2010 Mark Anderson / TigsTown.com / Scout.com Chat - Tuesday, 02.09.10 (3:30 pm EST)

Microline133 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-03-2010, 12:46 PM

We've done this before, and a comment in another thread reminded me that its been quite some time since I've fielded questions from the masses here at MTS. With MWG's blessing (thank you again, sir!) I wanted to get the next chat scheduled for next week!

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

Mark Anderson/TigsTown.com Chat - TRANSCRIPT

I will make myself available beginning at 3:30 pm EST to field questions on the Tigers and their prospects, as well as prospects in general. Questions can be submitted to me prior to the chat if you are not available at that time, via either PM or email (mark@tigstown.com), and I'll answer them that day when we get rolling. Otherwise, those of you that can attend, can fire away with your questions once we get going. I'll try to stick around for about two hours on that day.

As Scott has been gracious enough to allow me to reference (aka advertise) TigsTown.com with this chat, I'd like to touch on some of the things we have going on at the site right now....

The TigsTown Top 50 prospects list is in full swing. We are currently running profiles on prospects 21-30 with Brandon Douglas, and Thad Weber coming through the weekend. We will be venturing into the Top 20 in the coming week or so. The debut articles (premium) for prospects 50-21 are linked below....

Scout.com: TigsTown Top 50: 50-41
Scout.com: TigsTown Top 50: 40-31
Scout.com: TigsTown Top 50: 30-21

In addition, we are in the midst of a great run of Q&A's at the site, having recently done interviews with Jacob Turner, Casey Crosby, Jade Todd, Daniel Schlereth, Zach Simons, Nick Cassavechia, Howard Bushong, and Mike Rojas....and interviews done and in the queue for publication with Kevin Bradshaw, Thad Weber, Nolan Cain, Jordan Cruz, Bryan Pounds, and Daniel Fields....with the potential for more....Though the are premium content, I've linked the Turner, Crosby, Schlereth, and Todd interviews below....

Scout.com: TigsTown Q&A: Reliever Daniel Schlereth
Scout.com: TigsTown Q&A: Right-hander Jacob Turner
Scout.com: TigsTown Q&A: Left-hander Jade Todd
Scout.com: TigsTown Q&A: Left-hander Casey Crosby

As always, both Paul and I will be venturing to Lakeland for spring training, with a planned trip towards the end of March, and the potential for some other short trips throughout the spring. Like we have the last few years, we will be providing in-depth coverage from every angle of spring training, though our focus will be minor league camp and the back fields at Tiger Town.

Lastly, and this is a new addition to my role and these chats, but last fall I was tasked by the big whigs at Fox and Scout.com to lead the charge on the Fox Sports/Scout.com Top 300 prospect rankings that debuted in the annual Prospect Guide (on store shelves now!), and also now live at Scout.com. It was a long and tedious process, but I managed to turn out a Top 300 prospect ranking that I am very pleased with. The magazine has two pages dedicated to the full rankings, two two-page articles of my authoring detailing the top ten pitching and hitting prospects in the game, as well as tons of other analysis on all 30 MLB clubs. So with that, we can field some general MLB-wide prospect questions in this chat as well.....

It's always fun chatting with you guys and getting as many questions answered as possible, so I hope there's a great turnout and a commensurate pile of great questions.

Thanks in advance to everyone that shows up and makes this a success, and a huge, huge thanks to Scott (MWG) for allowing me to do this yet again this year!

Mark

DaYooperASBDT · #2 (**permalink**) 02-03-2010, 12:51 PM

Thank you, God! Yes, a bit of an inside joke there, but still some truth to this!

TigersFan81371 · #3 (**permalink**) 02-03-2010, 02:26 PM

Sounds fun!

toadhunter911 · #4 (**permalink**) 02-03-2010, 03:11 PM

looking forward to this.

ToledoTigerFan · #5 (**permalink**) 02-03-2010, 07:07 PM

I have a question about a rash in a sensitive area.

MotownRandy · #6 (**permalink**) 02-03-2010, 10:16 PM

I'm preparing a list of questions that will hopefully get you to tip your hand about your keeper list and projected first round draft pick...

DaYooperASBDT · #7 (**permalink**) 02-04-2010, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ToledoTigerFan

I have a question about a rash in a sensitive area.

Save that for the Inge chat. Actually, we really need an Inge chat - maybe I could look into it?

cruzer1 · #8 (**permalink**) 02-04-2010, 07:31 AM

Mark, who are you taking with the first pick?

sportz4life · #9 (**permalink**) 02-04-2010, 08:47 AM

Always one of the best MTS activities of the year.

Microline133 · #10 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 08:46 AM

Just a quick bump....I'll be starting by 3:30 at the latest, may even get started a little early if I get out of a meeting in time. I'll be able to talk until about 5:15 or 5:30 if there are still questions rolling in....

Looking forward to it folks!

Shelton · #11 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 10:00 AM

I'll post a question now because I'm not sure if I'll be around later today.

With the talk of signing Damon and the possibility of a two year deal, I'm wondering whether any of the corner outfield prospects project to be above average or even just average ML players in 2011. Would having Damon block anyone in particular next year?

Edman85 · #12 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 10:11 AM

I'll be in meetings all afternoon, so...

The Gustavo Nunez hype: Legit or a developmental tactic?

Can you talk for a bit about the progress the Tigers have made in Venezuela and the Dominican Republic? I know we had ties to Rijo's facilities in the Domincan Republic. Did anything come of that?

How much has the reliability of the information you get from DR and VZ improved over the past year? Past three years?

Do you see financial issues affecting the Tigers in this year's draft?

Scottwood · #13 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 10:24 AM

I probably won't be around until later, so...

Beyond the big 3 (Crosby, Turner, Oliver) what other SP prospects stand out to you? Who is the most likely to contribute in the near future?

What does the future hold for Strieby? With Cabrera locked in at 1B for an eternity and our organization's desire to keep the DH spot open, can Strieby stick in LF? Or is he trade bait?

Do you have any concerns about Avila's ability to stay at catcher, or is that speculative talk I've heard elsewhere without merit?

Do any 3B prospects stick out to you? Could any guys be shifted over there given our lack of organizational depth?

DaYooperASBDT · #14 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 10:28 AM

Benke sign yet?

sportz4life · #15 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaYooperASBDT

Benke sign yet?

Agent at an impasse..just saw the tweet..

Microline133 · #16 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 11:47 AM

Some great, great early questions...I'm really looking forward to this...

cruzer1 · #17 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 11:56 AM

I'll be sleeping, so my main question is..Dan Fields... is he legit or hype?

Yoda · #18 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 01:17 PM

Will Brent Clevlen finally step in and take the CF job for good?

Microline133 · #19 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 01:54 PM

Meeting ended very early and I've got things largely buttoned up around here, so I'll start moving through the questions posted earlier....

I should still be able to stick around as long as there are questions rolling in, and up until about 5:15-5:30....

On with the show...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shelton

With the talk of signing Damon and the possibility of a two year deal, I'm wondering whether any of the corner outfield prospects project to be above average or even just average ML players in 2011. Would having Damon block anyone in particular next year?

I don't think Damon would be blocking anyone of substance. I'm not convinced Wells is an everyday guy, and while I love Wilkin Ramirez's skill set, I'm not sure he is an everyday guy next year either. Jackson and Damon aren't really competing for the same position. Boesch, Scram, Dirks, etc., aren't really being 'blocked' at this point. The only person I'd be concerned about is Ryan Strieby, and I'm far from convinced he'll be able to be an outfielder going forward.

Mr. Bigglesworth · #20 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 01:57 PM

Not sure if I will be available for the remainder of the afternoon, so I will pose the following questions:

Mark, in your opinion, which 5 prospects most improved their standing this past season? What do you think their respective ceilings are, and how likely do you think they will reach those ceilings?

Similarly, which 5 prospects saw their standing go down the most in your opinion over the past season? What seems to be limiting their progress, and is it something that could reasonably be resolved?

Your thoughts on Cale Iorg?

sportz4life · #21 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Microline133

Meeting ended very early and I've got things largely buttoned up around here, so I'll start moving through the questions posted earlier....

I should still be able to stick around as long as there are questions rolling in, and up until about 5:15-5:30....

On with the show...

