| By Jason A. Churchill |  | By 03-27-2009 |
Last spring, Fresno State right-hander Tanner Scheppers made 12 appearances for the eventual-champion Bulldogs, 11 of them starts. He went 8-2 with a 2.93 ERA and 109 strikeouts in 70 2/3 innings. He issued just 34 walks, gave up only 54 hits and was set to become a top-10 pick in the draft.Before his shoulder tweaked out on him in late April, ending his season, Scheppers was mong the top few pitchers in the 2008 draft class. He went 48th overall to the Pittsburgh Pirates, did not sign and will suit up for the St. Paul Saints in May to try and regain some status and go somewhere in round one this June.
Somewhere in round one probably includes No. 27 where the Seattle Mariners will make their second selection of the first round. It's a risky pick no matter where Scheppers is taken, but considering the lack of depth in the class, it might be one with enough reward to warrant the decision.
Scheppers will pitch again until early May at the soonest, as the St. Paul Saints of the independent Northern League gets its schedule under way, and his shoulder injury is certainly a concern clubs will have.
Scheppers did not have surgery, however, and was clocked at 97 mph with his fastball during a recent workout. What scouts will want to see is sustained velocity, at least some polish with his command and breaking ball and no signs of the injury.
The problem is, clubs may not get to see Scheppers enough before the draft to feel good about using a first-round pick on him. If things go perfectly, he might see the mound five or six times before the draft, with the first two or three outings serving as ramp-up-the-workload-like-spring-training type starts.
Scheppers is likely to max out at about 25 innings or so, if even that many. In 2006, right-hander Luke Hochevar totaled 22 2/3 innings for Fort Worth before being selected No. 1 overall by Kansas City, and he wasn't coming off a shoulder injury.
Is 20-25 innings enough to convince even one organization that Scheppers is worthy of a first-round pick? I'd guess probably, but only if he pitches well and his velocity is still up later in his outings, even though these starts aren't likely to last more than five innings.
When he's right, Scheppers pitches at 92-95 mph with his fastball and offers a hard slider in the 86-88 mph range. He's poised on the mound and is athletic for a prototypical arm at 6-foot-4 and a little more than 200 pounds.
Maybe No. 27 overall is a little high, but the Mariners also own the 33rd and 51st picks in the draft. No. 33 might be the perfect spot to take a shot at someone like Scheppers, particularly if the club passes on Alex White at No. 2 and takes a bat at 27. Scheppers' talent is unquestioned and his value as a healthy arm is, too, but it's difficult to put a grade on him due to the shoulder injury.
It's too bad the independent leagues don't start a month earlier, giving the likes of Scheppers a little more time to prove themselves.
As I mentioned with more detail in the Premium Notebook, there are some players moving up this season, such as Kentucky left-hander James Paxton, Loyola Marymount right fielder Angelo Songco, Arizona State right-hander Mike Leake and the prep catchers, Luke Bailey and Max Stassi. But Scheppers has to be included in that group, particularly interesting for teams with multiple picks and sandwich round selections.
Sounds like a team in the Northwest that we know and love. No?
draft-check:-tanner-scheppers,-rhp
Comments
The following 51 comment(s) for this article are shown below:
| 1. By: acqb1424 on 03-27-2009 13:51:47 Jason, you mentioned that Scheppers at 33 might be a perfect fit, especially if the club took Alex White at No. 2...does the same hold true about Scheppers at 33 if the M's took Matzek at No. 2? Or is because White is seen as maybe a safer bet than the prep arm (given that all pitchers are huge risks) that the M's could gamble on Scheppers due to the fact that they got a "safer" arm earlier? |
| 2. By: Jason A. Churchill on 03-27-2009 15:14:15 I actually meant to say "pass on White," my bad. Fixed. I don't think Scheppers would be so far and away the best talent available at any point in the top 2 rounds where they'd take him if they had already taken White at 2 or a college starter at 27. |
| 3. By: Slack on 03-27-2009 16:19:49 Jason, Speaking of Luke Hochevar from the article, do you think the layoff has affected his performance? I haven't been impressed with him or his stuff from what I've been able to see and I had always thought he was better than that. The layoff is what would concern me about Scheppers and Crow as well. |
| 4. By: Jason A. Churchill on 03-27-2009 17:10:55 Tough to say, but you can pretty rule out the possibility that it HELPED him, so... Sure, he was the No. 1 pick, but all he gained 502k for all his effort to barter with the Dodgers. |
