Official 2012 Mahoning Valley Scrappers thread

by **A.Zajac** » Thu Jun 21, 2012 12:57 am

Naquin was everything as advertised tonight. First and foremost, he literally does have a cannon for an arm. Extremely strong and accurate. He covers a lot of ground in center and takes good routes to balls. Offensively, three hits to open his career. Not too shabby. His second AB, he laced an opposite field double. He has quick hands, but at times his swing can get a bit long. He tends to hitch them a bit and pull them back before going through the zone. He actually has above average speed, more than people give him credit for.

Overall, as advertised tonight and came away impressed.

by **Tondo** » Thu Jun 21, 2012 8:14 am

Thanks for the first hand impressions on Naquin, certainly reassuring to read good stuff about the much debated 1st rounder

Did anybody else stand out to you? On paper I really like the MV roster, especially the rotation with Merritt, Sisco, Aviles and Lee...4 picks I really liked.

The roster is also stocked at C..ideally 1 of them would go to LC but both Monsalve and Lavisky aren't ready for A+ ball yet

Any news on Jose Ramirez' leg injury? 1 of the bats I was curious to see develop after his strong AZL performance last year

Overall there is a lot of talent in AZL and MV, since the early draft picks were HS happy the past 2 drafts...whereas AAA and AA are filled with older org fillers...hopefully there will be some graduations from LC and Carolina to those levels next season, so that nobody gets blocked in the lower levels. Pitching seems to be fine, especially BP is loaded throughout the system, but the bats are worrying me....I understand and accept some lottery ticket guys like Canzler, Huffman, Schwinden at AAA but would like to get rid of the Rohlinger's, Copeland's, Stoneburner's etc at AA level

by **Rocky55** » Thu Jun 21, 2012 8:40 am

Kendall Rogers in one of the PG mocks on Naquin: "Big time power at the MLB level is a question mark, but simply can't beat his tools in other areas."

Kid can run, field, throw & hit. He's quoted as saying that he played CF his whole life until college ball. That's thousands of reps to ingrain routes & recognition. I think he'll handle CF.

by **JP_Frost** » Thu Jun 21, 2012 9:12 am

The more you read about Naquin, the more excited people get. If he can handle CF, he could even be a steal at 15. Obviously we aren't there yet, but I think most of the confusion about his selection came from not knowing enough about him.

by **daingean** » Thu Jun 21, 2012 10:19 am

JP_Frost wrote:The more you read about Naquin, the more excited people get. If he can handle CF, he could even be a steal at 15. Obviously we aren't there yet, but I think most of the confusion about his selection came from not knowing enough about him.

Being able handle CF and being able to be a CF in the majors are 2 different things. Michael Brantley can handle CF but he's really not a ML CF at this point. The telling line is "we think he can handle cf" which is not what I want to hear. I don't mind the Naquin pick but think he's a Mike Hargrove type with better wheels and arm but w/o the power. Grover was a nice player....but not a difference maker and I'd rather draft someone that could potentially be a difference maker.

by **JP_Frost** » Thu Jun 21, 2012 7:46 pm

I'd rather draft a guy with HoF potential.

You take what you can get and aside from Giolito, nobody in that mid first round group was seperating himself from the rest. Naquin belonged in that group as well, albeit on the lower end. I like that the Indians took him because he would sign below slot and wasn't all that far behind in terms of talent compared to the other guys. They also figured he could play CF, which basically made him one of the few options that could play a premium position in the majors.

Let's they picked Shaffer instead, who was undoubtedly viewed as the best college bat left at that point. It's likely that he'll move from 3rd to either 1st or an OF corner. but even if he doesn't, is Shaffer that much better to justify paying him 500K more than Naquin? I don't think so.

by **danh8** » Sun Jul 01, 2012 4:32 pm

Wondering if any more detailed information is coming available on our 11th round draft pick from last year, RH pitcher Luis Dejesus from some obscure college in Texas... not too much was known of this kid coming out of college and even after we drafted him relatively high,.. but, he's shown some promise in the few appearances he's had in AZ and MV ..

Just curious as to what more we might be coming to know about this kid ...what he's got, and how the organization views him at this point.

by **Rocky55** » Sun Jul 01, 2012 5:53 pm

Listening to the Scrappers game online. Naquin just missed his 1st pro HR, hitting the top of the wall in RCF for a 2B.

