Monday Rockpile: Oregon coach indicates Tyler Matzek leaning to Ducks but still uncertain as deadline looms
by Rox Girl on Aug 17, 2009 7:58 AM MDT
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PrintSo in a bad sign for the Colorado Rockies, University of Oregon baseball coach George Horton seems a little more confident that Tyler Matzek will wind up at school instead of going pro after meeting with him yesterday. Here's what Horton told the Oregonian's Jeff Smith:
"It's a sign of his seriousness to be a Duck," Horton said. "I think right now his mindset has switched to going to school and that's the most significant part. We're all aware that this might be an exercise in futility, but I think if (Colorado) was closer together with what Tyler wanted, he might have hung back in California."
The story goes on to say that a potential future teammate of Matzek, Drew Gagnier thinks that Matzek will sign with the Rockies, and the team has until 10:00 mountain time tonight to work something out. We'll keep an eye on the day's developments as the deadline approaches.
Other links:
The Rockies wound up splitting yesterday's double header with Florida and the end result of the three games in Miami only saw the team's playoff chances fall slightly. A lot of people still don't seem to realize how significant Colorado's home field advantage is going to be down the stretch, after their three game set in Washington, the Rockies will have 26 games ramaining at home, only 15 on the road. This is the last road trip the Rockies take outside the NL West, at this point I think the only other wild card contending team that has a really good shot at catching them is the Giants because there are so many head to head match-ups. That's not to say the Rockies have anything locked or teams like the Marlins or Braves are out, it's just going to take some out of the ordinary dramatics for them to get ahead.
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Schedule Notes
in addition to playing 26 of the 44 remaining games at home, the Rockies only play 3 teams that have a winning record (19 games: SF 10 games, LAD 6 and STL 3 games), and 6 with losing records ( 6 games each with SD and AZ)
While the Rockies lead is not insurmountable, the Braves loss last night and dropping the series to Philly, and the Cubs play against the Rockies last weekend really hurt their chances. This race is becoming a two horse race between the Rockies and the Giants and mostly due to the amount of games we have left to play against each other. Over the last 10 games, only the Rockies have had a winning record (6-4) in the NL West. Both the Giants and Dodgers were 4-6
With the terrible outings of Cook and Hammel, and DLR yesterday dancing out of trouble….The big concern for the Rockies is the Starting Pitching and it’s looking shaky but so is the starting pitching for a lot of teams. That starts to happen this time of year, injuries mount, arms and bodies get tired. When John Smoltz and Pedro Martinez are looked at to bolster staffs there are issues all around.
Remember baseball is a marathon, not a sprint. But a good late kick, could land the Rockies it’s first ever division championship.
Hammel wasn't terrible, he just didn't get a lot of support.
His real problem is pitching at home. As for Cook, it definitely looks like he’s still hurt…if in fact he is and it’s serious/nagging enough to where he has to take a trip to the DL, the Rox could be in trouble.
Just an average guy with exceptional hair. Nothing more, nothing less.
by Bryan Kilpatrick on Aug 17, 2009 8:41 AM MDT up reply actions
nah, hammel looked pretty bad
and he’s been pretty shaky since the break, as Silver pointed out. I wouldn’t doubt it’s fatigue related.
Good thing he’ll be the odd man out come postseason.
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by Andrew Martin on Aug 17, 2009 8:47 AM MDT up reply actions
But who do the Rockies turn to in the mean time
with Cook, I’d assume heading to the DL (or at least missing a start) and Hammel really stinky, who has ups? Adam Eaton? Fogger? Morales? Greg Reynolds? (ok…that’s just so Silverblood, would leave school, and hitchhike to see him start) Chacin? None of these gives me warm fuzzies
Same here, but I'd have to say Fogg.
And/or Morales.
Just an average guy with exceptional hair. Nothing more, nothing less.
by Bryan Kilpatrick on Aug 17, 2009 8:54 AM MDT up reply actions
Fogg as done well in his role in the pen this year
above his head well. I hesitate to maybe break what ain’t broke by starting him. Morales was doing ok until he got hurt. I’m not sure about him out of the pen lately….would he do better back as a starter?
Eaton had great numbers in AAA, and had a good start to his career a few years back. Good enough to spell Hammel?
Eaton is garbage with a mitt
but at the very least, he’s been pitching starter workloads in the Springs, as opposed to Fogg and Morales, who have been pitching bullpen workloads.