| 5. By: rocketdawg31 on 03-27-2009 17:32:37 Scheppers has been on my radar for over a year now, him and Mike Minor of Vanderbilt. I think both would warrant taking with pick #27. But, therein lies a quandary. To me, this organization has two seething needs: premium-quality blue-chip bats and pitching prospects in the mid-to-upper minors. Having a lot of picks in the top 50 will help address one, but not likely cover a lot of ground in both. So, which way to go? Or, just simply take the best player at slot- bat or arm- and let the chips fall where they may? Not certain, but in this draft, it feels like there's more serviceable future major-league pitchers than anything else. I will, however, say that if they land Bobby Borchering (a prep bat from Florida, and one that I like a ton) with either #27 and #33- I will smile at least once come draft day. Tell me they drafted Tyler Matzek with #2, and I'll just have a big ol' Cheshire-cat grin that whole day... |
| 6. By: Jason A. Churchill on 03-27-2009 17:46:14 Minor is a finesse guy without plus command, nor an out pitch that would make him a No. 1 or 2. Right now, he's out of the first round because of the above, and due to unimpressive performances thus far. What about Borchering do you like and why? I just don't know what some of you are basing your assessments on. |
| 7. By: Stoiz on 03-27-2009 18:39:35 If Scheppers manages to stay healthy and approach his ceiling (big ifs, I know) does that put him at the top of a teams rotation? I guess what I'm saying is that we know the risk but what would be the best case on the reward side of things? |
| 8. By: 01v-dubs on 03-27-2009 18:59:28 If Scheppers looks healthy in the Indy league then I'd be fine with taking him at 33. He should be an easy sign, but I know that Pitt offered him at least $1 mill last year, he probably won't get much more this year. Jason, I know he's a pop-up guy so it's to eary to tell, but do you think that Paxton will be there at 27? If he keeps up his current performance though I find it hard to believe he will be. |
| 9. By: mcgillicutty on 03-27-2009 19:02:05 Off Topic. You can watch The SDSU vs. TCU game at this site: http://all-access.cbssports.com/player.html?code=tcu&media=105393 Strasburg is pitching. |
| 10. By: Jason A. Churchill on 03-27-2009 19:15:10 Scheppers has No. 1-2 stuff, yes. |
| 11. By: Jason A. Churchill on 03-27-2009 19:17:29 Paxton isn't that level of talent yet, he hasn't built much of a track record. But if he ends the year with his current rates or close to it, he certainly will be. |
| 12. By: rocketdawg31 on 03-27-2009 19:43:09 Re: Borchering Sure thing, Jason. Here's some of my info on him, what I'm basing my assessment on. I also have to admit a bit of a personal bias- I like switch-hitters, personally...feel it's becoming a bit of an endangered art (and I was one when I played). 6'4" switch-hitters with power always at least get my attention. BOBBY BORCHERING 6'4" 192, S/R Alta Vista HS, Fla. "Tall, athletic build, angular- has the room to gain 20 pounds comfortably with physical maturity, but like most bigger-bodied athletes, it'd probably serve him well to watch his weight throughout his career. 220 is probably his best peak weight. On record as having run a 6.99 60-yard dash, good for a 65 on a 20-80 scale, IMO. Well-above average for this level. However, they lauded Chipper Jones for his big-man speed out of high school as well, so take with grain of salt. Doesn't profile as a burner, but will probably not be a base-clogger either. SWING: Definitely more bat speed left-side, probably right-eye dominant, seems to reco the pitch faster on that side, too- but right-side shows sweeping-arm extension power, if not exactly refined. Both sides, wide base and closed stance. Bat speed well-above average. See pitch, gets bat head through zone quite well for a big man, has a bit of lift in his swing, but generates easy power with weight/hip transfer. Could stand to level his swing out a bit from the right side. Seems pull-conscious right-handed (susceptible to breaking pitches/better fastballs outside? What about in on his hands?). Has a peculiar little hitch batting left-handed where he plants right foot at what seems like an awkward time in the swing- but it doesn't seem to affect him adversely, doesn't seem to be a timing device (like what Mattingly used to do with back foot). Left-handed: power seems to be right-to-right center, didn't see an ability to hit to left field from left-side. DEFENSE: Not hard to see why so many like him better as first baseman- twitchy athlete in the field and pretty good first step but doesn't seem to flow to the ball especially well. Shows knowledge of how to play the position, footwork could use some polish. Throwing arm is well above-average, solid 70 in my book. Footwork and range will have to be improved on if he wants to stay at hot corner in his career, but the potential exists. He won't be Scott Rolen-type, but could see him as a lower-part-of-upper-tier defensive 3B, ultimately- if he works to be such. If he gets much bigger, like 235-240, he's a first baseman, but shows enough range, first-step quickness and athleticism to not be a butcher there. Left field also a possibility if current speed is maintained. OTHER NOTES: Has a reputation as class citizen and smart kid, has played against decent levels of competition all throughout HS, not esecially risky kid intangibles-wise." |
