Batter's Box Interactive Magazine - Nolin Sharp in his Second Start

This afternoon the farm went 1-2, with two ugly loses, and a win by New Hampshire. Dunedin did not play, as they had the day off.

Buffalo 2 - Louisville 12

The Bisons offense had an off-day today, putting up 2 runs versus a bunch of former major leaguers pitching for Louisville. Luis Jimenez lead the BIsons bats today with 3 hits raising his average to 379. Anthony Gose had the day off, giving the start in CF to Moises Sierra.

Justin Germano had an ugly start giving up 6 earned runs over 5 1/3 innings. Clint Everts relieved Germano, and got hit up hard as well giving up 3 earned runs over 1 1/3 innings.

New Hampshire 4 - Trenton 0

Sean Nolin was excellent in his second start of the season. He went 6 innings giving up 4 hits, 0 earned runs, with 8 strikeouts. He was on a pitch limit for today's start, but should be able to go further next outing. Joel Carreno continued to ptich well with 1 flawless inning including 2 strike outs.

The bats today were powered by a solo home run from Ryan Schimpf, and a three run bomb by Jack Murphy.

Dundedin - Scheduled Off Day

Lansing 0 - Great Lakes 10

Ben White today started today for the Lugnuts, he did not pitch well, and the Lugnuts D did not help either. Ben went 4 1/3 innings giving up 9 runs, 2 earned while giving up 8 hits. Gustavo Pierre recorded his 11th error of the season, who has had a negative history of error's in the past at Lansing.

The Lugnuts had 4 hits and unable to score any runs vs the Great Loons pitching today.

Three Stars
3-Luis Jimenez
2-Jack Murphy
1-Sean Nolin

Posted by tercet on Sunday, May 12 2013 @ 09:10 PM EDT.

Nolin Sharp in his Second Start | 43 comments | Create New Account

The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.

Richard S.S. - Sunday, May 12 2013 @ 11:20 PM EDT (#272067) #

What does Sean Nolin throw? Chances are good he gets a callup, so I'd like to know whether he's good enough to stay.

sam - Monday, May 13 2013 @ 12:23 AM EDT (#272069) #

I saw Nolin pitch way back in his draft year at Auburn. He was out of shape then and not impressive at all, with a fastball that rarely hit 88mph. My understanding is he's worked his body into shape and is your classic four pitch lefty who pitches at 88-90 with the fastball and good command.

ayjackson - Monday, May 13 2013 @ 01:07 AM EDT (#272071) #

I thought Nolin was touching 95mph last year.

sam - Monday, May 13 2013 @ 01:48 AM EDT (#272072) #

My apologies then. I would want to see that in person before saying he can do that. I think you're looking at a guy who works effectively in the 88-90, 91 range, with good command of the fastball.

hypobole - Monday, May 13 2013 @ 02:55 AM EDT (#272073) #

I've come to the realization that what a pitcher can touch is almost meaningless. Remember Henderson Alvarez touching 100 in AA? He averaged about 93 with the Jays. In other words, when we do see Nolin in Toronto, we'll be seeing a guy throwing 88-91 in all probability, If that's the range he has command of his fastball, that's the range he'll work at.

Richard S.S. - Monday, May 13 2013 @ 05:09 AM EDT (#272075) #

With a fastball in the 88-91 range, pitchers get hit more than not. With a fastball in the 92-93 range, good control and quality other pitches, Pitchers usually do well to very good.

ayjackson - Monday, May 13 2013 @ 07:21 AM EDT (#272079) #

My general point was that I thought he's gained a lot of velocity over the past few years.

jerjapan - Monday, May 13 2013 @ 08:12 AM EDT (#272080) #

At what point will we be talking about Nolin getting a start for the Jays? Hew seems like the best option still in the minors already.

I would like to see Carreno instead of Rogers as well ... I know Rogers is a project that we invested in ... Avilles and Gomes, not to mention some roster manipulating. I doubt he'd clear waivers like Jeffess though.