If Eaton can sacrifice the right chicken and get just lucky enough, he could be the emergency starter and go 5 innings, give or take.
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by Andrew Martin on Aug 17, 2009 9:11 AM MDT up reply actions
Should Fogg or Morales
especially Morales “be stretched out”? I’m not a fan of Hammel just because he can’t pitch at Coors Field…now he’s looking on the road, like he has at home. And now Cook is struggling (we assume due to injury). There seems to be a need for a starting pitcher.
OR…is it too late…just dance with those that brought the Rockies here, and hope they provide us with a happy ending?
If we have to stretch anyone out
I say Fogg. Morales has trouble with effectiveness enough as it is, adding the stress of worrying about pitching 5 innings would be trouble enough.
This is half tongue in cheek, half “well…maybe”, but what about, say, Alan Johnson?
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by Andrew Martin on Aug 17, 2009 9:41 AM MDT via mobile up reply actions
I don't know enough about him
besides he’s a AAAA type starter. BUT he’s put up ok (traditional) numbers at every stop along the way through the minors.
you kind of see what I mean anyhow, right?
At least he’s acclimated to a starter’s workload.
Seth Smith status: Finally Getting Playing time
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by Andrew Martin on Aug 17, 2009 9:54 AM MDT up reply actions
Oh and
I’d go Morales if I had to pick. I like Fogg in his role, as stablizer and vet out in the pen. He’s my “bullpen binky”. I also don’t want batting orders getting their 3rd AB at him as a starter. Morales has the better “stuff”
Now here’s another thing…as a starter, you could play Torrealba with him. Torrealba is a little more “hands on” or “on the field coach” when it comes to our head cases, especially the Latin ones then Iannetta is. Out of the pen…the pitcher gets who ever is catching…but starting, they can be paired, and I think this will help Morales a little.
Eaton did have great numbers in AAA. I wonder if he figured something out, and maybe more like when he first came up.
My concern is Morales making it 3 times through the lineup
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by Andrew Martin on Aug 17, 2009 9:55 AM MDT up reply actions
I'd worry about this more w/ Eaton and Fogg
since Morales has clearly the best stuff he should be the most likely to make it 3 times through a lineup. His only worry is command, and I think its time to give it another shot if we need someone. If we were to replace Hammel and move Cook to the DL, I vote for Morales and Eaton w/ an eye on Hynick.
It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.
It's a big worry with Morales, however
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by Andrew Martin on Aug 17, 2009 12:09 PM MDT up reply actions
Command is huge and I don't disagree
but if we are talking about who can get the same guy out 3 times in a day, I’ll take the guy w/ better stuff. And maybe I misunderstood you and you were saying his command and high pitch count would not allow him to pitch that deep, and if so then I see your point. However, I would rather take that risk on a guy that cen be lights out and see what happens.
It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.
well that and ramping him back up could be disastrous
Franklin Morales is like a giant Jenga tower to me. I realllllly don’t want to mess with him
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by Andrew Martin on Aug 17, 2009 12:28 PM MDT up reply actions
oh, yeah, absolutely
I’m looking short term right now
Seth Smith status: Finally Getting Playing time
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by Andrew Martin on Aug 17, 2009 12:51 PM MDT up reply actions
I completely forgot about Hynick
I’d pick him, too.
Seth Smith status: Finally Getting Playing time
Mike McCoy status: FREE MIKE MCCOY
by Andrew Martin on Aug 17, 2009 11:04 AM MDT up reply actions
Personally, I love Hynick
He needs a shot: his command of his pitches has improved so well that he cut his HR/9 rate (his main problem) by half, his GO rates are a lot higher at home than away (meaning he goes for GO in CS and gets them), doesn’t have a horrible home away split, and has excelled at Triple A PCL when it has essentially become a graveyard for pitchers. He’s more than ready, and I actually want him in the rotation over Hammel right now.
by bballrox4717 on Aug 17, 2009 11:12 AM MDT up reply actions
I think I would prefer him now also
He has absolutely no movement on his pitches. Sure, he is attacking the plate, but he is being hit, very hard.
