TB 13 OAK 4
Jeff Niemann RHP Rays 8IP 8H 4R 3ER 3K
He is a 6'9" pitcher that throws on a great downward plane. He mixes four pitches, but isn't the power Strikeout pitcher you might expect from looking at him. He throws a FB(89-94) that is Above average and gets some good two seam movement; CB(72-77) is a solid 12-6 breaking pitch; SL(80-82) is average; SPLT(83) is average and uses to lefties. His lack of a true Plus off speed offering is probably the reason why he doesn't have high strike out numbers. With a large lead he threw FB exclusively. He profiles as a middle to back of the rotation starter (#3 or 4) with average command.
Sean Gallagher RHP A's 2.1IP 3H 9R 7ER 5BB 1K
He had trouble locating his offspeed pitches and was overall very unimpressive. His FB(89-92) is average to above average; SL(86-87) is average; CB(72-74) is average and CH(79-83) is a show me pitch to lefties. He is a 5th starter/AAA guy for me.
Gio Gonzalez LHP A's 3.2IP 6H 4ER 3BB 6K
He works with three pitches. FB(88-93) is average to above average; CH(83-85) is average and is a solid pitch to keep RH Hitters honest; CB(76-79) is an 11-5 breaking pitch and is an average offering. He is a solid lefty that is best suited for the pen. He can be figured out a second time through the lineup.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
COL @ PIT 5/16/09
PIT 7 COL 4
Ian Snell RHP Pirates 2IP 3H 3ER 1BB 3K
His out was cut short by a rain delay... He works with an above average FB(89-95), average SL(84-86), average CH(84-86) he throws to lefites and average CB(80-82). He left his FB in the middle of the plate that Spillborghs hit for a 2 run 2B and he left a hanging CB up that Barmes hit for a HR. I was disappointed that I wasn't able to see more of him.
Aaron Cook RHP Rockies 1.2IP 4H 4ER 1BB
His outing was also shortened by rain... He didn't impress me in his short outing. He is a sinker ball pitcher that gets a lot of movement on his FB(87-92). His SL(80-84) is average, CB(71-75) is average and he also has a CH but didn't show it in this start. I want to see him pitch again before I make any judgment.
Matt Belisle RHP Rockies 3.1 IP 1H 1ER 2K
He looks to be a decent long reliever. He works with an above average FB(91-94), average SL(83-86), average CB(68-72) and average CH(83). He throws strikes, but doesn't have the stuff to be a starter.
Sean Burnett LHP Pirates 3IP 3H 1ER 1BB 2K
He is a long reliever/ left specialist. He works with an average FB(87-91), average SL(78-82) and average CH(82-84). He throws across his body to deceive hitters (similar to B.J. Ryan). His command is below average and he was very wild at times.
Evan Meek RHP Pirates 1IP 1BB
He is a hard throwing reliever that has the stuff to one day be a closer. He worked with an above average FB(90-96); Average CB(80-81) and an above average CUT(89-91). He has some command issues, but if he works those out he could be a stud set up man or a solid reliever.
Jason Grilli RHP Rockies 0.1IP 3H 2ER
This was the worst outing I have seen of him this year. He had trouble commanding his FB and his SL looked average. He is normally a dependable middle reliever, but didn't show that in this outing.
Randy Flores LHP Rockies 1.1IP 2H 1K
He looks like a situational lefty with average stuff. His FB(88-90) is average; SL(79-83) and CB(74-76) are also average offerings.
Jesse Chavez RHP Pirates 1IP 2K
He has the best raw stuff of any pitcher I saw in this game. He has a plus FB(94-95) and an above average CH(85-86) that gets great arm side movement and he'll throw it to both lefties and righties. He also has a SL but I didn't see it in this outing. He has great stuff.
John Grabow LHP Pirates 1IP 1BB
He works with an average FB(90-91), average CH(81-84) and average SL(83-86). He is a solid reliever that can get righties and lefties out. He has average command and is a solid middle reliever/ set up man.
Manny Corpas RHP Rockies 1.1IP 1H 2K
He is a solid two pitch reliever. His FB(89-91) is average and his SL(82-83) is also average. He throws strikes and has good sink on his FB. He is a solid middle reliever.
