Official 2012 Carolina Mudcats thread

by **TonyIBI** » Wed Apr 04, 2012 6:37 pm

It's that time of the year again.....time to get these threads started to talk about the games and players.

by **Rocky55** » Sun Apr 08, 2012 10:35 pm

Jake Lowery went 2-4, 2b & HR, 3 RBI tonight. Tyler Holt: 4-4, 3B, RBI, .615 BA. Michael Goodnight went 5 hitless, then the wheels fell off & the spare was flat. Ended up going 5.2IP with 5 ER. If he learns to go through a lineup more than twice he'll be a bull.

Mudcats Win!

by **dazindiansfanuk** » Mon Apr 09, 2012 8:31 pm

Let's hope tonight is a sign of things to come for TJ House.... 6IP, 2H, 0R, 1BB, 8K so far.

by **TonyIBI** » Tue Apr 17, 2012 8:52 am

House has been impressive so far this season. Getting lots of Ks with his refined secondary stuff and his work in the offseason to get in shape and committed is paying off. Could be a quick mover to Akron, especially with Akron in need of a starter.

Love what Lowery is doing so far. Keep those fingers crossed. Patient hitter with power, and he is showing his numbers last year at James Madison were not because of the small field he played at.

Wolters is struggling in the early going, but the organization expected him to have some struggles early on. Will be interesting to see how he reacts to his struggles and if he lets frustration creep in. I still think once short season leagues start that he will slide back to Lake County and Robel Garcia to Mahoning Valley.

by **TonyIBI** » Sun Apr 22, 2012 7:39 am

How about Jake Lowery? Off to a good start to his season with the numbers.....but 20 strikeouts in 51 at bats? Also, he has struck out in EVERY game this season. Has at least one strikeout in all 14 games.

by **indians1** » Sun Apr 22, 2012 10:28 am

what's disappointing about the indians are that they basically don't care about K's or the players are not making the right adjustments. You look at other guys like chisenhall, lowery, and even tony wolters in the early going. they have very high K rates and the BB are getting worse.

Look what happened to asdrubal. Look at his minor league numbers with BB/K's. Much different now as he as matured and moved further in his career. Lonnie chisenhall was a guy that was supposed to be a solid contact hitter that walked and got on base that would hit for power. He-to me looks like a casey blake type player (best case scenario).

Grady sizemore= due to injuries and has not progressed in his strike zone discipline.

You have to worry about why the indians players under this regime can't sustain success with their core players for more than a few years. I am excited about the start of this year by the indians, but what help is coming in the next 1-2 years from the farm system.

by **muddie** » Sun Apr 22, 2012 11:37 am

Due to an overnight soaking in the area and rain projected to continue through most of the morning, the 2:00 P.M. Mudcats game for Sunday has been postponed. The game will be made up when the Pelicans return in June.

by **Pork Chop Pough** » Fri May 04, 2012 5:52 pm

From Baseball America's Prospect Hot Sheet:

JESUS AGUILAR, 1B
Team: high Class A Carolina
Age: 22
Why He's Here: .360/.414/.880 (9-for-25), 8 R, 1 2B, 4 HR, 6 RBIs, 3 BB, 7 SO

The Scoop: The life of a righthanded-hitting first baseman is pretty rough one. You go through your minor league career knowing that you're going to have do everything short of setting yourself on fire at each level to get noticed. As a very sizeable 250+ pounds, Aguilar faces an ever tougher path to the big leagues because a move to the outfield isn't really an option. But if you're going to be a first baseman, the first job is to make sure you hit like a first baseman, and Aguilar has been doing that. After a very strong season in low Class A Lake County last year, Aguilar has been just as good in the early going this season. He's getting on base about 40 percent of the time this season, which pairs nicely with impressive power. If he keeps this up, a midseason move up to Double-A doesn't seem unrealistic.

