2003 Lowell Spinners

From SoSH

Contents 1 2003 Lowell Spinners Season Ending Report 1.1 How did Lowell do? 1.2 Players 1.2.1 2003 Draft Class 1.2.2 International Players 1.2.3 Others 1.3 External Sources

2003 Lowell Spinners Season Ending Report

Final Record: 39-35

How did Lowell do?

Depends on what you are looking for.

From a perspective of record... decently. For only the second time in franchise history, they finished with a winning record (39-35). They were in the playoff hunt, although ultimately missed out (They ended up in 3rd place in the 4 team Stedler Division, 5.5 games back. They placed (by record) 6th in the 14 team league.)

From a perspective of prospects and progress of the prospects... that is harder to measure.

For the first time in a while, the large majority of the Red Sox HIGH draft picks were placed at Lowell. The question is how do we evaluate the work they compiled. No one (offensively) had numbers that said WOW!, on the other hand, none screamed dissapointment either. Most of the newly drafted pitchers had very light inning loads (purposefully), so one has to extrapolate based on very limited numbers.

Players

First, a word of warning. This will be LONG. There are very few players who played on this Spinner's team that is not worth speaking of, at least, a bit.

2003 Draft Class

• 1st Rd. Draft Pick - David Murphy, Baylor University, OF, 21 YO. David had a relatively short stay in Lowell, playing in only 21 games prior to being promoted 2 leagues (to Sarasota in the Florida State League). His numbers were quite good (.346/.453/.397), with a very good batting eye (16 BBs/9 Ks). His power did not show up in Lowell (4 doubles (and no other Extra Base Hits) in 78 ABs), but he did show some speed ( 4 SBs in 5 attempts). So, overall... very nice start. More to come in the Sarasota report (where his overall contribution will be assessed).

• 1st Rd. Sandwich Pick - Matt Murton, Georgia Tech, OF, 21 YO. Matt signed... and took the place of David Murphy in the Lowell OF. Oddly, his stat line is very similar to David's. He showed he knew how to take a walk (27 walks, 4 HBPs/39 Ks). He didn't show a lot of power (15 Extras in 189 ABs (11 Doubles, 2 Triples, 2 HRs)), but showed some speed (9 SBs in 12 attempts). He will likely be going to Sarasota next year. Final Line: .286/.374/.397

• 2nd Rd. Pick - Abe Alvarez, Long Beach St., LHP 20 YO. Many publications picked Abe as a 2003 Draftee closest to the Majors. His numbers, albeit in only 19 innings, show the reason why. In those 19 innings, he only gave up 9 hits. He only gave up 1 unintentional walk (and only 2 total walks). He struck out 19 batters. He only gave up 2 runs, both unearned. He is destined for Sarasota next year... at least to start.

• 3rd Rd. Pick - Beau Vaughan, Arizona St., RHP, 22 YO. It is hard to look at a 2.32 ERA and say dissapointment. It's hard to look at 30 Ks in 31 innings and say dissapointment. And, it is very difficult to see only 27 hits and 8 runs in 31 innings and say dissapointment. I am sure the Red Sox braintrust is NOT saying dissapointment. However, for a staff that gave up so FEW walks, he stands out... as he gave up 15 walks in those 31 innings. I hope he can get the walk rate lower as he rises up the system.

• 4th Rd. Pick - Jonathan Papelbon, Mississippi St., RHP, 22 YO. It is much easier to look at Jonathan's stats and say dissapointment. After all, only 2 players in the Red Sox draft are older than him (35th Rounder Erich Cloninger and 44th Rounder Tom Caple)... so one has to have expected more than his performance. In 32 2/3 innings, he gave up 43 hits, 9 walks, 4 HBPs and 3 Wild Pitches. He gave up 23 runs (6.34 ERA). His only saving grace is his K rate, as he struck out 36 in those 32 2/3 innings

• 5th Rd. Pick - Brian Marshall, Virginia Commonwealth, LHP, 21 YO. Brian was a closer out of VCU, and reprised that role with the Spinners. He pitched in 15 games, but only record 16 2/3 innings. He did not show the classic strikeout rates one may hope for from a closer (only 15 Ks), but made up for this by not allowing people on base... giving up only 10 hits, 2 walks (1 intentional), and 1 HBP. He allowed 3 runs, 2 earned (1.08 ERA).

• 6th Rd. Pick - Jessie Corn, Jacksonville St., RHP, 21 YO. Not much to say about Jessie, as he only pitched 4 1/3 innings over 4 games. He had a 0.00 ERA, but he did allow 5 unearned runs. He gave up only 2 hits... but 3 walks. He struck out 4 and threw a wild pitch.

