2007 Season Evaluations, Part Two

C - Paul Phillips
D+
Season Statistics (KC): .200/.273/.300, 2-for-10, 2 RBI
Season Statistics (OMA): .237/.295/.298, 2 HR, 13 RBI, 57 G, 198 AB
Strengths: He's a catcher, and offense is clearly not a priority as a backstop. He's a cheap solution as an "instructor" somewhere in the organization.
Weaknesses: At this point, Phillips is strictly an organizational backup backstop, and has or will not earn a spot as a Major League backup.
'08 Status: Judging by his numbers at AAA Omaha, and the fact that he was 30 years old entering the season, it's safe to say Phillips clearly is not the future of this organization as backstop. OPS-ing barely over .600 in AAA won't secure even a starting job there, but he could be brought back next season as an instructional backup in either Northwest Arkansas or Omaha. However, even at age 30, he is well on the downhill side of his career, as his AAA OPS has sunk from .789 to .718 to .672 to .645 to .593 in the last five years. I see a trend, I do.

1B - Craig Brazell
B
Season Statistics (KC): To Be Determined
Season Statistics (AAA): .308/.339/.612, 32 HR, 76 RBI, 425 AB, 103 G
Season Statistics (AA): .349/.408/.587, 7 HR, 15 RBI, 109 AB, 30 G
Strengths: He fits well at a position where offensive ability is emphasized. The dude can absolutely mash. He's a raw talent with the bat.
Weaknesses: Unfortunately, he couldn't prove himself in two other (albeit organizationally deep) organizations: the New York Mets and L.A. Dodgers. He's 27, and needless to say, is not considered a prospect. He is not particularly patient at the plate, as only 30 percentage points separated his BA and OBP in AAA.
'08 Outlook: Brazell is stuck among a cluster**** of candidates for the '08 season at first base. He's a Calvin Pickering-type, with raw power, but not much else on his side. My instinct tells me he will not return next season, unless he lights the Royals on fire this September. All indications point to lack of playing time hurting the chances of that. Thank you, Buddy Bell.

"1B" - Billy Butler
Season Statistics (KC): .300/.354/.464, 6 HR, 43 RBI, 250 AB, 70 G
Season Statistics (AAA): .291/.412/.542, 13 HR, 46 RBI, 203 AB, 57 G
Strengths: Ability to spray the ball to all fields, which are triggered by an extraordinary professionalism at the plate. His good power (33 doubles in Wichita in 2006, 19 doubles in limited duty in K.C.) will make him a mainstay in the show for many, many years to come. And the power will continue to improve, as he turns 22 next April. Oh, and he's also patient at the plate (.390, .388, .412 OBP's in each Minor League season since '05).
Weaknesses: I put the position "1B" in quotes because he's yet to prove himself as a satisfactory defender at the big league level. Dayton Moore and Buddy Bell continuously say he will be tried at first base in Kansas City, but the on-paper evidence indicates otherwise. Bell was every bit determined *not* to give him AB's there in '07. Also, he's not particularly good with the legs. How he managed to steal five bases in Idaho Falls back in 2004 was unbelievable. However, he's never been caught stealing in his professional career. Therefore, his lack of a permanent MLB position and his legs do hurt him as an everyday MLB ballplayer.
'08 Status: He will be in the middle of the lineup for Kansas City. Where he plays, at this point, is anyone's guess. The organization will give him Winter Ball time to develop as a first baseman, and is - at least, verbally - to determined to let him work himself out of that status. We know that he has proven himself in the Minors - and will be an offensive asset in K.C. for, hopefully, many years to come.

2007 Season Evaluations: Part One

One of my offseason priorities is to begin to update this blog daily, and in turn stop making so many negative-minded posts. In this post, I will give a brief report card on how each of our Major League players performed in the 2007 season, how they can improve for next year and why they should pat themself on the back for their accomplishments this season. Keep in mind that most of these observations are strictly qualitative.

I will first evaluate our offensive producers and then move forth to pitchers in the next segment. The statistics are updated through Tuesday, September 4.

