Posted by Jeremy on July 31, 2008 under MLB Trade Analysis, Market Watch | 
Will a move to Chicago bring back that smile?
The trading deadline has come and passed and Ken Griffey Jr. is back in the American League. Cincinnati Reds sent the future 1st ballot HOF’er plus cash to the Chicago White Sox for AAA utility man Danny Richar and relief pitcher Nick Masset. On the surface, this deal looks like a steal for the White Sox, but as you dig deeper, you will find that…well…OK, it was a steal. The Reds, unwilling to spend 4.5 million to buy out Griffey’s final year and reeling from his 2nd half plummet and unkind gestures to former Red and broadcaster Jeff Brantley, took what they could get for Griffey and it wasn’t much.
Market Analysis: Forgive me if I don’t give much analysis for Richar or Masset, who will be role players for the Reds. Griffey’s market status may be a different matter. Or will it be? The White Sox are in the thick of the hunt for the AL Central division lead with the Twins and the Tigers close on their heels. While this trade should rejuvenate Griffey, I don’t think that his numbers (.249 13 HR 49 RBI) are going to improve that much shifting to the AL. Cinergy Field is a left-handed hitter’s paradise that was built with Jr. in mind. This move doesn’t make the White Sox much better in my opinion, as Jr’s AB’s take away from Paul Konerko and Brian Anderson’s playing time. The thought of having Jr. roam CF again is laughable as he has been repeatedly criticized for his diminished range in RF.
Market-wise, Griffey’s autos should see a little more popularity as White Sox nation will be initially jazzed about this move. If you have Griffey RC’s, memorabilia, or autographed cards, SELL, SELL, SELL. Griffey’s bat will not see 700 HR and the White Sox will not be in the World Series.
Final Note: Griffey has a history of backing teams into a corner come trading time. He did so with the Mariners, on the heels of a 55 HR 1999 season, when he refused trades to St. Louis and both of the New York teams. As a result, the M’s received Mike Cameron and 3 marginal prospects from the only team that Griffey stated he would accept a trade to. I find it ironic that that his antics after HR #607, may very well have taken his “beloved” Reds full circle and backed them into a corner at the most inopportune time.
Posted by Jeremy on under Uncategorized |
Lots of action Tuesday night! Here’s a breakdown…
Michael Daniel
- 2-5 2 HR(11) 2 RBI—.333 3 HR 6 RBI last 10 games
Josh Rodriguez
- 3-3 2B R BB—.255 7 HR 44 RBI 62 BB 10 SB (Mediocre season for former Rice SS)
Matt Wieters
- 4-5 HR(21) 5 RBI 2B 2R—.393 3 HR 17 RBI 8BB/3K last 10 games
Nolan Reimold
- 2-4 2R 2B BB—.289 18 HR 59 RBI 48 BB
Zack Daeges
- 4-5 HR(5) 4 RBI 3R 2B BB—.351 2 HR 10 RBI 8R last 10 games
Josh Reddick
- 2-5 HR( 18 ) RBI BB—First HR at AA Portland (.240 BA in 6 games)
J.P. Arencibia
- 2-5 2B 2 RBI R—.308 3 HR 11 RBI 9R last 10 games
Jeremy Hellickson
- 6 IP 3H ER BB 9K—Has been Jekyll/Hyde like since promotion to AA
Lorenzo Cain
- 2-2 HR( 8 ) 2 RBI BB—Played at 3 levels in ‘08 (Likened to Corey Hart)
Ivan DeJesus
- 2-4 2 2B R RBI—.292 2 HR 42 RBI 11 SB 60 BB/65K
Aaron Poreda
- 7 IP 5H 2 ER 2BB 3K—7-7 3.60 84K/125IP over two levels
Jordan Schafer
- 1-4 2B 3 RBI SB( 8 )—.361 7 RBI 12K last 10 games
Tyler Colvin
- 1-4 HR( 8 ) 2 RBI—.234 8 HR 54 RBI (lots of talent that has been reluctant to develop)
Elvis Andrus
- 2-4 HR(3) 2 RBI 2 SB(42)—.294 49 RBI 43 SB at Frisco as a teenager (love this kid!)