Sister - Monday, May 13 2013 @ 08:30 AM EDT (#272082) #

Reports were that Nolin was up to mid 90's last year on his fastball.

Here is the BBB write up:

Sean Nolin: Sean was our 6th round pick in the 2010 draft. He's been putting up great numbers the last couple of years. in 2012 he started in Dunedin, going 9-0, with a 2.19 ERA in 86 innings, 21 walks and 90 strikeouts. He moved up to New Hampshire, for his last 3 starts, 15 innings, 1.20 ERA, 6 walks and 18 strikeouts. A 6'5", 235 lefty, who throws a mid-90's fastball, with the usual curve, slider, change to go with it. He's 23 now, and he should start this year in New Hampshire. Nolin was number 23 on our list last year. Jays182 has a longer profile of Sean up here.

ramone - Monday, May 13 2013 @ 09:56 AM EDT (#272085) #

This is from BP's minor league notes posted today on Sean Nolin:

"smooth mechanics; high-three-quarters arm slot; fastball worked 88-91 (T94) with good command to both sides; curveball was 72-74 with big break; changeup hit 79-81 and flashed fading action; cutter 84-87 with short, quick break; back-end profile"

I won't post the link as it's behind a pay wall.

Mike Green - Monday, May 13 2013 @ 10:17 AM EDT (#272087) #

If the scouting report from BP is accurate, that sounds plenty good to me. Command of the fastball to both sides of the plate at 88-91 plus a big breaking curve to get out lefties (does he use it to back-door RH hitters also?) is a very good start. What I most want to know about a change is the deception- arm speed, degree of velocity separation from fastball and so on, and control rather than the movement.

I always laugh about the "back-end" label for a pitcher without terrific velocity on the fastball.

Mike Green - Monday, May 13 2013 @ 10:22 AM EDT (#272088) #

Since Nolin arrived in the FSL last year, he's 11-0 in 20 starts with an ERA of about 2 and more than a strikeout per inning. He has only 5 double A starts, rather than the 20-30 I'd like to see.

greenfrog - Monday, May 13 2013 @ 11:41 AM EDT (#272090) #

The Jays could be quite a good team if Reyes is healthy and productive in the second half, Santos and/or McGowan comes back strong, and either Jenkins or Nolin emerges as a decent starting pitching option. And, of course, if the veterans in the rotation and in the lineup stay mostly healthy.

Of course, the team has little margin for error at this point.

Championship teams often seem to benefit from the unexpected contributions of one or more players (whether overlooked minor-leaguers or unheralded veterans).

Paul D - Monday, May 13 2013 @ 11:59 AM EDT (#272091) #

So what happens to the mlb roster now? Do they decide between Ortiz and Jenkins, send one down, and bring up Sierra?

Mike Green - Monday, May 13 2013 @ 12:19 PM EDT (#272096) #

They probably will call up Sierra, but he's about the fifth best player on the Bison roster.

You could move DeRosa into the "RH platoon partner for Lind" role and call up Negrych. Bonifacio returns to super-utility/pinch runner, and Negrych platoons with Izturis at second base. Davis' injury is an opportunity to have your cake (Negrych) and eat it too (not release Bonifacio).

bpoz - Monday, May 13 2013 @ 12:35 PM EDT (#272098) #

Nolin has outstanding results...Wins, ERA, BB & Ks. But the write up says most of his stuff needs improvement. So I would keep him in the minors to make these improvements. A Sept call up is a good idea as he must be protected against the rule 5 draft.

92-93 - Monday, May 13 2013 @ 01:30 PM EDT (#272104) #

I prefer having an actual backup outfielder in Sierra than to have to shoehorn Bonifacio into that role if somebody gets hurt.

That Nolin report sounds VERY promising to me. I don't need them to tell me he's the next Shelby Miller; this team needs a Shaun Marcum right now, badly.