C - John Buck
B-
Season Statistics: .231/.322/.461, 17 HR, 45 RBI, 295 AB, 94 G, 32 BB, 72 K
Strengths: Raw power, ability to call game/block baseball
Weaknesses: Hitting breaking pitches, getting on base consistently
- Developed into a legitimate power threat at a position typically lacking in that department
- Must improve situational hitting - hitting with runners on base
'08 Status: Arb. eligible: Will likely return as everyday catcher. Not everyday by Buddy Bell's definition, but everyday by standard definition - 80% of playing time. His power threat from the #7 slot in the order will be a Royal asset for the next three seasons. Given his less-than-stellar other peripherals, the Royals might be able to retain him at a reasonable price past 2010 should he continue to produce at this level.

C - Jason LaRue
F
Season Statistics: .145/.241/.276, 4 HR, 12 RBI, 152 AB, 57 G, 16 BB, 59 K
Strengths: Occasional power, ability to call game
Weaknesses: Everything else
- LaRue clearly failed in virtually aspect of the game in 2007, and was played about 40% more often than a sub-.200 hitting backup catcher should have been. His 1-for-48 stretch should be utterly forgettable. He will have major difficulty retaining a Major League position in 2008. However, backup catchers are a dime and dozen, and at times (see: Sal Fasano) seem to emerge from out of nowhere. He'll still latch onto a team for a MiLB contract by next spring. Furthermore, his CS% and Range Factor were less than stellar.
'08 Status: Clearly, the Royals should, and likely will not retain LaRue for next season. They're better off forgetting about LaRue's putrid performance and seeking backup help elsewhere - anywhere. Enough said.

1B - Ross Gload
C+
Season Statistics: .300/.319/.464, 7 HR, 47 RBI, 267 AB, 81 G, 10 BB, 33 K
Strengths: Defensive ability at first base, decent power
Weaknesses: Plate discipline, lack of power at a key power position
- Gload provided a reliable power source many fans didn't expect in the second half. However, the fact that he is a most-time first baseman and part-time corner outfielder suggests that the power, even the .464 SLG and 17 doubles in limited duty, simply aren't enough to be a true value.
- His lack of plate discipline was a liability to the ultra-aggressive Royals in 2007, as suggested by his mere 10 walks, and his inability to get on base. His OPS+ simply suggests that he's a below average first baseman. His semi-reliable power doesn't mandate his weaknesses, especially at his position.
'08 Status: Gload was clearly overexposed by Buddy Bell in 2008. However, Gload could provide as a key cog for any team off the bench and perhaps as a part-time corner outfielder where young prospects aren't exactly ready to emerge. For the Royals, he would probably be most valuable off the bench. He will be nearly 32 on Opening Day 2008, and thus is clearly in his decline phase.

1B - Ryan Shealy
F
Season Statistics: .221/.286/.308
Strengths: A relatively high-upside and cheap risk for a last-place, young player-hungry team at first base.
Weaknesses: Serious lack of power for a first baseman, injuries, subpar fielding
'08 Status: Will likely only return as a backup option or a full-time Omaha first baseman as insurance in case our future first baseman falters. Due to his Mark Quinn-like regression in 2007, caused mostly by a nagging hamstring injury, he's at a crossroads in his career. He will be 28 on Opening Day. The Royals probably won't risk attempting to use him again as first baseman. Even if he does emerge healthy, will he be a productive source? All signs point to "no". The Royals are better off seeking help elsewhere, and letting the Affeldt/Bautista-for-Shealy/Dohmann trade of '06 subside.

