10 Sept Call-ups to watch (Allen on list)

[Dback Jon]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/20.../aroldis.chapman.callups/index.html?eref=sihp

Brandon Allen, Diamondbacks, 1B/LF
Since being traded from the White Sox for reliever Tony Peña last July, Allen has pounded the ball at Triple A, hitting 37 home runs with 116 RBIs in 143 games over the past year and a half with Arizona's affiliate in Reno. A burly 6'-2", 235 pound slugger, Allen had an unspectacular 32-game call-up in late August and September last year in which he batted .202 with a .284 on-base percentage and four home runs, but his plate discipline (. 404 OBP thanks to 82 walks in 105 games) has significantly improved in the minors this season. The natural first baseman, blocked by Adam LaRoche in the majors, is learning to play leftfield, a position that has been a revolving door for the Diamondbacks.

 

[Black Jesus]

when he learns how to hit a breaking ball or at least foul them off... call him up

 

[Gaddabout]

Maybe this is OT, not sure, but is anyone else starting to wonder about the value of Triple A? My perception is our Double A kids get promoted to Triple A and all of a sudden their numbers bloom. Some of this could have to do with ballparks, but I think some of it has to do with the quality of pitching. More high-level pitching prospects in Double A? I dunno. I just get more excited when a kid is blowing up in Double A and gets called up from there. A kid from Triple A ... in my mind I automatically think "fourth outfielder" or "situational hitter/infielder" or "occasional long relief."

Edit: Wanted to add I'm vaguely familiar with the history of the PCL. I know it used to be a very strong developmental league, especially in the 70s and early 80s. And a lot of that had to do with the talent coming through the NL West farm systems. Still, Triple A seems to have been on a major decline as a viable developmental league. There are still a lot of teams filling rosters with guys who are career minor leaguers. I wonder if the future is two-tier + extended rookie. Maybe three levels just isn't financially viable anymore.

 

[DWKB]

Maybe this is OT, not sure, but is anyone else starting to wonder about the value of Triple A? My perception is our Double A kids get promoted to Triple A and all of a sudden their numbers bloom. Some of this could have to do with ballparks, but I think some of it has to do with the quality of pitching. More high-level pitching prospects in Double A? I dunno. I just get more excited when a kid is blowing up in Double A and gets called up from there. A kid from Triple A ... in my mind I automatically think "fourth outfielder" or "situational hitter/infielder" or "occasional long relief."

Edit: Wanted to add I'm vaguely familiar with the history of the PCL. I know it used to be a very strong developmental league, especially in the 70s and early 80s. And a lot of that had to do with the talent coming through the NL West farm systems. Still, Triple A seems to have been on a major decline as a viable developmental league. There are still a lot of teams filling rosters with guys who are career minor leaguers. I wonder if the future is two-tier + extended rookie. Maybe three levels just isn't financially viable anymore.

Well for our program specifically a lot has to do about ballparks. The AA Southern League has a lot of pitchers parks and the PCL is a hitters paradise.

A lot of it has to do with serious talent making the jump from AA as well though, but PF do matter.

 

[Dback Jon]

And Allen hits a Grand Slam...

 

[Gaddabout]

And a great catch at the fence. Not bad!

 

[Lefty]

Vey nice first game.

 

[BC867]

I was so disappointed with Brandon Allen's performance with the D'backs last year. Being a lefty, I especially like left-handed 1B.

I felt that, if he had been given a chance hitting higher than 8th in the lineup, he would have been more consistent.

Why is it that, when you bring up a middle of the lineup type hitter, you convert him to that of a weak hitting 2B, SS or Catcher and bat him just ahead of the Pitcher? It's the kiss of death.

Part of the development of a young player with his potential should include batting in front of a decent hitter. Let Allen see good pitches. Teach him the right way.

Ironic that he got his slam batting eighth today, but the 7th inning is pinch hitter time anyway. Abreau was on deck.

We have a LF. And if LaRoche doesn't re-sign, we have a 1B for next season.

Let's just put Allen into the lineup in LF for the rest of October. Parra obviously is not going to be our LF next season.