Matt Breen

"Usually?" I'm struggling to come up with ONE pitcher who came through the system in the last 30 years and exceeded his projected ceiling as a prospect. It's difficult to even find guys who've MATCHED expectations. Sheets and Gallardo hit their reasonable ceilings. Then... I'd say that Been Sheets and Mike Fiers exceeded their ceilings. Beyond that... yeah, pretty barren. Scott Karl had a few good years as well.

Luck certainly plays a part. But generally, it's bad drafting. Add in tight budgets (we never went much beyond recommended player slotting in the draft, we never spent much on scouting, we never invested in Latin America scouting), poor development of players (meaning when we had a good player, we didn't figure out how to get him to his full potential, or he got hurt from overuse, or something like that) - and then a degree of bad luck - and it was just a bad mix of things. The drafting in the 90s was absolutely horrendous. Sal Bando took a guy projected by most teams to be a 2nd-3rd rounder with the 4th pick. Just nuts.

Buying at the deadline is probably a mistake. It's not like one or two guys is going to shore up the staff the point where it's that good. We need a lot more than that. Just let the young guys play things out. Let Lopez, Woodruff, Hader and whomever else be our grand experiments. Meanwhile, keep weeding out the guys without a future. It's foolish to pay deadline prices for players. I'm not precluding smaller deals - pick up some salary or give a mid-level prospect for a player - that sort of thing. But for now, I think it's a mistake to think we are that good.

Pitching Staff Shuts Down Chihuahuas, 4-2 Angel Ventura earns win in Triple-A debut with quality start. By Robby Veronesi / Colorado Springs Sky Sox Nate Orf scored and drove in a run to lead the offense Wednesday afternoon.(Photo: Paat Kelly) Colorado Springs Box Score Angel Ventura made a strong AAA debut on Wednesday, getting the win while giving up just two runs on seven hits and a walk over six innings. He struck out four batters. Tristan Archer (2.0 IP, O runs, 0 hits, 0 BB, 2 K) and Tyler Cravy (1.0 IP, 0 runs, 0 hits, 1 K, save) were flawless as they finished out the game without allowing a run, hit or walk - helping the Sky Sox to a 4-2 victory. The Sky Sox bats were lead by Nate Off (3-4, 2B) - who collected three of the team’s five hits. After struggling much of the season, Orf has been on fire of late. He has gone 9-18 over this last five games, raising his average from .209 to .271. Colorado Springs Game Log The Sky Sox only had five hits on Wednesday, but they managed to string together several at bats, including two hits and a walk, to get a pair of runs in the 1st inning. Col. Springs Top of the 1st Kyle Wren strikes out swinging. Ivan De Jesus Jr. called out on strikes. Lewis Brinson walks. Brett Phillips doubles (7) on a line drive to center fielder Rafael Ortega. Lewis Brinson scores. Nate Orf singles on a line drive to right fielder Jabari Blash. Brett Phillips scores. Kirk Nieuwenhuis grounds out to first baseman Jose Pirela. The Sky Sox added another two runs in the 7th, keyed by a leadoff double by Orf and an El Paso error. Col. Springs Top of the 7th Nate Orf doubles (3) on a fly ball to right fielder Jabari Blash. Kirk Nieuwenhuis reaches on a fielding error by left fielder Nick Buss. Nate Orf scores. Kirk Nieuwenhuis to 2nd. Yadiel Rivera grounds out to first baseman Jose Pirela. Kirk Nieuwenhuis to 3rd. Rene Garcia singles on a ground ball to center fielder Rafael Ortega. Kirk Nieuwenhuis scores. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Ryan Cordell replaces Angel Ventura. Ryan Cordell called out on strikes. Pitching Change: Jose Valdez replaces Tyrell Jenkins, batting 5th. Defensive switch from third base to first base for Diego Goris. Defensive Substitution: Christian Villanueva replaces pitcher Tyrell Jenkins, batting 9th, playing third base. Kyle Wren grounds out, shortstop Dusty Coleman to first baseman Diego Goris.

Maybe he just looked like a career infielder playing outfielder for only about the 30th time in his major and minor league career. I love defensive versatility - but if the guy sucks at a position - that's not a positive.

This is really horrible. The guy is a 30 year old light hitting infielder just called up from the minors. He's got a .613 OPS. He sucks as a hitter. And the guy is hitting second.