| 13. By: Jason A. Churchill on 03-27-2009 20:15:35 Who are you quoting? |
| 14. By: rocketdawg31 on 03-28-2009 17:04:04 The sixty time was quoted from perfectgame.com and PGcrsosschecker.com; so I put it down as "on record"...but I didn't cobble up anywhere near sufficient video of Borchering running to really assess his full ability there. The stuff I did cobble was a lot of left-hand swings, some right-handed and his fielding. About a half-hour's worth. The rest of that Borchering report are my own observations, based on the swings, fielding and video I've seen of him. It's not as thorough as what yours are, I'm willing to bet- but it's my observations based on what I saw. Overall, Borchering has some flaws in his game... but I think the guy's a good ballplayer with a chance at being a solid run-producer. |
| 15. By: rocketdawg31 on 03-28-2009 17:05:29 BTW, on that report I errored- he's from Bishop Verot HS in the TOWN of Alta, Fla. Sorry. |
| 16. By: Jason A. Churchill on 03-29-2009 00:32:27 That would explain the lack of draft stock assessment. PG is very technical and it's easy to get lost in that. But in the end, the fact is not many, if anyone, sees any Eric Hosmer in Borchering. If he can't play third, and that's the consensus, he's got to hit and hit a ton to be a regular. His plate skills aren't great - they aren't bad - but his on-base skills and long-term ability to hit for average would be my biggest concern. The physical skills are obviously there. I'd stick him in right field instead of pushing him to first base, though. "He can really swing the bat, that's his strength, but there are some holes in that, too," One AL scout said. "Lots of power, I haven't seen him from the right side, but he has that classic lefty power swing. Good enough bat speed, and he wasn't too bad at third base. He may grow his way across the field, though, he doesn't show good reactions. "He's a borderline guy for me. Closer to the guy they signed there this winter (Russ Branyan) than an all-star bat. Some holes in that swing." |
| 17. By: acqb1424 on 03-29-2009 12:14:49 Jason, Now that Clement has been officially sent to Tacoma, what is his future with the M's? Does he ever become a starter in Seattle or have we seen the last of him? Also, Larry Stone mentions in his column today that Hanley Ramirez is frustrated about the Marlins strict rules on hair and jewelry and that he requested a trade (probably just a temper tantrum) but what would the M's have to give up for the Marlins to even listen about trading Ramirez? Would it have to be something like Clement or Moore, Betancourt and Morrow? |
| 18. By: SvhoopsStar5 on 03-29-2009 13:12:41 Morrow to the Pen and most likely the closer. What do you think Jason? |
| 19. By: Jason A. Churchill on 03-29-2009 14:38:50 The club and Morrow made this move because they no longer believe he can handle starting. It sucks, to be honest. Hate the idea. I think they are giving up on the starting idea far too early. Re: Clement The team told me he's going to catch in Tacoma, so while I think he's going to ultimately buy a new 1Bs glove, too, the org isn't publicly writing him off as a catcher. The M's couldn't pry Hanley from Florida if they offered everything in the system. Triunfel, Aumont and Halman isn't enough. Moore, Betancourt and Morrow isn't even close. Imagine what packages other clubs could offer that pancake the M's top potential offer. Hanley will not be a Mariner anytime soon. |
| 20. By: bodhizefa on 03-29-2009 15:13:12 This is Clement's fourth year in Triple-A. That's pretty darned excessive for any prospect, especially one who has seemingly mastered the art of hitting at the level. Clement needs to be in the big leagues learning how to hit big league pitchers at this point. Moving him to first base seems like the only option at this point. Continuing to give Clement the runaround at Tacoma is a massively botched move in my opinion. He's already amassed 973 at bats at the level, and has to be considered a bust at this point due to the M's mishandling of him. What with our mishandling of Morrow from the get-go, too, and with the now pointless signing of Josh Fields, the amount of value we're going to get out of our high-level prospects seems to be minimal. What a waste of the last few years for our organization. |
| 21. By: bilbo on 03-29-2009 15:57:48 at this point, I am hoping the Ms take Matzek AND Scheppers. What a shit day to be an Ms fan. |
| 22. By: MMjohns195 on 03-29-2009 16:05:46 Jason, Would the Mariners have signed Fields if Morrow had made this decision sooner? |
