Newy Scruggs covers the Cowboys and Rangers for KXAS TV, an NBC affiliate in Dallas, TX. He stopped by to answer a few questions on the Texas Rangers.
Baseball-Rumors: A lot has been said about Milton Bradley's problems with his anger, both on and off the field. Though there's no question of his ability, is this a move that will help this ballclub or will this be like any of his stops in the past?
Newy Scruggs: Ultimately, the Rangers manager Ron Washington wanted him and feels he can get the job done. Wash worked with him in Oakland so they have history. The big question is Bradley's health. I'm not sure if he'll be ready to start the season coming off that knee injury. Bradley signed a one year deal full of incentives so look for him to be on his best behavior.
Baseball-Rumors: Jason Jennings, another one of those pitchers coming off shoulder surgery. What did the Rangers see in him that said he's going to be better than last year?
Newy Scruggs: This is the Texas Rangers. They are cheap and taking a chance on Jennings fits the way this club operates. Last year they gambled on closer Eric Gagne and it paid off. Jennings told the DFW media he was fine and expects to be a factor in the rotation.
Baseball-Rumors: Japanese reliever Kazuo Fukumori. What's your scouting report on him and what does he bring to the Ranger bullpen?
Newy Scruggs: One of the guys I really trust gave me this take on him, "He’s not a closer but he should be effective. Less of an impact than Otsuka had here, but he’ll help. Works at 88-91 mph with a split-finger designed to coax a lot of ground balls."
Baseball-Rumors: There was a lot of talk about Akinori Otsuka after the Rangers decided not to offer him a contract. Did they see something in his medical reports that they didn't like or was it just a case of wanting to move on?
Newy Scruggs: The guy is not healthy
Baseball-Rumors: How do you rate the Josh Hamilton deal with the Reds? Is he a guy that's really going to help this ballclub?
Newy Scruggs: If he can stay healthy, he has the chance to put up some big numbers. This ballpark is tailor made for left handed hitters with power. The fans have taken to him already.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Interview with Denis Savage of Mad Friars
Denis Savage covers the San Diego Padres minor league system for Mad Friars and he was nice enough to answer a few questions for the site.
Baseball-Rumors: Let's start with Chase Headley. A lot of Padre fans are wondering if he can make the change from being a 3rd baseman to being a left fielder. What's your take on it?
Denis Savage: It is an interesting question. He is a very solid defender at third base who really improved his lateral movement over the last year. Coupled with his sure-handedness, Headley is above-average at the hot corner. I have, however, seen him in the outfield taking balls, and it was not pretty. The same lateral movement he has at third, in short bursts to move on the crack of the bat, is far different in the outfield. You need actual jumps and some semblance of speed to makeup ground if you do not read the flight of the ball correctly. Headley needs more experience than "fielding some balls at PETCO" for him to make a serious run at starting. I do believe he could be serviceable if he is given time. He will, however, never be as good in left field as he is at third base. Headley has an amazing work ethic and I, for one, would never count him out.
Baseball-Rumors: We heard a lot about Matt Antonelli possibly being the Padres' Opening Day starter at 2nd base, but now with the signing to Tad Iguchi, it looks like Antonelli will start the year in Portland. Give me your scouting report on him and what should we look forward to when he's called up?
Denis Savage: Antonelli can be a difference-maker in San Diego based on his abilityto see pitches and get on base at a solid clip. If he began the yearwith the Padres, leading the team in on-base percentage would be afeat he could easily accomplish. He is a very patient hitter who wassimply rundown at the end of the season in Double-A and the Arizona Fall League.
He has gap power and excellent bat control. Antonelli will go theother way with the ball just as quickly as he will pull it. He upped his aggressiveness this past season after being a little too passive the year before. Instead of always allowing that first-pitch fastball to fly by, he would offer at it - his power numbers rising as a result. His aggressiveness did come with a price, as his on-base percentage took a slight hit and his strikeouts rose.
