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ayaghmour2 · 02-17-2023, 08:27 PM

RHP Mike Thorpe (240th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 4th Round, 60th Overall (1944)
Alma Mater: Americus University Hurricanes

The second of two fourth rounders from last season who debuted this year, I expected a bit more from Thorpe. Since he was drafted, he's flaunted a green arrow to the majors and an FABL ETA of the current season. He looked every bit like a big league starter in Milwaukee, going a near perfect 12-1 through 130.1 innings pitched. Thorpe wielded a 2.76 ERA (130 ERA+) and 1.20 WHIP. The underlying numbers were a fan too, has his 3.12 FIP (86 FIP-) was well above average as well. With plenty of impressive starts, I was ready to give him a shot in a pennant race, shipping a captain in Art White to the Dynamos to give him a regular spot in our rotation.

The 23-year-old had a rough first start in Brooklyn, allowing 10 hits, 8 runs, and 3 walks, being forced out with a runner on first and two outs in the fifth. He did quickly bounce back, just 2 earned runs in each of his next two outings despite walking 10 batters in an out short of two complete games. Just when it seemed like he was getting in the hang of things, we got the good new of Peter the Heater's return, which pushed Thorpe out of the rotation. He made just one more start, going almost 8 in a no decision versus the Sailors, but he played a big role out of the pen the rest of the way. He threw 8 innings with 7 hits, 3 runs, a walk, and 3 strikeouts, and Thorpe managed to pick up a pair of saves as well. With three rotation members returning stateside, there aren't many rotation spots available, so Thorpe will be stuck in AAA for the foreseeable future. His performance there could shape his future, as If we need to make a big upgrade at the deadline, a promising young pitcher dominating the Century League could be a very enticing trade piece.

Thorpe's greatest trait is his ability to limit the longball, as the soft tosser has not allowed a single home run in 386.2 innings in college, AA, AAA, and FABL. His pitches are slow but deadly, as they float all around the zone. Unlike a lot of the projected members of our rotation, he's more of a Dick Lyons or Art White then Donnie Jones or Joe Brown. He won't strike out more then a handful of hitters a game, so he'll need to master control like White and Lyons did. Since he's already shown he can handle himself at the highest levels, he has the floor of a big league pitcher, but the ceiling might not get much higher. He'll never be the best member of a rotation, but if you need someone to give you a chance day in and day out, he's your guy. The perfect #4 or #5, and potentially a highly traded asset, Thorpe should be able to settle into a back-end rotation role until his pitches stop working. Since he doesn't throw hard his risk of injury is much lower, and he hasn't missed a start yet. 1946 will be a huge year for Thorpe, and I think he's going to turn some heads.

RHP Stan Flanders (265th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 10th Round, 157th Overall (1941)
Alma Mater: New Haven Bulldogs

One of the toughest decisions I have to make all winter is whether Stan Flanders gets a 40-Man Roster spot. With far more then 40 worthy candidates, there will be good players left out. A 10th Rounder back in 1941, Flanders followed up a 12-11 season with a 3.17 ERA (126 ERA+) with a 12-11 season with a 3.04 ERA (131 ERA+). Both outputs came with the Commodores, with Flanders throwing a personal high 213 innings with a 1.35 WHIP, 53 walks, and 48 strikeouts. 23 in December, Flanders was converted from catcher to pitcher, and it's looked to have been a smart change. That being said, he did put up decent offensive numbers this season too, slashing .277/.402/.410 (118 OPS+) with 8 doubles, a homer, and 18 RBIs, with more walks (18) then strikeouts (4) and a very impressive 135 WRC+. He could be a decent gimmick player, functioning as a catcher and reliever, but some teams may want to give him a chance to start. His stuff isn't great, but he gives you innings and won't make too many mistakes. We have an open spot, but there are plenty of players vying for that spot.

SS Rupert Heinbaugh (367th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 7th Round, 107th Overall (1945)
Alma Mater: Weedsport Warriors

Our 7th Rounder in the most recent draft, Rupert Heinbaugh spent most of the season starting at shortstop for the Lions after the draft. He played well defensively, but hit just ..230/.281/.314 (74 OPS+) with 7 doubles, 3 triples, 2 homers, 4 steals, and 13 RBIs. A smooth defender at short, Heinbaugh won't have to hit too well to earn a bench spot, but he does swing a decent bat. He has above average bat speed and with his speed he'll slap his share of doubles and triples. He struck out a fair amount this season, but I think he'll keep them down as he grows as a hitter. He could end up hitting for a high average as well, but don't expect any home runs from this 18-year-old. He'll head back to La Crosse next season, but my guess is he'll rotate position more, likely getting some time at second and third as well. A talented youngster Tom Weinstock expects him to be a frontrunner in any audition for a spot at short, but in this organization, no one gets past Skipper. Heinbaugh's versatility will earn him a shot to stay on a big league roster, but it might not be with us.