| 23. By: Gustafson on 03-29-2009 16:13:03 I wonder if today's Morrow news makes Alex White's odds of being #2 pick go up |
| 24. By: rocketdawg31 on 03-29-2009 16:17:21 Just because Clement will start the year in AAA-Tacoma is no reason to declare his career compleetly null and void, I think. Kenji or Rob Johnson (I'll operate under the assumption he's made the team) could get hurt (not that one wishes this, of course) and a necessary roster re-shuffle could happen. If/when Griffey can't play- even as a DH- Clement's the #1 option to be called up. What does seem clear is that idea of Clement ever being a full-time catcher is becoming less tangible by the day. To wit- he stays with us, he learns to play first base and eventually DHs. That's the only way I see him staying, with things playing out the way they are. Jason, do you know of any talented RH starting pitchers in any other system that could be had for a guy like Clement? Including package deals. I know Clement's defensive issues are no secret in baseball, but the right-handed pitching depth in the rotation just took a hit with Morrow deciding to go to the 'pen full-time. Also, I got into an argument with Dave Cameron this week regarding Adam Moore's ceiling. Do you think Moore could possibly project into the offensive prospect that Clement is? Clement and Moore have put up very similar pure MiLB numbers so far- but I'd have to admit Moore put his numbers up in easier ballparks/not AAA. The org's very high on Moore, but does he project as a major-league regular, offense AND defense? |
| 25. By: Missthosepilots on 03-29-2009 16:33:32 Good thing that there are potential arms in A ball. Shame it is not 2011. |
| 26. By: 01v-dubs on 03-29-2009 17:04:36 Strange as it sounds Clement being sent down bums me out more then Morrow going to the pen. I understand Morrows decision because I work with, and do research on diabetes and I know how hard it can be for a normal person to deal with let alone a pitcher, so I can understand that, although the Fields signing looks like a waste now. I do think the chances of us picking a guy like White increases now just because at best our best pitching prospects are 2-3 years away. (Although I do think Pineda can move quickly because he's pretty advanced for his age) Clement being sent down doesn't do a lot of good no matter how you spin it, either he learns to be a first baseman and his bat becomes less valuable, or he continues to catch and Moore either gets less playing time in AAA or gets sent back to AA where he clearly demonstrated he's better then that. If Joh had not been signed to an extension then at worst right now Johnson would be the starter and Clement would back him up, but his bat would have found a place in the lineup a lot of the time. |
| 27. By: Blowgun7 on 03-29-2009 17:23:25 I dont get the "Now we should/will take Alex White" stuff... We have the #2 pick.. you don't change your draft board because Morrow has moved to the bullpen.. you take the best guy on the board.. You don't say "we're down a right hander in the rotation, so lets draft the closest RH available in the draft" If a guy like Matzek is the guy who is rated higher you take him... you don't pass because he's a lefty a 2-3 yrs behind White.. If Jack does that then i dont want him as GM of my team, cause that's stupid |
| 28. By: Slack on 03-29-2009 17:48:03 I think the news about Morrow is a reflection of the way he has been handled. If he had been starting in the minors from the get go, it would not have come to this. Re 27: I agree with you Blowgun. You only take the best player on the board. If White emerges as that player, then take him. But if the draft were today, I would definitely take Matzek. |
| 29. By: rjfrik on 03-29-2009 18:38:43 Did the organization know about Morrow's diabetes in college? If so then why would they pick him to be starting pitcher. You pass on tiny tim b/c you are concerned about injury issues and you are afraid that he won't log that many innings due to those concerns. Instead you take Morrow who has legit health concerns and now look, he won't be logging any innings as a starter. I can't stress enough how bad this organization has failed in the last 5 years. Bavasi might go down as the worst GM in the history of the sport. He single handedly ruined this franchise. At least when we had Gillick we were consistently at the top of the division. Bavasi gutted are farm system, didn't stock it with talent after gutting it, and signed a bunch of hacks who were over payed. I don't even know what to say about Clement. I actually like the draft pick when it happened. It's just unfortunate. Kind of like the Gordon pick of the same year. I guess we could of taken Maybin or TT but it was hard to pass on potential like Clement. I think he needs a change of scenery. I wonder what we could get for him. |