Matt Capps RHP Pirates 1IP 1BB
He is a classic FB/SL Reliever. He throws a hard, straight FB(91-94) and a sharp SL(83). He is a solid closer.
Ian Snell RHP Pirates 2IP 3H 3ER 1BB 3K
His out was cut short by a rain delay... He works with an above average FB(89-95), average SL(84-86), average CH(84-86) he throws to lefites and average CB(80-82). He left his FB in the middle of the plate that Spillborghs hit for a 2 run 2B and he left a hanging CB up that Barmes hit for a HR. I was disappointed that I wasn't able to see more of him.
Aaron Cook RHP Rockies 1.2IP 4H 4ER 1BB
His outing was also shortened by rain... He didn't impress me in his short outing. He is a sinker ball pitcher that gets a lot of movement on his FB(87-92). His SL(80-84) is average, CB(71-75) is average and he also has a CH but didn't show it in this start. I want to see him pitch again before I make any judgment.
Matt Belisle RHP Rockies 3.1 IP 1H 1ER 2K
He looks to be a decent long reliever. He works with an above average FB(91-94), average SL(83-86), average CB(68-72) and average CH(83). He throws strikes, but doesn't have the stuff to be a starter.
Sean Burnett LHP Pirates 3IP 3H 1ER 1BB 2K
He is a long reliever/ left specialist. He works with an average FB(87-91), average SL(78-82) and average CH(82-84). He throws across his body to deceive hitters (similar to B.J. Ryan). His command is below average and he was very wild at times.
Evan Meek RHP Pirates 1IP 1BB
He is a hard throwing reliever that has the stuff to one day be a closer. He worked with an above average FB(90-96); Average CB(80-81) and an above average CUT(89-91). He has some command issues, but if he works those out he could be a stud set up man or a solid reliever.
Jason Grilli RHP Rockies 0.1IP 3H 2ER
This was the worst outing I have seen of him this year. He had trouble commanding his FB and his SL looked average. He is normally a dependable middle reliever, but didn't show that in this outing.
Randy Flores LHP Rockies 1.1IP 2H 1K
He looks like a situational lefty with average stuff. His FB(88-90) is average; SL(79-83) and CB(74-76) are also average offerings.
Jesse Chavez RHP Pirates 1IP 2K
He has the best raw stuff of any pitcher I saw in this game. He has a plus FB(94-95) and an above average CH(85-86) that gets great arm side movement and he'll throw it to both lefties and righties. He also has a SL but I didn't see it in this outing. He has great stuff.
John Grabow LHP Pirates 1IP 1BB
He works with an average FB(90-91), average CH(81-84) and average SL(83-86). He is a solid reliever that can get righties and lefties out. He has average command and is a solid middle reliever/ set up man.
Manny Corpas RHP Rockies 1.1IP 1H 2K
He is a solid two pitch reliever. His FB(89-91) is average and his SL(82-83) is also average. He throws strikes and has good sink on his FB. He is a solid middle reliever.
Matt Capps RHP Pirates 1IP 1BB
He is a classic FB/SL Reliever. He throws a hard, straight FB(91-94) and a sharp SL(83). He is a solid closer.
Score: MIN @ NYY 5/16/09
NYY 6 MIN 4 F/11
Pitchers:
Nick Blackburn RHP Twins 7.2IP 6H 4ER 3BB 4K
He battled against a very tough Yankees lineup and pitched well enough to win until he let up the tying run in the bottom of the eighth inning. He worked well mixing up his pitches, but was hit hard when he left pitches up and over the middle of the plate. He gave up a HR to Teixeira in the third off a FB. He had an solid outing, but couldn't get enough run support for the win. I still think he is a solid #3 right now and potential #2.
Joba Chamberlain RHP Yankees 6IP 3H 2ER 4BB 6K
He continues to flash Ace stuff, but has not yet harnessed his command issues. In order for him to live up to that Ace potential he needs to throw more strikes and not try to strike everyone out. The Yankees are hesitant to let him throw more than 110 pitches and with his command issues, he has only been able to throw more than 6 innings once. I am still high on him and believe he'll eventually mature into an Ace, but with his lack of command he is a #3 right now.
