Stephen Drew Thread

[boondockdrunk]

And he never will... cuz he is a greedy SOB, just like his borther JD. I hope they both have great injury riddled careers.

PS we dont need a ********....

 

[AZZenny]

I doubt he'll sign here. Interestingly, the #2 Pick, pitcher Justin Verlander, was told last week by Detroit they were no longer interested in him or even in talking to him, period. They'd take their compensatory pick and move on.

Yesterday he signed for a lot less than he'd been asking, about half what Drew is asking, after his father (a labor union mid-level guy) took over and personally called Detroit - and apparently was convinced it wasn't a bluff. No comment from anyone about what happened to the 'family advisor' - who was not Boras, alas.

Since Boras has always had his way, and still has two or three unsigned top picks, unless one caves, I'm sure he'll prevail. And given the family history, Drew won't cave. For myself, I'd rather have a kid who is just dying to play baseball.

 

[boondockdrunk]

For myself, I'd rather have a kid who is just dying to play baseball.

Agreed.. lets save the money for the next draft and take the conpensation pick.

 

[AZZenny]

I keep hearing - from people in the DBacks, and Baseball America - that we very likely WILL end up with Drew, and he's good enough to be up here within a year or two at the most. WHAT-ever. Meanwhile, just to keep the debate fizzing, from BA's ranking of Red Sox top ten prospects:

Background: Pedroia represents one extreme of the tools vs. performance debate. He's not physically gifted, but he wins. A two-time All-American at Arizona State, he had no problem adjusting to Class A in his pro debut. He batted a combined .357 and didn't commit an error in 42 games.

Strengths: Pedroia has tremendous ability to handle the bat and control the strike zone, making him a candidate to bat second in a big league lineup. His hands and fundamentals are excellent at shortstop, and the Red Sox believe he'll be able to stay at that position. He enhances his average speed with uncanny instincts.

Weaknesses: Several scouts have questioned whether Pedroia has enough arm and range to play shortstop. The presence of Hanley Ramirez in the system may make that question moot. Pedroia never will be a home run threat, though he'll have some gap power.

The Future: Pedroia may start his first full season in Double-A. He could be Boston's next Jody Reed, who began his big league career at shortstop before moving to second base.

 

[MaoTosiFanClub]

That's very good news on Drew. The guy was the consensus #1 overall position player in the draft and if he as MLB ready and talented as his brother was as most scouts say he is, he will join Jackson, Quentin, Aquino and with any luck Rosario in 2006 as the solid young nucleus of the DBacks. Now let's save some money and fill some holes with the RJ trade in anticipation of a youth movement.

Zenny - I have a couple questions for you. First, if Terrero keeps struggling through spring training and early next season with Ks will we see Noochie Varner get a shot in the bigs? Also, what is your take about the possibility of Dan Duquette taking over Joe Jr's role in the organization which LaCava had a story about tonight on the 10pm news?

 

[Brandon_Webb]

Is there a real good in depth review on Drew? And possibly our second rounder?

Like his hitting, power, blah blah.

 

[AZZenny]

Although the person who told me this is not the most forthcoming, it turns out (he already knew about Backman being canned and cheerfully lied to me, which I suspected at the time) I was told there's almost no way Terrero will be in CF this season - he was so obviously not disciplined enough on any aspect of the game. What I was told is that "The Tucson OF will be jammed" with Jackson, Quentin, Kroeger, Williams, Terrero, 'and one or two others'" competing for time - I'd really like to see Noochie Varner get a shot, too, but I think he'd be behind Conor, Carlos, maybe Kroeger on the short list to come up - and the team is quite enamored with Smoke Williams, who has a Dave Roberts' quality.

Makes me think that we'll probably have several really strong OF at the new AA club so everyone gets enough playing time. I worry that some good talent may fly under the glamour-radar, like Varner. Also rather doubt if the club wants to waste an OF spot teaching Hairston that position, but they were really unhappy with him in the infield by the end of this past season.

Duquette?! I was rather fervently hoping for Hunsicker or Beane. Nothing likely to happen until Moorad gets OKed which might be in about 10 days. (Gosh, won't it be nice not to hear from Ken Kendricks? He seems to be liking the spotlight more and more. I worry that Moorad will decide he no longer WANTS to be in the mix.) There was a youngish agenty-looking guy with Moorad at AZFL the other evening, who then came by himself last night - from a distance it looked vaguely like Theo, but of course wasn't - I assume all GMs, Asst GMs and major agents are in Fla this week.

