PriortoTheoIhadWood

.277 BABIP over meaning the first half BABIP was around .300 (.296-9)...Lack of scouting wasn't in effect yet?

Yes, it's well known that Ks haven't come for Porcello so far in his career. Last year he posted a career high K rate in pro ball over a full season. By xFIP he's basically been a league average pitcher for his career up to this point, he gets lots of ground balls, he doesn't walk guys (though that can improve), and he's posted 6+ fWAR as a 20, 21, and 22. This isn't a lump of coal here it's a talented arm thats still working its way around pitching in the big leagues. Oh and he should pick up some more Ks in the NL anyway. I think he needs to work with a pitching coach who helps him smooth out his breaking pitches and figuring out which fastball he wants to work with. I think he should be a sinker/slider/cutter/change/curve but he could "easily" go 4seam/breakingball/change. I think there's plenty of untapped potential, he was just a little rushed is all.

They usually make it work over there so it's a compliment. They need a DT over there and love upside or size speedy type guys. Chris Johnson, Kenny Britt, Akeem Ayers, Cortland Finnegan, Randy Starks, Michael Griffin, Jason Jones, Michael Roos....the guy he'll get compared to/be "replacing"...that team likes the freak ath-elte. They love size and definitely have a need inside for their type of D. If Brockers is any good hell be a stud there. Lots of superlatives due to mj.

How often are you using a long relief/split starter in April? He should learn to be more efficient as a pitcher, and the bullpen is a good place to learn that.

Wow that's a very Titans-y pick. I might use that one when I do my mock.

To the K-rate: Meh. The three seasons we're talking about are at age 20, 21, and 22. His first year was a really strong rookie year (3rd in ROY voting) that ended with him taking the mound in the biggest game of the season and playing up to the moment (6 innings with some K's, really impressive game IIRC, Tigers v Twins in Minn). Call me a sucker for pedigree, but I think it's a well known fact that guys who come into this league and make an impact at a really young age are most likely to end up your studs. Porcello's gone through no major injury issues through his first three seasons, they haven't really babied him by today's standards as he's throw 170, 162, and 182 during those three seasons, and he's not not picking up K's because his stuff sucks. I think guys like Lee, Wilson, Halladay, and even our own Shark are showing that pitchers can age like a fine wine if they really stick to their craft and avoid devastating injury. If Turner's K rate or stuff was THAT much better, sure. If his pedigree even matched Porcello's, maybe. If I liked how he threw the ball as much then I'd be right with you. If he had all or a couple of those things, then I'd be right with you even with this probably minor injury. Honestly Turner's biggest advantage is service time, which is a pretty sweet advantage even if the Cubs are going to be fine with money. Plus, I think Shelby Miller is the only guy from that '09 first round HS pitching crop that is going to live up to the hype. Edit: Will say that Turner's more comfortable with his breaking stuff.

I don't think he minds second fiddle or even 1A/1B, but third? I think Philly like anyone will have to pay up for that. Every team needs multiple "aces" anyway....Also overpaying is what happens on the open market. I'm patient though...perfectly fine with Upton 2015 and Felix whenever that happens. Epstein probably likes to trade more than splurge on FAs anyway.

A steal IMO. Could have went ten picks ago no major issue.

Dont be scared to play with the big boys. The problem with playing with the big boys is that they can concentrate of filling 1-2 holes, while we have a ton of holes to fill. Yeah you're sounding scared/overwhelmed...Can't think like that when you're chasing a prize you really want. Cubs have the money, the management, the market, a built in pitch.... It's not like the Dodgers are some great roster either...they have two studs and then shrugs. Who's in that FO that should intimidate?

Even if he doesn't throw 200 innings, he's far more valuable as a starter while throwing 130-150 innings as opposed to being a "late inning lefty". That suggests set up or 7th inning guy. God Dusty is stupid. Yeah see these guys are still human so let's actually think this out: He threw 50 innings last year. Triple his workload in a new role and then what? What happens when he hits his limit and they're still in the hunt? Do they let Dusty ride him? Do they move him to the pen? Chapman will start when the time comes...the guy is a special talent and a major investment for them...I think they're doing alright handling him, 18 ST innings be damned.

You can't be serious. Yeah what an out there thing to say...Oh so fn serious. Prospect worship can be a deadly game....Porcello doesn't have less talent than Turner, he's a better athlete with better mechanics, he's already accomplished something in the majors, and now we can throw healthier in there. Turner's big advantage is his youth (Porcello being an ancient 23 at some point this year) making him a shinier, newer toy, and cost when he is in the bigs...Neither issue which would be all that significant for the Cubs. If we were talking a guy with significantly better stuff... Better pedigree..better SOMETHING where talent goes...then yeah I'd get it...but I can't help but think that the whole Turner love fest was and is at least somewhat based on SNTS. I think talent wise either would be a coup, but personally I think Porcello is going to be straight up better in the long run. As far as headlining a trade...neither is inspiring by himself for Garza, and I'd want one of the lefties anyway...Plus someone else probably.

That article says they haven't even gone to 5 years. I really think Hamels hits the market, but it's a lot of wishful thinking.

Dont be scared to play with the big boys.

Hard to buy hell be there for long or that he's a 200 inning guy right now. No need to rush. Sorry to hear about your fantasy prospects.

I actually don't see Hamels resigning with Philly, but that would be very frustrating. He should go off and lead a staff himself. They have two guys who make him 3rd fiddle over here and Cole Hamels is not even close to a third fiddle type of talent. Guys the best FA pitcher available next year and I don't think it's so close even with Greinke out there.

Oh and Cole Hamels 2013.

Good for them. Cain is someone I expect will be solid enough to justify that kind of commitment, and he loves pitching in their home park. I actually thought he was more vital for them to extend than Lincecum himself due to his more durable frame. Guy is an anchor in their rotation the perfect compliment to whichever young ace they lock up.

Smyly is a talented arm, so good for him. Btw: Porcello remains the preferable haul to Turner.

That Chiefs team should be fun to follow. Hernandez, Wells, and Chen are probably my favorites.

I have not read a word on the young Vitters in months. Anyone out there have an opinion on how his preseason went?

Guy has to pay for those high-priced hookers somehow. Isn't that what we're all working for?

Gilmore still on the board? Crazy talk.

Didn't know Zimmer was only 20 this season. That's interesting.

This Kyle Zimmer guy better allow for Gausman to fall right into their laps. Still not sure if Zimmer is worth this hype he's getting.

AL East: Rays, Yankees AL Central: Tigers AL West: Rangers, Angels NL East: Phillies, Nationals NL Central: Cardinals NL West: Rockies, D'Backs WS Winner: Tigers over Diamonbacks AL MVP: Cabrera NL MVP: Upton AL CY Young: Price NL CY Young: Hamels AL ROY: Darvish NL ROY: Split between Jackson and Vitters