Two walk-off wins in a row and the team is back to within a game of .500. They added two more likely regulars yesterday, Chadd Krist and Stephen Wickens, and wouldn't you know it: Krist hit the game-tying RBI single in the 8th and Wickens, who picked up three hits, scored the winning run in the ninth. Tommy Reyes, another likely everyday player, arrived yesterday and will be eligible tomorrow against Alexandria. I can't wait to see tomorrow's lineup--it will be very exciting to see the team (almost in full force) play everyday.
It's an off-day for a players but there is work to be done for the front office. I have continued doing prep work for upcoming opponents and had to work on the Lunker Report this morning. I hope to get the opportunity to listen to a bunch of audio later today, allowing myself the ability to critique my work over the last few days. At least I got to sleep in today--I got out of bed at 8:25...hey, it's the latest all summer.
It is raining once again. Is this a typical summer in Brainerd? 5 minutes of sun sandwiched in between hours upon hours of grey clouds and rain? I hope not!
Hot Sports Opinion of the Day: We continue our "Young Core" debate, analyzing the AL East today.
Just a refresher on criteria: I am only analyzing players 27 and younger on each team's 40-man roster based predominantly on their MLB production and what it might project to...
Winners
AL East: Tampa Bay
AL Central: Detroit
AL West: ?
NL East:
NL Central:
NL West:
Texas Rangers: Yes, this is my favorite team, but it doesn't change the fact that they have regarded as having one of the strongest youth movements in baseball over the last three years. They have quantity and quality--and, for the record, their 40-man only tells the half of it.
Ian Kinsler, a 30-30 player last year, just barely makes the cut at 27. Is he a susperstar? No. Is he an All-Star? Yes, although not this year due to his ankle injury. Scott Feldman is not having nearly the same year in 2010 as he did in 2009, so its tough to say whether he is a legit 17-game winner, but his presence is, at the very least, considerable.
They definitely have their share of questions. Will Chris Davis ever be an effective MLB player or will he always be dominant at AAA, only to be exposed at the next level? How long until Justin Smoak emerges? He is a rookie, so struggles in the batting average department are expected. But he is a switch-hitting first baseman with power from both sides of the plate.
Michael Kirkman and Pedro Strop come with tons of potential, though we will have to see where it takes them.
Tommy Hunter has been brilliant in 2010 and looks like he will be around for a long time--maybe not as an ace, but as a strong two or a very good number three.
What's going to come of Jarrod Saltalamacchia? He is no longer looking like the prime pickup in the Teixeira trade. At the time, scouts predicted he'd be a 30/100. And as a switch hitting catcher, that's impressive. But, so far, he has done nothing that even suggests that it is possible, and he also has had some serious health issues.
The real core? The trio of Elvis Andrus, Neftali Feliz, and Derek Holland. Though hurt, Holland (23) has looked much better in his second year in the bigs and it appears as if he is headed in the right direction. Whether a starter or a reliever, Neftali Felix will make a huge impact in the big leagues and he is demonstrating that in 2010. His stuff is barely hittable, highlighted by his 101 mph heat. And then there is Elvis, arguably the best defensive shortstop in the majors, and a .300/50 stolen base candidate...he is only 21!
Oh, and we forgot about the speed-demon in centerfield, Julio Borbon, who, at 24, is starting to come around at the plate after a slow start.
Here is the thing with Texas...yes, there are a lot of questions, but they have so many options that a couple of guys that don't live up to their promise won't kill them. This is a team of the future.
Youth Leader: Neftali? Derek? Elvis? I don't know...take your pick. For now, I am taking Holland with the idea he becomes an ace.
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: They got two prime arms that just barely make the cut in this discussion. Ervin Santana and Jered Weaver are both 27. Santana has bounced back and he and Weaver both have great numbers. Neither are superstars, but they can each be lower-end aces, or very good number twos. Weaver keep getting better, too. Scott Kazmir is still only 26 (hasn't he been around forever) but his career has seemed to stall out...Tampa knew what they were doing but getting rid of him. Though, you have to consider his potential.
They also got some bats that barely make the cut, too. Between Kendry Morales and Howie Kendrick, you have two very good big league hitters. Erick Aybar is very good in the field and is a solid, bottom of the order guy.
But other than these guys who already have plenty of big league mileage, there is really nothing. How do you value Brandon Wood? He has been giving plenty of opportunities to show he belongs at this level and has failed every time. Kevin Jepsen is good, but good middle relievers are a dime a dozen.
They have good talent in the older group that fits within the criteria, but they have no longevity with little to none younger presence.
Youth Leader: I am a big fan of Howie Kendrick, but he hasn't become a star like I once thought, so I'll take Jered Weaver. He has a great name, in spite of his improper spelling.
Oakland Athletics: Does it really matter with them? I mean, it is not like they are going to ever be able to keep these guys when they finally become free agents? Regardless, they have plenty of talented arms and they are almost all at the younger tier, age-wise. Brett Anderson, Trevor Cahill, Vin Mazzaro, Gio Gonzalez, and Tyson Ross. Then there is Dallas Braden, at 26, who is pretty darn good as well. Between these pitchers, you have yourself a pretty damn good starting rotation and potential closer or setup man in Ross, with Andrew Bailey still in the mix.
They do not nearly have the depth on the offensive side of things, as Kurt Suzuki, a very good catcher, but only a pretty good offensive player, is their best option.
The fact is, though, that they will realistically only be able to keep one or two of these guys long term, as they continue to try "Win Now" with "Win Later" guys.
Youth Leader: Give me Brett Anderson...Although you could give me Trevor Cahill in his place and I wouldn't be upset.
Seattle Mariners: Are they MLB's version of the Washington Redskins? They spend big bucks every off-season are supposed to be great on paper, only to suck when the games begin. Their youth movement is not bad, but not great. Casey Kotchman is a pretty good player and so is Franklin Gutierrez, but neither are great. Same goes for Jose Lopez. Guys you wouldn't mind having, but guys who aren't going to take you all the way.
Their hope? Michael Saunders, the promising 23 year-old OF.
Oh, ya...and some guy named Felix...
Youth Leader: Felix Hernandez. No explanation necessary.
And the winner is...the Texas Rangers. The Angels give them a run but they have no true young guys. All of their talent lies in the older tier of this criteria. The Rangers have talent in all areas, at all positions. Yes, they have question marks, but with tons and tons of possibilites, a few have to hit, right?
2. Oakland Athletics: They won't be able to sign their guys but for a year or two they are stacked...
3. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: Too top-heavy.
4. Seattle Mariners: They jump the Angels if Saunders pans out.
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