Starters:
___Name_________Opens 2008 at:
1. David Price*______AA
2. Andrew Miller*____MLB
3. Jaime Garcia*_____AAA
4. Trevor Cahill _____A+
5. Cole Rohrbough*__A+
6. Aaron Laffey* ____MLB
7. Nick Hagadone* __A
8. John Lannan*_____MLB
9. Carlos Fisher _____AAA
10. Kyle Drabek _____INJ
11. Tyler Herron ____AA
12. Dustin Richardson*AA
13. Bud Norris ______A+
14. Jeff Marquez _____AAA
15. David Bromberg*__A
16. Micah Bowie*
17. John Bachanov ___A
18. Michael Watt * ____A
Average age minus Bowie - 21.17 years old. 11 LHP, 7 RHP.
TB Pitching - Growing a Staff
Moderator: RedSox
TB Pitching - Growing a Staff
Last edited by RedSox on Wed Jan 30, 2008 12:54 pm, edited 4 times in total.
David Price -
The Good: The first college lefty to go No. 1 overall in over 30 years, Price is the complete package. He's a big, intimidating presence on the mound and pounds the strike zone with 92-94 mph fastballs that can touch 96. His slider is absolutely devastating at times, and his changeup gives him a third plus pitch. He's an excellent athlete with smooth mechanics who maintained top-flight stuff late into games with Vanderbilt, where his pitch count often exceeded 120.
The Bad: Price really just needs innings and experience to make the necessary adjustments to the pro game.
Perfect World Projection: It depends on who you talk toñ-at the high end, an annual Cy Young Award candidate, and at the low end, a consistent All-Star.
Timetable: Price will likely get his pro feet wet in the Florida State League while moving up to Double-A in short order. A 2008 big-league debut is in the realm of possibility.
The Good: The first college lefty to go No. 1 overall in over 30 years, Price is the complete package. He's a big, intimidating presence on the mound and pounds the strike zone with 92-94 mph fastballs that can touch 96. His slider is absolutely devastating at times, and his changeup gives him a third plus pitch. He's an excellent athlete with smooth mechanics who maintained top-flight stuff late into games with Vanderbilt, where his pitch count often exceeded 120.
The Bad: Price really just needs innings and experience to make the necessary adjustments to the pro game.
Perfect World Projection: It depends on who you talk toñ-at the high end, an annual Cy Young Award candidate, and at the low end, a consistent All-Star.
Timetable: Price will likely get his pro feet wet in the Florida State League while moving up to Double-A in short order. A 2008 big-league debut is in the realm of possibility.
Last edited by RedSox on Sat Dec 29, 2007 12:59 am, edited 1 time in total.
Andrew Miller -
2007 Highlights: Minors - 2.77 ERA, 4.32 GO/AO, .242 BAA; MLB - Vs. LH - 16.1 IP, 10 H, 23 K, .175 BAA
The Good: Considered by many to be the best talent in the 2006 draft. 92-96 mph fastball has touched 98, while height and angular delivery add downward plane and strong deception. Hard slider features depth and tilt, with late, quick break out of the zone.
The Bad: While Miller's stuff is there in every outing, his control is not, and he clearly had problems finding his rhythm while coming out of the bullpen during his big league debut. His changeup needs work.
In A Perfect World: An All-Star lefthander.
2007 Highlights: Minors - 2.77 ERA, 4.32 GO/AO, .242 BAA; MLB - Vs. LH - 16.1 IP, 10 H, 23 K, .175 BAA
The Good: Considered by many to be the best talent in the 2006 draft. 92-96 mph fastball has touched 98, while height and angular delivery add downward plane and strong deception. Hard slider features depth and tilt, with late, quick break out of the zone.
The Bad: While Miller's stuff is there in every outing, his control is not, and he clearly had problems finding his rhythm while coming out of the bullpen during his big league debut. His changeup needs work.
In A Perfect World: An All-Star lefthander.
Jaime Garcia -
2007 Highlights: AA - 3.75 ERA, 2.28 GO/AO, .245 BAA
The Good: While it's early, Garcia is arguably the steal of the 2005 draft. Garcia features a fastball that can get up to 94 MPH, while he sits in the low-90's with sinking action. The 6-foot-1, 200-pounder also throws a curveball and a changeup - the curveball has been said to be a plus plus pitch. The sinking action on his fastball is what helps him induce all the groundballs he gets, and he is one of the better groundball pitching prospects in the minors. While getting groundballs, he also strikes out a good amount: He was third in the Texas League in a K% of 22.0 (minimum of 80 IP).
The Bad: Body is mature and filled out, leaving little room for projection.
In a Perfect World: A middle-of-the-rotation workhorse with a #2 ceiling.
2007 Highlights: AA - 3.75 ERA, 2.28 GO/AO, .245 BAA
The Good: While it's early, Garcia is arguably the steal of the 2005 draft. Garcia features a fastball that can get up to 94 MPH, while he sits in the low-90's with sinking action. The 6-foot-1, 200-pounder also throws a curveball and a changeup - the curveball has been said to be a plus plus pitch. The sinking action on his fastball is what helps him induce all the groundballs he gets, and he is one of the better groundball pitching prospects in the minors. While getting groundballs, he also strikes out a good amount: He was third in the Texas League in a K% of 22.0 (minimum of 80 IP).
The Bad: Body is mature and filled out, leaving little room for projection.
In a Perfect World: A middle-of-the-rotation workhorse with a #2 ceiling.
Trevor Cahill -
2007 Highlights: A - 2.73 ERA, 1.83 GO/AO, .220 BAA
The Good: Thought to be a bit raw going into the season, Cahill showed a surprising amount of polish to go with an impressive repertoire. His sinking fastball sits in the 88-92 mph range and can touch 94, but his best pitch is a looping curveball with late hard break that gave Midwest League hitters fits. The year-long improvement of his changeup was one of the keys to his late-season surge, as he gained confidence with a new grip. HeÃs a very good athlete with smooth, easily repeatable mechanics.
The Bad: CahillÃs control is a bit spotty at times, and he also prefers to use his breaking offering as a chase pitch instead of throwing it for strikes. HeÃs what is sometimes referred to as a ìvertical pitcher,î meaning he works on just one plane, and he could use something with left-to-right movement.
Perfect World Projection: Very young and very good, Cahill has plenty of projection, with most scouts comfortable seeing him as a No. 3 starter, and some going as high as No. 2.
Timetable: Cahill will turn 20 during spring training, and there is no need to rush him. HeÃll begin 2008 in the California League.
2007 Highlights: A - 2.73 ERA, 1.83 GO/AO, .220 BAA
The Good: Thought to be a bit raw going into the season, Cahill showed a surprising amount of polish to go with an impressive repertoire. His sinking fastball sits in the 88-92 mph range and can touch 94, but his best pitch is a looping curveball with late hard break that gave Midwest League hitters fits. The year-long improvement of his changeup was one of the keys to his late-season surge, as he gained confidence with a new grip. HeÃs a very good athlete with smooth, easily repeatable mechanics.
The Bad: CahillÃs control is a bit spotty at times, and he also prefers to use his breaking offering as a chase pitch instead of throwing it for strikes. HeÃs what is sometimes referred to as a ìvertical pitcher,î meaning he works on just one plane, and he could use something with left-to-right movement.
Perfect World Projection: Very young and very good, Cahill has plenty of projection, with most scouts comfortable seeing him as a No. 3 starter, and some going as high as No. 2.
Timetable: Cahill will turn 20 during spring training, and there is no need to rush him. HeÃll begin 2008 in the California League.
Cole Rorhbough -
2007 Highlights: Minors - 1.17 ERA, 61.1 IP, 33 H, 20 BB, 96 K, .154 BAA
The Good: Danville pitching coach Jim Czajkowski realized that Rohrbough became untouchable when his arm slot rose and was more hittable when he dropped down. When he maintained the higher angle, his fastball went from sitting in the high 80s to regularly touching 94. He also has a plus power curveball with sharp, late break. He studies hitters and already mixes his pitches like a veteran.