RHP Jim Williams (322nd Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 8th Round, 123rd Overall (1945)
Alma Mater: Chicopee Pacers

Our 8th Round selection this most recent year, Jim Williams had a rough go of things down in La Crosse, finishing his 12 starts 3-4 with a 3.88 ERA (79 ERA+), 1.50 WHIP, 29 walks, and 38 strikeouts. A hard working righty, I'm hoping the now 19-year-old uses his early career struggles as a motivator. A three pitch pitcher, Williams has a nice high 80s sinker that generates plenty of grounders and keeps the ball in the park. He has good command of his all three offerings, as the sinker goes with a potentially decent curve and circle-change. The curve is his weakest pitch, and will be his make-or-break pitch if he wants to start at the big league level. He has the command to avoid silly mistakes, and at 6'4'' he could add velocity as he fills out. Right now he's more of an emergency starter then rotation member, but you know who else was a tall 8th Rounder?

George Oddo!

Ahh, the offseason! Unlimited optimism!

RHP Babe Stinson (328th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 4th Round, 64th Overall (1942)
Alma Mater: Louisville Coyotes

After making two starts in San Jose last season, Babe Stinson started there this year. He looked pretty good, going 5-4 with a 3.33 ERA (104 ERA+) and 1.14 WHIP with 22 walks and 65 strikeouts. There were some concerns, as his 14 starts went for just 83.2 innings, but he had a stellar 3.0 K/BB. This earned him a promotion to Lincoln, and while the overall numbers were similar, his walks (30) and strikeouts (23) went the wrong direction in the 11 starts. Babe went 4-3 with a 3.99 ERA (104 ERA+) and 1.57 WHIP, as A ball hitters were able to get on base against him much more frequently. A five pitch pitcher, Stinson has very raw stuff, and uses his wits rather then arm speed to record outs. This makes me likely to believe the impressive strikeout numbers from San Jose won't stick, and he'll have to iron out his command to pitch in a rotation. Just 21, he'll likely head back down to San Jose to begin the season. Ideally he'll get starts, but his stamina may work against him, as he could transition into a stopper role if we have too many other potential starters.

