Though older, it is difficult for me to see the MI's at A (Delgado, Rivas, Toledo) staying in front of the younger, but seemingly more talented MI's in the FCL (Severino, YDLS, Caro). As you said, Severino, Caro, YDLS, and one of the Catchers are the guys carrying this FCL team offensively, and Severino, YDLS, and Caro regularly occupy SS/2B/3B. Severino's D leaves a lot to be desired, but at the plate he bats leadoff and is the leader in EBH with 11 doubles, 3 triples, and 10 HR, included in his 915 OPS. YDLS is also an EBH threat batter at 3rd in the order with a 924 OPS and some excellent Defensive numbers at SS/2B. Hope that they make the playoffs, and then get a chance to move up to A for a decent number of games.
Love that there's seemingly a bunch of guys with various strengths and overall talent fighting for IF spots in the lower levels, hopefully that builds a strong competition where guys all push each other and we get a few good names out of the group
His numbers are excellent and if I recall correctly, he is like 3/1 K/BB ratio. That indicates a sense of placement and command that is usually not found in an 18 year old. Whether the Pirates should fast track him takes in a lot more than just numbers. How many innings did he throw before getting to the FCL this year? 17 IP in the DSL in 2023, and now 21 IP so far in the FCL. I might let him go to 30 IP this year and watch his work during the off-season very carefully. Build that arm up to possibly be able to throw 20-30 innings next year in A, and then make the decision from that point
Connor Griffin sliding into the back of BA's post-draft Top 100 prospect list, joining Bubba as the only two Pirates to make it.
Fwiw, Shim was at the FCL game today, in street clothes.
Though older, it is difficult for me to see the MI's at A (Delgado, Rivas, Toledo) staying in front of the younger, but seemingly more talented MI's in the FCL (Severino, YDLS, Caro). As you said, Severino, Caro, YDLS, and one of the Catchers are the guys carrying this FCL team offensively, and Severino, YDLS, and Caro regularly occupy SS/2B/3B. Severino's D leaves a lot to be desired, but at the plate he bats leadoff and is the leader in EBH with 11 doubles, 3 triples, and 10 HR, included in his 915 OPS. YDLS is also an EBH threat batter at 3rd in the order with a 924 OPS and some excellent Defensive numbers at SS/2B. Hope that they make the playoffs, and then get a chance to move up to A for a decent number of games.
Love that there's seemingly a bunch of guys with various strengths and overall talent fighting for IF spots in the lower levels, hopefully that builds a strong competition where guys all push each other and we get a few good names out of the group
Is Matoma a candidate to be fast tracked through system? Or too raw?
His numbers are excellent and if I recall correctly, he is like 3/1 K/BB ratio. That indicates a sense of placement and command that is usually not found in an 18 year old. Whether the Pirates should fast track him takes in a lot more than just numbers. How many innings did he throw before getting to the FCL this year? 17 IP in the DSL in 2023, and now 21 IP so far in the FCL. I might let him go to 30 IP this year and watch his work during the off-season very carefully. Build that arm up to possibly be able to throw 20-30 innings next year in A, and then make the decision from that point
I think it’s safe to say no fast track and too raw. He is only 18 and grew up in Uganda. So he will probably need several years more seasoning.
Yeah, he’s not throwing many secondary pitches rn. These hitters can’t really square up his FB, but that won’t stay the case.
Very athletic guy who already has pretty consistent mechanics. Just needs some patience.
Harrington is 3rd on the BA hit sheet this week. Plaudits for how he’s getting the Ks now.
Harrington reminds me of the type of young pitchers that are leading the Seattle Mariners - not as much velo as Skenes/Jones, , but excellent command.