Julio Borbon
- 2-5 HR(4) RBI—.304 4 HR 45 RBI 44 SB (one of a trifecta of speed demons at Frisco)
Tommy Everidge
- 4-5 HR(20) 2 RBI—.400 3 HR 14 RBI 18 hits last 10 games
Corey Wimberly
- 2-3 3R 2BB RBI 3 SB(52)—Juan Pierre reincarnated
Daryl Jones
- 3-4 HR( 8 ) 2 RBI 2B—Starting to adjust to AA pitching (4 game hitting streak)
BUY/SELL Analysis
Elvis Andrus came over to the Rangers in the Mark Teixeira trade last season and has blossomed since. Baseball America ranked Andrus as the top prospect in Texas’ farm system for 2008 and he has not disappointed. Playing against older competition, the 19 year old Andrus has hit .294 with 3 HR 49 RBI and 43 SB this season. Andrus has been regarded as a gifted SS with great range, rocket arm, and strong work ethic. Andrus’ 1st year cards can be found in the 2006 Bowman Chrome Prospects and Bowman Sterling sets. Singles from each set can be had at $2.50-3.00 each.
Market Advice: I think Andrus is a future all-star who may get a shot in Texas as early as next spring. With Hank Blalock most likely being bought out of the last year of his contract, the Rangers may consider moving Michael Young to 3rd opening a spot for Andrus. Granted, this is just a prognostication on my part. Regardless, I think that Andrus will play in Arizona this fall, as he does fit into Texas ‘09 plans at some point. BUY his cards liberally and joyfully at less than 3 bucks a pop.
Tags: aaron poreda, corey wimberley, daryl jones, elvis andrus, ivan dejesus, j.p. arencibia, jeremy hellickson, jeremy slayden, jim negrych, jordan schafer, Josh Reddick, Julio Borbon, lorenzo cain, matt wieters, michael daniel, nolan reimold, tommy everidge, tyler colvin, zack daeges
Posted by Jeremy on July 30, 2008 under Uncategorized |
Lots of action from good prospects who were not so good in their brief MLB stints this season. Here’s a peek…
Victor Diaz
- 2-4 2 HR(21) 4 RBI BB—.291 21 HR 76 RBI (Astros castaway reborn in Tacoma)
Luis Valbuena
- 4-4 2 HR(11) 4 RBI—.285 11 HR 51 RBI 45BB/47K over two levels
Brett Hayes
- 3-5 HR(9) 3 RBI—.406 3 HR 8 RBI 10 R last 10 games
Brandon Wood
- 2-4 HR(22) RBI 2R 2B BB—Sizzling over last 10 games (.405 5 HR 7 RBI 11 R)
Joe Koshansky
- 2-5 HR(20) RBI 2R—Is Koshansky the next Ryan Shealy?
Josh Whitesell
- 3-4 HR(20) 4 RBI 2R BB—.318 20 HR 81 RBI .955 OPS
Blake Dewitt
- 3-4 HR(2) 4 RBI BB—Had a full time gig in L.A. for most of the season (I hope you’ve sold already)
Trevor Crowe
- 3-5 HR(6) RBI 3B 3R BB SB(14)—Heating up at AAA
Reid Brignac
- 2-5 HR( 8 ) 3 RBI 2R 2B—Slumping big time since demotion (.184 17 K in last 10 games)
Justin Ruggiano
- 3-4 HR(9) 2 RBI 2 2B 2R—Could be nice 4th OF for someone
Ian Kennedy
- 6 IP 3H ER 3BB 5K—Superb in his last 3 starts 2 ER in 20 IP and 14 K’s
Chris Dickerson
- 1-3 2R 2B 2BB SB(24)—.375 3 HR 7 RBI 8 R 4 SB last 10 games
BUY/SELL Analysis
May be the most invisible 20 HR prospect
Josh Whitesell was completely off of collectors’ radars before the 2008 season. As a member of the Washington Nationals farm system, Whitesell progressed steadily through each level showing good power, and ability to draw walks and high strikeout numbers. Now as a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Whitesell’s production is no different as he is hitting .318 with 20 HR and 81 RBI. Whitesell’s 51 walks has contributed to a sterling .410 OBP, but his 112 K’s in 103 games is excessive. Whitesell’s first cards came in the 2003 Prospect Premieres set with a jersey card XRC. These cards can be found for $2-3 each, but are difficult to find en masse. Perhaps a more plentiful RC can be found in the 2006 Bowman Chrome Prospects card which can be found in bulk selling at 30-70 cents each.
