Minor League Roundup

[BT]

<!--quoteo(post=58483:date=Aug 18 2009, 06:34 AM:name=Ace)-->QUOTE (Ace @ Aug 18 2009, 06:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=58481:date=Aug 18 2009, 07:32 AM:name=Coach)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Coach @ Aug 18 2009, 07:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->Flaherty has run through some bad luck in the average category, but has performed much better than it appears.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Shrug. He's a three-year starter in college, he's 23, and he's in A ball with an OPS under .800. I'm not saying he's not still a prospect, but he's been top five on peoples' lists all season. I don't see it.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->


Kevin Goldstien at BP would politely disagree.

<!--quoteo-->QUOTE <!--quotec-->Ryan Flaherty, INF, Cubs (Low-A Peoria)
While Double-A is a bit of an aggressive push for a player's full-season debut, for a guy like Flaherty, a supplemental first-round pick last year out of Vanderbilt, beginning the year at Low-A seemed a bit conservative, so his slow start to the year was cause for genuine concern. Happily, not only has he found his stroke, he's also maintained his power; after hitting homers on Saturday and Sunday, he's now hitting .301 since the All-Star break, and .267/.333/.467 overall. As a player with that kind of pop who can at least hold his own at three infield positions, he's definitely still a prospect.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

[Coach]

<!--quoteo(post=58566:date=Aug 18 2009, 01:07 PM:name=BT)-->QUOTE (BT @ Aug 18 2009, 01:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=58483:date=Aug 18 2009, 06:34 AM:name=Ace)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Ace @ Aug 18 2009, 06:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=58481:date=Aug 18 2009, 07:32 AM:name=Coach)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Coach @ Aug 18 2009, 07:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->Flaherty has run through some bad luck in the average category, but has performed much better than it appears.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Shrug. He's a three-year starter in college, he's 23, and he's in A ball with an OPS under .800. I'm not saying he's not still a prospect, but he's been top five on peoples' lists all season. I don't see it.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->


Kevin Goldstien at BP would politely disagree.

<!--quoteo-->QUOTE <!--quotec-->Ryan Flaherty, INF, Cubs (Low-A Peoria)
While Double-A is a bit of an aggressive push for a player's full-season debut, for a guy like Flaherty, a supplemental first-round pick last year out of Vanderbilt, beginning the year at Low-A seemed a bit conservative, so his slow start to the year was cause for genuine concern. Happily, not only has he found his stroke, he's also maintained his power; after hitting homers on Saturday and Sunday, he's now hitting .301 since the All-Star break, and .267/.333/.467 overall. As a player with that kind of pop who can at least hold his own at three infield positions, he's definitely still a prospect.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
That's what I said, in better words.

[Ace]

<!--quoteo(post=58566:date=Aug 18 2009, 01:07 PM:name=BT)-->QUOTE (BT @ Aug 18 2009, 01:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=58483:date=Aug 18 2009, 06:34 AM:name=Ace)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Ace @ Aug 18 2009, 06:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=58481:date=Aug 18 2009, 07:32 AM:name=Coach)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Coach @ Aug 18 2009, 07:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->Flaherty has run through some bad luck in the average category, but has performed much better than it appears.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Shrug. He's a three-year starter in college, he's 23, and he's in A ball with an OPS under .800. I'm not saying he's not still a prospect, but he's been top five on peoples' lists all season. I don't see it.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->


Kevin Goldstien at BP would politely disagree.

<!--quoteo-->QUOTE <!--quotec-->Ryan Flaherty, INF, Cubs (Low-A Peoria)
While Double-A is a bit of an aggressive push for a player's full-season debut, for a guy like Flaherty, a supplemental first-round pick last year out of Vanderbilt, beginning the year at Low-A seemed a bit conservative, so his slow start to the year was cause for genuine concern. Happily, not only has he found his stroke, he's also maintained his power; after hitting homers on Saturday and Sunday, he's now hitting .301 since the All-Star break, and .267/.333/.467 overall. As a player with that kind of pop who can at least hold his own at three infield positions, he's definitely still a prospect.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Um, how does that disagree with what I said?

[BT]

<!--quoteo(post=58677:date=Aug 18 2009, 07:07 PM:name=Ace)-->QUOTE (Ace @ Aug 18 2009, 07:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=58566:date=Aug 18 2009, 01:07 PM:name=BT)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BT @ Aug 18 2009, 01:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=58483:date=Aug 18 2009, 06:34 AM:name=Ace)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Ace @ Aug 18 2009, 06:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=58481:date=Aug 18 2009, 07:32 AM:name=Coach)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Coach @ Aug 18 2009, 07:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->Flaherty has run through some bad luck in the average category, but has performed much better than it appears.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Shrug. He's a three-year starter in college, he's 23, and he's in A ball with an OPS under .800. I'm not saying he's not still a prospect, but he's been top five on peoples' lists all season. I don't see it.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->


Kevin Goldstien at BP would politely disagree.

