Q&A
with Eddie Bane
(Director of Scouting of the LA Angels)
By
Chuck Richter Richter - Angelswin.com Founder & Executive
Editor
Eddie
Bane the Angels' scouting director and a former top pitching
prospect himself as a standout pitcher for the Sun Devils
from 1971-73, Eddie anchored two College World Series runner-up
teams, in 1972 and 1973. His college accolades read like
a laundry list of virtually every honor possible: A first-team
All American, an All-College World Series selection, the
1973 Sporting News Player of the Year -- and later, a first-round
draft pick. More specifically, Eddie led the ASU pitching
staff to the tune of 130 strikeouts and a 2.18 era in 1971,
213 strikeouts and a 0.99 era in 1972, and 192 strikeouts
in 1973. Over time, his accomplishments have proven to be
timeless.
Eddie's
numbers are as phenomenal today as they were some 25 years
ago. He still owns several ASU pitching records, including
the single-season record of 43 consecutive scoreless innings
in 1972. He posted a school record 0.99 era and 7 shutouts
that same year. His 505 strikeouts top the Sun Devil career
charts, and he owns the great distinction of throwing the
only perfect game in ASU baseball history. For you trivia
buffs, it was against Cal State Northridge on March 2, 1973.
Eddie
was a first-round draft pick of the Minnesota Twins in 1973
(11th pick overall), and went on to spend the 1973, 1975
and 1976 seasons with the club.
In
fact, since major league baseball began its free agent draft
in 1965, eddie is one of only 18 players to ever advance
directly to the major leagues without first playing in the
minors. He shares this distinction with such players as
Dave Winfield and Bob Horner.
In
1994, Baseball America named Eddie to its All-Time College
All-Star Team.
A
former scout for the Angels now as director of scouting
Bane was instrumental in the last two drafts with luring
in Jered Weaver and Trevor Bell for its two top picks, but
more importantly snagging late rounders Nick Adenhart, Mark
Trumbo & in '05 Tommy Mendoza (5th round) & Peter
Bourgous (10th) who have a chance to be steals when we look
back on the his first two drafts a few years down the road.
So
with that, let's get proceed to the Q&A session this
month, with Eddie Bane.
The
Bane Connection - April (2008) Edition
by Chuck Richter - Angelswin.com Founder
& Executive Editor
April 28th, 2008
Q:
(Angelswin) - Hope you've been well the last month since
we last chatted, Eddie. What's new as Director of Scouting
of the Los Angeles Angels?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- Hey guys. Travel, hotels, watching games, renting cars
and seeing a lot of airports. Not much else except that
wonderful road food that keeps us scouts in such tremendous
condition.
Q: (Angelswin) - The Salt Lake Bees are 21-1 as of
right now, going into Sunday's game. What an amazing feat
they've accomplished. What an amazing roster. Your thoughts?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- I think you also need to realize that this team in Salt
Lake is made up of a lot of home grown players that are
prospects. A lot of them will be needed over the course
of the season to help at the Major League level, but it
is quite a testament to these players and Bobby Mitchell
that they are keeping their focus and playing the game hard
and with great concentration. A lot of times in todays game
3A is an older group that is playing out the string. Not
the case at all with the Salt Lake team. Nick Green, Nick
Adenhart, Thompson, Arredondo, Morales, Willits, Coon, Brandon
Wood, Freddy Sandoval and several others are all homegrown
and they are all legit major leaguers that will all play
at that level if they can stay healthy.
Q: (Angelswin) - I noticed that Nick Adenhart's SO/BB
ratio is 19-15. That is not very good in my opinion, despite
his low ERA. Is he working on something in Salt Lake? Or
is he instructed to "Pitch to Contact" rather
than go for the whiffs?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- I certainly do not see it that way at all. Nick is a guy
that has an ERA under 1.00 in the PCL which is tradionally
a hitters league. He is pitching against a lot of older
guys and he is 21 years old. Nick Adenhart is probably the
best pitching prospect in the game right now and we are
lucky to have him and lucky to have him healthy. He continues
to work hard and just today I noticed he blew away Fresno
for 8 innings. I really do not care what the SO/BB ratio
is when a pitcher has as low an ERA as Adenhart does. Sometimes
with stats we can make baseball a lot harder than it is.