A Brief Offensive Analysis

This may be surprisingly random, but there's no reason to believe the offense hasn't drastically underachieved this season. Here are how I expect the Royals players to perform this season, based on their past results and age (mixed with typical career progression). (This is more or less the Opening Day starting lineup, or roster)

C - John Buck
.250/.325/.470, 20 HR, 60 RBI (Underachieved significantly)
1B - Ryan Shealy
.260/.330/.420, 15 HR, 65 RBI (Underachieved DRAMATICALLY)
2B - Mark Grudzielanek
.275/.330/.400, 5 HR, 50 RBI (Overachieved slightly)
3B - Alex Gordon
.260/.340/.420, 18 HR, 70 RBI (Underachieved significantly)
SS - Tony Pena, Jr.
.240/.290/.350, 2 HR, 40 RBI (Overachieved slightly)
LF - Emil Brown
.265/.340/.450, 20 HR, 70 RBI (Underachieved significantly)
CF - David DeJesus
.290/.370/.430, 10 HR, 60 RBI (Underachieved slightly)
RF - Mark Teahen
.275/.380/.440, 15 HR, 75 RBI (Underachieved significantly)
DH - Mike Sweeney
.270/.350/.400, 15 HR, 70 RBI (Underachieved, alarming to see his refusal to take a walk the last two seasons)

C - Jason LaRue (Underachieved dramatically)
1B - Ross Gload (On-par)
2B - Esteban German (Underachieved slightly)
OF - Shane Costa (Underachieved slightly)
OF - Joey Gathright (Overachieved significantly)
OF - Reggie Sanders (Underachieved given injury)
OF - Billy Butler (Overachieved)

Those whose stats I gave are just our Opening Day guys, and yes some of that production has been offset by the surgent production of Joey Gathright and Billy Butler, who have probably performed above most fans' expectations this season. However, that production has even been offset by the "Debbie Downers" of Jason LaRue (who has been overplayed and has also underperformed) and Reggie Sanders (who has underperformed based on his injuries).

There's no question in my mind that Buddy Bell and hitting coach Mike Barnett's offensive philosophies have been a detriment to this ballclub this season. Their "hack, hack, hack" approach have caused our walk total to decrease dramatically, especially from our capabilities. That, in turn, has caused our OBP to dramatically decrease. Yes, we have players on our roster who are not typically known for drawing the walk: Tony Pena and Mark Grudzielanek included. However, there's still no doubt in my mind we have underachieved in that area.

That falls back to hitting coach Mike Barnett and, ultimately, Buddy Bell. My only worry is not that we have underachieved in the win column (as a result) this season, but that it may affect our young players in the future. The core of this team - Billy Butler, Mark Teahen, David DeJesus, Alex Gordon, and John Buck ALL included - needs to be patient and draw walks. Buddy and Barnett have hindered their progress in this area significantly this season.

Royals Survivor: The Minor League Edition

The Minor League Edition of Royals Survivor has arrived! The rules are available at the website. Consult the link below and exercise your "Fantasy Scout" skills by eliminating players one by one! E-mail me at JRaider2005@yahoo.com for any questions regarding the contest. Have fun!

http://royalsnation.proboards62.com/

Ex-Royals Throughout Baseball: Updated 8/4

Here's another update as to how our former Royals are faring throughout baseball. This list was updated on August 4.

Major League Baseball:
Jeremy Affeldt - Colorado Rockies - 4-2, 2.72 ERA, 43 IP, 51 G (32:22 K:BB ratio and 0 HR allowed this season. A classic case of player underperforming under mismanagement, only to find himself thriving after a change of scenery. I miss this guy and my Jeremy Affeldt jersey - which has now been reincarnated into a Gil Meche jersey)http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=346793

Gabor "Paul" Bako - Baltimore Orioles - .220 BA, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 123 AB's (2006 Royals Part Deux...except how he's hitting a whopping .220 and has managed to clear the outfield wall once. Man, maybe I could be a backup catcher, too. Hey, I'd do it for a guaranteed $500K).
http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=132720

Miguel Batista - Seattle Mariners - 11-7, 4.23 ERA, 127.2 IP, 21 GS (51:86 K:BB and only 13 HR allowed....really starting to take off. Man, we might be pushing .500 if we had him....again, maybe we didn't have the $$$)http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=110683