Market Advice: Whitesell turned 26 this season, which means that his status as a prospect is slipping. He is someone who could step into a lineup and provide some immediate results, but I don’t see him having a prolonged major league career as a starting player. Arizona seems to have 1st base pretty locked up with Conor Jackson and Chad Tracy, so Whitesell would need a change of location to garner any playing time. Regardless, Whitesell is a low-risk, low-ceiling player who may produce sporadically at the major league level. Timed just right, a hot streak by Whitesell in an MLB jersey could produce some decent revenue from his nicer cards If you have some of his refractors or jersey cards, HOLD and see if he gets a look in September. Long term, I would opt to BUY younger more projectible prospects rather than trying to time the market on buying and White-selling (ok, that’s corny).
Posted by Jeremy on July 29, 2008 under MLB Trade Analysis, Market Watch |
Vlady and Hunter and Tex OH MY!
What had been speculated about for the past few days has, indeed come to fruition as free-agent-to-be and Scott Boras client Mark Teixeira was traded from the Atlanta Braves to the L.A. Angels for 1B Casey Kotchman and RHP Stephen Marek. Let’s look at the market impact for each player.
Mark Teixeira
Back in the A.L.
- Tex has been a top quality switch-hitting slugger for several seasons now with the Texas Rangers and Atlanta Braves. This move to the Angels marks the first time in Mark’s career that he will be deeply immersed in a pennant race. Wow, the middle of the lineup for the Angels looks scary with Tex, Vlad and Hunter. Teixeira’s RC’s are found in several 2001 products with the most notable ones being his autographs in UD Ultimate Collection (#’ed to 250), SPX (#’ed to 1500), and Leaf Limited (#’ed to 500). These autos range anywhere from $70 to $200 each and are not really “investments”. If you happen to have one of these cards, I would venture to guess that their demand will increase as he produces for the Angels down the stretch. Although, I tend to focus on RC’s in my market analyses, I would guess that some bargains may be found in Tex’s short printed cards (particularly ones with low serial #’s) autographs, and memorabilia cards. More and more collectors are going to want a piece of Tex and I would venture to guess that all of his cards are going to see a boost in popularity. The Angels are positioned for a prolonged pennant run and Teixeira will be a big part of it.
Casey Kotchman
Time for Kotch to blossom
- Kotchman has taken a step forward in his long anticipated development as a top quality 1B. The trade to Atlanta should give him an opportunity to escape from the shadow of the likes of Vladimir Guerrero and Torii Hunter. Kotchman has a Wally Joyner like quality to his game as he is a good contact high average hitter with decent power. Historically, AL players that move to the NL tend to have more initial success. Kotchman should perform well right away for the Braves. 2002 Bowman Chrome Draft is Kotchman’s most widely traded first year card. Right now, these singles can be acquired for $1.50-2.50 each. A much better bargain can be found in his 2002 Bowman’s Best cards which are autographed. These singles are selling for $10-12 each and are much more limited than his chrome cards. Kotchman is a young 25 in his second full season. He is quickly approaching his prime and should be a perennial .300 hitter with 20-25 HR and 85-100 RBI a season. The Braves have a deep and talented farm system that should blossom soon into top quality major league talent.
Side note: What does the acquisition of Kotchman mean for top 1B prospect Freddie Freeman? Though he is at least two seasons away from Atlanta, he does have the athleticism and arm strength to play in the outfield. Watch and see what the Braves decide to do.
Stephen Marek
Will he start or finish?