TamRa - Monday, May 13 2013 @ 04:03 PM EDT (#272116) #

Regarding Nolin...

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2013/5/13/4327448/minor-league-ball-gameday-may-13

"***Toronto Blue Jays prospect Sean Nolin, a significant sleeper prospect, "

Mike Green - Monday, May 13 2013 @ 04:19 PM EDT (#272118) #

That Nolin report sounds VERY promising to me. I don't need them to tell me he's the next Shelby Miller; this team needs a Shaun Marcum right now, badly.

He doesn't exactly have Marcum's profile of stuff (missing the great change), nor Marcum's fielding ability, but the combination of his described stuff and his statistical performance has me enthused about his ability to contribute usefully, maybe in July.

hypobole - Monday, May 13 2013 @ 04:37 PM EDT (#272119) #

This system had not had great success rushing prospects. I was hoping with all the veterans added to the major league roster this offseason, the team would become more like the Rays model.

92-93 - Monday, May 13 2013 @ 06:24 PM EDT (#272120) #

Didn't mean to slap a comp on Nolin, just saying that this team could really use right now a guy who to BA/BP profiles as a "back-end" starter. If he can actually "command" his fastball to both sides of the plate he seems to have enough of an arsenal to compete at this level.

Gerry - Monday, May 13 2013 @ 08:35 PM EDT (#272122) #

All those who wanted Daniel Norris sent down last week, tonight: 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K.

JB21 - Monday, May 13 2013 @ 09:46 PM EDT (#272125) #

Didn't know where to post but how awesome is this?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/sports/bryce-harper-swing-of-beauty/#

Mike Green - Tuesday, May 14 2013 @ 09:01 AM EDT (#272131) #

Dwight Smith Jr. reached base 3 times last night in a 5-0 Lugnuts win. He's off to a decent start at age 20 in the Midwest League. He joins Christian Lopes in the bona-fide prospect group.

MatO - Tuesday, May 14 2013 @ 09:37 AM EDT (#272134) #

I'd add Pompey to the list. Local boy who's actually younger than Smith. Switch-hitter who's willing to take a walk and an excellent base stealer from day one and hopefully the power will come. Lost most of 2012 to a hand injury.

Mike Green - Tuesday, May 14 2013 @ 09:49 AM EDT (#272135) #

I hope so, MatO. Pompey is 6'1", 170 at age 20 according to milb, so I am not that optimistic about power coming. Maybe he has zip in the wrists, but usually by age 20, you'll see that statistically. He has struck out 34 times in 32 games so far this season which isn't a great feature for a player of his size. If he plays centerfield very well, you could imagine a future something like Gary Pettis'. If not, he's going to have develop quite a bit with the bat.

MatO - Tuesday, May 14 2013 @ 10:09 AM EDT (#272136) #

That was his weight when he was drafted at 17. They never seem to change those things. They still have Nolin at 245 lbs even though the reports are that he lost a lot of weight the year after being drafted.

Mike Green - Tuesday, May 14 2013 @ 10:19 AM EDT (#272137) #

Maybe Lugnut Fan can give us an updated impression on Pompey's size and pop. He's had quite a few XBHs and maybe he's hit one or two off the wall in centre in Lansing (just wishing).

Lugnut Fan - Tuesday, May 14 2013 @ 12:48 PM EDT (#272140) #

Well, I have been writing about the Tigers system a bit on top of the Jays, so I haven't had as much time looking at guys in Lansing as I would like or have in the past. As far as Pompey, he is fast. Really fast. I had his home to first time out of the left handed box at 3.6 - 3.7 earlier this year and that actually had me questioning the time until I saw him do it again. He is a really skinny, very young kid with a projectable frame, so I expect more power to come as he grows into his body, but I don't think that is really what they are looking for out of him. I think the Jays want him on base and make noise with his legs. The extra base hits I have seen from this season are a result of him taking the extra base more than anything I've seen gap to gap so far, but keep in mind, the sample size that I have seen him play is extremely small.