I remember Chiz playing in the Valley & the announcers gushing about his bat & power potential, even though at the time he was considered a contact bat. Not thinking Naquin can develop Chiz-type power. Naquin's swing isn't near as good as Chiz' swing. Sounds like there's a little more pop than some folks expect though.

by **Tondo** » Wed Jul 04, 2012 2:30 pm

Why is Enosil Tejeda still in MV :question

He produced since having signed in 2010 and should have opened in LC, but at least should be there by now

Anyone?

by **daingean** » Wed Jul 04, 2012 2:44 pm

Tondo wrote:Why is Enosil Tejeda still in MV

He produced since having signed in 2010 and should have opened in LC, but at least should be there by now

Anyone?

From what I can see per the stats is that Enosil is the team's closer which should be kind of telling. The Indians generally do not have their priority prospects as closers especially below AA. One of the reasons for this is workload is sporadic for closers. Not saying he's not a quality prospect but that he is lower on the pecking order.

by **A.Zajac** » Wed Jul 04, 2012 3:02 pm

daingean wrote:
Tondo wrote:Why is Enosil Tejeda still in MV

He produced since having signed in 2010 and should have opened in LC, but at least should be there by now

Anyone?

From what I can see per the stats is that Enosil is the team's closer which should be kind of telling. The Indians generally do not have their priority prospects as closers especially below AA. One of the reasons for this is workload is sporadic for closers. Not saying he's not a quality prospect but that he is lower on the pecking order.

When Tejada is on, he can be a decent pitcher. But his command can be very shaky at times.

by **Tondo** » Wed Jul 04, 2012 3:36 pm

I understand how it works and how they most probably view him...I just question it....were/are Nixon or X.De Los Santos really better specs to open in LC over him? Tejeda delivered eye opening numbers in MV at 21.5yo...ERA under 3, WHIP at 1 and 57Ks in 34 IPs....what more should he have done?

That said...De Los Santos is on the DL now and Nixon has improved and does not deserve a demotion now. Only possibility I see right now is to swap Tejeda with Carmona who may have been rushed to LC (17/16 BB/K) and he just turned 20yo, so a demotion to MV would not be the end of the world

Pitching roster spots are really hard to come by in this system as you can make a case that guys like Lee, Head and Martin could be at LC too...probably all ahead of Tejeda...guess I just feel bad for Tejeda, who deserves more of a chance to prove himself.

by **TonyIBI** » Thu Jul 12, 2012 9:50 pm

Simply put, Tejeda is a marginal prospect. Barely an average fastball, questionable secondary stuff. Xavier De Los Santos has a big arm....raw guy. Really impressed in spring training and a higher valued arm than Tejeda. Now, why Nixon was in Lake County over Tejeda, I cannot answer....though maybe having a guy that can give length and be used/abused since he is not much of a prospect is a central reason there.

by **JP_Frost** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 9:56 pm

Looks like Naquin was pulled after 1 at bat in the first game today. Everything alright?

by **OhioBaseball** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 10:49 pm

JP_Frost wrote:Looks like Naquin was pulled after 1 at bat in the first game today. Everything alright?

I heard he got hit by a pitch on the hand. I don't know anything about the severity of it.

by **A.Zajac** » Tue Jul 17, 2012 11:13 am

From what I understand, it was something weird, like it hit the bat then hit his hand, or something alone those lines. Haven't heard the severity yet.

by **dazindiansfanuk** » Tue Jul 17, 2012 6:56 pm

Naquin back in the lineup tonight, so must have only been precautionary taking him out yesterday.

by **JP_Frost** » Tue Jul 17, 2012 10:20 pm

Naquin went 1 for 2 with a RBI and walk today.

Any reports on his defense in CF?

by **A.Zajac** » Tue Jul 17, 2012 11:36 pm

JP_Frost wrote:Naquin went 1 for 2 with a RBI and walk today.

Any reports on his defense in CF?

As advertised. Takes good routes to balls, can cover a decent amount of ground in CF, goes very hard after fly balls and gives max effort. Incredibly strong throwing arm and extremely accurate as well.

by **OhioBaseball** » Sat Jul 21, 2012 6:37 pm

A.Zajac wrote:
JP_Frost wrote:Naquin went 1 for 2 with a RBI and walk today.

Any reports on his defense in CF?

