Yoervis Medina
Here Comes Pryor?
Steve Delabar was sent down to AAA today. That’s not at all surprising considering that his 5.43 FIP is fourth highest among relievers who have thrown more than 20 innings. What is more intriguing is who could be replacing Delabar. The current … [visit site to read more]
Tags: Chih-Hsien Chiang, featured, johermyn chavez, Mariners General, mauricio robles, Popular, prospects, Stephen Pryor, Steve Delabar, Yoervis Medina
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Notes on the First Round of Cuts
As Keith reported earlier, the Mariners made their first round of cuts yesterday. These included Walker, Paxton, and Hultzen, but there were twelve other players to be … [visit site to read more]
Tags: carlos triunfel, Chih-Hsien Chiang, Darren Ford, Erasmo Ramirez, Forrest Snow, Francisco Martinez, Franklin Guiterrez, johermyn chavez, Luis Jimenez, Mariners General, mauricio robles, nick franklin, prospects, Ralph Henriquez, Roster Moves, Scott Patterson, spring training, Vinnie Catricala, Yoervis Medina
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Guys Who Are Not Relief Pitchers… Yet
I’ve talked for some time about the bullpen, I’ve even mentioned a few of the young minor leaguers that the organization has going on for them. I’ve spoken in general terms about the availability of relief pitchers, how they are acquired and how vaguely they are easily replaceable.
We have talked about some of the “big time” prospects but when looking at some of the relief corps around the league you’ll see that many of them come from being “failed starters”.
Now failure-in this context-is loosely and vaguely defined. I would hardly lump guys such as Andrew Bailey, Jonathan Papelbon or Joel Hanrahan into any type of failed category.
The problem is many times guys just don’t develop the additional pitch to get through the line-up multiple times, lack command or some of the just end up having injury issues then prevent them from logging too many innings.
The Mariners have a few individuals that I find to be interesting going into the off-season. Guys that going into spring training could surprise and end up making them team as a reliever.
Tags: Minor Leagues, Steven Hensley, Yoervis Medina
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Stock Up/Stock Down: Minor League Report
After looking at some of the different 2011 draftees I thought it high time to do a little update on the minor leaguers. Right now Keith, Griffin, Brett and I are comparing notes and we’ll have a new mid-season Top-100 out in a few weeks.
But until then I think that it’d be fun to look at some of my notes on guys this year. Because I’m about as unoriginal as they come I thought I’d copy off of Baseball America’s format.
I did leave off some of the obvious picks Taijuan Walker and James Paxton. We’ve talked an awful lot about them and while it’s been well deserved this is an opportunity to shine the light on some of the other deserved players.
Tags: Alfredo Morales, carlos triunfel, dan cortes, Forrest Snow, johermyn chavez, Luke French, Mario Martinez, mauricio robles, Minor Leagues, Phillip Castillo, rich poythress, Roman Morla, Stefen Romero, Vicente Campos, Vinny Catricala, Yoervis Medina
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Investing In The 2011 Mariners
Over the weekend I wrote an article about Investing vs. Selling in relation to the Mariners 2011 season. Last night the Mariners won again and there is a lot of enthusiasm being spread about as to where this season could go. Now, I’m cautiously optimistic and think that with the division issues the Mariners could be headed for a third or even with luck a second place finish.
But the reality is they don’t have the present pieces to win the division. REPEAT AFTER ME: “The Mariners don’t have a real shot to win the division this year”. But as I wrote yesterday there is an opportunity.
If the Mariners want to take advantage of the situation presented they need to act quickly. While the Mariners are returning some key pieces to the 25-man roster in Franklin Gutierrez (this past week), Shawn Kelly (sometime soon) and will eventually see the arrival of prized prospect Dustin Ackley this team is still in need of upgrades in order to have a legit chance to win the division this year.
Jason Churchill wrote about this late last night/early this morning. I agree with his premise in that there is a pretense that the Mariners aren’t 80+ win team right now. But, there lies the potential to grab a few pieces and in enough time those pieces could make the difference between the Mariners winning 77 – 80 games to 85+ games.