| 30. By: Slurve on 03-29-2009 19:32:08 His diabetic condition was known on draft day his potential however made some teams over look it. |
| 31. By: Jason A. Churchill on 03-29-2009 20:27:17 Morrow should be starting in AA/AAA THIS year. End of story. |
| 32. By: Edman on 03-30-2009 02:18:09 I don't know much about who made the decision. But, it sounds like it's mostly Morrow's decision than the M's. Type I diabetes is very serious. And to state so strongly that he should be starting in AA/AAA is potentially disregarding what's in his "human" best interest in order to fill a hole in the "valid draft pick" scenario that some feel is important. If he'd have been in a car crash and injured his leg badly enough that he couldn't start, but could still relieve in short stints, would it change perceptions? He's trying to make the best decisions possible for both his quality and longevity of his life. If he doesn't feel he can maintain his energy levels for 7 innings a night, every five days, then he's acting in both his and the Mariners best interest. Type I diabetes is very serious. It's not like most of your friends who may have type II, as I do. I worked with a guy who wasn't even 25 years old who monitored himself constantly. Still, his blood sugars occationally dropped off the map and we had to get sugar into his system ASAP, to prevent him going into a coma. THAT is something he faces EVERY day of his life. This isn't a cold that you get over. It's living with a constant fear that something extremely bad could happen, if you don't take care of your system. So, please to Brandon a favor and stop acting like he killed your pet puppy. Instead, think about his desire to live as good a life as he can, for as long as he can. That is how serious it is. |
| 33. By: Edman on 03-30-2009 02:28:31 rjfrif, I suggest you go look at some history before you make some of your comments. First, yes the M's knew about Morrow's condition before they drafted him. And, most likely, since he was starting, felt his diabetes wasn't a big issue. Good decision or bad, they knew. As for Bavasi gutting the farm system, I would advise you to go back and look at what he got handed to him. Gillick and company we on a par, if not worse than Bavasi, in regard to the condition of the farm system. If not for Bob Engle and his international scouting, the M's system would have been a joke. Obviously, Bavasi and company didn't come up with any immediate impact guys. But then again, sans Felix Hernandez.....neither did Gillick. Pat put the right pieces together at the Major League level, but he did no favors in regard to the minor league system. |
| 34. By: dewey on 03-30-2009 08:24:44 Has anyone looked at Fontaines two high picks Morrow #5 a reliever? Thats not what you take 5th in the country and a DH #3 in Clement yes Bavasi and Fontaine werent very good .Also look back at what Gillick left and those guys our strarting in clevland and San Diego and other spots i wouldnt even compare the two... |
| 35. By: CrockDaddy on 03-30-2009 10:55:09 but the thing is, they were drafted with the projection that they would be a starter and a catcher. the really unfortunate part is they both might have worked out with proper development time |
| 36. By: Jason A. Churchill on 03-30-2009 13:20:32 The baseball world knows Morrow has diabetes. There's no reason for anyone to hide the reason he's being moved to the pen, unless it makes the TEAM look bad. Which is why Morrow is being a good soldier and saying he wants to go. |
| 37. By: acqb1424 on 03-30-2009 13:36:02 Jason, your last entry indicates (or maybe I'm reading too deeply into it) that this is management's decision...if that is true then why did they do it and have we seen the last of Morrow as a starting pitcher? |
| 38. By: Jason A. Churchill on 03-30-2009 13:46:22 Because 1) they needed pen help, 2) Morrow is currently having physical issues that may or may not be from trying to start (no way to know until he starts for at least a half season or more) 3) just not because Morrow wanted it. That's so absurd. And no, I think Morrow gets a chance to start again. Maybe not here, but somewhere. |
| 39. By: Gustafson on 03-30-2009 13:50:21 Jason, How is Morrow's trade value? Not saying the M's are going to deal him, just curious if he is looked at as damaged goods or as a legit prospect/young future star. |
| 40. By: Jason A. Churchill on 03-30-2009 14:14:34 Not good because of the questions of health and role. |
| 41. By: Edman on 03-30-2009 15:50:57 Jason, at what point to we actually believe what a player or manager says? Only when it accompanies the result we desire? I don't know that Morrow was being a good soldier. If you have sources that will confirm that it wasn't his choice, then state so. But it's not fair to him or anyone in the organization to speculate about anyone's honesty or integrity, with conjecture. From all I've seen, JZ has been above board been far more forthcoming than the man he replaced. As I see Jack, he's been more than willing to stand up for the decisions he makes. Why in the world wouldn't he simply say, "We have met with Brandon, and considering the state of the bullpen, we've decided to make him our closer." Honestly, there's absolutely nothing dishonorable in that. Do you really think Jack gives a rat's arse what a bunch of bloggers think? And so much so, that he has to fabricate a lie? If anything, Jack would be opposed to his move to the bullpen. It only creates a bigger problem to deal with. |
