This trade makes no sense to me as others note the volume of these AAAA middling infielders. It’s just MY opinion but let’s take Horowitz out as the clear 1b in their eyes. I also take Tree out because he’s basically our GG 3b when Hayes is out injured.
I personally take Yorke out because he’s more bat over glove and could be the RF. I personally like Bae as the 4th OF multiple position ability and speed for PR duties especially in extra innings from man on second.
So Nicki Six is the starting 2b and IKF short (although I would have Peguero) so Peg, Valdez, Williams, Gray in AAA and Cheng back to AA?
Nick Gonzales would not be my starting second baseman. He had decent numbers last year but everything he did in May carried him. In May he had a .913 OPS, but then dropped to a .638 OPS in Jun, and then a .533 OPS in Jul. He only played 4 games in Aug, but in Sep he did get it back up to a .749 OPS. Against RHP's his slash was .235/.302/.363/.665 OPS. Against LHP's he was an .837 OPS.
Would a platoon be in order? Horwitz played almost half his defensive games last year at 2B and is a LH batter. In 256 AB in 2024 against RHP's he had an .864 OPS with 15 doubles and 10 HR. If he is at 2B, Endy Rodriguez is a Switch Hitter and hits well from the left side against RHP's. He has played C and 1B through the minors.
That's one look and the other is that NG is 26 next year, Liover Peguero is 24, Nick Yorke is 23, and the guy coming up quick is Termarr Johnson who will start the year at AA as a 20 year old, and turning 21 in June, 2025. I think keeping second base fluid is best for the future of this ballclub - don't dedicate it to any one ballplayer in 2025..
I like Cam but don't want him as a pick. He fits Cherington's preferred type though, contact over power with speed, below average arm. Kinda like Jebb with better defense.
I think it's very possible Eli goes that high, if his power starts showing up, his ceiling will be close the other top prospects while having the highest floor for a prep player.
Some good draft intel on EL’s Fangraphs chat from last week. He’s pretty high on Bremner (college arm from UCSB), Aiva Arquette (college SS), and Billy Carlson. Decidedly low on Holiday (he links to a pod appearance where he discusses why). I also think he’s not a big Jace fan, but that’s from a previous weeks chat.
He also answered questions on Griffin and Horowitz.
Thanks, just skimmed it. Saw one thing on Spencer Jones that made me scratch my head. EL compared O'Neil Cruz's 2024 line to what Jones might project too. Cruz never had the swing and miss problems in the minors that Jones has. He might be right but I can't see it unless Jones cuts his strikeouts in half and keeps his power.
I'm intrigued by Schoolcraft and the shortstops from Texas (Cunningham)and Corona California (Carson). From college Max Belyeu and the outfielder from Arizona (name is drawing a blank)( Summerhill?), also the transfer to Wake, Conrad.
I don't think he'll make it to 6 but Bremner on the pitching side.
I got to take a couple ibuprofen, heads hurting and I'm getting blanks where names go, still can vision the players though.
Someone asked if Griffin should be rated higher because of his sky-high tools and he responded that while that is true, his evaluation bakes in bust risk and development time, both of which pertain to Griffin.
Horowitz-the question was about his bat speed and if that’s something that can be improved. EL said that Horowitz is now pretty yoked, but that the bat speed is the bat speed. He said if he sells out for more power, it’ll come at the expense of hitting, just like any other. He also added that opinion is split on him at being able to handle second.
They did a bit of a Horwitz write up in the Giménez deal, but it’s almost entirely from the Cleveland side of things. In fact, you’re right…they mention it’ll be broken down further, but I haven’t seen anything.
Something else - admire the Cubs trying to get back in contention and signing FA Kyle Tucker is a good first step. However, Tucker hits L and Ian Happ is a switch hitter. Bellinger also hits L. Pete Crow-Armstrong (PC-A) also hits L, and Owen Caissie also hits L. Wondering if PC-A or Owen Caissie are available for the right price.
