25 Under 25 in Major League Baseball 16-25

I'll admit, I haven't been posting because I have been enjoying the beautiful weather.  A sin, I know.  I've also been enjoying hearing that David Ortiz never "buy steroids," and that Josh Hamilton's first reaction to getting trashed and partying with 19 year old girls was to call his wife.  We know he's never used steroids at least, since to do something like that takes huge balls, and, well, you know.  Anyway, back to where I was:

16: David Price

Yes, he has fallen.  Hard.  But that's what happens when you can't throw strikes.  We love lanky flame-throwers, and I still think the Sabathia upside exists for Price, although I think that he might be better suited in the pen.  Speaking of which...

17. Neftali Feliz

Please let him start.  Please please please.  Give he of the 92 mph changeup a chance to go 6 innings every 5 days.  Please Nolan Ryan, reach into your heart, and allow this kid to have a chance.  He is too talented to be in the bulpen.

18. Andrew Mccutchen

He seems like he's been forever is how most people begin to describe Mccutchen.  I won't.  Cutch has arrived, and he has been playing really freakin' well.  He has 15-20 hr potential in my opinion, and 30-40 steal potential.  B.J. Upton as a better fielder.

19. Elvis Andrus

DEFENSE!  DEFENSE!  DEFENSE!  That's Andrus' calling card.  But the kid can hit, and can really run.  Renteria comps are abound, but I think we could be looking at a young Jimmy Rollins before this year.

20. Rick Porcello

Yes, I put him at 20 to be cute.  As a 20 year old, Porcello has been solid if not spectacular thus far.  I still think that his strikeouts will come (Halladay, for example, didn't really strike guys out early on).  Ace upside in my opinion.  Although, I do think he was pushed too fast by the Tigers.

21. Jay Bruce

Yes he has been out for a while, but the power and defense combo the kid has is pretty scary.  Needs to work on his patience, but don't forget, he is only 22 and with the raw ability he has, I think he's doing just fine.

22. Billy Butler

What?!  Why is he here?  Well, if you haven't noticed, Butler is putting things together in a big way.  The 30 home run upside is still here.  I really think he has the potential to be a truly special hitter.  He shows great discipline and skills at the dish, and although he is without a position, hopefully his bat will continue to be enough.

23. Pablo Sandoval

Kung fu Panda.  What an amazing nickname.  That alone should put him on this list.  I figured he'd be an average starter at best.  But he has really turned it on this year.  He is only 22, and while he will never win a race, he still can be an anchor to the piss poor Giants lineup.

24. Justin Smoak

Mark Teixeira.  We get it.  They're similar.  I think Smoak can be Chris Davis who bats .300.  He's so talented, and already looks like a pro in terms of his makeup.  The Rangers are truly a special young team at this point.

25. Mike Stanton

He of awesome power.  Stanton is Adam Dunn this year.  That's as accurate a comp as I can possibly think of.  I know he is a very good athlete, but I don't think his speed translates over to him becoming a big base stealer.  

25 Under 25 in Major League Baseball 1-15

I'm writing this on a bus.  Don't ask how or why, but I am, and I'm loving the futuristic feel.  I'm feeling kind of happy today.  At least happier than Prince Fielder, who apparently stormed the Dodgers' clubhouse last night while trying to kill Guillermo Mota.  My suspicion is that Fielder became enraged when the clubhouse was not stocked with a whale's supply of tofu.  Oh Prince.  Still, I remain positive today.  And as a result, I have decided to list my top 25 under 25 in the the Major and Minor Leagues.  So, let's get to it.  Today is only 1-15. Tomorrow is 16-25:

1. Tim Lincecum

He just turned 25, so he counts for me.  Lincy is just plain dirty.  The numbers he has put up at this early an age scream superstar.  And despite his unconventional mechanics, I feel like his arm and his body are built for the torque that he exerts on himself.  The sheer genius of his windup is staggering.  By minimizing the amount of space he takes up by curling his body up, he reduces the drag, and probably adds about 4-5 mph to his pitches.  Easily the top pitcher in the game.

