Comments on: Brett Wallace: Earn It

By: azruavatar

azruavatar — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 23:46:19 +0000

That conversation wasn’t had here. I shouted from the rooftops that Colby slumping offensively wasn’t that important.

I feel differently about Wallace because of 1) age and 2) he’s GOT to hit to be a vaulable player. Colby doesn’t. Wallace will likely be fine but anyone who blithely puts him at the top of the Cardinal prospects right now isn’t thinking about it hard enough. I’m not big on mid year updates so we’ll see where things stand in another 4 months.

By: southeast redbird

southeast redbird — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 22:15:52 +0000

The problem is that half of the “prospects” are not where they belong(even Kozma), but the Cardinals have a philosophy, once you show a few outings you move up, pitcher or position player. I don’t beleive in rushing players, this can ultimately lead to their downfall. Might be why there doesn’t seem to be a lot of “prospects” doing well right now.

Rasmus, was a high school player in the system for 4-5 years and coming up for the 5 year rule draft. You cannot compare that situation with Wallace’s, because regardless, there still is a big difference from being in the system for one year to 4- 5, players need development, even if it’s just mental. They may have the physical tools, but they may not have the head stuff, yet. The post about comfort zone is a good example, these guys can’t even get comfortable. This should all be about getting your practice at bats, innings and it DOES make a difference where you take that practice. If you are in a place where older more experienced guys are, and you can’t keep up, you take a downhill turn. It gets into your head.

Though I don’t believe prospects should waste away in any system, so very few, even first round picks are ready for the MLB level, one or even two years or maybe 3 after they arrive in pro ball. It is not college ball with metal bats. Don’t care how did you did in the wood bat summer leagues, there are many adjustments to make. And each time you move up, there are a different set of rules, differnt instructors different managers. One guy tells you to do one thing, the next guy tells you to do something else. How can Wallace (or anyone) concentrate on more production when he doesn’t know which position he will take that day?

I am gonna compare Wallace to some of last years very highly powered hitters, Younder Alonso, who recently moved from FSL to AA, Buster Posey in High A. I don’t see these guys being rushed, do you all? Same with Havens and Smoak, none of them has been pushed to AAA. The sad part is that Wallace, if not moved up has to sit another year in AAA, maybe 2 and that is a real bummer.

By: Travis

Travis — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:23:27 +0000

Didn’t everyone have a similar conversation about Rasmus a year ago when he struggled badly at Memphis. In fact, he never hit a lot at Memphis did he? He was good enough that he stuck with the big club this year and has been a solid OF and looks to be coming into his own.

By: daninhaiti

daninhaiti — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:54:34 +0000

have to disagree on DJ. there is nothing that excites me about him. he is still striking out 2x as many times as he walks, hit’s with little power, and is thrown out stealing over 40% of the time, with a below average arm. Wallace has the potential of a big bat, one really good tool. Miller may be the best prospect…if he signs. in the system now, I am not sure that I see a real top end prospect if Wallace’s bat doesn’t work out. the best tools in the minors now may be the RH relief pitchers with fastballs..Reifer, Samuel, Mulligan.

By: tom s.

tom s. — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 22:57:32 +0000

*breathe.

i hate that error.

By: tom s.

tom s. — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 22:57:12 +0000

interesting tweeting between erik and matt baker on descalso and samuel. worth a read.

pardon me, i have to go breath into a paper bag, what with the hyperventilating business and all.

By: RedC

RedC — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 22:12:59 +0000

Look!!!:

Away (AAA): .169/.194/.237
Home (AAA): .316/.385/.404

Away: BB 1.6%
Home: BB 10.8%

Away: LD 12%
Home: LD 18%

Away: K 29.0%
Home: K 13.8%

Away: BABIP .225
Home: BABIP .362

They guy has a comfort zone problem. It’s quite obvious. Am I the only one who noticed this?

By: Shane

Shane — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 22:04:49 +0000

Wallace got off to a slow start in winter ball and then tore it up, so I wouldn’t doubt that he gets things turned around soon enough. He sounds like too good of a hitter to be overmatched for long.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 21:43:24 +0000

I haven’t seen him play this year, is there a consensus about whats going on with Wallace? Not ready for AAA pitching?

By: Alex

Alex — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 21:16:06 +0000

The promotion was premature and a negative outcome in terms of maximizing his trade value or his ranking on prospect lists.

But in terms of his overall development as a player, I think we’re all fooling ourselves if we know that his promotion to Memphis was a good thing or a bad thing. You could make the case that veteran Triple-A pitchers who can expose holes in his swing is exactly what he needs right now.