Position Players:
Mark Teixeira 1B Yankees 4-4 HR, 2B, 4RBI, BB
Teixeira has found his stroke and now that A-Rod is back he doesn't have to be the only run producer in the lineup.
Alex Rodriguez 3B Yankees 1-4 HR, 2RBI, BB
He hit a walk off two run HR in the bottom of the 11th inning off Craig Breslow. He looks comfortable at the plate and will put up big numbers this year with Teixeira, Damon and Jeter getting on base in front of him.
Joe Mauer C Twins 1-4, HR, RBI, BB
He is starting to develop some above average power that people thought he might never develop with his line drive swing. He hit a 420+ foot HR off of Chamberlain to dead CF in the 4th inning. He is the best hitting Catcher in the game today.
Justin Morneau 1B Twins 2-3 HR, RBI, 2BB
He hit a Second Deck HR in RF off a slider from Phil Coke in the 8th inning. He has a very short and compact stroke that stays in the zone for a long time. The combination of he and Mauer are among the best 3-4 hitters in the big leagues (Along with Teixeira and A-Rod).
Pitchers:
Nick Blackburn RHP Twins 7.2IP 6H 4ER 3BB 4K
He battled against a very tough Yankees lineup and pitched well enough to win until he let up the tying run in the bottom of the eighth inning. He worked well mixing up his pitches, but was hit hard when he left pitches up and over the middle of the plate. He gave up a HR to Teixeira in the third off a FB. He had an solid outing, but couldn't get enough run support for the win. I still think he is a solid #3 right now and potential #2.
Joba Chamberlain RHP Yankees 6IP 3H 2ER 4BB 6K
He continues to flash Ace stuff, but has not yet harnessed his command issues. In order for him to live up to that Ace potential he needs to throw more strikes and not try to strike everyone out. The Yankees are hesitant to let him throw more than 110 pitches and with his command issues, he has only been able to throw more than 6 innings once. I am still high on him and believe he'll eventually mature into an Ace, but with his lack of command he is a #3 right now.
Position Players:
Mark Teixeira 1B Yankees 4-4 HR, 2B, 4RBI, BB
Teixeira has found his stroke and now that A-Rod is back he doesn't have to be the only run producer in the lineup.
Alex Rodriguez 3B Yankees 1-4 HR, 2RBI, BB
He hit a walk off two run HR in the bottom of the 11th inning off Craig Breslow. He looks comfortable at the plate and will put up big numbers this year with Teixeira, Damon and Jeter getting on base in front of him.
Joe Mauer C Twins 1-4, HR, RBI, BB
He is starting to develop some above average power that people thought he might never develop with his line drive swing. He hit a 420+ foot HR off of Chamberlain to dead CF in the 4th inning. He is the best hitting Catcher in the game today.
Justin Morneau 1B Twins 2-3 HR, RBI, 2BB
He hit a Second Deck HR in RF off a slider from Phil Coke in the 8th inning. He has a very short and compact stroke that stays in the zone for a long time. The combination of he and Mauer are among the best 3-4 hitters in the big leagues (Along with Teixeira and A-Rod).
Monday, May 18, 2009
BAL @ KC 5/15/09
KC 8 BAL 1
Zack Greinke RHP Royals 7IP 6H 1ER 2BB 6K
He continues to impress with his four above average offerings. He kept everyone in the Orioles lineup in check except for Aubrey Huff and Brian Roberts (Roberts hit the only Extra Base hit of Greinke, a 2B in the 3rd inning). Greinke continues to impress me with his poise and ability to throw any of his four pitches for strikes (He even threw a 64mph breaking ball against Felix Pie). He is the best pitcher I have charted so far this year and I love watching him pitch.
Juan Cruz RHP Royals 1IP 1K
He is a solid back end of the bullpen reliever that can also be used as a multiple inning reliever when needed. He was a great signing for the Royals this off season. He works with a plus FB(94-97), above average SL(80-81), and an average CH(84). He has the repertoire to get both lefties and righties out. He could probably close for a good amount of teams but is best used as a 7th/8th inning guy that is needed to get tough outs.
Kyle Farnsworth RHP Royals 1IP 1H 1K
He has been an enigma his entire career. He has always had Closer stuff, but mentally not always been there. He was on in this outing flashing a plus FB(95-96) and topping out at 99. He also shows an above average SL(84-90).
