Two for Four: Well, there goes Samardzija; Four out of the seven A's All-Stars have now been dealt since July 31st. Early this morning, the Oakland Athletics revealed their 6-player trade with the Chicago White Sox which involved trading 29 year old right-handed starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija and 22 year old right handed minor league reliever Michael Ynoa to the Sox. In return, the A's will receive 22 year old right-handed minor league first/third baseman Rangel Ravelo, 26 year old right-handed batting catcher Josh Phegley, 25 year old right-handed starting/potential relief pitcher Chris Bassitt, and 24 year old right-handed infielder Marcus Semien.
Rangel Ravelo (Who?): I'm going to start off with Rangel Ravelo, a 6'2" underrated converted first baseman. Ravelo attended Hialeah High School in Florida where he primarily played 3B. He was then drafted in the sixth round straight out of high school in 2010. His first season in rookie ball wasn't anything to blink about. However, in 2011 Ravelo started out his rookie ball season with a strong .384/.410/.507 slash which got him promoted to Kannapolis-A ball, where he went on to slash .317/.368/.373. In 2012, with the Intimidators, Ravelo had a solid season, posting a .290/.343/.397 slash over 76 games. In 2013, with the Winston-Salem Dash, Ravelo moved over from third to first and showed signs of potential power, hitting 27 doubles, 4 home runs, driving in 53 runs and slashing .312/.393/.455. Last season, Ravelo broke out with 72 runs, 37 doubles, 225 total bases, 11 home runs, 66 RBIs, 10 stolen bases and slashed .309/.386/.473. Ravelo is definitely trending upward and will likely reach the majors sometime in late 2015 or 2016. Susan Slusser, via scouts, tweeted that Ravelo has shown a "similar MILB career arc to Allen Craig."
Josh Phegley (Sorta Who?): Next up is Josh Phegley, a 5'10" backup catcher. Phegley attended Terre Haute North Vigo High School in Indiana. Phegley hit for good power and he was a solid backstop throughout high school. He went on to play ball at Indiana University. He had a quiet first year, but absolutely exploded sophomore year, hitting 15 home runs, driving in 80, slashing .437/.507/.746 to go along with a 0.64 SO/BB ratio (22K/34BB) over 61 games. In his junior year, Phegley's production slightly declined, playing in 59 games, hitting 17 home runs, 66 RBIs, slashing .344/.467/.633, and posting a 0.75 SO/BB ratio (34K/45BB). Phegley was then selected 38th overall in the first round of the 2009 draft. He had a very poor season with the Kannapolis Intimidators Single-A team, hitting just .244/.277/.408 with 9 home runs and 33 RBIs over 196 ABs. In 2010, Phegley suffered a major setback. He had to have his spleen removed through surgery, a process that saved his life.
Something You Probably Didn't Know: Phegley has a condition called Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), which is a "rare autoimmune bleeding disorder characterized by the abnormally low levels of certain blood cells called platelets." Platelets help prevent and stop bleeding by inducing clotting, which makes collisions or even taking a foul tip dangerous for Phegley when his platelet count is at a low enough level. The morning after his surgery, Phegley learned that his platelet count stood at just 2000 per micro liter, which is about as low as one can get. A normal platelet count checks in at 150,000 to 300,000 per micro liter. The removal of his spleen caused Phegley's platelet count to automatically spike. If post-surgery blood work had shown that his platelet count had plummeted again, that would indicate that there was still a problem. Fortunately, his count not only didn't drop, it elevated further, as evidenced by tests taken in early December, which leads Phegley to believe "all is well."
Josh Phegley (Cont): Phegley, in spite of his surgery, finished 2010 hitting .284, with 5 home runs and 26 RBIs over 48 games. He had a down year in 2011 in Birmingham Double-AA, likely still recovering from spleen surgery. In 2012, Charlotte Triple-AAA, Phegley slashed a moderate .266/.306/.373, but got back on track in 2013 hitting .316/.368/.597 with 15 home runs and 41 RBIs. He made his major league debut in 2013 as the backup catcher to Pierzynski, but didn't get much playing time. In 2014, Phegley regained his power stroke back in Triple-AAA, hitting 23 home runs and driving in 75, and slashing .274/.331/.530, but again didn't get an opportunity to start in the majors.
