Craig Baker Released

by Vlad on Apr 11, 2011 10:48 AM EDT

I was paging through last week's minor league transaction log at BA while waiting for this week's to be posted, and I noticed something that had slipped past me the first time through: the Rockies released RHRP Craig Baker . This is notable for our purposes because we were widely rumored to be interested in him as a possible selection during the 2009 Rule 5 draft (one report here ) before ultimately using our pick on John Raynor instead. Might we take a look at Baker, now that he's freely available? He was injured (elbow pain, no surgery) and ineffective in 2010, but had showed good stuff (low-90s fastball, plus curve) and delivered strong performances before that. He might be a good player to stash in extended spring training and monitor for a while, in case he returns to form.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of the managing editor (Charlie) or SB Nation. FanPosts are written by Bucs Dugout readers.

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He had very nice numbers in 2008-09. It’s not like there aren’t openings, if they could get the guy healthy. Claggett gets worse every time he pitches. Initial returns on Wood, Valdez and Leroux aren’t so good, either, and I wasn’t at all impressed with Justin Thomas when I saw him in March. One consequence of having actual prospects in AAA is that there’s less depth than usual until they’re ready.

Of course, it could be the Rox released Baker because the medical outlook is bad.

You're entitled to your own opinions. You're not entitled to your own facts.

by WTM on Apr 11, 2011 11:35 AM EDT reply actions

What is the deal....

with Justin Thomas? I thought he was supposed to throw low 90s. He was great in Indy last year w/ 51 Ks and only 10 BB in 54 innings. And then he was terrible in Pittsburgh. At 27, I assume if it doesn’t happen in the next couple months, he’s done.

Did you have thoughts on Moskos? Get to see him pitch in March?

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by David Todd on Apr 11, 2011 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions

In March Thomas was only throwing in the upper 80s and his command was poor. Can’t explain why he does so well in AAA. There are some guys who master that level and can’t play at the next.

I saw Moskos twice in March. Both times his control was poor and his velocity wasn’t where it was last year, although it was early so that may not mean anything. I noticed in his first AAA outing he only threw half his pitches for strikes. The second one was a bit better. Of couse, last year he could barely get through an inning there, so there’s some progress.

You're entitled to your own opinions. You're not entitled to your own facts.

by WTM on Apr 11, 2011 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions