Tuesday, August 16, 2005 |
Pickoff Moves
Navarro Catching On
In today's Times, Steve Henson writes about Dioner Navarro:"I have a great opportunity and I'm not taking it for granted," he said. "This is where I want to be for a long time."...
In 14 games since being promoted from triple A, he has quietly and confidently developed into an unyielding force. Pitchers rave about his ability to call a game and coaches rave about his patient approach as a hitter.
"It's like he's been in the big leagues for years," pitcher Odalis Perez said. "I already have a lot of trust in that kid."
...
Even in the Dodger farm system, another catcher is held in higher esteem by most scouts. Russell Martin, who is batting .315 with a .433 on-base percentage at double-A Jacksonville, has more athleticism, arm strength and power than Navarro.
"Martin would take the job right now if the Dodgers called him up," said a scout from another organization who spoke on the condition of anonymity. "Navarro can be a solid major leaguer, but Martin is a franchise catcher. He'll be an all-star."
Martin, 22, is expected to be promoted when rosters expand Sept. 1. Until then, Navarro is being given an opportunity to cement himself as the Dodger catcher of the future.
Hochevar Signing Deadline Nears
According to the Times, the Dodgers are nearing a deadline for signing Luke Hochevar, namely, the start of classes on August 24 at the University of Tennessee. If he starts classes, he becomes ineligible to sign a major league contract. The Dodgers are reportedly $2 million apart on a signing bonus with the Scott Boras client.Sources on both sides say Hochevar is seeking $4 million, a deal similar to what Boston gave St. John's pitcher Craig Hansen, the 26th pick. The Dodgers have offered a little more than $2 million, which would make him the highest-paid draft pick in team history.
Scott Erickson "Working His Way Back"?
The poltergeists are out, and Scott Erickson still thinks he has a shot in September:He's made three starts with the Las Vegas 51s, most recently Sunday, when he gave up six runs on five hits and two walks in 7 2/3 innings of the 51s' 7-2 loss to Tucson at Cashman Field.Career Over.His Pacific Coast League ERA is 7.94 in 17 innings.
On Sunday, Erickson threw 110 pitches against the Sidewinders in his longest outing this season. 51s manager Jerry Royster said the duration of Erickson's afternoon was a sign that the only 51s' 37-year-old starter isn't ready to hand over the ball for good.
"You can't throw 110 pitches under those conditions" if your career is done, Royster said. "He hasn't pitched very well, I'm not trying to say that. It's probably been a while since he's done that well. I know it was only Tucson. But it's what he did and how he went about it."
Newer› ‹Older
 |
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.