Thursday Liftoff Links

by Timothy De Block on Apr 7, 2011 5:00 AM CDT in Link Dumps

While the Astros were getting off to a horrible start, I was putting these hope lifting links for your down in the dumps viewing pleasure.

The Draft

College Hitters for 2011 Draft, Part One - Minor League Ball
John Sickels begins his look at interesting college hitters for this years draft. You all know my favorite, Jackie Bradley Jr. and not surprising John talks about him. Although I was just informed by a co-worker that he's having some back issues. Something to keep an eye on.

Interesting College Hitters for 2011 Draft, Part Two - Minor League Ball
And part two of John Sickel's look at college hitters. Hometown favorite Anthony Rendon makes the list.

Prospect theory
This article from The Hardball Times takes a look an interesting look at the risk of drafting prospects as opposed to free agents and even the safer picks in the draft. I think many of you will find this applies to the Astros front office who has splurged in free agency will avoiding taking the riskier prospects. Richard Justice would cry Drew Stubbs name after reading this article.

Statistics

The Minus Stats | FanGraphs Baseball
FanGraphs is adding even more stats to it's already expansive library of statistics. Not to worry it's not exactly brand new statistics. Instead these new stats should help ease people into the advanced statistics we use, and make them a little easier to understand.

Fluke Watch: first update of the regular season - Papelbon, Myers and Kershaw
Brett Myers among others get's a quick update on various pitchers' PITCHf/x results over the season's first few days.

Interviews

Q&A: RedHawks shortstop Tommy Manzella | NewsOK.com
This is a short interview, but it got me thinking about Ed Wade and some of the decisions he's made. I don't like that Barmes was traded for, especially having given up a relatively young arm to get him. I'm sure I'll love his defense, but it cost the Astros two prospects and money, Manzella being the second prospect. Maybe he wasn't much of prospect, but there still may be some quality there, and not finding out especially in a time of rebuilding is a misstep by the front office.

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Great read on prospect theory, thanks for sharing that one.

I came away from the college bitters posts a little underwhelmed. There really aren’t a ton of college hitters that deserve to be considered for early picks. A lot of that is due to a very deep college pitching class though. There are some interesting bats that project in the 2-5 rounds though. I like the vandy 3b even though scouts aren’t high on his tools. He’s made improvements this season.

If we were to go college hitter with the first pick or even outfielder, I’d like it to be Jackie Bradley Jr because I love his make-up mostly. He’s a great leader on that sc team. He also has good tools. I’m not sure if he’ll be a star but I can definitely see a major league starter there who would be a fan favorite, hunter pence anyone? Although I’m not sure that is where heck will be looking. I see more interesting high school bats creeping up boards as well as a plethora of pitching available both from the high school and college ranks. I’d like to take advantage of that.

by Subber10 on Apr 7, 2011 9:49 AM CDT via mobile reply actions

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Cincinnati Red Reporter	25	20	.555	0	Lost 1
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Pittsburgh Bucs Dugout	21	24	.466	4	Won 1
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