PC-A could solve that LF situation at PNC in a heartbeat. Who's Caissie? Last time the Cubs decided to go cheap, they traded Yu Darvish to SD and Caissie was one of the prospects sent back to the Cubs. He's now their No. 2 Prospect with BIG, BIG Power. Find a trade partner BC like you did with Cleveland to get Horwitz from the Jays.
I don't think Hoyer would trade in the division. If he would, PCA is in CF over Cruz. PCA is one of the very best defensive CF'er in the game. His hitting on the other hand is not good...hard to survive when you're running .285 xwOBA. Same goes with Bellinger, in his last 5 years, he really only has one above average season and that looks like an outlier. 3 of the last 4 seasons he has xwOBA's of .305, .278 & .281. Which screams major regression. I would probably look at a trade partner like you suggested...Someone like Taylor Ward if the price is right.
The biggest thing to save Bellinger appears to be he’s basically halved his K rate from his lost years in 21 and 22. Getting that many more balls in play helps, but only goes so far if you don’t have the power to go with it.
I think Enmanuel Valdez is a candidate to go as well. You see quite often teams pick up guys this time of year because they have open roster spots, then release them when they acquire better players. (At least that is what I am thinking... or hoping.)
Quite possible, although Valdez looks mildly more interesting than your average back end of the 40 roster type. There’s a chance you lose him, but depending on what other additions they make, perhaps you’re ok with that.
I think you HAVE to be onto the sitch here Bucsfan2023. Looks as though BC is backfilling middle infield depth because he's finally going to trade some of it. It's high time, in my opinion.
Fangraphs loves Caissie's power, but he hasn't really shown himself to be a major power bat thus far. He hits to all fields, has very nice feel for the strike zone, and seems to just go with the pitch. Very nice looking all-around hitter, but so far, not the power bat that he was projected to be. Fangraphs has his hit tool rating at 35. Guy is hitting like .310 with a .400 OBP and his K rate is high, but not crazy high. He also walks a lot. I think fangraphs is smoking some hallucinogens on this one. He seems to have less power and more contact than Fangraphs thinks.
A Canadian player - Power like the Naylor's and Votto, but also using the whole field like them. His Exit Velo's are huge, but he has not given into being a power-only bat - at least not yet!
Really pleased to announce that with the addition of Enmanuel Valdez, the Pirates now have an even 10 Middle Infield Types on the 40 man roster. They tried to hide Ji-Hwan Bae as on OF, but he's always been a 2B/OF, and Horwitz is a 1B/2B. In alphabetical order - Bae, Cheng, Gonzales, Gray, Horwitz, IKF, Peguero, Valdez, Williams, Yorke. Since Triolo played a lot of 2B/SS/3B he could also be counted if we wanted to be technical.
I know we have to plan for 3 or 4 to play in AAA, but this is a bit ridiculous. Most interesting is Tristan Gray who the Pirates drafted in 2017. He's been in the TB and Athletic minors lately and all he does is strike out at a 4K/1BB clip, but he also hits 25-30 HR in AAA. I know he hit 33 in 2022 and 30 in 2023, but lost track of him in 2024. He's a LH hitting Utility Player, but nowhere near the D of Jared Triolo.
Can't hit, can't field. Fits perfectly.
This trade makes no sense to me as others note the volume of these AAAA middling infielders. It’s just MY opinion but let’s take Horowitz out as the clear 1b in their eyes. I also take Tree out because he’s basically our GG 3b when Hayes is out injured.
I personally take Yorke out because he’s more bat over glove and could be the RF. I personally like Bae as the 4th OF multiple position ability and speed for PR duties especially in extra innings from man on second.
So Nicki Six is the starting 2b and IKF short (although I would have Peguero) so Peg, Valdez, Williams, Gray in AAA and Cheng back to AA?
Why? Maybe planning ahead for injury.
