Manuel Flores Auditioning for The Show?

by wumbug on Apr 25, 2011 10:25 AM PDT

Late Saturday I saw a news blurb from Stephen C. Smith at FutureAngels.com announcing that LHP Manuel Flores was being called up from the (A+) IE 66ers to the (AAA) SLC Bees for a probable start of Sunday's game. Thinking it was both odd and interesting that a pitcher would jump two levels suddenly, I reasoned that Trevor Bell was recently re-called by the Angels, leaving an opening that, at least temporarily, needed to be filled.

Flores' line in SLC's 10-5 win Easter Sunday was an unimpressive 6 IP, 8 H, 5 ER, 5 SO. However, it's worth noting that he faced 4 batters in the 7th inning: HBP, 2B, HR, 2B, before being replaced by Amalio Diaz. All four scored. Before he lost his control, his line was 6 IP, 5 H, ER, 0 BB, 5 SO....a nice, quality start.

Still, I had to wonder why someone was picked from A+ IE instead of a spot starter, or one of Garrett Richards or Trevor Reckling or Orangel Arenas from AA. I can understand their trying to not upset the apple cart with Reckling (again). Certainly, IE is a much shorter and easier commute to SLC than is Arkansas. Upon closer examination, I noticed that Flores, Richards, Reckling, and Arenas were born in the following order: 6/87, 5/88, 5/89, and 3/89. So, putting Flores in AAA better lines up the pitchers chronologically. Plus, it gives the Angels the possibility of having another LHP available, if he works out (Horacio Ramirez isn't looking very good yet).

Finally, studying the career minor league stats from each of the four mentioned, one thing stands out: Flores doesn't walk hitters.

BB/9 SO/9 SO/BB

Flores...................1.8............5.6..............3.16

Richards...............2.5............8.9..............3.57

Reckling...............4.1............7.5..............1.83

Arenas.................2.9............6.4..............2.20

I don't have a clue what the Angels' plans are for 2012 in their rotation; a good guess is Weaver, Haren, Santana, Chatwood, plus somebody (Bell, Palmer, Richards, Reckling, etc.). Right now, I don't have a good feeling that they will re-sign Pineiro. A left hander would be nice in the rotation or in the bullpen: Downs has appeared in only two games so far, and although I 'm glad we've got him, Takahashi hasn't been overly impressive.

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Comments

I'd be surprised if Flores was something more than a AAA gap filler for Bell.

Looking at the lines above, it’s Richards that really stands out.

I’m sure everyone is bummed that Arkansas has been so rain-slogged for the past two weeks. Richards has already had two of his starts postponed.

They’d have had a much clearer picture of his suitability for a short-term callup right now save for the elements.

by Turks Teeth on Apr 25, 2011 1:13 PM PDT reply actions

What I see in Flores is a potential LH reliever who usually throws strikes.

by wumbug on Apr 25, 2011 1:19 PM PDT up reply actions

I know I'm bummed

Obviously we all want to see Trout’s progress but I’m almost equally excited to see how Richards does this year. He was drafted with very little fanfare, but has been basically nails since the day he started pitching in this organization. Scouts love his stuff and his stats thus far have backed it up. Not sure why he’s been so under the radar thus far.

Sure, he may be a bit old for his level, but something obviously clicked for him last year and I see no reason why he shouldn’t shoot up the organizational ladder this season. Between him, Bell and Chatwood there could be very little reason for this team to invest more money in the starting rotation next year.

by dmhead on Apr 26, 2011 10:14 AM PDT up reply actions

Actually, Richards is age-appropriate for that level.

Starting AA at age 22 is pretty normal, and pretty good for a college guy like Garrett. If he pitches well, he’s on his way to Salt Lake at age 23 in the second half of the year, which is consistent with Lackey and Weaver before him.

In terms of being under the radar, I think he’s generally recognized as being the only other starter prospect (beyond Chatwood) of note in the upper levels of our system (until Fabio Martinez Mesa gets there). Sickels had him in the top 5, along with Trout, Chatwood, Conger and Walden. FanGraphs too, and Baseball America had him at #7.

I suspect we’ll see a spot start before the year’s out.

by Turks Teeth on Apr 27, 2011 11:09 AM PDT up reply actions