Posted on 21 March 2009
H/W: 6-5 195 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 10/19/84
The transition from outfielder to pitcher has been a successful one for this former 2002 draft and follow pick. McDonald compiled a 7-4 record with a 3.26 ERA and 141 K's in 141 IP between AA Jacksonville and AAA Las Vegas before making his MLB debut. While his fastball sits at a respectable 89-92 MPH, it is the quality of his offspeed pitches that have determined his success. His curveball has 11-5 break and trails only Clayton Kershaw's as the best in the Dodgers organization, and his changeup has excellent late fade and deception. He has a good idea of how to pitch, locating his fastball well and altering his velocity with clean mechanics and consistent arm speed. One area of concern is his tendency to be a flyball pitcher. Last season, McDonald forced just 0.65 GO/FO and surrendered 15 HR. His good control helped to keep runners off of base, but he will have to continue to work on commanding his fastball down in the strike zone going forward.
2009 Projection: McDonald was impressive in the post season as a reliever for the Dodgers, and there is a good chance that he will be back in that role for the 2009 season. If the Dodgers opt to go with Jeff Weaver in that role, McDonald will be back in AAA to gather more innings and experience as a starter. Ultimately, his ceiling is as a mid-rotation starter (likely a #3 or 4) who can throw 150-180 innings each season and win 12-15 games. With the Dodgers' depth and options, both young and old, it may be difficult for him to fulfill that role with this organization.
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Posted on 13 December 2008
H/W: 6-3 180 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 5/2/88
When it's all said and done, this young righty may end up being the best piece of the prospect-loaded trade that sent Mark Tiexiera to the Atlanta Braves late in 2007. Feliz was dominant at two levels last season compiling a record of 10-6 with a 2.69 ERA and 153 K's in just 127.1 IP. What's more, Feliz dominated hitter, holding them to a stingy .201 BA and allowing just 3 HR. An explosive and seemingly effortless 94-97 MPH fastball that touches 99 on occasion is far and away Feliz's best pitch and his slurvy curve ball has shown some signs of improvement. Additionally, Neftali is a gifted athlete and has a reputation of being a dilligent worker. While his control has improved over his '07 numbers, Feliz still needs to establish better command of his off-speed pitches. His ability to do so will be the main determinant of his future as a top of the rotation starter or dominant closer. Given his improvement in '08, there are plenty of reasons to believe he will stick as a starter.
2009 Projection: Feliz finished the '08 season at AA Frisco, and it is likely that he will head back there this spring. The Texas Rangers are in the midst of creating a truly special young team in much the same manner that Tampa Bay did last season. Their pitching, while immensely talented, is still just too young. If Feliz can continue to pitch at the same level of dominance that he demonstrated last season, his stay at AA will be a short one. There is a real possibility that Feliz will crack the Rangers' rotation at some point in '09, which should prove to enhance collectors' interests in his 2008 cards.
Key Neftali Feliz Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Donruss Threads Auto #/465
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/999
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Posted on 14 November 2008
H/W: 6-0 200 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 5/31/83
Ryan pitched exclusively in relief for AA-Huntsville going 5-5 with a 2.52 ERA and 6 saves. He proved to be more hittable this season and his control was not as sharp as it was in his two stops in 2007. Ryan is not overpowering but his 90-92 MPH fastball has good late life down in the strike zone and his hard curveball and change rate as solid average MLB pitches. The sink on Ryan's fastball effectively induces ground ball outs. This season he induced his groundball/flyball ratio of 2.96 made him very effective Read the full story
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Posted on 09 November 2008
H/W: 6-3 190 lb. B/T: L/L DOB: 9/26/86
Doolittle started his 2008 campaign at High-A Stockton where he proved critics of his power potential wrong by the cover off of tha ball. In 86 games, Doolittle hit .305 with 18 HR 61 RBI and 25 doubles. This performance was good enough to earn him a promotion to AA Midland where he struggled early on to make consistent contact, but a late season hot streak boosted his AA average to .254. Doolittle has a sweet left-handed line drive swing that seems to have developed more loft and power Read the full story
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Posted on 04 November 2008
H/W: 6-0 160 lb. B/T: B/R DOB: 7/28/88
Garcia played at short season Idaho Falls this season and was not very impressive, hitting .211 with a HR and 18 RBI. Speed and defense are the calling cards to Garcia's game as he stole 21 bases in 29 attempts. Defensively, he is has fluid movement and a solid glove that should stick at 2B. Garcia has a frame that projects to add a bit of strength but his HR numbers Read the full story
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The transition from outfielder to pitcher has been a successful one for this former 2002 draft and follow pick. McDonald compiled a 7-4 record with a 3.26 ERA and 141 K's in 141 IP between AA Jacksonville and AAA Las Vegas before making his MLB debut. While his fastball sits at a respectable 89-92 MPH, it is the quality of his offspeed pitches that have determined his success. His curveball has 11-5 break and trails only Clayton Kershaw's as the best in the Dodgers organization, and his changeup has excellent late fade and deception. He has a good idea of how to pitch, locating his fastball well and altering his velocity with clean mechanics and consistent arm speed. One area of concern is his tendency to be a flyball pitcher. Last season, McDonald forced just 0.65 GO/FO and surrendered 15 HR. His good control helped to keep runners off of base, but he will have to continue to work on commanding his fastball down in the strike zone going forward.