<!--quoteo-->QUOTE <!--quotec-->Ryan Flaherty, INF, Cubs (Low-A Peoria)
While Double-A is a bit of an aggressive push for a player's full-season debut, for a guy like Flaherty, a supplemental first-round pick last year out of Vanderbilt, beginning the year at Low-A seemed a bit conservative, so his slow start to the year was cause for genuine concern. Happily, not only has he found his stroke, he's also maintained his power; after hitting homers on Saturday and Sunday, he's now hitting .301 since the All-Star break, and .267/.333/.467 overall. As a player with that kind of pop who can at least hold his own at three infield positions, he's definitely still a prospect.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Um, how does that disagree with what I said?
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->


In lawyer speak? It doesn't specifically. In tone? Both Goldstien and Coach seem much higher on him than you. Goldstien says he is definitely a prospect. You said "shrug".

[Ace]

<!--quoteo(post=58720:date=Aug 18 2009, 10:34 PM:name=BT)-->QUOTE (BT @ Aug 18 2009, 10:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=58677:date=Aug 18 2009, 07:07 PM:name=Ace)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Ace @ Aug 18 2009, 07:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=58566:date=Aug 18 2009, 01:07 PM:name=BT)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BT @ Aug 18 2009, 01:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=58483:date=Aug 18 2009, 06:34 AM:name=Ace)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Ace @ Aug 18 2009, 06:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=58481:date=Aug 18 2009, 07:32 AM:name=Coach)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Coach @ Aug 18 2009, 07:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->Flaherty has run through some bad luck in the average category, but has performed much better than it appears.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Shrug. He's a three-year starter in college, he's 23, and he's in A ball with an OPS under .800. I'm not saying he's not still a prospect, but he's been top five on peoples' lists all season. I don't see it.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->


Kevin Goldstien at BP would politely disagree.

<!--quoteo-->QUOTE <!--quotec-->Ryan Flaherty, INF, Cubs (Low-A Peoria)
While Double-A is a bit of an aggressive push for a player's full-season debut, for a guy like Flaherty, a supplemental first-round pick last year out of Vanderbilt, beginning the year at Low-A seemed a bit conservative, so his slow start to the year was cause for genuine concern. Happily, not only has he found his stroke, he's also maintained his power; after hitting homers on Saturday and Sunday, he's now hitting .301 since the All-Star break, and .267/.333/.467 overall. As a player with that kind of pop who can at least hold his own at three infield positions, he's definitely still a prospect.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Um, how does that disagree with what I said?
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->


In lawyer speak? It doesn't specifically. In tone? Both Goldstien and Coach seem much higher on him than you. Goldstien says he is definitely a prospect. You said "shrug".
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

I did say shrug. I also said - explicitly - that he is still a prospect.

[Kid]

<b>August 18:</b>


<!--c1-->CODE<!--ec1-->                   R  H  E
Iowa (63-60)       3  12 1
Portland (52-72)   6  11 0
WP: Eulogio De La Cruz (2-4)
LP: Justin Berg (6-2)
SV: Adam Russell (3)
HR: POR - Eliezer Alfonzo (11)

Jeff Samardzija: GS, 4.0 IP, 0 R, 0 ER (3.52 ERA), 1 H, 2 BB, 3 K
Matt Craig: 3-4 (.252), RBI (29), K
Andres Blanco: 3-4 (.317), R, SB (4), PO<!--c2--><!--ec2-->


<!--c1-->CODE<!--ec1-->                      R  H  E
Chattanooga (26-26)   1  7  1
Tennessee (27-25)     2  6  1
WP: Brian Schlitter (1-6)
LP: Javy Guerra (2-1)
HR: TEN - Welington Castillo (11), Tyler Colvin (10)

Jeremy Papelbon: GS, 6.0 IP, 1 R, 0 ER (3.26 ERA), 4 H, 1 BB, 6 K
Castillo: 2-3 (.213), RBI (34), R, SB (1), PB (8)
James Adduci: 2-4 (.309), 2B (21), 2 K<!--c2--><!--ec2-->



Game 1:
<!--c1-->CODE<!--ec1-->                  R  H  E
Daytona (22-28)   0  3  1
Tampa (35-14)     1  3  0 (F/7)
WP: Chris Siegfried (2-0)
LP: David Phelps (2-1)
SV: David Cales (13)

