Minor-ity Report: Highlight on Tommy Hanson

June 3, 2009

The buzz surrounding newly recalled uber-prospect Tommy Hanson has officially reached fever pitch.  Brought up by the Braves on Wednesday, June 4th, the 22 year old Hanson has dominated at every level of minor league play (save for a brief stint in high A ball of the Carolina League).  But, as we do in every edition of Minor-ity Report, we will take no prospect at face value and delve between the numbers to examine in-depth scouting reports to reach our own conclusions as to whether Tommy Hanson is worth adding to your fantasy team.

Entering pro-ball at age 19, Hanson was drafted by the Atlanta Braves with the 677th overall pick in the 22nd round of the 2005 amateur entry draft - an unlikely place to find a blue chip prospect.  Yet, here we are talking about Hanson as perhaps the best pitching prospect in the National League during 2009.  Why?  When we discuss pitching dominance there are several statistical indicators that astute Fantasy GM’s should be aware of – K/IP and BB/IP (apart from the more obvious metrics like opponent batting average, ERA, and WHIP).  Including 2009’s 66 innings pitched, Hanson’s minor league totals yield averages of 1.19 K/IP and 0.34 BB/IP.  Thinking more practically, that would mean Tommy Hanson averages 10.7 whiffs and 3.1 free-passes per nine inning game.  In Hanson’s defense, his walk totals were skewed by two auditions - the first in Myrtle Beach and the second in Mississipi during the ‘07 and ‘08 seasons, respectively.   With Tommy Hanson’s masterful work in triple A this season, there is hope that he has turned a corner with respect to command/control (1.36 K/IP).

Based on the numbers, Hanson appears poised to dominate at the Major League level.  But in order to do so he will certainly have to limit the free passes.  More than his WHIP suffers during bouts of wildness.  Indeed, during such “wild times,” Hanson’s ERA balloons to terrestrial levels (3.03 and 4.20 in those two minor league stints).  So, for those hands-on Fantasy GM’s who are scouting Hanson from home – be wary of those bases-on-balls during his first few starts as a Brave.  Qualitatively, an ability to work the count, control the strike zone, and harness his arsenal of plus pitches should ensure a smooth transition from triple A to the Bigs (see Kris Medlen’s progression through his first 3 Major League starts). 

But what about delving between the numbers even more?  What kind of a pitcher is the 6′6, 210 lb Hanson?  He has three offerings that he can throw for strikes, including a fastball that runs up to 94 mph with lateral movement, one of the best curve balls in the Minors, and an above-average changeup.  Tommy Hanson has been working on a slider as well, and perhaps most impressively, he can throw any of his pitches at any point in the count. His  mechanics and delivery are textbook, and scouts often describe him as “the whole package.”

So, is the young gun worth a look in 2009? In a word – yes.  Even in ten team, mixed league formats, Hanson won’t be on waiver wires for long (especially in 5×5 and expanded strikeout leagues).  Expect some early bumps in the road, but hang in there to reap the rewards, because Tommy Hanson looks legitimate and ready to anchor Atlanta’s rotation.

Written by Russell Sandman · Filed Under Minor Leagues | 2 Comments 

Fantasy Baseball Impact Of Braves Trade For McLouth

June 3, 2009

Earlier today the Atlanta Braves made a flurry of moves that will have an instant impact on fantasy baseball teams.  First, Read more

Written by Evan Rosen · Filed Under Player News | Leave a Comment 

Chien-Ming Wang to Rejoin Rotation

June 3, 2009

Just moments ago, WFAN reported that Chien-Ming Wang will rejoin the Yankees’ rotation and replace Phil Hughes.  Wang, who has been impressive in his last 5 innings of relief, will now get his chance to prove that he has not lost his touch.  Owners of Wang should get him in the lineup and in leagues where he is a free agent, pick him up immediately.  

Now, Hughes owners (I own him in 5/6 leagues) should not worry.  Hold onto him and stash him on the bench.  He will get another shot soon.  Whether there is an injury or Yankee brass feels Joba should be in the pen (that is another story), he will start again.  

Stay tuned for more details and what do you guys think about Hughes being taken out of the rotation despite his good start? 

 

-Bobby Holt

Written by Bobby Holt · Filed Under Player News | 4 Comments 

Best Lineup in Baseball?

June 3, 2009

Almost sixty games into the 2009 season and there a few questions that need to be proposed.  Do chicks really dig the long ball and who has the best lineup in baseball?

One, yes, chicks really do dig the long ball.  Look at A-Rod, he has more women then he can handle, all due to his ability to hit a baseball 500 feet.  

