Saturday, August 18, 2018

Sharpest Tools In The Shed | Baseball America


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JACKSONVILLE - Hopefully, this article silences some of those who feel that Yadier Molina is a better defensive catcher than Posey. Although, I doubt it will.

Also, some in the pocket protector crowd at SABR continue to make the ridiculous case that Addison Russell is a better defensive SS than Brandon Crawford. "Crawford has two Gold Gloves that belong to Russell" according to their convoluted metrics. I actually heard that at SABR48 from somebody.

Any statistical hocus-pocus that gives you that result needs to be re-engineered. Russell isn't even the best defensive SS on his own team, Javier Baez is. Russell doesn't even make the top three in the NL according to the experts that BA polled.
Every year Baseball America polls managers, scouts and executives to identify the best players in a variety of categories. Here are the results for 2018.

from Baseball America:
https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2018-mlb-best-tools/
Best Defensive C1. Buster Posey, Giants2. Austin Hedges, Padres3. Yasmani Grandal, Dodgers
Best Defensive 1B1. Paul Goldschmidt, D-backs2. Freddie Freeman, Braves3. Anthony Rizzo, Cubs
Best Defensive 2B1. D.J. LeMahieu, Rockies2. Javier Baez, Cubs3. Ozzie Albies, Braves
 Best Defensive 3B
1. Nolan Arenado, Rockies2. Anthony Rendon, Nationals3. Johan Camargo, Braves
Best Defensive SS1. Brandon Crawford, Giants2. Nick Ahmed, D-backs3. Trea Turner, Nationals
I know this is blasphemy coming from a member of SABR but, sometimes the eye test wins.

Rage against the Machine(s).

...and screw Ben Zobrist and Anthony Rizzo and Saint Jospeh. If we're going to go down this robo-ump rabbit-hole, let's just go full throttle stupid and replace the players with robots that we can bet on or against and have a total fantasy, non-reality sport.

Screw the human element and remove it in "all" aspects of the game including the players and coaches.

Really getting tired of these ass-hats and the direction this game appears to be going. Let them become the NFL and the NBA, there's a reason I don't watch those clowns anymore.


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Giants Top Minor League Prospects

  • 1. Joey Bart 6-2, 215 C Power arm and a power bat, playing a premium defensive position. Good catch and throw skills.
  • 2. Heliot Ramos 6-2, 185 OF Potential high-ceiling player the Giants have been looking for. Great bat speed, early returns were impressive.
  • 3. Chris Shaw 6-3. 230 1B Lefty power bat, limited defensively to 1B, Matt Adams comp?
  • 4. Tyler Beede 6-4, 215 RHP from Vanderbilt projects as top of the rotation starter when he works out his command/control issues. When he misses, he misses by a bunch.
  • 5. Stephen Duggar 6-1, 170 CF Another toolsy, under-achieving OF in the Gary Brown mold, hoping for better results.
  • 6. Sandro Fabian 6-0, 180 OF Dominican signee from 2014, shows some pop in his bat. Below average arm and lack of speed should push him towards LF.
  • 7. Aramis Garcia 6-2, 220 C from Florida INTL projects as a good bat behind the dish with enough defensive skill to play there long-term
  • 8. Heath Quinn 6-2, 190 OF Strong hitter, makes contact with improving approach at the plate. Returns from hamate bone injury.
  • 9. Garrett Williams 6-1, 205 LHP Former Oklahoma standout, Giants prototype, low-ceiling, high-floor prospect.
  • 10. Shaun Anderson 6-4, 225 RHP Large frame, 3.36 K/BB rate. Can start or relieve
  • 11. Jacob Gonzalez 6-3, 190 3B Good pedigree, impressive bat for HS prospect.
  • 12. Seth Corry 6-2 195 LHP Highly regard HS pick. Was mentioned as possible chip in high profile trades.
  • 13. C.J. Hinojosa 5-10, 175 SS Scrappy IF prospect in the mold of Kelby Tomlinson, just gets it done.
  • 14. Garett Cave 6-4, 200 RHP He misses a lot of bats and at times, the plate. 13 K/9 an 5 B/9. Wild thing.

2019 MLB Draft - Top HS Draft Prospects

  • 1. Bobby Witt, Jr. 6-1,185 SS Colleyville Heritage HS (TX) Oklahoma commit. Outstanding defensive SS who can hit. 6.4 speed in 60 yd. Touched 97 on mound. Son of former major leaguer. Five tool potential.
  • 2. Riley Greene 6-2, 190 OF Haggerty HS (FL) Florida commit.Best HS hitting prospect. LH bat with good eye, plate discipline and developing power.
  • 3. C.J. Abrams 6-2, 180 SS Blessed Trinity HS (GA) High-ceiling athlete. 70 speed with plus arm. Hitting needs to develop as he matures. Alabama commit.
  • 4. Reece Hinds 6-4, 210 SS Niceville HS (FL) Power bat, committed to LSU. Plus arm, solid enough bat to move to 3B down the road. 98MPH arm.
  • 5. Daniel Espino 6-3, 200 RHP Georgia Premier Academy (GA) LSU commit. Touches 98 on FB with wipe out SL.

2019 MLB Draft - Top College Draft Prospects

  • 1. Adley Rutschman C Oregon State Plus defender with great arm. Excellent receiver plus a switch hitter with some pop in the bat.
  • 2. Shea Langliers C Baylor Excelent throw and catch skills with good pop time. Quick bat, uses all fields approach with some pop.
  • 3. Zack Thompson 6-2 LHP Kentucky Missed time with an elbow issue. FB up to 95 with plenty of secondary stuff.
  • 4. Matt Wallner 6-5 OF Southern Miss Run producing bat plus mid to upper 90's FB closer. Power bat from the left side, athletic for size.
  • 5. Nick Lodolo LHP TCU Tall LHP, 95MPH FB and solid breaking stuff.