As advertised. Takes good routes to balls, can cover a decent amount of ground in CF, goes very hard after fly balls and gives max effort. Incredibly strong throwing arm and extremely accurate as well.

I believe it, but unfortunately the lack of power is as advertised, too. Don't mean to sound like a hater, but I've always had issue with his power. I'm actually surprised he's hitting for so little power (ISP is below .100) -- I expect him to do a little better, but this is the player he is.

by **homerawayfromhome** » Sat Jul 21, 2012 7:31 pm

Hopefully as Tyler Naquin physically matures he's able to add a little pop.

by **A.Zajac** » Sun Jul 22, 2012 6:32 pm

OhioBaseball wrote:
A.Zajac wrote:
JP_Frost wrote:Naquin went 1 for 2 with a RBI and walk today.

Any reports on his defense in CF?

As advertised. Takes good routes to balls, can cover a decent amount of ground in CF, goes very hard after fly balls and gives max effort. Incredibly strong throwing arm and extremely accurate as well.

I believe it, but unfortunately the lack of power is as advertised, too. Don't mean to sound like a hater, but I've always had issue with his power. I'm actually surprised he's hitting for so little power (ISP is below .100) -- I expect him to do a little better, but this is the player he is.

I think he still has a little room to fill out. Do I believe the power will come? Meh. I think at most you're looking at 5-8 per year... but by no means do I see it being as little as it has been.

by **criznit2009** » Sun Jul 22, 2012 7:25 pm

We will see in regards to power. - also why is he (Naquin) still in MV? We got two potential CF's in Lake county right now (Luigi and Myles) who have been there all year. So next season who starts where? This might go down as the worst 1st round pick since Drennen.

by **A.Zajac** » Sun Jul 22, 2012 11:24 pm

criznit2009 wrote:We will see in regards to power. - also why is he (Naquin) still in MV? We got two potential CF's in Lake county right now (Luigi and Myles) who have been there all year. So next season who starts where? This might go down as the worst 1st round pick since Drennen.

It's been what... five weeks .. and you're already jumping ship? Pathetic.....

by **criznit2009** » Mon Jul 23, 2012 4:22 am

A.Zajac wrote:
criznit2009 wrote:We will see in regards to power. - also why is he (Naquin) still in MV? We got two potential CF's in Lake county right now (Luigi and Myles) who have been there all year. So next season who starts where? This might go down as the worst 1st round pick since Drennen.

It's been what... five weeks .. and you're already jumping ship? Pathetic.....

I wouldn't say I am jumping ship, just thought the Naquin pick was a bad one from the start. I think my question is valid. Supposedly Naquin's best tool coming out of the draft was his ability to hit, although without much power. Also his great arm, though if the ability to throw well from the OF is one of your top attributes when it comes to drafting in the 1st round you should be fired but anyway.......

I am seriously asking a question - why is he in MV and why are Myles and LRod still in Lake County? There is NO REASON to start Naquin in Lake County next season, as an "advanced" college bat he should start in NC. So where does that leave the duo of Myles/LRod?

I hated this pick and IMO Naquin was a terrible choice, and will never make the Major Leagues as an everyday guy on a good team. Maybe on a bad team but even I think that is a stretch and will leave it at that. My point is simple, his supposed ability to hit, his rocket arm and the tribe's scouting departments belief that in short time he could play CF is what got him drafted. Time to move him up in LC and move up Lrod or Myles. Or leave Lrod and Myles in LC and move him to NC. Because next year we will have a pile of CF'er types with no clear front runner.. Why stack up a pile? Oh and lets not forget a fella named Levon Washington - the IPI's 2nd overall prospect for 2012 and potential CFer super-stud (HA!) and this years 4th round pick D’vone McClure who though raw, looks to be in the center field mix as well.
A stack of toolsy SS's and CFer's isnt a bad thing. Not a bad thing at all - unless you mis-manage the thing right into the ground.

by **homerawayfromhome** » Mon Jul 23, 2012 7:36 am

@ Criznit...

Don't forget the Tribes 13th rd pk... 19 yo Tyler Booth-CF. hes a lean CF too.