I don't think Damon would be blocking anyone of substance. I'm not convinced Wells is an everyday guy, and while I love Wilkin Ramirez's skill set, I'm not sure he is an everyday guy next year either. Jackson and Damon aren't really competing for the same position. Boesch, Scram, Dirks, etc., aren't really being 'blocked' at this point. The only person I'd be concerned about is Ryan Strieby, and I'm far from convinced he'll be able to be an outfielder going forward.

Then if they stick to the lunacy that is playing Guillen in LF, a Damon acquisition could block Streiby from being the DH.

Microline133 · #22 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edman85

1 - The Gustavo Nunez hype: Legit or a developmental tactic?

2 - Can you talk for a bit about the progress the Tigers have made in Venezuela and the Dominican Republic? I know we had ties to Rijo's facilities in the Domincan Republic. Did anything come of that?

3 - How much has the reliability of the information you get from DR and VZ improved over the past year? Past three years?

4 - Do you see financial issues affecting the Tigers in this year's draft?

1 - A combination of both, as well as other factors? He is a very talented player. His defense is exceptional, his arm is very strong, he's very, very fast, and he has good contact ability. That said, there are some questions about his ultimate offensive ceiling, as well as his makeup. Can he continue to hit .300+ at higher levels? I'm not convinced he's going to be able to, and given what I perceive as his lack of secondary skills, I'm not sure he's going to be able to maintain the hype.

2 - I've not heard anything relative to the Tigers and Rijo's problems in the Dominican, so I won't go there. That said, the Tigers are making great in-roads in the DR and VZ. They are reaching the depths of both countries and finding excellent value in guys like Garcia, Moya, Azcona, Machado, Martinez, and others, without breaking the bank. I like the direction they are taking and I think we'll see that direction spider out and expand into the rest of their international program.

3 - Over the past year, it has improved significantly....over the last three years, the level of improvement is almost laughable. I'm capable of getting information from multiple sources in multiple organizations/arenas at this point, and that helps flesh out the 'truth' about the prospects we have down there. There are still some black holes and uncertainties, but that's the nature of the beast. Generally, I believe the information I report from the international ranks has become more and more reliable with each passing year, monthy, week, and even every day.

4 - I don't think we'll see the Tigers shy away from anything this year in the draft. They're going to take BPA from their board, and I don't see them deviating from that.

Buttermaker · #23 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 02:06 PM

Is Adam Wilk's performance last year similar to what Jon Connolly and Chris Cody did in low A or can he become a 4th or 5th starter in the bigs?

JonBenke · #24 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 02:10 PM

I have a few questions for the machine!

1. what's best case scenario for Casey Crosby for 2010

2. what do you expect from Jacob Turner in 2010

3. if both reach their potential, who closes and who sets up; Ryan Perry or Daniel Schlereth

4. do you lol <-- laugh out loud, or cty <-- chuckle to yourself .. when a new person here tries to get into a debate over prospect - ie; what you do for a living;)

Buttermaker · #25 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 02:12 PM

In regards to Latin America, are the Tigers at a disadvantage being a cold weather team? Do players not want to sign with the Tigers organization for this reason?

You seem very high on Jay Sborz and I recall you stating in a thread that he is MLB set-up ready. In limited minor league experience, albeit a number of years in the orginization, why such a high billing for this 2nd round project who has taken so long to develop?

Microline133 · #26 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scottwood

1 - Beyond the big 3 (Crosby, Turner, Oliver) what other SP prospects stand out to you? Who is the most likely to contribute in the near future?

2 - What does the future hold for Strieby? With Cabrera locked in at 1B for an eternity and our organization's desire to keep the DH spot open, can Strieby stick in LF? Or is he trade bait?

3 - Do you have any concerns about Avila's ability to stay at catcher, or is that speculative talk I've heard elsewhere without merit?

4 - Do any 3B prospects stick out to you? Could any guys be shifted over there given our lack of organizational depth?

1 - Of the other starters in the organization, guys like Putkonen, Lebron, Del Orbe, and Medina stand out to me. There are a lot of intriguing guys, but these four stand out in terms of potential and projection. I love what all four bring to the table in terms of power arsenals. Putkonen is far and away the most likely of those four to contribute, and he's not likely to be ready until late 2011 at the earliest. Other starters that could help sooner, I think you have to look to Thad Weber here...he could be in Detroit as soon as the end of this year if needed.