Gold Glove Defense: Despite Phegley's inconsistent production at the plate, his defense is what made him noticeable. Throughout his 5 seasons in the minors, Phegley threw out 46% of base stealers, led the league at the All-Star break in 2013 in games caught (72), total chances (664), put outs (597), and assists (61). He was a 3 time MILB All-Star, and won the 2012 Rawlings MILB Gold Glove Award. Phegley is definitely MLB ready. He has solid potential power, and is a great defensive catcher. If we keep Norris around, and trade Jaso, I think Phegley will be a solid secondary backstop for the Athletics.
Something You Probably Didn't Know: Phegley has a condition called Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), which is a "rare autoimmune bleeding disorder characterized by the abnormally low levels of certain blood cells called platelets." Platelets help prevent and stop bleeding by inducing clotting, which makes collisions or even taking a foul tip dangerous for Phegley when his platelet count is at a low enough level. The morning after his surgery, Phegley learned that his platelet count stood at just 2000 per micro liter, which is about as low as one can get. A normal platelet count checks in at 150,000 to 300,000 per micro liter. The removal of his spleen caused Phegley's platelet count to automatically spike. If post-surgery blood work had shown that his platelet count had plummeted again, that would indicate that there was still a problem. Fortunately, his count not only didn't drop, it elevated further, as evidenced by tests taken in early December, which leads Phegley to believe "all is well."
Josh Phegley (Cont): Phegley, in spite of his surgery, finished 2010 hitting .284, with 5 home runs and 26 RBIs over 48 games. He had a down year in 2011 in Birmingham Double-AA, likely still recovering from spleen surgery. In 2012, Charlotte Triple-AAA, Phegley slashed a moderate .266/.306/.373, but got back on track in 2013 hitting .316/.368/.597 with 15 home runs and 41 RBIs. He made his major league debut in 2013 as the backup catcher to Pierzynski, but didn't get much playing time. In 2014, Phegley regained his power stroke back in Triple-AAA, hitting 23 home runs and driving in 75, and slashing .274/.331/.530, but again didn't get an opportunity to start in the majors.
Gold Glove Defense: Despite Phegley's inconsistent production at the plate, his defense is what made him noticeable. Throughout his 5 seasons in the minors, Phegley threw out 46% of base stealers, led the league at the All-Star break in 2013 in games caught (72), total chances (664), put outs (597), and assists (61). He was a 3 time MILB All-Star, and won the 2012 Rawlings MILB Gold Glove Award. Phegley is definitely MLB ready. He has solid potential power, and is a great defensive catcher. If we keep Norris around, and trade Jaso, I think Phegley will be a solid secondary backstop for the Athletics.
Chris Bassitt: And behind door number three... a the tall and lanky right-hander from Ohio, Chris Bassitt. Bassitt wasn't a highly recruited player for he attended an extremely small high school, Genoa Area High School in Ohio which had an enrollment of around 600 students. Bassitt went on to pitch as a reliever at Akron University. In 2009 he pitched in 23 games over 30.2 innings, had 34 K's, a 3.52 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and a 2.43 BB/K ratio (bigger the better). I'm not sure what happened in 2010, but in 2011 he had an outstanding season. He pitched in 28 games over 38 innings, had 48 K's, a 1.42 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and a 3.20 BB/K ratio. Bassitt was then drafted in the 16th round in 2011. With the Kannapolis Single-A team, Bassitt pitched in 18 games, over 25.2 innings, had 30 K's, a 1.75 ERA, a 1.01 WHIP, and a 4.29 BB/K ratio. In 2012 the White Sox experimented with Bassitt as a starter, probably because his stuff wasn't strong enough to make it as a closer or set-up man. He pitched in 38 games and made 10 starts over 91 innings, however, he posted a 3.66 ERA, a 1.41 WHIP and walked a whopping 54 batters. He claimed that he was "trying to develop a change up" and he was "changing his mechanics here and there," throughout the season. Bassitt made the necessary adjustments, now as a starter for Birmingham (AA)/Winston-Salem Dash (A), and posted an 11-4 record with a 3.08 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 138 K's, and 59 walks over a career high 149 innings pitched. At the beginning of the 2014 season, Bassitt suffered a broken right hand which sidelined him for most of the season. He still posted an impressive 2.08 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and struck out 49 over 43.1 innings for Birmingham (AA) and the Arizona League White Sox. Due to his good numbers and hard work as a starter, Bassitt was brought up and made his major league debut in 2014.