As the old scout saying goes, "the hitters will tell
you how good a guy is throwing"....... and the hitters
have let us know that Nick is throwing the ball extremely
well.
Q: (Angelswin) - Speaking of "Pitch to Contact".
Can you explain to our readers what this means and if it's
beneficial to a starting pitcher? Additionally is it only
taught to those who do not have a knock out pitch to generate
K's?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- "Pitching to contact" is one of my least favorite
sayings in todays vernacular and my scouts know that. Koufax
and Ryan never pitched to contact. Blyleven did not. I guess
the term means to get the ball over the plate early in the
count, but if that is what you want to say then just say
that. My scouts know not to say, "pitches to contact"........
" the guy has electric stuff" or that a "pitcher
is bumping 95" on the radar gun. I only went to Arizona
State so I don't know what that stuff means.
To answer
the question you cannot teach a pitcher to "pitch to
contact". You can get the ball over the plate more
often, but that only helps the guys with marginal command.
Q: (Angelswin) - Matt Brown, a later bloomer, future
starter? or is he just on a hot streak, still projecting
as a reserve infielder or utility player in the big leagues?
What do the Angels and your scouts think of him? Do they
view him as a future starter or?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- Matt Brown has always been a good player. He is hard on
himself sometimes and that is tough in a 162 game season.
We certainly see him as a major league player. No doubt
about that, but he has to find a spot with the Angels and
carve that spot out. That is not easy.
Q: (Angelswin) - Injury update: When can we see the
likes of H. Conger, M. Sweeney, C, Pettit, J. Haynes, M.
Gonzalez, R. Mount and Young-Il to name a few, back in action
with one of the affiliates?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- Our group at Rancho (Conger, Sweeney, Mount and some others)
are working their way back slowly and when the medical people
give them the ok then they can play. Same with all of our
injured players. We know it is frustrating to all involved
not to see these guys, but it is much more frustrating to
the individuals themselves as all of these kids have great
makeup and it is really killing them not to be playing now.
On another front Ryan Aldridge came back the other day and
was throwing bullets in an Arizona game.
Q: (Angelswin) - Speaking of which. Who has looked
good in extended spring training? Any buzz from the coaches
and scouts for any of the prospects in Arizona?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- Ty Boykin and his coaches do a great job with those guys
and they work incredibly hard. As I said one of the names
I was encouraged by was Ryan Aldridge and seeing his velocity
in the mid 90's again.
Q: (Angelswin) - At what point in the season do you
start making personnel decisions on what type of season
you think the team/player will have? 1 month, 2 months?,
Longer? Is there a timetable where you feel it is more than
just a hot streak/slump and more of a trend/indicator of
the year's performance?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- I think you can relate that more to the injured players
than anyone else. The position players need to get 300 or
more at bats in order to get evaluated for the move up a
level next season. That is why it is important that Sweeney,
Conger, Mount and others get back ASAP. Everybody evaluates
the players a lot when the season first starts, but it is
important to get the entire body of work for the season.
It is only natural though and expected to scout the players
hard when you personally see them. That is because a good
scout trusts his eyes and knows what he is looking at and
does not need someone else telling him what he saw.
Q: (Angelswin) - There seems to be a drastic discrepancy
in terms of leagues so that every other year if a player
progresses normally they will go from a pitcher league to
a hitters league then to a pitchers and back to a hitters.
Was this formulated by the org on purpose or is it just
happenstance?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- I would agree that the jump to the Cal League from the
Midwest League is a tough one for pitchers. The toughest
jump though by far is from 3A to the Major Leagues. Those
are the best players in the world and if you can compete
with those guys you can compete anywhere.
Q: (Angelswin) - Have Michael Collins, Mark Trumbo
and Robert Mosebach turned a corner? So far so good in 2008,
performance wise.