Adam Eaton RHP Orioles 5IP 10H 7ER 1BB 3K
In this outing Eaton was roughed up but didn't have the control problems that he had in his last outing against the Yankees. He works with five average to below average pitches: FB(86-91) average; CH(80-82) average; CB(71-72) average; SL(77-78) below average; CUT(84-86). He is a fringe Major League Starter and might be better suited for the bullpen or AAA.
Mark Hendrickson LHP Orioles 3IP 3H 1ER 4K
This was the best outing I've seen Hendrickson have all year. He looks like he may be a solid long reliever because the other two outings I saw of him he was good through three and fell apart after that. He has the stuff to fool hitters one time through the lineup and then the make adjustments after that. He works with average to below average offerings.
Zack Greinke RHP Royals 7IP 6H 1ER 2BB 6K
He continues to impress with his four above average offerings. He kept everyone in the Orioles lineup in check except for Aubrey Huff and Brian Roberts (Roberts hit the only Extra Base hit of Greinke, a 2B in the 3rd inning). Greinke continues to impress me with his poise and ability to throw any of his four pitches for strikes (He even threw a 64mph breaking ball against Felix Pie). He is the best pitcher I have charted so far this year and I love watching him pitch.
Juan Cruz RHP Royals 1IP 1K
He is a solid back end of the bullpen reliever that can also be used as a multiple inning reliever when needed. He was a great signing for the Royals this off season. He works with a plus FB(94-97), above average SL(80-81), and an average CH(84). He has the repertoire to get both lefties and righties out. He could probably close for a good amount of teams but is best used as a 7th/8th inning guy that is needed to get tough outs.
Kyle Farnsworth RHP Royals 1IP 1H 1K
He has been an enigma his entire career. He has always had Closer stuff, but mentally not always been there. He was on in this outing flashing a plus FB(95-96) and topping out at 99. He also shows an above average SL(84-90).
Adam Eaton RHP Orioles 5IP 10H 7ER 1BB 3K
In this outing Eaton was roughed up but didn't have the control problems that he had in his last outing against the Yankees. He works with five average to below average pitches: FB(86-91) average; CH(80-82) average; CB(71-72) average; SL(77-78) below average; CUT(84-86). He is a fringe Major League Starter and might be better suited for the bullpen or AAA.
Mark Hendrickson LHP Orioles 3IP 3H 1ER 4K
This was the best outing I've seen Hendrickson have all year. He looks like he may be a solid long reliever because the other two outings I saw of him he was good through three and fell apart after that. He has the stuff to fool hitters one time through the lineup and then the make adjustments after that. He works with average to below average offerings.
Score: LAD @ FLA 5/15/09
LAD 6 FLA 4
Pitchers:
Chris Volstad RHP Marlins 6IP 7H 4ER 3K
He looked great through five innings, but gave up three runs in the sixth and one in the seventh. He worked primarily FB/CH through the first three innings and then started mixing in his CB. His FB(88-93) is above average, CH(81-84) average and his CB(77-80) is above average and his strike out pitch. He is currently a solid #4, but profiles to be a #2/3. He has average command.
Eric Stutlts LHP Dodgers 5IP 5H 3ER 2BB 5K
He is a solid back end of the rotation pitcher. He is a soft throwing lefty that likes to mix his pitches and keep hitters off balance. He throws FB,CB,CH and CUT, all of which are average offerings. He also has average command. He is a solid #5 or spot starter.
Brent Leach LHP Dodgers
I wanted to write about him because he is the first pitcher I have ever seen that throws a "smoke" ball. He covers his hand in rosin before he takes the ball and when he releases it there is literally a white puff of smoke that comes off his hand. It happened on nearly every pitch he threw and I was very surprised that no one on the Marlins said anything to the umpire. It was very distracting to me just watching the game and I can't believe that it wouldn't be to a hitter trying to pick up the pitch.
Position Players:
Cody Ross CF Marlins 1-3, 2RBI
He made a great diving catch on a soft line drive in the top of the fourth and when he came to bat in the bottom of the inning he hit a 2-run HR to dead CF off of Stults.
