by Jason Martinez
*Players who may be on the verge of a big league call-up are considered to be 'Knocking Down the Door'.
Bradley Boxberger, RHP - Double-A Carolina (CIN): After a solid pro debut for Hi-A Lynchburg in 2010 (3.14 ERA, 62 IP, 57 H, 20 BB, 70 K in 14 games, 13 starts), Boxberger was promoted to Double-A mid-season and moved to the bullpen. Although the results were ugly (8.49 ERA in 22 relief appearances), the Reds kept the former 1st Round pick in a relief role this year and it's paying off. The 23 year-old has been nearly un-hittable, allowing just 5 ER and 16 hits in 34.1 IP with 13 BB and 57 K. Right-handed hitters have an .096 BA against him. Lefties are hitting .196. I'd say that he's at least worth a look for the Reds. They'll need all the help they can if they're going to catch the Brewers in the NL Central.
Chance Ruffin, RHP - Double-A Erie (DET): The team's 1st Round Supplemental Pick (48th overall) in last season's draft, Ruffin is trying to follow in the footsteps of another former University of Texas closer, Huston Street, who made it to the big leagues the year after he was drafted. The Tigers, who have finally overtaken the Indians in the AL Central, are a strong team but could use some bullpen help in the late innings. Ruffin just so happens to be dealing right now down in the Eastern League, not having allowed a run over his last 12.2 innings. The 22 year-old has a filthy slider that is tough on right-handers but appears to have the arsenal to have success against lefties, as well. While Ruffin won't be closing games in the big leagues as quickly as Street was after he was drafted, it's very possible that he'll be pitching in middle relief or a setup role in the AL Central race later this season.
Julio Teheran, RHP - Triple-A Gwinnett (ATL): After his two spot starts with the Braves, I really didn't think we'd be discussing Teheran much until 2012. He just didn't appear big league ready. But there's a reason the 20 year-old was considered the best pitching prospect in baseball before the season. The way he's been dominating Triple-A hitters this season has almost been unfair. He works deep into games, throws strikes, and maintains his mid-90's fastball into the late innings. Over his last five starts, Teheran has a 1.00 ERA and 31 K with 2 BB and 20 hits allowed in 36 IP. It's only a matter of time before it translates to the big leagues. Why not now? The Braves don't necessarily need another starting pitcher but they do have plenty of other needs to address. So looking to trade one of their starters to open a spot for Teheran is not out of the question.
Knocking Down the Door (Position Players)
Click HERE for the 2011 archive
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment