8/25 ML Gameday Thread: DSL Playoff Game 2

1) I find it very weird that both Greenville and Lowell haven't announced their starters for tomorrow. I don't necessarily think there's anything to read into that (it's surely not Espinoza or anything exciting), but just weird. Both clubs have been announcing their starters only for the current and eventually next series, but this is mid-series.

2) Looking at the SAL standings to see how the Drive are doing (1.5 back), and noticed that Savannah has won 18 games in a row. Wow.

Another thing to consider when looking at GCL and DSL stats - teams don't play outside of their divisions (I'm certain of this in GCL, less certain in DSL, but it looks like it). If the other teams in the division, say, suck at hitting, then yeah, every pitcher's going to look like the next Cy Young. Alternatively, if none of the pitchers can throw strikes, all of the hitters will be getting on base at a .400 clip.

It's quite possible that this Yankees1 lineup is light years better than anything the Sox2 pitchers have seen this year.

A division, I might add, that has four teams. If the other three teams all suck... there ya go.

Here are some photos of Raudes during today's game in Sarasota at Ed Smith Stadium. His high velocity today was 92, but he threw over 40% breaking balls. He INSISTED on throwing his curve on any count.....therefore the high walk total. Great mound presence. REALLY skinny dude, but easily has the potential to add 20 "good" pounds. According to the Red Sox pitcher (Watt) I talked to, he has less of a pitch limit than our friend Anderson Espinoza because he actually started in the DSL later. He marveled at a 17 year old who had so much faith in his secondary stuff. To me Raudes' mechanics are somewhat violent. I'm sure the extra weight will add some velo, but his willingness to mix up his pitches is impressive.

I enjoyed watching our stream of 17-year olds today of Yomar Valentin, Yoan Aybar, and Nicholos Hamilton. All 3 are athletic and have some potential. Hamilton hit the ball real hard twice with nothing to show for it. Aybar is a stick but puts good wood on the ball and was very impressive in his steal of 2nd as the throw was right on the bag. I also like our young catcher who is all of 18 in Noviello . Threw a couple of "seeds" to 2nd and look good at bat.

Valentin's error was a throwing error in which he went in the hole to his right, back-handed the ball nicely, and then proceeded to show off his arm by throwing it into the stands behind 1st. Strong arm, but he rushed. All these kids have potential. I could see all of them except Aybar stay in the GCL next season, but who knows.

You have long arms

Thanks for the pics and report, Steve!

By the way, question for you, johnsilver or whoever - do you know if Carlos Tovar ever actually left the club when he was "sent" back to the DSL this season? We've guessed that this was just a paper move, but I was just wondering if either of you had noticed. Same with whether Kevin Kelleher is still with them now (he's technically on the Lowell roster, but I'm assuming he's just working out whatever kinks there were that led to his completely forgetting where the strike zone is).

Sorry Chris.....I did not see either of these players.

Yeah I bet Ken!! I love Florida, but there will not be any real relief until the middle of October. Hope ya all have a good time in New England.