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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
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Post by steveofbradenton on Jul 14, 2015 7:27:55 GMT -5
Maybe I missed it, but was there ever an update on Joe Kelly's forearm? Wondering the same exact thing. I may have missed what ailed Brian Johnson that one start also. Pawtucket is being very secretive lately. LOL. I still want Kelly in a relief role for the 2nd half. The pen is just as big of a problem. I voted for Johnson and Wright. Masterson will probably give us some positive results in relief. I think Kelly could really help coming in for an inning or two. Super excited about watching Johnson get a shot. This season will end up as a positive even if we don't make the playoffs, if we were able to develop TWO young starters and get Miley and Porcello consistent (in a positive way!). In their own ways presently they are consistent. I'm looking for a different definition. |
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Jul 14, 2015 7:18:32 GMT -5
Does anyone know why Andrew Benintendi is not playing? Really have missed seeing his name in the box score.
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Jul 13, 2015 18:14:32 GMT -5
Sarasoxer and Steve, I just wanted to say that I love you guys! Love you man! Things are getting a little mushy on this board. |
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Jul 13, 2015 15:07:01 GMT -5
I was at the game (as was SteveofBradenton) and got several peeks at the pitching chart. Espinoza topped at 100 mph with several others at 98. It appeared that he operated with the FB 93-97. Unless the gun was brought by his agent, earlier velocity reports appear accurate. His curve was about 72 with not a lot of break. One of the two hits off him was a ringing double to left on very much a hanger. Jagger Rusconi played second displaying quickness and a strong arm. A switch hitter I only saw him bat left-handed. He hit the ball sharply several times. "Jag" has been playing ball since he was five and has been on traveling teams that played as far away as Arizona in the summers. His proud parents, living in the L.A. area, are here for several weeks to follow him. Girlfriend, Haley, is a gymnast and competitive cheerleader and was also present to lend support. Apparently John Valentin was also at the game for a couple of innings to watch his son although neither Steve nor I had a chance to talk with him. Yes John Valentin was at the game and was taking some video of his son. He still is in good shape and probably could play left field better than some other ex-shortstop we all know (Hanley is looking somewhat better) even now. Young Valentin is indeed 5'6" and very fast. Hopefully he will grow into John's size. As Ken (Sarasoxer) said above Espinoza threw well, but he threw his secondary stuff a lot more than the last time I reported. It seemed like they were wanting him to focus more on that aspect. He got a little tense in one of the innings and started walking some guys. He actually had the bases loaded at one point. Most of his contact was very weak, but both the double and single were well struck. The "hanger" Sarasoxer mentioned was just that, but the single up the middle to the right hand side was off his fastball. Having some difficult situations like these has to help him down the road. Jaggar's mom, dad, and girl friend were real nice and weathered the Florida humidity quite well. Haley is going to go to the University of Oregon. I mentioned I loved the way they play football and that they have the best looking cheerleaders in the land. As Ken said.....it is all my fault and I accept my punishment. Please no wet noodles! As to the question if he is ready to be promoted, he needs time to work on his secondary stuff and mix it effectively with his beautiful fastball. |
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Jul 13, 2015 15:03:10 GMT -5
How'd our boy pitch today? I was at the game (as was SteveofBradenton) and got several peeks at the pitching chart. Espinoza topped at 100 mph with several others at 98. It appeared that he operated with the FB 93-97. Unless the gun was brought by his agent, earlier velocity reports appear accurate. His curve was about 72 with not a lot of break. One of the two hits off him was a ringing double to left on very much a hanger. Jagger Rusconi played second displaying quickness and a strong arm. A switch hitter I only saw him bat left-handed. He hit the ball sharply several times. "Jag" has been playing ball since he was five and has been on traveling teams that played as far away as Arizona in the summers. His proud parents, living in the L.A. area, are here for several weeks to follow him. Girlfriend, Haley, is a gymnast and competitive cheerleader and was also present to lend support. Apparently John Valentin was also at the game for a couple of innings to watch