The pitchers aren't that good. The fielders aren't that good. We make too many mental errors. Mediocre fielding, mental errors, too many walks, means more pressure on the pitchers (more pitches, more baserunners, etc.). It all combines to make a pretty bad stew.

Marinez had always shown pretty questionable control throughout his career. In the minors, he walked 256 in 432 innings. That's not good. Last year he was pretty good - but like so many guys like him, he reverted to form. Not a surprise.

Rivera And Wren Homer in 10-5 Loss Sky Sox record 10 hits in series-opening defeat. By Robby Veronesi / Colorado Springs Sky Sox Kyle Wren clubbed his first home run of 2017 in the eighth inning during the Sky Sox loss to El Paso Monday night. (Photo: Paat Kelly) Colorado Springs Box Score Ugly day for the Sky Sox. Hiram Burgos was roughed up for for 12 hits (including three home runs) and 10 runs in four innings as Colorado Springs lost to the El Paso Chihuahuas 10-5. Tyler Cravy and Andrew Barbosa each worked two innings without allowing any runs to staunch the flow of blood - but it wasn’t enough for the Sky Sox, who also committed three errors on the night. The Sky Sox bats were highlighted by Kyle Wren (2-5, HR), Ivan De Jesus Jr. (2-5) and Yadiel Rivera (1-4, HR). De Jesus Jr. is hitting .337 - which now leads the club in batting average. The Sky Sox dropped Brinson from the lead off spot and moved him to hitting third. Kyle Wren lead off. Colorado Springs Game Log The bottom of the fourth really put the stake into the heart of the Sky Sox as El Paso hit two home runs and scored four runs. El Paso Bottom of the 4th Walker Lockett grounds out, second baseman Nate Orf to first baseman Ivan De Jesus Jr. Franchy Cordero singles on a ground ball to center fielder Lewis Brinson. Jose Pirela singles on a ground ball to left fielder Kyle Wren. Franchy Cordero to 2nd. Carlos Asuaje flies out to left fielder Kyle Wren. Jabari Blash homers (4) on a fly ball to center field. Franchy Cordero scores. Jose Pirela scores. Christian Villanueva homers (2) on a fly ball to center field. Rafael Ortega flies out to center fielder Lewis Brinson.

I'm don't really think we'll be in a buying position this summer, but I'll play this for fun, using your proposal as a starting point. For Quintana and Robertson, I would propose the following: Hader, Santana, Dubon and one of Phillips/Cordell. Hader offers a potential replacement for Quintana. The White Sox have the 3rd fewest HRs in the league. Santana would be a big bat that could take over for Melky Cabrera. Diplan is a live arm - helps build depth. Dubon offers a potential starter - probably 2B - in the near future. The Sox have terrible middle infield depth in the minors. Cordell or Phillips offers a flawed, but interesting bat for the near future. Plus, remember the Sox unload a lot of salary - which I'm sure would be attractive to them. The big issues would be the White Sox's view of Hader and Santana. If they view Hader as a reliever and/or Santana as a liability because of his stiff defense - it probably doesn't work. Brewers simply bring up Brinson to play OF in place of Santana - just the defensive upgrade would be worth it. Dealing Hader is a risk - but hey, you can't get something good by just dealing your spare parts. Otherwise, the inclusion of Ray would be interesting. He's a Chicago kid and grew up a Sox fan. They might love the idea of getting him.

Sox Drop Series Finale, 4 Colorado Springs heads to El Paso following homestand finale. By Robby Veronesi / Colorado Springs Sky Sox Gabriel Noriega recorded his first RBI and first multi-hit game of 2017 in the 4-2 Sky Sox loss Sunday afternoon. (Photo: Paat Kelly) Colorado Springs Box Score The Sky Sox had four errors on Sunday afternoon, which lead to two unearned runs - which was the margin of difference as Colorado Springs lost 4-2 to the Sacramento River Cats. Josh Hader had a good game, giving up only one run on 5 innings of work. Hader allowed only five hits and a pair of walks against four strikeouts. Sky Sox bats managed only six hits, lead by Nat Orf (2-3) and Gabriel Noriega (2-3). Colorado Springs Game Log

I think that some of the players have performed below expectations - defensively - thus far. So there's a chance we improve. Shaw has generally been above average - but is grading out a bit below average. Broxton hasn't appeared as good as last year, when he seemed to make a highlight play every other day. Braun has been bad looking with his rubber arm - and he's seemed a bit tentative in the field. Arcia - you can see the talent and he has the ability to be an elite fielder. Not to mention we play some guys out of their normal positions - Franklin in the OF, Perez at SS, Thames at 1B, etc. I love versatility - but a player needs to be decent at the positions he plays for his versatility to really be of value.