NOT-SO HOT SHEET:

Ronny Rodriguez, ss, Indians: Rodriguez runs well, has a strong arm and flashes surprising raw power, but the light bulb has yet to turn on. Rodriguez, 20, remains crude, which he showed this past week going 1-for-21 (.048) to drop his season line with high Class A Carolina to .188/.225/.282 in 89 plate appearances. Rodriguez has the defensive tools to be a quality fielder, but even there he shows his crudeness and has already made eight errors.

...Obviously, they were short-sighted with their talk of right-handed first basemen. What they write might be true in a lot of organizations, but it's easy to see that it doesn't apply to Aguilar's situation. Being a right-handed power bat at first base more than likely elevates his status in this organization.

by **muddie** » Sun May 20, 2012 5:46 pm

Arguably, the most consistent player here is Tyler Holt. I expect him to move up soon if there is room. He is a very good lead off hitter.

by **Pork Chop Pough** » Thu May 24, 2012 4:25 pm

I'm impressed that Jesus Aguilar is drawing a walk in 10.5% of his plate appearances. It would be even better if the strikeout rate came down, but the walk rate is more important to me. His career rate was 9.0% entering the season. With Chun Chen's move to first base, they seem to have a waiting line at the position at the upper levels (and both Chen and Aguilar need to get their reps at 1B), but I hope they can challenge Aguilar with a mid-season promotion... is the walk rate a true improvement or is the Carolina League just pitching around him when they can?

by **nubballguy** » Fri Jun 08, 2012 1:11 pm

I'd like to ask about the throwing arms of the Mudcats outfield.

I hear the raves about converted pitcher Carlos Moncrief and I seem to remember good things being said about Delvi Cid's arm as well. No idea about Holt. Average to below?

I was hoping maybe Tony or Jim or anyone else who gets to see these guys at one point or another give their observations on these guys. Maybe use the scouting scale (20-80?) to quantify it?

I like Cid, just like to learn a little more of what's to like, or not.

Thanks

by **daingean** » Fri Jun 08, 2012 1:59 pm

Tony has write-ups on Delvi....Here's one from 2010 but it's premium

http://www.indiansprospectinsider.com/blog/indians-top-50-28-delvi-cid-7137

by **nubballguy** » Sun Jun 17, 2012 11:37 am

So now with the addition of Bo Greenwell (nice to see him playing again, btw) Delvi Cid seems to have gone missing entirely. Not on the Mudcats roster from what I can tell. Seems like a shame to have him deactivated just when he seemed to be heating up. Is there an injury (real or phantom) or demotion to Mahoning Valley roster? Curious.

by **nubballguy** » Tue Jun 26, 2012 12:51 pm

Delvi Cid throws out 2 at home plate last night. Just sayin.

by **artgold** » Tue Jul 03, 2012 11:03 am

Aguilar significantly moving up as a prospect in my opinion. His BB/K rate and BA have improved each of the past three seasons, and now his power is picking up too.

He still has a caution flag with his strikeout rate, but I wouldn't be surprised at all to see him become an Adam LaRoche level major league hitter (.265/.330/.470 with 20-25 HRs).

by **GhostofTedCox** » Tue Jul 03, 2012 12:06 pm

artgold wrote:Aguilar significantly moving up as a prospect in my opinion. His BB/K rate and BA have improved each of the past three seasons, and now his power is picking up too.

He still has a caution flag with his strikeout rate, but I wouldn't be surprised at all to see him become an Adam LaRoche level major league hitter (.265/.330/.470 with 20-25 HRs).

Very encouraging to see the progress with Aguilar. A Adam LaRoche comp would be great at this point.
But I don't see a MLB debut till mid 2014 at the earliest.

by **daingean** » Tue Jul 03, 2012 12:24 pm

GhostofTedCox wrote:
artgold wrote:Aguilar significantly moving up as a prospect in my opinion. His BB/K rate and BA have improved each of the past three seasons, and now his power is picking up too.

He still has a caution flag with his strikeout rate, but I wouldn't be surprised at all to see him become an Adam LaRoche level major league hitter (.265/.330/.470 with 20-25 HRs).

Very encouraging to see the progress with Aguilar. A Adam LaRoche comp would be great at this point.
But I don't see a MLB debut till mid 2014 at the earliest.

