Baseball in Fort Wayne

It’s been kind of intersteding to observe some bloggers who are hoping for the possible signing of some former Wizards free agents (many of whom have yet to really make a mark in the Majors) or the moving up the ladder to earn roster spots. Here’s a quick breakdown…

Tenth Inning Stretch Sees Dory Doyne as a Diamond in the Rough:

RHP, 27. Career 3.31 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 8.74 K/9, 1.94 K/BB. Was the closer for the Norfolk Tides (International League) in 2007 producing a great season with 2.23 ERA and 0.88 WHIP. Had rotator cuff surgery last year and came back fine producing a 3.43 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 11.57 K/9 and 3.86 K/BB in 21 innings in 4 levels. Another potential steal, he very likely be a middle reliever in the majors next year.

Bleeding Blue and Teal Thinks Peter Ciofrone is a bagain:

The 25 year old Ciofrone did very well for himself after being promoted to AAA Portland.  He put up a very impressive .314/.389/.519 line in 97 games with the Beavers, smacking 18 homers and showing slightly above average plate discipline from the left side of the plate.  The power is a new addition to Ciofrone’s game, but if he can keep it up he could be a nice bargain for Seattle.

Corey Brock Dishes on the Chances of Kyle Blanks Getting Moved:

The Padres think very highly of Blanks, but with first base in the capable hands of All-Star and Gold Glove winner Adrian Gonzalez, there is always the possibility he could get moved in a deal.

Rays Index suggests that Tampa Bay’s decision to add Dale Thayer to the 40-man roster will mean loosing Eddie Morlan in the upcoming Rule 5 Draft.

A quick look at the numbers shows Dale Thayer (2.82 tRA, 10.0 K/9 at AAA) was much stronger than Morlan (4.40 tRA, 8.62 K/9 at AA) this past season. Of course Thayer will be 28 next season and Morlan will only be 23. Morlan is only one season removed from being one of the best relief pitcher prospects in baseball. Still, Thayer is more likely to help a major league club in 2009. So if it is Thayer versus Morlan for one spot, we would have understood either choice.

Three Rivers Sports thinks Luis Cruz has the potential to become the best young middle infielder in the Pirate’s organization.

He is a little more than a year younger than Bixler as well, and while his numbers after being called up in September weren’t good, they at least demonstrated the ability to cope with major league pitchers, as he struck out just twice in 67 at-bats, and his OPS was far superior to Bixler at .547

STLToday ranks David Freese as the 5th best prospect in the Cardinals organization. Methinks he’ll be starting the season at 3B for the Cardinals. Fresse was also named by Scout.com as the Cardinals’ Minor League Player of the Year.

3 Responses to “Former Wizards on Some Wish Lists”