Bassitt's Arsenal: Bassitt throws a hard sinker, averaging around 91.6 mph, and throws it for a 64.8 strike% rate. He also throws a slider 83.4/67.4%, Curve 72.4/55.2%, 4-seam 91.8/69.6%, and is still developing a change up 83.2/61.8%. Bassit has a lot of deception in his pitching delivery. He has an exaggerated long arm action, moderate head jerk, and fairly high legkick which all add 'visual noise' to disrupt the batter. Bassitt throws from a fairly low 3/4 arm slot and because he's so tall, he does a reasonable job at staying 'tall' throughout his motion. He's touched a max at 96 mph on his fastball. Most of his action is horizontal, not vertical, meaning he's not really a ground ball pitcher. Many scouts project Bassitt as a potential #4 starter. From the looks of it, he has the arm strength, and tools to be a full-time starter in the big leagues, he'll just have to build up his stamina as he throws more innings. Also, given that Bassitt was previously a reliever, the A's might to decide to experiment or consider that as an option if Bassitt doesn't pan out as a starter.
Bassitt's Arsenal: Bassitt throws a hard sinker, averaging around 91.6 mph, and throws it for a 64.8 strike% rate. He also throws a slider 83.4/67.4%, Curve 72.4/55.2%, 4-seam 91.8/69.6%, and is still developing a change up 83.2/61.8%. Bassit has a lot of deception in his pitching delivery. He has an exaggerated long arm action, moderate head jerk, and fairly high legkick which all add 'visual noise' to disrupt the batter. Bassitt throws from a fairly low 3/4 arm slot and because he's so tall, he does a reasonable job at staying 'tall' throughout his motion. He's touched a max at 96 mph on his fastball. Most of his action is horizontal, not vertical, meaning he's not really a ground ball pitcher. Many scouts project Bassitt as a potential #4 starter. From the looks of it, he has the arm strength, and tools to be a full-time starter in the big leagues, he'll just have to build up his stamina as he throws more innings. Also, given that Bassitt was previously a reliever, the A's might to decide to experiment or consider that as an option if Bassitt doesn't pan out as a starter.