2. Matt Wieters

Like Lincecum, Wieters was passed by too many teams when he was stolen at #5 by the Orioles.  I think the best compliment I've heard about Wieters is that he makes the plate seem 10 feet closer for pitchers.  Do not underestimate Wieters as simply a once in a generation offensive catcher.  He is also a fantastic defensive presence.  Although most scouting reports seem to suggest that Wieters can hit a homerun with his mind, the truth is, the sky is the limit for this über prospect.  

3. Evan Longoria

Evan Longoria is a fantastic beast in the most positive sense of the word.  He is a defensive whiz, and he can hit some to.  And by some, I mean, he could become one of the most dominant offensive players in the Majors.  

4. Justin Upton

J-ups, man.  Ken Griffey Jr. Jr.  I suppose the best way to look at Upton's season is that he is 21, and is on pace to put up 25-25 numbers.  His ceiling is limitless.  If I was in a keeper league, I would not hesitate to take him in the 3rd round.

5. Stephen Strasburg

So he hasn't technically signed yet.  And so he might not even wind up signing with the Nats.  Still, with the reviews he has had (and from the scouting videos of his I've seen, they're all true), I think it isn't too early to put Strasburg this early on the list.

6. Felix Hernandez

Boy this list is fun to write.  King Felix has finally begun to reach his stratospheric ceiling.  I wrote earlier that I think he could contend for the AL Cy Young, and he very well could.  Keep in mind he is only 23, and is really showing that he can become a fantastic pitcher, not just a fantastic arm.  He has also created a holiday in Seattle, known as Felix Day, which is a celebration of the day Felix pitches, as it is the only day that the Mariners can win.  So basically, he's like Jesus, but with a killer fastball

7. Clayton Kershaw

I don't think it's possible to explain the extent of my man crush on Public Enemy #1.  I think that Kershaw has the potential to become the best pitcher in the league.  I saw him live pitching against the Mets, and as he was warming up, I turned to my girlfriend, and simply said, "Well, the Mets are getting shut out tonight."  The final score was 8-0.  The scary thing is, Kersh is still learning how to pitch.  He needs to improve his control, and he still doesn't go to deep into games as a result.  But once he puts it all together, wow.

8. Adam Jones

The Orioles wouldn't trade Jones for Bedard straight up now.  That just shows what a lopsided deal the Bedard for Jones, Tillman, and Sherill trade was.  It would be like thinking you're taking the pretty girl home, only to find out that the girl is a dude.  But back to Jones.  He is a true 5 tool stud.  At 23, he is continuing to develop right into the plans of the young Orioles.  Their outfield is set for the next 10 years.  Bravo Orioles.

9. Jason Heyward

Only at AA right now, but has hit an astonishing .422/.505/.722 line in over 90 at bats.  That's not a joke.  What's more, he doesn't turn 20 for another week.  At 6'4'' and 220 pounds, the kid is a physical specimen.  His career could look a lot like Justin Upton's.  

10. B.J. Upton

Yet another toolsy outfielder, Upton has had some struggles this year.  But I know his agent personally, and can say that Upton has had some difficulties in his personal life which have led to his struggles.  I think his upside is 30 Hrs and 50 SBs, while combining that with fantastic defense.  Tampa Bay is really a stacked team.

11. Matt Kemp

This is like the freakin' Home Depot of this list.  Kemp is blessed with speed, power, and fielding ability.  The only knock on Kemp is that he sometimes fails to give his 100%.  Still, if what he's doing now isn't 100%, then his best is frightening.  

12. Ryan Zimmerman

Zimmerman might be one of the best defensive 3rd basemen in the league now, and after last year's power outage, is on pace for over 30 home runs and a batting average of around .290.  He is one of the bright spots on the Nats, and is really a very underrated player on the national level.  Hopefully, this will change soon.

13. Matt Cain

No, he's not 30, although it does seem that he has been around forever.  Cain has finally put it all together this year, and on really any other team in the league, would be considered the staff ace.  He and Lincy will form a disgusting 1-2 punch for years to come.

14. Yovani Gallardo

It's about time MLB has a superstar named Yovani.  Gallardo had already torn his ACL, yet has rebounded this season and put up some fantastic numbers.  Now the resident ace for the Brewers, at only 23, he has a far way to go in terms of reaching his potential.  For what it's worth, I traded him for Clayton Kershaw earlier this year in my dynasty league, so you can see how I value both of them.

