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Saggese for me at #5.
It’s interesting that we’re down to just 2 names so lots of agreement. I actually have McGreevey at 6, so I’m ok either way this goes.
5. Saggese
I think the voters have zeroed in the top group of 6, whatever order people have them in. Then I think there is a step down, due to risk if nothing else. I can’t wait to see what names pop up next after we place these last two guys. `
Michael McGreevy is my #5 prospect. He really did look a lot more locked in after his initial group of starts this year, and I think he’ll contribute something to the St Louis rotation this year.
It gives me hope for some of the guys coming a little later on this list (ahem, Graceffo) that they could possibly do the same thing.
This is behind a paywall, but if you haven’t viewed Forbes recently, you can read it:
I’ll go ahead and start what will likely be a losing campaign based off the prior votes for Cooper Hjerpe for the upcoming #6 vote instead of Saggase.
Cooper Hjerpe is a very intriguing prospect in that he is unhittable at times (back to back no hit 5 inning outings), but he does it in a very unconventional way. Hjerpe doesn’t throw hard as it only is around 90, but he has such incredible deception hitters cannot track his pitches well. Hjerpe made opposing hitters look silly with a 35.2 K% and a measly allowed batting average of .170, which was best in the Cards org. There are obvious red flags with Hjepre in that he has had injury issues and his BB rate was high, but I have him at #6 due to the projection of what he could be.
At the end of the day, I don’t care what a player did in the minor leagues. What matters is what they project at the MLB level. Hjerpe has mid rotation upside with his stuff quality, while I think Saggase only has util player upside due to a lack of plate discipline, a weak arm, and below average fielding. Some think he is a 2B candidate already, but I don’t see it. I also would not put much stock in his AFL numbers, as the AFL is known for having very low quality on the pitching side. Saggase is at least MLB experienced hitting against A+ and AA pitchers, so it is expected he would do well. I know in the past the offensive AFL numbers generally have been elevated. I really hope I am wrong on Saggase and he picks up some plate discipline and is at least an average fielder at 2B, as he could be a valuable player then.
Albert, I like Hjerpe too. I’ve had him just ahead of or just behind McGreevey on my list for the last couple months. If (Big IF) he can stay healthy-ish, he’s going to be really good even against MLB hitters.
Why do you think Saggese is below average at 2B? Having watched him for a year, I’ve seen several highlight level plays from him there. There are lots of good second basemen so I’m not going to claim he’s going to be above average, but he would be a lot better than Gorman and probably better than Donovan. I do agree that he’s not very good at 3B or SS. I wouldn’t want to see him at either of those positions for more than a game here or there if it can be helped. He’s maybe equal to Donovan or Fermin at SS, which isn’t good. All said, I think Saggese has the bat to be a solid everyday second baseman. I’d compare his overall level to somewhat equivalent to Fernando Vina when he played 2B (at least that’s where I project him to get to). Saggese will probably start the season as a utility player, but as soon as Donovan has to cover another position because of injury, I look for Saggese to get every day reps.
Hjerpe has pitched 93 innings across two seasons.
The problem with “funky” deliveries such as Hjerpe’s is they really cannot add velocity, and if the mechanics get out of whack, they are hard to fix.
Right now, Hjerpe seems destined for relief.
Hjerpe previously had surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow. Then, last season he was shut down in July and I don’t believe ever pitched again. If I am remembering that right, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s recovering from surgery right now. If not, its probably even worse news since it would mean whatever is wrong hasn’t been fixed. I’m not playing the let’s make believe we have a hot prospect game. He needs to prove it. Same goes for whenever Roby shows up in the conversation.
So are we still debating prospect number 5 or we have we already moved to numbers 6 and 7? It is hard to keep track since the debate doesn’t seem to be following the schedule.
Your #5 prospect is Michael McGreevy, RHP.
1. Quinn Mathews, LHP
2. JJ Wetherholt, IF
3. Tink Hence, RHP
4. Jimmy Crooks, C
5. Michael McGreevy, RHP.Voting is now open for the #6 prospect. Voting will end at Noon CT/1 PM ET on Sunday, November 10th.
So are we still debating prospect number 5 or we have we already moved to numbers 6 and 7? It is hard to keep track since the debate doesn’t seem to be following the schedule.
We are on schedule, so no worries. I think some folks probably have been voting for the same guy or two for so long that they are anxious to talk about someone they haven’t voted for yet.
Looks like we’ll all have to wait until high noon on Sunday(72 hours from now) to officially anoint Saggese as Top Prospect #6. My vote will be identical to roughly 90% of the other votes here at #6…..Thomas Darren Saggese por favor.
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