigglesworth · #**100** (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 04:17 PM

Mark,

First of all, thanks for your insights. I greatly appreciate them.

You have touched on it a bit, but are you concerned at all about Porcello's K rate?

How likely do you think it is that Iorg will become a future All-Star / top flight short-stop?

What 5 prospects disppointed you the most this past season with regards to not improving at the rate you hoped they would?

sportz4life · #**101** (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 04:17 PM

Sizemore, Henry, Douglas, Holliman..who is the succesor to Polanco

Microline133 · #**102** (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Systematic Chaos

After seeing the Wilkin Ramirez question, I wanna follow up on it... do you see him as an everyday MLB player someday? And give a comparison to a current player also if you could.

There's still a fair bit of refinement for him to be an everday player, but I do think he will be one. He's just too freakin' talented not to be. It may not be until sometime in 2010 before he makes it, but I do think he will. When I ask for comps on him, they are absolutely all over the map, one I haven't hated in the past is something along the lines of a right-handed Milton Bradley with a bit more speed....but I caution there is a long, long ways before that could be reality.

Eric Cioe · #**103** (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 04:18 PM

Most efficient pitcher in the minors?

sportz4life · #**104** (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Microline133

I don't see any chance he returns to third base. He's just settling in as adequate in the outfield (though still raw). I think the light did go on this year. He's never going to be a walk or OBP guy, but he can make contact, adjust between at-bats, and has a ton of power with excellent speed (just ask Ed, since he didn't believe me

). I think Toledo will be a bit of an adjustment for him early, but I expect a very strong second half.

why does that skill set remind me of ..gulp..Juan Encanacion

Sidney_N_OK · #**105** (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 04:19 PM

What do you think about Kody Kaiser?

Systematic Chaos · #**106** (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 04:20 PM

That'd be awesome if he could be 2008 Bradley with more speed. :) He wouldn't walk nearly as much as Bradley though... would he? From what I've heard Ramirez hardly ever walks and Bradley is an OBP machine.

Microline133 · #**107** (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Bigglesworth

Mark,

First of all, thanks for your insights. I greatly appreciate them.

You have touched on it a bit, but are you concerned at all about Porcello's K rate?

How likely do you think it is that Iorg will become a future All-Star / top flight short-stop?

What 5 prospects disppointed you the most this past season with regards to not improving at the rate you hoped they would?

1 - It's my pleasure.

2 - Porcello's k-rates in 2008 really don't concern me all that much. He wasn't going for strikeouts, but was trying to get outs in 1, 2, or 3 pitches, and with a poor defense during the first half, he was often backed into a corner of using his best stuff, the most trusted stuff, his sinker and change-up. I think you'll see a spike before all is said and done.

3 - Honesty here, I was a bit of an Iorg skeptic throughout the year, then I actually saw him live at Instructs. I can't say enough. That kid is a freak of a talent. Everything is easy for him, he's fluid, instinctual, aggressive, has power, arm strength, soft hands, and is refining his strike zone judgment. I really think he is an All-Star in waiting.

4 - Hollimon, Vasquez, Duran, Bonine, Espinoza.

zimm · #**108** (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 04:23 PM

Eddie and I were just brainstorming a spectrum of Porcello comps.

Halladay (best case)
Derrek Lowe
Ryan Dempster
Scott Baker
Braden Looper (non-injury worst case)

seem reasonable? and is 6 years of a cost controlled Braden Looper a good use of a #1 pick. we're leaning towards "yes."

Microline133 · #**109** (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sportz4life

Sizemore, Henry, Douglas, Holliman..who is the succesor to Polanco

I'm really not positive any of them are the ultimate successor. Sizemore has to come back from the wrist, which I don't think will happen instantaneously. I like Douglas, but he's a couple years away. Henry has to continue to hit at his current rates to get a true shot, but with his speed and defense I probably give him a bit better odds, even though he may not have the highest ceiling of the four.

Ron Burgandy · #**110** (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Microline133

3 - Honesty here, I was a bit of an Iorg skeptic throughout the year, then I actually saw him live at Instructs. I can't say enough. That kid is a freak of a talent. Everything is easy for him, he's fluid, instinctual, aggressive, has power, arm strength, soft hands, and is refining his strike zone judgment. I really think he is an All-Star in waiting.

Good to hear. How soon do you think Iorg's production will match his raw talent? 2009?

Microline133 · #**111** (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Cioe

Most efficient pitcher in the minors?

I'm assuming you mean within the Tigers system...

If that is the case, There's a lot of guys all in a clump that could garner this award, but I'd probably say Robbie Weinhardt right now.

Microline133 · #**112** (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sportz4life

why does that skill set remind me of ..gulp..Juan Encanacion

It certainly could, and I've gotten that one from scouts as well.

Microline133 · #**113** (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sidney_N_OK

What do you think about Kody Kaiser?

I like him. I think his numbers are a little depressed becasue of the league and park this year, and he might be a bit under the radar as a result. I have a hard time making him a Top 50 guy, but he's really close. I love him a lot more of the organization truly utilizes his versatility and keeps him playing second and all three outfield spots.

Microline133 · #**114** (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Systematic Chaos

That'd be awesome if he could be 2008 Bradley with more speed. :) He wouldn't walk nearly as much as Bradley though... would he? From what I've heard Ramirez hardly ever walks and Bradley is an OBP machine.

Believe me, there are light years between Wilkin right now, and Bradley's 2008 numbers....I'm more referencing skills and ability. I think as Ramirez continues his development, you'll see more walks. He'll never be an OBP-machine, but he will work counts and his power-speed combo will be scary for opponents.

TigerPride8301 · #**115** (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 04:28 PM

Mark,

What have you heard about Gary Perinar...is he on track from Tommy John? Has he started throwing yet?

Thanks

Microline133 · #**116** (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zimm

Eddie and I were just brainstorming a spectrum of Porcello comps.

Halladay (best case)
Derrek Lowe
Ryan Dempster
Scott Baker
Braden Looper (non-injury worst case)

seem reasonable? and is 6 years of a cost controlled Braden Looper a good use of a #1 pick. we're leaning towards "yes."

I think it is a good use of a #1 pick, particularly if you base it off draft position instead of hype for the guy actually selected. I think something significant would have to wrong for him not to be at least Derek Lowe.

Ron Burgandy · #**117** (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 04:29 PM

As a casual follower of the Tigers' farm system (i.e. I've heard of Porcello, Ramirez, Skelton, etc., but not Simons, Henry, or Darrow), which position player and which pitcher is most likely to emerge in 2009 onto a fan like me's radar as top prospects to watch?

Microline133 · #**118** (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron Burgandy

Good to hear. How soon do you think Iorg's production will match his raw talent? 2009?

I think you'll start to see him bring the two closer together in 2009, and really see it happen if he's somehow still in the minors in 2010. If he's in the Majors in 2010, you're not going to see it right away, he'll need a bit of adjustment, but it won't take long.

Shelton · #**119** (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 04:31 PM

I'm excited about a Maybin-Granderson outfield in 2009. Do you think they should move Granderson to LF and let Maybin take over CF, or has Granderson earned the right to keep his position?