his son although neither Steve nor I had a chance to talk with him. Yes John Valentin was at the game and was taking some video of his son. He still is in good shape and probably could play left field better than some other ex-shortstop we all know (Hanley is looking somewhat better) even now. Young Valentin is indeed 5'6" and very fast. Hopefully he will grow into John's size. As Ken (Sarasoxer) said above Espinoza threw well, but he threw his secondary stuff a lot more than the last time I reported. It seemed like they were wanting him to focus more on that aspect. He got a little tense in one of the innings and started walking some guys. He actually had the bases loaded at one point. Most of his contact was very weak, but both the double and single were well struck. The "hanger" Sarasoxer mentioned was just that, but the single up the middle to the right hand side was off his fastball. Having some difficult situations like these has to help him down the road. Jaggar's mom, dad, and girl friend were real nice and weathered the Florida humidity quite well. Haley is going to go to the University of Oregon. I mentioned I loved the way they play football and that they have the best looking cheerleaders in the land. |
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Jul 12, 2015 7:38:34 GMT -5
I've read everyone's opinions on Ortiz at first.....and I have to admit you are right. He does not seem to recover fast from a night playing in the field. But with that said, he really should be at first this afternoon with De Aza in left and Hanley DHing. David will have ample time with the break to be fine when the season ramps back up.
But like I said above, you have changed my opinion on him playing first for 2 or 3 times a week. He can't do it. I still would like to see him play first once a week, but that is not going to "solve" the situation entirely. Mike Napoli really should be moved. Mike is not going to help us this season it seems. Even his defense has digressed.
So what to do? Until we move Nap there isn't much we can do with the roster spots. I'm all for giving Nava or Craig a real shot. We can't be any worse that the production we are receiving currently from first base. NO Napoli today John Farrell.
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Jul 11, 2015 16:24:43 GMT -5
I was initially surprised on the timing of bringing up Johnson just before the All-Star break, but the more I thought of it....the more I think it was a good idea to get him over some of the "shakes" and get used to his teammates. He will most definitely be starting one of the 1st games back after the All-Star game is finished, and I'm looking forward to see him compete. I thought Clay was a sure DL candidate, and thought they may bring up a relief arm for the 2 Yank games....but this is better for Johnson.
I like what I'm seeing again from Henry Owens and I can see him getting an opportunity also in the next month. Actual good news about Buchholz.
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Jul 11, 2015 15:22:32 GMT -5
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Jul 10, 2015 18:29:15 GMT -5
Owens wants to throw strikes tonight!! 1st inning completed: 13 pitches, 11 strikes, and he strikes out the side.
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Jul 10, 2015 9:37:06 GMT -5
Greed is REAL good!! Hard not to think that way. That would really send the division in to a tale-spin. Hard to believe the last 3 weeks after the 1st 3 months.
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Jul 10, 2015 9:34:03 GMT -5
I'd like to see a comparison done of Shaw and Moss to Freddie Lynn. LOL!! Lynn is my all time favorite Sox player. 1975 was a good year. |
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Jul 9, 2015 10:32:07 GMT -5
By no means am I advocating a trade of Margot, but he has progressed so nicely in AA I think he can be considered that "top" prospect a team like the Phillies are after for Cole Hamels. I certainly have no idea what kind of offers Philadelphia is getting for their "ace", but a package highlighted at the top with Manuel Margot should make even Amaro at least think. Now I'm not sure Amaro does a lot of "thinking" and I agree with Ken Rosenthal that Amaro WILL BE fired, but an offer like Margot, Owens, and a couple of B prospects may have a decent chance of getting done. Shockingly the Red Sox are back in the race for the AL East. They will have a real good idea after this 3 game Yankee series this week. I didn't think, the way they were playing, that Ben Cherington would be looking to make a big splash by this trading deadline.....but it is getting more and more possible that they will now. |
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Jul 9, 2015 10:18:18 GMT -5
Certainly was hoping for Brakeman to sign, but I can see it from his side. Probably he will have a healthy and much better year in 2016 to get close to his perceived value.
