Kernel of Truth 61.05 - Development Center News

[JRamirez]

Starting RF Júlio Pérez #14 "outstandingly completed training to improve his defense at right field," with his range increasing to an amazing 6. Lorenzo Vargas failed to improve his defense at second, leaving the 2059 fifth-round draftee with mediocre ratings there. That opened up two spots in the D-Lab. Those were taken by starting CF Dan Morris, who is already "frustrated" over improving his stolen base skills, and by infielder Eugene Wolfe, who is "on track" to improve his D at second. "We're hoping for an increase in range," coach Denie van Tiggelan said, who has an excellent reputation at teaching fielding at the major league level. "Eugene's an important and versatile player, who started 54 games (split between second and third base) and posted a 0.8 WAR."

In the meantime, three other Kernels are "on track" to do something right. Pitcher Arnold Cantrell is on track to improve a secondary pitch. I hope that means his change up, which is actually his third pitch and is stalled at 5. A bump there would be great. DM picked up the team option on Cantrell, and he's making $10mm in 2061, although that is a step down from the $12mm he's made the last three seasons.

Also on track is 22-year-old pitcher Everett Sutphin, who's been hard at work improving his control. His potential stuff just bounced to 6, and the guy who came over for pitcher Othman Abdul-Latif may seem some work at the major league level. "He's been pissed that he hasn't been on the Kernels roster," JRamirez said, "but it takes hard work and sweat. That's what we've seen this off-season from Sutphy."

That brings is to another hurler, the southpaw Mike Young, who is reportedly making progress improving his pitch movement. Young, who has seen ML work for DM each of the previous four seasons, and who was finally DFA's and waived, ended up with a 2.55 ERA and 12 saves last season at AAA El Paso. The team is hoping the window of development for the 28-year-old is still open. "We put him on the 30-man to guard him against the Rule 5 draft," JR said. "Let's hope that move was worth it."

Five guys are reported as "frustrated" at their progress in the D-Lab. That includes 20-y.o. prospect outfielder Alfonso Flinn, who is not happy with his progress in running mechanics. "Huck just needs to tale a chill pill," baserunning coach Jon Mick commented. "He'll get there." Flinn turns 21 on April 27 and the team isn't sure if he'll be in Double or Triple-A. The 7/6/5 left fielder is blocked by Kevin Thistle (3.1 WAR in 2060). Thistle's power did slip from 7 to 6, and the team is not thrilled about that.

[BaseClogger]

Significantly development for Perez.

[RonCo]

If Wolfe improves the range, he becomes considerably more useful.