| 42. By: Jason A. Churchill on 03-30-2009 16:13:17 Edman, get a grip, dude. Morrow wasn't saying he wanted to start back in December for any other reason than because he wanted to start. That makes it awfully difficult to believe that all of a sudden he wants to be a reliever. The organization is not being honest and it's really pathetic. It's small in the grand scheme, but still pathetic. Can I prove it beyond a reasonable doubt? No. Can you prove it's not the case beyond a reasonable doubt? No. Can we prove that Ichiro is going to hit .300 this year? No. But we take the evidence at hand and go where it takes us, don't we? If you choose to interpret that evidence in another way, fine. But don't come here and start telling me what to do, man, who the hell do you think you are? If I have sources that confirm Morrow was just being a good solider I have to state so? How about the evidence in front of your face? That doesn't mean anything to you? That's sad. I hear an ice scraper will help with the wool over your eyes. And if you think Jack is running this organization, you're so far out beyond the left field wall, I don't know what else to say about that. When it comes to PR type stuff, Zduriencik does NOT have final say, and I'm not sure he should, necessarily. Yeah, why wouldn't they just say they wanted Brandon to be in the pen right now because of the state of it? Umm, perhaps, because they aren't the best PR savvy org in the... city? And if you think the internet doesn't affect how organizations handle things, perhaps it's time to fold up your laptop and grab a print edition of your local paper instead, because clearly the world has passed over your head. The mainstream media is talking about some of these very things, it's all over sports talk radio, the minor league camp pitchers are talking about amongst themselves for crying out loud. "If anything, Jack would be opposed to his move to the bullpen. It only creates a bigger problem to deal with." I never said he was for it against it. I never blamed Jack Zduriencik for anything, but you're being awfully assumptive saying that. How do YOU know he'd be opposed to Morrow moving to the pen? And if he is, and he's truly in charge, why is it happening? Because Morrow suddenly wants to pitch out of the pen? You seem to believe in Jack, so why do you think he'd let a player's sudden change of heart hurt his baseball team? You have a lot of questions to answer, Edman, but I'm not going to let you spew out your crap here anymore. I'm pretty pissed off at your tone and really just wish you'd scram. Some friggin' nerve you have. |
| 43. By: Blowgun7 on 03-30-2009 16:40:35 Jason, for clarification purposes... You feel he's going to the pen because the "organization, not particularly Jack" doesnt want to head into the season with such a weak bullpen? I just dont understand what is happening here.. Morrow certainly doesnt want to go the pen. He's been adamant about starting, and he surely knows that the big money down the road is maximized if he's a starter.. SO I have a hard time believing he wanted this, unless he's been having issues with the diabetes and/or is scared about arm trouble down the road given that he hasnt throw a ton of innings.. However, I also can't believe a good baseball man like Jack would be behind this move after just giving up the 21st pick in the draft to sign a closer.. signing Cordero.. and knowing the organization has no depth in regards to starting pitching.. So who is making these moves? Is it Armstrong/Lincoln group forcing the team to sign Fields because of the current financial situation and because they perceive it to be a bad PR move to not sign your first round pick?? Are these two also meddling in that they want to sell tickets this year and realize that bullpen is pretty terrible without Morrow in there?? I just can't buy that Jack would be behind a move that takes a young potential TOR starter and moves him to the pen at age 25... And I cant see him pulling a Bavasi a sacrificing the future because he wants to win a few more games this year (which a healthy Morrow in the pen does).. This move is beyond puzzling and I dont know what or who to believe |
