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Post by ramireja on Feb 22, 2015 15:33:29 GMT -5
The frustration and harsh judgements regarding Ball stem from the fact that he was the #7 pick. I think everyone would be totally fine with his development and happy with the progress made if he were picked towards the backend of the first round in 2013 (somewhere near where Kopech was picked). Ball may certainly develop into a major leaguer, and yes that progress may be slow, but its tough to shake the idea that we took such an uncertain project with our highest draft pick in years. Granted it was a poor draft, but at the time I had Meadows, Shipley, and Dom Smith clearly ahead of Ball in my personal rankings. All that said, I'm all for Ball and obviously rooting for him to take another step forward this year.
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steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,823
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Post by steveofbradenton on Feb 22, 2015 15:50:06 GMT -5
Seen both of them in the GCL, but not sure anyone can make that call then or now. Ball was disappointing in his few innings for the GCL team.....but it probably means zip. I was really getting worried about Ball after the first few months last year, but was pleased to see a candle (maybe not a light-bulb) come on over the last 6 weeks. He is still so young and so behind kids from places like Florida, Texas, and California. I was immediately impressed with Michael Kopech last year. I get the mechanics thing, but the kid does light the gun up. If I had to chose, I'd take Kopech....just because I am real partial to guys who can get swings and misses.
If and when Trey Ball starts putting people away by getting more K's, I may change my mind, but we all need to wait some. Ball IS quite athletic. He does move really well for someone 6 foot 6 inches. I wouldn't be surprised if he starts to "get it". I think we all on this site have hopes for seeing a #7 draft choice dominant. I want to see more of that in 2015.
Either way, I do like both and look forward to following their progress this season a lot! It sure would be nice to see us develop our own ace some day.
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Post by baseball24 on Feb 25, 2015 11:45:34 GMT -5
Trey Ball is a great athlete...and is raw as they come...we all were told that he was going to be a project. He basically was an outfielder learning how to pitch. It amazes me that people do not understand about player development and what goes along with it...they just read the scoreboard and form an opinion. I think it will be great if he started out at Greenville and makes his way to Salem this year. Boston is no hurry to rush this kid. Just wait if you can...this kid will be something....dont underestimate him.
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Post by tonyc on Feb 25, 2015 22:43:21 GMT -5
This is somewhat reminiscent of- does anyone recall this?- roughly 10 years ago there were pages of scouting projections on Jon Lester and Johnathan Papelbon. Even though Papelbon at the time seemed to have more of a wipeout type of arsenal, scouts liked Lester's overall repertoire and his being a lefty. It was very close overall. Some similarities, no? If only one of these two becomes some fraction of one of the previous pair, we can smile.
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