Sox Even Series With 4-1 Victory 2017 Sox tie 1997 season for best start through 30 games. By Robby Veronesi / Colorado Springs Sky Sox Paolo Espino remained undefeated in 2017, striking out six River Cats in 5.1 scoreless innings. (Photo: Paat Kelly) Colorado Springs Box Score Sky Sox pitchers, lead by Paolo Espino (5.1 IP, 3 hits, 0 ER, 2BB, 6K), held the Sacramento River Cats to just one run on six hits and a pair of walks. Tristan Archer (2.2 IP, 1 hit, 0 ER, 0BB, 2K) was especially effective in relief. Michael Blazek (1.0 IP, 3 hits, 1 ER) closed out the game. Espino got the win - going to 4-0 on the year - and dropping his ERA to 2.54. Offensively, the Sky Sox roughed up highly touted Tyler Beede for 10 hits. Leading the way was Ryan Cordell (3-3, 2B, BB), Garrett Cooper (2-4, 2B), Brett Phillips (2-4) and Lewis Brinson (1-3, 2B, BB). Yadiel Rivera has slumped of late, going 1-14 in his last four games, his batting average dropping to .292. Cooper’s two hits raised his batting average to .341 - the tops on the team. The Sky Sox, at 21-9 and a .700 winning percentage, hold the best record in all of minor league baseball. Colorado Springs Game Log The Sky Sox struck early - scoring two in the bottom of the 1st. Col. Springs Bottom of the 1st Lewis Brinson doubles (7) on a ground ball to left fielder Mac Williamson. Kyle Wren reaches on a fielder's choice out, pitcher Tyler Beede to third baseman Ryder Jones. Lewis Brinson out at 3rd. Ryan Cordell doubles (10) on a ground ball to left fielder Mac Williamson. Kyle Wren to 3rd. Garrett Cooper doubles (12) on a line drive to left fielder Mac Williamson. Kyle Wren scores. Ryan Cordell scores. Brett Phillips singles on a ground ball to left fielder Mac Williamson. Garrett Cooper to 3rd. Nate Orf grounds into a double play, shortstop Juniel Querecuto to second baseman Juan Ciriaco to first baseman Chris Marrero. Brett Phillips out at 2nd. Colorado Springs added two more in the 4th. Col. Springs Bottom of the 3rd Kyle Wren triples (3) on a fly ball to center fielder Orlando Calixte. Ryan Cordell singles on a ground ball to left fielder Mac Williamson. Kyle Wren scores. With Garrett Cooper batting, Ryan Cordell steals (4) 2nd base, . Ryan Cordell advances to 3rd, on a throwing error by catcher Tim Federowicz. Garrett Cooper grounds out, third baseman Ryder Jones to first baseman Chris Marrero. Brett Phillips singles on a fly ball to center fielder Orlando Calixte. Ryan Cordell scores. Nate Orf grounds into a double play, second baseman Juan Ciriaco to shortstop Juniel Querecuto to first baseman Chris Marrero. Brett Phillips out at 2nd.

Coulter has been at AA for less than a year. A total of 55 games.

Oliver Drake has passed the 50 inning mark - thus making him ineligible for our next Prospect Poll.

Yeah, most stats show our defense has not been good. Pretty much everything you look at shows up below average - including team defensive fWAR, Defensive Runs Saved, UZR. Of those three, DRS has us at -1, which is just below average. But UZR and defensive WAR (this is from Fangraphs) has us right around 22nd or 23rd of the 30 major league teams.

Looking forward to gettin' a Sogard jersey.

I'm guessing Cordell. A little older guy. Doing well. He's been pretty consistent in his career. Solid, but nothing special. Not a big deal to start his arby clock. Phillips and Brinson can still use some seasoning. Just a guess.

Joantgel Segovia hits his first career home run!

