Future Redbirds

I’m starting a new series, something that could be weekly but more likely bi-weekly. It’s just a quick glance at the present “hots” and “nots” in the system. Of course, there will usually be more then three players that fall in those categories at any given time; I’m just looking at the ones that stand out to me at the moment. So don’t be upset if I leave out your favorite player, it’s no snub. In this edition, I could’ve very easily talked about Clayton Mortensen, Bryan Anderson, and Daryl Jones in the “Who’s Up?” section. And I could’ve just as easily talked about Thomas Eager, Kenny Maiques or Colby Rasmus in the “Who’s Not” section. (On the other hand, the Raz is coming on a bit lately.) Chances are that player will probably get a mention in the next edition anyway. Of course, you can make an argument for those who are standing out to you, obviously that is part of the fun, and what makes the FR community as enjoyable as it is.

Without further adieu…

Who’s up?

Jaime Garcia: Jaime is looking pretty darn strong. He’s 3rd in the Texas League in K% with 30.2% per PA. He’s among the leaders in groundball rate with 64%. Now that he trusts his fastball more, he’s cut his walks down a little and is yet to allow a big fly, two problems he suffered from last season. AAA beckons soon.

Pete Kozma: Don’t look now, but Kozma’s isolated power is .170. Pretty sweet for a high school shortstop whom scouts said would hit for below average power, especially taking into account this is his first go ‘round in full season ball. I’m not sure if he’ll maintain the power, but with some of the help from you lovely readers, we identified that he’s changed his swing mechanics since the now infamous draft video was made. He’s looking a little more like a slugger and less like the slapper that sent us all in a tizzy. Equally or perhaps even more encouraging is his walk rate, a nifty 17.4% per plate appearance. So far Pete’s hitting .322/.420/.492. It’s very, very early, so we’ll see if he can keep this up, but if he can, he’s liable be ranked as a top 100 prospect. He could see time in Palm Beach sooner then later.

Tyler Henley: A considerable amount of Henley’s ISO (.254) has come from him legging out 3 triples, pretty fitting for a guy who is known for his all out play. He has 7 walks to 7 K’s in 78 plate appearances, making good contact. Considered by some to be a sure 3rd round pick going into 2007, Henley’s stock slipped due to a lower leg issue he gutted out for Rice all year that caused his numbers to dip. The Cardinals have to be pretty happy to have scooped him up in the 8th round. There are some reasons to not jump on the bandwagon quite yet with Henley. His .362 BABIP will be hard to sustain, considering only 12% of his balls in play have been line drives.

Who’s down?

Adam Ottavino: The former 1st rounder has walked 14% of the batters he’s faced, and has been pretty darn hittable. Of his 15 hits allowed, 6 have gone for extra bases and two have left the yard. He’s averaging a little over 4 innings per start, racking up high pitch counts. Half of the outs he’s recorded are via the strikeout. If I were a Springfield season ticket holder, I think I’d be skipping his starts for a little while until he figures it out. Nothing is more maddening to me then to see pitchers who can’t throw strikes.

Tyler Greene: He’s not figuring it out quite yet, and I’m sure missing most of last season hasn’t helped. He’s striking out in 26.5% of his plate appearances, and he’s hitting for a lowly .594 OPS. Time is ticking for Tyler at age 24.

Tommy Pham: Once seen as the top high school player in Nevada, Pham hasn’t lived up to the hype. He flashed a 93 MPH heater off the mound back in his high school days, maybe it’s time to put him back up there and see what happens. I know you never wanna give up on tools, but Pham is hitting a bleak .122/.185/.163 in 54 plate appearances, and most troublesome, he’s struck out in 35% of those PA’s. Plain and simple, he’s been overmatched, the story of his professional baseball life so far. While he had a good spring, the FSL has been way more then he can handle. Probably needs to be knocked down a rung.