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.
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