Rafael Dolis: GS, 3.2 IP, 3 R, 3 ER (3.65 ERA), 4 H, 2 BB, 3 K, E (5)
Jonathan Wyatt: 2-3 (.254), 2 RBI (29), 2 R, BB
Luis Flores: 2-4 (.173), 2B 94), 2 RBI (9)<!--c2--><!--ec2-->

Game 2:
<!--c1-->CODE<!--ec1-->                  R  H  E
Daytona (22-29)   5  12 2
Tampa (36-14)     4  6  1 (F/7)
WP: Jonathan Ortiz (1-3)
LP: Mike Perconte (0-1)

Oswaldo Martinez: GS, 3.1 IP, 0 R, 0 ER (0.00 ERA), 2 H, 1 BB, 2 K
Perconte: 2.2 IP, 1 R, 1 ER (4.66 ERA), 1 H, 1 BB, 3 K
Brandon Guyer: 2-3 (.347), K<!--c2--><!--ec2-->


<!--c1-->CODE<!--ec1-->                      R  H  E
Peoria (31-20)        14 11 1
Quad Cities (23-28)   1  5  2
WP: Jeffry Antigua (2-0)
LP: Scott Schneider (0-1)
HR: PEO - Nelson Perez (10), Kyler Burke (12)

Antigua: GS, 6.0 IP, 1 R, 1 ER (3.92 ERA), 3 H, 1 BB, 4 K
Burke: 2-3 (.310), 2B (41), 4 RBI (72), 3 R, K, HBP
Michael Brenly: 2-5 (.272), 2B (15), 2 RBI (34), R, K<!--c2--><!--ec2-->


<!--c1-->CODE<!--ec1-->                  R  H  E
Spokane (27-30)   6  16 0
Boise (26-31)     1  7  0
WP: Matt Thompson (3-3)
LP: Christopher Rusin (0-3)
HR: BOI - Derrick Fitzgerald (2)

Rusin: GS, 3.2 IP, 1 R, 1 ER (3.50 ERA), 4 H, 1 BB, 2 K
Daniel Keefe: 2.1 IP, 2 R, 2 ER (9.85 ERA), 4 H, 0 BB, 2 K
Justin Bour: 2-4 (.294), 2B (8), K<!--c2--><!--ec2-->


<!--c1-->CODE<!--ec1-->                R  H  E
Royals (6-13)   7  10 1
Cubs (11-9)     6  15 3 (F/11)
WP: Jack Adams (1-1)
LP: Melvin Vasquez (1-1)

Julio Pena: GS, 3.1 IP, 2 R, 2 ER (3.55 ERA), 3 H, 1 BB, 4 K
Sergio Burruel: 3-5 (.375), 2B (3), 2 RBI (6), R, PB (3)
Francisco Guzman: 3-6 (.268), 2 R, RBI (17), K<!--c2--><!--ec2-->


<!--c1-->CODE<!--ec1-->                 R  H  E
Cubs 1 (35-32)   8  8  4
Padres (24-43)   4  6  2
WP: Hector Mayora (3-2)
LP: Carlos Pimentel (1-5)
HR: CHC - Arismendy Alcantara (3), Xavier Batista (8); SD - Carlos Garcia (6)

Mayora: GS, 5.0 IP, 2 R, 0 ER (2.06 ERA), 3 H, 3 BB, 7 K
Alcantara: 3-3 (.275), 3B (8), 3 RBI (32), 3 R, 2 BB, 2 SB (20)
Batista: 2-4 (.248), RBI (37), 2 R, BB, K, E (8)<!--c2--><!--ec2-->

<!--c1-->CODE<!--ec1-->                 R  H  E
Cubs 2 (15-50)   2  3  1
Mets (47-22)     4  13 0
WP: Darwin Frias (3-0)
LP: Enyelberth Pena (2-2)
SV: Edioglis Villasmil (1)

Pena: GS, 2.0 IP, 2 R, 1 ER (5.94 ERA), 5 H, 2 BB, 1 K
Jadel Mendez: 2.0 IP, 0 R, 0 ER (3.63 ERA), 2 H, 0 BB, 3 K
Willson Contreras: 1-3 (.198), 3B (2), R, BB, K<!--c2--><!--ec2-->

[Coldneck]

.310/.404/.507

bonafide freaking prospect

to take it a little further - 12/13 SB, 72 RBI, 12 HR, 41 doubles. Has the exact same average against LH and RH pitching. Fantastic OFer with a plus plus arm.