- Marek began 2008 as the 6th ranked prospect in the Angels farm system and a starting RHP. Plans seemed to have changed with Marek as he has pitched exclusively in relief at AA Arkansas. Marek has three above average pitches, a fastball between 88-94 MPH with good movement, a hard 11 to 5 curve ball and improving changeup. Marek has a very good 57K/47IP ratio and opponents are only hitting .223 off of him. I am not sure what the Braves plans for Marek are, but if he remains a reliever, his value will diminish. Currently, Marek’s cards can be found in the 2006 Bowman Chrome Prospects set and are dirt cheap at 25-50 cents each. Marek is 25 years old and his status as a prospect is becoming tenuous. My gut tells me that the Braves purchased him with the thought of making him a closer. Let’s see how that plays out. All told, at his basement prices, grabbing a few is a low risk investment for sure.
This trade is a win-win. Tex had to be unloaded and the Braves were able to grab two solid major league ready players in return. This move should lead to several others as many teams were waiting to see who would grab Teixeira.
Your thoughts are always welcome!
Posted by Jeremy on under Uncategorized |
- Buy Me Some Peanuts and…Crunch and Munch
Ok, I normally try to avoid negative posts, as I am customarily a happy-go-lucky person. However, I have a little beef with one of the historical staples of a ballpark diet.
Cracker Jacks have been a part of baseball well before 1908 when they became immortalized in the 7th inning stretch classic “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”. Cracker Jacks have, of course, been widely acclaimed for the mystery prize inside every box. Baseball cards (Recently a complete 176 card set was sold for $800,000), rings, toy animals, comics, and, my favorite, ant-frying magnifying glasses have brought joy to the faces of millions of kids both young and old over the years. Accompanying the treasure inside was a sticky sweet confection of caramel, molasses, popcorn, and peanuts that could titilate even the bitterest sweet tooth.
History aside, I took my wife and son to a local semi-pro baseball game and bought each of us a box of Cracker Jacks. I was utterly dismayed to find that the much coveted prize inside was a ridiculous looking picture of a shark that looked as if a 1st grader had drawn it. Along with the shark was detailed instructions to tear along perforated lines to make its mouth open and shut. I promptly ripped my son’s in half as my banana-sized fingers lacked the dexterity to execute a half inch tear along the paper perforations. Promptly I opened my prize to issue to my son as compensation for his loss. Certainly, Mr. Cracker Jack will have a much better bounty in store for me in this box….WRONG! I received the exact same “prize” that my son had in his box. Wisely, I handed the shark to my wife who deftly made the proper incisions in the paper. My 6 year old son looked at his prize and said “This is dumb!” I couldn’t disagree. My wife opened her prize to find that she had a clown instead of a shark.
Well, at least we can enjoy the perfect ballpark snack. As I gobbled my box down, I found that I received exactly 1 peanut in my batch. My wife counted 4 in hers and my son said he didn’t get any. Furthermore, the pieces of teeth cracking kernels and ounces of popcorn powder at the bottom of the box made my box nearly inedible.
Determined that I had received a bad box from a bad batch, I went to my local grocery store and purchased several boxes. Opening them, I found that my original box was not an outlier, but rather, an indicator of a product that has gotten fat and lazy off of its widespread free marketing.
Frito Lay, I demand that you step up your efforts in restoring Cracker Jacks to the legendary baseball treat that you boast it to be. Give me back my peanuts and magnifying glass or I’ll skeedaddle to Fiddle Faddle!
Posted by Jeremy on under Minor League Ball today |
Blake Beavan
- 6 IP 3H ER 4K (W)—Solid 1st full season (7-6 2.45 47K/92IP)
Given Kutz
- 7 IP 4H BB 5K—If baseball doesn’t work for this guy, he’s got a future as a barber
Mike Moustakas
- 2-3 HR(15) 2 RbI 2R—.345 3 HR 7 RBI 15 R last 10 games
Mauricio Robles
- 7 IP H 2BB 7K—4-1 2.48 ERA 54K/62IP
Jemile Weeks
- 2-4 2B 3B R—.301 HR 8 RBI 6 SB 13BB/12K in 18 games (8 errors)
Neftali Soto
Wynn Pelzer
- 7 IP 3H 10K (W)—5-2 1.99 ERA 38K/45IP last 10 games
Terrence Warren
- 1-3 HR(1) RBI—Raw athleticism in this 6-4 195 lb. 19 year old Phillies OF
Madison Bumgarner
- 7 IP 5H 6K (W)—10-3 1.81 ERA 116K/109IP
Logan Schafer
- 5-6 2 2B R—.373 9 RBI 10 R in 14 games at West Virginia
Lee Haydel
- 4-6 2 RBI 2B R SB(31)—.441 19 H 11 R last 10 games
BUY/SELL Analysis
Is the Mous Finally Loose?
