Down on the Farm: Nick Castellanos

3B Nick Castellanos

The Scoop: Castellanos went 0-for-4 last Saturday . . . and that's the extent of negative things we can say about the 2010 supplemental pick's recent play. Despite playing in the Florida State League, a veritable pitcher's paradise, Castellanos has opened the season on a 43-for-101 (.426) tear through 25 games. He leads the minors in batting average and ranks fourth in on-base percentage (.477) by virtue of having drawn 12 walks, two of them intentional.

Having demonstrated ample feel for hitting last year in the Midwest League—he batted .312 and led the league with 158 hits—Castellanos is making encouraging strides in the power department this season. First of all, he's a physical 6-foot-4 righty hitter who connected for 36 doubles last season, and scouts often say that home-run power is the final tool to manifest. At any rate, Castellanos collected five extra-base hits last week and now leads the FSL in doubles (nine), slugging (.594) and total bases (60) in addition to average and OBP.

Baseball America 5/3/12

If Only It Was 1775: Philadelphia

2. Philadelphia

A. The rotation in Philly is among the league's finest. Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee are undeniable frontline starters. In a short playoff series they would create nightmares for any opposing manager. The issue here is whether the team can make the playoffs. Matt Garza and Ricky Nolasco are good complimentary arms to Halladay and Lee. Both have the potential to win double digit games, make 30 plus starts while logging 190+ innings, and approach a K/IP. Yet, who knows who the fifth starter will be. Again, the Melkonian has taken the approach of the best players at any given position at any given cost. Consequently, there is NO depth at all on this pitching staff.

B. The bullpen is fairly good as well with some unheralded arms. John Axford was a one hit wonder that the Melkonian will soon realize. There are veteran late inning relievers, Motte, Rauch, Putz and Valverde, but the question remains as to who will bridge the game to the late guys. Unless the strategy is to allow each arm to pitch one inning, it could take forever to finish these games. Either way this is a bullpen that relies on its starters pitching late into games to create favorable matchups. May need to acquire lefty reliever or three to stop Yuma's stud Votto.

C. The lineup is as intriguing as the rest of the team. First, two tremendous sluggers in Adrian Gonzalez and Alex Rodriguez anchor the lineup that MUST get power from these two. Andre Either provides 20 homers and 90 rbi with a consistent batting approach. In right, Ichiro will also likely leadoff and provide a must sparkplug to the lineup. I am guessing that a combination of small ball and balanced approach will be the strategy here. Adam Jones, Elvis Andrus, Ian Kinsler, and Matt Weiters/Miguel Montero must supplementary seasons for this offense to work. Defense and defensive range looks to be an added bonus in this lineup. It could really bail out some relievers and starters.

D. Intangibles are limited. By limited I mean there are not many players in the organization. This will greatly affect the organization's effort to acquire needed pieces, like a lefty reliever. The matchups in the bullpen are great if the matchup is not against Votto and company. I like the potential for speed and the great range of the defense. If the sluggers are slugging this lineup should consistently score a few runs to aid the pitching staff. Overall this team could easily challenge for a spot in the postseason as a wildcard but simply does not have enough power, depth, or tradability to contend for division crown.

How the West was Won

Quick Overview: Teams will be judged based on several categories: Ownership, Starting Pitching, Bullpen, Lineup, Depth and intangibles. Therefore, the Wild West will be one team's. Yuma wins the division in a landslide because of organizational depth, talent, and experience.

1. Yuma:

A. Ownership: Yuma's owner, Chris Melkonian, is among the strongest Barb has ever seen and has a clear-cut expectation to win and win now. Exemplified most by the courageous deal of Latos and Hanson for Doc Halladay. Melkonian has built a stellar organization with talent in all phases including that of the organization's depth. Power arms in the bullpen, high ceiling starters (including potentially the top two picks in June's draft), and a dynamic versatile lineup.

B. Starting Pitching: With two clear cut aces in LHPs CC Sabathia and David Price, Yuma looks to have the deepest rotation in the league. To compliment the lefties, RHPs Matt Cain, Clay Bucholz, Mat Latos and Tommy Hanson. Guesses are that Price, Sabathia, Cain, Hanson and Bucholz will enter the season as the starters with Latos getting spot starts and perhaps tough ground ball double plays in later stages of the game. Either way having six starters entering the season is a reasonable issue. What to look for is the second season of Mat Latos and the durability of Clay Bucholz. Both seem to have more than enough talent to overcome the issues other youngster must deal.