Defensively, Antonelli needs another half year at second base to workon his ability to turn the double play and read the depth of the ballfrom the outfield grass. He made tremendous strides in all facets of the game from his debut season to 2007 and it isn't far-fetched to expect the same sort of advancements this year.
Baseball-Rumors: One prospect I'm very curious about is Kyle Blanks. Where does he start the season and what kind of potential does he have in the big leagues?
Denis Savage: Blanks is in a class by himself, especially with the dearth of talent at first base throughout the system. He will begin the year in Double-A - a challenge for the young behemoth. Last year in Lake Elsinore, Blanks feasted at several of the hitter's parks, making his numbers appear a tad inflated. There is, however, no doubt that he has massive power. This season, playing in a pitcher's park, will tell whether Blanks has made all the adjustments. His potential remains extremely high, especially with the new placement of his hands that allows him to turn on the inside fastball.
Baseball-Rumors: Wade LeBlanc gets called up from Lake Elsinore after posting a
6-5 record and a 2.45 ERA. Goes to San Antonio, where he posts a 7-3 record and a 3.45 ERA. How good is this young left-hander and do you expect him to break in with the Padres in 2008?
Denis Savage: LeBlanc is a cerebral pitcher with two outstanding changeups. He spots all of his pitches well, is not afraid to come inside and is very adept at pitch sequencing - making it tough for hitters to guess what pitch he will throw and where. He won't overpower with his fastball, but gets the most out ofhis arsenal by keeping hitters off-balance.
The southpaw should end up in San Diego by the end of the year, more likely as a September call-up, unless injury dictates otherwise. By 2009, LeBlanc has to be considered among the favorites to land a regular gig in the big leagues as the fifth starter. An innings-eater, LeBlanc simply needs to improve his fastball command to become truly dominant.
Baseball-Rumors: A lot of fans want to know the progress of Ceasar Carillo. Do you know when he'll start throwing again, if he hasn't already and do you expect to see him back on a mound next season?
Denis Savage: Carrillo is currently throwing at 120 feet and should increase his workloadas we get closer to spring training. The right-hander is on target for aMay debut in Triple-A. He has sort of been the forgotten man inconversations, and I expect him to have a huge year and contend for arotation spot by the end of the year. Stamina will be a concern this year,but 2009 should see Carrillo earn a regular spot in the San Diego rotation.
Baseball-Rumors: Josh Geer put up ridiculous numbers with San Antonio last season (16-6, 3.20 ERA in 171.1 IP). Give me a scouting report on him and where do you expect him to start the '08 season?
Denis Savage: Geer does everything well but nothing extraordinary. What separates him from the rest of the pitchers in the Padres farm system is his penchant forworking inside without fear and ability to spot his pitches. He does what every other pitcher aspires to do; Geer simply does not have the "stuff" of other pitchers. His fastball is below average in terms of velocity but heworks it to all four quadrants effectively. His changeup is his best pitch and he will use it at any time in the count.
Starting the year in Portland, Geer could be the man the Padres call on as aspot starter when injury occurs. He has the makeup to succeed and should continue to pitch well. I see Geer as a Mike Thompson-type that will help the Padres in certain situations.
Baseball-Rumors: Last question for me...Jared Wells, one player I've heard that has a great shot to be a Padre when the 2008 season opens as part of their bullpen. Do you expect the same?
Denis Savage: Nope. Jared Wells may have finally found a home in the bullpen, relying onhis plus fastball and plus slider. He also has a good changeup but never really threw it enough as a starter. It should be a pitch he can call up onto put-away the opposition. The Padres want him to continue to see success before asking him to be a part of the bullpen. Wells is a competitor and hates to lose, but has blamed others for some of his troubles in the past.
He needs to prove he can overcome his personal demons and pitch the way he is capable. Wells has plus stuff and could be a very good addition to the bullpen at some point in the not so distant future. Since he is on the40-man roster, Wells will get an opportunity to pitch this year.