• 7th Rd. Pick - Jeremy West, Arizona St., C/1B/DH, 21 YO. There is a lot to like about Jeremy West... he certainly is durable as he played in 72 of the 74 games played by Lowell (7 more than ANYONE else). He led the team in ABs, Doubles, RBIs, HBPs, and (on the bad side) GIDPs. He showed some decent power potential (17 Doubles, 1 Triple, 4 HRs in 264 ABs)... and the ability to get on base (31 Walks, 8 HBPs)... but did strike out more than some would like (52 Ks). He was also the only Spinner to get Caught Stealing (3) more than he successfully stole a base (1). Was listed as a catcher when drafted, but the Red Sox obviously do not view him there... as he played ZERO game at catcher. He played 46 games at First. Final Stats: .280/.369/.398

• 11th Rd. Pick - Barry Hertzler, Central Connecticut, RHP, 22 YO. As with most of these pitchers, it is really hard to make evaluations on these players due to the lack of innings. What I would say about Barry is that his relatively low ERA (3.77) hides some frightening peripherals. In 14 1/3 innings, he gave up 22 hits, 5 walks (1 intentional), 3 HBPs and 2 WPs. He allowed 9 runs (3 unearned) while striking out only 8.

• 12th Rd. Pick - Justin Sturge, Coastal Carolina, LHP, 22 YO. Justin, in comparison to Hertzler, showed a lot in his limited time. In 25 2/3 innings, he gave up only 18 hits and 5 runs (1 unearned - 1.40 ERA). More importantly, he showed the ability to not allow runners on, only giving up 1 walk, 1 HBP and 1 WP. He struck out 28. He was promoted to Augusta in the later part of the year.

• 13th Rd. Pick - Zachary Basch, University of Nevada-Reno, RHP, 22 YO. Zachary had a mediocre year... pitching 28 2/3 innings in relief with a 4.08 ERA. He gave up 19 runs, 13 of those earned. His WHIP was very poor, as he gave up 30 hits and 18 walks (3 Intentional)... and also Hit 2 Batters and threw 2 Wild Pitches.

• 14th Rd. Pick - Zachary Borowiak, SE Missouri State, INF, 22 YO. Zachary Borowiak had a very, very interesting year. He was the first player promoted, he was the first 2003 Draftee to reach AA, he was the second player to reach Sarasota... and ended the year right where he started... back in Lowell. So, what else is there to say? Well... in Lowell at least, he was pretty good. Sure, he showed very little power, but like many of his Lowell companions, he can take a walk. In 35 games and 125 ABs, he had 6 Extra Base hits (5 Doubles, 1 Triple) and 16 walks (as well as 4 HBPs). He only struck out 18 times... and showed some speed, stealing 12 bases in 16 attempts.

• 16th Rd. Pick - Kevin Ool, Marist College, LHP, 22 YO. How can you not love a guy named Ool? Kevin had a pretty good year with 38 2/3 innings in relief... ending with a 2.56 ERA. He gave up 37 hits, but ONLY 5 walks and 1 HBP. He struck out 33.

• 18th Rd. Pick - Tom Cochran, Middle Georgia College, LHP, 20 YO. One of the younger of the college draftees... which is good because he is not going to move fast with his year in Lowell. I'll talk up his good number first... he only walked 4 in 33 1/3 innings. Now, for the not so good... he gave up 40 hits. He gave up 5 HRs (Only Jarrett Gardner in 27 more innings gave up more). He gave up 26 runs (18 earned). He only struck out 20. But... he is a Lefty!

• 19th Rd. Pick - Jarrett Gardner, University of Arkansas, RHP, 22 YO. Talking about Jarrett... he was one of the few pitchers drafted this year than gave a lot of innings... he threw 60 in Lowell this year. There is good and bad with Jarrett... the good, he doesn't walk anyone. He walked 2 this year... and went 50+ innings before giving up his first of the season. On the other side, he only struck out 29. He gave up 6 HRs, and allowed 69 hits. He gave up 34 runs (28 earned) to finish with a 4.20 ERA.

• 24th Rd. Pick - Ignacio Suarez, Wichita State, INF, 22 YO. Let's get the bad over with... Iggy will not make the Majors if he continues to have a BA lower than .230. What is good then? Well, he has double power (13 of his 46 hits were doubles). He has some speed (12 SBs in 16 attempts). And, most of all, he can walk... 32 walks (1 HBPs vs. 43 Ks). Final Stats: .222/.326/.285

• 26th Rd. Pick - Jason Ramos, St. Petersburg JC, INF, 21 YO. Jason may as well be Ignacio Suarez's doppleganger. In his short time with Lowell... he had the same basic profile as Iggy... no hits, doubles (3 of 15 hits) and walks (14 in 79 ABs). Final Stats: .190/.313/..228

• 28th Rd. Pick - David Penny, East Carolina U., RHP, 21 YO. David begins a run of some very interesting lower round picks. Like Jarrett Gardner, he was allowed a large number of innings... racking up 53 2/3 innings in 12 games. He ended the year with a very intriguing 2.68 ERA. He only gave up 43 hits... but was slightly more wild than some of the other Lowell pitchers, allowing 14 walks and Hitting 11 batters. He struck out 36 batters. Will be interesting to see what he does next year.

• 30th Rd. Pick - David Sanders, Witchita State, LHP, 21 YO. Only 18 2/3 innings... showed himself to be a bit homer happy (3). Ended with a slightly misleading 2.41 ERA (6 of 11 runs given up were unearned), he gave up 22 hits, 5 walks and struck out 14.