C. Bullpen: With Thorton, Kuo, Soriano and Gregerson, Yuma also has one of the deepest bullpens. Certainly the most balanced with two late inning lefties and a power closer. Gregerson is a key for his ability to get crucial game changing ground balls. Kuo's health must be a constant concern, however. And Thorton must prove he can duplicate last year's success and keep the ball in the strike zone. The depth is accentuated with RHP Drew Storen, who may end up as the most effective member of the bullpen within a season or two.

D. Lineup: Loaded. Posey behind the play is the key. Hanigan is a nice backup but if anything happens to Busty then issues for this lineup may arise. The lineup is extremely balanced with power from Votto and Zimmerman, Braun and Markakis. The key to me will be the health of SS Rafy Furcal and Brian Roberts. They are the two most consistent leadoff men on the roster and without a successful 2011 campaign, then the team will have many solo HRs. Still a very dangerous lineup though.

E. Depth/Intangibles: As previously stated, this is probably the deepest organization in Barb with perhaps two exceptions in the East. Injuries to any player can be overcome due to the team's versatility. Posey and Zimmerman's health is vital to the field. In addition to their bat, both have tremendous leadership and defense which will be difficult to replace. Moreover, the team has greatly improved its defense and speed in which many teams will find base hits difficult to come by.

Jason Castro Promoted

The Houston Astros have promoted one of their very few young prospects, Jason Castro. Castro, who will catch Roy Oswalt in his debut, will bat seventh and look to get on base. His overall game resembles AJ Pierzeinski in that both are physically tall, left-handed, intelligent, and good team leaders. To say the least, the Moabs are excited with Castro's future as one of the game's best catching prospects.

Jose, can you sing?

The Pittsburgh Pirates have attempted to sell some tickets by exploring the potential lineup of young hitters. Following the footsteps of burgeoning star Andrew McCutchen, the Pirates promoted Brooklyn Moab Jose Tabata. The outfielder has been an instant sparkplug in the lineup with six runs scored in ten games. Although his average is bordering the infamous Mendoza Line, Tabata has been getting on-base setting the table for McCutchen.

The Moabs have very few plans for Tabata this season joining McCutchen and Victorino in the outfield, but are delighted to see him getting an opportunity. "We expect him to step in and get some doubles and use his speed to turn singles into doubles by stealing second base. And it's because of that speed that we are so intrigued with his potential as he will get his base hits, extra-base hits and steals culminating in runs scored," commented a Moab official. "This is especially exciting considering that A-Mc will be the one driving him in."

Say it isn't Tulo!

What all die-hard Brooklyn Moab fan's feared most has occurred, a long-term injury to the Moab's team leader, Troy Tulowitzki. Tulowitzki who was batting fifth for most of the year while playing Gold Glove caliber defense was hit with a high heater on the backside of his wrist. The pitch effectively ended Tulo's summer with some optimism that he may return come post-season. The issue for management is that the post-season seems an awful distant hope considering the lack of run support with Tulo in the lineup. Now take out one of its best, seems bleak from the bleachers.

King Julio?

The Atlanta Braves have promoted their most impressive young prospect, Julio Teheran. The Moabs' fifth round pick in this season's 2010 draft, Teheran has been almost unhittable in low A ball. But with seven starts under his belt, the Braves felt it was past his time to be promoted to high class A ball. He had an ERA of 1.14, 41 K in 35.1 IP. Most impressively, JT surrendered only 23 hits and walked on 10 resulting in a WHIP of .84. Teheran's progressed will be closely monitored by the Brooklyn organization that will dictate when JT will be promoted to Double A Flint.

Free Agents to Compliment

Brooklyn added organizational depth on the first day of free agent signings. Two of the team's seven additions will be on the team's 25 man roster, if they have a good, healthy spring. Lefty Billy Wagner will add strike out potential and consistency along with Francisco Rodriguez in stabilizing a young pen. Many believe that its the organization's hope that Wagner will mentor Jose Mijares, who had rubbed management the wrong way after reporting late to camp after missing a flight. "Well missing a flight is certainly not professional behavior," commented manager Mike Scioscia. "I sat him down to have a quick talk. I got the point, which the media does not need to know. We're good though."

