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In the latest chapter of this ongoing soap opera.......the Tampa Bay Devil Rays just designated Carvajal for assignment. I distinctly remember how some people were predicting very high things for this kid.....and while those things still may come eventually, we may have to revist those talks.
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O.K., I'll take the bait since I was one of those who criticized O'Dowd for this deal.
First: remember that Torrealba gave us approximately half a year at catcher last year. And he played pretty well when he was healthy -- without looking it up, I'd guess about league average offensively for a catcher, and better than average at controlling the running game. But that may be it for Yorvit, who didn't even catch in Venezuelan winter ball.
Second: Carvajal really shouldn't be downgraded as a prospect yet. His numbers in AA this year: 72.1 IP, .87 HR/9, 8.59 K/9 (for those who care, an ERA of 3.86). The killer: 4.85 BB/9. But lack of control is hardly a new thing with a pitching prospect. And unless we think he's got a fake birth certificate, he just turned 22 last August. For comparison, Juan Morillo is almost a year older, and he put up (albeit as a starter) .83 HR/9, 5.13 BB/9, 8.47 K/9 at Tulsa. We all know Morillo has more talent, but so far that's not really showing up in his stat line. I think guys like Sickels had Carvajal as about a C+ prospect, and I'd say that's still about right. Kind of like Jim Miller -- a guy who may very well have a decent run as a middle of the bullpen guy.
So, yes, it's nice that he's been DFA'd, and if I were O'Dowd I'd be looking to bring him back right now. I don't think that'll happen, since I imagine he'll be part of a minor league swap for a similar middling prospect who fills some need (starting pitcher anyone?) for TB.
My point then (as it is now): a club like the Rockies really shouldn't be giving up any prospect with a decent shot at being a major league contributor for an immediate stopgap solution.
Sure, I overreacted at the time ... but that's an overreaction borne of frustration at the seeming lack of any plan or timetable for competing on the Rockies' behalf.