6-4-2 — an Angels/Dodgers double play blog

Before starting, I should note that this is the second editor we've had in a year at BA covering the Angels; last year it was Josh Boyd, who subsequently became a scout for the Padres. Then, Jim Callis took over long enough to do the 2003 chat, and now this year, we have Alan Matthews. Boyd was always very high on Bobby Jenks, but his opinion seems to be little shared around BA -- and elsewhere -- especially now that he's got a pin in his elbow and still more time on the DL without advancing through the minors.

Q:	Stephen C. Smith from Irvine, CA asks: Alan, where would Jered Weaver have ranked in the Top 10 if he'd been signed by now? Would the list below have just bumped down a notch or would his signing affect who was selected below?
A:	Alan Matthews: We were waiting anxiously to hear whether or not Weaver and the Angels agreed to terms before the list was published, though it appears they are not close. Had Weaver signed in time for the list, he would have fallen in the top 10, but probably right in front of Santana or Kendrick.

This to me is a perfect example of why we shouldn't be handing out guaranteed contracts to rookies: the guy isn't even the best prospect the system would have had. Boras acts like Weaver is another Mark Prior, and it just ain't so.

Q:	Nick from Raleigh asks: Erwin Santana seems to always get a lot of publicity based on his potential, but with all of his injuries over the years can he still become a #1 SP?
A:	Alan Matthews: Raleigh question arrives, I'm a resident, thanks for the inquiry . . . Go Duke. Santana has top-of-the-rotation stuff, regardless of his various ailments. He was sharp in instructional league and his velocity was near normal, so there's no reason to believe he can't reach his ceiling as a No. 1 or 2 starter in the future.

It's good to hear stuff like that, but until we actually see somebody go from the farm into the rotation, I'll remain skeptical. The Angels just aren't producing starting pitching, and as this offseason showed, pitching's harder and harder to come by.

Q:	Mike from Manassas VA asks: Where does Kendry Morales start the season?
A:	Alan Matthews: The Angels insist that Morales is ready to contend for a big league job right away. However, the Angels are big players in the free-agent hunt and if they net a Carlos Beltran or another everyday outfielder, I would suspect Morales would begin the season at Triple-A Salt Lake, which would not necessarily be a bad thing, as it would allow him a chance to get acclimated to the culture and language barrier he'll face in the states.

No kidding. To that I would also add: the Angels need to find him a home. Whether that's first (why?), third (run in fear, run in fear) or somewhere in the outfield (where?), he's got to be able to do something where he's not blocked by somebody else. Like I said yesterday, the Angels frequently seem to operate without a plan.

Q:

Simon Boisvert from Montreal, Canada asks: Thanks for the chat, Alan. Is it possible that the Angels' system might be overrated? Kotchman's health is a question mark, MacPherson is already 24 and hasn't proven anything at the major league level, and Jeff Mathis has regressed. Plus, their pitching doesn't seem great. So why is their group of prospects considered way ahead of their division rivals' farm system?

A:

Alan Matthews: The reasons the Angels system is not overrated are because it is deep, deep in impact potential and it features players at all different positions, as well as impact-potential arms. McPherson homered three times in limited action and he has ahown an ability to make adjustments, a sign he will succeed. Kotchman's injuries are a concern, but he posted a career-high in at-bats this season and the only time he missed was an action-related injury, not a nagging muscle strain that might lead to future injuries.

This will really be the first year that the Angels have a significant number of rookies coming up and contributing, with McPherson and Kotchman arriving at the same time. I expect a lot of games where I expect to throw things at the TV. Let's hope they earn their billing. Kotchman so far hasn't, but his plate discipline has been phenominal, an unusually good sign.

Q:

Stephen C. Smith from Irvine, CA asks: What's your opinion about the Angels' "high-risk/high-reward" draft this year? They certainly went out on a limb with guys like Patrick White, D.T. McDowell, Nick Adenhart, Bobby Cassevah, etc. Is this a model for other teams to follow in lower rounds, or is there more to it?

A:

Alan Matthews: I liked what Eddie Bane did this year in the draft. Knowing he lost his second and third-round picks due to the signings of free agents Bartolo Colon and Kelvim Escobar last offseason, Bane and GM Bill Stoneman had a plan in the draft and that was clear to go after impact players, regardless of concerns signing them. I believe they'll get Weaver done before the season and the crop may rival that of what former scouting director Donny Rowland brought in in 2001.

Q:	Andrew from TN asks: Is this the best top ten in baseball? If not, who does the honor go to?
A:	Alan Matthews: The Angels system ranks in the top 3, with the Dodgers and the Twins right there with it.

High praise indeed, especially considering Mark Trumbo was a total surprise signing. It pleases me to hear that Eddie Bane is getting good marks on his first draft with the Angels. Later, Matthews goes on to say that Morales bumped Matt Trumbo out of the top ten, which is pretty astonishing when you consider Trumbo hasn't played a single ballgame professionally.

Q:	Eric from Los Angeles asks: Will Nick Gorneault be anything more than a 4th OFDH?
A:	Alan Matthews: That's probably where Gorneault's future lies. He, though, can really sting balls when he squares them on the barrell. His swing is a little unorthodox and is difficult to repeat, making him a guy susceptible to slumps.

One of my favorite prospects, partly because he's the cousin of a friend of mine. He's still an Angel, at least until later today when the Rule 5 draft occurs.

// posted by Rob @ 6:50 AM link  //  0 comments