The Moabs added another character guy in Mike Cameron. Although the outfield appears stacked, rumors have it that the team may be shopping Shane Victorino. Another hope is that Cameron will mentor the fantastic rookie, Andrew McCutchen. "Young Cam's game resembles that of Andrew's. Both men have wheels, defensive awareness, power, and ability to hit for strong average," stated GM Caskey.

Filling out the organization's roster is UTL Brandon Inge, C Dioner Navarro, OF Melky Cabrera, and RHPs JJ Putz and Jeremy Accardo. Clearly the Moabs are suited for a serious run at October: "Now we have two backup catchers (Inge and Navarro), utility player (Inge), an outfielder who can play all three positions (Melk man) and two power arms who have low cost but potentially pennant changing rewards in Putz and Accardo."

What doesn't need to be stated is that the team now has the depth to move a package of players to acquire a player to fill a hole in the lineup, bullpen, or rotation.

Draft 2010

The Brooklyn front office came away ecstatic with the results of the draft. The organization came away with a sure-fire ace in Justin Verlander. In exchange for staple Roy Oswalt, catching prospect JP Arencibia, and a couple of eighth round picks, Brooklyn added a frontline pitcher that has a manageable salary over the next few seasons. He will immediately team up with Jon Lester, Scott Baker, James Shields, and Ubaldo Jimenez to form a very talented, young, experienced, rotation.

The Moabs drafted several key members moving forward and added to its organizational depth.
1) Casey Kelly, RHP
2) Sean Rodriguez, 2B/UTL
3) Francisco Liriano, SP
4) Compensated to Frostbite Falls for loss of Liriano
5) Julio Teheran, RHP
6) Jose Iglesias, SS
7) Alex Avila, C
8) Traded to St. Francis
8) Acquired via Worcester (loss of Saltalamacchia) Traded to St. Francis
Comp) Madison Youninger, RHP
Comp) Edward Salcedo, SS/3B

Clearly the organizational scouting spent time on hard throwing, high potential arms and toolsy, but gritty position players. Madison Youninger is described as extremely raw and unique for his powerful arm, good offspeed curve, and good feel despite relative inexperience. The organization is extremely high on Youninger and expect him to be a key in a couple of years. It is likely that the organization will take it slow with him. However, Kelly could impact the roster as early as September or next season, which is amazing considering his age and relative inexperience after giving up shortstop. One reason Kelly gave up playing everyday was Cuban Defector Jose Iglesias, who's glove is absolutely major league ready. He may not hit enough to be everyday BARB leaguer but simply can catch the ball enough to be extremely valuable. Potentially in Triple A Flint, Iglesias' double play partner may be Sean Rodriguez. If Rodriguez does not make the big league Brooklyn squad as a "super sub," his powerful bat should be an asset in Brooklyn soon enough.

Joining Kelly in the Flint rotation will be Julio Teheran. The organization has made it known that they try to avoid drafting Atlanta Braves prospects due to the management's deep feelings for the deep South's club, but Teheran was a Panamanian arm that could not be resisted. He has possibly the highest upside of any arm in the organization and to get him in the fifth round was an absolute steal. Fellow Brave, Edward Salcedo will compete to man the hot corner in Flint, but more likely will be reassigned to Double A Syracuse. He is a young powerful man who is expected to hit for serious power. Scouts have likened him similarly to a young Alex Rodriguez or Manny Ramirez for his lanky frame, quick bat speed from quick wrists and strong hands. Although drafted as a shortstop, he is likely to slide over to play 3B.

Alex Avila is another bulldog character type that will fit nicely in the system. He has tremendous upside after converting to catcher. He will be in competition along with non-roster invitees to be Brian McCann's primary backup. Lastly, the Moabs selected Liriano from the Frostbite organization. Although his stats do not stand out alone, he is a fierce competitor that can be truly filthy. He had a great winter and spring, and his value could not be ignored.

Brooklyn Deals with Los Angeles PF Flyers

The Brooklyn Moabs have acquired flamethrower Daniel Bard (1.2) and 2B Mark Ellis (2.50) in exchange for Lastings Milledge (.4) and Chris Coghlan (1.20).

