Jake

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ May 17, 2013 -> 07:38 PM) Does he have the type of frame and bat speed to project putting up those type of numbers? Because just looking at him from afar, he seems more like one of those 8-10-12 HR guys that doesn't do any one thing especially great...but, overall, he's a positive contributor to a team. Maybe a starter on a bottom 5-10 team, utility/fringe player on a playoff team. Maybe in the Keppinger/Sean Rodriguez/Eliott Johnson utility role rather than a full time starter. For example, up until last season, Saladino was a very trendy "sleeper" pick. Which one would you think at this point ends up having more of an impact at the MLB level? I don't see Semien really hitting 20, but rather that is what I think his body and skills could maximally produce. I pretty much agree with your assessment.

FWIW, Yahoo! has taken on a bevy of freelancers like myself on a provisional basis. So far, only a couple of us have made it past the provisional stage. They have some folks that do a nice job and some that won't continue to write for much longer.

QUOTE (beautox @ May 17, 2013 -> 06:21 PM) Its been a few years since i truly followed the minors and made a trek down too west tenn. In your opinion whom would you compare Micah Johnson and Marcus Semien too? For Johnson, I like young Chone Figgins. An able defender that could play 2B or 3B but won't do either spectacularly well. High average, but more strikeouts than you'd expect from a leadoff type hitter. A little pop, but not much. Fast. Decent, not great, ability take walks. Switch hitters. I'm not coming up with a great comparison for Semien. He has commonalities with Jeter, but without such a high ceiling. Good batting average, a little power (maybe a 20 HR ceiling), takes walks well. Not super fast, won't steal a lot of bases. Can handle SS it seems but some scouts think his range could make him 2B. Strikes out a tick more than Jeter, but I like them both as 2 hitters.

My "Pale Ale Beer Style Guide" is up for a rising star award at HubPages' Food and Cooking section. If you enjoy it or blindly love me, I'd love to have your votes. Clearly biased poll setup

QUOTE (The Ginger Kid @ May 17, 2013 -> 05:58 PM) Not only do I enjoy your writing, I'm really happy the Bears drafted you in the 1st round. Good luck this year. I'm with the Rams

My piece for today is a quick look around the minors -- for those who follow closely, nothing revelatory. If not, can be useful to get up to speed on a few guys. White Sox Minor League Update

PEACE

That was a nasty, nasty 0-1 changeup

lol I don't know if I want to say Hawk and Wimpy are better than Hawk and Stone, but I sure enjoy listening more

Almost f***ed that up

QUOTE (Chilihead90 @ May 17, 2013 -> 12:05 AM) How many times does Hawk get paid to say iPad a game? Christ on a cracker. The fact that he can operate one of those things is astounding.

QUOTE (TaylorStSox @ May 17, 2013 -> 12:03 AM) Reed looking like a 12 year old from the 70's. HE'S GOT THAT LOOK

Who's due up for Addy?

WOW I thought Kepp was going to f*** that up.

Hamilton is pulling out way too early. His hips were sold out while his hands were lagging behind there. He's lucky he's still so talented that it it went 400 feet. Should have been yanked out of the ballpark.

Phew

Pitch around him, he might get himself out but if not I wouldn't take any chances

QUOTE (MAX @ May 16, 2013 -> 11:53 PM) Conor was a huge pick up, regardless of this teams record. Best young 3B we've had since Crede. And it's been bad between then and now. You will not be missed, Brent Morel's back!

Crain's 10th season, only one has been negative in WAR (2007). That's about as consistent as set-up men come.

QUOTE (fathom @ May 16, 2013 -> 11:48 PM) Yeah, he got a pitch to hit finally and just couldn't make contact. Once again though, his eye at the plate put him in a hole. We can Manto that.

QUOTE (DirtySox @ May 15, 2013 -> 08:45 PM) http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article....rticleid=20582# In other words, they are unconvinced by the hot start. I'd show caution too with his iffy track record. Could be him finally catching up after the illness and somewhat quick promotions, or it could just be a blip

Well that was the right one to swing at, but he just whiffed

So we have applauded Flowers for increasing his aggressiveness, but now he needs to counteradjust

Jeff Keppinger is the new Dan Johnson

Robin says you can shove that Wise PH up your ass! Kepp the BB MASTER