I like Smith alot and he moved Pompey from lead off down into the three slot. I see a lot of power potential from Smith. He hits with pretty good pop to left, right and center and he is a lot more built in the upper body than I expected. He also is fast, but I don't believe he is as fast as Pompey. I might flip the two in the order if I was running things.

hypobole - Tuesday, May 14 2013 @ 01:35 PM EDT (#272141) #

Thank you, Lugnut Fan - very informative, and very positive.

Gerry - Tuesday, May 14 2013 @ 01:42 PM EDT (#272142) #

Looks like John Stilson is headed for New Hampshire.

Mike Green - Tuesday, May 14 2013 @ 01:59 PM EDT (#272144) #

Thanks, LF, as always, for your helpful observations.

Mike Green - Tuesday, May 14 2013 @ 02:56 PM EDT (#272147) #

The Bisons face Gerrit Cole tonight. It's a good test for the hitters.

hypobole - Tuesday, May 14 2013 @ 08:25 PM EDT (#272175) #

Miguel Batista gives up 5 1st inning runs in the Bison game. Lansing's Avendano gives up 3 in the 1st. Copeland gives 2 for Dunedin. Marcus Walden was the only farm starter not to give up a 1st inning run. In fact he didn't even give up a hit until 2 out in the 6th.

Gerry - Tuesday, May 14 2013 @ 08:59 PM EDT (#272176) #

Great start by Walden. 7.2 innings, 2 hits. 13 ground ball outs, 1 fly out. I am not sure that Walden will be a major league starter but he profiles well as a reliever.

Mike Green - Tuesday, May 14 2013 @ 09:17 PM EDT (#272178) #

Stilson came on to finish- 5 batters, 4 strikeouts (3 swinging). Potential Santos replacement at some point? He joins Carreno in that zone.

China fan - Tuesday, May 14 2013 @ 09:28 PM EDT (#272181) #

The Jays don't actually need a Santos replacement -- they've been doing fine with the current bullpen. But if they decide at some point that Lincoln or Rogers is a weak link and needs an upgrade, another option is McGowan, who is now on a rehab assignment in Dunedin. Presumably he can't be kept in the minors forever on a rehab assignment -- does anyone know the maximum length? When the assignment reaches its maximum, the Jays will probably promote him to the major-league team, assuming he stays healthy. (A big assumption.)

Gerry - Tuesday, May 14 2013 @ 09:28 PM EDT (#272182) #

Dustin McGowan for Dunedin tonight, 3 k's, one infield single.

It's all about the recovery now.

China fan - Tuesday, May 14 2013 @ 09:45 PM EDT (#272184) #

Gerry, any idea of MLB rules on rehab assignments? How long can McGowan stay in the minors?

hypobole - Tuesday, May 14 2013 @ 10:02 PM EDT (#272185) #

30 days max for rehab. If he's healthy at that point he must be be promoted. If not, he goes back on the DL.

I think.

Gerry - Tuesday, May 14 2013 @ 10:09 PM EDT (#272186) #

Yes, 30 days for a rehab assignment. But he is also on the 60 day DL, so he cannot return until the 60 days are up.

hypobole - Tuesday, May 14 2013 @ 10:33 PM EDT (#272187) #

On March 31, McGowan was placed on the 15 day DL retroactive to March 27. He was transferred to the 60 day DL April 7, but the 60 days still starts March 27. This means his earliest return date is May 26 or 27.

Correct?

China fan - Wednesday, May 15 2013 @ 06:47 AM EDT (#272195) #

Here's a tweet from Shi Davidi that seems to explain everything, although it might still be a tad over-optimistic:

@ShiDavidi
Dustin McGowan eligible to come off 60-day DL May 30. "I expect him to be ready,� says AA

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