Nash Howard has progressed nicely through the Atlanta farm system. This prospect acquired two years ago for veterans Ernie Woodson and Vince Terrell (the Tartans also obtained AAA DH Jack Pierre) is on the brink of cracking the bigs.
Howard has steadily climbed from LoA to AAA amassing a 3.35 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and an 84% save conversion rate. More impressively he has 17/18 last season with a 2.83 ERA and a 0.75 WHIP in AA. He likely has little more to develop by having a stint in AAA, but Atlanta management is fearful of having too many players become arbitration eligible three seasons from now. And with Julius Rocker, Fergie Perry, and Don Lawrence all seeing promotions this season Nash Howard is stuck waiting.
Howard has excellent control and is highly effective against lefties and righties. While he tops out at 91 mph his fastball has unbelievable movement. He is a flyball pitcher that will find a dramatic difference between pitching in Atlanta's pitchers heaven of AAA and the homerun risk of Turner Field.
Either way, Atlanta needs a closer immediately after the departure of Pedro Quinones, lost through free-agency.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Atlanta Supplements Roster with Situational Vets
With one day remaining as we head into the season. Atlanta sit had some holes to fill on the ML roster. Management has had a reluctence to rush any young prospects leaving several noticable weaknesses in the roster. Below we have outlined the latest veteran additions to the club and what they will bring.
CF Harry Torres - A 33 yearold veteran with 10 years of big league service. Torres still has average defense for center field or second base. He as plus speed and base running abilities and is marginally successful against righties. With rule-5 draftee Roger Higginson getting the ABs against lefties Torres maybe a one year solution at center. He was had on the cheap for $380K just above the league minimum.
SPs Josh Seabol and Len James - At 35 and 37 respectively, these two are entering the final seasons as major league contributors. Seabol went 13-9 last season for the Tartans, but wasn't resigned, after going all off-season seeking a better contract he reluctently re-joinned Atlanta for $1.3 mil. Seabol had his best season last year with a 1.26 WHIP, .248 OAV, and 117 K's to only 54 BB's. James also went 13-9 last seaon splitting time with Cleveland and Scottsdale. Many may remember the 3 contract Atlanta signed him to two years ago. After Cleveland declined his $5.2 mil for this season the Tartans were able to add him for $970K. Lets hope both these guys can provide at least 1/2 season of starts this year before we need emergency promotions for AAA.
RP Norman Hall - After spending 3 years with Cleveland, Hall joins the Tartans for a fraction of his previous salaries. The hard trowingTexas native had a horrible year last season prompting a demotion to AAA. Atlanta is taking a flyer on this guy because of his excellent curveball and 4-seamer. Why he will not amaze, the Tartans are confident he will bounce back this season and provide quality innings.
CF Harry Torres - A 33 yearold veteran with 10 years of big league service. Torres still has average defense for center field or second base. He as plus speed and base running abilities and is marginally successful against righties. With rule-5 draftee Roger Higginson getting the ABs against lefties Torres maybe a one year solution at center. He was had on the cheap for $380K just above the league minimum.
SPs Josh Seabol and Len James - At 35 and 37 respectively, these two are entering the final seasons as major league contributors. Seabol went 13-9 last season for the Tartans, but wasn't resigned, after going all off-season seeking a better contract he reluctently re-joinned Atlanta for $1.3 mil. Seabol had his best season last year with a 1.26 WHIP, .248 OAV, and 117 K's to only 54 BB's. James also went 13-9 last seaon splitting time with Cleveland and Scottsdale. Many may remember the 3 contract Atlanta signed him to two years ago. After Cleveland declined his $5.2 mil for this season the Tartans were able to add him for $970K. Lets hope both these guys can provide at least 1/2 season of starts this year before we need emergency promotions for AAA.