 

[MaoTosiFanClub]

Although the person who told me this is not the most forthcoming, it turns out (he already knew about Backman being canned and cheerfully lied to me, which I suspected at the time) I was told there's almost no way Terrero will be in CF this season - he was so obviously not disciplined enough on any aspect of the game. What I was told is that "The Tucson OF will be jammed" with Jackson, Quentin, Kroeger, Williams, Terrero, 'and one or two others'" competing for time - I'd really like to see Noochie Varner get a shot, too, but I think he'd be behind Conor, Carlos, maybe Kroeger on the short list to come up - and the team is quite enamored with Smoke Williams, who has a Dave Roberts' quality..

It sounds like it's going to be a logjam. I only inferred that Terrero would be out there because I really don't see any other options on the current roster and there's not going to be much other than Doug Glanville or Tom Goodwin type CFs available that we should sign. Getting into a bidding war with LA and SD for Finley would be stupid if you ask me. I just don't see it happening with Kroeger. For as much as he strikes out, he doesn't hit that many home runs or take that many walks. From my perspective he'll be Russell Branyan at best.

Makes me think that we'll probably have several really strong OF at the new AA club so everyone gets enough playing time. I worry that some good talent may fly under the glamour-radar, like Varner. Also rather doubt if the club wants to waste an OF spot teaching Hairston that position, but they were really unhappy with him in the infield by the end of this past season.

It looked like Hairston had worn out his welcome with the team and from all offseason reports I have heard that appears to be the case. Too bad because he had good pop for a 2nd baseman although his glove and fundamentals left a lot to be desired.

Duquette?! I was rather fervently hoping for Hunsicker or Beane. Nothing likely to happen until Moorad gets OKed which might be in about 10 days. (Gosh, won't it be nice not to hear from Ken Kendricks? He seems to be liking the spotlight more and more. I worry that Moorad will decide he no longer WANTS to be in the mix.) There was a youngish agenty-looking guy with Moorad at AZFL the other evening, who then came by himself last night - from a distance it looked vaguely like Theo, but of course wasn't - I assume all GMs, Asst GMs and major agents are in Fla this week.

I am unsure about Duquette as well I'm just telling you what I heard. My godfather is a huge Sox fan and I asked him about Duquette and there was a mixed opinion. On one hand he brought up a Heatcliff Slocumb for Derek lowe and Varitek deal but then bitched about Duquette's arrogance and the complete lack of a farm system once he finally got the boot. However he also said that he was very well regarded in Montreal and built quite an team there that would have been successful if not the strike and financial issues. At least with this possibly happening we know that Joe Jr isn't going to do anything stupid this weekend.

 

[AZZenny]

I just saw where Gammons says JoeBlows has already refused a deal involving Conor Jackson - maybe to Beane via the Red Sox or something - If Beane lusts after Conor in his OF, he can damn well come here and be our GM.

If this org trades Conor or Carlos for ANYONE AT ALL, I will tear up my season tickets - and would very seriously think about never attending another DBacks game. And I would finally print my purple-puking-smiley "GM Joe Blows" T-shirts.

On the other hand, we better get used to the fact that other teams are going to be making their own public slobber puddles over Conor, Carlos, etc.

btw, what I heard from 2 sources was Hairston just plain doesn't seem to learn, whether that's attitude or inability. (A friend pointed out that with his baseball genes and bat, you have to wonder that the best he could do was Central AZ College...)

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Lets say that all of these rookies/prospects make it, and barring any trades, where do you think everybody will play? Heres a couple things I thought of

Option one:
LF Hairston
CF Terrero (could be surpassed by Kroeger, Zerengue, or a couple others)
RF Quinten
1st Jackson
2nd Drew
SS Santos (or maybe Drew SS and Santos 2nd)
3rd Tracy
C Hill

This plan would get Hairston out of 2nd, but Ive read conflicting reports on Santos and his defense, so I dont know if he will end up in SS/2nd, but there isnt much room in our future for him unless you keep Hairston at 2nd like this...