I just don't see the LaRoche comp. I think Aguilar is going to have more power than LaRoche but not as good of defense as LaRoche. More in line with a Paul Konerko (.270 BA 100K 60 BB and 30HR) if all goes as planned :biggrin

.

by **OhioBaseball** » Tue Jul 03, 2012 12:49 pm

Aguilar has had a very strong year. He's arguably the Indians #2 prospect right now, but that doesn't say too much. I admit to being skeptical of Aguilar last year b/c of the K's and a less than ideal body build, but the guy is having another good season.

I don't think Ronny Rodriguez gets enough credit. For whatever reason, Tony Wolters seems to get the attention (I've said from Day 1 that he was way overrated and the Indians generous $1.35MM bonus to him makes me question the scouting department's competence), but Rodriguez is having a very solid year at Carolina. A 20-year old SS batting .270 with 8 HR's and only a modest amount of K's. He's still not walking, but this is kind of reminiscent of Jhonny Peralta a decade ago.

by **A.Zajac** » Tue Jul 03, 2012 2:59 pm

OhioBaseball wrote:Aguilar has had a very strong year. He's arguably the Indians #2 prospect right now, but that doesn't say too much. I admit to being skeptical of Aguilar last year b/c of the K's and a less than ideal body build, but the guy is having another good season.

I don't think Ronny Rodriguez gets enough credit. For whatever reason, Tony Wolters seems to get the attention (I've said from Day 1 that he was way overrated and the Indians generous $1.35MM bonus to him makes me question the scouting department's competence), but Rodriguez is having a very solid year at Carolina. A 20-year old SS batting .270 with 8 HR's and only a modest amount of K's. He's still not walking, but this is kind of reminiscent of Jhonny Peralta a decade ago.

I would argue that's still a bit high for Aguilar.

by **artgold** » Tue Jul 03, 2012 6:50 pm

OhioBaseball wrote:...I don't think Ronny Rodriguez gets enough credit. For whatever reason, Tony Wolters seems to get the attention (I've said from Day 1 that he was way overrated and the Indians generous $1.35MM bonus to him makes me question the scouting department's competence), but Rodriguez is having a very solid year at Carolina. A 20-year old SS batting .270 with 8 HR's and only a modest amount of K's. He's still not walking, but this is kind of reminiscent of Jhonny Peralta a decade ago.

Maybe, but I have a lot of concerns about Ronny Rodriguez's walk rate, and his lack of year to year improvement in this attribute. But his BA has improved pretty well, especially as the season has progressed, and he is doing very well with runners on base. So overall, I can see him being interesting, but based on his very low walk rate, I have significant concerns that as he advances pitchers will be able to exploit his lack of patience.

by **JP_Frost** » Tue Jul 03, 2012 8:31 pm

AA will be a big test for Ronny. A lot of prospects flame out or vault into top category at that level.

by **OhioBaseball** » Tue Jul 03, 2012 10:44 pm

A.Zajac wrote:
OhioBaseball wrote:Aguilar has had a very strong year. He's arguably the Indians #2 prospect right now, but that doesn't say too much. I admit to being skeptical of Aguilar last year b/c of the K's and a less than ideal body build, but the guy is having another good season.

I don't think Ronny Rodriguez gets enough credit. For whatever reason, Tony Wolters seems to get the attention (I've said from Day 1 that he was way overrated and the Indians generous $1.35MM bonus to him makes me question the scouting department's competence), but Rodriguez is having a very solid year at Carolina. A 20-year old SS batting .270 with 8 HR's and only a modest amount of K's. He's still not walking, but this is kind of reminiscent of Jhonny Peralta a decade ago.

I would argue that's still a bit high for Aguilar.