Ellis was added for salary dump by the PF's. The heart of the deal for the Moabs was getting young stopper Bard, who can hit the high 90s with ease. He has excellent K to BB ratio and will be utilized in the near future. Ellis will provide some help off the bench with Wigginton, Teahen, Upton, Saltalamacchia, and Lowrie. The bench will be versatile and ready to step in if an injury. On the other hand, the deal led to speculation. For instance, Bob Uecker, color man for the organization, has stated that Jeremy Affeldt, Tony Pena, Matt Guerrier, as well as Wigginton and Teahen might need new apartments come deadline time.

On the otherside, Coghlan was a well-thought of member of the team who will be missed. The organization was unsure where he would end up as a regular, which led certain unnamed members of the front office to feel that he was expendable. And for Milledge, who was a throw-in a season ago at the deadline, there is no denying his talent. At this point the Flyers coveted the prospects of Milledge, and the Moabs simply had an excess of young OFs. He presented much upside, but was more than expendable.

Abrupt End to Gonzo-era

The Brooklyn Moabs have announced that the organization needs some changes. Brooklyn is under-.500, which ownership has sought to make a thing of the past. Yet to make matters worse, the Moabs are ten games behind sibling rival Worcester entering game day 37. So changes are justified.

What has changed is the manager. Fredi Gonzalez simply could not get the lineup going in Brooklyn. The pitching has been horrid and inconsistent. "Rarely have I seen my teams lose so many games by double-digits, while only scoring two runs," stated GM Eric Caskey. "The way we are losing isn't customary. In the past, the hitting has been there and its been a struggle to get through middle innings. As it appears, the starting pitching has been pathetic." Roy Oswalt has been anything but an ace. While young lefty hurler Jon Lester has looked good, the club is troubled by the number of walks. Three Moabs rank in the top 10 in walks, Lester, Ubaldo Jimenez, and Chris Volstad. The stat is interesting considering that Jimenez is a spot starter and a fill-in starter for Scott Baker. As a result, Caskey has hinted that Scott Baker, James Shields and Roy Oswalt need to step-up their games if they expect to stay in the rotation.

To replace Gonzalez, the Moabs have hired from outside the organization. Although the contract was expensive, as hinted by management but not disclosed, Mike Scioscia was hired to jumpstart the offense while patching together the pitching staff. Scioscia is known for his small ball approach to a designated hitter's league, which should fit the bill with the Moabs, which have desired to run more to put greater pressure on the defense.

Other changes include shuffling the lineup completely. In an attempt to help the defensive play behind the pitching staff, the organization has announced that Ty Wigginton's contract has been purchased from Triple A Flint Stones. Wigginton will serve a defensive replacement for 3B Miguel Cabrera as well as starting 3B when Howard or Cabrera is at 1B and DH.

Draft Day 2009: A Coup

"Simply a coup," stated GM Eric J. Caskey. "Our draft effort was tremendous. Scouting Director Dan Evans found what the Brooklyn Mobas have lacked as an organization since our BARB Championship that being power relievers." 

With seven of Brooklyn's thirteen selections, the Moabs selected power arms. Justin Masterson was selected with the 19th pick, followed by the 26th B supplemental selection of Ryan Perry. Both figure to aid the bullpen this season with Masterson in competition with Matthew Lindstrom for the primary setup man. But the Moabs did not stop there. In addition to Masterson and Perry, Brooklyn drafted southpaws Daniel Schlereth, Nick Hagadone, Jose Mijares and Jeremy Affeldt. Again, Schlereth, Mijares and Affeldt figure to serve the bullpen prominently. Schlereth and Mijares will open in Triple A Flint and serve as a disastrous one-two punch in the Stone's pen. Hagadone had Tommy John surgery in the off-season; yet, the club deemed fit to select him in the latter rounds. He has made tremendous progress and could be ready at full strength by June. Affeldt will battle Manny Parra to become the primary lefty specialist, however, club insiders have hinted at the fact that Affeldt could do much more. "We see Affeldt getting everyone out. He might start, get lefties out, and also close ballgames. he was a superb selection by Evans and Caskey," stated Manager Fredi Gonzalez.