Mike Moustakas got off to a very slow start hitting only .190 in the month of April. July has been a different story, as the 3rd pick in the 2007 draft has hit .328 in 16 games with 16 runs scored 3 HR and 8 RBI. Moustakas has a lightning quick bat with flawless technique and sound strike zone judgement. While he will likely be a corner infielder eventually, Moustakas is not slouch in the field either. Moustakas has several 2007 first year cards available including autographs (#’ed to 999) in 2007 Donruss Elite Extra that sell for $35-40 each. Oddly, his Turn of the Century subset autos sell for just $5 more but are numbered to just 345. Also, his 2007 Bowman Draft and Chrome cards are easy to find online selling at $2.25-3.50 each.
Market Advice: Moustakas is no less an offensive prospect than fellow ‘07 draftees Jason Heyward, Matt LaPorta, Freddie Freeman, and Matt Wieters. I am encouraged by his turnaround and think that his ‘07 Elite Extra autos have some potential for growth. I like Kansas City’s future and I think that they are a team that could enjoy the same rise to success that Tampa Bay has encountered this year. If you can BUY an auto at $35 or less, it could double with a fine start to 2009. I think that the Royals would like to fast track Moustakas to the major leagues, perhaps as a shortstop. If he stays at SS, his value amongst collectors will be greater than if he moves to a corner infield spot. Power hitting shortstops are a valuable commodity in this industry and Moustakas is at or near the top of the list.
Tags: blake beavan, bowman chrome draft, donruss elite extra, given kutz, jemile weeks, lee haydel, logan schafer, madison bumgarner, mauricio robles, mike moustakas, neftali soto, terrence warren, wynn pelzer
Posted by Jeremy on under Uncategorized |
Michael Taylor
- 1-4 HR(13) RBI—.316 HR 6 RBI last 10 games
Todd Frazier
- 2-4 HR(16) 4 RBI 3 R 2B BB—.270 3 HR 10 RBI 10 Runs last 10 games
Juan Francisco
- 3-5 HR(15) 2 RBI 3 R—.439 3 HR 17 RBI 10 R last 10 games
Jonathan Lucroy
- 1-5 HR(16) 2 RBI—.371 2 HR 8 RBI 9 R last 10 games
Ty Wright
- 4-4 HR(4) RBI 2R BB—.301 4 HR 47 RBI
Ernesto Mejia
- 1-4 HR(15) RBI—.262 15 HR 65 RBI 21BB/106K (6-6 190lb 22 yr. old 1B)
Beau Mills
Carlos Santana
- 0-4 3K—Rough debut with new ball club
BUY/SELL Analysis
Coming to a Bowman Chrome pack near you!
Juan Francisco was ranked as the 8th best prospect in a deep and talented Cincinnati Reds farm system after slugging 25 HR and 90 RBI at Low A Daytona. This season, Francisco has continued his power development at Sarasota where he is hitting .284 with 15 HR and 72 RBI. Francisco is an aggressive switch hitter who has curtailed his K’s a bit (161 in ‘07 to 93 in ‘08), but his inability to draw walks (12 BB in 99 games) has kept him from being an elite prospect. Another area of concern is Francisco’s power deficit from the right side where he has only one of his 15 HR. Francisco’s first major cards will be issued in the 2008 Bowman Chrome Prospects set as a base card.
Market Advice: It’s hard to say how much attention Francisco will garner immediately, but I would venture that collectors will initially be clamoring after the autos of Angel Villalona, Austin Jackson, Andrew Brackman, Lars Davis, Ryan Kalish, and Engel Beltre. I would venture to say that Francisco’s first cards will be selling for $1.00-1.50 each out of the gate. BUY big bulk lots at these prices right away. as he has a bright future as a young 3B or rightfield prospect!
