10 things I’ll be watching in 2008
Posted on April 1, 2008 by erik
Colby is just a given.
- Adam Ottavino’s “ease of outs”. Ottavino only pitched 16 innings after the 5th inning. Ott racks up too many walks and labors to get through 5 innings. In order for him to reach his ceiling, he has to be more efficient.
- Jaime Garcia’s elbow. Is it a case like with Wainwright a couple of years ago where the prescribed rest worked out? Or it it a deal like with Carpenter where we were told he was fine, only to need to go under the knife?
- Clayton Mortensen’s jump to AA. Mort lasted longer then any other starting pitching prospect in camp just one season away from being drafted. He posted a 11.05 ERA this spring. I’m a Mortensen believer a little bit reticent about how aggressive they are being with him.
- Bryan Anderson’s passed balls. Mike Matheny worked closely with Anderson to help his plate blocking skills, and we know Matheny was the master. Here’s hoping Anderson can put into practice what was preached to him.
- Pete Kozma’s swing mechanics. The
SwingRiver Bandits are coming to my town the 7th through the 10th of April, and I’ll be sure to be closely watching to see if his swing been de-pooped. I’m no scout, but I’ll let you all know if it’s the same handsy swing. I’m also interested in seeing how his glove plays. I don’t expect Kozma to light the QC on fire right away, but if he finishes the year with a .280 average with some walks I’d be reasonably happy. - Chris Perez’s control. Too many walks is all that is separating him from being a lights out closer in the big leagues.
- The toolsy high school players. When it comes down to it, Daryl Jones would be a junior in college this season and Tommy Pham would be a sophomore. They still have time to turn things around, and too much talent to not merit watching. With seeing their names in about every other email I received from John Vuch and his daily reports, it sounds like they both are primed for a rebound.
- The top of the Springfield batting order. Watching Jon Jay and Jose Martinez scorch the back end of the rotation this weekend was pretty exciting. Here’s hoping Jay can stay healthy, I have a very good feeling about him.
- The 2005 draft. Rasmus, Herron and Anderson are looking good, but McCormick and Greene are two guys with a ton of talent and have been lean in the health and results department.
- Allen Craig’s all around game. Will his plate discipline (or lack thereof) get him exposed at the next level? Will he stick at 3B?
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erik
azruavatar
fewgoodcards
roarke49
theredbaaron
I’m impressed that “The Swing are coming to my town the 7th through the 10th of April”, I was certain they had been kidnapped by some sort of River Bandit. Hope you can rescue them when you see them.
This is a fun game. I like your list and would add these:
-I am curious to see what we’ve got in David Freese and who will win the ‘future 3B’ tag between him and Craig.
-I want to see if Mather and Hoffspauir can retain the gains they made last year or if they’ll backslide.
-Can Jason Motte continue to succeed with his repertoire and/or will he add another pitch.
-Will Walters’ soft-tossing hold up as he advances.
Roarke’s additions are good, and let me add one more:
15. The top 2008 draft choice — to be watched both during the draft and on arrival on the field.
I like Roarke’s additions to the list. And Hugo’s comment was subtlely more enjoyable than most corrections. I visit a few other boards, e.g., for my college team, and I must compliment this board for its relevancy, quality and civility.
I’d like to add one:
- Given his durability and his consistent track record, can Mitchell Boggs keep his consistency at AAA…and start to miss more bats.
I’ve got one, How about Kyle McClellan’s spring performance and whether he will be a fixture in the bullpen this season or will he be sent down when some of the other pitchers get healthy?
I don’t know why, but I have the feeling that Kozma will become a .320/.390 AVG/OBP type of guy, with way above average defense.
GO CARDS!!!
QC-
I may see you at the Park Eric. I will try to catch a couple of the 4 games between the Kernels and Bandits
So Kozma is going to be a hall of famer? Something like Derek Jeter with Jack Wilson’s glove? How was Honus Wagner’s D? Maybe Arky Vaughn is a good comp then.
So Kozma is going to be a hall of famer? Something like Derek Jeter with Jack Wilson’s glove? How was Honus Wagner’s D? Maybe Arky Vaughan is a good comp, but he moved to third. Hmm.
haltz-you’re being sarcastic, right?
Yeah. I’m replying to Superseve saying he’ll be a “.320/.390 guy” with great defense. Unless that’s an April Fool’s post, then I’m just playing along.
While you guys debate Kozma’s HOF credentials, I’m most curious about whether the one-tool guys from the 2007 draft — Tony Cruz, Steve Hill, and Beau Riportella come to mind — can put together more of an all-around game.
If one of those first two guys can stick at catcher, and/or Rip develops as more than a really fast contact hitter, that could be a hell of a draft for the Cards.
What’s wrong with a really fast contact-hitting catcher?
In honor of today…
Amaury Marti’s calendar goes from March 31st to April 2nd, because no one fools Amaury Marti.
(Yeah we were doing these at work. I got a bunch of them.)
BJM, that is awesome…keep them coming.
Other items to watch (in no particular order):
1. Will Josh Wilson resurface as a #3 starter type?
2. Is Kenny Maiques the next Chris Perez?
3. Will the spend in Latam increase and/or will we see any results from our investments over the last three years?
4. Will everyone stop Hasselling the Hawk?
5. Will Mark Hamilton take AA by storm only to Peter out in AAA as is his pattern?
6. Is Jon Edwards the biggest stud not to be in the top 30 or is it Daryl Jones, D’Marcus Ingrahm, Josh Wilson, Tyler Henley, Tommy Pham, Ryde Rodriguez, David Kopp, Brett Zawacki, Deryk Hooker, David Kopp or Gary Daley?
Haltz, I really don’t see how being a .320/.390 hitter with good defense automatically makes you HOF calibar. What if his slugging is only .400? Yes a near .400 OBP is outstanding and probably not in his future right now but I don’t see why you automatically would call it outrageous.
I think saying Kozma will hit .320 right now is pretty outrageously premature