Bandit Post Vol 1.31, 1997

[aaronweiner]

News and Notes

More Birmingham Draft Picks

After drafting Larry Crawford in the first round, Birmingham had two sandwich picks because of the loss of Nick Machiavelli through free agency. Birmingham selected OF Alex Porter and P Tom Rivers with these supplemental choices.

“We’re happy to announce that Alex Porter and Tom Rivers are our second and third selections in the 1997 amateur draft,” said GM Aaron Weiner. “We’re looking forward to both of these fine young men joining our organization.”

Alex Porter, 17, is already very advanced for his age, good speed, with good intangibles for a young player; he’s projected as a possible leadoff man for Birmingham in the future, especially if he improves his batting eye. Tom Rivers is a high school pitcher with a great attitude and good intangibles as well. Both players expressed great excitement at the possibility of being drafted.

Porter: “I’m just happy that someone thought I was good enough to become a professional. I promise to work hard and do all the little things they want me to do to become the best player I can.”

Rivers: “I look forward to the opportunity to show my talents in the minor leagues. I was really hoping to get the call and I think it’ll be great to work with professional coaches to try to make myself better.”

Rivers and Porter appear to cement a Birmingham draft philosophy of drafting talented, projectable high school players. Along with Larry Crawford, Birmingham has now selected three high school players in three picks.

“Well, the highest ceiling right now for Alex Porter is Robert Nolan, and you could do a whole lot worse than that,” said a Birmingham scout.


Angelo Hidalgo Readying Himself

Will we see Angelo Hidalgo, the Birmingham Bandits’ 1995 #1 draft pick, this year? All signs point to yes, especially if players such as Buddy Reda and Angel Miranda continue to bomb out. Both Reda and Miranda have been placed on waivers, and it is possible that unless one of them begins pitching more consistently (or is claimed by another team) they’ll be sent to the minors or given their outright release.
GM Aaron Weiner said: “It’s possible that Hidalgo will find the major leagues this year. He’s certainly earned some consideration with the way he’s pitched.”

Hidalgo was rushed to the majors by previous ownership in 1995; current Birmingham ownership has been more patient with the talented righty, allowing him to spend the entire 1996 season in the minor leagues. Hidalgo currently has a 3.19 ERA at AAA Monroe and has a sparkling 24/2 K/BB ratio.

Said Hidalgo: “I want to pitch in the majors, but I accept whatever management requires of me. I hope I get the callup soon.”


Porfirio Garza To Get More Playing Time

Porfirio Garza has requested more playing time. With starting second baseman Willie Greene and first baseman Jimmy Dugan entirely unproductive at this point, Garza’s request has been honored.

“We’ll be using Porfirio a little more often this week and we’ll see how it goes,” said Birmingham manager Lou Brown. “He’s a great defensive player and we hope he helps our pitching staff.”

Garza is currently hitting .226 on the season with two homers and six RBI in eleven games.


Birmingham Places Roy Buckley On Block

Roy Buckley is a righty minor leaguer with loads of talent who just hasn’t put it together as a Bandit. Buckley has been made available and is being actively shopped. Reportedly, Birmingham is searching for a similarly talented hitting prospect.

“We can confirm at this time that Buckley is available,” said GM Aaron Weiner. “I cannot comment on offers we have received at this time.”

[lynchy34]

I like both those picks in the spots you grabbed them a lot. Porter could be nice down the line.

[aaronweiner]

Better than hearing "your picks sucked, get someone else to run your team."

Porter's the one I'm particularly happy about. Crawford was a really easy pick. Rivers is interesting but he's still a high school pitcher, so he could be awesome or he could be just okay or he could get an arm injury and retire.