02-17-2023, 08:27 PM	#1020
ayaghmour2 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Mar 2018 Posts: 3,085	Top Prospects: 21-25 RHP Mike Thorpe (240th Overall) Acquired: Via Draft: 4th Round, 60th Overall (1944) Alma Mater: Americus University Hurricanes The second of two fourth rounders from last season who debuted this year, I expected a bit more from Thorpe. Since he was drafted, he's flaunted a green arrow to the majors and an FABL ETA of the current season. He looked every bit like a big league starter in Milwaukee, going a near perfect 12-1 through 130.1 innings pitched. Thorpe wielded a 2.76 ERA (130 ERA+) and 1.20 WHIP. The underlying numbers were a fan too, has his 3.12 FIP (86 FIP-) was well above average as well. With plenty of impressive starts, I was ready to give him a shot in a pennant race, shipping a captain in Art White to the Dynamos to give him a regular spot in our rotation. The 23-year-old had a rough first start in Brooklyn, allowing 10 hits, 8 runs, and 3 walks, being forced out with a runner on first and two outs in the fifth. He did quickly bounce back, just 2 earned runs in each of his next two outings despite walking 10 batters in an out short of two complete games. Just when it seemed like he was getting in the hang of things, we got the good new of Peter the Heater's return, which pushed Thorpe out of the rotation. He made just one more start, going almost 8 in a no decision versus the Sailors, but he played a big role out of the pen the rest of the way. He threw 8 innings with 7 hits, 3 runs, a walk, and 3 strikeouts, and Thorpe managed to pick up a pair of saves as well. With three rotation members returning stateside, there aren't many rotation spots available, so Thorpe will be stuck in AAA for the foreseeable future. His performance there could shape his future, as If we need to make a big upgrade at the deadline, a promising young pitcher dominating the Century League could be a very enticing trade piece. Thorpe's greatest trait is his ability to limit the longball, as the soft tosser has not allowed a single home run in 386.2 innings in college, AA, AAA, and FABL. His pitches are slow but deadly, as they float all around the zone. Unlike a lot of the projected members of our rotation, he's more of a Dick Lyons or Art White then Donnie Jones or Joe Brown. He won't strike out more then a handful of hitters a game, so he'll need to master control like White and Lyons did. Since he's already shown he can handle himself at the highest levels, he has the floor of a big league pitcher, but the ceiling might not get much higher. He'll never be the best member of a rotation, but if you need someone to give you a chance day in and day out, he's your guy. The perfect #4 or #5, and potentially a highly traded asset, Thorpe should be able to settle into a back-end rotation role until his pitches stop working. Since he doesn't throw hard his risk of injury is much lower, and he hasn't missed a start yet. 1946 will be a huge year for Thorpe, and I think he's going to turn some heads. RHP Stan Flanders (265th Overall) Acquired: Via Draft: 10th Round, 157th Overall (1941) Alma Mater: New Haven Bulldogs One of the toughest decisions I have to make all winter is whether Stan Flanders gets a 40-Man Roster spot. With far more then 40 worthy candidates, there will be good players left out. A 10th Rounder back in 1941, Flanders followed up a 12-11 season with a 3.17 ERA (126 ERA+) with a 12-11 season with a 3.04 ERA (131 ERA+). Both outputs came with the Commodores, with Flanders throwing a personal high 213 innings with a 1.35 WHIP, 53 walks, and 48 strikeouts. 23 in December, Flanders was converted from catcher to pitcher, and it's looked to have been a smart change. That being said, he did put up decent offensive numbers this season too, slashing .277/.402/.410 (118 OPS+) with 8 doubles, a homer, and 18 RBIs, with more walks (18) then strikeouts (4) and a very impressive 135 WRC+. He could be a decent gimmick player, functioning as a catcher and reliever, but some teams may want to give him a chance to start. His stuff isn't great, but he gives you innings and won't make too many mistakes. We have an open spot, but there are plenty of players vying for that spot. SS Rupert Heinbaugh (367th Overall) Acquired: Via Draft: 7th Round, 107th Overall (1945) Alma Mater: Weedsport Warriors Our 7th Rounder in the most recent draft, Rupert Heinbaugh spent most of the season starting at shortstop for the Lions after the draft. He played well defensively, but hit just ..230/.281/.314 (74 OPS+) with 7 doubles, 3 triples, 2 homers, 4 steals, and 13 RBIs. A smooth defender at short, Heinbaugh won't have to hit too well to earn a bench spot, but he does swing a decent bat. He has above average bat speed and with his speed he'll slap his share of doubles and triples. He struck out a fair amount this season, but I think he'll keep them down as he grows as a hitter. He could end up hitting for a high average as well, but don't expect any home runs from this 18-year-old. He'll head back to La Crosse next season, but my guess is he'll rotate position more, likely getting some time at second and third as well. A talented youngster Tom Weinstock expects him to be a frontrunner in any audition for a spot at short, but in this organization, no one gets past Skipper. Heinbaugh's versatility will earn him a shot to stay on a big league roster, but it might not be with us. RHP Jim Williams (322nd Overall) Acquired: Via Draft: 8th Round, 123rd Overall (1945) Alma Mater: Chicopee Pacers Our 8th Round selection this most recent year, Jim Williams had a rough go of things down in La Crosse, finishing his 12 starts 3-4 with a 3.88 ERA (79 ERA+), 1.50 WHIP, 29 walks, and 38 strikeouts. A hard working righty, I'm hoping the now 19-year-old uses his early career struggles as a motivator. A three pitch pitcher, Williams has a nice high 80s sinker that generates plenty of grounders and keeps the ball in the park. He has good command of his all three offerings, as the sinker goes with a potentially decent curve and circle-change. The curve is his weakest pitch, and will be his make-or-break pitch if he wants to start at the big league level. He has the command to avoid silly mistakes, and at 6'4'' he could add velocity as he fills out. Right now he's more of an emergency starter then rotation member, but you know who else was a tall 8th Rounder? George Oddo! Ahh, the offseason! Unlimited optimism! RHP Babe Stinson (328th Overall) Acquired: Via Draft: 4th Round, 64th Overall (1942) Alma Mater: Louisville Coyotes After making two starts in San Jose last season, Babe Stinson started there this year. He looked pretty good, going 5-4 with a 3.33 ERA (104 ERA+) and 1.14 WHIP with 22 walks and 65 strikeouts. There were some concerns, as his 14 starts went for just 83.2 innings, but he had a stellar 3.0 K/BB. This earned him a promotion to Lincoln, and while the overall numbers were similar, his walks (30) and strikeouts (23) went the wrong direction in the 11 starts. Babe went 4-3 with a 3.99 ERA (104 ERA+) and 1.57 WHIP, as A ball hitters were able to get on base against him much more frequently. A five pitch pitcher, Stinson has very raw stuff, and uses his wits rather then arm speed to record outs. This makes me likely to believe the impressive strikeout numbers from San Jose won't stick, and he'll have to iron out his command to pitch in a rotation. Just 21, he'll likely head back down to San Jose to begin the season. Ideally he'll get starts, but his stamina may work against him, as he could transition into a stopper role if we have too many other potential starters.