Two, the New York Yankees, the Evil Empire or the Bronx Bombers (whichever you prefer) hands down, have the best lineup in all of baseball.  Before you completely dismiss anything I have to say, let me try to explain my choice.  If we take a look at the lineup, not only do the they have an abundance of power and speed, they have one thing that many teams do not have, balance.  The Yankees’ have four switch hitters that are scattered throughout the lineup that make finding an acceptable pitching matchup almost impossible.  

Below is the lineup that has been used for most of the year (also included is which side of the plate the hitter bats from):

1.  Derek Jeter R

2.  Johnny Damon L

3.  Mark Teixeira S

4.  Alex Rodriguez R

5.  Robinson Cano L

6.  Jorge Posada S

7.  Hideki Matsui L

8.  Nick Swisher S

9.  Melky Cabrera S

 

It would be very difficult for an opposing manager to bring in a lefty specialist for more than one out due to the Yankees’ ability to go L/R/L/R and so on.  It creates a minefield.  A lefty pitcher could be brought on to face Teixiera, however he would then have to face A-Rod, a righty, before getting back to the lefty, Cano.  This creates opportunities for the Yankees’ to cash in on a favorable match ups.

Combined with the balance that is throughout the lineup, New York could possibly have the best three and four hitters in baseball.  Mark Teixeira has thrived since the return of A-Rod which has helped to protect him in the batting order.  Teixeria is now getting easier pitches to hit, due to pitchers not wanting to walk him and face A-Rod.

In every lineup, the focus is on the best hitters, but now lets look at the Yankees’ worst hitter, Melky Cabrera.  He is batting .316 which is major production out of spot designed for a “second leadoff” type of player.  Cabrera has already won three games for the Yankees with his ability to come up clutch late in games(Walk-off HR and 2 walk-off singles.)  There is not one easy out in the entire lineup, thus in my opinion, making it the best lineup in baseball.

Now for the third part of this article.  I would love to hear what you guys have to say about baseball’s best lineup.  Please leave a comment with what you think is the best lineup and why.  

 

-Bobby Holt

Written by Bobby Holt · Filed Under Miscellaneous | 18 Comments 

Buy Low, Sell High: Batters Edition

June 3, 2009

Consider me a more austere and versed fan-ball version of Jim Cramer.  In this segment we will explore examples of players who fit both the “buy low” and “sell high” categories. In other words, which players are likely to step it up and improve upon their present numbers, and which are likely to downward spiral soon?

Buy Low

Jimmy Rollins – Yes, I know…it’s obvious.  But at .229 with 3 homers and 9 steals in 200+ at bats, Rollins is a candidate for a huge second half.  It is clear that a return to 2007’s MVP numbers are more fantasy than reality, but be wary of writing off J-Ro yet.

David Ortiz – It would be hard to omit Big Papi from any discussion of busts, flops, or in our case here – Buy Low candidates.  We are unlikely to see a return to past glory for Papi, but a healthy David Ortiz is going to end the season with 20-30 homers.  Forget 30, but hope for 20, which would mean a tremendous second half for everybody’s favorite fallen slugger. Buy low (if he’s healthy)!

Sell High

Jason Bartlett – He’s presently leading the American League in batting (.373) and is brandishing a chunky 7 homers, 30 RBI, and 14 steals. All this from a player whose previous career highs across the board are .309 (333 at bats) 5 homers and 23 steals.  Sell high NOW! Oh, did I mention he’s on the shelf with an ankle injury (expect more limited steals also).

Raul Ibanez – It’s always difficult to include a good player in the Sell High category because they are more apt to continue statistically soaring than the likes of Jason Bartlett, but Ibanez has almost topped his 2007 and 2008 home run totals already in ‘09 and we are not even at the All-Star break yet.  His career high in long-balls is 33, and while he is likely to match or eclipse that number in 2009, a more terrestrial second half is more probable. What are you waiting for from the 36 year old outfielder? Sell High!

Tune in for our next installment of Buy Low, Sell High which will feature pitchers..

Written by Russell Sandman · Filed Under Roster Management | 4 Comments 

AL Prospect Roundup

June 3, 2009

Each week we review how the American League’s top prospects are performing in the minor leagues. I cover the best prospects in the minors, including players like Matt LaPorta, Reid Brignac, Chris Carter, Lars Anderson and many more. If there are prospects you would like me to report on that are not on this list, please respond in the comments section and I will try to incorporate them in future editions. Note that all stats listed below are courtesy of www.minorleaguebaseball.com.

