NorthSideSox72

QUOTE (Dunt @ Aug 18, 2015 -> 11:59 AM) I meant more along the lines of a top 100 guy. Zangari won't even be in that discussion for a while, if ever (likely never). He's trouble defensively, and has weight issues (he's already heavier now than when he arrived, based on local reports, and he was thick to begin with). I like him as a prospect, but there are probably 10-12 guys in the Sox system with a better shot at the Top 100 this offseason than Zangari has. And only maybe 2-4 of those would make it.

He's likely a 4th OF, and a pretty good one. But in this lost season, I think you play him every day or nearly so.

Recap posted

QUOTE (Jake @ Aug 17, 2015 -> 06:36 PM) Can't believe you'd let the kid play like absolute dogs*** for two straight years before even considering making big changes to his swing This isn't accurate. I can tell you without a doubt that he had a different approach and swing early this year, versus 2014. Saw it myself, talked with him about it, talked with a scout about it. At least in May anyway, he was aiming RCF, had changed his hands in his stance and stride, changed his location in the box. And it occasionally flashed success, but now he's either slid back into bad habits, and/or pitchers have the book on him and he can't adjust. Changes were made. They haven't worked. Happens a lot, sadly.

Micah is on the AZL roster for rehab, might play today.

Saw the new MI movie last night. It was fun, but definitely of the thin plot, laughable one-liners popcorn action variety.

QUOTE (ptatc @ Aug 17, 2015 -> 10:54 AM) I've always wondered if it effected his hitting. Having issues with his right foot can't make it easy to have a good base of support while hitting. Fractured bones in his arch is what basically ended Frank Thomas career. I see what you are saying, but with Mitchell, his approach was whacked and he refused to change it. He wouldn't take his bat off his shoulder for extended periods, then he'd swing wildly for a little bit, and go back the other way. Did his foot/ankle injury cause those mental blocks? Probably not, but maybe - though if it effected him for YEARS like it did, the excuse loses weight in my eyes.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Aug 17, 2015 -> 10:42 AM) So the injury really did derail his career. Sad. I had such hopes for him. He was supposed to be the first non-safe guy we drafted for a long time. It derailed (poentially) part of his career. He also had head issues and hitting issues that I can't see connecting directly to that.

QUOTE (ptatc @ Aug 17, 2015 -> 10:24 AM) It's more where it occurred. The ligaments were injured as well. This means he twisted his ankle to sprain the ligaments but did it severely enough to fracture the bone as well. This also means a fair amount of damage to the joint. In many caees the damage to thr joint is severe enough that they don't regain full motion. This is where he could lose some speed/mobility. If he can't fully dorsiflex his ankle, it effects his running. It not a given that this will happen. He could regain full motion. It is just something that they really need to work on and doesn't always return. Your information is ALWAYS appreciated. Thank you sir.

I'm really disappointed in this Dem field. Way too thin, and just poor candidate depth. You've got a Clinton, a guy whose ideas are wholly impractical (Sanders), O'Malley, and... anyone else? Really? The Dems have the advantage in that they don't suffer from the MUST FOLLOW PARTY LINE problem nearly as badly as the GOP does. But the Dems have a real lack of leadership bench.

QUOTE (ptatc @ Aug 16, 2015 -> 04:55 PM) This is the type of injury that could effect his speed/mobility. A la Mitchell? As others noted, luckly, he isn't speed-dependent. He's also young. But thanks for the info, good to note. Just curious though, why does a tib (or fib) fracture have that risk? Seems like the sort of thing that should heal fully.

QUOTE (bmags @ Aug 16, 2015 -> 08:23 AM) Is there ever video available from AZ? Our writer down there has some, just don't have it uploaded to the YT channel yet. Hoping for it soon.

If you want to know more than numbers on Montas, check out the twitter feed from the game last night. Will was there in person, had some good info. @FutureSox.