Nick Gonzales would not be my starting second baseman. He had decent numbers last year but everything he did in May carried him. In May he had a .913 OPS, but then dropped to a .638 OPS in Jun, and then a .533 OPS in Jul. He only played 4 games in Aug, but in Sep he did get it back up to a .749 OPS. Against RHP's his slash was .235/.302/.363/.665 OPS. Against LHP's he was an .837 OPS.
Would a platoon be in order? Horwitz played almost half his defensive games last year at 2B and is a LH batter. In 256 AB in 2024 against RHP's he had an .864 OPS with 15 doubles and 10 HR. If he is at 2B, Endy Rodriguez is a Switch Hitter and hits well from the left side against RHP's. He has played C and 1B through the minors.
That's one look and the other is that NG is 26 next year, Liover Peguero is 24, Nick Yorke is 23, and the guy coming up quick is Termarr Johnson who will start the year at AA as a 20 year old, and turning 21 in June, 2025. I think keeping second base fluid is best for the future of this ballclub - don't dedicate it to any one ballplayer in 2025..
There’s also Nick Solak, who’ll be an NRI. He’s basically a Yorke clone only not as good.
BC should head the Institution of Acquiring Mediocre Middle Infielders. The man is obsessed by them.
Maybe we can at least luck into a Willi Castro sooner or later.
Braves sign Bryan DLC
Non-guaranteed deal.
https://www.prospectslive.com/prospects-live/2024/12/10/mlb-draft-lottery-winners-losers-and-everything-in-between
Way too early but always liked a mock. No Eli for you melkel
I like Cam but don't want him as a pick. He fits Cherington's preferred type though, contact over power with speed, below average arm. Kinda like Jebb with better defense.
I think it's very possible Eli goes that high, if his power starts showing up, his ceiling will be close the other top prospects while having the highest floor for a prep player.
Some good draft intel on EL’s Fangraphs chat from last week. He’s pretty high on Bremner (college arm from UCSB), Aiva Arquette (college SS), and Billy Carlson. Decidedly low on Holiday (he links to a pod appearance where he discusses why). I also think he’s not a big Jace fan, but that’s from a previous weeks chat.
He also answered questions on Griffin and Horowitz.
Thanks, just skimmed it. Saw one thing on Spencer Jones that made me scratch my head. EL compared O'Neil Cruz's 2024 line to what Jones might project too. Cruz never had the swing and miss problems in the minors that Jones has. He might be right but I can't see it unless Jones cuts his strikeouts in half and keeps his power.
I don’t understand the fascination with Jones either. Uber athlete who can’t hit and has looked worse the higher up the ladder he’s gone.
As for the draft, who would you like if Willits is gone by 6?
I'm intrigued by Schoolcraft and the shortstops from Texas (Cunningham)and Corona California (Carson). From college Max Belyeu and the outfielder from Arizona (name is drawing a blank)( Summerhill?), also the transfer to Wake, Conrad.
I don't think he'll make it to 6 but Bremner on the pitching side.
I got to take a couple ibuprofen, heads hurting and I'm getting blanks where names go, still can vision the players though.
It’s wild that three kids from Corona (Hernandez, Ebel, and Carlson) have a good shot to go in the first round. I think you’re right, it’s Summerhill.
What were the questions on Griffin and Horwitz?
Someone asked if Griffin should be rated higher because of his sky-high tools and he responded that while that is true, his evaluation bakes in bust risk and development time, both of which pertain to Griffin.
Horowitz-the question was about his bat speed and if that’s something that can be improved. EL said that Horowitz is now pretty yoked, but that the bat speed is the bat speed. He said if he sells out for more power, it’ll come at the expense of hitting, just like any other. He also added that opinion is split on him at being able to handle second.
They did a bit of a Horwitz write up in the Giménez deal, but it’s almost entirely from the Cleveland side of things. In fact, you’re right…they mention it’ll be broken down further, but I haven’t seen anything.
As always Mel. Thank you for your input.
BC likes MI more than Santa likes cookies.
Something else - admire the Cubs trying to get back in contention and signing FA Kyle Tucker is a good first step. However, Tucker hits L and Ian Happ is a switch hitter. Bellinger also hits L. Pete Crow-Armstrong (PC-A) also hits L, and Owen Caissie also hits L. Wondering if PC-A or Owen Caissie are available for the right price.
