AngelsWin Today: Prospect Hotlist: Los Angeles Angels Hottest Prospects (6/14/21)

[AngelsWin.com]

Much like the Angels’ major league offense awakening as May turned into June, the same can be said for many of the Angels’ farmhands. The last two weeks saw a number of Angels’ position players, new and old, put up big numbers, and several Angels’ pitchers found themselves moving up to new teams following strong spring starts. 

--Position Players--

1) Matt Thaiss – C/DH/1B, Salt Lake City, AAA:

So far, no Angels’ minor league position has done more to definitively place themselves atop one of these lists than what Matt Thaiss has done. Alternating between catcher and DH over the last two weeks – with one appearance at 1B – Thaiss has put his well-balanced offensive profile on display, showing strong contact (14 hits in 10 games), discipline (6 walks to 9 strikeouts), and power (four doubles, two triples, five home runs), good for a .359/.457/.949/1.405 slash, while also driving in runs (13), stealing a base, and throwing out three baserunners – his first in his pro career since converting back to catcher. Despite this, there isn’t a clear path to Anaheim at the moment for Thaiss, and it’s likely in his (and the Angels) best interest that he continues getting reps behind the plate at SLC, as well as regular playing time. Should the Angels find themselves buyer, Thaiss’ versatility, ability behind the plate, offensive profile, and MLB-readiness could make him an attractive deadline option – or an easy promotion should they part ways with Kurt Suzuki at some point.

Matt Thaiss with a 2-run HR to give the Salt Lake Bees a 6-2 lead

That is Thaiss’ 3rd straight game with a HR pic.twitter.com/7oQ9MmrAw9

— Angels MiLB (@AngelsMiLB) June 11, 2021

Matt Thaiss throws out a runner trying to steal second base pic.twitter.com/d2S1Trr5LH

— Angels MiLB (@AngelsMiLB) June 13, 2021

2021 (SLC, AAA): .327/.435/.655/1.090 with 6 doubles, 3 triples, 8 HR, 24 RBI, 18 BB, 34 K in 30 G/131 PA, 33% CS%

 

2) Luis Rengifo – SS/2B, Salt Lake City, AAA:

Following right behind Thaiss, Rengifo has also put his varied skill set on display of late. Like Thaiss, Rengifo has demonstrated strong contact skills (17 hits in 10 games), discipline (3 walks to 8 strikeouts), and power, equating Jo Adell’s output over the last two weeks; two double, two triples, and four home runs, giving Rengifo a .395/.435/.814/1.249 slash in June. Settling in as the everday SS in SLC leads one to believe the Angels might see him as the everyday SS starting in 2022, or perhaps sooner if they find themselves taking offers for Jose Iglesias as the summer trade deadline nears. Much like Thaiss, Rengifo could find himself mentioned in trade talks should the Angels wind up buyers.

Luis Rengifo thought leading off with a home run was so much fun yesterday he did it again today pic.twitter.com/DDHSZda6iU

— Salt Lake Bees (@SaltLakeBees) June 13, 2021

2021 (SLC, AAA): .302/.371/.519/.890 with 7 doubles, 3 triples, 5 HR, 17 RBI, 12 BB, 21 K, 7-11 in SB attempts in 33 G/143 PA

 

3) Jo Adell – OF, Salt Lake City, AAA:

Adell shifted over to CF for the first time this season, drawing six starts in the last ten games while also seeing time in the corners, leading one to believe the Angels might be prepping him to get a look while Trout is on the IL, and Adell’s recent performance at the plate has done nothing to quiet those whispers; relying primarily on his plus-plus power, Adell has slugged.791 in June so far, adding 2 doubles, 2 triples to his 2021 campaign, as well 4 more HR to his minor league lead of 15. Plate discipline remains elusive however as Adell hasn’t drawn a walk since May 20^th, but he has trimmed his strikeouts to something tolerable – 14 in 10 games. Still, Adell remains one of the more imposing sources of prospect power and his athleticism could cause the Angels to look past the swing-and-miss issues and give him another shot to contribute sooner rather than later.