Jeremy Hermida RF Marlins 3-3, 2B, BB
Hermida crushed the ball in his first two at bats. He was locked in all day and looked like he found his stroke. Hopefully he stays healthy all season so we can see if him mature into an Above Average OF.
Casey Blake and Xavier Paul Dodgers
They hit back to back home runs in the top of the sixth inning. It was the beginning of the end of Chris Volstad's outing. They sparked the comeback that eventually lead to a Dodgers win.
Pitchers:
Chris Volstad RHP Marlins 6IP 7H 4ER 3K
He looked great through five innings, but gave up three runs in the sixth and one in the seventh. He worked primarily FB/CH through the first three innings and then started mixing in his CB. His FB(88-93) is above average, CH(81-84) average and his CB(77-80) is above average and his strike out pitch. He is currently a solid #4, but profiles to be a #2/3. He has average command.
Eric Stutlts LHP Dodgers 5IP 5H 3ER 2BB 5K
He is a solid back end of the rotation pitcher. He is a soft throwing lefty that likes to mix his pitches and keep hitters off balance. He throws FB,CB,CH and CUT, all of which are average offerings. He also has average command. He is a solid #5 or spot starter.
Brent Leach LHP Dodgers
I wanted to write about him because he is the first pitcher I have ever seen that throws a "smoke" ball. He covers his hand in rosin before he takes the ball and when he releases it there is literally a white puff of smoke that comes off his hand. It happened on nearly every pitch he threw and I was very surprised that no one on the Marlins said anything to the umpire. It was very distracting to me just watching the game and I can't believe that it wouldn't be to a hitter trying to pick up the pitch.
Position Players:
Cody Ross CF Marlins 1-3, 2RBI
He made a great diving catch on a soft line drive in the top of the fourth and when he came to bat in the bottom of the inning he hit a 2-run HR to dead CF off of Stults.
Jeremy Hermida RF Marlins 3-3, 2B, BB
Hermida crushed the ball in his first two at bats. He was locked in all day and looked like he found his stroke. Hopefully he stays healthy all season so we can see if him mature into an Above Average OF.
Casey Blake and Xavier Paul Dodgers
They hit back to back home runs in the top of the sixth inning. It was the beginning of the end of Chris Volstad's outing. They sparked the comeback that eventually lead to a Dodgers win.
Score: LAD @ PHI 5/12/09
PHI 5 LAD 3
Pitchers:
Clayton Kershaw LHP Dodgers 5IP 4H 4ER 4BB 5K
He is one of the promising young lefties in the game today, but had a rough outing. He works with an above average FB(93-96); a plus over the top CB(71-73);CH(81-84) that is average and he mostly throws to righties. He had trouble throwing his FB for strikes and got behind most of the hitters he faced in the third inning. I know he's still very young, but in order for him to be a top of the rotation arm, he needs to consistently get into the seventh inning. He is a solid #3 right now, with potential to be a #1/2.
Chan Ho Park RHP Phillies 6IP 7H 2ER 3K
He looked solid in this outing, mixing in a FB, SL, CB and CH. All of his offerings are average and he is a #5 starter with average command. In this game he injured his leg/ankle running out a sac bunt, but he was able to stay in the game and give the Phillies a quality start.
Position Players:
Jayson Werth RF Phillies 2-4, 2R, 4SB
Werth was definitely the player of the game. He stole four bases including a steal of home plate in the 7th inning and he also got an assist on Orlando Hudson trying to stretch a single into a double in the first inning.
Orlando Hudson 2B Dodgers 3-4, RBI, R
The O-Dawg had a good day at the plate and made two quick pivots on GIDPs. He is an All-Star 2B and the Dodgers are going to need him to step up even more now that Manny is out.
Pedro Feliz 3B Phillies 0-0, 4BB
For a guy that has a career OBP under .300 and only 9 BBs before this game, this may be the most intriguing story line of the game (Who am I kidding, Werth's steal of home was so much better).
Pitchers:
Clayton Kershaw LHP Dodgers 5IP 4H 4ER 4BB 5K
He is one of the promising young lefties in the game today, but had a rough outing. He works with an above average FB(93-96); a plus over the top CB(71-73);CH(81-84) that is average and he mostly throws to righties. He had trouble throwing his FB for strikes and got behind most of the hitters he faced in the third inning. I know he's still very young, but in order for him to be a top of the rotation arm, he needs to consistently get into the seventh inning. He is a solid #3 right now, with potential to be a #1/2.
