Comments on: A Quick Guide to Pertinent 2011 Minor League Relievers

By: jjray

jjray — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 16:06:37 +0000

Are you saying he got demoted from AA due to injury? I’d be happy to hear some sort of explanation for the demotion other than ineffectiveness because, although it currently looks like we have plenty of depth from the right side in the pen, it’s pretty speculative after Sanchez. I’m hoping Mulligan might be a player who emerges in 2011.

By: SLCard

SLCard — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 02:11:22 +0000

I know he is coming off of TJ surgery, but I still would have included Sam Freeman on this list. One of the few lefties that has shown a bit of promise for an otherwise unimpressive crop on the farm for the Birds. He quickly moved up to AA and even received an early invite to Spring Training (along with Shelby Miller) last year, although I gathered it wasn’t an “official” Major League invite. Regardless, his quick ascension shows either the Cards are beyond putrid among lefty relief or he has some serious potential. Personally I think its probably both.

By: cariocacardinal

cariocacardinal — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 01:27:48 +0000

Buckriggs, where did you here that or is it observation? I’ve read that he lacks an out pitch – but it sounds like the curveball could be one. I’ve heard Salas has a pretty good curve as well.

By: Buckriggs

Buckriggs — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 22:52:37 +0000

Mulligan has the best curveball in our system (at least QC to Memphis). Don’t know what is down below in Batavia or JC.

By: cariocacardinal

cariocacardinal — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 22:11:52 +0000

Norrick is already off the 40 man (happened during the season). I agree, he probably wouldn’t even be here is he wasn’t LH. Some people who have seen him throw though say his ball moves a lot. I’d say he’s a long shot but he will probably get a shot just for being almost the only LH in the upper levels. Stranger things have happened.

I would love to see Freeman come back with an extra MPH or 2 on his FB as sometimes happens after TJ.

By: Indiana Cardinal

Indiana Cardinal — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 21:53:38 +0000

AZ:

There are always a handful of submariners in the majors, sort of like knuckleballers and screwballers.

If they are good, they stick and some become very successful. If not, they fall by the wayside. I submit that if he keeps pitching like he has so far, he makes a good offbeat change of pace for the bullpen, probably in 2012.

By: tom s.

tom s. — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 21:32:25 +0000

norrick broke out a 10.71 BB/9 rate at AA, a 9.00 BB/9 rate at AAA and spent a chunk of time at palm beach this year. he is going to lose his 40-man spot and will be lucky to still be in the org come spring training.

By: cariocacardinal

cariocacardinal — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 21:07:41 +0000

Mulligan got destroyed at AA? I know that is the perception but a closer look shows a 3.22 FIP and a .404 BABIP. Yes, his walks went up also but my guess is that tends to happen with a .404 BABIP – a natural tendancy. The other curve ball there is whether or not he was hurt. He left SPFLD to go on the DL Was an injury hampering his performance there? When he came back, he came back as strong as ever at PB. I’d love to see him get a ST invite (but doubt it happens).

By: jjray

jjray — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 20:45:47 +0000

What’s the deal with Mulligan? He got destroyed in 18 innings at AA then demoted but was chewing up the lower minors. Will they push him back up to AA and see how it goes to start 2011? He’s 23. I think they need to throw him into AA again and leave him there. Either he sinks or swims. He’s got the best rain dance at any level of this organization and that has to count for something. I’m also praying to the baseball gods for the healthy return of Sam Freeman in 2011.

By: azruavatar

azruavatar — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 19:48:24 +0000

Buursma is a submariner. He’s going to have a hard time cracking the majors.

Frevert doesn’t really enter the near term picture having ended the year at A+.