I'd argue the same (that he's not #2), but who honestly is higher?? This is not a strong farm system. It's Lindor and a bunch of question marks. Dillon Howard seems to be the obvious choice, but I think his stock has fallen this year (fair or not, he's a 20 year old in rookie ball that I believe was an advanced, physically mature high school pitcher...so I'm disappointed with where he's at. he's falling behind his development curve). I've been familiar with Naquin for over a year now, and while i think he's a nice prospect I just don't think he's that good. Paulino is off to a good start, but if you look at the league-wide offensive stats in the Arizona Summer League, you'll become less impressed with his numbers (about 20 guys have an OPS above 1.000...everyone and their brother is hitting in that league right now). I really like Luis Lugo, but it's way too early on him. Araujo hasn't had that good of a year. Mitch Brown is a nice HS prospect, but he lacks the upside of a front of the rotation guy so no way #2 for him at this point in his career. I'm sure I'm missing some guys, but I just don't see a clear cut #2.

I was critical of Aguilar last year, but the guy is continuing to hit, and hitting for power, while at the same time (to a slight degree) cutting down on the K's. All good stuff. Hopefully he gets up to Akron this year so we can see what he can do there.

by **daingean** » Tue Jul 03, 2012 10:55 pm

OhioBaseball wrote:
A.Zajac wrote:
OhioBaseball wrote:Aguilar has had a very strong year. He's arguably the Indians #2 prospect right now, but that doesn't say too much. I admit to being skeptical of Aguilar last year b/c of the K's and a less than ideal body build, but the guy is having another good season.

I don't think Ronny Rodriguez gets enough credit. For whatever reason, Tony Wolters seems to get the attention (I've said from Day 1 that he was way overrated and the Indians generous $1.35MM bonus to him makes me question the scouting department's competence), but Rodriguez is having a very solid year at Carolina. A 20-year old SS batting .270 with 8 HR's and only a modest amount of K's. He's still not walking, but this is kind of reminiscent of Jhonny Peralta a decade ago.

I would argue that's still a bit high for Aguilar.

I'd argue the same (that he's not #2), but who honestly is higher?? This is not a strong farm system. It's Lindor and a bunch of question marks. Dillon Howard seems to be the obvious choice, but I think his stock has fallen this year (fair or not, he's a 20 year old in rookie ball that I believe was an advanced, physically mature high school pitcher...so I'm disappointed with where he's at). I've been familiar with Naquin for over a year now, and I just don't think he's that good. Paulino is off to a good start, but if you look at the league-wide offensive stats in the Arizona Summer League, you'll become less impressed with his numbers (about 20 guys have an OPS above 1.000...everyone and their brother is hitting in that league right now). I really like Luis Lugo, but it's way too early on him. Araujo hasn't had that good of a year. Mitch Brown is a nice HS prospect, but he lacks the upside of a front of the rotation guy so no way #2 for him at this point in his career. I'm sure I'm missing some guys, but I just don't see a clear cut #2.

Thing is power is one of the attributes which really gives a prospect helium (for guys compiling ratings) and Aguilar has it. Maybe as good as it gets in the Tribe system (could add Weglarz to that list but Nick's health reminds most of us of Aubrey). I don't know who I'd rate above Aguilar at this point, he's really showing off in a pitcher's league. Certainly Lindor looks to be everything you want in a SS but after that, you can throw a blanket over the next 10-15 prospects and see who fights their way out from under the blanket but what J.A. has done at Carolina has to be considered impressive.

by **Tondo** » Thu Jul 05, 2012 12:08 pm

Hmm, so Holt gets promoted to Akron after a .489 OPS June and a .688 OPS on the season with 16 SBs and 8 CS

To me it looks like the 3rd or 4th best OF in Carolina got a ticket to Akron...he has by far the worst OPS of any OF on the Mudcats roster

Moncrief .791OPS, 11-1 SB-CS
Cid .746, 20-5
Greenwell .838, 1-1
Gallas .786, 2-2

All but Moncrief repeated High-A this season....I understand that Gallas isn't much of a spec and has no plus skill, but Cid is the same type of player and has outplayed Holt...and he actually got significantly better from last season...Holt is the same player he was last season

While I wanted Holt in AA last year and early this season, this seems like a very bad timing to promote him, as it sends a bad message to the other guys in Carolina....especially if he pouted lately as was rumored...I hate playing favs