PC-A could solve that LF situation at PNC in a heartbeat. Who's Caissie? Last time the Cubs decided to go cheap, they traded Yu Darvish to SD and Caissie was one of the prospects sent back to the Cubs. He's now their No. 2 Prospect with BIG, BIG Power. Find a trade partner BC like you did with Cleveland to get Horwitz from the Jays.
I don't think Hoyer would trade in the division. If he would, PCA is in CF over Cruz. PCA is one of the very best defensive CF'er in the game. His hitting on the other hand is not good...hard to survive when you're running .285 xwOBA. Same goes with Bellinger, in his last 5 years, he really only has one above average season and that looks like an outlier. 3 of the last 4 seasons he has xwOBA's of .305, .278 & .281. Which screams major regression. I would probably look at a trade partner like you suggested...Someone like Taylor Ward if the price is right.
The biggest thing to save Bellinger appears to be he’s basically halved his K rate from his lost years in 21 and 22. Getting that many more balls in play helps, but only goes so far if you don’t have the power to go with it.
Yeah, his exit velos and bat speed are way down there.
If they aren't light hitting middle infielders that can be had for middling prospects, then BC is NOT interested....
Thought for sure 3 or 4 of them would be gone before ST, so still a few months.
Have to think Bae and Williams are candidates to go.
I think Enmanuel Valdez is a candidate to go as well. You see quite often teams pick up guys this time of year because they have open roster spots, then release them when they acquire better players. (At least that is what I am thinking... or hoping.)
Quite possible, although Valdez looks mildly more interesting than your average back end of the 40 roster type. There’s a chance you lose him, but depending on what other additions they make, perhaps you’re ok with that.
I think you HAVE to be onto the sitch here Bucsfan2023. Looks as though BC is backfilling middle infield depth because he's finally going to trade some of it. It's high time, in my opinion.
-BB
I'll believe it when I see it.
Fangraphs loves Caissie's power, but he hasn't really shown himself to be a major power bat thus far. He hits to all fields, has very nice feel for the strike zone, and seems to just go with the pitch. Very nice looking all-around hitter, but so far, not the power bat that he was projected to be. Fangraphs has his hit tool rating at 35. Guy is hitting like .310 with a .400 OBP and his K rate is high, but not crazy high. He also walks a lot. I think fangraphs is smoking some hallucinogens on this one. He seems to have less power and more contact than Fangraphs thinks.
Has a very nice feel for the strike zone?!?!?
Is this the same Owen Caisie that has never had a k-rate below 28% in his professional career?
A Canadian player - Power like the Naylor's and Votto, but also using the whole field like them. His Exit Velo's are huge, but he has not given into being a power-only bat - at least not yet!
We really fleeced the Sox by trading Quinn Priester for himself 🤪
Really pleased to announce that with the addition of Enmanuel Valdez, the Pirates now have an even 10 Middle Infield Types on the 40 man roster. They tried to hide Ji-Hwan Bae as on OF, but he's always been a 2B/OF, and Horwitz is a 1B/2B. In alphabetical order - Bae, Cheng, Gonzales, Gray, Horwitz, IKF, Peguero, Valdez, Williams, Yorke. Since Triolo played a lot of 2B/SS/3B he could also be counted if we wanted to be technical.
I know we have to plan for 3 or 4 to play in AAA, but this is a bit ridiculous. Most interesting is Tristan Gray who the Pirates drafted in 2017. He's been in the TB and Athletic minors lately and all he does is strike out at a 4K/1BB clip, but he also hits 25-30 HR in AAA. I know he hit 33 in 2022 and 30 in 2023, but lost track of him in 2024. He's a LH hitting Utility Player, but nowhere near the D of Jared Triolo.
Solak hasn't really played on the dirt in a few years. He's an outfielder and gives them depth in AAA.
He's been in the minors.