I'm wondering why O'Dowd went for Chacin
rather than Hynick or whoever
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by Andrew Martin on Aug 17, 2009 11:24 AM MDT up reply actions
I don't think Hynick's stuff would play out well in the bullpen
Chacin is a lot more highly regarded and his stuff plays out a lot better than Hynick’s at the majors. Plus, the Chacin call-up was in a time where we had no Betancourt and Beimel and we wanted his feet wet in the majors. Obviously, he dealt with a lot of nerves because we walked a lot more people than he’s ever done in the minors, but Chacin in the bullpen was a complete success, unlike the first career start. Once it became apparent that an eatings eater in the BP was needed, and that Chacin needed regular starting time, then Eaton was called up to fulfill the same role as Fogg and Chacin combined. As of right now, Chacin and Hynick will only be called up because it’s September, if they lose faith in Hammel, or if Cook goes on the DL. Right now, my money’s bet that Hynick gets his first career start very soon, though Chacin and Rogers may be called up before him.
by bballrox4717 on Aug 17, 2009 11:31 AM MDT up reply actions
This is the time to recognise
We’ve been staggeringly lucky with the health of our starting pitching this season, and that consistency has been a massive part of our success so far.
absolutely
And that ubaldo has yet to miss a start due to injury in his career, much less this year. Knock on wood
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Aug 17, 2009 12:24 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions
I'm blaming you after tonight. . . .
"If we never try, we shall never succeed." - Abraham Lincoln
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I'm glad you posted this
so it wasn’t just me
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by Andrew Martin on Aug 17, 2009 12:29 PM MDT up reply actions
Giants....really?
I was actually thinking the opposite—that the Braves and Marlins look scarier than the Giants right now. It looks to me like the Giants lack of run production is finally catching up with them a bit and the Marlins and Braves just look like more well rounded teams.
Also, for what it is worth the baseball prospectus “postseason odds” predictor projects slightly more wins for both the Braves and the Marlins than the Giants.
I guess we’ll see.
That may be true
but I think the arguement, then is “Is any of these a wild card contender” The Marlins and Braves still play each other 10 more times. If each splits that keeps both off the pace that the Rockies have set.
the Giants may be showing cracks….BUT because they play the Rockies so many time they still control their density.
I think those two teams look better than the Giants on paper,
But they haven’t done enough in the last two weeks to put themselves in a real strong position. If one of the two goes something like 8-2 or 9-1 in their remaining head to heads, than obviously that changes things, but right now, it’s looking like they will fall back over the next few weeks. The Giants look like our biggest competitor right now because they can do the most damage to us directly, particularly with those six games at AT&T. We better go 3-1 or sweep the series at Coors this weekend to get a buffer ahead of those San Fran games.
Rox in great shape given series loss...swat the Nats
"If you're going to be stupid, you'd better be tough."
Miller, Wheeler, Purke, Matzek.
all unsigned but in various stages of closeness. I still think it’s a domino-effect type deal. Maybe everyone’s waiting for Strasburg.
This leads me to further want to fix the draft
because slot is somewhat ruining things, or at least the lack of abiding by it.
Seth Smith status: Finally Getting Playing time
Mike McCoy status: FREE MIKE MCCOY
by Andrew Martin on Aug 17, 2009 9:57 AM MDT up reply actions
Will be big chip in next CBA
Seems that overhauling the draft would benefit both the MLB and MLBPA. I have a feeling the next two drafts will see so much money go to unproven prospects that, both sides will be motivated to make changes.
Any chance International FA will be included some how?
TGFPR!!
International players
I have no idea how clubs and the MLBPA think about it, but a lot of baseball fans don’t like the idea of including international players in the draft due to the perception of what happened to Puerto Rico when its players were made draft-eligible. There apparently was a dramatic downturn in the number of prospects who came from the area. Not sure why; perhaps the MLB clubs pulled their development efforts out of the region, and indigenous institutions couldn’t make up for it.
Leave Dexter alone! You're lucky he even performs for you!
#19 Miller
Per MLBTR – The STL paper is suggesting Miller’s deal is around $3.25 million. I’m guessing Matzek’s at #11 is going to need to be closer to $4 millon to get a deal done.
I’m sure the agents for all 4 of these HS pitchers have been in contact with one another – as probably have the teams have contacted each other as well – and everyone is trying to get the deals in line.
Imagine how many clients an agent would lose if he signed for something less than the HS pitchers drafted after him. Especially Purke at #14 who is a southpaw as well. Sounds like the Rangers are in a similar postion with him.
TGFPR!!
there isn't that much of a premium between those picks...
Purke will be the real test, but it does look like $3.5 million might be required.