Baseball-Rumors: Let's start with Chase Headley. A lot of Padre fans are wondering if he can make the change from being a 3rd baseman to being a left fielder. What's your take on it?
Denis Savage: It is an interesting question. He is a very solid defender at third base who really improved his lateral movement over the last year. Coupled with his sure-handedness, Headley is above-average at the hot corner. I have, however, seen him in the outfield taking balls, and it was not pretty. The same lateral movement he has at third, in short bursts to move on the crack of the bat, is far different in the outfield. You need actual jumps and some semblance of speed to makeup ground if you do not read the flight of the ball correctly. Headley needs more experience than "fielding some balls at PETCO" for him to make a serious run at starting. I do believe he could be serviceable if he is given time. He will, however, never be as good in left field as he is at third base. Headley has an amazing work ethic and I, for one, would never count him out.
Baseball-Rumors: We heard a lot about Matt Antonelli possibly being the Padres' Opening Day starter at 2nd base, but now with the signing to Tad Iguchi, it looks like Antonelli will start the year in Portland. Give me your scouting report on him and what should we look forward to when he's called up?
Denis Savage: Antonelli can be a difference-maker in San Diego based on his abilityto see pitches and get on base at a solid clip. If he began the yearwith the Padres, leading the team in on-base percentage would be afeat he could easily accomplish. He is a very patient hitter who wassimply rundown at the end of the season in Double-A and the Arizona Fall League.
He has gap power and excellent bat control. Antonelli will go theother way with the ball just as quickly as he will pull it. He upped his aggressiveness this past season after being a little too passive the year before. Instead of always allowing that first-pitch fastball to fly by, he would offer at it - his power numbers rising as a result. His aggressiveness did come with a price, as his on-base percentage took a slight hit and his strikeouts rose.
Defensively, Antonelli needs another half year at second base to workon his ability to turn the double play and read the depth of the ballfrom the outfield grass. He made tremendous strides in all facets of the game from his debut season to 2007 and it isn't far-fetched to expect the same sort of advancements this year.
Baseball-Rumors: One prospect I'm very curious about is Kyle Blanks. Where does he start the season and what kind of potential does he have in the big leagues?
Denis Savage: Blanks is in a class by himself, especially with the dearth of talent at first base throughout the system. He will begin the year in Double-A - a challenge for the young behemoth. Last year in Lake Elsinore, Blanks feasted at several of the hitter's parks, making his numbers appear a tad inflated. There is, however, no doubt that he has massive power. This season, playing in a pitcher's park, will tell whether Blanks has made all the adjustments. His potential remains extremely high, especially with the new placement of his hands that allows him to turn on the inside fastball.
Baseball-Rumors: Wade LeBlanc gets called up from Lake Elsinore after posting a
6-5 record and a 2.45 ERA. Goes to San Antonio, where he posts a 7-3 record and a 3.45 ERA. How good is this young left-hander and do you expect him to break in with the Padres in 2008?
Denis Savage: LeBlanc is a cerebral pitcher with two outstanding changeups. He spots all of his pitches well, is not afraid to come inside and is very adept at pitch sequencing - making it tough for hitters to guess what pitch he will throw and where. He won't overpower with his fastball, but gets the most out ofhis arsenal by keeping hitters off-balance.
The southpaw should end up in San Diego by the end of the year, more likely as a September call-up, unless injury dictates otherwise. By 2009, LeBlanc has to be considered among the favorites to land a regular gig in the big leagues as the fifth starter. An innings-eater, LeBlanc simply needs to improve his fastball command to become truly dominant.
Baseball-Rumors: A lot of fans want to know the progress of Ceasar Carillo. Do you know when he'll start throwing again, if he hasn't already and do you expect to see him back on a mound next season?