Here’s how the top AL prospects are doing as of June 2, 2009:

1. Matt Wieters, C, Bal – .305 Avg, 5 HR, 30 RBI, 0 SB, .387 OBP%, .504 SLG% in 141 AB – currently in majors

2. Lars Anderson, 1B, Bos – .232 AVG, 6 HR, 27 RBI, 0 SB, .322 OBP%, .395 SLG% in 177 AB

3. Clay Buchholz, P, Bos – 3 W, 1.47 ERA, 55 IP, 29 H, 12 BB, 52 K’s, .149 BAA

4. Austin Jackson, OF, NYY – .346 Avg, 0 HR, 23 RBI, 11 SB, .422 OBP%, .441 SLG% in 179 AB

5. David Price, P, TB – 1 W, 3.93 ERA, 34.1 IP, 28 H, 18 BB, 35 K’s, .231 BAA – currently in the majors

6. Gordon Beckham, 3B/SS, CHI – .319 Avg, 4 HR, 25 RBI, 2 SB, .375 OBP%, .512 SLG% in 166 AB

7. Carlos Santana, C, Cle – .295 Avg, 9 HR, 35 RBI, 0 SB, .424 OBP%, .566 SLG% in 143 AB

8. Mike Moustakas, 3B, KC – .263 Avg, 7 HR, 35 RBI, 2 SB, .302 OBP%, .437 SLG% in 190 AB

9. Aaron Hicks, OF, Min – .318 Avg, 3 HR, 27 RBI, 12 SB, .409 OBP%, .491 SLG% in 173 AB

10. Greg Halman, OF, Sea – .197 Avg, 13 HR, 34 RBI, 4 SB, .264 OBP%, .447 SLG% in 188 AB

11. Neftali Feliz, P, Tex – 2 W, 3.99 ERA, 38.1 IP, 35 H, 25 BB, 39 K’s, .241 BAA

12. Justin Smoak, 1B, Tex – .325 Avg, 6 HR, 25 RBI, 0 SB, .444 OBP%, .503 SLG% in 151 AB

13. Chris Tillman, P, Bal – 5 W, 1.88 ERA, 43 IP, 37 H, 13 BB, 48 K’s, .224 BAA

14. Wade Davis, P, TB – 5 W, 3.40 ERA, 53 IP, 44 H, 25 BB, 32 K’s, .223 BAA

15. Reid Brignac, SS, TB – .291 Avg, 3 HR, 15 RBI, 2 SB, .356 OBP%, .461 SLG% in 141 AB – Currently in the majors

16. Desmond Jennings, OF, TB – .355 Avg, 6 HR, 29 RBI, 17 SB, .420 OBP%, .569 SLG% in 197 AB

17. Eric Hosmer, 1B, KC – .268 Avg, 3 HR, 29 RBI, 2 SB, .380 OBP%, .395 SLG% in 157 AB

18. Brian Matusz, P, Bal – 4 W, 2.37 ERA, 60.2 IP, 51 H, 20 BB, 69 K’s, .226 BAA

19. Matt LaPorta, OF/1B, Cle – .316 Avg, 6 HR, 17 RBI, 0 SB, .398 OBP%, .592 SLG% in 98 AB

20. Jesus Montero, C, NYY – .352 Avg, 8 HR, 37 RBI, 0 SB, .404 OBP%, .585 SLG% in 176 AB

21. Aaron Cunningham, OF, Oak – .279 Avg, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 3 SB, .323 OBP%, .557 SLG% in 61 AB – Currently in the majors

22. Ben Revere, OF, Min – .341 Avg, 1 HR, 23 RBI, 21 SB, .409 OBP%, .400 SLG% in 185 AB

23. Brett Cecil, P, Tor – 0 W, 6.83 ERA, 29 IP, 35 H, 14 BB, 18 K’s, .289 BAA

24. Chris Carter, 1B, Oak – .291 Avg, 6 HR, 40 RBI, 6 SB, .389 OBP%, .488 SLG% in 203 AB (note that there is an outfielder with the same name in the Red Sox system who has some power and is 5 years older)

25. Jordan Walden, P, LAA – o W, 6.75 ERA, 20 IP, 27 H, 13 BB, 16 K’s, .342 BAA

26. Martin Perez, P, Tex – 1 W, 2.96 ERA, 45.2 IP, 41 H, 15 BB, 54 K’s, .243 BAA

27. Daniel Bard, P, Bos – 1 W, 1.13 ERA, 16 IP, 6 H, 5 BB, 29 K’s, .115 BAA – Currently in the majors

28. Tyler Flowers, C, Chi – .266 Avg, 7 HR, 24 RBI, 1 SB, .437 OBP%, .476 SLG% in 143 AB

29. Tim Beckham, SS, TB – .292 Avg, 3 HR, 28 RBI, 1 SB, .347 OBP%, .415 SLG% in 171 AB

Written by Evan Rosen · Filed Under Blog, Minor Leagues | 3 Comments