RP Norman Hall - After spending 3 years with Cleveland, Hall joins the Tartans for a fraction of his previous salaries. The hard trowingTexas native had a horrible year last season prompting a demotion to AAA. Atlanta is taking a flyer on this guy because of his excellent curveball and 4-seamer. Why he will not amaze, the Tartans are confident he will bounce back this season and provide quality innings.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Atlanta Takes Some Critism and Likes It
In dealing two young big leaguers today the Tartans management team had its intelligence questioned. With several competing owners frowning upon the deal feeling the Tartans hadn't asked for enough in parting with Max Cabeza and Brad Perry to Detriot. With this in mind let me state a few factors behind that deal:
1.) Tartans Philosophy
- The goal of the Atlanta Tartans is to win a World Championship. Our strategy for building and maintaining a contender is to keep our big league squad as inexpensive and young as possible. We desire to have the best minor league system of all 32 clubs and to continually produce productive big league ball players. We also share no loyalty to any player, all trades, contracts, and signings are up for discussion especially if they support the above Tartans philosphies. When players become unrestricted free-agents the Tartans will waiver heavily the costs of keeping a player and the opportunity for adding youth.
2.) Current Position Depth
- Going into season 4 Julius Rocker is slated to be our starting 3B. Julius won the AL AAA Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards for 3B last season and we feel that he will perform better then Max Cabeza. Brad Perry was competing with Manny Coleman for RF duties this season. Coleman out performed Perry last season, and while he is a stop gap solution the Tartans have several options to play right field next season.
3.) Future Depth
- Two of the four personnel goals the Tartans had going into this season where to add a SS prospect and Starting Pitching depth. This trade supports that. B.J. Washington is a true short stop, his bat is not fantastic but he should hit well enough to fill a starting spot in the big leagues in a few seasons. Frank Davis is not a fantastic pitching prospect, but he does project to have ML rotation quality stuff (4/5 SP) in the future and his abilities against right handers was a key for the Tartans.
1.) Tartans Philosophy
- The goal of the Atlanta Tartans is to win a World Championship. Our strategy for building and maintaining a contender is to keep our big league squad as inexpensive and young as possible. We desire to have the best minor league system of all 32 clubs and to continually produce productive big league ball players. We also share no loyalty to any player, all trades, contracts, and signings are up for discussion especially if they support the above Tartans philosphies. When players become unrestricted free-agents the Tartans will waiver heavily the costs of keeping a player and the opportunity for adding youth.
2.) Current Position Depth
- Going into season 4 Julius Rocker is slated to be our starting 3B. Julius won the AL AAA Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards for 3B last season and we feel that he will perform better then Max Cabeza. Brad Perry was competing with Manny Coleman for RF duties this season. Coleman out performed Perry last season, and while he is a stop gap solution the Tartans have several options to play right field next season.
3.) Future Depth
- Two of the four personnel goals the Tartans had going into this season where to add a SS prospect and Starting Pitching depth. This trade supports that. B.J. Washington is a true short stop, his bat is not fantastic but he should hit well enough to fill a starting spot in the big leagues in a few seasons. Frank Davis is not a fantastic pitching prospect, but he does project to have ML rotation quality stuff (4/5 SP) in the future and his abilities against right handers was a key for the Tartans.
Tartans Still Dealing Going Into Season 4
With some great talent making there debuts in Georgia this season the Tartans have been busy reorganizing there talent pool to support sustainable success. Here is a snapshot of some recent trades.
1.) Future CF for Future LF
- While many Tartans fans might be disappointed with the loss of Vernon Belle, Atlanta was finally able to acquire a potential impact slugger in Manuel Macias from Vancouver. While Belle was the AL AAA MVP last season, he struggled to improve his outfield range and the Tartans did not expect much more development at the plate from him. In sending him to the Tiger Sharks the acquired a LF with pop, 38 HRs & 143 RBI between HiA and AA last season, and a player they see as still developing (Macias has two less years of experience than Belle).