Denis Savage: Carrillo is currently throwing at 120 feet and should increase his workloadas we get closer to spring training. The right-hander is on target for aMay debut in Triple-A. He has sort of been the forgotten man inconversations, and I expect him to have a huge year and contend for arotation spot by the end of the year. Stamina will be a concern this year,but 2009 should see Carrillo earn a regular spot in the San Diego rotation.
Baseball-Rumors: Josh Geer put up ridiculous numbers with San Antonio last season (16-6, 3.20 ERA in 171.1 IP). Give me a scouting report on him and where do you expect him to start the '08 season?
Denis Savage: Geer does everything well but nothing extraordinary. What separates him from the rest of the pitchers in the Padres farm system is his penchant forworking inside without fear and ability to spot his pitches. He does what every other pitcher aspires to do; Geer simply does not have the "stuff" of other pitchers. His fastball is below average in terms of velocity but heworks it to all four quadrants effectively. His changeup is his best pitch and he will use it at any time in the count.
Starting the year in Portland, Geer could be the man the Padres call on as aspot starter when injury occurs. He has the makeup to succeed and should continue to pitch well. I see Geer as a Mike Thompson-type that will help the Padres in certain situations.
Baseball-Rumors: Last question for me...Jared Wells, one player I've heard that has a great shot to be a Padre when the 2008 season opens as part of their bullpen. Do you expect the same?
Denis Savage: Nope. Jared Wells may have finally found a home in the bullpen, relying onhis plus fastball and plus slider. He also has a good changeup but never really threw it enough as a starter. It should be a pitch he can call up onto put-away the opposition. The Padres want him to continue to see success before asking him to be a part of the bullpen. Wells is a competitor and hates to lose, but has blamed others for some of his troubles in the past.
He needs to prove he can overcome his personal demons and pitch the way he is capable. Wells has plus stuff and could be a very good addition to the bullpen at some point in the not so distant future. Since he is on the40-man roster, Wells will get an opportunity to pitch this year.
Phillies, Feliz finalize 2-year deal
The Philadelphia Phillies finalized a 2-year $8.5M deal with 3rd baseman, and former San Francisco Giant, Pedro Feliz.
The incoming Feliz could mean that Wes Helms could be dealt prior to opening day.
Ensberg signs minor league deal with Yanks
The New York Yankees have signed 3rd baseman Morgan Ensberg to a minor league deal on Wednesday.
Although Ensberg is a 3rd baseman, he will challenge for the 1st base job during spring training.
Wilkerson signs with Mariners
Jim Street of MLB.com reports, free agent Brad Wilkerson signed a 1-year $3M contract with the Seattle Mariners on Thursday.
That signing could mean that the trade between the Mariners and Orioles for left-hander Erik Bedard could be done in the next few days.
Padres talking to Mike Sweeney?
According to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, the San Diego Padres have mild interest in Mike Sweeney as another right-handed bat off the bench.
The Padres have been trying to aquire another outfielder, but talks for Xavier Nady and Matt Murton have been slow going.
Marlins sign veteran OF Gonzalez
Ken Rosenthal reports that veteran free agent outfielder Luis Gonzalez has reached a preliminary agreement on a 1-year deal with the Florida Marlins.
The deal is reportedly worth $2M in guaranteed money and an additional $1M in incentives.
Interview with WMAR's Rob Carlin
Rob Carlin is a sports anchor for WMAR in Baltimore and was nice enough to answer a few questions on the Baltimore Orioles.
Baseball-Rumors: One of the young pitchers that impressed me last season was Jeremy Guthrie, especially posting a 3.70 ERA in his first full year as a starter. What do you see in him that tells you, last year wasn't a fluke?