Posted by Jeremy on under Minor League Ball today |
Brett Cecil
- 6 IP 3H BB 8K (W)—6-2 2.55 ERA 87K/78IP at New Hampshire
Zack Daeges
- 1-4 HR(4) 4 RBI—.286 31 RBI 52BB (Power drop has been disappointing)
John Raynor
- 4-5 2 2B 2R 2 RBI SB(40)—.361 7R 8 SB last 10 games
Gaby Sanchez
- 2-5 2B 4 RBI—.329 11 HR 66 RBI 15 SB 54 BB
Adam Moore
- 2-3 2 2B R RBI BB—.500 6 2B 2 HR 10 RBI last 10 games
Mat Gamel
- 1-4 HR(16) RBI—Slowed his torrid pace (.216 HR 6 RBI last 10 games)
David Price
- 8 IP 2 H 2 ER 7K (W)—9-0 2.03 ERA 75K/80IP
Chad Huffman
- 1-2 HR(7) 2 RBI 2R 2BB—Understated but solid season at San Antonio
Allen Craig
- 2-4 HR(19) RBI—Blazing .500 19 Hits 2 HR 6 RBI last 10 games
Kila Kaaihue
- 2-5 2B 2R RBI—Monster season (.314 26 HR 79 RBI 80BB/41K)
Mark Trumbo
- 5-5 2 HR( 28 ) 3 RBI 3R—Huge AA debut for Angels slugging 1B prospect
Sean Doolittle
- 3-6 2R RBI—Showing signs of adjusting to AA pitching
Chris Johnson
- 2-4 HR(12) RBI—.324 12 HR 58 RBI
BUY/SELL Analysis
Cecil may pitch at four levels in '08
Brett Cecil headlined the impressive 2007 draft by the Toronto Blue Jays that included the likes of J.P Arencibia, Justin Jackson, Kevin Ahrens, John Tolisano, and Eric Eiland. The LHP Cecil has progressed quickly through the minor leagues dominating at each level with a 92-94 MPH fastball and devastating slider that reaches 87 MPH. One of Cecil’s strengths is his ability to induce ground ball outs with his heavy sinker. This season, his groundout to flyout ratio is an impressive 2.27, which will be key for pitching at the launch pad formerly known as the Skydome. Cecil has an autographed first year card (#’ed to 500) in the 2007 Donruss Elite Extra set which sells at $7.50-10.00 each. He also hase various jersey and short print cards in the set that can be had for $1-2 each.
Market Advice: Cecil was just promoted to AAA Syracuse last night and, with the uncertain future of A.J. Burnett as a Blue Jay, there is a distinct possibility that Cecil can earn the ultimate promotion this season. At his sub-$10 prices, and limited products on the market, Cecil is a steal. BUY a few autos as he may be in the middle of next year’s rotation!
Tags: adam moore, allen craig, brett cecil, chad huffman, chris johnson, david price, gaby sanchez, john raynor, kila kaaihue, mark trumbo, mat gamel, Sean Doolittle, zack daeges
Posted by Jeremy on July 28, 2008 under Minor League Ball today |
Michael Saunders
- 2-5 HR(11) 3 RBI—M’s rushing him at AAA (.235 3 HR 16 RBI in 22 games)
Zach Jackson
- 6 IP 2H 2K (W)—Pitched well in his last two starts for Buffalo
George Kottaras
- 2-5 HR(19) RBI—Power has stepped up this year but average has suffered
Francisco Liriano
- 6 IP 8H 4ER BB 9K (W)—10th straight win. Liriano will get well deserved nod after July 31
Brandon Moss
- 2-5 2HR( 8 ) 3 RBI—Nice trading chip, no roome for Moss in Beantown
Will Venable
- 2-6 HR(10) 2 RBI—.309 10 HR 52 RBI
Nelson Cruz
- 2-5 HR(37) 2 RBI—.409 11 HR 19 RBI 4 SB last 10 games (WOW!)
John Mayberry Jr.
- 1-4 HR(12) RBI—Emerging from slump (.195 HR 4 RBI last 10 games)
Brandon Wood
- 2-4 HR(21) RBI—Sizzling his last 10 games (.444 7 HR 11 RBI)
Dallas McPherson
- 4-5 3 HR( 38 ) 3 RBI—Battle with Nelson Cruz for HR title is approaching epic status!