[Kid]

<!--quoteo(post=58764:date=Aug 19 2009, 09:09 AM:name=Coldneck)-->QUOTE (Coldneck @ Aug 19 2009, 09:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->.310/.404/.507

bonafide freaking prospect<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Meh. He was in the Midwest League when the Cubs traded for him over 3 years ago. He's only played for Peoria or lower since being in the system. I'm not saying it's impossible. I'm saying it's way too easy to read too much into low-level minor league numbers when a guy never advances.

[Coldneck]

<!--quoteo(post=58766:date=Aug 19 2009, 09:13 AM:name=Kid)-->QUOTE (Kid @ Aug 19 2009, 09:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=58764:date=Aug 19 2009, 09:09 AM:name=Coldneck)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Coldneck @ Aug 19 2009, 09:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->.310/.404/.507

bonafide freaking prospect<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Meh. He was in the Midwest League when the Cubs traded for him over 3 years ago. He's only played for Peoria or lower since being in the system. I'm not saying it's impossible. I'm saying it's way too easy to read too much into low-level minor league numbers when a guy never advances.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

He is only 21 years old. Guys drafted out of college are the same age or older. How would you feel if a guy we drafted as a college junior compiled those stats at Peoria? I'd be thrilled.

That said, I would hope he either starts next season at Tennessee or moves up to Tenn early next year.

[Kid]

<!--quoteo(post=58767:date=Aug 19 2009, 09:18 AM:name=Coldneck)-->QUOTE (Coldneck @ Aug 19 2009, 09:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=58766:date=Aug 19 2009, 09:13 AM:name=Kid)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Kid @ Aug 19 2009, 09:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=58764:date=Aug 19 2009, 09:09 AM:name=Coldneck)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Coldneck @ Aug 19 2009, 09:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->.310/.404/.507

bonafide freaking prospect<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Meh. He was in the Midwest League when the Cubs traded for him over 3 years ago. He's only played for Peoria or lower since being in the system. I'm not saying it's impossible. I'm saying it's way too easy to read too much into low-level minor league numbers when a guy never advances.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

He is only 21 years old. Guys drafted out of college are the same age or older. How would you feel if a guy we drafted as a college junior compiled those stats at Peoria? I'd be thrilled.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I'd be thrilled with anyone putting up those numbers in their first season at a higher level. I'm far less enthused about a player putting up those numbers in his 3rd season at that level.

[Coldneck]

<!--quoteo(post=58768:date=Aug 19 2009, 09:21 AM:name=Kid)-->QUOTE (Kid @ Aug 19 2009, 09:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=58767:date=Aug 19 2009, 09:18 AM:name=Coldneck)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Coldneck @ Aug 19 2009, 09:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=58766:date=Aug 19 2009, 09:13 AM:name=Kid)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Kid @ Aug 19 2009, 09:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=58764:date=Aug 19 2009, 09:09 AM:name=Coldneck)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Coldneck @ Aug 19 2009, 09:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->.310/.404/.507

bonafide freaking prospect<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Meh. He was in the Midwest League when the Cubs traded for him over 3 years ago. He's only played for Peoria or lower since being in the system. I'm not saying it's impossible. I'm saying it's way too easy to read too much into low-level minor league numbers when a guy never advances.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

He is only 21 years old. Guys drafted out of college are the same age or older. How would you feel if a guy we drafted as a college junior compiled those stats at Peoria? I'd be thrilled.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I'd be thrilled with anyone putting up those numbers in their first season at a higher level. I'm far less enthused about a player putting up those numbers in his 3rd season at that level.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

After this season he will have played 2 full seasons at Boise. His first season was quite bad, while his second season was quite good. There has been a lot of development and he has tools galore. You are correct though Kid, the true test will be how he handles a higher level. I'd like to see him moved to Daytona sooner than later.

[Coach]

Burke should, barring injury, be in Tennessee next year.

[BT]

<!--quoteo(post=58748:date=Aug 19 2009, 06:56 AM:name=Ace)-->QUOTE (Ace @ Aug 19 2009, 06:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=58720:date=Aug 18 2009, 10:34 PM:name=BT)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BT @ Aug 18 2009, 10:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=58677:date=Aug 18 2009, 07:07 PM:name=Ace)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Ace @ Aug 18 2009, 07:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=58566:date=Aug 18 2009, 01:07 PM:name=BT)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BT @ Aug 18 2009, 01:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=58483:date=Aug 18 2009, 06:34 AM:name=Ace)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Ace @ Aug 18 2009, 06:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=58481:date=Aug 18 2009, 07:32 AM:name=Coach)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Coach @ Aug 18 2009, 07:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->Flaherty has run through some bad luck in the average category, but has performed much better than it appears.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Shrug. He's a three-year starter in college, he's 23, and he's in A ball with an OPS under .800. I'm not saying he's not still a prospect, but he's been top five on peoples' lists all season. I don't see it.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->


Kevin Goldstien at BP would politely disagree.