Rob Carlin: Actually, I’m not entirely sold that it wasn’t. Fluke may be a bit strong but I think it’s a little early to say he’ll be a mainstay in the rotation for years to come. Look at his numbers after the All-Star break. 3-3 with a 5.03 ERA. He wasn’t nearly as strong towards the end of his first full season as he was in the early summer. Having said that, he was dominant at times in May, June & July. He throws 4 pitches well, but nothing is unhittable. He did a missionary run, so he’s a little old at 28. But he was a 1st round pick in 2002. He’s a smart guy (Stanford grad) who seems to work hard so I think he’ll be a solid 2, if not an ace one day.. but we’ll have to wait and see!
Baseball-Rumors: There's been a lot of rumors surrounding 2nd baseman Brian Roberts. Is he that much of a favorite of Peter Angelos that there's just no deal that he'll agree to that involves Roberts?
Rob Carlin: If you’re asking me to get into the head of Peter Angelos, forget it. I can’t, nor would I want to. At the time I’m writing this, we’re all waiting to hear if Angelos is the only thing holding up the Bedard-to-the-Mariners trade. If Angelos does like Roberts that much, it’s for good reason. He’s a solid player, an All-Star last year, but an even better person. The Orioles are not very good at getting out in the community. But Roberts makes it a mission to do just that. He’s great with kids and fans of all ages. He’s been the face of the organization for a few years now and deservedly so. Would I trade him?? Yes, because they’ll win 68-72 games with him or without him so they better get something for him now before he leaves as a free agent.
Baseball-Rumors: With Ramon Hernandez coming back from injury, is he automatically the starter behind the plate in 2008 or will he have to compete with Guillermo Quiroz for that spot?
Rob Carlin: Barring injury, Ramon Hernandez will be the starter. Quiroz has not shown an ability to stay healthy. He’s only played in 100 games or more twice in his 8 years in the minors and hasn’t done it since 2003. When healthy, Hernandez is an above average major league catcher. I wouldn’t even say it’s his job to lose. It’s his job and Quiroz will be the backup.
Baseball-Rumors: I assume we can safely say that the Orioles are "rebuilding". How long until they start seeing the benefits of the young prospects they received from the Astros and other up and coming minor leaguers?
Rob Carlin: That is the multi-million dollar question. The answer, unfortunately for O’s fans, is……. Who knows?? Keep in mind, prospects are, by definition, prospects. Nothing is certain. Do things look bright? Absolutely. Billy Rowell was a first round pick who has played SS but might be better off at 3rd base one day. Matt Wieters was their first round pick last year. A catcher from Georgia Tech who’s supposed to be a “can’t miss”. He might get called up late this year and could be behind the plate in ’09. There’s a ton of young pitching being groomed. But O’s fans would’ve thought Matt Riley, Beau Hale, Mike Paradis and Richard Stahl would be the top of their rotation by now. Ed Rogers was supposed to be Cal Ripken’s heir apparent, playing next to Ryan Minor on the left side of the infield. Darnell McDonald was supposed to man centerfield, with Larry Bigbie in left and Keith Reed in right. Rick Elder was going to be the power hitting 1st baseman. O’s fans know them all. Baseball fans may have never heard of them. Not a single one has made a mark in the bigs, most never even made it for the proverbial cup of coffee. It’s an imperfect science. And Andy MacPhail will earn his money if he can turn this franchise around.
Baseball-Rumors: One of the young pitchers that impressed me last season was Jeremy Guthrie, especially posting a 3.70 ERA in his first full year as a starter. What do you see in him that tells you, last year wasn't a fluke?
Rob Carlin: Actually, I’m not entirely sold that it wasn’t. Fluke may be a bit strong but I think it’s a little early to say he’ll be a mainstay in the rotation for years to come. Look at his numbers after the All-Star break. 3-3 with a 5.03 ERA. He wasn’t nearly as strong towards the end of his first full season as he was in the early summer. Having said that, he was dominant at times in May, June & July. He throws 4 pitches well, but nothing is unhittable. He did a missionary run, so he’s a little old at 28. But he was a 1st round pick in 2002. He’s a smart guy (Stanford grad) who seems to work hard so I think he’ll be a solid 2, if not an ace one day.. but we’ll have to wait and see!
