Mitch Talbot had another strong outing for Durham this past Sunday and is perhaps putting himself back on the prospect map. Talbot came over to the Rays organization in 2006 as part of the Aubrey Huff trade to Houston. Talbot was dominate for Montgomery after joining the organization, and capped off the season by throwing two shutouts in the Southern League Playoffs. Unfortunately, Talbot could not take that next step forward last season and had a very mediocre year for Durham. This season got off to a similar start, but he may have fallen into a groove over his last three starts. During that stretch, Talbot has pitched 21.0 innings, allowing 2 ER while striking carrying a 20:1 K/BB ratio. I don’t think he will ever get the chance to crack the Rays’ starting rotation, but he could get a look out of the bullpen later this season.
Wade Davis and Jacob McGee continue to have solid seasons in Montgomery, but neither is yet to reel off a stretch of great starts. Davis worked six innings on Sunday and allowed 3 ER, which all came in his third inning of work. He struggled with his command as he walked three batters and hit two as well. McGee worked 5.1 innings on Saturday and allowed 4 ER. There is still nothing to be concerned about as far as the two go, but it would be nice to the heat up along with the weather.
Reid Brignac continues to struggle at the plate for Durham and has not drawn a walk in over 11 games. He did blast a ground-rule 2B on Sunday, and has been much better defensively. Brignac will be given every chance to improve at the plate, but at this pace he is likely to remain in Durham all season.
Grant Balfour, who narrowly lost a race for the last spot in the MLB bullpen to Scott Dohmann, has been absolutely unhittable for the Durham Bulls. He has now worked 15.0 innings on the season, allowing 0 runs and only 3 hits. His K:BB ratio is also a very impressive 21:7. Dohmann was solid early in the season, but, if he continues to struggle, Balfour deserves another shot in Tampa. It is looking like a steal that we were able to sneak him through waivers.
Jim Callis continues to hear rumblings that the Rays are going to draft Buster Posey with the #1 pick.
Ryan: Vancouver Washington: Jim- Thanks for the chat. With the draft less than a month away have you heard anything on Alvarez and the Pirates? Would the Pirates consider giving him a major league contract, something they have never done before. Best bet to be a Pirate after the draft-Beckman, Alvarez, Posey, or a Tommy John applicant? Thanks
SportsNation Jim Callis: Nothing specific. There are a lot of rumors that the Rays will take Florida State C Buster Posey No. 1, less specifics about who the Pirates will take at No. 2. They have said they’ll do what it takes to get the best guy available, so if Alvarez is their guy, I think they’d give him a big league deal. Really can’t see them taking a pitcher, so my best guess is Georgia HS SS Tim Beckham.
Dan KC: How would you assess the talent available in this draft against the talent from the past few?
SportsNation Jim Callis: The 2005 draft was the best draft in recent memory. There’s good balance in this draft, a little of everything available, lacking in outfield depth but good talent and depth elsewhere.
John (Chicago): Who has the higher ceiling? Posey or (Kyle) Skipworth?
SportsNation Jim Callis: Ceiling would probably be Skipworth because he has more power. But Posey is the better all-around prospect.
Brad (Tampa): Would the Rays be making a mistake with Posey? Who do you think they should take?
SportsNation Jim Callis: It wouldn’t be a mistake. It would be a little weird, as I alluded to in the last Ask BA, in that he doesn’t have a single plus-plus tool. But you could argue that he has four plus tools, and if you buy that he’ll have average power, it’s easy to see him as a repeat all-star catcher. And those are very hard to find.
SportsNation Jim Callis: Didn’t answer the second part there . . . In a vaccum, I’d still take Alvarez. But factor in the huge asking price and the fact that the Rays have Longoria at 3B and that I think Alvarez could wind up at 1B . . . that could lead me to Posey as well.
Jonner (San Diego): (Rick) Porcello or D.Price?
SportsNation Jim Callis: Porcello.
Scott Kazmir: I still can’t believe I was traded for Victor Zambrano – - sorry but I can’t
SportsNation Jim Callis: Me either.
(He posted this answer but it was not clear what the question was. I am guessing it is the 2010 Rays starting rotation.)
Jim Callis: Kazmir, Price, Shields, Garza, and either McGee or Davis with the other closing.
John (Fl): If Pedro Alvarez wasn’t injuried, would he be the obvious number 1 pick even if he sustained his earlier strikeout rates?
SportsNation Jim Callis: The injury really doesn’t bother anyone. He’s very good, but not clearly better than the T.Beckham/Matsuz/Posey/Crow group. I don’t think the injury has anything to do with that.
Jon (Boston): Is there any chance that Evan Longoria turns out to be a bust and the Rays will look stupid for giving a long term deal to a guy who played one week in the majors?
SportsNation Jim Callis: They did move quick with the deal, but I don’t think there’s much chance Longoria won’t be very good.