The Bad: Rohrbough needs to improve his changeup consistency and repeat his delivery. Experience should take care of both flaws.
Perfect World Projection: Using the best Fastball-Curve combination in the system to collect more than 50% of his outs via the K in 2007, the future looks bright and Rorhbough could become a solid number 2 starter.
Timetable: He moved quickly in his debut and could continue at that same rapid rate. Though he may return to Rome to begin 2008, he should reach high Class A by midseason.
2007 Highlights: Minors - 1.17 ERA, 61.1 IP, 33 H, 20 BB, 96 K, .154 BAA
The Good: Danville pitching coach Jim Czajkowski realized that Rohrbough became untouchable when his arm slot rose and was more hittable when he dropped down. When he maintained the higher angle, his fastball went from sitting in the high 80s to regularly touching 94. He also has a plus power curveball with sharp, late break. He studies hitters and already mixes his pitches like a veteran.
The Bad: Rohrbough needs to improve his changeup consistency and repeat his delivery. Experience should take care of both flaws.
Perfect World Projection: Using the best Fastball-Curve combination in the system to collect more than 50% of his outs via the K in 2007, the future looks bright and Rorhbough could become a solid number 2 starter.
Timetable: He moved quickly in his debut and could continue at that same rapid rate. Though he may return to Rome to begin 2008, he should reach high Class A by midseason.
Aaron Laffey -
2007 Highlights: Minors - 2.88 ERA, 2.81 GO/AO, .238 BAA; MLB - 4.56 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 3.31 GO/AO
The Good: Laffey's fastball has average velocity for a lefty, but he commands it effortlessly, and it features heavy, late sink. His slider and changeup are both solid offerings, and like his fastball, he locates them well. He studies his opponents, pitches without fear, and is generally seen as greater than the sum of his parts.
The Bad: On a pure scouting level, Laffey doesn't blow anyone away. He's on the smallish side for a pitcher, and he's likely fulfilled any projection he had.
Perfect World Projection: Laffey has everything it takes to be a successful back-of-the-rotation starter.
Timetable: Laffey is lined up to spend all of 2008 in the big leagues, with his spring training performance playing a major factor in the determination of his immediate role.
2007 Highlights: Minors - 2.88 ERA, 2.81 GO/AO, .238 BAA; MLB - 4.56 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 3.31 GO/AO
The Good: Laffey's fastball has average velocity for a lefty, but he commands it effortlessly, and it features heavy, late sink. His slider and changeup are both solid offerings, and like his fastball, he locates them well. He studies his opponents, pitches without fear, and is generally seen as greater than the sum of his parts.
The Bad: On a pure scouting level, Laffey doesn't blow anyone away. He's on the smallish side for a pitcher, and he's likely fulfilled any projection he had.
Perfect World Projection: Laffey has everything it takes to be a successful back-of-the-rotation starter.
Timetable: Laffey is lined up to spend all of 2008 in the big leagues, with his spring training performance playing a major factor in the determination of his immediate role.
John Lannan -
2007 Highlights: Minors - 2.31 ERA, 1.71 GO/AO, .206 BAA; MLB - 4.15 ERA, 1.58 GO/AO, .273 BAA
The Good: The tall lefty throws a four-seamer that tops out at 89, a good sinking two-seamer, a plus 80 mile-per-hour changeup, and a decent curveball heÃll throw in the low-70Ãs. Despite lacking great velocity, Lannan has found success at four different levels in 2007. Scouts love his poise on the mound.
The Bad: Below average velocity and a declining K rate as he shot up the ladder in 2007.
Perfect World Projection: Back of the rotation starter.
Timetable: Lannan should get a look during spring training, but some AAA seasoning wouldn't hurt.
2007 Highlights: Minors - 2.31 ERA, 1.71 GO/AO, .206 BAA; MLB - 4.15 ERA, 1.58 GO/AO, .273 BAA
The Good: The tall lefty throws a four-seamer that tops out at 89, a good sinking two-seamer, a plus 80 mile-per-hour changeup, and a decent curveball heÃll throw in the low-70Ãs. Despite lacking great velocity, Lannan has found success at four different levels in 2007. Scouts love his poise on the mound.