Is it Groundhog Day? Because Jo Adell just hit another one. pic.twitter.com/D9wsKceMfI

— Salt Lake Bees (@SaltLakeBees) June 6, 2021

2021 (SLC, AAA): .277/.325/.667/.991 with 6 doubles, 2 triples, 15 HR, 30 RBI, 6 BB, 50 K, 3-4 in SB attempts in 32 G/151 PA

 

4) Izzy Wilson – RF/LF, Rocket City, AA:

Who? You’re forgiven if the Angels’ minor league signing of former Braves prospect Isranel ‘Izzy’ Wilson didn’t catch your eye this past winter, but the 6’3”, lefty-swinging hyper-toolsy outfielder who drew occasional comps to Christian Pache and Ronald Acuna Jr. has turned a corner since June began. Wilson’s .406/.472/.906/1.378 slash puts him behind Matt Thaiss for second-highest OPS since June 1, largely in part to the five home runs he added, giving him 10 on the season, right behind Jo Adell for most on the Angels farm. Wilson also demonstrated decent discipline (4 BB, 10 K) and overcome a slow start to show improved contact as well (13 hits in 36 PA), and oh yeah, he swiped four bases as well. The Saint Maarten native is showing all the characteristics of a late-blooming prospect, given he’s still on 23 and playing in a competitive league against older players. Definitely one to watch.

Izzy Wilson with his 2nd HR of the game to tie the game at 4 for the Rocket City Trash Pandas pic.twitter.com/FiKbU4BO8c

— Angels MiLB (@AngelsMiLB) June 11, 2021

Izzy Wilson with his third HR in the last two games, this one a 3-run HR to give the Rocket City Trash Pandas a 3-0 lead pic.twitter.com/WknwHH3Boo

— Angels MiLB (@AngelsMiLB) June 11, 2021

2021 (RCT, AA): .224/.325/.514/.839 with 1 doubles, 10 HR, 19 RBI, 15 BB, 42 K, 8-11 in SB attempts in 31 G/123 PA

 

5) Jeremiah Jackson – SS, Inland Empire, A:

Another Angel happy to see May come to an end, Jeremiah Jackson has once again lit up pitching, posting a robust .351/.442/.676/1.118 slash over the last two weeks – buoyed by an unsustainable .550 BABIP. That said, two of the primary concerns for Jackson – whether his light-tower power would translate after a historic showing in the Pioneer League and if he could improve his plate discipline – are seemingly being addressed, as Jackson mashed four doubles, a triple, and two homers over his last ten games, as well as drawing six walks to 15 strikeouts, perfectly respectable for a middle-of-the-order run producer. Jackson added 13 RBI over the last two weeks, giving him 34 on the season, good for 3^rd atop the MILB RBI leaderboards. Jackson collected the Low-A West Player of the Week as well. With the strong performances of Paris, Jackson, and Rengifo, the Angels SS depth on the farm looks to be in good shape for the short and long-term future.

2021 (IE, AA): .231/.319/.463/.782 with 8 doubles, 1 triple, 6 HR, 34 RBI, 17 BB, 50 K, 7-9 in SB attempts in 32 G/141 PA

 

Honorable mention, hitters:
Braxton Martinez (1B, IE A): .357/.500/.690/1.190 with 5 2B, 3 HR, 11 BB, 8 K in 12 G/54 PA – age (27) kept him from the Top 5 this time
Preston Palmeiro (1B/LF/2B, SLC AAA): .292/.370/.625/.995 with 2 2B, 2 HR – benefitting from hitter-friendly parks, or did Rafael’s son find something?
Scott Schebler (OF, SLC AAA): .325/.372/.600/.972 with 5 2B, 2 HR – just keeps on hitting
Dalton Pompey (OF, RCT AA): .303/.361/.576/.937 with 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 3 BB, 4 K in 9 G/36 PA – former Top 100 prospect off to strong start at AA
Mitch Nay (3B, RCT AA): .257/.422/.514/.937 with 3 2B, 2 HR, 8 BB, 7 K in 11 G/45 PA – former first rounder keeps slugging, getting on-base
Michael Stefanic (2B/3B, SLC AAA): .229/.325/.514/.839 with 2B, 3 HR, 3 BB, 8 K – AAA parks adding some HRs to Stefanic’s game

Gavin Cecchini (2B/SS, RCT AA): .267/.313/.511/.824 with 2 2B, 3 HR, 3 BB, 7 K – another former 1^st rounder hitting well in AA