I like a few of the names on Churchill’s list (Kubel/Ludwick/Nix) for a variety of different reasons.
The problem that I see with going after the possible upgrades in left are that Carlos Peguero has been making good progression at the major league level. This season was suppose to be about giving the young guys a chance and he has been hitting things extremely hard, taking walks and not striking out too much. While it’s a small sample size and he has been swinging way (WAY) too much at pitches out side the zone there is still potential there. I’m more for giving it time than going for any .
As for upgrading third base and Chone Figgins there isn’t much out in the league that works here. Sure you could go for an Aramis Ramirez but he costs prospects and the Cubs aren’t going to give up one of their “perceived” big bats for nothing. That said I’d feel uncomfortable about acquiring him at this point. While he’s a fit for someone like the Indians, Athletics or Blue Jays (should they stay in the mix) his skill set isn’t very conducive to Safeco. It’d be a repeat of Adrian Beltre, only in my mind worse.
Instead of acquiring someone I would either attempt to trade Figgins or just bench him in lieu of Luis Rodriguez. I think Rodriguez could potentially offer some upside that is cheap being internal and he is also a switch hitter. There has been a growing “#FreeLuisRodriguez” hash on twitter and I suspect it will only continue at this point. It also allows the Mariners to use Adam Kennedy as a pinch hitter for Brendan Ryan/Jack Wilson.
As Jason Churchill explained in his article there are a few reasons to hold onto Jack Cust. While he isn’t hitting home runs he’s not a black hole either and is still producing. I personally hold onto him. Maybe he comes around and you don’t have to make a move.
After I said that the Mariners have to act quickly it doesn’t seem like I think there are a lot of moves to make, right? Well, if the Mariners wanted to make a move these are two that I support.
Prior to the jump understand that I preface this with that fact I’m in favor of holding pat seeing what happens. I’d prefer to get something for Bedard and try not to push guys like Pineda and Ackley too far or hard.
But if Jack’s job depends on it and they feel they have to go for the division this year this is how I’d do it.
… [visit site to read more]
Tags: Adam Moore, Adrian Beltre, Alex Gordon, alex liddi, Aramis Ramirez, Blake Beavan, Brandon Maurer, brian moran, Carlos Peguero, dustin ackley, Franklin Gutierez, gabriel noriega, Geovany Soto, greg halman, James Gillheeney, james jones, Jonathan Hesketh, josh fields, luis rodriguez, Luke Scott, Mariners General, Matt Kemp, mauricio robles, Michael Pineda, Michael Saunders, miguel olivo, nick franklin, prince fielder, rich poythress, Yoervis Medina
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Ryan Anderson Relief Squad: Starting Pitchers
I know this was suppose to be an every day thing .. but hey. I lied. You can all have your money back…
Anyways. Here are my starting pitchers for the “Ryan Anderson relief squad”. The biggest I think you can take away is I like A) pitchers who get strike outs and B) pitchers who get ground balls. There are few if any better traits to maintain as a pitcher in baseball.
Of course these our my selections and while you could argue for other pitchers these are the ones that I selected. Pitchers that I believe will be ones to watch this year and could have moderate success while still being “under rated” within my own eyes.
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RHP, Seon-Gi Kim
| Year | Age | Tm | Lev | IP | H | ER | BB | SO | BF | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 18 | 2 Teams | Rk | 4.90 | 64.1 | 77 | 35 | 13 | 78 | 279 | 1.399 | 0.4 | 1.8 | 10.9 | 6.00 |
| 2010 | 18 | Mariners | Rk | 5.14 | 61.1 | 76 | 35 | 12 | 71 | 267 | 1.435 | 0.4 | 1.8 | 10.4 | 5.92 |
| 2010 | 18 | Pulaski | Rk | 0.00 | 3.0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 12 | 0.667 | 0.0 | 3.0 | 21.0 | 7.00 |
| 1 Season | 4.90 | 64.1 | 77 | 35 | 13 | 78 | 279 | 1.399 | 0.4 | 1.8 | 10.9 | 6.00 | |||
2009 is quickly looking to be one heck of a class year for the Bob Engles international crew. Seon-Gi Kim signed from South Korea has put up some really great numbers and not only that he has shown solid mechanics and his velocity has supposedly gone up a few ticks.
