Kroeger?

[YearofDaCubs]

So do you guys think he's figured it out and could be a possible call up or is his recent success a mirage?

[NCCubFan]

I doubt he'll be called up because he isn't on the 40-man roster.

[craig]

So do you guys think he's figured it out and could be a possible call up or is his recent success a mirage?

 

I think he's kinda figured it out. He's 24 and has a strong outfield arm, so I don't think he's a guy who's lack of arm, lack of defense, and lack of speed is going to prevent any big-league action. I think that if his bat can get him to the majors, his other stuff won't kill him.

 

And I'm hopeful that he really has figured something out with his bat. Over the last couple of seasons when he's gotten whipped by AAA pitching, he's been a high-K guy, 23% K-rate. And last year with an awful walk-rate besides (104K/23 walks in 441 AB).

 

This year his K/BB is 48/38, incredible improvement, the K-rate is <16%, and it hasn't gotten any worse in AAA. Dropping a K-rate is one thing; lots of Corey/Dopirak types do that by swinging early, so they can less often even get to a 2-strike K count. But that solution reduces walks and often reduces power. soemthing different has happened with kroeger, because everything has happened simultaneous for good: auto-out K's are way down, OBP-building walks are way up, and HR's and power are up too. He's doing about as well in AAA as in AA, so obviously whatever happened, it's not just a matter of succeeding in low leaue.

 

I have no idea what's changed, or how long it will stay corrected. But for the moment, I don't see anything in his defense or his age that belies the positive story the hitting is telling. I think he's going to appear in the major leagues at some point.

[davearm]

I don't expect him to be called up either, but it is certainly nice to see him approaching viable option status.

 

He's certainly an intriguing possibility, and could really turn into a "diamond in the rough" find if he keeps it up.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Does anyone have an old BA handbook or something that scouts his defensive abilities?

[E.J.]

Does anyone have an old BA handbook or something that scouts his defensive abilities?

 

From the 2005 BA prospects book:

 

"Kroeger is a natural hitter with a smooth, level swing and good power. He's adept at driving the ball in the gaps. He has the arm for right field and the slightly above-average speed to play center in a pinch."

 

He was the D'Backs 7th prospect in 2005.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Does anyone have an old BA handbook or something that scouts his defensive abilities?

 

I have the BA 2005 handbook here when he was the #7 prospect on the Arizona list.

 

I found this regarding defense:

 

He has the arm for right field and slightly above average speed to play center in a pinch.

 

Most everything else is in regards to his hitting.

 

The fact is, he might just be a late bloomer...

 

The same handbook said,

 

...he was raw as a baseball player...

 

His overly aggressive approach was exploited in his big league debut, as he struck out 21 times and drew just one walk in 55 plate appearances.

 

Also...

 

His effort has come into question at sometimes.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Thanks guys. Good to hear that he might have the ability to play a passable CF on occasion.

[davearm]

Sounds like he could turn into Ryan Church without the walks.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

Sounds like he could turn into Ryan Church without the walks.

 

what exactly is Ryan Church without the walks?

[davearm]

Sounds like he could turn into Ryan Church without the walks.

 

what exactly is Ryan Church without the walks?

Well I suppose that would leave you with an early 2000s vintage Jacque Jones.

[RichHillIsABeast]

Sounds like he could turn into Ryan Church without the walks.

 

what exactly is Ryan Church without the walks?

 

Angel Pagan w/o the speed?

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Sounds like he could turn into Ryan Church without the walks.

 

what exactly is Ryan Church without the walks?

 

Angel Pagan w/o the speed?

 

Plus the ability to hit.

[Radar3454]

since he was a minor league FA do we have rights to him past this year if he stays in the minors?

[Guest]

since he was a minor league FA do we have rights to him past this year if he stays in the minors?

 

No, he'll be a FA on October 15th if he's not added to the 40-man.