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- All three are really good looking young players that we
think will help the Angels at some point. Trumbo got an
opportunity to show his massive power when he was in big
league spring training. Others got to witness the power
and it helped Mark to know that it would not take super
human effort for him to play with those guys. Power is the
last tool to come at the major league level and Trumbo is
comfortable with that now.
Mosebach
has always been a superior prospect, but for some reason
the media and others tend to overlook him. We, in the organization
certainly do not.
Q: (Angelswin) - Could you tell us more about Kevin
Jepsen? What does he throw, where is he developmentally,
etc. I remember when he was with Cedar Rapids a few years
back, he was throwing in the mid 90's and had a nice breaking
ball. Has he regained the velocity he once had before his
shoulder injury?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- Jepsen is a young pitcher that threw really really hard
when we first signed him and then he got hurt and was on
the backburner for a few years. With hard work and total
dedication he has put himself firmly back in the picture
as a legit prospect. Yes, the velocity is mostly all back.
Q: (Angelswin) - Could you compare the stuff of Jose
Arredondo, Stephen Marek, Kevin Jepsen and Ryan Braiser?
Which one has the best shot of becoming an ML closer?
A:
(Eddie Bane) -
Tough to answer who has closer stuff. Closer stuff and closer
mentality are 2 completely different things. Takes a lot
of stones to throw the 9th inning no matter what Bill James
says and I like James' work. All those guys have plenty
of fastball to do that job, but it takes a lot more than
a fastball to pitch the 9th. Right now though we have one
of the best closers in the game in Frankie so I am happy
with that for now.
Q: (Angelswin) - Could you compare Erick Aybar and
Brandon Wood defensively at SS? Do you think Sean Rodriguez
profiles best at 2B or at another position?
A:
(Eddie Bane) -
Aybar has a spectacular glove with plus range. Erick is
working really hard with Alfredo Griffin to make the steady
plays. He will be a plus defensive shortstop in the big
leagues for a long time. Brandon Wood is steady and makes
all the plays with an above average arm and glove. Brandon
needs to pay attention to advance scouting, spray charts
and all the other stuff to get an edge on players at the
big league level. Fortunately he has such great makeup that
he will do whatever it takes to get an edge. Can you imagine
a SS that has 30 homerun potential? Wood has that potential.
Yes,
Sean will play a lot of 2B only because of all the SS prospects
that we have. He can still play short though. In addition
to Wood and Aybar, we have both Statia and Romine on express
trains. As I said before a friend that scouts with Tampa
told me that he would take "any of your shortstops,
We dont care which one, just give us one of them including
Izturis."
You
have to be careful though as the Blue Jays had Michael Young,
Cesar Izturis, Felipe Lopez and Chris Woodward a few years
ago. They gave away all the good ones and kept Chris Woodward.
Oops.
Q: (Angelswin) - Ken Rosenthal reported that some
scouts believe Howie Kendrick should play LF next season
because he does not turn the double play very well. Are
the Angels scouts saying the same thing?, or is this just
a Sports reporter pulling stuff out of the air?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- I really respect Ken Rosenthal and his writing, but he
and those scouts are "Way OFF Base" on this one.
Howie Kendrick has made himself through hard work and great
coaching into a really good defender. That includes the
double play. People want to get on Howie about the DP because
he is so tough that he hangs around and is not afraid of
getting dirty from a hard slide. He takes the runner and
still makes a good accurate throw.
As I
have said before, Howie Kendrick will win a batting title.
If he can stay away from the injuries (which he has always
done before the last season or two) Kendrick will be an
all-star at 2ndbase. He and Pedroia from the Red Sox should
fight it out for the All-Star spot every year for a long
time.
Chuck Richter - Eddie as always, the fans, the entire staff
and community at Angelswin.com and myself, appreciate your
time.
Eddie
Bane - I have stated a lot that I really enjoy hearing from
the fans at Angelswin.com and I learn a lot by getting their
ideas and questions. Keep them coming as it makes me think
when guys write about stuff. PS. If you have kids tell them
not to "pitch to contact" and try to strike every
kid on the other team out so that scouts will notice them.