2 - I'll start by saying I don't believe the organization has a long term intent on keeping the DH spot open, its just that with the current roster structure, they believe they need to in order to allow them to be successful. That said, if Strieby stays healthy this year and does what he's done the last two years, he's going to force his way onto the roster. If the bat continues to play, you make room for him, because he's precisely what they've needed to develop for quite some time.

3 - Avila is a catcher. How's that for a short answer? At least for the large extent of his cost-controlled years, I think he'll be behind the dish. He's made such dramatic strides behind the plate since his last year at Alabama, that it is actually incredible. People holding onto the belief that he won't stick behind the dish, are people that are working off of two-year old information.

4 - Nobody in the upper levels stands out to me at third base. I like what Wade Gaynor and Francisco Martinez bring to the table from a pure potential/ceiling perspective, but they are a long way out. Audy Ciriaco would be the most likely to move in my mind, simply because of his size and offensive potential, but he's still not put together that one year that justifies all the hype.

Microline133 · #27 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cruzer1

Dan Fields... is he legit or hype?

The tools are absolutely legit. He has speed, pop in his bat, hand-eye coordination, and a strong arm. The defense is a bit of a question, but as he told me recently, he's determined to stay there and he's putting in the agility/speed work to try and make it happen. In the end, I think he ends up moving off the position, though. He's got some work to do to put everything together, but the tools are certainly legit.

sportz4life · #28 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 02:17 PM

I know Daniel wants to start at WMI for many reasons..but where do level do you think he will be ready for..and isn't Perez slated to play SS in WMI.

RipHam23232 · #29 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 02:17 PM

Question regarding one of my favorite players in the organization: What is the ceiling on Jeff Frazier? Does he project to be a major league player or is AAA the highest level he will see?

JonBenke · #30 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Microline133

4 - Nobody in the upper levels stands out to me at third base.

Do you think this could be a spot the Tigers could trade for next off season, using some of the SP prospects (turner, oliver, etc)

Microline133 · #31 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Bigglesworth

1 - Mark, in your opinion, which 5 prospects most improved their standing this past season? What do you think their respective ceilings are, and how likely do you think they will reach those ceilings?

2 - Similarly, which 5 prospects saw their standing go down the most in your opinion over the past season? What seems to be limiting their progress, and is it something that could reasonably be resolved?

3 - Your thoughts on Cale Iorg?

1 - I'd highlight Gustavo Nunez, Brent Dlugach, Brennan Boesch, Brayan Villarreal, and Luke Putkonen here. Nunez I've already touched on in terms of ceiling, and I think he's 50-50 to actually get there. Dlugach is about at his ceiling now, and that's likely as a utility infielder with a good glove and some pop. Boesch really stepped out with the power, but I think his complete inability to control the strike zone limits him to 4th outfielder status. Villarreal profiles better as a reliever for me, and I think he could get there very easily. Putkonen is probably a solid mid-rotation starter with good stuff and I don't think he's too far away from reaching that.

2 - On this side of the coin, I'll highlight Michael Hollimon, Will Rhymes, Danny Worth, Matt Rusch, and Luis Marte. Hollimon just can't stay healthy and when you profile as a utility guy that has been old for every level, you can't afford multiple injuries. Rhymes just plateaued....he finally hit that point where he's showed what he is, and that's a nice organizational player. Worth's bat has actually regressed since signing and I'm not sure there's much he can do. I rarely saw (or heard from a scout) an instance where he did more than slap the ball this year, and he didn't do that terribly successfully. Rusch is another guy that just hit his ceiling....He's a AA/AAA reliever, and he showed that this year. Marte's injuries continue to crop up and give creedance to the concerns over size/durability....unless he can stay healthy with a move to the bullpen, his stock has been hurt a lot.

3 - I still like Iorg as an everyday shortstop in the big leagues. The defense is positively off the charts....insane, insane defense. You just can't understand how good he is defensively, until you watch him live. He's that good. Offensively, there's pop there, and I still think he'll hit enough to justify a spot in the lineup.

