The total package: a classic Texas power pitcher whose heat sits in the mid-90s, touches 98 mph, and he backs it up with a 12-to-6 curveball that is an absolute sledgehammer. His changeup is solid, and he's aggressive to the point of arrogance-–he's damn good and he knows it.In addition to Bailey, Goldstein predicts that Joey Votto will also make his debut sometime next year, even though he will certainly start in AAA.
Other interesting observations:
- Travis Wood's stuff took a hit this year, especially noting a 2-5 mph drop in velocity on his fastball, as well as very iffy control. Success was still there, but there's cause for concern about his future.
- Milton Loo is apparently very good with the ukulele
- Calvin Medlock, who I've never heard of and was not in his top-10 list, was a 39th round pick in 2003, but has advanced steadily and struck out 70 batters in 63.7 innings in AA last year, with a 2.97 ERA. Despite being small, he throws in the mid-90's and has a good changeup.
Medlock was part of the slew of relievers at AA-Chattanooga who kept that staff together. From a distance, there seems to be some promise there - but it seems the Reds are more content with 40-year-old journeymen in their bullpen. Heck, they're so content that they give them 2-year contracts, having maybe not learned much from the Chris Hammond experience. But I digress.
ReplyDeleteOver at redsminorleagues.com, Doug Gray has discussed Travis Wood more at length. Wood threw a ton of innings this year, considering (140 in 2006, after his pro debut <50 in 2005). I think that the drop in K-rate, and presumably MPH, occurred towards the end of the season as he wore down.
Good to hear that about Wood. I hope he does rebound next season, as he was a guy I was excited about this past spring. -j
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