That should keep the young scouts and their toes for awhile.
The
Bane Connection - March (2008) Edition
by Chuck Richter - Angelswin.com Founder
& Executive Editor
March 29th, 2008
Eddie
Bane was kind enough to get with us via satellite from Gulfport,
Mississippi to complete the March edition of "The Bane
Connection".
In this
month's edition, the majority of the questions were derived
from Angelswin.com members. So, let's dig right into the
interview with Scouting Director of the Los Angeles Angels,
Eddie Bane.
Q:
(Angelswin) - First of all, Congratulations on being
inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame. So what
was that like, the ceremony and feeling after receiving
the award? Some of our viewers may not have followed your
college career, so what one game performance from a personal
standpoint do you look back on in College and say, that
was my best performance?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- Thanks everyone for the HOF thoughts. Very nice. The induction
ceremony is in Lubbock, Texas in July. Any time you go in
anything with Jackie Robinson you have to feel very honored.
I do not look back on one single performance at ASU, but
the times I had with my buddies and team are what I will
always think about.
Q:
(Angelswin) - Ok, back to Angels talk. One of our AW.com
members had this question for you: How does the organization
determine when to promote a prospect from one level to the
next? Are there specific skills that the Angels want a prospect
to develop at each level before earning a promotion to the
next level? If so what are they? (for example, are there
certain leagues where the coaches will teach or stress a
changeup more or bunting more than others or are there more
targets in terms of overall production?)
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- Great question. I think the thing that we see is the complete
stress and emphasis on the fundamentals of the game and
especially baserunning from the moment they sign. The Angels
definitely have established an "Angel Way" to
play baseball and that is a nice satisfaction to all of
us.
As far
as promotion goes we like to think that a player will let
you know when it is time to move him to a higher level.
One thing we are facing now is the fierce competition we
have at all levels. You simply would have a hard time walking
into the Angels organization now and just moving up the
ladder without earning the next spot. Just look at the competition
at shortstop.
Romine,
Phillips, Statia, Rodriguez, Aybar, Izturis and Wood are
all certainly on the radar screen as possible major league
shortstops. I had a scout from another club tell me the
other day, "We don't care who it is, just give us any
of your shortstops!" Pretty nice compliment. I think
the pitching coaches at the earliest levels make all of
our young pitchers throw their change.
Q:
(Angelswin) - Since different minor leagues are known
as either hitter leagues or pitcher leagues, and some are
known for having substandard fields, how much does the organization
discount the stats for each of its affiliates leagues? How
does (Eddie Bane) view each of the leagues for our affiliates
in terms of hitters league, pitchers league, fielding, etc?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- Minor league fields (the surfaces) are getting so much
better that it is getting easier to evaluate that part of
the players ability. But, we know going in, that the Cal
League's offensive numbers are going to be high for many
reasons. Tough league to pitch. In Cedar Rapids you look
for the young guys and how they adjust to playing every
single day. That is a tough grind. Everyone likes stats
to support their side of the coin, but as scouts we have
to look deeper than that.
Q:
(Angelswin) - How much does the organization factor
age into evaluating a prospect?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- The Angels draft a lot of high school players. That gives
the young players a chance to learn the "Angel Way"
of baseball at a young age. Age plays a huge factor in evaluation
in our organization. I tell our amateur scouts when they
are looking at players now that Bourjos, O'Sullivan, Mount,
Bell and Phillips would all be in the '08 draft if they
had went to college. So if one of my guys is telling me
how good a centerfielder at a college is then I want to
hear how he compares to Peter Bourjos. That usually tempers
his enthusiasm because there is not a centerfielder in college
right now that compares favorably to Peter.
Q:
(Angelswin) - How does an organization come to the conclusion
as to when a prospect goes from "sure thing" to
"bust". In addition to that, at what point does
the GM & scouts get the feeling it isn't going to work
out for a prospect because either the player is blocked
or needs more time in the minors, something the Major League
club cannot wait on. ?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- I don't ever look at it that way. Last season Darren O'Day
was considered a pitcher in our organization that was a
very good thing to have. Now he is on the verge of making
our ball club. I like to make sure the guys get a chance
to play in front of Mike, Tony and Butcher and let them
determine their value instead of having someone else do
it.