Last, But Not Least: Marcus Semien. A local kid, and cousin of an Alameda High School senior. He attended Saint Mary's High School in Berkeley. He was a stud all four years posting some brilliant slash lines of .452/.541/.612, .333/.450/.571, .473/.543/.781, and .371/.471/.742 from freshman to senior year. En total, he played in 72 games, had 219 ABs, 81 runs, 12 home runs, 84 RBIs, 45 walks, 19 strikeouts and hit .397. Semien was drafted straight out of high school in the 34th round of the 2008 draft by the White Sox, but chose to play for the Golden Bears instead. However, he had a rough transition from high school ball to college ball. Semien went to the University of California at Berkeley (like his father) and slashed an ugly .197/.294/.282. Despite the lack of playing time and the down numbers, Semien earned the starting position at shortstop and had an excellent second year. He hit .328/.389/.497 over 54 games and 195 ABs. Semien's average regressed slightly in his third year, but maintained a very high OBP at .371. Semien was drafted again by the White Sox, this time in the 6th round of the 2011 draft and started his career with the Kannapolis Intimidators of Single-A. Again, Semien had a rough transition, this time from college ball to the minors, only hitting .253/.320/.376 as a bench player. But in 2012, Semien broke out with big numbers with the Single-A Winston-Salem Dash. He hit 14 home runs, drove in 59 and slashed a solid .273/.362/.471. His second half numbers .290/.392/.514 put his name on the map and he inherited a "sleeper alert" label. In 2013, he was promoted from Double-AA Birmingham to the Charlotte Knights, posting career numbers in runs (110), doubles (32), triples (6) home runs (19), and RBIs (66), for a combined slash .284/.401/.479. Semien made his major league debut in 2013, but had limited playing time. He began the 2014 season with the Triple-AAA Knights and worked his way back up to the majors. I believe the A's will give Semien a very good chance to win the shortstop position for the 2015 club, and personally I think he should be our shortstop. One scout described him as "a steady defender, poised, efficent," and believes that he has 15-home run power potential. I think the A's like, and will utilize his versatility on the field, but will primarily use him at short. Recently, scouts questioned if Semien has more to show defensively. Oakland general manager Billy Beane commented that "we are willing to live with some growing pains" at short, and believe that Semien will be an adequate defender, at a minimum.
Conclusion: Well, to wrap things up, I think the A's got a solid deal. I hope that Semien will secure and thrive at short, and I'm interested in seeing if Bassitt will make an impact on the A's rotation. I'm curious as to how Melvin will utilize his 5 ish catchers, Norris, Jaso, Vogt, Anderson, and Phegley. And Ravelo is obviously another piece for the future. I like what I've learned about him, and all we can do now is wait and see. I also believe that the A's are far from done in terms of realin' and dealin'. Reddick/Jaso maybe even Kazmir are on the chopping block. Although the losses of 4 out of our 7, 2014 All-Stars are gone, we should remember that the man upstairs ain't no dummy. He's trying to squeeze out as many wins as he can with the players that he can afford, given the payroll of a beggerman. Our next move will be for the present. For the 2015 Oakland Athletics baseball team. Beane wants to compete, and A's fans, we will compete.
Sources:
http://blog.sfgate.com/athletics/2014/12/09/jeff-samardzija-trade-official-as-get-four-players/
http://www.sfgate.com/athletics/article/A-s-move-Samardzija-for-four-players-5945241.php http://www.ibabuzz.com/athletics/2014/12/09/semien-bassitt-could-get-shot-to-be-immediate-contributors/ http://www.minorleagueball.com/2013/8/5/4562454/prospect-of-the-day-marcus-semien-inf-chicago-white-sox http://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/chris-bassitt-deconstructing-a-sleeper-pitching-prospect/ http://www.baseballamerica.com/majors/chris-bassitt-coming-on-strong-for-white-sox/ http://knightfever.wordpress.com/tag/josh-phegley/ http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1626049-chicago-white-sox-is-it-time-for-josh-phegley-to-replace-tyler-flowers http://m.mlb.com/news/article/16353014/
Sources:
http://blog.sfgate.com/athletics/2014/12/09/jeff-samardzija-trade-official-as-get-four-players/
http://www.sfgate.com/athletics/article/A-s-move-Samardzija-for-four-players-5945241.php http://www.ibabuzz.com/athletics/2014/12/09/semien-bassitt-could-get-shot-to-be-immediate-contributors/ http://www.minorleagueball.com/2013/8/5/4562454/prospect-of-the-day-marcus-semien-inf-chicago-white-sox http://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/chris-bassitt-deconstructing-a-sleeper-pitching-prospect/ http://www.baseballamerica.com/majors/chris-bassitt-coming-on-strong-for-white-sox/ http://knightfever.wordpress.com/tag/josh-phegley/ http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1626049-chicago-white-sox-is-it-time-for-josh-phegley-to-replace-tyler-flowers http://m.mlb.com/news/article/16353014/