2.) Excuse me ML Long Reliever for Platoon CF
- Going into this season, and especially after dealing Belle, the Tartans lacked a true ML CF. Through the Rule 5 draft the team nabbed Roger Higginson a speedy CF that struggles against Righties. In trading Roger Hardy, a player the Tartans accidentially signed to a multi-year deal last season, they acquired Evlis Lomasney. Lomasney, only 22, has great range and a strong stick against righties, but a developing glove. Look for the Tartans to take a chance on him in the bigs this season platooning with Higginson.
3.) Shipping Out Some ML Depth to Fuel the Future Talent Pool
- In Max Cabeza and Brad Perry the Tartans had two players that started all of last season, but where not in the teams long term plans. With the promotion this season of more young Tartans Perry was suited to be on the bench and Cabeza was even more replaceable. By sending the pair to Detriot the Tartans acquired two 20-year olds drafted in the supplemental round two seasons ago. B.J. Washington projects to be a true SS should develop at the plate enough to be a ML starter. SP Frank Davis projects as a back of the rotation starter, but gives the team added depth on the mound.
1.) Future CF for Future LF
- While many Tartans fans might be disappointed with the loss of Vernon Belle, Atlanta was finally able to acquire a potential impact slugger in Manuel Macias from Vancouver. While Belle was the AL AAA MVP last season, he struggled to improve his outfield range and the Tartans did not expect much more development at the plate from him. In sending him to the Tiger Sharks the acquired a LF with pop, 38 HRs & 143 RBI between HiA and AA last season, and a player they see as still developing (Macias has two less years of experience than Belle).
2.) Excuse me ML Long Reliever for Platoon CF
- Going into this season, and especially after dealing Belle, the Tartans lacked a true ML CF. Through the Rule 5 draft the team nabbed Roger Higginson a speedy CF that struggles against Righties. In trading Roger Hardy, a player the Tartans accidentially signed to a multi-year deal last season, they acquired Evlis Lomasney. Lomasney, only 22, has great range and a strong stick against righties, but a developing glove. Look for the Tartans to take a chance on him in the bigs this season platooning with Higginson.
3.) Shipping Out Some ML Depth to Fuel the Future Talent Pool
- In Max Cabeza and Brad Perry the Tartans had two players that started all of last season, but where not in the teams long term plans. With the promotion this season of more young Tartans Perry was suited to be on the bench and Cabeza was even more replaceable. By sending the pair to Detriot the Tartans acquired two 20-year olds drafted in the supplemental round two seasons ago. B.J. Washington projects to be a true SS should develop at the plate enough to be a ML starter. SP Frank Davis projects as a back of the rotation starter, but gives the team added depth on the mound.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Tartans Start Season 4-1
With several prospects now with the big league club and several more just a year away, Atlanta is slowly becoming a contender in competitive AL South.
The rotation is now anchored by AAA standouts Darrin Lloyd and Wascar Fernandez. The lineup is now anchored by Juan Machado and Cyrus Gibson.
The Tartans hope this season is that they can be a contender in the AL South without promoting many of their other prospects too early. 2B Fergie Perry is ready to be a big league leadoff hitter, but must improve his glove if he wants to be an all-star at the position. Close behind him are Julius Rocker, Vernon Belle, and Raul Cortes.
It will take several weeks for things to take shape in big league before the Tartans can accurately gauge where they stand on having half their coveted pieces in the majors.
The rotation is now anchored by AAA standouts Darrin Lloyd and Wascar Fernandez. The lineup is now anchored by Juan Machado and Cyrus Gibson.
The Tartans hope this season is that they can be a contender in the AL South without promoting many of their other prospects too early. 2B Fergie Perry is ready to be a big league leadoff hitter, but must improve his glove if he wants to be an all-star at the position. Close behind him are Julius Rocker, Vernon Belle, and Raul Cortes.