Option two:
LF Jackson
CF Terrero
RF Quinten
1st Santos
2nd Hairston
SS Drew
3rd Tracy
C Hill

The big problem with this one is Hairston's defense at 2nd. Otherwise, this one could work out. Looks like we got a whole lot of great prospects though. Opinions?

 

[Brandon_Webb]

Too bad our prospect pitchign is pretty weak

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Too bad our prospect pitchign is pretty weak

Not so sure of that...
Rosario (or Pena as he's now called)
Nippert
Murphy
Guys like Gosling, Gonzalez, Fossum that are still young and plenty of talent.
Couple lower guys that are too early to get a read on like Mock, Ohlendorf, few others I can't remember from the 2004 draft.

Plus pretty much our entire bullpen is young and talented.

 

[AZZenny]

LF Zeringue
CF Williams
RF Quentin
3rd D'Antona or Myers
SS (urk) Drew
2nd Santos (I'd like to see if Neb Brown could get in here somewhere, too - he was playing well before his ankle broke)
1st Jackson
C Snyder/Hill

I think Gosling and Webb will be solid middle-rotation guys. Rosario aka Pena may pan out yet. Lizarraga, AJ Schappi, Billy Murphy, maybe Cormier if he recovers from the shock - we have several decent potential starters in the mix, just no ace-types in sight.
Relief - Bulger, Nippert, Bruney, Aquino, Valverde, Villareal....

I keep telling you guys, with just a couple more critical pieces, 2007 looks mighty bright, as long as Voldemort doesn't trade it all away for back-of-rotation hacks and lefty specialists.

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

LF Zeringue
CF Williams
RF Quentin
3rd D'Antona or Myers
SS (urk) Drew
2nd Santos (I'd like to see if Neb Brown could get in here somewhere, too - he was playing well before his ankle broke)
1st Jackson
C Snyder/Hill

I think Gosling and Webb will be solid middle-rotation guys. Rosario aka Pena may pan out yet. Lizarraga, AJ Schappi, Billy Murphy, maybe Cormier if he recovers from the shock - we have several decent potential starters in the mix, just no ace-types in sight.
Relief - Bulger, Nippert, Bruney, Aquino, Valverde, Villareal....

I keep telling you guys, with just a couple more critical pieces, 2007 looks mighty bright, as long as Voldemort doesn't trade it all away for back-of-rotation hacks and lefty specialists.

Just curious, dont think Tracy is in the future?

 

[Brandon_Webb]

THis is something i did for another site. Just wondering what you guys thought. Just kind of summing up what i've been saying for a little while, and adding some of your thoughts to mine.

Also if i was wrong on anything please point it out (Ex. Do i have the conditional picks thing right?)

Also, keep in mind this is mainly to people who don't know much about the team.

Winning is not coming this year. And spending over 50 or so million isn't an option. We can't do like we always have, pay for free agents to come here so we can compete. Because, of the fact that we are still paying for 2001. We amassed so many differed contracts that we have to pay for now. So, we are in fact, paying for people not playing on this team.

Secondly on Richie Sexson, he definitly needs to be let go. It would be the smartest move we can make. If we throw more money at him to keep him, we again stall the rebuild process which is desperatly needed, and take away money from prospects we could sign. We made a mistake making that trade but don't sign him to justify the trade. You have no idea if he's going to be the same guy he once was after a shoulder injury like that. Also if we let him walk, it's not like we don't get anything. We get two first round draft picks! whats better then that? A team rebuilding gets two first round draft picks and save money by letting hte guy walk. We get the team who signs him first rounder, and we get another first round pick at the end of the 1st round.

Randy Johnson, he is going to give us a good bushel of prospects to pick and choose from. We loose 18 or so million dollars by trading a 41 year old starter. We can get money to 2 or so decent starters and, we improve our system greatly. We should be able to snag 2-3 good prospects for him. But i would rather trade him for one superstar prospect. Either way, if he's not traded this is going to be the biggest mistake in the history of the organization, even if he does go on to win a CY Young next season, it won't mean anything for a losing organization.

Our system in the offensive department is quite good. And we can easily build around them and be a good, young, cheap, team in 2006 or so. We have a star studded OF in the minors. Which includes the likes of Conor Jackson, Luis Terrero, Carlos Quinten, Josh Kroeger, along with others. And the Infield prospects aren't bad at all. Cintron is crap, but Stephen Drew, Sergio Santos, the teams #1 prospect for 2 years Scott Hairston also, and Now up in the Bigs Chad Tracy is very good.

