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Rangers’ Robbie Ross Vying for Bullpen Role
As spring training winds down, the Texas Rangers bullpen is still in flux. In particular, Robbie Ross is chasing a left-handed reliever role that current Toronto Blue Jay — and one of the game’s better relievers — Darren Oliver once had. At present, Ross is competing with Michael Kirkman for the job, which is of interest because Texas might employ only one lefty in its bullpen. While neither Ross nor Kirkman can be expected to be as consistent Oliver, it’s Ross who has the command and the arsenal to adjust quickly to the major leagues.
Small Sample Size And Spring Training
In a perfect world, every prospect piece would be written after multiple looks at a player including batting practice, infield and in game performance. Unfortunately, everyday life makes it nearly impossible to make that goal a reality as career, family and budget restraints limit the ability for a prospect writer to keep the same schedule as an affiliated scout. And while small sample size is always a concern when it comes to writing about prospects, spending only three days in Arizona watching players did more to confuse my positions than clarify them.
Videos after the jump
Anthony Bass and the Prospect Compass
When I was in Arizona a couple weeks ago, I saw San Diego Padres pitcher Anthony Bass pitch against the San Francisco Giants. That performance was the most memorable of my first day in The Grand Canyon State. Was Bass dominant? No. Was he good? Kind of. But it was his fastball-slider arsenal that caught my attention and reminded me of a conversation I once had with a source. Without getting too deep, we talked about how I needed to check in with major-leaguers every once in a while to make sure that my prospect opinions have been accurate.
Rangers Martin Perez Is Just Fine
Prospect followers, please stop panicking over the demise of Texas Rangers pitching prospect Martin Perez. He will be fine. My first in person look at Perez came last week facing off against arguably the best pitcher on the planet in Dodgers Clayton Kershaw. Yes, he needs more seasoning at the Minor League level, but he should. As he approaches legal age, Perez is still far ahead of the prospect curve and has both the stuff and time to turn his three pitch mix into on-field results.
Video after the jump
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Yoenis Cespedes: Instant Legend
With a single crack of the bat on a picturesque day in Phoenix, the legend of Oakland Athletics Yoenis Cespedes was born. From infield/outfield, to pre-game batting practice, to his 2-2 effort with a home run and a walk, Cespedes’ United States debut unfolded like a play where each act heightened the storyline to a memorable crescendo.
Video after the jump
Braves Sean Gilmartin: Tale Of Two Starts
Sean Gilmartin, the Atlanta Braves 2011 first round pick embarrassed South Atlantic League opponents in a brief, but impressive stint where he posted a staggering K/BB ratio of 15/1 over five starts. Of course as an uber-polished lefty out of a Florida State, a major ACC program, he was expected to succeed against younger opponents. However, Gilmartin’s production proved dominant enough to earn a spot in the Arizona Fall League and pitched well enough for me to pencil him into the 2012 Mississippi staff (double-A) accelerating his timetable
White Sox Keenyn Walker Is All Tools
Last June, the Chicago White Sox plucked outfielder Keenyn Walker from the junior college ranks with the 47th overall pick in the amateur draft. After seeing him in person late in the 2011 season, it became apparent the organization tried to have their cake and eat it too to some extent with the selection of Walker. How so? For a touch under $800,000 in signing bonus, Walker has tools better than players I’ve scouted who have received two to three times as much in signing bonus, but his baseball skills are on par with somewhat skillful teenagers seen at the level.