The Bad: Below average velocity and a declining K rate as he shot up the ladder in 2007.
Perfect World Projection: Back of the rotation starter.
Timetable: Lannan should get a look during spring training, but some AAA seasoning wouldn't hurt.
Carlos Fisher -
2007 Highlights: Minors - 3.73 ERA, 1.72 GO/AO, .273 BAA
The Good: While Fisher may look a little old to just be reaching AA, lets not forget that he was not a pitcher until his junior year in college. He pounds the zone with a low 90's sinker that produces a lot of groundballs and a fair amount of strikeouts. He averages almost 3 K's per BB.
The Bad: He's 24, he wasn't a high draft pick, and he doesn't have great secondary stuff. He's going to have to earn everything he gets.
Perfect World Projection: Back of the rotation starter or set-up man.
Timetable: He begins back in Chattanooga, but could get a quick call to Louisville with some success early on.
2007 Highlights: Minors - 3.73 ERA, 1.72 GO/AO, .273 BAA
The Good: While Fisher may look a little old to just be reaching AA, lets not forget that he was not a pitcher until his junior year in college. He pounds the zone with a low 90's sinker that produces a lot of groundballs and a fair amount of strikeouts. He averages almost 3 K's per BB.
The Bad: He's 24, he wasn't a high draft pick, and he doesn't have great secondary stuff. He's going to have to earn everything he gets.
Perfect World Projection: Back of the rotation starter or set-up man.
Timetable: He begins back in Chattanooga, but could get a quick call to Louisville with some success early on.
Nick Hagadone LHP -
2007 Highlights: 24.1 IP, 14 H, 8 BB, 33 K
The Good: As a six-foot-five lefty who can get into the mid-90s, Hagadone has a very high ceiling. His fastball generally sat in the 91-94 mph range, and he commands it well. His power slider is often a swing-and-miss pitch, and scouts were surprised by how effective his changeup is, which features good arm action and a late drop.
The Bad: HagadoneÃs mechanics have come into question at times, as he short-arms the ball and doesnÃt get much leg drive on his pitches. While he has the three-pitch mix to start, and will be developed as a starter, heÃs yet to prove that his stuff can hold up over the course of a game, or that his arm can hold up over a 150+ inning workload. Both of his secondary offerings could use refinement, as he often overthrows the slider, costing it break.
Perfect World Projection: Hagadone could develop into a big-time starting pitcher, with a future as a power reliever representing a solid backup plan.
Timetable: While Hagadone might be ready for High-A, an assignment to Lancaster might not be the best idea for a full-season debut, so heÃll likely begin the year in the rotation at Low-A Greenville. He could move quickly as a reliever, but has more value as a starter, which will take more time.
2007 Highlights: 24.1 IP, 14 H, 8 BB, 33 K
The Good: As a six-foot-five lefty who can get into the mid-90s, Hagadone has a very high ceiling. His fastball generally sat in the 91-94 mph range, and he commands it well. His power slider is often a swing-and-miss pitch, and scouts were surprised by how effective his changeup is, which features good arm action and a late drop.
The Bad: HagadoneÃs mechanics have come into question at times, as he short-arms the ball and doesnÃt get much leg drive on his pitches. While he has the three-pitch mix to start, and will be developed as a starter, heÃs yet to prove that his stuff can hold up over the course of a game, or that his arm can hold up over a 150+ inning workload. Both of his secondary offerings could use refinement, as he often overthrows the slider, costing it break.
Perfect World Projection: Hagadone could develop into a big-time starting pitcher, with a future as a power reliever representing a solid backup plan.
Timetable: While Hagadone might be ready for High-A, an assignment to Lancaster might not be the best idea for a full-season debut, so heÃll likely begin the year in the rotation at Low-A Greenville. He could move quickly as a reliever, but has more value as a starter, which will take more time.