Baseball-Rumors: There's been a lot of rumors surrounding 2nd baseman Brian Roberts. Is he that much of a favorite of Peter Angelos that there's just no deal that he'll agree to that involves Roberts?
Rob Carlin: If you’re asking me to get into the head of Peter Angelos, forget it. I can’t, nor would I want to. At the time I’m writing this, we’re all waiting to hear if Angelos is the only thing holding up the Bedard-to-the-Mariners trade. If Angelos does like Roberts that much, it’s for good reason. He’s a solid player, an All-Star last year, but an even better person. The Orioles are not very good at getting out in the community. But Roberts makes it a mission to do just that. He’s great with kids and fans of all ages. He’s been the face of the organization for a few years now and deservedly so. Would I trade him?? Yes, because they’ll win 68-72 games with him or without him so they better get something for him now before he leaves as a free agent.
Baseball-Rumors: With Ramon Hernandez coming back from injury, is he automatically the starter behind the plate in 2008 or will he have to compete with Guillermo Quiroz for that spot?
Rob Carlin: Barring injury, Ramon Hernandez will be the starter. Quiroz has not shown an ability to stay healthy. He’s only played in 100 games or more twice in his 8 years in the minors and hasn’t done it since 2003. When healthy, Hernandez is an above average major league catcher. I wouldn’t even say it’s his job to lose. It’s his job and Quiroz will be the backup.
Baseball-Rumors: I assume we can safely say that the Orioles are "rebuilding". How long until they start seeing the benefits of the young prospects they received from the Astros and other up and coming minor leaguers?
Rob Carlin: That is the multi-million dollar question. The answer, unfortunately for O’s fans, is……. Who knows?? Keep in mind, prospects are, by definition, prospects. Nothing is certain. Do things look bright? Absolutely. Billy Rowell was a first round pick who has played SS but might be better off at 3rd base one day. Matt Wieters was their first round pick last year. A catcher from Georgia Tech who’s supposed to be a “can’t miss”. He might get called up late this year and could be behind the plate in ’09. There’s a ton of young pitching being groomed. But O’s fans would’ve thought Matt Riley, Beau Hale, Mike Paradis and Richard Stahl would be the top of their rotation by now. Ed Rogers was supposed to be Cal Ripken’s heir apparent, playing next to Ryan Minor on the left side of the infield. Darnell McDonald was supposed to man centerfield, with Larry Bigbie in left and Keith Reed in right. Rick Elder was going to be the power hitting 1st baseman. O’s fans know them all. Baseball fans may have never heard of them. Not a single one has made a mark in the bigs, most never even made it for the proverbial cup of coffee. It’s an imperfect science. And Andy MacPhail will earn his money if he can turn this franchise around.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Mets land Santana
The New York Mets pulled off their biggest deal in the last few years, a deal that may make them the shoe-in favorites in the National League going into 2008.
The Mets sent Carlos Gomez and young pitchers Philip Humber, Kevin Mulvey and Deolis Guerra to the Twins for Johan Santana. The Mets now have 3 days to sign Santana to a long term extension.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Sources: Bedard to Mariners deal close
According to sources, young Mariners' prospect Adam Jones has apparently flown to Baltimore to complete a physical, meaning a deal between the Mariners and Orioles for left-hander Erik Bedard is close to being done.
Neither team has made a statement confirming or denying it.
Lieberthal calls it a career
Veteran catcher Mike Lieberthal has decided to call it a career after 14 seasons in the big leagues.
Had the Dodgers picked up his option for 2008, Lieberthal says he would have played one more year.
"There were a lot of reasons," Lieberthal said. "The money was great as a backup, but I have made enough money in baseball. I just didn't want to go through what I have to go through with my body to play 20-25 games a year. It's not worth it. I'm in a totally happy place."
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