Intra team discussion
Am I correct in presuming that the agents for these two and even the Rocks and the Rangers have had some discussion about what it will take to sign these two HS LHP?
If I’m not mistaken – there is nothing illegal about this because the players are not part of the union or under contract.
TGFPR!!
Us agents often talk amongst ourselves when several of us are in the same/a similar boat
I think it would be essential for them to do so, unless it’s illegal under the draft regulations (or US law of course).
it would still be collusion, though, and they'd be liable for damages if draftees decided to sue
Competing companies (the Rockies and Rangers) can’t communicate like that when it comes to hiring. There’s a Supreme Court case with the NFL right now, however, that might make the pro sports leagues say that all the teams are just one big entity, and they might try to use it (if the Court sides with the NFL) to allow just that sort of talking.
gotta love sports law
ruling for the NFL would seemingly destroy the (already nonsense) baseball antitrust exemption but at the same time would affirm it.
Fair enough
In film/TV we often collaborate, with the full backing of our “union” (it’s not a union, rather an umbrella for our profession), to make sure producers don’t get away with setting unfair or negative precedents, because as soon as the producers can say “but X agent agreed to that” then we ALL lose leverage.
Which wheeler
Ohhhh ZACK Wheeler
I was gonna say “we already signed Tim Wheeler what are you talking about”
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by Andrew Martin on Aug 17, 2009 9:56 AM MDT up reply actions
hahaha I was thinkin the same thing
"There are only two important things in life: baseball and breathing. But at least you can survive without breathing for 3 minutes."
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by Hollidayrain on Aug 17, 2009 10:39 AM MDT up reply actions
I wonder if Gagnier knows anything more than Horton
both appear to be speculating completely without any real connection to Matzek’s thoughts. I’m really hoping we can get the deal done, but he’ll have to back off that precedent money aways. Third overall pick Donovan Tate is rumored to be close to a $6.5MM bonus…
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Aug 17, 2009 9:38 AM MDT reply actions
ESPN Insider
has an article on Tulo’s batting adjustments leading to his resurgence. If you don’t get Insider, I guess this will be in the next issue of ESPN mag:
http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/insider/news/story?id=4403983
He wouldn't have been the only one to suggest Matzek wouldn't sign
but he was putting forth the idea that the Rockies intentionally chose a player they had no intention of signing (and in this case, would be scrutinized less for their failure to do so) in order to avoid signing 3 of the top 34 picks.
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Aug 17, 2009 10:51 AM MDT up reply actions
which, I can add, can never be verified
Unless the front office just decides to go all glasnost on the Denver Metro
Seth Smith status: Finally Getting Playing time
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by Andrew Martin on Aug 17, 2009 10:53 AM MDT up reply actions
Naturally
Makes it a safe conspiracy to claim :)
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Aug 17, 2009 11:06 AM MDT up reply actions
but perfect denver post fodder
this just in: redhawk actually woody paige, details at 11
Seth Smith status: Finally Getting Playing time
Mike McCoy status: FREE MIKE MCCOY
by Andrew Martin on Aug 17, 2009 11:25 AM MDT up reply actions
Sorry
I was referring to the Tulo article. For some reason I remember him being all over Baylor for not fixing Tulo’s stance. Could just be a poor memory.
TGFPR!!
Oh...good call
yes, he had mentioned how Tulo did better with an upright stance and seemed to vary his stance within the same game whilst struggling early this season. You are correct in that.
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Aug 17, 2009 11:05 AM MDT up reply actions
and you all have great memory
of my posts…which is kinda daunting.
I was all over Tulo a long time ago for his stance. It was so mechanically wrong. I don’t think there is a 12 year old that has that messed up of a stance. But Tulo I would assume has been playing baseball for a long time in his life. Long enough to get a stance….and I would have assumed a successful one to get him to the majors. But this was his third year in the majors, and like the 6th different stance.
BUT…thankfully he got one that’s worked, AND he hasn’t back slided into one of his bad stances he’s had. That kind of mechanical mess is hard to fix and be consistent at, AND then have success with. Hard enough, I would have said impossible at the beginning of the year.
Need to give Baylor, and Tulo a lot of credit.
Your comments tend to be independent of a lot of others in subject matter, so they stick out in our memory.
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Aug 17, 2009 11:51 AM MDT up reply actions
Matzek
If the kid doesn’t want 3 million dollars, then good riddance. Ill take the draft pick next year.