Brooklyn selected an additional reliever, future closer Joshua Fields. Fields has a rocket for an arm with an absolutely wicked slider. He could be in Brooklyn in September, if not earlier. The team has the highest expectations.

Relievers were not the only position selected by the Moabs. The club's first selection was flamethrower Neftali Feliz. Like Fields, Feliz has a devastating slider. But what makes the slider so devastating is the 100 mph fastball that is thrown with absolute effortless arm action. Although Feliz is not expected to contribue in Brooklyn this season, but is certainly a shining star in the system. Additionally Aaron Poreda was selected as a power lefty starter to help add the system's lack of southpaws. Poreda, who can hit 100 mph with ease, has had issues with his command. For that reason, the organization has discussed the possibility of turning Poreda into a BJ Ryan like closer. But, for the foreseeable future, Poreda will continue as a starter developing his off-speed pitches.

Position players were also selected. Shortstop Jed Lowrie will make the most impact this season. He will start situationally at thirdbase and around the infield, especially to spell the recooperating Chase Utley. Also, the Moabs gave up compensation to acquire speedster Shane Victorino. Victorino will fill in for the departed Jay Bruce (a story for another day). While BJ Upton is on the disabled list following off-season surgery on his shoulder, Victorino will play centerfield and leftfield with Jacoby Ellsbury, Jermaine Dye, Lastings Milledge, and Cameron Maybin all contributing. Lowrie and Victorino were selected among Nick Noonan and Brett Wallace. Both of whom have bright futures with the ballclub but are not expected to contribute this season in BARB. 

Perhaps what GM Caskey is most thrilled about was Evan's efforts behind the plate. Although the team has hardly a weakness behind the plate with All-Star Brian McCann and Jarrod Saltalamacchia, the team wanted to add catching depth. "Every championship caliber ballclub has catching depth," stated Caskey, "And if we are meant to be a contender, then we needed to be no different." The team added prospects JP Arencibia and Jason Castro. Although at this stage, neither will contribute to the Moabs this season, Arencibia is far more advanced. He will be the everyday catcher in Flint and should be able to get promoted in September. Castro, on the other hand, whose game resembles that of a lefthanded Russell Martin, will be one of the team's highest ceiling players.

Overall, the Moabs effort addressed the team's lack of depth in the bullpen. It added two potential aces and several potential closers. The hole, known as thirdbase, was also addressed with Jed Lowrie and Brett Wallace. Catching depth is no longer the team's concern. Ultimately, the team's effort will depend on the organizations progression back to the playoffs and in a deep run.

Next Season: A Petition

Brooklyn's front office has decided to petition the league's office in the off-season to do away with the 40 man roster. If a limit by the league is desired, then Caskey proposes a 35 man limit. The 35 roster would mean that only 35 players can contribute to the big league club. Anyone over 35 men would be kept for the keeper aspect of BARB. All players would still count against the $110 salary cap. The 35 man roster is sufficient to compensate for injuries, but doesn't hamper the keeper aspect that makes BARB so special. A major league organization has the majority of their players off of the 40 man roster, and only players on the 40 man roster can be placed on the 25 man roster.

The biggest reason is the injuries that Brooklyn has experienced this season. Despite being an atypical season, hopefully, the injuries have hampered BRooklyn's ability to compete. Having a half dozen or more prospects means that Brooklyn only has a couple of slots open. Consequently there was little the front office could do but sell for the future.

As for the 35 man roster, which is to be declared at the beginning of the season, it can be altered during the season. UNless a player is dealt or released, he must remain on the 35 man roster. Players not placed on the 35 man roster must only be prospects without a major league rating that qualifies them as eligible in BARB standards for both pitchers and hitters.

Example would be Cameron Maybin. He does not qualify for eligibility for Brooklyn despite brief experience in the majors; therefore, wouldn't be mandated to be placed on the 35 man roster. But, had he played with Florida since the All-Star break, he would have been eligible. In order for Brooklyn to utilize his talents, the front office would have to deal or cut a man on the 35 man roster. Maybin would need to be on the 35 man roster to be used on the 25 man roster.

The petition will occur at the League's Winter Meetings. It is a change that many owners have stated as necessary as a direct result of the 40 man roster.