Torii Hunter, Jr. (OF, RCT AA): .276/.344/.483/.827 with 3 2B, HR, 3 BB – evolving into a solid 4^th OF option

--Pitchers--

1) Ryan Smith - LHP, Tri-City, A+:

Following another dominating performance at Low-A Inland Empire (6 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K on June 3^rd), southpaw Ryan Smith was the next IE SP to earn a promotion to Hi-A Tri-City, and didn’t miss a step, spinning another strong, nearly unblemished 6 inning start, surrendering zero runs, two hits, one walk, and striking out 9. All told, Smith’s 12 IP of 0.75 ERA ball, with a BAA of .100 and 2 BB to 16 K earns him the top pitching placement on this edition. At 5’11””” and drafted in the 18^thRound out of Princeton, Smith is an interesting arm to watch as he advances – more a pitcher than a thrower, he’s balanced, competitive, cerebral approach could make him a strong dark-horse SP prospect if this continues now that he’s facing more age-appropriate competition. 

2021 (IE A/TC A+): 1.34 ERA, 0.71 WHIP, .139 BAA, 3 HR allowed, 8 BB, 53 K across 33.2 IP in 6 G/5 GS

2) Davis Daniel - RHP, Tri-City, A+:

Yet to hit a bump this season, righty Davis Daniel might be making a case for being the Angels’ second-best SP prospect Reid Detmers, at least if weighing the candidates by MLB-readiness. Daniel added two more starts to his first pro season, which is also the same number of hits he allowed – only two across 12 IP, along with zero runs, four walks, and 16 strikeouts. Daniel’s strong play earned him the High-A West Pitcher of the Week, and a promotion to AA Rocket City, behind recent fellow righty Aaron Hernandez, could be in the near future. At age 24, there’s a reasonable chance Daniel pitches his way onto the MLB staff by end of the year, especially if the Halos wind up sellers and move multiple arms from the rotation and bullpen.

Davis Daniel today for the Tri-City Dust Devils: 7 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB’s, 8 K’s.

Daniel had a no-hitter through 6.1 innings.

Here are his 8 K’s: pic.twitter.com/wRvdsJ3FC4

— Angels MiLB (@AngelsMiLB) June 10, 2021

2021 (TC A+): 2.35 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, .171 BAA, 1 HR allowed, 16 BB, 41 K across 30.2 IP in 6 G/6 GS

3) Kyle Tyler - RHP, Rocket City, AA:

Steady as ever, Rocket City righty Kyle Tyler maintained his strong season over his last three starts, despite one of them being lackluster. That start was bookended with two gems: an 8 IP, 4 H, ER, BB, 7 K performance against Chattanooga and a 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, BB, 7 K showing against Tennessee, giving Tyler 17.2 IP of 1.53 ERA ball, allowing a .161 BAA and 5 BB to 15 K. Fangraphs recently noted that Tyler’s velocity has ticked up a few miles since ’19, now hitting 92-95 with some carry, improving his chances at moving into the MLB depth charts as at least an up-and-down spot starter. Perhaps a move to relief could spike the velocity even further…

2021 (RCT AA): 2.08 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, .199 BAA, 3 HR allowed, 12 BB, 38 K across 39 IP in 7 G/7 GS

4) Jaime Barria - RHP, Salt Lake City AAA:

His performance is sort of the pitching equivalent to Matt Thaiss or Luis Rengifo; not good enough yet to crack the big-league club, but impressive despite the park conditions. Posting a 0.90 ERA and .176 across two starts on a Salt Lake staff is noteworthy even if it didn’t come with eye-opening peripherals, but that’s Jaime Barria. Not flashy, not dominant, but durable and effective. Due to roster shuffling, Barria has only made 6 appearances on the season between SLC and Anaheim, but his inability to crack a faulty Angels staff could garner some interest if the Angels pursue rental help at the deadline. Cheap, durable pitching under control always has some demand, and if Barria can’t find it here, the Angels might be better served seeing what they can get for him. Additionally, he could find himself a late-summer fixture in Anaheim should the Angels sell.