I'm not a fan of the Naquin pk, obviously to me he was pk bc he would sign under slot and would likely move qkly in the OF. As for who the Tribe already had in tow...
I'm not sure how the club views Myles, LRod, or LWash... We all know LWash is a tremendous talent, but he's wheels keep coming off. Myles has been hurt a fair share too, but might be a corner OF type later on. LRod has strikeout king and big potential.
Supposedly teams don't draft by their system, but by BPA or maybe in this case most sign -able and need. The Tribe does place middle of the diamond players as priority though, and based on Grants previous work I'll wait and see but frankly I'm not a fan of this pk the more I thought of it.

by **OhioBaseball** » Mon Jul 23, 2012 3:02 pm

criznit2009 wrote:We will see in regards to power. - also why is he (Naquin) still in MV? We got two potential CF's in Lake county right now (Luigi and Myles) who have been there all year. So next season who starts where? This might go down as the worst 1st round pick since Drennen.

Given that Naquin was an advanced college player, he should be in the Carolina League next year and I see no reason as to why he wouldn't be given priority in CF.

Regarding Luigi Rodriguez in CF, someone told me that he's "the worst defensive center fielder (he's) ever seen in pro ball". No need to sugar coat things -- it does nobody any good. As I understand it there have been some instances that have been an unmitigated disaster with him out there. This is the minor leagues and you want guys to develop, but it's going to take a lot of improvement for Luigi Rodriguez to cut it defensively in CF at the MLB level. Naquin should get the majority of time in CF next year in the Carolina League.

by **criznit2009** » Mon Jul 23, 2012 3:19 pm

I agree Naquin should be the everyday CF for the Mudcats next year or even the rest of this year. I hope the 3rd times a charm from LWash in Lake County and like I was alluding to, Luigi and Myles end up where they end up. Both of them don't look to have much of a future no matter where you put them on the diamond. We will see, but clearly its up to them to earn "real" playing time next season.

by **Rocky55** » Mon Jul 23, 2012 4:08 pm

How can we dismiss Luigi Rodriguez' future when he has a .277BA, .346/.421/.767 line in 347 AB & 28 XBH as a 19 yr old at Lake County. With a little growth & muscle he could have the stick to play LF.

by **martyinnewyork** » Tue Aug 07, 2012 11:08 am

Tyler Naquin hasn't played since 8/2. Is he injured?

by **timdav** » Sun Aug 12, 2012 9:02 pm

It's Sunday night, August 12th...still nothing about Naquin. Anybody know?

by **A.Zajac** » Sun Aug 12, 2012 9:05 pm

timdav wrote:It's Sunday night, August 12th...still nothing about Naquin. Anybody know?

From what I've heard, it's a strained lower back and should be okay after the All Star break.. but maybe Tony knows something more than I do.

by **timdav** » Sun Aug 12, 2012 10:19 pm

Thanks for the info AZ....appreciate it.

Obviously this young man is very, very important in hopefully just a few years for this franchise.

by **martyinnewyork** » Wed Aug 15, 2012 8:16 pm

STILL no Naquin... is he shut down? Scrappers roster still lists him as active...

by **martyinnewyork** » Fri Aug 17, 2012 8:28 am

Naquin?

by **martyinnewyork** » Tue Aug 21, 2012 4:39 pm

I live 20 miles from Batavia so will be extremely happy to see Paulino's debut in a Scrappers uniform! BTW, how do you pronounce his first name? And I presume Naquin remains out?

by **A.Zajac** » Tue Aug 21, 2012 5:51 pm

martyinnewyork wrote:I live 20 miles from Batavia so will be extremely happy to see Paulino's debut in a Scrappers uniform! BTW, how do you pronounce his first name? And I presume Naquin remains out?

Rumor has it Naquin could be back in the lineup tonight. Stay tuned.

by **MadThinker88** » Tue Aug 21, 2012 7:17 pm

A.Zajac wrote:
martyinnewyork wrote:I live 20 miles from Batavia so will be extremely happy to see Paulino's debut in a Scrappers uniform! BTW, how do you pronounce his first name? And I presume Naquin remains out?

Rumor has it Naquin could be back in the lineup tonight. Stay tuned.

