Only we don't. Reds used Cingrani in relief last year, even some this year, but always considered him a starter.
Chapman's a unique case since no one knew if he would be any good as a starter, and he does profile well as a closer. Neither of those things are true about Stephenson.
Hoping to change my username to 75769024
Tommyjohn25 (08-15-2013)
He was walking under 3 in 13 high A starts that season. Seems silly to compare AA numbers to Stephenson when he has only made 4 starts above Low A so far. Stephenson walked 3.9 in 8 Dayton starts last year so he is certainly capable of missing the zone for a period of adjustment.
The quote I was contesting was Stephenson has "clearly outperformed" Bailey at this stage when both are really quite similar. Hopefully Stephenson reaches his peak quicker than Bailey.
Also of note Stephenson is 3 months older than Bailey in their same age season
Chapman was mowing down AAA hitters on his fastball, but hadn't developed any confidence in his off speed pitches at that point. He also had very few pro innings under his belt. There were major doubts about his ability to be a starter in the majors at that time, and there still are.
So far, there are no doubts about Stephenson's ability to be a starter. There are far less doubts about Stephenson than there were about Cingrani, and Cingrani has stayed in the rotation.
The only reason to make that connection is to bash Dusty.
Hoping to change my username to 75769024
Tommyjohn25 (08-15-2013)
Yeah I think I would. Stephenson figures to be ranked anywhere from 5 to 20th this offseason. Here are the pitchers ranked there in 2009
Tommy Hanson
Brett Anderson
Madison Bumgarner
Neftali Feliz
Trevor Cahill
Pitching being so volatile I will take the 22 year old OF that has OPS+ 141 so far over the soon to be AA pitcher. Only one of the above pitchers would you currently not trade for Myers with. Very possible Myers regresses but I would say more likely Stephenson hits bumps in the road along way. Hope not.
This is the modern day reincarnation of the ol' Redszone debate, would you trade (prospect) Adam Dunn for (prospect) Josh Beckett?
Only in reverse. And Myers has proven himself at the big league level.
Right now, given the Reds needs as an organization, I would do this deal. Other players I'd probably trade Stephenson for include Yasiel Puig, Mike Trout, Giancarlo Stanton, Bryce Harper, Andrew McCutchen, Manny Machado, Byron Buxton, Matt Harvey and Shelby Miller. Factoring in affordability to this team, that's probably about it.
Go BLUE!!!
It seems silly to compare the numbers, but I saw both guys at this point in their careers. Stephenson is better without an ounce of hesitation. Last year Stephenson didn't have anywhere near the control he has this year. Not with his fastball. Not with his curveball. His change up wasn't remotely close to where it is today. The Robert Stephenson that is 20 is better than the Homer Bailey that was 20. Better stuff across the board. Better control across the board.
When the Reds brought up Homer, even then it seemed to me that they were rushing him. It doesn't feel like Stephenson is being rushed at all. More like the Reds want him to experience a few starts at every level before his debut next year, just to make sure he is as ready as he looks. (And I'm of the belief that when a pitcher looks ready he is. Hitters on the other hand...)
Our planet is a lonely speck in the great enveloping cosmic dark. In our obscurity, in all this vastness, there is no hint that help will come from elsewhere to save us from ourselves. -- Carl Sagan (Pale Blue Dot)
I am really bummed. I was hoping to see him pitch next week when Bakersfield goes to play Inland Empire 66ers in San Bernardino. Pensacola is a little to far to go.
Come on man, it is only a 29 hour drive.
Tom Servo (08-15-2013)
Tim McCarver: Baseball Quotes
I remember one time going out to the mound to talk with Bob Gibson. He told me to get back behind the batter, that the only thing I knew about pitching was that it was hard to hit.
Board Moderators may, at their discretion and judgment, delete and/or edit any messages that violate any of the following guidelines: 1. Explicit references to alleged illegal or unlawful acts. 2. Graphic sexual descriptions. 3. Racial or ethnic slurs. 4. Use of edgy language (including masked profanity). 5. Direct personal attacks, flames, fights, trolling, baiting, name-calling, general nuisance, excessive player criticism or anything along those lines. 6. Posting spam. 7. Each person may have only one user account. It is fine to be critical here - that's what this board is for. But let's not beat a subject or a player to death, please. |