Bud Norris as a closer

As everyday players I could see Castro, Meir, Delome and maybe Steele. The rest have to many major flaws to be considered everyday regulars long term.

I have doubts on all 3 of the guys you have down as everyday starters. Lyles has the least warts but his inability to develop a consistent breaking pitch is what is going to determine how good he becomes. Seaton’s mechanics make me think he might end up in the pen or have the team do a complete rebuild on his motion, and Norris seems destined to the back of the pen. I think Bushue has as much or more promise to be a TORP as Seaton or Norris

Ryan D. (Moorpark, CA): Was Koby Clemen’s strong offensive season in Lancaster more a result of a ridiculous, hitter friendly park or does he actually project as a big leaguer down the line?


Ben Badler: At this point he’s already beaten a lot of people’s expectations, but the power numbers are going to come down, of course. He’s more of a doubles hitter who works the gaps than a true power hitter, though he’ll have a chance to hit for power down the road. He did tone down some of the moving parts in his swing this year, keeping his head still, shortening some of his actions and keeping a firmer foundation underneath him. The problem is he doesn’t really have a position, and the bat isn’t as palatable at first base or in a corner outfield position.

The Big Ragu (Milwaukee): I believe when all is said and done that Tanner Bushue will have a better career then either lyles or seaton. Honestly in the end a pitcher either has nasty stuff or he doesn’t and although to this point of there young careers Lyles and to a lesser degree Seaton have had more success I believe Bushue has the most upside if the boy can just stay healthy and since he hasnt had arm troubles I believe he has a breakout season in 2010. What are your thoughts. Thanks Dude.


Ben Badler: It’s possible, but I think you might be underrating Lyles who, just for reference, was born on the same exact day as Tyler Matzek, the Rockies’ outstanding first-round pick THIS year. He has the potential for three average or better pitches with potentially above-average command and a free-and-easy delivery. There’s a lot to like there.

GR (Jersey): Were Chris Johnson and Tommy Manzella considered prospects or did their weak cups of coffee eliminate them?


Ben Badler: They’ll be in the top 30, but they look more like fringy big leaguers or backups. Johnson shows some flashes of ability to hit and hit for some power, but he needs to learn to work the count better, not chase so many pitches out of the zone and bring his footwork and agility up to par at third base. There’s talk within the organization that Manzella might take over their starting gig at shortstop. He does have a solid arm, hands and footwork, but he’s really more of a spray hitter without much pop, so it’s hard to see him as more than a slightly above replacement-level player at best.

Harry (Jefferson City MO): How far down the list did Bogusevic fall, and what is your opinion of his overall tools?


Ben Badler: He’s still in the 30, and with his background it’s tough to get a great read on him because he’s 25, but not really 25 in terms of his offensive development level. He’s got a pretty good idea of the strike zone and has impressive instincts in the outfield and on the bases. It’s a fairly quick swing, but he’s not a high-contact hitter so I don’t expect him to hit for a high average and his lack of power might get exploited at the next level.

GR (Jersey): What’s next for Gaston? Can he sustain the power in heavier air?


Ben Badler: Most scouts I talked to lean toward no. He can generate some loft in his swing, but guys who swing and miss that much in A-ball tend to get eaten alive by more advanced pitching.

The problem with most the OF players is that they have a mix of approach issues, injury concerns, athleticism and holes in their swings that will get exploited as they climb the organizational ladder.

The problem with both Seaton and Lyles is going to be centered around the lack of a breaking pitch, the ability to repeat their mechanics and some questions regarding their velocity. Both are guys that will need to show something against higher level competition to really take the TORP label. Lyles penchant for pitching up makes me worried that more advanced hitters will cause he a lot of problems.

Lyles get more hype than he probably deserves just because he is the top SP prospect in the Astros system. Even though the system is very pitching weak, being the top prospect will garner him much more attention than he would if he was placed in a pitching deep organization. What is the dofference between Lyles and guys like Mathew Moore, Zeke Spurill, Julio Tehran, or …..