It will take several weeks for things to take shape in big league before the Tartans can accurately gauge where they stand on having half their coveted pieces in the majors.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Tartans Split AL South Title, Miss Playoffs
Yesterday was the conclusion to the Branch Rickey World regular season. With their win yesterday our Atlanta Tartans tied both San Juan and Houston for a share of the AL South title. But Atlanta (and Houston) still missed the playoffs. Atlanta trailed San Juan by one game in the division so while both had identical 78-84 records, San Juans 15-15 mark edged the 14-16 Tartans by one game.
Atlanta manager Trace Nichols had this to say: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qwq7BYOnDrM
Atlanta manager Trace Nichols had this to say: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qwq7BYOnDrM
Friday, November 28, 2008
Future Looking Bright for the Tartans
Just a week to go in the big league season, and while the Tartans are surprising in contention for the AL South title (thanks, weak division!) the minor league playoffs are already in full swing and Atlanta is looking pretty good. That is all 5 Tartan minor league teams remain in contention, and all 5 appear to be fighting hard in their respective series. Below we count the ways in which the Tartan's farm system looks so good!
1.) All five teams are in the 2nd round of the playoffs or farther.
2.) The Tartans are sweeping the AA awards voting:
* AL AA MVP Award: Top 4 finalists are Tartans
* AL AA Cy Young: Top 3 finalists are Tartans
* AL AA Newcomer of the Year: Top 4 finalists are Tartans
* AL AA Fireman of the Year: CL Dean Cloud (a Tartan)
* AL AA Silver Slugger Awards: 6 0f the 9 Awards go to Tartans
3.) Tartan's Big League Payroll Next Season is currently under $15 million
* I.E. lots of cash to spend on Coaching, Talent Evaluation, and maybe a key free agent signing, oh and injury prevention
4.) All Tartan trades have targeted acquiring young talent, and surprisingly their big league club was still competitive.
* Just wait until the new kids come up and then it is on like Donkey Kong.
5.) Both impact rookies this season played superb.
* Compliments RF Juan Machado and C Esteban Macias.
6.) The Tartans have only two large contracts remaining from when new ownership took over the club and both those contracts are gone after next season.
7.) Winning without talent at the big league level has taught management some key strategies that will be further utilized in the coming years. Trust me.
8.) We can brag all day about the balance in the Tartans farm system.
* I.E. the layout of the key prospects covering every position. (Except, 1st Base. But you better beleive that that will be resolved during the next draft, in which the Tartans will have a coveted top 10 pick, yeah they have worked hard for that pick.)
1.) All five teams are in the 2nd round of the playoffs or farther.
2.) The Tartans are sweeping the AA awards voting:
* AL AA MVP Award: Top 4 finalists are Tartans
* AL AA Cy Young: Top 3 finalists are Tartans
* AL AA Newcomer of the Year: Top 4 finalists are Tartans
* AL AA Fireman of the Year: CL Dean Cloud (a Tartan)
* AL AA Silver Slugger Awards: 6 0f the 9 Awards go to Tartans
3.) Tartan's Big League Payroll Next Season is currently under $15 million
* I.E. lots of cash to spend on Coaching, Talent Evaluation, and maybe a key free agent signing, oh and injury prevention
4.) All Tartan trades have targeted acquiring young talent, and surprisingly their big league club was still competitive.
* Just wait until the new kids come up and then it is on like Donkey Kong.
5.) Both impact rookies this season played superb.
* Compliments RF Juan Machado and C Esteban Macias.
6.) The Tartans have only two large contracts remaining from when new ownership took over the club and both those contracts are gone after next season.
7.) Winning without talent at the big league level has taught management some key strategies that will be further utilized in the coming years. Trust me.
8.) We can brag all day about the balance in the Tartans farm system.
* I.E. the layout of the key prospects covering every position. (Except, 1st Base. But you better beleive that that will be resolved during the next draft, in which the Tartans will have a coveted top 10 pick, yeah they have worked hard for that pick.)
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