GrouchoNYY
08-25-06, 03:08 PM
http://www.minorleagueball.com/
Double-A Transition Monitor
By John Sickels
Posted on Tue Aug 22, 2006 at 02:18:03 PM CST
Tyler Clippard, RHP
Clippard got attention after throwing a no-hitter last week, and I have numerous requests from Yankees fans for a revised analysis. He is 10-10, 3.56 in 25 starts for Trenton, with a 155/50 K/BB in 150 innings. He's given up just 107 hits, and overall is having a very strong season.
His walk rate is up by one-third compared to last year, his strikeouts down about 10%. This isn't an unusual development for a pitcher in Double-A and overall his numbers remain good. Stuff-wise, he throws harder than Sonnanstine but not as hard as Hurley. I was worried about his fly ball tendencies entering '06, afraid that this would hurt him in Double-A. His home run rate (14 so far) is a bit higher than perfect, and his GB/FB ratio is approximately .80. Keeping the ball in the park will be a challenge for him at higher levels, and it will make it even more important for him to keep his walk rate down.
But overall he's made a successful transition. I'd look for him to start '07 in Triple-A, with a shot in New York late in the year. I'd rate him as a solid Grade B prospect. He's on the cusp of B+, and might end up there in the book. I haven't decided yet.
Double-A Transition Monitor
By John Sickels
Posted on Tue Aug 22, 2006 at 02:18:03 PM CST
Tyler Clippard, RHP
Clippard got attention after throwing a no-hitter last week, and I have numerous requests from Yankees fans for a revised analysis. He is 10-10, 3.56 in 25 starts for Trenton, with a 155/50 K/BB in 150 innings. He's given up just 107 hits, and overall is having a very strong season.
His walk rate is up by one-third compared to last year, his strikeouts down about 10%. This isn't an unusual development for a pitcher in Double-A and overall his numbers remain good. Stuff-wise, he throws harder than Sonnanstine but not as hard as Hurley. I was worried about his fly ball tendencies entering '06, afraid that this would hurt him in Double-A. His home run rate (14 so far) is a bit higher than perfect, and his GB/FB ratio is approximately .80. Keeping the ball in the park will be a challenge for him at higher levels, and it will make it even more important for him to keep his walk rate down.
But overall he's made a successful transition. I'd look for him to start '07 in Triple-A, with a shot in New York late in the year. I'd rate him as a solid Grade B prospect. He's on the cusp of B+, and might end up there in the book. I haven't decided yet.