Being 6’2 and still growing a bit into his frame there is a bit of projectability, though it would be interesting to see where he’s sitting now velocity wise.Obviously there isn’t a lot of information coming out on Kim yet.
Much like Ivan Ramirez we are still waiting to learn more about him. But over this coming year I expect to start hearing little bits come here and there.
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LHP, James Gillheeney
| Year | Age | Tm | Lev | IP | H | ER | BB | SO | BF | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 21 | Pulaski | Rk | 4.84 | 22.1 | 23 | 12 | 7 | 21 | 96 | 1.343 | 1.2 | 2.8 | 8.5 | 3.00 |
| 2010 | 22 | 3 Teams | A-AA-A+ | 3.55 | 152.0 | 135 | 60 | 57 | 145 | 636 | 1.263 | 0.8 | 3.4 | 8.6 | 2.54 |
| 2010 | 22 | Clinton | A | 2.83 | 117.2 | 97 | 37 | 44 | 102 | 480 | 1.198 | 0.5 | 3.4 | 7.8 | 2.32 |
| 2010 | 22 | High Desert | A+ | 5.06 | 16.0 | 18 | 9 | 7 | 21 | 73 | 1.562 | 2.2 | 3.9 | 11.8 | 3.00 |
| 2010 | 22 | West Tenn | AA | 6.87 | 18.1 | 20 | 14 | 6 | 22 | 83 | 1.418 | 1.5 | 2.9 | 10.8 | 3.67 |
| 2 Seasons | 3.72 | 174.1 | 158 | 72 | 64 | 166 | 732 | 1.273 | 0.9 | 3.3 | 8.6 | 2.59 | |||
I like Gillheeney for a collection of reasons. Well obviously my favorite is that he produces a ton of swings and misses. Strikeouts are awesome. The fact that in 30 innings split between two different levels he amassed 40+ strikeouts is really exciting. Sure, it’s only 30 innings and that’s not a very significant sample size. It’s still really cool. He has four average pitches and I don’t imagine the strikeout rate to continue to be this high, but who knows.
There is also the fact that he produced a really weird consistent above average infield fly ball rate at each level. Forget that it was above average in 100+ innings, it was wildly above average in 30+ innings. It’s just a fun little fact.
Lastly he also had an above average bunt rate against him. I don’t know what the scouting report is on this guy, maybe he had a bum knee or some type of injury that prevented him from fielding. There is also the possibility that hitters had so much trouble making contact that they just decided to start bunting off him.
Regardless of whether he continues to get strikeouts or not, as a fly ball lefty he has potential with Safeco field with the solid defense behind it.
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LHP, Anthony Vasquez
| Year | Age | Tm | Lev | IP | H | ER | BB | SO | BF | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 23 | 3 Teams | A+-A-AA | 2.46 | 171.2 | 162 | 47 | 24 | 125 | 692 | 1.083 | 0.5 | 1.3 | 6.6 | 5.21 |
| 2010 | 23 | Clinton | A | 1.29 | 48.2 | 31 | 7 | 7 | 45 | 182 | 0.781 | 0.4 | 1.3 | 8.3 | 6.43 |
| 2010 | 23 | High Desert | A+ | 3.07 | 85.0 | 87 | 29 | 12 | 53 | 349 | 1.165 | 0.6 | 1.3 | 5.6 | 4.42 |
| 2010 | 23 | West Tenn | AA | 2.61 | 38.0 | 44 | 11 | 5 | 27 | 161 | 1.289 | 0.5 | 1.2 | 6.4 | 5.40 |
| 2 Seasons | 3.09 | 230.1 | 229 | 79 | 40 | 176 | 948 | 1.168 | 0.5 | 1.6 | 6.9 | 4.40 | |||
Vasquez is kind of opposite of Gillheeney in the sense that he gets tons of ground balls (+45%) opposed to fly balls. Then you also have the whole things where he still gets an above average swing-and-miss rate he doesn’t strike out a lot of hitters.