Our pitching prospects are fairly weak however. With the Edgar Gonzalez experiment failed, we have a few decent pitching prospects left. Bill Murphy (Aquired in the shipment of Finley), Dustin Nippert (Guy can throw fast) Mike Gosling, and Adrian Rosario. No real stars. but decent 3-5 guys.

Which leads me onto the 2005 Amatuer Draft. Assuming we ship off Sexson, we should have around 3 first round picks. I would love for two of those to be spent on pitchers, considering how weak it is for us. I *Believe* we have the first pick in the draft, which excites me to no end. I love draft time and prospects. Favorite time of the year. And I'm hoping to read a lot about it. But my opinion on the first pick we have. Grab the best player available as long as there not an Outfielder unless it's the next Barry Bonds.

Sorry about the long read, just wanted you to know where I stand. And I pray this starts up a good convo, and hopefull those non-dback fans learn a little about the team.

Possible '06 Lineup:
C Hill
1B Conor Jackson (A Move to 1B would be good)
2B Scott Hairston (Hopefully he can figure out how to field)
SS Stephen Drew
3B Chad Tracy
LF Josh Kroeger?
CF Luis Terrero
RF Carlos Quinten

 

[MaoTosiFanClub]

Just curious, dont think Tracy is in the future?

Not enough power to make up for horrid defense from a corner infielder. He may well play here for the next couple years, but don't think that the D-Backs are praying for good things from D'Antona or have their eyes elsewhere.

You guys are more optimistic than I am. I think Hairston, Kroeger, Gonzalez, Cormier and Terrero hve no long term future as D-Backs unless their performances drastically improve. I think Terrero and Hairston have the talent but we all know guys who don't listen to directions get shipped from the team, ie Durazo. Cormier's inability to strike people out is going to cost him a la Andrew Good. Gosling will be able to get away without a dominating pitch because he's a lefty, Cormier and Good don't have that luxury.

Bill Murphy still hasn't figured out how to throw strikes, Rosario still hasn't figured out how to get back into the country, and Nippert just got Tommy John so let's be more cautious about the upcomiong pitching staff. It's something that demands addressing in the RJ deal.

 

[green machine]

I still think Gonzales will be good...he's got the stuff. He got shelled a couple of times last year, but he also had a few games where he was just dominant, just no run support either. Give the guy a chance next season and I think he'll impress.

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Our pitching prospects are fairly weak however. With the Edgar Gonzalez experiment failed, we have a few decent pitching prospects left. Bill Murphy (Aquired in the shipment of Finley), Dustin Nippert (Guy can throw fast) Mike Gosling, and Adrian Rosario. No real stars. but decent 3-5 guys.

Which leads me onto the 2005 Amatuer Draft. Assuming we ship off Sexson, we should have around 3 first round picks. I would love for two of those to be spent on pitchers, considering how weak it is for us. I *Believe* we have the first pick in the draft, which excites me to no end. I love draft time and prospects. Favorite time of the year. And I'm hoping to read a lot about it. But my opinion on the first pick we have. Grab the best player available as long as there not an Outfielder unless it's the next Barry Bonds.

Sorry about the long read, just wanted you to know where I stand. And I pray this starts up a good convo, and hopefull those non-dback fans learn a little about the team.

Possible '06 Lineup:
C Hill
1B Conor Jackson (A Move to 1B would be good)
2B Scott Hairston (Hopefully he can figure out how to field)
SS Stephen Drew
3B Chad Tracy
LF Josh Kroeger?
CF Luis Terrero
RF Carlos Quinten

According to an article on Baseball America, the considered Rosario and Nippert something to the extent of "the only true aces in Arizona's system, but having 2 in the system is a luxury as there arent 30 in the major leagues, or minor leagues" (not exact quote, but pretty close) So I wouldnt count Nippert and Rosario out of the "becoming a star" running.

Oh, and we could end up with a whole lot of picks (including the #1) as Sexson and Mantei are both type A free agents (we get a first rounder unless the team that signs them have the top 15 pick and a compensatory pick), Bautista is a type B (compensatory first rounder), and Baerga is a type C (compensatory second rounder). I think thats right anyways.

