Quote:
Originally Posted by DJ's left nut
Sorry, but a guy that throws in the low 90's with a minor league WHIP of 1.37 over 500+ innings is a fringe major leaguer. Throw in the fact that his command is sub-par and you're looking at a guy with #4 starter upside. His major league numbers are below average and that's pitching for a sound defensive squad in a pitchers park in a weak division (Texas excluded). His road ERA is nearly a run higher than his home ERA and to end the season he went 0-6. The kid's just not very good - I'd be surprised if he's ever the equal of Jeff Suppan.
He's O'Sullivan with a bit more velocity. Hell, he might just be Brian Bannister again.
I'd take the sandwich pick without thinking twice.
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You said he had "fringe stuff." That's not accurate if you read any of the scouting reports on him from his minor league days. A low 90s fastball with good movement - especially good late movement - is an effective pitch. He's got at least usable changeup and breaking pitches. His upside actually is that of a #3 if you read any of that stuff on him.
He's 24. A year and a half ago, he was extremely highly thought of. Generally isn't a good idea to give up on pitchers QUITE that early.
Sykes is exactly the type of person you get with a sandwich pick.
The compensation for Type B free agents, quite honestly, really isn't worth the risk of offering arbitration that is required to receive the compensation.
If DeJesus comes out like he did this season and puts up similar offensive numbers, Mazzaro and Sykes aren't enough compared to what his value would be. But if he struggles with the bat at all - or even just has a .280/10/60/80/5 campaign - it's better than the alternative.
Should have an idea by midseason how good or bad this trade was. Right now, it's too early.