I'd take it
If I were him. Guaranteed money is better than potential money… especially playing in college with aluminum bats. Take a liner off an Easton and it might be a career ruiner. I’d rather go with cash in pocket and the promise of being a top prospect with an organization that is starting to look like they are commited to winning on a more perennial basis.
by Rox R Champs on Aug 17, 2009 11:15 AM MDT up reply actions
I don't get why people freak out about kids getting a lot of money
If Matzek has a season identical Jeff Francis’s rookie year in 2005 (which he is more than capable of doing), then his value is at 7.5 million dollars (according to Fangraphs). Do you want to know what Francis’s line was that year? 14-12 5.68 ERA. Matzek could do a lot more than that in his rookie year with say, 3 years in the minors, and has the upside of being a TOR starter/star, which we badly need right now in the farm system. Seriously, it’s just negotiating tactic offering 2 million right now. I would not be surprised at all if we find out tonight that he signed for 5-6 million dollars, which is a good risk for a player of Matzek’s caliber.
by bballrox4717 on Aug 17, 2009 11:20 AM MDT up reply actions
i feel this same way
That the money spent now would be a good investment
"I've never known a man worth his salt who in the long run, deep down in his heart, didn't appreciate the grind, the discipline... I firmly believe that any man's finest hour - this greatest fulfillment to all he holds dear is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle, victorious." - Vince Lombardi
by nodakroxfan on Aug 17, 2009 11:26 AM MDT via mobile up reply actions
If Matzek has a season similar to Greg Reynolds' 2008,
Which he’s more than capable of doing, and that’s the best we get out of him, the Rockies will have spent $3 million for what? If he has a career like John Van Benschoten’s for the Pirates, what’s his value to an MLB team? If you’re suggesting $5-$6 million is okay, you have no idea how to assess the risk of first round high school pitchers.
This is true
I forgot about injury risk and how pitchers really adjust to the major league level.
by bballrox4717 on Aug 17, 2009 11:39 AM MDT up reply actions
this is
of course, DOD’s job. He needs to “assess the risk of first round pitchers”. Of course this is all a risk, just like any transaction in sports. Sometimes you have to gamble. I’m sure we could get a lot of Greg Reynolds level guys for 6 million, but who cares? I want the Rox to shoot for the stars with big dog pitching talent. I don’t know how the Rox run their internal books on draft picks/development, etc, but I feel that 6M is not too much to risk for the possibility of getting an elite talent.
So I guess my point is: we shouldn’t care what he signs for so long as he signs. If he doesn’t, then DOD’s methodology/strategy needs to be investigated.
by Teekalong on Aug 17, 2009 11:46 AM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
When a GM gets into this kinda money for an 18 year old kid
I think the risk is less to take that money and spend it on a proven major league pitcher, like say….Jason Marquis.
Of course the "risk" is less
but so is the reward. Would you rather have Marquis or Kershaw right now? And that assumes that every mid-level FA pitching signing is going to give you what Marquis or Wolf are giving this year, which is hardly common. And even if you do get that rare cheap FA pitcher that has a great year, he then prices himself right out of his value and you end up with Jeff Suppan or something.
I’m not saying Matzek is necessarily worth 6M. Its a great risk. But if he pans out, nobody is going to think twice about how much he got. How much did we pay to get Ubaldo? I have no idea. I suspect it was a lot less than 6M, but if it was (or even more) would you feel bad about that investment? The old business line applies: “It takes money to make money.”
There's a point where every investment is not worth it
and that point of course I can’t say, as it’s not my check book. If the amount paid to him is too great then he HAS to succeed. And from what I can gather on the Rockies finances, they are tight…very tight. Better then a lot of teams right now…but they aren’t eating at Morton’s Steakhouse every Friday night either.
I like building from within. BUT what I don’t like is putting too much money into first rounders (or any rounders). Can’t miss guys miss all the time. Some 10th rounder goes on to have a great career. I guess it’s just too much of a crap shoot to bet on any one horse too much of my development budget.
That is all fair
which then leads again to the issue of why we picked this kid in the first place knowing his likely demands…
by Teekalong on Aug 17, 2009 12:06 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
And this is the biggest issue at hand
we had to know he would not take $2M and be happy about it, so if thats all we wanted to offer than draft someone else that you might have a shot at signing for that money.