• 33rd Rd. Pick - Kevin "Scooter" Jordan, Texas Tech, OF, 22 YO. Intriguing. Very Intriguing. Was the only Lowell player, other than the first draft pick, to have an OBP OVER .400. He has no power (7 Extra Base hits (4 Doubles, 3 Triples) in 217 ABs)... but he is a Lead off Batter that gets on base. He walked a team high 49 times (He struck out 50). He also got hit by 3 pitches. And, he is a speedster... leading the team with 26 Stolen Bases (in 36 attempts). Final Stats: .263/.404/.309

• 34th Rd. Pick - Arthur Santos, Florida International, RHP, 21 YO. The Red Sox have to be extremely pleased by Arthur... who for much of the year led the NY-Penn league in ERA. He ended the year with a 1.99 ERA, and some decent peripherals. In 58 2/3 innings, he gave up 65 hits, 7 walks and struck out 35. (He gave up 8 unearned runs... 7 of them in one game).

• 35th Rd. Pick - Erich Cloninger, Liberty University, C, 22 YO. Yes, a nepotism pick. Not much to say based on only 38 at bats. Like most of the new draftees, knows how to take a walk. Final Stats: .263/.383/.342

• 41st Rd. Pick - Lance Schartz, Garden City CC, C, 20 YO. Had 13 at bats for the Spinners... See the GCL write up for more. Final Stats: .154/.214/.154

International Players

• Claudio Arias, 3B - Came up from the DSL and showed some early spark... but slumped badly the last month. Showed some power (9 Doubles, 5 HRs)... but no patient... which is so different from the draftees (only 7 walks in 187 ABs). Struck out 55 times. Had 3 SBs in 6 attempts (the only other player (see Jeremy West) who did not have more steals than CS). Also was poor defensively with 23 errors. I hate to predict things at this level... but this feels like the Dominican version of Shea Hillenbrand. Final Stats: .262/.293/.401

• Melvin Reyes, 2B - Another DSL product... and had many similar traits as Claudio Arias. Had Double Power (16 Doubles, 3 Triples, 1 HR), Few Walks (12 Walks vs. 60 Ks), Good Speed (8 SBs in 10 attempts). Was OK defensively after a poor start (16 Errors, 9 in the first week). Final Stats: .259/.300/.389

• Wayne Lundgren, RHP - An Australian Product... Had a pretty decent 39 innings for Lowell. Ended with a 3.46 ERA (but had 7 unearned Runs). Had the same tendency as many of the Lowell pitchers, low walks (3) but low Ks (17). Gave up 1 hit per inning (39). Got a bump to Augusta in the final weeks of the season.

Others

• Brett Bonvechio, Corner IF - Had a really nice 30 games in the GCL last year (.291/.373/.505)... but was unable to repeat that performance at Augusta or Lowell. Final Stats for Lowell: (34 games) .190/.298/.324

• Jim Buckley, C - Jim had a pretty poor year in Lowell last year (.197/.265/.295), and did not do much better this year. The fact that he is a catcher probably can't save him from being waived. Final Stats: .158/.230/.289

• Rob Cucinotta, 1B - Signed as a Free Agent out of Temple. Had a poor year while not getting a lot of time... and got demoted to the GCL late in the year. Final Stats: .224/.246/.284

• Jonathan Devries, C - Had some injuries... but his sole ability to walk is not likely to keep him in the organization for too long. Last Year (GCL): .187/.365/.260 Final Stats (This Year): .182/.331/.242

• Robert Evans, OF - Undrafted Free-Agent. Had a Very nice year with some nice power... 23 of his 48 Hits went for Extra Bases (13 Doubles, 4 Triples, 6 HRs). Final Stats: .265/.346/.481

• Brandon Moss, OF - Had a dissapointing year in the GCL last year (.204/.295/.292). Showed a lot more power in Lowell (15 Doubles, 4 Triples, 7 HRs)... but little else. Final Stats: .237/.290/.430

• Wes Anderson, RHP - Former Marlins prospect trying to make it back after arm surgery. Only pitched 2 1/3 innings.

• Matt Blaney, RHP - Had an obscene ERA (15.15 ERA) in the GCL last year... but somehow managed a 2.08 ERA in 8 2/3 innings for Lowell. Still some poor peripherals (4 BBs/1 HBP/5 Ks)

• Kyle Jackson, RHP - After a very nice year in the GCL, had 2 appearances late in the year for Lowell. Had a 0.93 ERA (but did give up 5 unearned runs).

• Brandon Smith, RHP - Out of the organization

• Jose Vaquedano, RHP - 2nd Year in Lowell for Jose showed a dramatic improvement as he moved from relief (22 relief appearances last year) to Starter (10 starts in 14 appearances). Threw the most innings (73 2/3 innings) on the team, had the most wins (7-4), had a decent ERA (3.30), gave up only 15 walks (3 fewer than last year) with 70 Ks (35 last year). Had occasional wildness (6 HBPs, 5 WPs). Should get a bump to Augusta next year.

External Sources

• Stats from the Baseball Cube