Orioles acquire LHP Andrew Faulkner

[backwardsk]

We just got him for PTBNL or cash.  What are we going to do with him?

[ArtVanDelay]

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/04/orioles-acquire-andrew-faulkner-release-dariel-alvarez.html?fv-home=true&post-id=89512

[Can_of_corn]

Strikes out too few, walks too many.

[ArtVanDelay]

http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=faulkn000and

Pretty good minor league numbers.  Solid short stint in the big leagues in 2015.  Struggled in another short stint last year.  Has started 76 games in the minors. 

[ArtVanDelay]

8 minutes ago, Can_of_corn said:

Strikes out too few, walks too many.

In the majors, yes.  But he has averaged 8.1 K/9 in the minors.  He might be a better version of TJ McFarland which has some value since he has an option.

I'm not a huge DD fan but I do like these types of acquisitions. 

[Can_of_corn]

2 minutes ago, ArtVanDelay said:

In the majors, yes.  But he has averaged 8.1 K/9 in the minors.  He might be a better version of TJ McFarland which has some value since he has an option.

I'm not a huge DD fan but I do like these types of acquisitions. 

I'd rather have him on the 40 than Dariel.

I wish we had enough actual prospects that we didn't have room to make these margin moves.

[Rene88]

6 minutes ago, Can_of_corn said:

I'd rather have him on the 40 than Dariel.

I wish we had enough actual prospects that we didn't have room to make these margin moves.

Debbie Downer:) but I agree.

Its funny-I asked in another thread how long it would be b4 we acquired another player off waivers/via trade...

DD wastes no time!

[sportsfan8703]

 

Per Sickels' 2016 prospect book  

Andrew Faulkner, LHP, Texas Rangers 
Bats: R Throws: L HT: 6-3 WT: 180 DOB: September 12, 1992 
2015: Grade C+

Andrew Faulkner made his major league debut in the Rangers bullpen last year and should be an asset for some time to come. Originally a 14th round pick in 2011 from high school in South Carolina, mechanical refinements have boosted his fastball into the 90-94 range. His command was erratic as a starter but he did a much better job throwing quality strikes after moving to relief. His average velocity is higher in the bullpen, too, around 93 rather than 91 when he has to pace himself. He’ll mix in a curveball and a change-up with splitty action. I think he will be a very valuable reliever at the least and he could return to starting if his command holds up. Grade C+.

[Can_of_corn]

Just now, Rene88 said:

Debbie Downer:) but I agree.

Its funny-I asked in another thread how long it would be b4 we acquired another player off waivers/via trade...

DD wastes no time!

He is certainly active in trying to gain incremental advantages.

[weams]

91-95 Top

 

 

[sportsfan8703]

Baseball prospectus had him as the Rangers 10th best prospect in March of 2016. http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=28553

10. Andrew Faulkner, LHP
DOB: 09/12/1992
Height/Weight: 6’3” 200 lbs.
Bats/Throws: R/L
Drafted/Acquired: Drafted in the 14th round of the 2011 MLB Draft, South Aiken HS (Aiken, SC); signed for $125,000
Previous Ranking(s): Unranked
2015 Stats: 3.86 ERA, 100.1 IP, 86 H, 48 BB, 103 K at Double-A Frisco and Triple-A Round Rock; 2.79 ERA, 9.2 IP, 8 H, 3 BB, 10 K at Texas
Future Tools: 60 fastball, 55 change, 50+ command
Role: 50—No. 4 starter/high-leverage reliever

Faulkner was considered a highly projectable left-hander when the Rangers took him in 2011, but is now considered more of a high-floor, low-ceiling player. Once again, baseball is weird. His best pitch is his fastball, which sits 91-94 with late life. The changeup is only a step behind, with split-like action that makes it a solid offering when he’s ahead in the count. His slider is the weak spot, but it has just enough tilt and depth to keep hitters honest. He’s seen a significant improvement in his command, and his ability to throw all three pitches for strikes gives him a chance to start.

Faulkner was dominant in the bullpen, and there’s a strong chance the Rangers make that his role in the short term. With the improved command and the ability to miss bats with the fastball and change, there’s absolutely a chance he could make his living pitching in a rotation in the long-term.

Bret Sayre’s Fantasy Take: In deeper leagues, Faulkner is an underrated fantasy prospect, as he could potentially start and log innings or be a very strong reliever who can help in ratios and strikeouts. In shallower leagues, however, he’s not worth dwelling on.

Major League ETA: Debuted in 2015

[25 Nuggets]

9 minutes ago, Can_of_corn said:

He is certainly active in trying to gain incremental advantages.

Inch by inch, brick by brick.  

Hey, GMs of the Orioles prior to MacPhail didn't even do that well.

[sportsfan8703]

He has 2 options remaining.  Roster resource is fast and good with the options.  

AAA has essentially become a pitching staff of other teams' 40 man roster crunch casualties.  

DD is working it.  Faulkner is probably around our top 10 prospects.  

[sportsfan8703]

MLB.com mlb pipeline has him as the Rangers' 30th prospect currently  http://m.mlb.com/prospects/2017?list=tex

Andrew Faulkner | Rank: 30 (Preseason: 30)

Team: Texas RangersETA: 2017Position: LHPAge: 24 DOB: 09/12/1992Bats: R Throws: LHeight: 6' 3" Weight: 205 lb.Drafted: 2011, 14th (444) - TEX

Watch

Scouting grades: Fastball: 55 | Slider: 45 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 45 | Overall: 45

Then-Rangers area scout Chris Kemp (now the Padres' international scouting director) found two big league relievers in the South Carolina high school ranks in 2011, signing Faulkner for $125,000 in the 14th round and since-traded C.J. Edwards for $50,000 in the 48th. Faulkner spent most of his early pro career as a starter before moving to the bullpen in July 2015. He made it to Texas two months later and pitched well in 11 appearances, but he got hit hard in two early-season stints with the Rangers in 2016.

When Faulkner had big league success two years ago, he worked at 92-94 mph and hit 97 with a fastball that featured riding life and deception. Last season, he lost a couple of mph and fooled fewer hitters. His average changeup with splitter action didn't keep right-handers from teeing off on him and his slider lacked bite.

Faulkner's crossfire delivery can make life difficult on left-handers, though he sometimes struggles to keep his mechanics in sync. If he can regain his lost velocity and throw more strikes, he can help a Rangers club looking for lefty relievers while Jake Diekman is sidelined until at least the All-Star break.

[Rene88]

9 minutes ago, sportsfan8703 said:

He has 2 options remaining.  Roster resource is fast and good with the options.  

AAA has essentially become a pitching staff of other teams' 40 man roster crunch casualties.  

DD is working it.  Faulkner is probably around our top 10 prospects.  

A lefty specialist as a top 10? I don't think it works like that:)