Jose Bautista - Pittsburgh Pirates - .259 BA, 7 HR, 37 RBI, 328 AB's (he'd be great value for a 2B, but he's playing third in Pittsburgh)
http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=430832

Jonah Bayliss - Pittsburgh Pirates - 4-3, 8.36 ERA, 37.2 IP, 39 G with the Pirates (3-2, 6.46 ERA in 15.1 IP, 11 G with AAA Indianapolis)
http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=435058

Ryan Bukvich - Chicago White Sox - 1-0, 3.74 ERA, 21.2 IP, 26 G, 8 K, 12 BB (WHIP over 1.5...he's treading thin ice)http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=424426

Paul Byrd - Cleveland Indians - 9-4, 4.43 ERA, 126 IP, 20 GS (classic ground ball pitcher...160 hits allowed in 126 innings! The 15 walks make up for it, though)
http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=111838

Shawn Camp - Tampa Bay Devil Rays - 0-3, 7.20 ERA, 40 IP, 50 G (that Tampa Bay bullpen....I didn't realize he was already 31)
http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=425861

Johnny Damon - New York Yankees - .256 BA, 6 HR, 40 RBI, 19 SB (Loyal-Royal-turned-Moneyball-turned Caveman-turned Sold Soul starting to bounce back a little)
http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=113028

Elmer Dessens - Milwaukee Brewers - 1-1, 6.60 ERA, 15.0 IP, 12 G (Just activated from 15 Day D.L.)http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=113296

Matt Diaz - Atlanta Braves - .343 BA, 6 HR, 29 RBI, 233 AB's (Oops)
http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=429841

Octavio Dotel - Atlanta Braves - 2 scoreless innings against Houston, 1 strikeout
http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=136734

Chad Durbin - Detroit Tigers - 7-3, 4.36 ERA, 99 IP, 26 G, 14 GS (still not too bad, wish we would have kept him..........kidding)
http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=239795

Jermaine Dye - Chicago White Sox - .240 BA, 22 HR, 57 RBI, 350 AB's (starting to prove the 'haters' wrong...could raise that OBP a little, despite his still low BA)
http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=113679

Tom Gordon - Philadelphia Phillies - 1-1, 3.77 ERA, 14 G, 14.1 IP, 5 SV/8 SVO (Also recently activated from D.L. - was out with shoulder issues)
http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=114971

Ruben Gotay - New York Mets - .352 BA, 4 HR, 20 RBI, 128 AB's (.256-2-13-82 in AAA New Orleans...he was on a tear before the Mets traded for Castillo....now he's glued to the bench.)
http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=430905

Tony Graffanino - Milwaukee Brewers - .237 BA, 9 HR, 30 RBI, 224 AB's (getting bulk of P.T. at 2B).
http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=115017

Roberto Hernandez - Los Angeles Dodgers - 3-2, 5.61 IP, 36 G, 33.2 IP combined for Cleveland and Los Angeles (only 1 IP with the Las Vegas 51's (AAA)
http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=115832

J.P. Howell - Tampa Bay Devil Rays - 1-4, 7.36 ERA, 40.1 IP, 8 GS (the peripherals suggest the stuff is there. Looks like he's got Luke Hochevar disease)
http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=434442

Raul Ibanez - Seattle Mariners - .254 BA, 6 HR, 62 RBI, 366 AB's (mired in a monthlong slump)http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=116380

Mike MacDougal - Chicago White Sox - 1-3, 6.23 ERA, 21.2 IP, 31 G (inflamed shoulder landed him on 15 Day D.L.)
http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=213680

Donnie Murphy - Oakland Athletics - .194 BA, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 7-for-36 with Oakland in 16 G (.326-3-22-175 in AAA Sacramento)
http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=430906

Desi Relaford - Texas Rangers - .115 BA, 3 H/26 AB, 14 G, 0 HR, 0 RBI (.257-5-44-230 in minors.....he's baaaaaaaack!)
http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=121058

