Comments on: Midwest League Top 20

By: cardfanatic

cardfanatic — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 23:04:10 +0000

I want to thank you Jonathan for you comments… at least you have a good idea of what you are talking about. Let’s face it… most of the people who post on these sites are middle-aged men who only dream of having played pro ball with no real “first-hand” experience. No one else seems to have known about Brad’s arm problems but they all had plenty to say about his performance. I would love an update on Webb. I believe he had some arm issues as well.

By: azruavatar

azruavatar — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 03:21:13 +0000

I don’t think an agent is obligated to disclose who they are when commenting. If they aren’t convincing, I won’t listen to them anyway.

The wording of the comment irked me — not a lot but enough to garner a tongue in cheek response.

By: siddfynch

siddfynch — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 02:42:15 +0000

I’m glad you’re glad that Cariocacardinal approves, Azruavatar. Buy-in from the community on a web site is a good thing, no?

By: azruavatar

azruavatar — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:57:32 +0000

I’m glad you approve, cariocacardinal.

By: cariocacardinal

cariocacardinal — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 17:25:19 +0000

I have no problem with agents/representatives/family members posting as long as they give full disclosure as Jonathan did.

By: Erik

Erik — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 16:51:13 +0000

thanks for the explanation jonathan. i didn’t think just one level up would’ve proved to be such a challenge, glad he’s recovering well. really appreciate your input, we’ll be keeping a close eye on him for sure.

By: Jonathan Maurer

Jonathan Maurer — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 15:21:31 +0000

Hey gang, Jonathan here.. Brad’s agent. First let me say, I 100% ENJOYED the comments everyone left when I posted on the “top 20″ prospect list. I am just a regular guy who started with nothing and became an agent who LOVES reading about, working hard for and supporting his clients. The most “talked about” comment I made was Brad reaching St . Louis by 2008. Please let me clarify. The “2008 call” would be September at best, and yes, 2009 IS more likely. Let me break down “Brad” from what I “hear” from the team, etc. First, Brad just had SURGERY, that was the reason for Palm Beach issues. He could not straigten his arm fully the whole time he was there. THE GOOD NEWS, he will be throwing off the mound in 5 weeks and ready for spring. The ulnar nerve was sitting on the elbow and needed to be moved. Dr. Paletta said that he found a bone spur which also had caused problems and that is now gone. Brad sits at 91, touching 94-95 on his fastball. he pitches “up” in the zone in certain counts (0-2, 1-2) a bunch. His curve ball is “over the top” (and nasty)and his change-up is improving. I and Brad both were not big fans of the “piggy back” system in QC as Brad would often be “rolling” and then out he came. Starting, the preparation, using all your pitches, etc is completely differnt then relieving. It was an experience, but we are glad it is over. My gut feeling, Brad’s chance to start in Palm Beach (60%), Springfield (40%). A healthy, starting every five days Furnish will move “quickly” in the words of many. Brad has already caught the eye of Duncan, which is saying something also. Again, thank for your many comments. Just a little info… MANY agents “blog” and “post” and don’t use their real names. I always use my “real name” b/c it gives us all a chance to “talk shop” with authenticity! My website is msmsports.net. Call or email anytime and thanks for supporting Furnish. He really is a GREAT kid who happens to also be a hard-throwing lefty!!

By: Shhhh

Shhhh — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 14:16:08 +0000

Theres no way Furnish should have made this list. This is kind of unfair way to look at it, but look at the 20th ranked prospect on this list, Tyler Robertson. Kid was absolutely sick this season. To me Robertson and even Cahill were highly underrated on this list, and I would probably take both over Herron. Thats no knock on Herron though, to me these lists are pretty poorly made, but the info that comes with them is what I look at and what matters to me. As far as more on Furnish’s ETA, well he has to learn to do good in High A before even thinking about the bigs leagues, highly highly doubt he see’s St. Louis anytime in 2008.

By: Chris

Chris — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 13:59:57 +0000

Good point Whiteyball. It is a major crapshoot and there are always guys who start out off the radar screen of scouts and BA that end up being in the majors and producing.

Trust me a lot of agents may not post directly using their name on a fan forum, but agents DO always put information out there. How do you think that A-Rod to the Cubs with a package deal for him to get ownership after he’s done playing got out there? It is naive to think that agents aren’t using all types of media to get information out there, especially someone like Scott Boras. Agents are in the business of marketing their client, which can provide a multitude of advantages for their agency and the client themselves. What better place to market your minor league client than at a website with dedicated fans that follow minor league players. I personally love that Furnish’s agent posted what he did. I would love it if he posted more about Furnish, especially what the Cardinals told him he had to do to make it to the Cards by the end of 08. Agents get a lot more inside information about what the club wants the player to improve on and their scheduled track than anyone else here, so I say post away Jonathan and other agents.

By: whiteyball

whiteyball — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 13:17:24 +0000

Brett Anderson who was ranked Number 3 on the list was taken one spot after Furnish. The guy ranked right behind Herron, Omar Pavedo, is one of the most impressive pitchers I saw all summer. The kid is 19 with super smooth mechanics. So Herron being ranked ahead of him but not making the top 10 is not the end of the world. Take the time to go back an look at last year’s rankings. If you do, you will see that these rankings are a big crap shoot.