Tyler Herron RHP -
2007 Highlights: MID - 137 IP, 123 H, 26 BB, 130 K, .240 BAA
The Good: Herron has three pitches that are or should be average or better. He throws a sinking fastball in the low 90s and can spot it anywhere he wants in the strike zone. His changeup has become a reliable second pitch and his curveball has good break. He's cool and athletic on the mound and has consistently won praise for his maturity.
The Bad: Herron needs more consistency with his pitches. His fastball can straighten out at times, and he'll also hang his curveball. He needs to add strength to his slender frame, though he did hold up well over his first year in full-season ball.
Perfect World Projection: He has a ceiling as a No. 3 starter.
Timetable: Herron will jump to high Class A.
2007 Highlights: MID - 137 IP, 123 H, 26 BB, 130 K, .240 BAA
The Good: Herron has three pitches that are or should be average or better. He throws a sinking fastball in the low 90s and can spot it anywhere he wants in the strike zone. His changeup has become a reliable second pitch and his curveball has good break. He's cool and athletic on the mound and has consistently won praise for his maturity.
The Bad: Herron needs more consistency with his pitches. His fastball can straighten out at times, and he'll also hang his curveball. He needs to add strength to his slender frame, though he did hold up well over his first year in full-season ball.
Perfect World Projection: He has a ceiling as a No. 3 starter.
Timetable: Herron will jump to high Class A.
Dustin Richardson LHP -
2007 Highlights: SAL + CAL - 122.2 IP, 100 H, 56 BB, 123 K, .224 BAA
The Good: Tall (6'5") lefty with a fastball that sits in the low 90s - uses his height to his advantage, throwing on a steep downward plane. Uses his fastball aggressively, going after hitters without painting corners. Throws a good curve and a changeup. Great athlete.
The Bad: May eventually have to pitch out of the bullpen in order to climb the organizational ladder. He gets under his curveball too often, causing it to flatten out.
Perfect World Projection: 3/4 slot starter or good set-up man.
Timetable: Could start at AA as he turned in a 2.74 ERA with 5 K/BB and 1+ K/IP at the launching pad in Lancaster.
2007 Highlights: SAL + CAL - 122.2 IP, 100 H, 56 BB, 123 K, .224 BAA
The Good: Tall (6'5") lefty with a fastball that sits in the low 90s - uses his height to his advantage, throwing on a steep downward plane. Uses his fastball aggressively, going after hitters without painting corners. Throws a good curve and a changeup. Great athlete.
The Bad: May eventually have to pitch out of the bullpen in order to climb the organizational ladder. He gets under his curveball too often, causing it to flatten out.
Perfect World Projection: 3/4 slot starter or good set-up man.
Timetable: Could start at AA as he turned in a 2.74 ERA with 5 K/BB and 1+ K/IP at the launching pad in Lancaster.
Bud Norris RHP -
2007 Highlights: SAL + CAR - 102.2 IP, 89 H, 42 BB, 119 K, 1.48 GO/AO, .231 BAA; HWB - 24.2 IP, 16 H, 12 BB, 33 K, 1.35 GO/AO, .184 BAA
The Good: Norris worked in the mid-90s and topped out at 97 mph as a reliever, and he sat in the low 90s as a starter. His fastball also has late life, making it that much more difficult to hit. He has the best curveball in the system, a power downer that he throws in the low 80s.
The Bad: Norris still lacks polish. His control of his curveball comes and goes, while his changeup is still very much a work in progress. He's still honing his feel for pitching, and when he rushes his delivery he loses rhythm and command.
Perfect World Projection: He could develop into Houston's closer of the future.
Timetable: The Astros will continue to start Norris to give him more innings, but he profiles better as a reliever. He likely will begin 2008 in High A.
2007 Highlights: SAL + CAR - 102.2 IP, 89 H, 42 BB, 119 K, 1.48 GO/AO, .231 BAA; HWB - 24.2 IP, 16 H, 12 BB, 33 K, 1.35 GO/AO, .184 BAA
The Good: Norris worked in the mid-90s and topped out at 97 mph as a reliever, and he sat in the low 90s as a starter. His fastball also has late life, making it that much more difficult to hit. He has the best curveball in the system, a power downer that he throws in the low 80s.