Chan Ho Park RHP Phillies 6IP 7H 2ER 3K
He looked solid in this outing, mixing in a FB, SL, CB and CH. All of his offerings are average and he is a #5 starter with average command. In this game he injured his leg/ankle running out a sac bunt, but he was able to stay in the game and give the Phillies a quality start.
Position Players:
Jayson Werth RF Phillies 2-4, 2R, 4SB
Werth was definitely the player of the game. He stole four bases including a steal of home plate in the 7th inning and he also got an assist on Orlando Hudson trying to stretch a single into a double in the first inning.
Orlando Hudson 2B Dodgers 3-4, RBI, R
The O-Dawg had a good day at the plate and made two quick pivots on GIDPs. He is an All-Star 2B and the Dodgers are going to need him to step up even more now that Manny is out.
Pedro Feliz 3B Phillies 0-0, 4BB
For a guy that has a career OBP under .300 and only 9 BBs before this game, this may be the most intriguing story line of the game (Who am I kidding, Werth's steal of home was so much better).
Sunday, May 17, 2009
TEX @ CHW 5/8/09
TEX 6 CHW 0
Matt Harrison LHP Rangers 9IP 4H 1BB 5K
He has improved a lot since the first time I saw him. His FB(90-96) topped out at 98mph is an above average pitch; CH(83-85) is average; SL(81-90) is average and CB(76-77) is average. He works quick and has a smooth delivery. He showed above average control and much more confidence in this outing. He has the stuff to eventually be a #2. He is a #3/4 right now.
Jose Contreras RHP White Sox 3.2IP 6H 5R 3ER 2BB 3K
He showed below average control in this outing and left two many pitches over the heart of the plate. His FB(91-96) is an above average offering; SPLT(77-80) was below average in this outing and was thrown for two Wild Pitches; SL(87-90) is a below average offering and is very flat with little movement; CH(80-84) is below average. He will also try to drop down to deceive hitters with his FB or SL. He is a below average starter with below average control and hopefully will improve his command after his stint in the minors.
DJ Carrasco RHP White Sox 3IP 4H 1ER 5K
He was very good in this outing. His FB(92-95) is above average; CUT(89-93) is above average and is his best pitch (It has good depth and tilt); SL(82-85) average; CB(76-69) average; CH(84) average. He is a solid long reliever and will sometimes drop down for deception.
Clayton Richard 1.1IP 3K
He was very impressive in this outing. His FB(94-98) is a Plus pitch; SL(79-86) average; CH(85-88). He looked like a top end set up man in this outing. I want to see if he can keep this up for the rest of the season.
Matt Harrison LHP Rangers 9IP 4H 1BB 5K
He has improved a lot since the first time I saw him. His FB(90-96) topped out at 98mph is an above average pitch; CH(83-85) is average; SL(81-90) is average and CB(76-77) is average. He works quick and has a smooth delivery. He showed above average control and much more confidence in this outing. He has the stuff to eventually be a #2. He is a #3/4 right now.
Jose Contreras RHP White Sox 3.2IP 6H 5R 3ER 2BB 3K
He showed below average control in this outing and left two many pitches over the heart of the plate. His FB(91-96) is an above average offering; SPLT(77-80) was below average in this outing and was thrown for two Wild Pitches; SL(87-90) is a below average offering and is very flat with little movement; CH(80-84) is below average. He will also try to drop down to deceive hitters with his FB or SL. He is a below average starter with below average control and hopefully will improve his command after his stint in the minors.
DJ Carrasco RHP White Sox 3IP 4H 1ER 5K
He was very good in this outing. His FB(92-95) is above average; CUT(89-93) is above average and is his best pitch (It has good depth and tilt); SL(82-85) average; CB(76-69) average; CH(84) average. He is a solid long reliever and will sometimes drop down for deception.
Clayton Richard 1.1IP 3K
He was very impressive in this outing. His FB(94-98) is a Plus pitch; SL(79-86) average; CH(85-88). He looked like a top end set up man in this outing. I want to see if he can keep this up for the rest of the season.
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