15. Tommy Hanson

I used to not believe in this guy.  I thought he had the ceiling of a #2.  Whoops.  He's good.  Like, really good.  I think his best year will look something like Glavine's top year.  Love the kid now.  Proud of him.

The Outlook for the Rest of the Season As Well As Some Thoughts About the NBA offseason

So people are actually starting to find this blog.  Go figure, or go viral.  Either way, I love it.  Please, always write comments.  I will do my best to accommodate any non-sexual request you make.  Let's get to it...

It's the beginning of August, and it's time for my predictions for the rest of the season:

NL MVP: Albert Pujols

Come on, if you didn't realize this, you're just being stupid.  Although, if the Marlins make a late push, look for Hanely Ramirez to possibly make things close

NL Cy Young: Tim Lincecum

He's 25, and has better numbers at this point than he did last year at the same date.  He is truly a freak of nature, and is hands down the best pitcher in the league.  Dark horse to be in the running for getting votes: Clayton Kershaw, the 2nd most talented arm in the game after Lincy. 

NL ROY: Tommy Hanson

I used to think he would top out as a #2 (nothing wrong with that), but since his call up, MmmBop, as I and only I call Hanson, has looked like a bona-fide stud.  He should sustain a charge from Mccutchen and possibly Rasmus if he regains 3rd outfielder playing time.

NL East: Philadelphia

NL Central: Cardinals

NL West: Dodgers

NL Wildcard: Mets

AL MVP: Justin Morneau

This is the hardest award to determine in my opinion.  I was going to put Jeter, but I feel like he has so much help in his lineup.  And with the Twins' pitching woes this year, Morneau earns his 2nd MVP award, as establishes himself as one of the games' superstars.  

AL Cy Young: Zack Greinke

I reserve the right to change this to King Felix as often as I like.  It will be neck and neck.  Greinke has been lights out this year, but hitters are starting to figure him out.  If the Mariners give him run support, I think Felix could snag it.  But then again, the same could be said about Greinke

AL ROY: Andrew Bailey

No, not Porcello.  Bailey has put up superior numbers, and has taken up the 9th inning role for the A's without any problem.  Porcello might be the sexy pick, but Bailey is the right pick

AL East: Boston 

AL Central: Twins

AL West: Angels

AL Wildcard: Yankees

NLCS: Philadelphia v Dodgers

ALCS: Boston v Minnesota

World Series: Boston v Dodgers

Dodgers win in 6

*************************************************************************************

NBA thoughts now.  

-I think the the Detroit moves this offseason were just stupid.  Neither Gordon nor Villanueva are good defenders, and committing that much money to two guys who will never be able to lead a team is just poor planning.  The Pistons have fated themselves to finishing no higher than 4th in the East standings for the next 4 years.

-Amare is staying put.  As it is, Don Nelson doesn't care all that much for big men, and I really like the core they're building in Golden State.  It's a fun team that will put asses in the seats.  Will they win a championship?  Probably not.  But will they be successful?  Definitely.  Anthony Randolph is my pick for breakout player of the year, even if he spends halftime crying on the bench.  

-Rubio and Flynn could exist together.  The T-wolves could attempt to run a two pg set.  But I don't understand acquiring the 5th pick in exchange for Gomes, who could've been a contributor this year.  I guess that's why they're a bad team.

-Hedo will regret his decision to skip out on Portland for Toronto.  The team is a mosh of players ill suited to play together.  He would've looked pretty good in red and black on the west coast, in my opinion.

-The Magic still look like the front runners to me this year.  I think that with another year together and having Nelson at full strength for the entire year, they can beat the Lakers.  Cleveland could push them however, but I still don't think that the Lakers will win it this year.  Bryant is just becoming the best jump shooter in the league, losing his driving ability as he ages.  I'm not saying he is not one of the top players in the league, but I think that this season, we will see some real signs of aging.  

-Rookie who will look utterly lost for the first 3 months of the season, but then start to put things together: Hasheem Thabeet.

-Rookie who will look dominant out of the gate and then fade down the stretch: Jordan Hill

-Team David Lee is with at the beginning of the season: Knicks

-Blake Griffin's End of the Year stats: 15.6/9.2/.9 blocks

 

-Number of times Rasheed Wallace looks okay coming off the bench, but is secretly thinking of sucker punching Doc Rivers: 82 1/2

-Number of Tweets by Shaq: 328

-Number of Tweets by Kevin Love: 223

-Number of Tweets by Stephon Marbury: 1,034 (hey, you have a lot of spare time when you're retired.)