Gran trabajo de Jaime Barria hoy en Triple A con los Angelinos. Trabajó
4.0EL
4H
1CL
1BB
2K
3.20PCL pic.twitter.com/mKCyvqIN2r

— MLBPTYOFICIAL (@mlbptyoficial) June 14, 2021

2021 (SLC, AAA): 3.20 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 23 H 4 HR allowed, 2 BB, 11 K across 19.2 IP in 4 G/4 GS

5) Jack Dashwood - LHP, Inland Empire:

Perhaps overlooked by some of the more dazzling performances by Inland Empire arms such as Brent Killam, Ryan Smith, and Jose Salvador is the efforts so far by 6’6” lefty Jack Dashwood. The 23 year old, a 12^th rounder from the 2019 draft, has been versatile as he’s been effective. Over the last two weeks, Dashwood has made three appearances – one start and twice as a multi-inning reliever – adding 11.1 IP of 0.79 ERA ball to his first pro season. But what’s more notable is what Dashwood hasn’t allowed – a walk. Across seven games on the year, Dashwood has now thrown 26 IP while striking out 35 and walking zero Tally in 21 hits allowed, and Dashwood’s WHIP stands at a shiny 0.81. With some fellow southpaws promoted to Tri-City in Killam and Smith, there’s a chance Dashwood picks up more appearances now as a starter, where he could continue in their footsteps. 

2021 (IE, A): 2.77 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, .214 BAA, 2 HR allowed, 0 BB, 35 K across 26 IP in 7 G/2 GS

Honorable mention, pitchers:
Reid Detmers (LHP, RCT AA): 11 IP, 0.82 ERA, .179 BAA, 3 BB, 16 K in 2 G/2 GS – a hard luck bump from the Top 5, but wanted to get some new names in, and this performance is to be expected from Detmers now
Aaron Hernandez (RHP, TC A+/RCT AA): 10 IP, 3.60 ERA, .167 BAA, 7 BB, 12 K in 2 G/2 GS– earned first AA start
Jake Faria (RHP, SLC, AAA): 11.1 IP, 3.18 ERA, .200 BAA, 6 BB, 17 K in 2 G/2 GS– strong strikeout numbers and a recent stinginess allowing runs could earn him a spot in Anaheim
Dakota Donovan (RHP, IE A): 5.2 IP, 0.00 ERA, .227 BAA, 5 H, 3 BB, 11 K in 4 G
Tim Peterson (RHP, SLC AAA): 5.1 IP, 1.69 ERA, .118 BA, 0 BB, 7 K in 4 G – great relief numbers to in AAA so far 
AJ Ramos (RHP, SLC AAA): 4.2 IP, 1.93 ERA, .176 BAA, 2 BB, 7 K in 4 G – one-time closer providing strong relief in AAA as well 
Connor Higgins (LHP, RCT AA): 4 IP, 2.25 ERA, .294 BAA, 3 BB, 4 K in 4 G
Adam Seminaris (LHP, IE A): 6.1 IP, 4.26 ERA, .280 BAA, 0 BB, 10 K in 2 G/1 GS – strong return to action from ’20 draftee

 

View the full article

[stormngt]

Jaimie Barria:

"performance is sort of the pitching equivalent to Matt Thaiss or Luis Rengifo; not good enough yet to crack the big-league club, but impressive despite the park conditions."

4.02 ERA as a starter in MLB

career ERA+ is better than both Canning and Heaney per baseball reference. 

that should have been enough to have a spot in our rotation.

 

[Docwaukee]

1 minute ago, stormngt said:

Jaimie Barria:

"performance is sort of the pitching equivalent to Matt Thaiss or Luis Rengifo; not good enough yet to crack the big-league club, but impressive despite the park conditions."

4.02 ERA as a starter in MLB

career ERA+ is better than both Canning and Heaney per baseball reference. 

that should have been enough to have a spot in our rotation.

 

lol

[Docwaukee]

Jaime Barria saved @stormngt 's cat from a tree.  When he wins the cy young, I'll chip in to pay for Storm to be on the field during his trophy presentation.  

[stormngt]

1 minute ago, Dochalo said:

Jaime Barria saved @stormngt 's cat from a tree.  When he wins the cy young, I'll chip in to pay for Storm to be on the field during his trophy presentation.  

Never said he was going to be a cy young.  I have said he deserves to be in the rotation.

And he does.  Stats back that up.  Sorry you do nit like it.  But as I was mocked before the season:  Barria has been screwed.  I hope they trade him. 

[Docwaukee]

BTW, I think it's clear that Thaiss, Rengifo and Barria have done everything they can in the minors and it's time to see whether they're AAAA guys or legit major leaguers.  

