- The Red Sox love Jacoby Ellsbury, writes Michael Silverman. Manager Terry Francona likes that he is driving the ball a little more, imparting more backspin on the ball to help it carry. Ellsbury got the start in center field on Saturday, playing all 9 innings (although he was moved to left field in the 7th when Coco Crisp came in to pinch run for Mike Lowell). Ellsbury is expected to start opening day and bat somewhere at the bottom of a stacked Boston lineup.
- Clay Buchholz has yet to secure the 5th rotation spot, and getting lit up for 4 runs in the first 2 innings of his start against the Hanshin Tigers didn’t help his cause. His command wasn’t there, and he left a lot of pitches up in the zone, although he did recover to retire the side in the third.
Posts Tagged ‘Jacoby Ellsbury’
Red Sox Prospects Update: Ellsbury, Buchholz
Monday, March 24th, 2008Is Jacoby Ellsbury Still Motivated?
Wednesday, March 5th, 2008Outfield prospect Jacoby Ellsbury isn’t as driven by the competition with CoCo Crisp as he was at the end of last season, according to Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald. With a guaranteed roster spot he is instead simply focusing on preparing for the upcoming season. Part of the reason for this lack of motivation is that Manager Terry Francona said he wouldn’t be naming an outright starter. Francona says:
“I usually feel like these things work themselves out or have a way of working themselves out, but the guy who doesn’t play on Opening Day, it’s not like he’s relegated. We wouldn’t let that happen. It won’t happen. I don’t want it to happen. I wouldn’t let it happen.”
If I read that correctly, I think what Francona’s trying to say is that he won’t let it happen. Fantasy owners who reached for Ellsbury in the draft should be a little worried . There is nothing like a good position battle to bring out the best in players, like batting .360 with four doubles, four RBIs, eight runs, three walks, and two stolen bases in 11 postseason games. Ellsbury might not play as out-of-his-mind as everyone is predicting this year when he doesn’t have as much pressure on him, especially since he knows the BoSox have been trying to trade of Crisp anyway. If spring training is any indication, he doesn’t have a hit in his first 8 ABs through the first 3 games. At this point, be weary of overvaluing him and don’t let your fantasy team depend on him. However, he does have significant upside if you draft him later as a backup outfielder as he should hit for average and give you stolen bases, with no real power so to speak of.
Rookie Sleepers for Fantasy Draft Day
Thursday, February 28th, 2008Brandon Funston of Yahoo Sports put together his list of the top 10 rookies to make a fantasy impact this year. We’ve summarized the basic information for you. He says he didn’t include Kosuke Fukudome even though he’s technically a rookie, and if he had Fukudome would be in his top 3.
- 1. Jacoby Ellsbury, Bos, OF
If CoCo Crisp is out of the picture and Ellsbury bats lead off, could have 40 SBs and 100+ runs - 2. Clay Buchholz, Bos, SP
Will get babied by BoSox for 125-150 IP, 10 wins, and a k/ip - 3. Joba Chamberlain, NYY, RP
Will be starting in the bullpen, limited to 140 IP or less, probably will make the rotation at some point - 4. Evan Longoria, TB, 3rd Base
Funston predicts .280/20/75/75/0, if he starts - 5. Geovany Soto, ChC, Catcher
Probably won’t be a top 100 fantasy player, but could have good value if drafted late - 6. Joey Votto, Cin, 1st Base
Stuck behind 38 year old Scott Hatteberg but could get 20 HR and 10-15 steals with 450 ABs - 7. Andy LaRoche, LAD, 3B
It’s between him and Nomar Garciaparra for the starting 3B role, has 20-25 hr power if he gets the job - 8. Jay Bruce, Cin, OF
Norris Hopper/Ryan Freel will limit his chances of starting in the majors, but with the talent he has he should be up before the All-Star break - 9. Colby Rasmus, StL, OF
Could be a 20/20 guy if he surpasses one of the current outfielders: Chris Duncan, Rick Ankiel, or Ryan Ludwick - 10. Ian Kennedy, NYY, SP
Has held hitters to under .190 in 168 minor league innings. With the Yankees bat support he could reach double digit wins.
Top Hitting Prospects Discussed on MLB.com
Tuesday, February 26th, 2008We covered the pitching prospects below, now we’ll cover the hitting prospects. As mentioned before, MiLB.com put together a compilation of the best Q&A’s from recent MLB.com Mailbags. The answers are provided by beat writers for each respective team. We’ve summarize some of the more juicy prospect news below:
- Colby Rasmus’ call-up could be delayed for business reasons. A few days ago we discussed how Evan Longoria is in the same position. The Cardinals could gain an extra year of free agency with a short delay, and avoid Super-Two status with a mid-season call-up.
- Dodgers’ SS prospect Chin-Lung Hu will more than likely start the season at Triple-A. But with Rafael Furcal’s contract up after this season, look for Hu to compete for that position next Spring.
- Giants’ IF prospect Eugenio Velez could steal a whole lot of bases if given the opportunity. Velez has 122 stolen bases between the past two seasons.
- The MLB.com author argues that the Braves might be better off keeping BA’s 70th ranked overall Brandon Jones (OF) at Triple-A this season. The thought is that allowing him to play every day will be better for his development than sticking him in a major league platoon with Matt Diaz.
- Jesus Flores has not lost his status as the Catcher of the future for the Nationals; the future has just gotten a little further away. It seems he will spend at least a portion of the season at Triple-A due to the signings of Paul Lo Duca and Johnny Estrada.
- Nolan Reimold could see some playing time in Baltimore this season, just not in April. With CF and RF firmly occupied by Adam Jones and Nick Markakis, the only option for Reimold is in Left. Luke Scott will have to really struggle or get injured for the Orioles to make the call for Reimold this season.
- Look for Jed Lowrie to be this year’s version of Jacoby Ellsbury, a late season call-up with immediate impact. Lowrie is currently playing shortstop, but could probably play any infield position and “can flat-out hit”.