It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.
don't pay as much attention to that $2 million figure...
The reason why the team said all along that it would take until the deadline was because they knew he wouldn’t accept that bid, but it’s not likely their final offer.
I know this can change and I hope it does
and I guess thats what will be interesting to find out, is how this plays out.
It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.
I don't like the connotation of "made up"
Pretty much everything else that commenter said about Matzek (moving in to Eugene, etc…) has proven true. You’ve got to understand that we’re pretty close to the only place on the Internet that’s really talking about Matzek, so we are going to attract people with legitimate stuff to share.
If the commenter was lying, he was very clever about it, but I really don’t think that’s the case given how everything fits pretty well.
Fair enough
I probably should have used better wording on that. Basically, the rumor started with us.
renck and a few others mentioned the 2 million
After it was mentioned by that Oregon employee here
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Aug 17, 2009 12:29 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions
I keep on meaning to mention this,
but in agent speak, a $2 million offer could mean anything between $2,000,000.00 and $2,999,999.99. They have a weird way of rounding when it comes to what they say teams are offering.
If there is one thing you never ever ever ever ever ever do in a negotiation
Is start off offering the maximum amount you can pay.
but it's even less common that HS pitchers become Kershaw
that’s why Kershaw himself only signed for $2.3 million spread over two seasons in a very similar situation. He was likely the top high school pitcher available in the 2006 draft and at the time, a very similar pitcher to what Matzek is now. Three years later, the Rockies probably need to pay something on top of that for bonus inflation and a Coors Field premium, but going nearly three times as much is foolish. I think the bonus has to come within $4 million, or it’s not a very sensible move.
Of course not every pitcher is going to be Kershaw
but again, why then did we draft him? We drafted him because we think he could be Kershaw. I also suspect we drafted him because Reynolds was not Kershaw, and never will be.
The bottom line for me is that you need elite talent to be a true contender. Matzek appears to have that talent, whether or not its realized. Thus, we need to take chances on guys like him.
I’m not advocating a blank check here, but if I hear that we came in at like 500k below what he wants, I will be furious.
I have to agree w/ Teekalong on this
as the Rox may not have the opportunity to put this type of elite level talent in the system and should pay for it. I am not saying they should write a blank check, but they are low-balling this kid big time if the number we are hearing is correct. As Teek said Greg Reynolds type talent is a dime a dozen, lefties w/ huge fastballs, a huge upside, and the chance to start him young are a little tougher to come by. He may end up being a flash in the pan and money wasted, but I’d rather waste money on this type of potential than throwing this same money at 2-3 washed up relievers, and by the way Marquis was a huge risk and it just so happened to work out very well for us. marquis could just as easily been a struggling #4-5 right now.
It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.
Very true
but it seems as though the money will likely get spent somewhere, so why not here, but maybe it won’t get spent at all.
By the way, if the kid does want a blank check and just does not want to play for the Rox then that should come out at some point and I’m sure we’ll all be fine that he wasn’t signed, but if we stick to $2-$2.5M, then I for one will be disappointed.
It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.
You assume the money exists
It’s entirely possible that Dan was only given 2 million to work with. Especially when we spent a bunch of cash at the trade deadline.
If this is true, then see the point above
why did we take this guy, we had to know he wasn’t taking $2M. Maybe they were assuming they would be able to get rid of Atkins and some of the money he is owed and be able to use it here or that we wouldn’t spend money on Betancourt and Beimel. I’m not sure on those things, but if we had any idea that we would only offer $2M and still drafted this guy, then that would be very annoying.
It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.
Which is where my contention comes in
that the Rockies never did have the money in the first place.
Say..going into the draft they had X amount of money. They look at 3 top picks…and say….“we can’t sign 3 top picks at or above slot. We just don’t have that much cash”. The Rockies can’t trade a pick. They can’t “pass” and still pick later. So they draft one that they can’t possibly sign, thus…now they only have to sign/pay 2 top picks.
Whoa
Why do you think it’s an unacceptable to pay a high school pitcher $5-6 million, but ok to spend $3 million? Or do you not even think $3M is an acceptable risk? (In which case, why bother drafting Matzek at all.)
If Matzek really is the top high school pitcher in the draft, does this not change things? Sure, he could be injured or not turn out to be much. But I would assume being assessed that way increases the chance that he can peform in the majors. Even if he ends up being Joe Beimel for just a year pre-arb, you’ve already made about half the bonus back.