Dennys Reyes - Minnesota Twins - 2-1, 3.86 ERA, 25.2 IP, 42 G (Always love how people called him Denny Reyes, knowing they were misprouncing his name and simply not caring)
http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=121096

Rudy Seanez - Los Angeles Dodgers - 6-2, 4.11 ERA, 50 G, 50.1 IP (it's a shame how one really bad outing can really bring you from dominant to merely above average)
http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=121955

Brian Shouse - Milwaukee Brewers - 1-1, 1.95 ERA, 48 G, 32.1 IP (lefty specialist for Milwaukee...pretty darn good)http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=122195

Kyle Snyder - Boston Red Sox - 2-2, 2.68 ERA, 40.1 IP, 34 G (Good front-of-the-bullpen pitcher. Unfortunately, I had seen enough of him after his age 27 performance in K.C. to really ultimately judge his role)http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=216897

Matt Stairs - Toronto Blue Jays - .277 BA, 14 HR, 40 RBI, 231 AB (Platoon outfielder. I'd like to have him back).
http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=122644

Jeff Suppan - Milwaukee Brewers - 8-9, 4.97 ERA, 139.1 IP, 23 GS (he's been a little disappointing considering his contract and recent past performances with St. Louis)
http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=122987

Jamie Walker - Baltimore Orioles - 1-1, 2.30 ERA, 43 IP, 57 G (only 1 HR allowed this season. He's been a stud.)http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=123828

Todd Wellemeyer - St. Louis Cardinals - 3-2, 5.83 ERA, 58.2 IP, 24 G, 8 GS (headcase)http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=425487

Rondell White - Minnesota Twins - .138 BA, 2 RBI, 4 H/29 AB, 9 G (Good to see that Rondell is back. He's getting spot starts with Minnesota.)
http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=124185

Jay Witasick - Oakland Athletics - 1-0, 6.15 ERA, 26.1 IP, 31 G combined with TB and OAK (on 15 Day D.L. with right elbow strain)
http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=124482

Jamey Wright - Texas Rangers - 3-4, 4.57 ERA, 9 G, 8 GS (the stuff has always been there. The control simply never has. Reference the 23:29 K:BB ratio)
http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=124604

Gregg Zaun - Toronto Blue Jays - .242 BA, 5 HR, 28 RBI, 182 AB (platoon duty at catcher)http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=124748

MLB/MiLB DISABLED LIST:

Carlos Beltran - New York Mets - .263 BA, 19 HR, 62 RBI, 15 SB, 373 AB's (beginning to think he's not *quite* worth that contract. Now out with a strained oblique...had been bothering him all season)http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=136860

Ambiorix Burgos - AAA New Orleans Zephyrs (NYM) - 0-0, 4.50 ERA, 6.0 IP, 4 G (1-0, 3.42 with big club...out for the year with elbow soreness...has he opted for surgery?)
http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Ambiorix%2520Burgos&pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=434586

Endy Chavez - New York Mets - .292 BA, 1 HR, 13 RBI, 3 SB, 113 AB's (was playing everyday before hamstring injury landed him on 15 Day D.L.)
http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=346795

Doug Mientkiewicz - New York Yankees - .226 BA, 4 HR, 16 RBI, 124 AB's (Recently transferred to 60-Day D.L. Out with fractured bone in right wrist)
http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=137006

AAABrent Abernathy - AAA Columbus Clippers (WAS) - .272 BA, 2 HR, 30 RBI, 276 AB in Minors combined for Ottawa and Columbus in the Washington system)
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Brent%2520Abernathy&pos=2B&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=150466

Chip Ambres - AAA New Orleans Zephyrs (NYM) - .276 BA, 16 HR, 52 RBI, 319 AB's (good hitter for AAA New Orleans....1-for-3 with the Mets last week)
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Chip%2520Ambres&pos=OF&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=407876

Steve Andrade - AAA Durham Bulls (TB) - 2-2, 3.86 ERA, 51.1 IP, 32 G (this guy looks just a tad bit like 2007 first overall pick David Price....just a little bit)
http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Steve%2520Andrade&pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=430644