MV has only 1 more home stand (8/27 thru 9/1). If Naquin is playing again & with the Paulino promotion, I think a little road trip is in order.

by **A.Zajac** » Tue Aug 21, 2012 8:00 pm

Not in the lineup tonight, but hearing he might try giving it a go very soon.

by **martyinnewyork** » Tue Aug 21, 2012 9:57 pm

Went to the game. No sign of Naquin unless he was in street clothes. One of my sons got Paulino's autograph before the game, seems like a nice kid. In the game, he had an error on a slow chopper that caught him between hops. Otherwise handled three other grounders cleanly and showed a nice arm. At the plate, had a single. Had a swinging K on a breaking ball in the dirt. Grounded to short also, 1-3 on the night. Had to keep reminding myself that he's only 17.

by **GeronimoSon** » Wed Aug 22, 2012 4:08 am

martyinnewyork wrote:I live 20 miles from Batavia so will be extremely happy to see Paulino's debut in a Scrappers uniform! BTW, how do you pronounce his first name? And I presume Naquin remains out?

DOOR - cease..

by **martyinnewyork** » Wed Aug 22, 2012 8:40 am

Thanks G-son!

by **martyinnewyork** » Thu Aug 23, 2012 11:16 am

Paulino smacked a one-hop double to the CF wall last night and looked more relaxed in the field as well. No errors and made a nice diving stop on a grounder to his left. Seems to have a strong arm, also seems accurate with his throws. Looks to be a kid who knows what he's doing out there.
No sign of Naquin and I can't go to tonight's game. Sisco looked pretty good but no idea on velocity. Didn't get many K's but threw strikes. Wendle didn't get a hit IIRC but seems to be the leader out there. Re : Romero, the guy needs to recognize pitches- throw him strikes and he can mash, but he swings at lots of balls well out of the zone.
Error in the 9th by Sever lost the game, and he was pissed when he left the field.

by **danh8** » Thu Aug 23, 2012 1:07 pm

martyinnewyork wrote:Paulino smacked a one-hop double to the CF wall last night and looked more relaxed in the field as well. No errors and made a nice diving stop on a grounder to his left. Seems to have a strong arm, also seems accurate with his throws. Looks to be a kid who knows what he's doing out there.
No sign of Naquin and I can't go to tonight's game. Sisco looked pretty good but no idea on velocity. Didn't get many K's but threw strikes. Wendle didn't get a hit IIRC but seems to be the leader out there. Re : Romero, the guy needs to recognize pitches- throw him strikes and he can mash, but he swings at lots of balls well out of the zone.
Error in the 9th by Sever lost the game, and he was pissed when he left the field.

Paulino isn't a kid that you look at and see anything super unique or special just from a physical standpoint. Seems pretty calm and collected as he goes about his business before game, and even during the game. Has a better than average arm, but nothing that I would call extraordinary. Bat/hands are quick through the zone ...and seems to have some degree of patience given his age and experience. Really haven't seen enough at this point, but when comparing the basic talents of Lindor and Paulino at this point, it appears to me that Lindor is superior from a physical, mental standpoint and is far more polished. But, what Pauklno has produced at the plate in his short time with us is extraordonary and can't be denied as special...

I talked to the guy that had a gun on Sisco and he had him sitting consistently at about 92-93, hit as high as 96.

by **martyinnewyork** » Sun Aug 26, 2012 6:40 pm

Any update on Naquin?

by **Rocky55** » Tue Aug 28, 2012 11:37 pm

Paulino, 3-6 in the double header, now batting .323 with a .763 OPS. Barring a position change he's going to be breathing down Lindor's neck next season.

The performance of the '11 Class of IFA's is impressive. Brad & the Boys are doing a great job with these guys.

by **martyinnewyork** » Sat Sep 01, 2012 7:07 pm

Naquin is in tonight's line-up!!!

by **martyinnewyork** » Mon Sep 03, 2012 7:07 am

Davenport left yesterday's game after suffering what appeared to be a very serious injury to his pitching arm.. He uncorked a pitch and collapsed after letting out a loud scream. He was in obvious pain as he walked off, holding his left arm. It did not look good. He already has had a Tommy John last year..

by **OhioBaseball** » Mon Sep 03, 2012 10:35 am

martyinnewyork wrote:Naquin is in tonight's line-up!!!

I predict that is as excited anyone's ever going to be to see Tyler Naquin in a starting line-up! I'm still a tad bitter about that pick. I really question the strength of any scouting department that wants him at 15th overall even considering the underslot bonus. Sorry.

This guy Paulino has been impressive, though. Seeing a 17-year old batting clean-up in Short-Season A ball and doing well -- not too shabby. Impressive start.

by **martyinnewyork** » Tue Sep 04, 2012 10:35 am

Any update on Davenport's injury?

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