In an unsurprising move, the Dodgers today added right-handed pitchers Matt Magill and Steve Ames to their 40-man roster, thus protecting them from December's Rule 5 Draft.
Both were members of the Chattanooga Lookouts this season and both performed well.
I named Magill my Dodgers' Minor League Pitcher of the Year in September after he was the Lookouts' best starting pitcher.
Magill, who just turned 23, pitched in the Southern League against advanced competition and enjoyed success. His rate stats were impressive and some were among the best in the organization. He went 11-8 with a 3.75 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 7.8 H/9, 0.5 HR/9, 3.8 BB/9, 10.3 K/9, 2.75 K/BB and a 2.91 FIP.
Magill led the organization in strikeouts with 168. His rate stats show that he's a much better prospect than many thought and definitely warrant's a spot on the Dodgers' nearly full 40-man roster (38 spots occupied).
Ames, 24, enjoyed perhaps his best season at his most advanced level. While his stuff doesn't blow hitters away, he was still able to amass a 10.2 K/9 (72 strikeouts in 62 1/3 innings). He knows how to pitch.
Ames is in the long line of Dodger relief prospects and he should be the next prospect in line for a promotion. I'd be surprised if he doesn't make his major league debut in 2013.
While right-handed relievers seemingly grow on trees, Ames has a chance to be a solid middle reliever in the majors.
Magill and Ames were just two of many players who were eligible to be added, but they were the only two who were worthy of being added.
Some players had no chance of being added (Michael Antonini, Jose Dominguez, Juan Rodriguez) while some, I'm sure, were under consideration (Aaron Miller, Blake Smith, Rafael Ynoa).
Of the players left unprotected by the Dodgers, I'd be shocked if anyone of them were chosen by a team during the Major League portion of the Rule 5 Draft.
Guys like Cole St. Clair and Ynoa probably have the best chance, but St. Clair had a poor season at Triple-A and Ynoa has never played at a level higher than Double-A.
For now, Magill and Ames are safe and could both make their debuts in 2013.
Dustin, are you afraid of Andres Santiago being taken? He made it up to AA and stuck out over a batter an inning at both stops. Same goes for Jose Dominguez.
ReplyDeleteI also can't understand why there is no love for Griff Erickson. Despite his poor season, he can still take a walk, has the potential for power, and reports are that his defense has improved this year into the above-average territory. 2012 Alex Avila was still worth 2.6 WAR.
Not really. He only had 26 Double-A innings and wasn't much of a prospect before this season. Don't think a major league team would want to use a 25-man roster spot on him.
ReplyDeleteI was high on Erickson going into last season, but his 2012 was poor. Yes, he can take a walk, but he doesn't do much else offensively. His 2011 power seems to have been an aberration. He's still in Top 50 territory, but nowhere near the No. 13 ranking I gave him heading into last season.
The bar for a competent ML catcher is so low, though. Like I said, Avila was worth 2.6 fWAR this year with a .243/.352/.384. I think Erickson can replicate that for a minimum salary.
ReplyDeleteOn a non Rule-5 draft note, do you watch dodgers prospects live or are you just a blogger? have you seen Onelkis Garcia pitch? His mid-90's heat and curve almost sound, dare I say, Kershaw-lite.
Also, I wanted to let you know that your work is appreciated. top notch
I'd like to see Erickson improve on last season's numbers. Otherwise, I don't think he ever makes the majors. Just my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI've seen some of the Dodger prospects live. I live in Northern California, so I get to see the Isotopes every so often when they come to Sacramento. I also saw the Quakes three times last season. Saw guys like Joc Pederson, Leon Landry, Angel Sanchez, Garrett Gould and saw Zach Lee in the bullpen. Looking forward to seeing more next season.
Thanks for the kind words. Much appreciated.