Microline133 · #32 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buttermaker

Is Adam Wilk's performance last year similar to what Jon Connolly and Chris Cody did in low A or can he become a 4th or 5th starter in the bigs?

Right now, I think his performance is very similar to those guys. He's a pitchability and feel lefty with good command, and fantastic makeup. There is some projection left in him in terms of velocity, but I'm not sure he'll get there. If the velo gains a tick, he could be a back end starter.

Microline133 · #33 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonBenke

1. what's best case scenario for Casey Crosby for 2010

2. what do you expect from Jacob Turner in 2010

3. if both reach their potential, who closes and who sets up; Ryan Perry or Daniel Schlereth

4. do you lol <-- laugh out loud, or cty <-- chuckle to yourself .. when a new person here tries to get into a debate over prospect - ie; what you do for a living;)

1 - Best case for Crosby would be a brilliant spring training and an assignment to Erie to start the year, and a strong year at Double-A, with about a 30-inning increase over last year.

2 - I expect a kid with ace potential to prove to a lot of people that he's been vastly under-rated since draft day.

3 - I like Ryan Perry closing better...I like his stuff a tick better and I love his makeup in that role.

4 - I do neither. I've come to the point where I understand all I can do is put the information out there for people to consume, and do with it what they will....everything else is out of my hands.

Microline133 · #34 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buttermaker

1 - In regards to Latin America, are the Tigers at a disadvantage being a cold weather team? Do players not want to sign with the Tigers organization for this reason?

2 - You seem very high on Jay Sborz and I recall you stating in a thread that he is MLB set-up ready. In limited minor league experience, albeit a number of years in the orginization, why such a high billing for this 2nd round project who has taken so long to develop?

1 - I don't think that's a factor at all.

2 - I'm high on him because he's got great stuff....excellent curveball and a fastball that sits 93-95 every time out and touches 97-98 with regularity....combined with good makeup on the mound, and he's a natural for the late innings.

DaYooperASBDT · #35 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 02:29 PM

Three questions Mark:

1. What happened to Larish last year? Can we blame injuries or is he a AAAA player?

2. Can Clete Thomas make adjustments, or is he strictly end of the bench material?

3. Wouldn't you like to be in New Orleans right about now ???

Microline133 · #36 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sportz4life

I know Daniel wants to start at WMI for many reasons..but where do level do you think he will be ready for..and isn't Perez slated to play SS in WMI.

I think he's got a very good chance of starting in West Michigan, and all he has to do is have a solid spring to do so. While Perez is currently slated there (at least in my personal projections), Fields is going to be more of a priority guy and if he shows he's ready, he'll get the nod.

JonBenke · #37 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Microline133

4 - I do neither.

I chuckle for you

Thanks Mark!

Microline133 · #38 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RipHam23232

Question regarding one of my favorite players in the organization: What is the ceiling on Jeff Frazier? Does he project to be a major league player or is AAA the highest level he will see?

Frazier's a solid minor league guy for me, and if he sees time in the big leagues, it won't be significant. He's going to stick around at Triple-A for a while, playing first, outfield, and DH, and he's always going to hit a bit, but never enough to really become a viable big league option.

Microline133 · #39 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonBenke

Do you think this could be a spot the Tigers could trade for next off season, using some of the SP prospects (turner, oliver, etc)

I really have no way of speculating on that. If they see a situation where they can deal from depth, I'm sure they will consider it, but I've heard nothing to indicate they are actively seeking out such a scenario at this juncture.

Microline133 · #40 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaYooperASBDT

1. What happened to Larish last year? Can we blame injuries or is he a AAAA player?

2. Can Clete Thomas make adjustments, or is he strictly end of the bench material?

3. Wouldn't you like to be in New Orleans right about now ???

1 - I think injuries played a part, and I think inconsistent playing time played a part as well. He's always been a guy that needs regular ABs to get in a groove, and he certainly didn't get that last year. I still think he could be a solid big leaguer if given everyday ABs...but at some point, he's got to earn it.

2 - I've never seen Clete as more than a 4th/5th outfielder, so I've never really expected him to make significant changes. He's had this problem since he was at Auburn, it's not just since he arrived in Detroit. At some point, he is what he is.

3 - I'd love to be there, and believe me, I've been talking to a lot of friends down there since Sunday night.