<!--quoteo-->QUOTE <!--quotec-->Ryan Flaherty, INF, Cubs (Low-A Peoria)
While Double-A is a bit of an aggressive push for a player's full-season debut, for a guy like Flaherty, a supplemental first-round pick last year out of Vanderbilt, beginning the year at Low-A seemed a bit conservative, so his slow start to the year was cause for genuine concern. Happily, not only has he found his stroke, he's also maintained his power; after hitting homers on Saturday and Sunday, he's now hitting .301 since the All-Star break, and .267/.333/.467 overall. As a player with that kind of pop who can at least hold his own at three infield positions, he's definitely still a prospect.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Um, how does that disagree with what I said?
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->


In lawyer speak? It doesn't specifically. In tone? Both Goldstien and Coach seem much higher on him than you. Goldstien says he is definitely a prospect. You said "shrug".
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

I did say shrug. I also said - explicitly - that he is still a prospect.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Explicitly? No. You said you weren't ruling out the fact he could be a prospect. I'm not trying to split hairs here, but since you've taken offense at my initial post, saying:

<!--quoteo-->QUOTE <!--quotec-->I'm not saying he's not still a prospect, but he's been top five on peoples' lists all season. I don't see it.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

isn't anywhere near "explicitly" saying he is a prospect. In fact it's pretty far from it.

[BT]

again though, it really is just semantics.

[Ace]

<!--quoteo(post=58778:date=Aug 19 2009, 09:52 AM:name=BT)-->QUOTE (BT @ Aug 19 2009, 09:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=58748:date=Aug 19 2009, 06:56 AM:name=Ace)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Ace @ Aug 19 2009, 06:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=58720:date=Aug 18 2009, 10:34 PM:name=BT)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BT @ Aug 18 2009, 10:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=58677:date=Aug 18 2009, 07:07 PM:name=Ace)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Ace @ Aug 18 2009, 07:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=58566:date=Aug 18 2009, 01:07 PM:name=BT)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BT @ Aug 18 2009, 01:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=58483:date=Aug 18 2009, 06:34 AM:name=Ace)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Ace @ Aug 18 2009, 06:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=58481:date=Aug 18 2009, 07:32 AM:name=Coach)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Coach @ Aug 18 2009, 07:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->Flaherty has run through some bad luck in the average category, but has performed much better than it appears.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Shrug. He's a three-year starter in college, he's 23, and he's in A ball with an OPS under .800. I'm not saying he's not still a prospect, but he's been top five on peoples' lists all season. I don't see it.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->


Kevin Goldstien at BP would politely disagree.

<!--quoteo-->QUOTE <!--quotec-->Ryan Flaherty, INF, Cubs (Low-A Peoria)
While Double-A is a bit of an aggressive push for a player's full-season debut, for a guy like Flaherty, a supplemental first-round pick last year out of Vanderbilt, beginning the year at Low-A seemed a bit conservative, so his slow start to the year was cause for genuine concern. Happily, not only has he found his stroke, he's also maintained his power; after hitting homers on Saturday and Sunday, he's now hitting .301 since the All-Star break, and .267/.333/.467 overall. As a player with that kind of pop who can at least hold his own at three infield positions, he's definitely still a prospect.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Um, how does that disagree with what I said?
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->


In lawyer speak? It doesn't specifically. In tone? Both Goldstien and Coach seem much higher on him than you. Goldstien says he is definitely a prospect. You said "shrug".
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

I did say shrug. I also said - explicitly - that he is still a prospect.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Explicitly? No. You said you weren't ruling out the fact he could be a prospect. I'm not trying to split hairs here, but since you've taken offense at my initial post, saying:

<!--quoteo-->QUOTE <!--quotec-->I'm not saying he's not still a prospect, but he's been top five on peoples' lists all season. I don't see it.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

isn't anywhere near "explicitly" saying he is a prospect. In fact it's pretty far from it.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

I'm only keeping on this because it's you, BT, and you like precision. Not a fight. Just being precise.

What part of "I'm not saying he's not still a prospect" is unclear? I know there's a double negative in there, but that's me EXPLICITLY saying he's still a prospect. There's not really another way to read that.

Coach and Goldstein sound higher on him than I do, sure. But Goldstein said almost exactly the same stuff I did.