2062.11 - Letter from Chris Stone to Alfredo Aragón (dated 9/10/2062)

[R.Umali]

Alfredo,

Sir. Here is the follow-up letter you requested after our talk. I hope this is formal enough as for recommendations. I have not wrote a letter in my entire life I don't think. But I do appreciate the new experience.

My recommendations for Roster expansion are to call up these players from Rockford.

SP Tolya Shiller

I'll repeat what I said on the telex: He's our best pitcher since he came up in July. He's maybe our best player. He has an 8-3 record over 12 starts - 11 quality starts. 2.19 ERA, only 4 HR. He's reduced his walk rate and upped his k-rate from AA. On top of that: he's a go-getter. Driven. His sights are squarely on the BBA.

Personality-wise, he's very private. As I told you, the clubhouse isn't too happy. Vibes aren't good. But Toyla, FWIW, stays above it all. He does seem to pitch with a chip on his shoulder.

But Tolya does have some issue with our pitching coach, Carl White. This is in regard to his changeup usage. I would simply watch his usage rate because he's getting results. But I think Carl would agree that Toyla should get a call up. My only reservation would be on his impact - if at all - on the locker room. His lone wolf, individualistic nature might rub the wrong way. He might want to try to prove himself too much. Any other season for the Black Sox, this is a no brainer but you are on the verge of delivering a winning season.

Toyla will give you good innings.

Enrique Caballero might have some insight. They were teammates for a month.

OF Tony Cochran

I can't figure out Tony. Outwardly he's the life of the party - he keeps the clubhouse loose - but you have to think he's frustrated with his lack of progress under Mark Underhay, our hitting coach. Mark think Tony's the best - they're both Canadian, did you know that? The results have just not been there. Tony should be our best hitter and he's been given every opportunity. But guy is just concerned with hitting dingers. He has 21 in 90 games, 379 ABs. But he's also struck out 117 times! His line: .237 / .315 / .427.

As much as we have invested in the guy, I don't think there's a much more we can do over here. I'm of the camp that the next step must be taken at the big league level. I also think that he needs to see what it is like for a whole locker room to be united in fighting for something.

OF Will Bagshaw

Will is a max effort guy and I've been running him as our DH, hitting 3rd. I know that rubs him the wrong way - he wants to be on the field but Tony's our best defensive corner outfielder. Bagshaw's been our best hitter, though. Great eye, slashing .344 / .447 / .542 with 58 walks to only 36 strikeouts in 387 PAs. He's just coming back from a fractured foot so I would wait on his call up, especially if you decide to bring up Tony.

Underhay thinks Bagshaw is ready and I think he would benefit from the experience, if just to be a part of a happy clubhouse.

SP Garip Eyice

I think Garip would benefit similarly. He's shown what he can do and he's a good guy. We've been trying him in the rotation since June and he's shown some real resilience: 8-6 over 16 starts. He also pitches deep into games. But I do think he'll shine in long relief.

He'll have no impact positive or negative in the clubhouse.

SP Robinson Pena

The numbers haven't been there. Over 27 starts, he has a 6-11 record with a 5.75 ERA, 1.50 WHIP. I do recommend him regardless if only to be in the bullpen, get some mop-up innings. He's coachable, has a high work ethic. He might not adapt well in a non-starter role but he'll benefit from the experience of being around guys like Stevie Bodine and Adam Hines.

That's it. I directed Mark Underhay and Carl White to forward their letters under a separate cover, as you requested.

Let me know as soon as you can and I'll put through the paperwork.

Good luck!

Chris Stone
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The Black Sox have a winning record in the last month of the season. Been a long time since that was true.