The FullCount: Debuts, Dempster, DRS - Gary Armida's Blog

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Gary Armida's Blog

The FullCount: Debuts, Dempster, DRS Stuck

Posted on July 27, 2012 at 11:35 AM.

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The non-waiver trade deadline is now in its final days. With some big names said to be on the move, the final hours promise to be exciting. The most interesting part of the deadline deals is what type of teams are actually making deals. With the second Wild Card in play, more teams than ever have a realistic chance to be in the playoffs. But, the most active teams are the ones who are in line to win a division title. The Tigers made their deal. The Dodgers added Hanley Ramirez and are still active. The Rangers and Angels are being aggressive. More trades will likely be made during the waiver trade deadline as teams get a more realistic view of their season and their chances. All players have to clear waivers, but that shouldn�t stop some trades from being executed.

Pitch One: Marte�s Debut
The Pirates are having a season in which everything seems to be going right. AJ Burnett won his 12th game of the season and they are just two games behind the division leading Reds. Last night, the Pirates called up their top offensive prospect, Starling Marte. He is a 23 year old outfielder who comes to the Major Leagues with good power, good speed, and poor plate discipline. At Triple-A, the right handed hitter was batting .286/.347/.500 with 21 doubles, 13 triples, 12 homeruns, 62 RBI, and 21 stolen bases. With the Pirates lacking offense and so few difference makers available, they decided it was time to promote their best prospect. If he can produce as he has in the Minor Leagues, the Pirates will have a dynamic offensive player at the top of their lineup.

Marte showed why he is one of the more exciting prospects in the League on his very first pitch. Marte homered on the first pitch he saw at the Major League level, instantly giving the Pirates an instant lead. Marte finished his night with two hits in four at bats with his solo homerun. He attempted a stolen base, but was thrown out, illustrating another part of his game that needs some work. Marte�s promotion is another sign that the Pirates are truly ready to compete. They�ve built a nice core and their Minor League talent is starting to arrive. They can still add a bat via trade, but adding Marte now gives the offense another exciting bat. His plate discipline may hurt him as the League gets to know him, but there is no doubt that he is one of the most exciting players to debut this year. And, we�ve certainly had some exciting debuts this year.

Pitch Two: Harvey Dominates in Mets Debut
There is nothing more exciting than a pitching prospect making a debut. Their potential to carry a franchise is always fascinating. Last night, 23 year old right hander Matt Harvey made his Mets debut against the Diamondbacks. Harvey showed that he is, indeed, ready for the Major Leagues. In 5.1 shutout innings, he allowed just 3 hits, 3 walks, and struck out 11 batters. Pitching in the mid 90�s, Harvey dominated the Diamondbacks lineup until the sixth inning when he lost some command. The Mets� bullpen finished off the game to give the rookie his first Major League win.

The Mets have slumped badly of late, but they were playing much better than most expected. The future of the Mets has been placed in their two pitching prospects, Harvey and Zack Wheeler. Harvey�s debut and his readiness are good signs for better times. With a solid core in place and now Harvey up, the Mets are building the proper way despite all of their ownership problems.

Pitch Three: Dempster limiting his market
Ryan Dempster is having a tremendous season for the Cubs. The 35 year old right hander has a sterling 2.25 ERA in 16 starts while averaging 7.0 H/9, 0.8 HR/9, 2.3 BB/9, and 7.2 K/9. He is exactly the type of pitcher a contending team would love to add. And, for the rebuilding Cubs, he should net a decent, but unspectacular return. Although his 3.40 FIP is quite a bit higher than his ERA, he is still a quality addition to any contender as long as he can slot into the middle of a rotation as his .242 BABIP does suggest some regression.

The Cubs had a deal in place with the Braves for 22 year old right hander Randall Delgado. The deal would have been an absolute steal for the Cubs as Delgado is a high ceiling pitching prospect who could eventually lead a rotation. Dempster, who holds 5 and 10 rights, rejected the trade. It is reported that he wants to pitch for the Dodgers. There shouldn�t be a backlash towards Dempster as he has earned the right to reject trades. But, he is limiting his market. Why would the Dodgers give the Cubs a top prospect when they know Dempster won�t go anywhere else? That leaves Jed Hoyer and Theo Epstein in a predicament as they could decide that receiving a draft pick for Dempster signing elsewhere next winter is more valuable than a package from the Dodgers.

Dempster would�ve been better served to go to Atlanta, pitch well, and then sign a free agent deal with the Dodgers. Now, he is at the mercy of Hoyer and Epstein as it is unlikely that they will settle for less than a fair deal. Again, why would the Dodgers give up top talent?

Pitch Four: Zack Greinke
Brewers General Manager Doug Melvin has all but guaranteed that he will trade his ace before the deadline. Greinke is an elite pitcher. The 28 year old is 9-3 with a 3.44 ERA while averaging 8.8 H/9, 0.5 HR/9, 2.0 BB/9, and 8.9 K/9. His 2.50 FIP indicates that he is just as dominant as ever. A free agent to be, Greinke is the best pitcher on the market, but comes with some baggage. His relationship with his coaching staff isn�t always the best and there is the well documented anxiety disorder. But, there is no questioning his excellence on the mound.

The Texas Rangers are a perfect match as they�ve lost Colby Lewis for the season and Yu Darvish is in his first season in the Major Leagues. The Rangers have enough young talent to acquire Greinke, who would lead the Rangers rotation. But, the Angels and Braves cannot be ruled out either. Greinke should be moved before the weekend is through.

Pitch Five: Defensive Runs Saved Leaders
DRS is one defensive metric that measures a player�s defense. Defense is still working on being better analyzed, but DRS is one of the best out there right now.

DRS Leaders
1. Darwin Barney-25
2. Brendan Ryan-24
3. Brett Lawrie-16
4. Yunel Escobar-16
5. Andrelton Simmons-15
6. Mark Teixeira-15
7. Starlin Castro-14
8. Ichiro Suzuki-13
9. Josh Reddick-13
10. Michael Bourn-11

Comments

# 1 DubTrey1 @ Jul 27

Marte may be a great prospect - but considering he was facing a fellow AAA pitcher in the first place, I am not quite as impressed with his debut. Cmon, its the Astros. We make even the worst teams look capable. I know the Bucs are having a great year, but I fully expect reality to set in once the playoffs start. NL Central is and has been a joke for - well, as long as I have been alive I think.