Denny Bautista - AAA Colorado Springs Sky Sox (COL) - 0-2, 3.72 ERA, 48.1 IP, 39 G (2-1, 19.06 ERA, 7 G, 5.2 IP with Colorado)
http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Denny%2520Bautista&pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=429714

Chris Booker - AAA Columbus Clippers (WAS) - 1-5, 3.61 ERA, 47.1 IP, 46 G, 24 SV (Columbus' closer)http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Chris%2520Booker&pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=407094

Juan Brito - AAA Columbus Clippers (WAS) - .221 BA, 2 HR, 18 RBI, 43 G, 140 AB's (in platoon duty with Columbus)http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Juan%2520Brito&pos=C&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=408226

Dee Brown - AAA Sacramento RiverCats (OAK) - .281 BA, 11 HR, 60 RBI, 324 AB's, 89 G combined for AAA Sacramento and AAA Tucson (Arizona D-Backs) (0-for-1 with the Athletics)
http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=150202

D.J. Carrasco - AAA Tuscon Sidewinders (ARI) 5-10, 5.72 ERA, 118 IP, 20 GS, 23 G (I'm ya boy, name o' Karl!)http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=D.J.%2520Carrasco&pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=425647

Alberto Castillo - AAA Norfolk Tides (BAL) - .268 BA, 3 HR, 20 RBI, 149 AB's, 46 G (.174 BA, 0 HR, 1 RBI in 23 AB's with Baltimore)
http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Alberto%2520Castillo&pos=C&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=112107

Travis "Gookie" Dawkins - AAA Ottawa Lynx (PHI) - .251, 4 HR, 32 RBI, 82 G, 311 AB's combined for AAA Tacoma (SEA) and for AAA Ottawa for PHI. He is 1-for-3 so far with Philadelphia.
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Gookie%2520Dawkins&pos=2B&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=235194

Mike DiFelice - AAA New Orleans Zephyrs (NYM) - .283 BA, 7 HR, 36 RBI, 244 AB's (Big Mike is still hangin' on in the Mets' system. Wonder if we'll see him yet again in September?)http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Mike%2520DiFelice&pos=C&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=113358

Scott Dohmann - AAA Durham Bulls (TB) - 4-1, 2.03 ERA, 48.2 IP, 37 G (Might he earn a promotion barring a possible Tampa Bay Aug. 31 waiver trade?)
http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Scott2520Dohmann&pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=430617

Nate Field - AAA Albuquerque Isotopes (FLA) - 6-6, 3.53 ERA, 40 G, 43.1 IP (Captain inconsistency lost his closers job)http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Nate%2520Field&pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=407757

Sal Fasano - AAA Syracuse Chiefs (TOR) - .283 BA, 7 HR, 13 RBI (.178-1-4-45 with Toronto....the Phil Hiatt of the 2000's)
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Sal%2520Fasano&pos=C&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=114031

Alexis Gomez - AAA Colorado Springs Sky Sox (COL) - .287 BA, 5 HR, 30 RBI, 72 G, 223 AB's
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Alexis%2520Gomez&pos=OF&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=346796

Runelvys Hernandez - AAA Indianapolis Indians (PIT) - 1-7, 4.35 ERA, 17 GS, 82.2 IP combined for Pawtucket, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, and Indianapolis (The burger joint workers in Indianapolis are quickly buying new yachts)http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Runelvys%2520Hernandez&pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=424465

Bob Keppel - AAA Colorado Springs SkySox (COL) 7-7, 6.01 ERA, 100.1 IP, 20 G, 17 GS
http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Bob%2520Keppel&pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=430670

Jeff Keppinger - AAA Louisville Bats (CIN) - .368 BA, 2 HR, 19 RBI, 240 AB's combined with AA Sarasota and AAA Louisville (2-for-8 in brief stint with Cincinnati)
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Jeff%2520Keppinger&pos=2B&sid=t416&t=p_pbp&pid=433898

