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If Cleveland is really disappointed he was taken, then use him as a free chit in a trade for Valbuena, assuming you've already decided to pursue that trade.
Rule 5: Jose Flores
Taken from Cleveland with the No. 2 pick after a very strong year at age 21 with the Lake County Captains.
Youtube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PU9UtEOP01E
and here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZ5J4mJ8M20
Copyrighted images here: http://fourseamimages.photoshelter.com/gallery/-/G0000o2v1eGyN_r8/1
Stats here: http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=flores009jos
Pitched in relief only, 28 appearances, and it's only low-A, Midwest League, a good league for pitchers, but still:
2.14 ERA, 7.5 H/9, 0.5 HR/9, 1.5 BB/9, 10.9 K/9
Can't ask for much more than that. 51 strikeouts, 7 walks.
Of course, under Rule 5, he has to stick on the MLB roster for the whole year or go back to Cleveland. Tribe blogger said he had little chance of being taken since he was such a low-level prospect: http://www.indiansprospectinsider.com/2010/12/indians-2010-rule-5-preview.html
Obviously, the Z-crew felt he was worth the effort.
Comments
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http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/marinersblog/2013635745_mariners_t...
Throws up to 95; they love that he throws strikes, which makes them think he could make the leap.
And they are still in talks with you-know-who at C.
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LH outfielder, former 4th round pick, hit the majors at 22, but never really produced until recently. Delivered 26 doubles and 15 dingers for the Reds in 09, but with a .291 OBP.
Then in '10, 11 doubles and 4 HR in about half the ABs, but OBP up to .350. Maybe kinda figuring it out at 29?
Actually, after looking at it, while his walk rate went up some, it was his BA that produced most of the increase in OBP, and mostly due to a .361 BABIP in '10 after a .274 in '09.
Z seems to be true to his warning: first someone to supplant Moore, now someone to challenge Saunders.
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Badler had this tweet:
BenBadler Low-A reliever, OK fastball, not much else, throws Ks, effort delivery. Strange decision RT @c_dowley Any info on Jose Flores?
I don't see the effort delivery in the vids, but I'm not about to disagree with BA when it comes to mechanical issues. Can't wait for the POTD on this guy!