Future Redbirds

A few posts ago, I pointed out that at least according to the Minor League Splits Database, Colby Rasmus rates as a pretty bad outfielder. Jeff Sackmann, who runs the site uses David Gassko’s system in measuring range. I wondered who where the best and worst fielders in the system, and here’s what I found-

• Travis Hanson - 1069 innings- +25 runs above replacement, per 150 games +32. At the beginning of the season, Hanson was regarded as one of the Cards’ better hitting prospects. But in ‘06, his bat went to hell, and he posted a .573 OPS between Memphis and Springfield. That’s too bad, had he hit perhaps Rolen could’ve been trade bait this winter and netted that much needed starter for the rotation.
• Rico Washington - +20 RAA, +25 per 150 g. Not only did he have a good year at the plate, he also did well defensively at third base. I think I heard he re-upped for another go at Memphis.
• Shane Robinson - The Florida State alum and 2005 National Collegiate Player of the Year displayed great range in center, +20 RAR in 447 innings as Rasmus’s replacement for the Swing.
• Reid Gorecki - In the month of April, Gorecki had a 1.086 OPS and some thought he had finally broke out. For the rest of the season, he didn’t hit a lick. He did display some impressive range in center though, scoring a +17 RAA in 929 innings. Recently removed from the 40 man roster to make way for others.
• Terry Evans - It’s safe to say Evans for Weaver worked out, even if he does go on to have a productive career. He also was exceptional in the outfield, netting a +13 RAA in 937 innings. 

And now the ugly:

• Tommy Pham - A shortstop/pitcher in high school, Pham needs to get out of the infield. According to Gassko’s system, he was a bloody -31 runs in only 300 innings. Scouts said he was a butcher, but I find it hard to believing he allowed more runs with his glove then the times he crossed the plate. (26)
• Colby Rasmus -  -28 runs below average in CF in 1103 innings, but according to most of the scouting reports I’ve read, his range is pretty good. Maybe the system just doesn’t jive well with Colby for whatever reason.
• Bryan Anderson - 17 passed balls last season, the most in the Midwest League. Both Rasmus and Anderson have time on their side to develop their defense.
• Nick Stavinoha - -20 in 851 innings, -32 per 150. How much is the bad ankle to blame for his season at the plate and in the field?