The Bad: Norris still lacks polish. His control of his curveball comes and goes, while his changeup is still very much a work in progress. He's still honing his feel for pitching, and when he rushes his delivery he loses rhythm and command.
Perfect World Projection: He could develop into Houston's closer of the future.
Timetable: The Astros will continue to start Norris to give him more innings, but he profiles better as a reliever. He likely will begin 2008 in High A.
Jeff Marquez RHP -
2007 Highlights: EAS - 155.1 IP, 166 H, 44 BB, 94 K, 1.36 GO/AO, .270 BAA
The Good: Known as a groundball guy, Marquez works off his power 89-93 mph sinker. His fastball has as much life as any in the system, with excellent run to go with its sink. His changeup and curveball have improved to be solid-average pitches. He commands his changeup better, making it his preferred secondary pitch. He has the best pickoff move of any righthander in the system.
The Bad: Marquez doesn't have enough power or bite to his curveball for it to be a strikeout pitch. He'll have to continue to refine his fastball command and have that pitch play up if his curve doesn't improve.
Perfect World Projection: Marquez has the chance to become a workhorse groundball machine who fills the No. 3 slot in a rotation.
Timetable: Because of New York's pitching depth, he'll start 2008 in Triple-A and won't challenge for a big league job until the following year. Will Sim.
2007 Highlights: EAS - 155.1 IP, 166 H, 44 BB, 94 K, 1.36 GO/AO, .270 BAA
The Good: Known as a groundball guy, Marquez works off his power 89-93 mph sinker. His fastball has as much life as any in the system, with excellent run to go with its sink. His changeup and curveball have improved to be solid-average pitches. He commands his changeup better, making it his preferred secondary pitch. He has the best pickoff move of any righthander in the system.
The Bad: Marquez doesn't have enough power or bite to his curveball for it to be a strikeout pitch. He'll have to continue to refine his fastball command and have that pitch play up if his curve doesn't improve.
Perfect World Projection: Marquez has the chance to become a workhorse groundball machine who fills the No. 3 slot in a rotation.
Timetable: Because of New York's pitching depth, he'll start 2008 in Triple-A and won't challenge for a big league job until the following year. Will Sim.
David Bromberg LHP -
2007 Highlights: APP - 58.1 IP, 45 H, 32 BB, 81 K, 1.54 GO/AO, .211 BAA
The Good: Signed as a big (6'5"), raw left-hander, the Twins spent the first half of 2007 re-working BrombergÃs mechanics, and he took off. His low-90s sinking fastball comes to the plate on a strong downward angle, and heÃs begun to show some feel for both his curveball and changeup, which were both nearly non-existent when he signed.
The Bad: Unlike most Twins prospects, Bromberg has some command issues, and his mechanics, while cleaner, still need to be smoothed out, as BrombergÃs release point is highly inconsistent. His secondary stuff still needs to improve for him to remain a starter.
Perfect World Projection: A big league pitcher, but itÃs too early to determine a role. ScoutÃs projections of him range all the way from middle reliever to number two starter.
Timetable: Bromberg is ready for a full-season assignment, will pitch the entire season as a 20 yo, and will begin 2008 in the Midwest League.
2007 Highlights: APP - 58.1 IP, 45 H, 32 BB, 81 K, 1.54 GO/AO, .211 BAA
The Good: Signed as a big (6'5"), raw left-hander, the Twins spent the first half of 2007 re-working BrombergÃs mechanics, and he took off. His low-90s sinking fastball comes to the plate on a strong downward angle, and heÃs begun to show some feel for both his curveball and changeup, which were both nearly non-existent when he signed.
The Bad: Unlike most Twins prospects, Bromberg has some command issues, and his mechanics, while cleaner, still need to be smoothed out, as BrombergÃs release point is highly inconsistent. His secondary stuff still needs to improve for him to remain a starter.
Perfect World Projection: A big league pitcher, but itÃs too early to determine a role. ScoutÃs projections of him range all the way from middle reliever to number two starter.
Timetable: Bromberg is ready for a full-season assignment, will pitch the entire season as a 20 yo, and will begin 2008 in the Midwest League.
