Comments on: Robert Stock: Pitcher

By: zuke354

zuke354 — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 21:12:18 +0000

Not sure what you are irritated about. The cards selected him at the end of the second round. Comming out of high school, he was a high catching recruit as well. And actually projected as a good enough catcher to not only stay at the position, but excell as well. All good reasons to still give him a chance. Plus he was young for a draft eligable college player.

And even still, the cards would be thrilled to get a good arm at that position in the draft. Still younger than a college senior. Similar comp to swagerty. Taken about the same time as a shane peterson or David Kopp.

By: Forsch31

Forsch31 — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 18:39:02 +0000

Yep. Stock was a bit of a long shot as a MLB catcher. He wasn’t hitting well and never had a good bat, and reports on his handling of the position were mixed, at best. I think the decision to move Stock to the mound came now because of his age rather than anything else. He hasn’t pitched for three years, so they need to build back his stamina, especially if they plan to stretch him out, and at age 22, he’s actually be age-appropriate for Single A ball.

By: Forsch31

Forsch31 — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 18:29:45 +0000

>>>”Now its pretty much a certainty that he is nothing more than another right handed reliever.”

I’m not sure…he’s only 22, so it’s not like he’s running out of time, and the Cardinals seem to like taking projected relievers and stretching them out as starters in the minors (Swagerty, Kelly). With his three pitches, Stock will have an opportunity to show he can be a starter.

By: Forsch31

Forsch31 — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 18:24:54 +0000

Also…sorry Andrew.

By: Forsch31

Forsch31 — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 18:24:10 +0000

Pitchers usually gain some velocity if they know they’re not pitching a full game, ala Mitchell Boggs. That would easily explain Matheny’s quote, but I’m not sure if the velocity readings from Stock’s college career were from his starts or his relief appearances.

By: Forsch31

Forsch31 — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 18:20:58 +0000

Huh. Not sure why I blanked on that.

By: Cardinals645

Cardinals645 — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 17:08:44 +0000

True, but I do think TomB has a point; the guy hasn’t pitched in three years. It’s not quite like a young projectable guy that has been pitching in high school. He’s less young, not projectable physically, and hasn’t pitched since college. I still think you can project him, but it’s important to note that he may be a little more difficult to project than most.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 12:31:26 +0000

I disagree completely, Tom. A projection is exactly what it means: An estimate or forecast of a future situation or trend based on a study of present ones.

By: jjray

jjray — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 23:00:58 +0000

If they didn’t then Matheny is talking out his ass to help justify the move.

By: RCHIII

RCHIII — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 22:13:56 +0000

Agreed. But keep an eye on Salvador Perez when the Cards play the Royals. Picked a guy off of 3rd his first MLB game last year. Some are comparing him to a young Pudge.