Vasquez real stock lies with his command, which is excellent, pounding the strike zone and understanding how to pitch. This is very apparent by his +5 SO/BB ratio. As I said he doesn’t strike out a lot of batters but when you don’t put a lot on via the walk, issuing only 24 BB over 171 innings, you don’t have to worry too much about runners on base.
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LHP, Edlando Seco
| Year | Age | Tm | Lev | IP | H | ER | BB | SO | BF | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 21 | Everett | A- | 2.48 | 69.0 | 40 | 19 | 43 | 73 | 288 | 1.203 | 0.3 | 5.6 | 9.5 | 1.70 |
| A- (1 season) | A- | 2.48 | 69.0 | 40 | 19 | 43 | 73 | 288 | 1.203 | 0.3 | 5.6 | 9.5 | 1.70 | ||
Seco is most likely a bullpen arm. Between age, command of pitches and lack of a developed secondary pitch (slider).
While Seco could get to AA and maybe even AAA on his “stuff” with a few minor adjustments. But, I see the organization having a short leash with him. If he continues to struggle they may wait a year but I see them making that call to put him in the pen and potentially fast track him (ala Dan Cortes).
Again, he can strike out batters at this level the question is how much trouble will he get himself at the next few levels. His fastball velocity sitting in the low 90s and touching the mid 90s and while thats fun and exciting when the pitcher has limited understanding of whats happening and where it’s going it’s far from being effective.
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RHP, Yoervis Medina
| Year | Age | Tm | Lev | IP | H | ER | BB | SO | BF | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 21 | 3 Teams | A–A-AAA | 3.17 | 82.1 | 82 | 29 | 31 | 94 | 361 | 1.372 | 0.8 | 3.4 | 10.3 | 3.03 |
| 2010 | 21 | Everett | A- | 4.20 | 40.2 | 49 | 19 | 15 | 48 | 187 | 1.574 | 0.9 | 3.3 | 10.6 | 3.20 |
| 2010 | 21 | Clinton | A | 2.50 | 36.0 | 30 | 10 | 12 | 42 | 151 | 1.167 | 0.8 | 3.0 | 10.5 | 3.50 |
| 2010 | 21 | Tacoma | AAA | 0.00 | 5.2 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 23 | 1.235 | 0.0 | 6.4 | 6.4 | 1.00 |
| A (1 season) | A | 2.50 | 36.0 | 30 | 10 | 12 | 42 | 151 | 1.167 | 0.8 | 3.0 | 10.5 | 3.50 | ||
| A- (1 season) | A- | 4.20 | 40.2 | 49 | 19 | 15 | 48 | 187 | 1.574 | 0.9 | 3.3 | 10.6 | 3.20 | ||
| AAA (1 season) | AAA | 0.00 | 5.2 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 23 | 1.235 | 0.0 | 6.4 | 6.4 | 1.00 | ||
Medina is exciting in the sense that he is a real prospect and could be looking to start the season with High Desert. As a ground ball pitcher I could see the possibility of Medina surviving the experience.
Medina could be one of the better ceiling/floor pitching prospects in the Mariners organization right now, sitting behind James Paxton. It should be interesting to see how he fairs in a drastic environment such as HD.
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Tags: Anthony Vasquez, Edlando Seco, James Gillheeney, Ryan Anderson Relief Squad, Seon-Gi Kim, Yoervis Medina
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Mariner Movement: Part Deux
Just to catch up from the last two days. Of course the Mariners moved Yoervis Medina and Blake Beavan. Yawn… not surprised.
Then just about half an hour ago.
Roe maybe a half way decent middle reliever. I really don’t know. But he has options so off he goes.
As for Seddon, I wasn’t impressed that he came back, in fact I’m a little annoyed by it. I feel like Chris and I have this long drown out story my boss once told me. See my boss was told by his boss to never to come to his office uninvited and then he did and his boss didn’t like him for it. But it was a complete misunderstanding, because he had to come to his office and now their friends. If one could ever be friends with ones boss. Anyways, It’s basically like that. Only I doubt Chris and I will never be friends. So, yeah.