Also, doesn't that combo seem like something some other team would give up in trade to get a top of the rotation starter but not the Angels?

[jsnpritchett]

5 minutes ago, Dochalo said:

BTW, I think it's clear that Thaiss, Rengifo and Barria have done everything they can in the minors and it's time to see whether they're AAAA guys or legit major leaguers.  

Also, doesn't that combo seem like something some other team would give up in trade to get a top of the rotation starter but not the Angels?

I don't know about that.  Seems like if someone trades a top of the rotation guy, they generally want to get back at least someone with some real upside.  I'm not sure any of Thaiss, Rengifo, or Barria have that.  All could be useful pieces at the major league level for sure--but none seem like they have breakout potential.

[eligrba]

16 minutes ago, stormngt said:

Jaimie Barria:

"performance is sort of the pitching equivalent to Matt Thaiss or Luis Rengifo; not good enough yet to crack the big-league club, but impressive despite the park conditions."

4.02 ERA as a starter in MLB

career ERA+ is better than both Canning and Heaney per baseball reference. 

that should have been enough to have a spot in our rotation.

 

I would much rather see Barria getting starts than Cobb/Canning. It would probably help Canning to get some starts at AAA to iron some things out.

[Revad]

Awesome read, btw.

[Docwaukee]

Just now, stormngt said:

Never said he was going to be a cy young.  I have said he deserves to be in the rotation.

And he does.  Stats back that up.  Sorry you do nit like it.  But as I was mocked before the season:  Barria has been screwed.  I hope they trade him. 

I know you haven't said that.  And I know you have a tough time picking up sarcasm.   He's not being screwed.  He's the the exact type of guy teams keep in their minors in case shit happens.  He's depth because he's pretty good, is young, and has options.  He profiles long term as a 5/swing.  I know you're argument is that he's better than that but you're not gonna win that against baseball.  It's just the way it is and most teams have a Jaime Barria.  Solid performance.  Meh projection. 

Here's an example of why.  Alex Cobb costs the Angels almost nothing  (with deferred money).  Probably in the range of a couple mil.  He's been really good in a former life as an actual #3 or better starter.  The lure of fixing a guy with that type of upside will always push Barria down because teams will never see him as a guy who has upside beyond a 5/swing.  I don't necessarily disagree about giving Barria a shot over Cobb but you're never going to win that argument to people in mlb.  They view Barria as slightly better than someone they can get for a little more than the min only because they can keep him in he minors per the rules.  

[Docwaukee]

12 minutes ago, jsnpritchett said:

I don't know about that.  Seems like if someone trades a top of the rotation guy, they generally want to get back at least someone with some real upside.  I'm not sure any of Thaiss, Rengifo, or Barria have that.  All could be useful pieces at the major league level for sure--but none seem like they have breakout potential.

That was sarcasm relative to the Cole trade.  I should have qualified by saying that the one of the players would become a stud after being traded again or hit FAcy.  

 

[stormngt]

49 minutes ago, eligrba said:

I would much rather see Barria getting starts than Cobb/Canning. It would probably help Canning to get some starts at AAA to iron some things out.

I also think he is better than Heaney.  Barria isnt great but he would be a consistent 5.  Heaney talented enough to be at least a 3 but pitchers like a 5.

Edited June 15, 2021 by stormngt

[stormngt]

40 minutes ago, Dochalo said:

I know you haven't said that.  And I know you have a tough time picking up sarcasm.   He's not being screwed.  He's the the exact type of guy teams keep in their minors in case shit happens.  He's depth because he's pretty good, is young, and has options.  He profiles long term as a 5/swing.  I know you're argument is that he's better than that but you're not gonna win that against baseball.  It's just the way it is and most teams have a Jaime Barria.  Solid performance.  Meh projection. 

Here's an example of why.  Alex Cobb costs the Angels almost nothing  (with deferred money).  Probably in the range of a couple mil.  He's been really good in a former life as an actual #3 or better starter.  The lure of fixing a guy with that type of upside will always push Barria down because teams will never see him as a guy who has upside beyond a 5/swing.  I don't necessarily disagree about giving Barria a shot over Cobb but you're never going to win that argument to people in mlb.  They view Barria as slightly better than someone they can get for a little more than the min only because they can keep him in he minors per the rules.  