Brett Hayes
- 3-4 2 HR( 8 ) 2 RBI 2B 3R—Oft overlooked catcher handling promotion to Albuquerque well
BUY/SELL Analysis
Needs time to sharpen his 5 tools
Michael Saunders was an 11th round draft and follow pick in the 2004 draft by the Seattle Mariners. A native Canadian, Saunders was thought to be an NHL calibur hockey player and standout basketball, lacrosse, and soccer player in high school. Saunders has an impressive and projectible 6-4 205 lb. frame and 5-tool talent to match. Saunders had a breakout season in 2007 hitting .296 with 15 HR 84 RBI 29 SB and 99 Runs at High A High Desert and AA West Tennessee. This season, Saunders continued his success at AA hitting .290 with 8 HR 30 RBI and 11 SB. Despite his impressive skill set, Saunders is still quite raw in many aspects of his game, mainly plate discipline, baserunning, and defense. While experience is what Saunders needs, the Mariners seem to be compelled to challenge him at advanced levels. This strategy has had mixed results for Saunders who is struggling to refine his skills at Tacoma. Saunders has 1st year cards in the 2007 Bowman Draft and Chrome set as well as the Bowman Sterling and Heritage sets. Because his chromes feature him in his futures game uniform, they don’t get quite the market attention that other top prospects’ cards receive. Currently, his chromes are selling for 50-75 cents each and refractors can be had at $3-4. A better bargain are his Bowman Sterling refractors which can be grabbed at $5-7 each.
Market Advice: BUY this guy’s cards now. He is a cheap 5-tool bargain playing in a fairly popular collector’s market (Seattle). I think that he has an outside shot of getting a call up in September, though the M’s would be best suited to send him back to AA and let him marinate. Long term, I think he is the rightfielder for the M’s in 2010 as Wladimir Balentien has taken a step back in his development. Saunders has more upside than Balentien in every almost every aspect of his game and the M’s are in full-on rebuild mode. A big bargain can be found in his Bowman Draft jersey and game-used base cards which sell regularly for 5 bucks and less. Another solid BUY are Saunders’ Bowman Sterling refractors which, in the $5-7 range and #’ed to 199, are going to be extremely popular and valuable once Saunders breaks in with the M’s.
Tags: bowman chrome draft, bowman sterling, brandon moss, brandon wood, brett hayes, dallas mcpherson, francisco lirano, george kottaras, John Mayberry Jr., michael saunders, nelson cruz, will venable, zach jackson
Posted by Jeremy on July 27, 2008 under MLB Trade Analysis, Market Watch |
The deals just keep on coming. Yesterday the Cleveland Indians sent utility infielder Casey Blake to the L.A. Dodgers for Single A catcher and minor league RBI leader Carlos Santana and RHP Jon Meloan. Blake has had a solid season for the Indians hitting .292 with 11 HR and 58 RBI. Jon Meloan has struggled this year at AAA Las Vegas 5-10 4.97 ERA 99K/105IP after dominating over two levels last season. Meloan would be a better fit for the bullpen as he struggles with his control from time to time but has good velocity on his fastball and a wicked slider. With Cleveland’s bullpen woes, Meloan may get pressed into late inning action upon arrival.
The real intriguing part of this deal to collectors is Carlos Santana. Santana, to say the least, has had a breakout season slugging .323 with 14 HR and 96 RBI! Additionally, he has walked 69 times versus 59 K’s. This move puts the switch-hitting Santana on the fast track as he is no longer blocked by all-star Russell Martin. His move to Cleveland paves a clearer path to the major leagues as the Indians have had injury struggles with their own all-star backstop Victor Martinez. Santana may get bumped up to AA this season, his bat sure has earned him the promotion, but he is still defensively raw (but talented). He is a couple seasons away from an MLB debut, but he is one to watch now. Further, Santana’s first cards come out in the 2008 Bowman Chrome Prospects set scheduled to be released August 13th. Given his outstanding season and recent move, it makes sense that his cards will be popular. I would expect that his early releases will be selling on Ebay in the $2.00-2.50 range.