I'd give him a couple of weeks and if he hits like he did lately in Carolina I'd swap him with whoever is still hot for the Mudcats

by **TonyIBI** » Thu Jul 12, 2012 9:41 pm

The thing is, only Holt and Moncrief are considered prospects in that Mudcats outfield. Cid is no longer one, Greenwell not so much anymore either, and Gallas is playing great but is just never going to get preference over a big dollar guy or someone else viewed to have upside. Moncrief has the better numbers, but he is the more raw player and needs that time in High-A and to go level to level each year. Holt had a good season last year and was off to a good start this season before a bad June, and should have been in Akron a long time ago. I agree that the timing wasn't good, but he did not get promoted over anyone that was ready for Double-A either.

by **danh8** » Fri Jul 13, 2012 1:39 am

TonyIPI wrote:The thing is, only Holt and Moncrief are considered prospects in that Mudcats outfield. Cid is no longer one, Greenwell not so much anymore either, and Gallas is playing great but is just never going to get preference over a big dollar guy or someone else viewed to have upside. Moncrief has the better numbers, but he is the more raw player and needs that time in High-A and to go level to level each year. Holt had a good season last year and was off to a good start this season before a bad June, and should have been in Akron a long time ago. I agree that the timing wasn't good, but he did not get promoted over anyone that was ready for Double-A either.

Gallas and Cid, yeah ..they aren't going to be trending upward... Greenwell, if he proves he can maintain health and be more durable and reliable, then I can see his status with the organization getting a nice coat of wax on it and maybe restoring his lustre. The remainder of this season, on into next year will tell his tale.

Holt, he's a kid that you find yourself rooting for because his style is admirable. You want him to succeed, but fear he'll hit his leveling off zone at AA to AAA and stagnate there. Moncrief offers some late blooming hopes, personally. He's a guy that's tools will keep him around for awhile, and can actually see some decent progressions although not all are easy to put numbers to yet. Crossing my fingers and hoping they do in the next two summers because he does offer some hopes, to me. I can see potential for him to be one of those real late blooming surprises that this organization could definitely use right about that three year out time frame...

by **nubballguy** » Tue Jul 17, 2012 3:14 pm

TonyIPI wrote:The thing is, only Holt and Moncrief are considered prospects in that Mudcats outfield. Cid is no longer one, Greenwell not so much anymore either, and Gallas is playing great but is just never going to get preference over a big dollar guy or someone else viewed to have upside. Moncrief has the better numbers, but he is the more raw player and needs that time in High-A and to go level to level each year. Holt had a good season last year and was off to a good start this season before a bad June, and should have been in Akron a long time ago. I agree that the timing wasn't good, but he did not get promoted over anyone that was ready for Double-A either.

While the evidence is overwhelmingly clear that your analysis is correct based on how deep on the bench Cid has been buried, I can't help but wonder why that is the case. Seemingly finally healthy, producing when given the opportunity with a plus asset in his speed if nothing else and having a projectable body I'd be interested to know what it is that makes the org write him off. He seemed like a high upside guy to me if healthy.
And I think of Greenwell as being a projectable player as well with health, much like Cid.

by **Rocky55** » Fri Jul 20, 2012 6:38 pm

Ronny Rodriguez, AKA the RH power bat spec we've all been waiting for, has 27 Errors in 92 games.

I wonder what the Carolina League record is for errors in a season.

by **homerawayfromhome** » Fri Jul 20, 2012 11:01 pm

Didn't Derek Jeter have something like 43 in his age 19 season (A ball)?

by **Edible14** » Sat Jul 21, 2012 10:49 pm

homerawayfromhome wrote:Didn't Derek Jeter have something like 43 in his age 19 season (A ball)?

Comparing anyone's defense to Derek Jeter's is not high praise, you know.

by **homerawayfromhome** » Sun Jul 22, 2012 3:47 pm

I think RRod can play the position, but gets moved to 3rd, LF or RF.

by **criznit2009** » Sun Jul 22, 2012 6:08 pm

homerawayfromhome wrote:I think RRod can play the position, but gets moved to 3rd, LF or RF.

why 3rd??? I have been reading a lot of your post lately and am confounded with some of your opinions..... Why 3rd? If 3rd why not 1st? If LF/RF why not CF?

