3/4 Update:
Good:
Urias three-run homer while playing SS
Zimmerman dominant in 2 IP
Bad:
Kremer struggles in debut
Galvis scratched due to getting treatment on the hip
I've heard that "school of thought" for many years. I'm sure it has worked for many of the most elite prospects, but I think most could use that year of seasoning, even against the 4A types.
I think the fact we aren't that good makes it even more reasonable to spend some time in AAA. If we aren't going to win anything, why would you take any chance on rushing a prospect when there is absolutely no reason to do so.
When you say “common,” what do you mean? I recently did a thread about 21 players who debuted in 2013 to see if their service time had been manipulated. All of those were decent or better players who have accrued at least 5 rWAR in their career. Of the 21, six jumped from AA to the majors, 15 did not. I don’t know, but I’m guessing that’s a pretty typical ratio among good prospects. Of course, some guys debut from AA, get sent down after a time and then go to AAA later. And on the other hand, a good number have a very brief AAA stay before graduating to the majors.
Exactly. And in Lowther's case, he'll turn 25 in April and has dominated at every level he's pitched at. What is pitching against AAA players - who are mostly AAAA types - really going to do for a guy like him? It should be a question for the O's scouts as to whether or not he's ready. If they think he's ready for Baltimore, he should pitch in Baltimore.
Yeah, we have to see how the season plays out to see if Fabian is in play for us. You don't draft for need, but I agree our OF is crowded, so ideally we are drafting a player at a different position. All that said, Fabian is a college bat at a premium position and I often see him listed as a top-10 prospect.
I imagine if Fabian is in consideration for us, we'll be discussing his age. I see his history a little different in that he already "played up" compared to other prospects. Also, I would guess he had a little less development in HS before competing as a young freshman (I don't know, but guessing he played only 3 years in HS). I don't know that it counts for much in analyzing a prospect, but I think it's interesting if that history matters to teams (I would guess some teams would care and other teams would not).
I will always be grateful to Joe for leading the Orioles to victory over the Phillies.
I was living in Philadelphia at the time. If the O's had lost, all my Phillies-loving friends would never have let me live it down.
I think it is always harder at the major league level to “work on stuff” rather than doing whatever gives you the best chance of getting the batter out right now, even when you’re pitching on a last place team. Maybe it shouldn’t be that way, but I think that’s how it is.