Leave Dexter alone! You're lucky he even performs for you!
It sounds like the Rays aren't gonna land Washington or Diekroeger
Washington is a Boras client
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I assume you read the Tampa Tribune article
Seth Smith status: Finally Getting Playing time
Mike McCoy status: FREE MIKE MCCOY
by Andrew Martin on Aug 17, 2009 1:09 PM MDT up reply actions
http://www.tboblogs.com/index.php/sports/comments/rays-come-up-empty-with-top-two-picks/
Seth Smith status: Finally Getting Playing time
Mike McCoy status: FREE MIKE MCCOY
by Andrew Martin on Aug 17, 2009 1:10 PM MDT up reply actions
Scott Boras has a way of opening doors that are supposedly shut.
I think Washington winds up signing.
Heyman's article today
references that Jerry DiPoto might get the Nats’ GM job? That’s pretty cool.
they should've hired me
Seth Smith status: Finally Getting Playing time
Mike McCoy status: FREE MIKE MCCOY
by Andrew Martin on Aug 17, 2009 1:21 PM MDT up reply actions
Cool!
I didn’t even realize he was in front offices now. Is he with the Nats now, or with another team?
I always liked him.
Tym Pearson seems to have agreed to a contract with the Rockies,
I’ve put a front page story about it, apparently we missed this, but he’s a pretty high upside talent.
Should we take a look at Padilla?
Seth Smith status: Finally Getting Playing time
Mike McCoy status: FREE MIKE MCCOY
come on, one Adam Eaton isn't enough
Seth Smith status: Finally Getting Playing time
Mike McCoy status: FREE MIKE MCCOY
by Andrew Martin on Aug 17, 2009 2:15 PM MDT up reply actions
what is the knock on him
just headcase/jerk? I’ve only seen him throw a few times but he always seemed to have stuff superior to his results.
Yeah, just a headcase/jerk seems to describe it.
This article has more of the dirty laundry, but I imagine there’s more that’s being left unsaid.
Interesting, I didn't realize Nippert was taking his rotation spot.
Seth Smith status: Finally Getting Playing time
Mike McCoy status: FREE MIKE MCCOY
by Andrew Martin on Aug 17, 2009 2:45 PM MDT up reply actions
Nippert pitched pretty well yesterday against the BoSox.
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Aug 17, 2009 2:47 PM MDT up reply actions
And was #19.
Seems like an appropriate (well, appropriate given the way things are now) number for Matzek would be in the $3-4M range. Though it may take more to actually get it done.
Would the deadline get here already?
I’ve been waiting for months to hear the conclusion.
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Aug 17, 2009 2:59 PM MDT up reply actions
Yep, I agree.
And in that case I’ll be watching closely in three years to see it likely come back to bite him.
I feel bad for Arizona actually
They had to play the Dodgers this weekend, went through hitting Kuroda in the head, flew to Atlanta for one game tonight and then have to fly Philly for three games.
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Aug 17, 2009 3:17 PM MDT up reply actions
Yeah, from May 17
It was the last game of the series so they couldn’t pull a double header, and AZ didn’t have an offday the next day. Well, until that game in Florida was rained out also.
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Aug 17, 2009 3:31 PM MDT up reply actions
one of those trips
where the players are undoubtedly missing the “leaded” coffee.
scherzer plunked a few
soooooo glad he’s benched on my fantasy team
Seth Smith status: Finally Getting Playing time
Mike McCoy status: FREE MIKE MCCOY
by Andrew Martin on Aug 17, 2009 4:25 PM MDT up reply actions
He was starting for me.
On the other hand, I forgot to un-bench Cookie on the weekend, which is good. I guess.
Wow, he allowed ten people on base, and nine of them scored.
That’s efficiency right there. You don’t usually see a pitcher give up 9 runs on only 6 hits and 1 walk (even with 2 HBP). In fact that could be a typical line for a number of the Rockies starters lately, including the one’s helping us stay afloat (JDLR, for example).
by blooming rock on Aug 17, 2009 5:03 PM MDT up reply actions
Ok....
How about we go after Smoltz?
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Only if he agrees to go in the hall as a Rockie
According to Gammons, Smoltz is getting some interest from the Dodgers as a starter, and from the Cardinals as a reliever. Gammons pointed out that Smoltz’s numbers the first time through rotations was pretty good, thus the reliever idea.
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