 

[AZZenny]

IF Tracy gets his defense significantly better then yes, he certainly might be at 3rd - his discipline at the plate is a big plus. However, I've been impressed with Corey Myers defensively at 3rd, rather unexpectedly, he also has sound plate discipline, and he is a genuinely solid (back-up) catcher - of course, we may have a few of those lying around.

D'Antona was part of the Conor-Carlos-Jaime Triad, and showed REALLY serious pop until the biceps tendinitis started affecting his swing in July. He was very sloppy defensively at first, but (and here is where some of my strong initial support for Backman came from) Wally worked with him 1:1 and the error rate plummetted within a couple weeks. So sure, it remains to be seen with D'Antona, but I think he has the potential to be a 'big-bat corner infielder.'

I'm going to stick up for Cormier - I was horrified when they brought him up here so prematurely - org should have been horsewhipped - but he had a steady 2.7 K to Walk ratio in the minors, and IF he can rebuild his confidence and get a year or two to mature properly, he is far from a write-off.
Kroeger has such a superb arm from the OF I hate to lose it, but that may be his only claim to fame. Hairston has a bat like Kroeger has an arm, and one super tool just isn't enough. Terrero has all these cool tools lying scattered around, but no organizing principle, so to speak.

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Not enough power to make up for horrid defense from a corner infielder. He may well play here for the next couple years, but don't think that the D-Backs are praying for good things from D'Antona or have their eyes elsewhere.

I heard that Tracy was named the best defensive 3rd basemen in the PCL by the managers last year, of course thats not the major leagues, but I wouldnt give up on him yet.

 

[MaoTosiFanClub]

I still think Gonzales will be good...he's got the stuff. He got shelled a couple of times last year, but he also had a few games where he was just dominant, just no run support either. Give the guy a chance next season and I think he'll impress.

Here's the lines from Gonzalez's only three quality starts (he started ten games):
OPP IP H R ER HR BB K

CIN 7.0 3 2 2 1 2 3

PIT 6.0 7 2 2 0 2 3

ATL 6.0 6 3 3 0 5 5

Even his "quality starts" weren't dominant, in fact you can make the case that his only decent start was against Cincinnati.

 

[green machine]

Here's the lines from Gonzalez's only three quality starts (he started ten games):
OPP IP H R ER HR BB K

CIN 7.0 3 2 2 1 2 3

PIT 6.0 7 2 2 0 2 3

ATL 6.0 6 3 3 0 5 5

Even his "quality starts" weren't dominant, in fact you can make the case that his only decent start was against Cincinnati.

Maybe dominant wasn't the right word to use, but he looked good in those starts...regardless, as it was for most of our pitchers, I think last year is a horrible time to judge them. The fact that our offense was just awful didn't help at all. Being a young team, though, let's head to spring training with an open mind and see who steps up.

 

[WildBB]

If we sign Drew to BIG $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ as a 15th pick - don't you think the 1st pick this yr will want more $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ than Drew?!

 

[MaoTosiFanClub]

I just saw where Gammons says JoeBlows has already refused a deal involving Conor Jackson - maybe to Beane via the Red Sox or something - If Beane lusts after Conor in his OF, he can damn well come here and be our GM.

Apparently the deal was Tim Hudson going to Boston; BK Kim, Bronson Arroyo, and Conor Jackson going to Oakland, and Sox highly regarded LH Jon Lester coming to AZ. The fact that Joe Jr. is sitting down with Billy Beane and Theo Epstein discussing trades worries the hell out of me. It's like a high school dropout in a round table discussion about science with Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton. Remember the last time Joe Jr. dealt with these two respective GMs? Durazo for Dessens and Schilling for Fossum. Please Joe, when Theo and Beane approach you, turn around and run away.

Also Gammons and Rosenthal have the D-Backs interested in names such as Aaron Rowand (in potential RJ deal) and Kenny Lofton which I can only determine means Terrero is done as a D-Back. A Terrero for Lofton and cash deal would not surpsie me one bit.

 

[AZZenny]

The fact that Joe Jr. is sitting down with Billy Beane and Theo Epstein discussing trades worries the hell out of me. It's like a high school dropout in a round table discussion about science with Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton.


OH. MY. GOD.