Just asking really because the one position you failed to mention which is the most obvious - 2nd base. Now that I have been a jerk, I will add I think that there is a possibility they explore moving him to the OF. Exactly what position I don't know - I really dont know how strong his arm is which is sort of important when deciding/speculating on such things.

by **homerawayfromhome** » Sun Jul 22, 2012 10:25 pm

@ criznit...

I thought 2b was obvious, he has played some there this yr. So didn't mention it, I was talking about if he moved to another pos. to me he plays SS /2b. I could see that as a permanent move, but to me his bat could potentially play on a corner and has good arm strength. I apologize if my opinions seem unclear at times like most on here I'm usually multitasking.

by **nubballguy** » Mon Jul 23, 2012 4:22 pm

Cid reappears from being buried on the bench to go 3 for 4 with a double. I'm sure he'll be back on the bench tonight. Why? IDK. Like Jim Pete said in his ATF review, I too think this guy's got potential...and untapped upside. I'd like to see him get regular playing time and see if that's indeed the case or not.

by **homerawayfromhome** » Mon Jul 23, 2012 5:47 pm

I really like Delvi Cid too, one of those guys that needs more opportunities. Obviously speed is on his side.

by **nubballguy** » Fri Jul 27, 2012 10:41 am

Cool Homer. It's nice to see at least that since Monday, Cid has been in the lineup every day and, I believe, has managed at least a hit in all of them. It'll be great to see him continue to get at bats and show what he can do and evaluate him fully when the season is done. Excel or flame out, either way, I'd just like to see him get the opportunity. Tony mentioned on the ATF that he too is a fan but that Cid has a poor swing that ultimately limits his potential growth. It's good to know these sorts of things as that's what a great site like this is about, getting the inside story on prospects and what their opportunities may be. I'm still hoping that this kid isn't finished progressing and perhaps achieving more than is thought of him at the moment. Let's see...

by **ClevelandBlues** » Mon Aug 06, 2012 5:07 pm

Tony Wolters has been on a tear lately. It is good to see him living up to his prospect status.

July .343-.396-.505
August .350-.409-.700

by **danh8** » Wed Aug 08, 2012 2:29 pm

Yes, Tony..after starting the season very rough and looking overmatched in High A, after being bumped up a couple levels, has reallly impressed me more than just about anybody in the system this season. He truly has not only adjusted and improved to the point of justifiying the Indians decision to move him past Lake County, and right to Carolina ...he has made a strong case that he could look to get some exposure in Akron before the season is done.. Without question he has shown over the course of the past 3 months that he is one of the best hitters in High A ball, as well as being about the youngest as well.

He's a true 2ND baseman, with the ability to fill in at short, once he hits the majors. Which is great to have that type flexibility. He's never going to have any power element to his game, but, has shown that he can get it out when the stars align. I think he'll get some gap level pop, enough to warrant respect at the plate beyond just a slap hitter.

Just love this kid. We hit on him, and he will make it to the majors probably in 2014 at some point. The issue with him will be, where and how does he fit in at the ML level with us ? Possibly a short term bridge between Cabrera and Lindor,and then move to 2nd when we have to trade Kipnis for prospects ?

Honestly, with having Lindor, and RonnyRod also in trhe organization ...we could eventually see Wolters being the guy that is included in a future trade as well... we'll see.

by **JP_Frost** » Wed Aug 08, 2012 10:11 pm

Definately like what Wolters has done so far.

However, he needs to start walking more to keep pitchers honest. AA will be a true test for him.

That said, we musn't forget that he's still just 20-years old.

by **Hermie13** » Thu Aug 09, 2012 12:26 pm

Wasn't a big fan of the Wolters pick at the time, but have to admit he's starting to grow on me. Agree with JP that AA is gonna be a big test for him (as it is with all prospects really). Would like to see him walk more too. 7.2% isn't terrible I guess, but gonna need to work on improving it as he moves up the ladder. Strikeout rate isn't bad now but decent jump from last year. Also, 5 steals to 9 caught?