In a series of moves, the Moabs have acquired Carlos Carrasco, Christopher Marrero, Lastings Milledge, Mark Teahen, and four players to be named at a later date. Without compromising the names of the PTBNs, Brooklyn is positive that these deadline deals for bench and bullpen arms will cement Brooklyn a playoff spot next season.

The Logic

Well all that is the beauty of a league that determines which owners are taking expansion teams before the deadline. Brooklyn management, on one hand, is not taking an expansion team and is firmly implanted in the league and organization's future. On the other hand, the other set of brothers and another league official (although has been very silent to his credit) are taking expansion teams next season. What does this mean?

It means that Yuma and Lexawhatchacallits can sacrifice the future for the present. SO, a team like Brooklyn, who is invested beyond the year must make a decision to compete in the Arm's Race or acquire future talents that will be unestablished and dangerous next season.

The latter is exactly what Brooklyn management decided was necessary for livelihood. "Could we have competed and traded the like of Cameron (Maybin), CHris (Coghlan), Volstad, Ross (Detwiler), and Elvis (Andrus)? Yes. Instead we decided to pack it in, since we need to jump three teams for the East lead and 3 teams for the Wild Card (hint: the WC is not coming from the Central!!!)," said GM Eric Caskey. "So now while others are rebuilding with current, and need-to-be protected talent, Brooklyn can look to the future and realize that for next season, the East will look up at Brooklyn and so will the rest of the league, duh."

It was a strategic move to sacrifice this season. "We apologize to the fans and beg for their support. After all we can still score runs, we haven't traded starting pitching that has contributed this season, nor have we mortgaged the future, while strengthening it," exalted Caskey. "It will come down to the bullpen and our ability to catch the ball. And I guarantee if we fall out of it, we will be dreaded to play against down the stretch for others searching playoff spots."

State of Affairs: Brooklynites

The injury bug has ripped apart the Moabs. Chien-Meng Wang and Adam Wainwright have joined Scott Baker and Fausto Carmona on the disabled list. Although Baker is within days of being back and Wainwright is out for only 3 starts, Wang may be out the rest of the season. In fact, Wang may be in a cast for the next six weeks.

GM Eric Caskey has said that the Moabs are not counting on Wang contributing this season. So, Brooklyn has purchased the contract of lefty starter Scott Olsen. Olsen will likely be the long man until the arm gets streched out.

Meanwhile, the Brookln rotation features four BARB rookies: Ubaldo Jimenez, Micah Owings, Manny Parra and Scott Baker. All four are expected to fill in and compete for a long-term position in the rotation once Wainwright and Carmona return to the lineup. "It is a open competition in a sense. They need to keep in mind that they have the luxury of a great offense and a good fielding team behind them," said manager Bobby Cox. "We expect to compete every night and expect Oswalt to step it up a notch."

The bullpen does get a boost today with the activation of Mike Gonzalez from the disabled list. Gonzalez will get some late-inning duty and look to stabilize an exhausted staff.

13-12?

"Absolutely pathetic," said manager Bobby Cox.
Caskey has stated that the Moabs sought a fifth starter to fill into the rotation, but exclaimed that all the talent is now in the East. On paper, the Moabs have gone from a top 3 team to top 7, maybe, as the busy East GM's have been wheeling and dealing with the dumb desert. As for the next few weeks, Caskey and Cox have called up the starting rotation to go out there and "get it done." We need quality innings and we need timely hitting. "Just a couple of games ago, we had the highest scoring offense, but a barely above .500 record. THis means, someone isn't doing their job," said Caskey. "We need to start pitching unless they want to be moved."

What a Start

Through four games, the Brooklyn Moabs are perfect. An undefeated start has given the organization the momentum which has been missing the last few seasons. Jacoby Ellsbury and Ichiro Suzuki are hitting wild atop the lineup. There are some questions that Ellsbury's start may make injured Curtis Granderson expendable. Other's claim that Jason Bay is now expendable. Regardless the crowded outfield may be a problem if Ellsbury continues to get on base. The Moabs are getting good starting pitching and are winning games.

Day One

Moabs win opener on road in Las Vegas. Fausto Carmona pitched very well limiting one of the league's best offenses. A 5-3 victory is a very good start to the season, as Brooklyn hopes to find the playoffs again. Helping Carmona was Ichiro Suzuki and Miguel Cabrera, who each had four hits.