Contemplating the Crawdads

(Mike Bianucci, photo courtesy of John Setzler)

It's a sad day when you are too busy for baseball. The end of the semester is kicking my butt.

I aim to analyze all the weekend games in one post on Monday. Until then, here's some weekend homework for all you non-students:

Part of what makes the Crawdads an intriguing bunch is that they are a very young low-A team. Scott Lucas compares the ages of Ranger prospects to their respective leagues here.

Check out a ridiculous piece of work by Lonestarball'r, Spurdynasty, right here.

Here's a taste of what he had to say...

"Martin Perez (18) - Perez' standing as a prospect derives more from scouting reports and his ability to compete against much older competitors than from the stat line that he posted as the youngest starter in the NWL in 2008 (3.65 ERA, 7.7 K/9IP, 4.1 BB/9IP, .274 BAA). ST 2009 was filled with stories of Perez' exploits, so expect big things from the diminutive lefty as he pitches as one of the youngest starters in the SAL.

Key stat to track - K/BB ratio - Young pitchers tend to maintain or even improve their K-rates as they advance from one level to the next, so it would not be a surprise if Perez pushed his k-rate into the 9K/9IP range. Improved control would go a long way toward bringing Perez into the 3 K/BB that you like to see in a starting pitching prospect.

Wilmer Font (18) - Scouting reports from Spring Training indicate that the big RHP has improved his breaking ball and change-up. If he can control these along with his mid- to high-90's fastball, then look for Font to post crazy numbers in Hickory and ascend prospect rankings in a way that is reminiscent of Feliz in 2008.

Key stat to track - IP - Although he remains very young for his league, it is important for Font to begin piling up competitive innings so that he can learn what works and what he needs to improve. If Font can pitch 60-80 innings in 2009, then he will be set up for ~100 innings in Bakersfield/Frisco as a 20 yo in 2010 and in the picture for big league innings in 2011 or 2012."