Also agree with Dan some too. Think Wolters could be an interesting trade chip if he can continue to hit. I think ultimately he's a 2B in the bigs but think there's enough there that he could play SS still. Been pretty solid there this year at least fielding percentage wise for what it's worth. Haven't seen him play there this year so not sure on how his range has looked though...

by **nubballguy** » Thu Aug 09, 2012 2:03 pm

Great night for several Mudcat prospects last night, not just Wolters though he certainly did contribute as well with his 5th HR. Good to see Aguilar break out of his recent slumber with a HR, keeping pace with RRod' home run. Urshela also hit one out and continues to intrigue with his offensive potential relative to his defensive prowess.

Some good offensive production all around in Carolina last night. Nice to see.

I wonder, if you had to make a guess now as to which of these 4 has the highest likelihood of ultimate success in the bigs, which would it be? Hard call no?

by **criznit2009** » Tue Aug 28, 2012 1:14 am

Simply amazing......

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-l ... --mlb.html

Go Mr. Toole

by **GeronimoSon** » Sat Oct 13, 2012 6:22 pm

Dorsyss Paulino: Although there seems to be some discussion regarding Dorsyss Paulino being moved from SS to another position, the next best spot for him doesn't appear to be 2B.. it's 3B.. His cat-like quickness and hands play well there.. His arm is very strong and accurate unless his foot work gets messed up, which is once in a while, then he can uncork one that could end up going anywhere.. that includes throwing from 3B, 2B or SS... With his skill sets and bat speed.. his fastest rise to the big leagues may be as a corner OF'er.. too. Instructs and two years should tell the story...

by **homerawayfromhome** » Sat Oct 13, 2012 6:38 pm

I completely agree on Paulino, I think a natural position could be RF. He has a good arm and would have nice range out there as well.
I was actually thinking they probably need to move RRod too. I'd think 3rd, maybe RF too. He has a good arm and sped to play the OF.

by **GeronimoSon** » Sun Oct 14, 2012 7:50 am

homerawayfromhome wrote:I completely agree on Paulino, I think a natural position could be RF. He has a good arm and would have nice range out there as well.
I was actually thinking they probably need to move RRod too. I'd think 3rd, maybe RF too. He has a good arm and sped to play the OF.

With four the top five Indians prospects all playing SS, it's not if, it will be when the Indians decide to move some of these guys.. Just as Paulino's bat speed and strong hands/wrists play well as a 3B, it appears that R-Rod has more speed than Paulino so his range would play well in RF as you've suggested..

by **elrod enchilada** » Sun Oct 14, 2012 3:07 pm

It seesm lierk there are five players all slated to play OF for Carolina in 20123:

Jordan Smith
Tyler Naquin
Bryson Myles
Luigi Rodriguez
Levon Washington

That seems like at least one too many for five guys who should play everyday somewhere.

Maybe two too many.

I imagine LRod could be held back at low A, although he deserves a promotion, but none of these guys seems ready for AA.

Nice problem to have, but it is still a problem.

by **homerawayfromhome** » Sun Oct 14, 2012 3:31 pm

Naquin could make the jump, his bat is ready for AA. The big kicker on him is his lack of pop with the stick. He's small narrow framed, but I think give him a few yrs to continue to add muscle and 'man' strength. Overall I think he'd be fine, in fact I think he could have started at Carolina last yr. Yes his approach is that good, it's the lack of pop that held him back. He needs that added strength to be fully affective.

by **Rocky55** » Sun Oct 14, 2012 4:07 pm

If Levon's healthy & handles Caolina League pitching I'd see moving him to Akron after 6 weeks or so.

by **muddie** » Thu Nov 29, 2012 6:02 pm

David Wallace has been named the 2013 manager of the Carolina Mudcats. Rouglas Odor has been named the hitting coach for the Mudcats and Jeff Harris will be the pitching coach. Whole new staff for 2013.

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