Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Hiatus

I guess three weeks is enough, and I couldn't leave you hanging as we approach the deadline.

Today we announced the acquisition of Sean Gallagher as the player to be named later in the Scott Hairston trade with Oakland. I know many of you attempted to post comments in the past couple of weeks regarding Sean, but I did not publish them as it was not official until today. I didn't think it was fair to Sean or the A's to add to the speculation. However, now that we can talk about it...

Sean is a 23 year old right-hander with 144 Major League innings under his belt. At 6'2", 235, Sean has shown a big fastball, which combined with his minor league dominance (a 2-something ERA at all four full-season levels: A, A+, AA, and AAA) helped him get to the big leagues with the Cubs when he was just 21 years old. His fastball can be overpowering (90-96) at times, though our scouts have also seen him in the 88-92 range.

Spending most of 2008 in the Majors with Chicago and Oakland, Sean pitched 115.1 innings, giving up 118 hits and 58 walks while striking out 103. The strikeouts are particularly impressive for a 22-year old rookie, and it was encouraging that he was able to hold both left-handed hitters and right-handed hitters below an .800 ops. He did miss three weeks toward the end of the season with shoulder inflammation but came back to make four appearances in September. This year he has been on the DL since early June with a knee issue. We're not sure whether he'll be able to pitch again this season, but regardless we're expecting him to be at full strength in plenty of time for spring training.

This acquisition gives us another Major League ready starting pitcher with big potential upside.

11 comments:

Steve Adler said...

It's great news to see you active Paul. Let's play catch up...

Why is Venable on the ML team, isn't he a guy we still need to get everyday ABs to?

Why are you guys allowing Geer to embarrass himself on the mound?

What was the thinking of Cla for a 31 year old bench guy in Salazar?

Any update on the condition of Edgar?

Thanks,
Steve

Carlos Daniel Corredor said...

Hey Paul, I was also looking forward to your thoughts on Oscar Salazar and his trade. Also about your plans with him and Edward Mujica. Best regards from Caracas, Venezuela.

Carlos Daniel Corredor said...

Hey Paul. I was also looking forward to your thoughts on Oscar Salazar and his trade. Also, what are your plans with him and Luis Rodriguez in the infield, and with Henry Blanco and Eliezer at catcher? Best regards from Caracas, Venezuela

Unknown said...

Why is Josh Geer still on this team?

Amy Cima said...

Great to see that we got Gallagher. Assuming we have Peavy, Young, Latos, and Gallagher next year, our rotation will be formidable.

I don't understand trading Cla for Oscar Salazar. We could have used Craig Stansberry and kept Cla. Utility guys are a dime a dozen aren't they?

Unknown said...

welcome back! we missed your insight!!

chiefgaytonfan said...

What are your thoughts on 19 yr old LHP Juan Oramas who is one of the league leaders in ERA and K's pitching for Mexico City Red Devils in the Mexican League. I myself am blown away by his performance. Any thoughts on how excited is the front office regarding his performance this year? I have not heard one word regarding him in the local media this year.

Duke Street Kings said...

thanks for the info on Sean. He looks like he will really benefit from being around Balls come spring training. Although sad to see Scottie go I am glad to see the FO work it into some returned top talent. Where are you guys projecting Sean when healthy, 1-5?

Sad to hear A. Aristy got popped for performance enhancing drugs but will he be allowed to practice within the Padres facilities or is he on his own during the 50 game ban?

zino said...

So ok, I bought it, I buy it, and I will continue to buy it... This organization knows pitching and can trade for it. My comment and question was, is, and will continue to be, how about hitting??? We need this organization to show that they have a feel for appreciating, recognizing, drafting and trading hitters... So far I don't see it. I think its a glaring hole in the organization, and this latest trade demonstrates it again. So Paul, when are you guys going to make some noise in the hitting department?
best,

zino

WebSoulSurfer said...

1st off, Kudos on getting rid of a completely ineffective Cla Meredith.

He has been among the worst late inning pitchers in baseball in 2008 and 2009. Even a utility player for him was a haul.

2nd, I thought a player on the DL could not be traded. Why did the Padres take a player in Gallagher if he is not going to be able to contribute in any way in 2009?

3rd, is Edinson Rincon for real? He has been on fire up in Eugene. .349/.450/.571 is scary good. And he doesn't turn 19 until next month!

Anonymous said...

Funny thing is that the hitting has been better then the pitching this year by OPS+.....Petco masks everything!