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Jul 9, 2015 10:11:14 GMT -5
Wondering what the rest of you think after David Ortiz's words last night about being too old to play 1st anymore? For me? I'm somewhat disappointed that he feels he needs to sit down and talk with the brass about asking him to play in the field.
This team has FINALLY started playing well with Napoli out of the middle of the line-up and De Aza playing so well, you'd think he could suck it up and volunteer to play first base 2 (maybe 3 times a week) until they get Nava ready and whatever other things they may be looking into to keep Hanley's bat in the line-up but out of left.
I love Papi, but sometimes he can be so "me, me, me".
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Jul 8, 2015 14:01:40 GMT -5
I live in PA now and will be at the Iron Pigs / PawSox game tonight (unless it's rained out). Anybody looking for specific info / pictures, etc?
Give us an update on Joe Kelly's fastball command and if it wavers further into the game tonight. |
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Jul 7, 2015 13:32:41 GMT -5
danr.....one of the things Cherington said a while ago was the goal or idea to put together a team that would compete for many years without having to use free agency to such an extreme. I know many folks want it happening now (or yesterday for that matter), but I'm all for building something that will last for many years. I think, as I think you do, that they have that potential to put together a really exciting and very competitive team in the NEAR future. I'm ecstatic with the progress of Xander, Mookie, and Eduardo. I'm stoked about Swihart showing he is real close. I mentioned several weeks ago, that those 4 could be our Jeter, Bernie Williams, Posada, and Petitte. If 2 of our 6 above average prospects can add strongly to that mix, we have the opportunity of being quite dominant for years. Those top 6 are Margot, Devers, Moncada, Benintendi, Kopech, and Espinoza.
There are even others who could add significantly to our 25-man also. I'm excited!! But I'm also realistic that it may be 2 or 3 years to get to that stage.
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Jul 7, 2015 13:19:11 GMT -5
There's nobody in the Lowell rotation that I wouldn't bump to piggyback duty for Espinoza. Hell, he might be ready for Lowell now, although that Tampa lineup had some sorry looking stats. Should we start taking bets on the date? Pretty sure this would be a first in the John Henry era - no one else I'm aware of has ever moved from DSL to GCL to NYP-L in the same season. I'd actually be surprised if they did it. I'd be surprised myself just because he is 17 and in the states for the 1st time. I could see him move even faster next year if he keeps these video-game lines going. He may just follow Devers path and skip Lowell next season and "start" at Greenville.....with a promotion to Salem in July. The kid is something else, but getting acclimated in the States before promoting may be what happens. Now don't get me wrong, I love having the opportunity to get to see him periodically (here in Florida) but I want him to progress as fast as feasible. It my perfect dream world he would pull a "Gooden" and be in our rotation when he was 20.....but I doubt that would be good for him! |
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Jul 6, 2015 12:14:19 GMT -5
They need at least 2 good relief pitchers. I don't see how it's possible and don't really see any internal solutions, unless ERod has to move there for workload reasons. The Sox are not wanting to do it (at least yet), but Kelly would be helpful and maybe above average in the pen. We all want a young powerful arm like his to be a starter, but it seems to be very hard for him to focus and be consistent for even 5 or 6 innings. For 1 or 2 innings he may be a real weapon. I gather this week will be another "hoop" for Kelly and Brian Johnson to jump through to see who comes out the other end and is our starter after the All Star break. For the entire staff at this moment, Johnson in the rotation and Kelly (and Masterson) in the bullpen makes the most sense probably for the remainder of 2015. Steven Wright should also be brought up and left alone. He could also alleviate some of our troubles in the pen, in long relief, and as a spot starter. Hopefully TODAY Brian Johnson is lights-out and the brass will have little or no qualms about bringing him up after the break. |
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Jul 4, 2015 19:14:40 GMT -5
Andrew Benintendi is the REAL thing. 2 run homer! Boy is he going to be fun to follow.
