And the peasants rejoiced

[gunderdood.livejournal.com]

Tigs traded Grilli away to the Rockies for 22 year old RPH Zachary Simons. The move was to clear space to bring up Cruceta who is now expected to be up for tomorrow's game.

As far as Simons, he's definitely a prospect, and we all know, if our scouts see good things, good things are typically there. However, he wasn't in the Rockies top 30 prospects - but, then, you really think we'd get one for Grilli - even with his flashes of brilliance (0runs, 4 hits, 3BB, 8Ks in his last 11.1 IP)? Simons' numbers are nothing to brag about with a pro career ERA of 4.91 and a K/BB rate of about 3/2. He does have a good fastball that, as of the 2005 draft was in the mid nineties. The Rockies obviously saw something in him as they gave him a 625K signing bonus.

Get ready for Cruceta. From what I recall, he was going to be our set-up man with Rodney/Zumaya out, but then he couldn't get his visa issues resolved thus promoting Bautista. His numbers at Toledo have been very nice: struck out the side in his first inning on 10 pitches, 95 MPH fastball, "not much fun" slider, and a "malevolent" split finger, 7IP, 15Ks, 2 hits, 3 walks, 0 runs (as far as I know).

Leyland does like to build confidence by leaving guys out and in their positions (ala Bautista last night), so Cruceta may come in as middle relief to start and eventually promote to set-up. Then again, it didn't take all that many games for him to move Cabrera to first. We'll have to see what Leyland decides.

Comments

[dodgers-pwn.livejournal.com]

yesterday notwithstanding, Bautista has been very good as a set-up man and I'd like to see them give him that job until he loses it. But between him, Seay, Lopez, Rapada, and now Cruceta, with Jones getting done in the 9th, this bullpen which was supposed to be awful is now stocked with some very talented arms.

[gunderdood.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't be surprised at all if Leyland is thinking the exact same thing about Bautista. If I had to wager, I'd guess he'd stay there, but we'll see.

Definitely with you on the BP issue; I'm really very surprised and grateful with the new blood we brought in. Funny how that works.

[dodgers-pwn.livejournal.com]

yeah, amazingly, a WS winning GM and a staff of MLB scouts do a better job of assembling a ball club than Freep columnists, WDFN callers, and message board posters.

[dodgers-pwn.livejournal.com]

oh and just to correct you, Cruceta did give up A run in Toledo. I think he'll be alright though.

[gunderdood.livejournal.com]

Ah, thank you. I hadn't heard from anywhere if he had and didn't think to check the Mud Hen's website after a couple other sites I check didn't have 2008 stats up for him.

[dodgers-pwn.livejournal.com]

baseball-reference.com actually added minor league stats now, so you can look up any player (regardless of if they were ever pros) and get their minor league history. Definitely a great resource.

gracias

[gunderdood.livejournal.com]

I usually use it, but they don't have Cruceta's 2008 stats up - neither does thebaseballcube.com which I tend to use considerably less frequently.

[anaaki.livejournal.com]

(http://s59.photobucket.com/albums/g320/anaaki/jason%20grilli/?action=view&current=grillibrownies.jpg)

[gunderdood.livejournal.com]

That may be the most deliciously beautiful thing I've ever seen!

[twoseamfastball.livejournal.com]

A true work of art.

[littlestclouds.livejournal.com]

Oh my GOD that is amazing.

[dodgers-pwn.livejournal.com]

hahaha, geez offspeed...I'll settle for him being off the team. I really don't need to see the guy lit on fire.




Although it would be ironic, given his propensity to light fires and all.

[withyour.livejournal.com]

There's a possibility that I'm in love with you. Haha.

[wallacegurl64.livejournal.com]

LOVEEEEEEEE IT :)

I want one. lol

[littlestclouds.livejournal.com]

*rejoices* I'm also interested to see what Cruceta brings to the table.

[richghettogyrl.livejournal.com]

The only thing I'll miss about Grilli is the beer goggles. I'm really pleased with the bullpen right now. I think I'm in love with Rapada. :)