The Aftermath of the Trade Deadline

I write this as I look at the Trojan ad popping up on the side of this website.  When I signed up for the ads on the site, I was told they would be somewhat related to what was written on the blogs.  But I'll be honest, I'm not exactly sure how they jumped to condoms.  Maybe I need to proofread my stuff better.  But anyway...

Yesterday was the MLB trade deadline, and unlike Colonial Williamsburg, it did not disappoint.  There were more guys flying around than in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.  Since I promised I would, I will now analyze all of the major moves of the past few days.

Trade 1:

Indians get Justin Masterson, Nick Hagadone, and Brian Price

Red Sox get Victor Martinez

Anyone who read yesterday's post will know that I like the term highway robbery.  As in, when the Red Sox acquired Victor Martinez without surrendering any of their top 3 prospects, it was highway robbery.  I know Hagadone has upside, but he is also coming off of major arm surgery.  Color me skeptical about awarding him the honor of being an elite prospect.  Masterson is a good arm, but I see him as having #3 upside.  Which is not bad of course.  I do not mean to say that the players that the Indians received are not good.  They are all very promising arms.  But I feel like for a catcher like Martinez, who has a line of .284/.368/.464 , you need to get more than just promising.  I have this feeling that because Carlos Santana is ripping the hide off the ball, the Indians felt they could be lenient on what they got back.  Not a very smart move in my opinion for the Indians, but a big win for the Sox, who acquire an impact bat without hurting the team they put out on the field.

Indians' Grade: B-

Red Sox Grade: A-

Trade 2:

Phillies get Cliff Lee and Ben Francisco

Indians get Jason Knapp, Lou Marson, Jason Donald, and Carlos Carrasco

The rich get richer.  The defending champs acquire a legit #1 starter as well as a good 4th outfielder.  As we all know, the Phils were pining for Roy Halladay.  But they probably made the better deal.  They did not surrender Drabek, Taylor, or Brown (their top three prospects), and managed to acquire a fantastic pitcher.  I personally think that this entire ordeal has over hyped Drabek, Taylor, and Brown (which kind of sounds like an old law firm), but if the league values them so highly, then so be it.  I believe that the Indians could have acquired more in this trade.  Carrasco is not as special as people say.  He is inconsistent, and probably would be better served as a power bulpen arm.  Donald and Marson are fringe starters at the pro level.  Knapp is probably the most intriguing arm.  I like his mechanics and poise, and although I don't think that the Halladay comparison that has been thrown around is off base, I think Knapp stand to become the best prospect received in the deal.  

Indians Grade: C+

Phillies Grade: A

Trade 3:

White Sox get Jake Peavy

Padres get Aaron Poreda, Clayton Richard, Dexter Carter, and Adam Russell

Ken Williams makes a strange move.  First off, he seems to not be sure exactly what he's trying to do.  Peavy is locked up until 2013, and although he is expensive, his contract isn't terrible.  But half of his efforts seem to be dedicated at retooling with youth, while the other half is spent on dealing youth for established talent.  But if Williams is going to pull the trigger on a deal which sends some of his best young arms, why not get a starter who is healthy and could contribute immediately.  Does he want to win this year?  Or is he building for the future?  Or is he trying to do both, which never works.  

The Padres get a very good haul in this deal.  Some speculate that Poreda would be a better bulpen arm, but I think he can be a good starter, especially in Petco.  Russell and Carter are two very good arms, with Carter quietly leading the Minors in K's.  Richard has been batted around this year, but his main problem is the gopher ball, which should be slightly fixed at Petco.  Could they have gotten better?  Maybe, but with Peavy's injury and the Friars going no where this season, the move makes sense.

Sox Grade: B

Padres' Grade: B+

Trade 4:

Giants get Freddy Sanchez

Pirates get Tim Alderson

I understand the trade for both sides.  The Giants feel pressure to make the playoffs, and Sanchez was not a part of the Pirate's long term plans.  I'm actually surprised the Pirates acquired a top line prospect.  Generally, the Pirates have been taking quantity over quality.  Despite dealing better players such as Mclouth and Bay, I would wager that Alderson becomes the best player they acquired.  People have fallen down on Alderson, but I like his deceptive delivery (something I think we as a community undervalue).  I do, however, have some qualms with getting Sanchez.  I know that the Giants had a black hole at 2nd, but they are last in the league in OBP, yet acquire a guy with only a .334 OBP.  I don't know, I think they could've done a bit better.