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Jul 4, 2015 10:41:51 GMT -5
It is time to just figure that certain pitchers are going to help us more in relief this year than a potential starter. Put the best staff together and see what it brings. To me bringing up Brian Johnson after placing him on the 40 is the first move that should be made. What are we waiting for? 8 - 10 games back? Johnson WILL NOT be worse than what has been plugged into that 5th spot this season. It solves also seeing if his stuff plays in the majors. If we can establish Rodriguez and Johnson, that would be by itself a major accomplishment this failed season.
Move Masterson into the pen please!! Bring Kelly up and put him in the pen please! Move Breslow and Ross. Our pen has become ANOTHER weakness because of over-use (which is not Farrell's fault).
Stop screwing around front office and give Brian Johnson a solid opportunity!! We are now at the halfway point and it is time to try someone other than the usual suspects in the rotation.
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Jul 3, 2015 17:37:10 GMT -5
Benny Baseball in the lineup tonight for Lowell...batting 3rd and playing CF. I love following our new toys (err.....prospects). Benny Baseball may stick! |
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Jun 30, 2015 20:23:37 GMT -5
Henry Owens 7.0 1 1 1 2 3 0 3.29
Finally gave up a hit (double) and a SF drove him in. Henry is probably done.
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Jun 30, 2015 19:51:28 GMT -5
Henry Owens has a no hitter after 5 innings and has given up just 1 walk. Just 1 K.
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Jun 30, 2015 17:25:21 GMT -5
Looks like Swihart/JBJ will go back to AAA when Hanigan/ShaneO are ready, per Farrell, with Leon being Buchholz's personal catcher and De Aza/ShaneO platooning in RF. Sending Swihart down is unbelievably stupid. In the last two weeks he has caught in 11 games and has hits in ten of them, and a total of 12 hits during that period. He is getting more and more adjusted, and playing better and better. Going to AAA can't possibly help him. They should be operating for the future. Buchholz could adjust to Hanigan. Leon can't hit. Can't argue against playing De Aza. He has been a great addition. I don't know if he can keep it up, but he has earned the chance. I hate to say it because I don't wish him a bit of harm, but I doubt that Shane will play for the Sox much longer. He'll either get hurt again, which is very probable, or will (should) be included in some package at deadline time. If the Sox win tonight they will have have won one more game than they lost during June, an improvement over May, but that pace is not enough to catch anyone. Boy do I agree danr!! Mid-season is upon us and we still are thinking about DEPTH? Leon is practically and automatic out. Blake Swihart is our future catcher and has played very well over the last 2 to 3 weeks. You can see nightly how he keeps making subtle adjustments to major league pitching. He is becoming a fine receiver and has shown he belongs. It was just yesterday I was thinking Swihart would probably get 3 out of every 5 games when Hanigan came back....and now this. Yes we have played better over the past week, but part of that is because Swihart has consistently improved his all-around game. This kid came up in a very difficult situation and has prospered. It has finally become enjoyable watching the Sox because of Betts, Rodriquez, Xander, and Swihart. These kids, and not the veterans, is why we are improving and succeeding. To me that is a bone-head decision. |
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steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Jun 30, 2015 14:45:19 GMT -5
Arizona Scout? So we're moving him for Paul Goldschmidt? Stewart needs to throw another piece if he wants to have him. Kidding aside, thanks for the report Steve. Yeah I was surprised myself that the Diamondbacks had a scout at this game. I run into scouts all the time, but not one from Arizona. Although I did talk with a Giants scout last year at a GCL game in Sarasota. This guy was very nice and helpful and told me he is covering the Orioles for 5 days before his next assignment which was in the mid-west. I understand after the draft he sort of handles an organization in increments like this. He was certainly impressed with Espinoza! |
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