Sky Sox Streak Snapped By Sacramento Cooper records five-RBI day in 17-7 defeat. By Robby Veronesi / Colorado Springs Sky Sox Garrett Cooper drove in five RBIs in Thursday's 17-7 loss to the Sacramento River Cats.. (Photo: Paat Kelly) Colorado Springs Box Score Thursday's game was about as brutal as it gets. With a 6-3 lead, the Sky Sox gave up 13 runs in the 7th, resulting in an ugly 17-7 lose to Sacramento. Tyler Cravy gave up a walk and three straight hits to lead off the 7th. Tim Dillard would get pounded even worse. He would give up two hits, walk three, hit a batter and throw a wild pitch. David Goforth then came in and was treated equally harshly, giving up three straight hits, including a three run homer. The Sky Sox bats actually weren't bad, producing seven runs on eight hits and five walks. Garrett Cooper (2-5, HR, 5 RBI) lead the team, hitting grand slam and driving in five runs. Lewis Brinson (2-4) and Ivan De Jesus Jr. (2-3) each had multiple hit games. The lose was the most forgettable of the year for the Sky Sox - who have been beating up on opponents of late. Cooper's 36 RBIs now leads the PCL. Colorado Springs Game Log 13 runs. Here’s the brutal reality. Sacramento Top of the 7th Juniel Querecuto walks. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Kyle Blanks replaces Roberto Gomez. Kyle Blanks singles on a ground ball to left fielder Brett Phillips. Juniel Querecuto to 2nd. Orlando Calixte doubles (6) on a line drive to left fielder Brett Phillips. Juniel Querecuto scores. Kyle Blanks to 3rd. Austin Slater doubles (5) on a line drive to center fielder Lewis Brinson. Kyle Blanks scores. Orlando Calixte scores. Pitching Change: Tim Dillard replaces Tyler Cravy, batting 7th. Defensive Substitution: Nate Orf replaces pitcher Tyler Cravy, batting 9th, playing second base. Chris Marrero walks. With Mac Williamson batting, wild pitch by Tim Dillard, Austin Slater to 3rd. Chris Marrero to 2nd. Mac Williamson walks. Tim Federowicz doubles (3) on a line drive to left fielder Brett Phillips. Austin Slater scores. Chris Marrero scores. Mac Williamson to 3rd. Juan Ciriaco out on a sacrifice fly to right fielder Ryan Cordell. Mac Williamson scores. Tim Federowicz to 3rd. Wynton Bernard hit by pitch. Juniel Querecuto singles on a line drive to left fielder Brett Phillips. Tim Federowicz scores. Wynton Bernard to 2nd. Kyle Blanks walks. Wynton Bernard to 3rd. Juniel Querecuto to 2nd. Pitching Change: David Goforth replaces Tim Dillard, batting 7th. Orlando Calixte singles on a ground ball to third baseman Ivan De Jesus Jr. Wynton Bernard scores. Juniel Querecuto to 3rd. Kyle Blanks to 2nd. Austin Slater doubles (6) on a fly ball to right fielder Ryan Cordell. Juniel Querecuto scores. Kyle Blanks scores. Orlando Calixte to 3rd. Chris Marrero homers (2) on a fly ball to right center field. Orlando Calixte scores. Austin Slater scores. Mac Williamson grounds out, shortstop Eric Sogard to first baseman Garrett Cooper. Tim Federowicz walks. Juan Ciriaco grounds into a force out, shortstop Eric Sogard to second baseman Nate Orf. Tim Federowicz out at 2nd.

Just curious as to where people see the rotation heading. List the five guys you think will be in the rotation on the following dates: August 1, 2017: April 1, 2018: August 1, 2018:

All the free publicity does squat if he can't deliver a product people want in the end. And a big part of that is Lonzo Ball. People will have to want to be part of that guy's brand. If he's just a 'meh' kind of player - it all will flame out.

With Braun's injuries - and he's got multiple this year (as noted by others) - I think it's a pipe dream that LA would want him at this time. Maybe if he can stay healthy for a couple of months they would be interested. The arm issue is really troublesome. I haven't seen the last couple of games, but from what I heard in the In-Game-Threads, people were saying he couldn't throw the ball with any authority. Having the DH would be really helpful for him.

Excellent article on Thames by Travis Sawchik at Fangraphs. He interviews Thames - amongst many other people - and goes into depth with Eric about his transformation as a player. It's really a good read - and demonstrates to process that Thames went through to change his approach as a player. http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/eric-thames-and-the-transformative-power-of-boredom/ The more I read about Thames - the more I like him.