When your starting pitching struggles like ours we should be going with the most consistent pitcher.  Over three years he has put performed both Heaney and Canning.  He was the 2nd best pitcher in 2018 and 2020.  You do  not keep that in AAA over guys he has outpitched.

[totdprods]

1 hour ago, Dochalo said:

BTW, I think it's clear that Thaiss, Rengifo and Barria have done everything they can in the minors and it's time to see whether they're AAAA guys or legit major leaguers.  

Also, doesn't that combo seem like something some other team would give up in trade to get a top of the rotation starter but not the Angels?

I read the other day that a lot of teams are hesitant to part with their MLB-ready AAA depth because of the plethora of injuries and COVID issues. That makes it hard for the Angels to sell, because that’s the type of player we’ve targeted when selling of late…

And in my opinion, that also makes guys like Barria, Thaiss, and Rengifo more valuable, because some teams could plug them right in. And I don’t think losing any of them would really mar the Angels long-term plans. 

Conversely, should the Angels sell, they have internal replacements right there for the rotation, SS, and back-up C.

[totdprods]

I like Barria a lot because he’s a gamer and for the most part, he puts up a steady 5 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K kinda game. It seems like 80% of his starts fall close to that. He’s probably not going to give you a 4.02 ERA, but I doubt he’s 6+ ERA bad either.

Not enough to be a quality starter, but not bad either. He’d be a good #5 for a budget conscious team like Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Kansas City, current day Texas, Cincy, Minnesota, Detroit…the kind of guy you hope turns into an innings-eater that you eventually flip for a couple lotto ticks at a seller’s deadline. 

[totdprods]

1 hour ago, Vlad27Trout27 said:

what's the word on Smith? whats his upside?

I haven’t been able to see enough of him to really pin down a good scouting report or come up with any projections I’d be comfortable with. He’s performing well but I’d put him at a Packy Naughton/Dillon Peters type for now when it comes to future projection. 

[wopphil]

2 hours ago, totdprods said:

I like Barria a lot because he’s a gamer and for the most part, he puts up a steady 5 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K kinda game. It seems like 80% of his starts fall close to that. He’s probably not going to give you a 4.02 ERA, but I doubt he’s 6+ ERA bad either.

Not enough to be a quality starter, but not bad either. He’d be a good #5 for a budget conscious team like Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Kansas City, current day Texas, Cincy, Minnesota, Detroit…the kind of guy you hope turns into an innings-eater that you eventually flip for a couple lotto ticks at a seller’s deadline. 

Gotta wonder if Barria gets a chance with Bundy’s latest disaster. He can’t be worse. 

[Docwaukee]

3 hours ago, stormngt said:

When your starting pitching struggles like ours we should be going with the most consistent pitcher.  Over three years he has put performed both Heaney and Canning.  He was the 2nd best pitcher in 2018 and 2020.  You do  not keep that in AAA over guys he has outpitched.

If you're trying to convince me, you don't have to.  I'm totally fine with putting him in there.  

[Chuck]

10 hours ago, wopphil said:

Gotta wonder if Barria gets a chance with Bundy’s latest disaster. He can’t be worse. 

I agree. He's currently boasting a 3.20 ERA in the hitting friendly PCL. 

I'm about done with Bundy and the Angels should be too. 

[stormngt]

2 hours ago, Chuckster70 said:

I agree. He's currently boasting a 3.20 ERA in the hitting friendly PCL. 

I'm about done with Bundy and the Angels should be too. 

Bundy career ERA+ 95

Barria career ERA+ 100

[Chuck]

I have to say, I'm really intrigued with this Izzy Wilson kid. A scouting report on him a couple years ago. 

[tdawg87]

3 hours ago, stormngt said:

Bundy career ERA+ 95

Barria career ERA+ 100

This time I'll support you.

Bundy has been absolute trash and I think he's just about pitched his way out of the rotation. His FIP is awful, too so it's not just bad luck.

If you want to compete you can't have a dude with a 7+ ERA starting every 5 days.

[Erstad Grit]

Great read. 

Feeling like we missed a BIG opportunity last season to trade Bundy. 

[rageous]

Has Thaiss defense been good enough to be backup to Stassi this year in the majors?

[Revad]

Probably not.  Which was from me: no.