.comment-link {margin-left:.6em;}

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

THE NEXT THREESOME OF SOX PROSPECTS - DANIEL BARD, JASON PLACE AND LARS ANDERSON

After the big three, John Sickels and Baseball America have 2006 draftees Daniel Bard and Lars Anderson. Kevin Goldstein has Daniel Bard and Jason Place - the Sox first selection in last year’s draft. Obviously, all three have Bard high, but the pundits have mixed opinions on Place and Anderson. Let’s take Bard first.

My initial assessment of Bard, based on his World Series Championship game performance, seems to be consistent the scouting reports.

*****
BARD HAS HUBIE BROWN UPSIDE

Last night I watched the Red Sox first round draft pick, Daniel Bard, pitch in the Championship Game of the College World Series. Bard’s stat line was impressive going 7 2/3 innings giving up six singles, three runs (one earned, but it was his own two errors), one walk and two strikeouts on around 112 pitches. But this is a good example why scouts are so valuable. Bard had no breaking ball and only dominated in the later innings when he just threw fastballs. No hyperbole here - Bard threw no ball under 90 mph after the fourth.

The first thing one notices when watching Bard is that he lights up the radar gun. He was consistently in the mid to high 90’s all night with a “free and easy” three quarter delivery - maybe a shade lower than Pedro’s arm slot. Bard touched 99 mph a few times during the game and . He showed plus velocity and above average command of his fastball right now. Bard appears to have plus-plus fastball potential.

Bard pitched effectively inside early, and Harold Reynolds mentioned UNC pitchers are taught to do so. He also took something off his fastball, maybe a two seamer, that was in the low 90’s. Bard had good command of the pitch. It was enough to keep hitters off balance last night.

Unfortunately, Bard had no control or feel for his slider. He threw one good one in the third inning and that was it. Bard threw a number of flat sliders and one right over a batter’s head. Beside lack of command, Bard’s slider does not have classic velocity or 7-10mph less than the heater last night. His slider won’t look like a fastball that breaks at the last moment. The slider was around 80-82. He will need to refine his slider or find another off-speed pitch to be a front of the rotation starter. If not, Bard looks a lot like a setup man.
*****

As for Place, Goldstein likes his five-tool (hit, hit for power, run, catch, throw) ability and knowledge of the strike zone. He thinks Place can stay in centerfield making him a possible huge asset for the Sox. BA sees most of the same plus tools with concern over his swing. “He has a funny load, starting his hands in the middle of his body and circling them back into position.” Both seem to think that Place will have difficulty making contact consistently, but the Sox believe that his good bat speed and continued work on his mechanics will overcome the issue. In summary, Place has high upside and risk.

Sickels and BA loves Anderson’s power potential calling it “enormous” and similar to Carlos Delgado. BA likes his short swing, willingness and ability to hit for power to all fields, and a 6-5 frame that has room to grow. Goldstein’s issue is that Anderson plays first base and they have to hit a ton to make it. Only eight (Overbay, Casey, Morneau, Howard, Gonzalez, Kotchman, Derek Lee, Fielder) of the possible 33 first baseman starters this spring came up primarily as first baseman. Anderson will have to develop his power to live up to his potential. Without a major league track record, it may be premature to rate Anderson so high.

None of these three are likely to be dealt or make it to the Show, but they are prospects to know. And just the opposite, here are three that could be a factor this year either as trade bait or on the big club.

* Bryce Cox - the reports indicate that Cox has a sinker like Derek Lowe in his prime - low 90’s with late life - and a slider with lateral break similar to a Frisbee. Cox could be in the majors soon if others fail in the pen or he masters a change up to keep southpaws off balance.

* George Kottaras - it seems like he is penciled in to backup Tek in 2008. If Wake does not retire, which I doubt he does, then Kottaras will need to make leaps and bounds defensively based on his scouting report to be the Sox’s second catcher. Hence, he could be dealt again because he does have a solid bat for a catcher.

* Jed Lowrie - he slumped last year in A+ but PECOTA has him at 260 EQA. Hopefully, Lowrie with his good plate discipline can make a comeback so the Sox can deal him. Pedroia and Lugo are going to be up the middle for the foreseeable future.

***

This post has been sponsored by Art.com. Support El Guapo's Ghost by purchasing art and posters through the icon below.

Buy at Art.com
David Ortiz - Game-winning HR, 12th inning

|



<< Home

0 Old Comments:

Thank you - Red Sox!

This site is not associated with the Boston Red Sox, Major League Baseball nor Major League Players Assoication

© 2003-2010 Thomas J. Fratamico, III

All Rights Reserved

This page is powered by Blogger. Isn't yours?

Best deals on Red Sox Tickets at Ticketmomma.com. Over 25 years experience.

Who is El Guapo's Ghost?

Want to become a sponsor?

Follow ElGuaposGhost on Twitter

Join our team of experts that provide the latest strategies and tricks in Poker, we dare you to Playusout. If that's not your specialty, maybe you can try going Extreme in Europe, or visit our revolution portal at D-rev.

2009 A.L. Playoff Preview

Part 1 Part 2