QUOTE (thxfrthmmrs @ Aug 14, 2015 -> 07:49 PM) Jordan Guerrero is kind of a legit dude. Would love to see a scouting report of what his repertoire is. If Stoltz still scouting down in the Carolina League these days? As a reminder, we have detailed profiles up on the site for all the ranked guys and a few more, Guerrero included. He's got a fastball that now runs 91-93 (was slower before), which he locates very well. He's got a plus change-up and a curve that shows above average but is still being worked on. Overall his command is quite good.

Recap posted

QUOTE (Jenksismyb**** @ Aug 14, 2015 -> 03:32 PM) Seems a bit harsh when "policy proposals" are usually pie in the sky dreams that they have no hope or actual desire to see implemented. Demeanor is often a key characteristic. Does he/she look/act/sound "presidential" or not. Sure, basing it on that ALONE would be silly, but I don't see why that can't be factor or even a significant factor. I somewhat agree. I'd characterize it as leadership capabilities. Just like being the smartest guy in the room, it isn't a resume thing - but it is something you have to feel comfortable is there for someone in that role.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Aug 14, 2015 -> 01:04 PM) OUch. I had no idea about that break. FutureSox actually broke the news the night it happened, at least the injury anyway. Thanks to having a writer down there. But didn't know the medical nature of the injury.

QUOTE (oldsox @ Aug 14, 2015 -> 12:48 PM) What happened to Matt Cooper? Didn't make it. Too many other good arms. But he's also a guy worth keeping an eye on, no doubt.

QUOTE (Jenksismyb**** @ Aug 13, 2015 -> 04:54 PM) Um, John Edwards? Joe Biden? Dennis Kucinich? They've all sad stupid things, repeatedly. It just doesn't get the play. Edwards for sure, he fell apart spectacularly. But it was worse in a way because he didn't come off as a clown, he was very likeable. Biden is pretty clowny. Kucinich is, in many ways, similar to Sanders.

It was a lot harder picking the pitchers for the Next Wave, as there are quite a few good young arms in the system. Here are twelve. I'll as ask I did for position players, who do you like from this bunch? Anyone we missed?

QUOTE (SouthSideSale @ Aug 13, 2015 -> 09:35 PM) Never heard of Thaddius Lowry. I pay attention to our farm but not every single prospect. I'm looking him up as I type this QUOTE (LDF @ Aug 14, 2015 -> 05:58 AM) same here, never heard of him and then he put himself on the map. i imagine this is the unexpected fruits of good scouting on the pitchers. i am crossing my fingers that he continues his development and continue on the same results. If you see guys in the system you don't know about, check our prospect profiles page. We've got detailed profiles on over 40 of them there, including Mr. Lowry. The profiles have background info, scouting reports, links to videos or interviews we've posted, awards and rankings history, and projections.

QUOTE (raBBit @ Aug 13, 2015 -> 12:56 PM) I couldn't believe I ranked him #18 and he didn't even make the list. Beyond the top 15 or so, there was SO much variance among the voters this time. It was insane. 37 players got votes for the bottom 15 of the list, in total. Never seen that much difference in the lower levels before. So Narvaez only got votes from a couple people.

These articles always seem to be popular. After our Top 30 Prospects lists go up, we publish these "Next Wave" articles, taking a look at 8 to 12 position players and pitchers that missed the Top 30 but are worth monitoring and have a good chance to jump into the next list or make the majors soon. The position player version is up here. What do you think? Are you a believer in any of these guys? Are there others you think should have been included? Pitchers come out tomorrow.

Just realized this didn't get posted yet. Yesterday, Dan posted a new episode of the FutureSox Podcast, which had been on a bit of a hiatus since April. The crew is different this time - Dan still leads the show, but instead of Blake and I, he's got Will and Daniel onboard. You can go here for a description of the pod and a direct link to download or stream. You can also find it on iTunes. And remember, either on iTunes or Podomatic, you can also subscribe and get future episodes automatically.

QUOTE (fathom @ Aug 12, 2015 -> 09:20 PM) Maiker Feliz playing for Az Sox now Nice catch. Wasn't listed in the AZL Transactions. Sneaky.