Well, it's that time of the year again: the pennant races are winding down, your star player goes down with an injury, and your rosters expand to 40.
So, who are your September call-ups?
Well, for Brooklyn, the list isn't set yet, but here's who is under consideration for a shot at the show:
Definite call-ups
Aaron Fetty, 2B. Fetty has posted a great year at Kensington (AAA), batting .297 with 28HR and 107 RBI. At the moment, he is a leading candidate to replace the retiring Juan Melton.
James Ortis, RP. Ortis is currently in his third minor league season and has made the jump from AA to AAA this year. A third round pick back in 2007, Ortis could wind up in Brooklyn next year.
Xaiver Portillo, RP. Portillo has been closing for various teams in the Brooklyn minor league system since 2006, having great success at every level that he's pitched at. After logging 35 saves in Flatbush (AA) and Kensington this year, Portillo will get a shot to show the folks in Brooklyn how he can perform on the major league level.
Willis Welliver, SS. September call-ups are nothing new to Welliver - he's been called up to Brooklyn every September since the league's inception. Originally kept on as an emergency infielder, Brooklyn never found the need to bring him up in mid-season. Yet, Welliver has been brought up and played every September. This year will be no different.
Possible Call-Ups
John Jacobs, RF. Jacobs is now finishing his second year in the minors. He made the jump from Flatbush to Kensington late this year and is looked at as a possible successor to the retiring Roberto Casarez. While he doesn't have the power that Roberto had, he certainly has the hitting ability, good range in the outfield and a very good arm. Jacobs was Brooklyn's first round pick in 2008.
Einar Gaona, RP. Originally drafted as a fourth-round pick back in 2005, Gaona has become a pleasant surprise to the front office in Brooklyn. After spending 3 1/2 years in Brighton Beach (A), he quickly moved up the rungs of the minor league ladder, going through Flatbush in about a year and finding himself a breath away from the bigs this year. Gaona has a 3.51 ERA at Kensington this year and has a better than 3:1 K:BB ratio.
Bruce Parker, 3B. Since the franchise's inception, the Brooklyn fans have bemoaned the team's inability to find a quality third baseman. While the job has been handled well by players such as Jonathan Dillow and Marcus Bond, no one would call them "cream of the crop" players. Well, the Brooklyn fans are hoping that Parker is that "cream of the crop player." Parker is a player who already has major-league quality power, having slammed 34 homers, while hitting .308 at Flatbush. Oh yeah, and did I mention that he also stole 23 bases (out of 26 tries) this year?
So, who are your September call-ups?
Pretty straightforward for me. Just some MR help to stretch the staff and a backup catcher and OF to give some extra time off. I want them frosty and tight when time comes to beat the hell out of Mack again.
ReplyDeleteWell, I've already called up almost everyone who would have been my September call-ups, due to injury and ineffectiveness.
ReplyDeleteEugene Alustiza was called up in late June to serve in a platoon with John Willer at third base. Alustiza, a five star prospect who was a first round pick in 2008, hit .348 in AAA with 21 home runs in less than half a season. So far, he's hitting .310 in the majors with an OBP near .400. He's probably up to stay.
Merlin Bohon was promoted at the end of July to fill the back end of the bullpen. A third round pick from 2005 who I got from River Cities, I think he also is likely up for good. He had a 3.38 ERA in AAA Tacoma.
Armando "Rimfire" Cedeno was called up before the last sim to serve as an extra outfielder and bat off the bench. Another five-star prospect and first round pick from 2008, Rimfire had an auspicious debut, going 9 for 18 with a home run. And, he's only 18 years old. He hit .344 in AAA Tacoma this year with a .457 OBP. He's my planned long-term solution in left field.
Reliever Harry Johnson was called up to help cover the injuries that occurred in the last sim. A fourth round pick in the 2009 draft, Johnson had a 4.25 ERA in AA Olypmia and then a 3.10 ERA in AAA Tacoma. He has a strong future in with the Monarchs, given his decent ratings and his 5 inning endurance. I love relievers who can eat innings and make spot starts if necessary.
Other than those four, I'll likely call up Freddie Villacorta to provide an additional outfielder and bat and either Kevin Silverman or Donald Gilreath to give me a start or two while my starting pitching heals.
I decided not to call up last year's first overall pick in the draft, Mohammed "Bingo" Stelly, despite his .852 OPS in AAA Tacoma. I think he can use some more seasoning before hitting the big leagues. However, his defense is at least major league ready, and perhaps Gold Glove caliber, and I expect to see him on the ML roster some time in 2010.