Cutnpaste: - A-Rod vs. David, Obie, Joe Smith, and Matt Harvey



Mack Ade

 A-Rod vs. David:

We had some interesting discussion on my Alex Rodriguez post a few days ago, so I thought I would post an article on one of the topics discussed. My article asked if Alex Rodriguez is a first round pick in 2011? I included who I would include as my first round picks in 2011, but did leave out Ryan Braun. I also left out Alex Rodriguez, but included David Wright. - faketeams.










Obie:
How many times will Obie let them pass him over before he tries to go elsewhere, I haven't heard much about him making the major league coaching staff. I think Obie is a very good developmental manager ( from what I read) but I could also understand him saying that it's time to go, if he's offered Buffalo again - hMets Fever  

Joe Smith:
Smitty? Minor league deal? No deal at all? He was one of their best relievers last season. He was sent down at the beginning of the season to fix his mechanics so that might throw some people off. But, if you look, you'll see once he came back he was pretty dominant. Most of his bad outings were when the rest of the bullpen was also falling apart. He still had his struggles against left-handed batters but that's expected. Who was the last right-handed side-armer did consistently well against lefties? His main job was to get righties out and that's what he did. Righties hit .160 against him this year, the best of his career after having three years of .190 or above. He's improved and he's going to continue to improve. He has grown into a pitcher in the American League. Manny Acta also seems to speak very highly of him. The few times he's actually quoted talking about Joe, he only says good things. As long as Manny Acta is the manager I don't see how the Indians can let Joe Smith go. I just don't see how the Indians can not offer him a contract.- mrmetbro  



Matt Harvey:

Opening Day Age: 22 - Estimated Peak WAR: 4.0 - Notes: Harvey was a top prep pitcher but he spurned the Angels’ offer when he fell in the ’07 draft due to signability concerns. His value dropped temporarily in college, but he rebuilt his game and ended up going in the first round of the 2010 draft. He has a whip-y arm action that appears to put stress on his shoulder and elbow, which could lead to injury problems down the road. He has little movement through his trunk and a long stride. Harvey pitches with a three-quarters arm slot more, which is clearly more conducive to throwing a slider than a curveball, which was his best pitch in high school and his freshman season in college. He fights his release point and loses his arm slot, which can cause control problems. His delivery and injury concerns could lead to him moving to the back end of the bullpen where he can focus on his mid-90s fastball and breaking ball. Harvey didn’t pitch in pro ball in 2010 and should open 2011 in high-A ball. - fangraphs