Matt Kinney - AAA Fresno Grizzlies (SF) - 8-9, 4.26 ERA, 126.2 IP, 21 GS (109:28 K:BB ratio....meet Nuke Hochevar's older brother)
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Matt%2520Kinney&pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=150219

Joe McEwing - AAA Pawtucket Red Sox (BOS) - .265, 7 HR, 37 RBI, 374 AB's (Still miss him manning first base in Kansas City....wait a minute, no I don't. I'm glad those dark days are over. Thanks, Allard)http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Joe%2520McEwing&pos=2B&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=136607

Luis Ordaz - AAA Indianapolis Indians (PIT) - .301 BA, 2 HR, 32 RBI, 89 G, 312 AB's
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Luis%2520Ordaz&pos=2B&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=120042

Mark Redman - AAA Syracuse Chiefs (TOR) - 3-4, 4.66 ERA, 11 GS, 65.2 IP as a travelling reject this year (0-4, 11.63 in nightmarish stint with Atlanta)
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Mark%2520Redman&pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=150230

Andrew Sisco - AAA Charlotte Knights (CHW) - 1-4, 4.18 ERA, 17 G, 47.1 IP (rocket in bigs this season...now starting games in AAA)
http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Andrew%2520Sisco&pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=434878

Rich Thompson - AAA Tucson Sidewinders (ARI) - .294 BA, 3 HR, 30 RBI, 11 SB, 235 AB's (remember the hype surrounding him before the '04 season)
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Rich%2520Thompson&pos=OF&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=430829

Dusty Wathan - AAA Ottawa Lynx (PHI) - .270 BA, 0 HR, 12 RBI, 189 AB's, 61 G combined for Reading and Ottawa
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Dusty%2520Wathan&pos=C&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=150130

Mike Wood - AAA Oklahoma Redhawks (TEX) - 9-3, 3.23 ERA, 97.2 IP, 16 G, 15 GS (still kicking butt in AAA)http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Mike%2520Wood&pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=430061

AA

Miguel Asencio - AA Corpus Christi Hooks (HOU) - 1-3, 6.10 ERA, 3 GS, 32 G, 51.2 IP (now back in AA after posting a 7.43 ERA in 28 games with AAA Round Rock)
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Miguel%2520Asencio&pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=407900

Jorge Vasquez - AA Frisco RoughRiders (TEX) - 1-1, 4.41 ERA, 32.2 IP combined in minors for AAA Oklahoma, AA Frisco, and A Bakersfield, all with the Texas organization (1-1, 3.41, 29 IP combined in minors)http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Jorge%2520Vasquez&pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=430655

Mexican League

Jose Lima - Mexican League - Saraperos de Saltillo - 13-4, 3.60 ERA, 160 IP, 22 GS (wow, they're not afraid to not limit his innings)
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Jose%2520Lima&pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=117769

Mendy Lopez - Mex. League Monterrey Sultans - .304 BA, 21 HR, 68 RBI, 90 G, 306 AB's (Mendy Lopez - the fearsome middle-of-the-order power hitting slugger.....in the Mexican League)http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Mendy%2520Lopez&pos=3B&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=133741

FREE AGENTS:

Joe Mays - FREE AGENT - 1-2, 5.16 ERA, 45.1 IP, 8 G with AAA Las Vegas (LAD) (Still a free agent. Did he retire? It would certainly spare the embarrassment of any AAA team)

Kerry Robinson - FREE AGENT - .250 BA, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 28 AB's (No takers?)

Suspended For Illegal Performance-Enhancers

*Neifi Perez - Detroit Tigers - .172 BA*, 1 HR*, 6 RBI*, 64 AB's* (suspended for 80 games - rest of season and beginning of next season - for 'roiding....what a loser in every aspect of the word)

*Donnie Sadler - AAA Tucson Sidewinders (ARI) - .214 BA*, 2 HR*, 17 RBI*, 112 AB's* (retire!)RECENT RETIREMENTS:Kelly Stinnett - Las Vegas 51s (LAD)