Tags: Blake Beavan, chaz roe, Chris Seddon, Mariners General, Yoervis Medina
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Prospect Watch List Part 2 (26-50)
It’s been a busy morning with the start of Pitchers and Catchers reporting and then here at work Servers are crashing and Oracle account(s) locking themselves out. Craziness!
As promised here is Part-2 of the watch-list. Remember this is fluid listing and not the same as a hard set of ranking. The point of this is have an easy reference to some the best of the minor league organization. As the listing is fluid, I’d be happy to move a few guys around so long as you can submit sound reasoning for such a move.
Ultimately, I do have the right to disagree with you and keep people where they currently are slotted. But, I’m a pretty easy going and negotiable guy. So … take it away.
| 26 | Matt Mangini | 25 | 3B | (1) Draft 2007 | (AAA)Tacoma |
| 27 | Mike Carp | 24 | 1B/LF | Trade (mets) | (AAA)Tacoma |
| 28 | Dennis Raben | 23 | 1B | (2) Draft 2008 | (A) High Desert |
| 29 | Tom Wilhelmsen | 27 | RHSP | FA | (AA) Jackson |
| 30 | Yoervis Medina | 22 | RHSP | IFA | (low A) Clinton |
| 31 | Anthony Vasquez | 24 | LHSP | (18) Draft 2009 | (AA) Jackson |
| 32 | Erasmo Ramirez | 20 | RHSP | IFA | (A) High Desert |
| 33 | Jabari Blash | 21 | RF | (8) Draft 2010 | (low A) Clinton |
| 34 | Brian Moran | 22 | RHRP | (7) Draft 2009 | (AA) Jackson |
| 35 | Forrest Snow | 22 | RHRP | (36) Draft 2010 | (A) High Desert |
| 36 | George Mieses | 19 | RHSP | IFA | (Short Season) Everett |
| 37 | Richard Vargas | 19 | RHSP | IFA | (Short Season) Everett |
| 38 | Matthew Cerione | 23 | OF | (13) Draft 2009 | (A) High Desert |
| 39 | James Gillheeney | 23 | LHSP | (8) Draft 2009 | (AA) Jackson |
| 40 | Seon Gi Kim | 19 | RHSP | IFA | (Short Season) Pulaski |
| 41 | Anthony Fernandez | 20 | LHSP | IFA | (low A) Clinton |
| 42 | Josh Fields | 25 | RHRP | (1) Draft 2008 | (AA) Jackson |
| 43 | Julio Morban | 18 | CF | IFA | (Short Season) Everett |
| 44 | Steve Baron | 20 | C | (1) Draft 2009 | (low A) Clinton |
| 45 | Mickey Wiswall | 22 | 1B | (7) Draft 2010 | (low A) Clinton |
| 46 | Steve Hensley | 24 | RHSP | (4) Draft 2008 | (AA) Jackson |
| 47 | Brandon Maurer | 20 | RHSP | (23) Draft 2008 | (low A) Clinton |
| 48 | Phillips Castillo | 17 | OF | IFA | AZL Instructs |
| 49 | Andrew Carraway | 24 | RHSP | (12) Draft 2008 | (AA) Jackson |
| 50 | Kevin Rivers | 22 | RF | Non-Drafted FA | (low A) Clinton |
Note:I don’t have the all the links set-up just quiet yet. But, the list is there and you can comment as you see fit.
Tags: Andrew Carraway, Anthony Fasquez, Anthony Fernandez, Brandon Maurer, brian moran, Dennis Raben, Erasmo Ramirez, Forrest Snow, George Mieses, Jabari Blash, James Gillheeney, josh fields, julio morban, Kevin Rivers, Mariners General, Matt Mangini, Metthew Cerione, Mickey Wiswall, Mike Carp, Minor Leagues, Phillip Castillo, Prospect Listings, Richard Vargas, Seon-Gi Kim, Steve Baron, Steve Hensley, Tom Wilhelmsen, Top 100, Yoervis Medina
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