| 44. By: Edman on 03-30-2009 16:51:06 What tone, Jason? I presented no tone at all. I simply asked if it's fair to present a reply that implies that "is" what happened. It takes so little to start rumors on the net. And yes, you should recognize that some take what you say, verbatim. Some, can't separate conjecture from fact. It's sad, but true. I dunno Jason, maybe it's possible that Brandon truly wanted to be a starter. But, perhaps he came to the realization that dispite his best efforts, trying to maintain his blood sugars throughout a nine inning game is too difficult to manage effectively. I don't really know. My point is, neither do you. Can I prove it? No, but then again, I never stated that I could. In fact, I've stated several times that I don't know. Why would Jack LET him? Why is Jack allowing it? Should he have demanded Morrow remain a starter and ignore his physical condition? Perhaps, because he's also human enough to not ask someone to do what he wouldn't ask a family member to do. GMs have more than results to consider. Baseball players are human beings. Morrow has a very serious condition, and quite frankly, you seem willing to ignore that for the "better of the team." I'm truly sorry that you're unable to consider alternate points of view. I did nothing more than suggest that perhaps you were being more critical than is reasonable. And, I'm truly sorry that you feel a baseball organization should operate without heart. Sure, they could have demanded he still try to start. How effective would he be, if his heart isn't in it? If he feels the best thing for him and hopefully the organization is to be a reliever, then perhaps we should be understanding. I have to prove NOTHING. Because, I never once indicated that I knew otherwise. Strange as it seems, I still hold people to their word, until they prove that they can't be trusted. I try to never assume they aren't until that time comes. I have nerve? Why, because I dared to take another point of view? I simply asked that we all be fair and not assume what happened. Like it or not, Jason, as the owner of this site, you hold a certain amount of responsibility to what you post. People do use your words elsewhere. I've even seen them cause little wars. I appreciate all you do. It's a tough job. And sometimes your frustrations end up in what you write. I see it in your reply to me. Your first assumption is that I was attacking you. I wasn't. |
| 45. By: The Great Pumpkin on 03-30-2009 17:00:29 Any word on how RRS is looking today? |
| 46. By: Missthosepilots on 03-30-2009 17:01:01 I know that Wilson is not the prospect of the year, but how long are they going to keep LaHair on the 40? Am I missing something here? Interesting time to be a Mariner fan! |
| 47. By: Edman on 03-30-2009 17:03:29 Blogun. Lets say that you want to run a 10K marathon. You've been telling your friends and family for ages. After much training and preparation, you find that you cannot get any further without severe leg cramps when you reach 3/4 of your goal. So, you deside to run 5K races instead. Were you lying when you said you had a desire to run a 10K? Sometimes we have to face reality in spite of our desires. Is that what happened here? I don't know. But, considering that they could have taken the high road and simply followed what was stated a few days ago, that Morrow would start out in the pen, then I have to wonder. Why would Morrow allow any statement that excludes the possibility of him being a starter in the future. Neither he or his agent would allow that, if there wasn't some truth to it. Again, nobody knows. But, there doesn't need to be a subplot behind it that is some major point of interest. It can simply be what it is. I do believe that Morrow would never allow a statement to be made on his behalf that indicates he's the team's closer now and in the future, if he didn't see value in it. |
| 48. By: Edman on 03-30-2009 17:21:42 RRS went 6 innings, giving up 5 hits. |
| 49. By: Blowgun7 on 03-30-2009 17:23:37 Your marathon analogy doesnt work because I fail to see how Morrow has gotten "much training and preperation".. It would be like planning to run the 10K and quitting after a few months because my quads were hurting a bit.. The guy hasn't trained to be a starting pitcher, so I dont see how he'd come to the conclusion that he can't do it |
| 50. By: The Great Pumpkin on 03-30-2009 17:34:08 I was actually wondering about his velocity. Was he still at 86? |
| 51. By: Edman on 03-30-2009 17:36:22 But you can come to the conclusion that that he perhaps isn't being honest about his choice to be a reliever? And I disagree. He got a very good taste of what being a starter is late last season. Does he have a large resume'? No. But using your scenario, he has run the 10K, so it's not like he doesn't understand the expectations. It may be that he's more comfortable as a closer. There is a rush that comes with being a closer. Is it in the club's best interest? Probably not. But if his heart isn't in it, chances are he won't fully take on the roll of a starter. I dunno. But I don't yet see that there is a vail of deception to worry about. |
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