Pirates Grade: B+

Giants Grade: B-

Trade 5:

Reds get Scott Rolen

Blue Jays get Edwin Encarnacion, Josh Roenicke, and Zack Stewart

I understand that Rolen is a major defensive upgrade to Encarnacion, but he is also 8 years older.  It's a great trade for the Jays, but I don't really get the Reds' motivation.  They're not winning this year, and it's not like they have any good guys at 3rd in their system.  Kind of a puzzling move for the Reds, whose problem isn't infield defense, but keeping the ball in the ballpark.  Encarnacion might have to move to DH or 1st eventually, but until then, I'll take him over Rolen anyday.

Jays Grade: B+

Reds Grade: C

Trade 6:

Dodgers get George Sherrill

Orioles get Josh Bell and Steve Johnson

Torre gets another bulpen arm to tire out and destroy.  Seriously though, I like the trade for the Dodgers.  I know people are intrigued by Bell's power potential, but I think we sometimes tend to overvalue prospects who, like Bell, are thrust into the spotlight when traded.  I think his upside is as a marginal starter in this league.  Johnson looks like a good innings eater, so I think the Orioles get an okay haul in this, especially since it gives the 25 year old Jim Johnson the opportunity to close, but I think they could've gotten more.

Dodgers Grade: B

Orioles Grade: C+

Trade 7:

Red Sox get Corey Kotchman

Braves get Adam Laroche

Who says you can't go home?  Laroche, who is a fairly underrated player in this league, goes from a bench role in Boston to a starting gig in Atlanta, where he began his career.  I'm slightly upset about this trade, since I have always liked Kotchman, and felt that while he would never become a star, he could develop into a Sean Casey type player.  I guess the Sox wanted to get a better defensive guy off the bench, but I feel like they don't really need Kotch.  I would've liked it if they could've maybe instead dealt Laroche for some bulpen depth.  But I've learned to never question Epstein.  He is a genius.  

Sox Grade: B-

Braves' Grade: B

Trade 8: 

Fishies get Nick Johnson

Nats AAA get Aaron Thompson

THE EMILIO BONAFACIO ERA IS OVER.  It's about time.  The guy cannot hit a lick, and you can't steal 1st.  He is a good utility guy, and could develop into a Chone Figgons lite (very lite).  I don't get the Nats' rationale.  Thompson is a 4th starter, and we know that only a year after being drafted.  Johnson, while never healthy in the past, has put up very solid numbers.  I feel like a team such as the Mets would've given more for Johnson, who is an above average fielder.  I guess that's just Washington being Washington.  Good for the Marlins for acquiring someone who could become a dark horse candidate for biggest impact on a contender.  

Marlins' Grade: B+

Nats' Grade: C-

Trade 9:

Tigers get Jarrod Washburn

Mariners get Luke French and and Mauricio Robles

This one is kind of funny to me.  The M's were asking for Austin Jackson or Jesús Montero for Washburn from the Yankees, yet they eventually settle on this package?  That's like going for the prettiest girl in the bar all night, then leaving with the fat chick who brought her cat with her.  Neither French nor Robles has all that high of a ceiling, and while Washburn's ERA is an aberration, there is always a need for starters.  The Mariners could have gotten more for Washburn.

M's Grade: B-

Tigers Grade: B

Trade 10:

Twins get Orlando Cabrera

A's get Tyler Ladendorf

I don't get it.  Didn't the A's draft a toolsy shortstop in this year's draft (Grant Green)?  I know that Brad Pitt, er, I mean, Billy Beane likes these kinds of guys (low cost, high upside, young, foreign), but why not get someone who is even in the Twins' top 10 prospects (according to BA)?  O cab (as only I call him) isn't in the A's long term plans I guess, so the deal makes sense to an extent.  I guess the Twins are trying to make a push?  They always seem to surprise everyone by being good when they shouldn't be.  Twins win in this one.

Twins Grade: B-

A's Grade: C