Q:
(Angelswin) - How active are the Angels in Latin America?
When reading reports about prospects I rarely see the Angels
listed as having scouted or in on the signing the players.
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- Clay Daniel is our international scouting director and
he works with me on signing Latin American players. I would
say that you only need look at Aybar, Morales, Santana and
Frankie Rodriquez to see his impact. We also traded away
Alexi Casilla and a couple others to help our major league
club. We also have Anel Delosantos and some good looking
outfield prospects to go with the 4 guys at the major league
level. Clay is also active in Asia and Australia and signed
Rich Thompson who will help our ML club at some point this
season.
Q:
(Angelswin) - How much do you value statistics in regards
to college players?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- Our area scouts pay attention to the stats quite a bit,
but we have to look a lot deeper than that. I did, one time,
draft a player because he was the best hitter on his team
even though he had a bad body, at the time, and was a short
catcher. That player was Paul LoDuca and that worked out
pretty well.
Q:
(Angelswin) - Does the organization establish specific
goals for each player at the start of the season? If so,
how is the process handled (i.e. is there someone who handles
it throughout the organization or is it handled by the staff
at each level).
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- You would not believe how thorough that part of the player
profile is. Each player has a file and each player knows
exactly what is expected of him. The days of the "Bull
Durham" type minor league stuff are pretty much over.
Q:
(Angelswin) - We (the fans) always hear about a team
"show-casing a player" in anticipation of a trade.
How much show-casing really happens?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- Showcasing a player for the Angels would almost never
happen. Our goal at the major league level is to win the
World Series every single season so Mike and his staff are
doing everything they can at the Major League level to win
every game. That would prevent "showcasing" a
player in my mind. Besides scouts at the major level work
hard during batting practice or early work to attempt to
see what they need to on every player.
Q:
(Angelswin) - Will Kendry Morales play any OF or 3B
in SLC this year if he doesn't make the 25 man roster?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- Kendry is getting ready to make a big splash in the major
leagues this season in my opinion. Let's just let it play
out and see what happens. Some versatility would not hurt
him at all though, we'll see.
Q:
(Angelswin) - The Angels losing Escobar for perhaps
the entire season and Lackey a couple months, do you have
any doubt that Adenhart can step in and be successful on
the major league level right now ?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- Nick Adenhart had a nice spring and put himself firmly
in the mind of Mike, Tony and Butcher. Now he has to climb
the last part of the mountain. Nick's goals are not to pitch
in the Major Leagues. Nick wants to be a front of the rotation
pitcher and if he stays healthy I have no doubts that will
happen. He is that kind of pitcher.
Q:
(Angelswin) - Will the Angels consider converting Mark
Trumbo back to pitching?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- Mark Trumbo showed the major league staff in spring training
the tremendous power that all of us scouts have seen. He
has as much power as anyone in baseball. We all think this
is a big year for him and believe that he will thrive in
Rancho this season.
Q:
(Angelswin) - Who did you have in your NCAA pool to
make it to the Final Four?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- My bracket was blown up by being a homer. I had U of A
winning some games and USC winning some games. I got most
of the Final 4 correct along with everybody else in the
country, but I did not see Davidson and Louisville doing
what they are doing.
Angelswin.com
Members - As always, please communicate how much we, the
fans, love the time you give us in answering our questions.
Thanks, and talk to you next month.
Eddie
Bane - I enjoy doing this and hope the fans like reading
what the scouting department has to say on this stuff. Thanks
again, Eddie Bane.
The
Bane Connection - February (2008) Edition
by Chuck Richter - Angelswin.com Founder
& Executive Editor
February 26th, 2008
Q: (Angelswin) - Today the full squad reports to
spring training, but catchers and pitchers have been around
for over a week now, what have you seen or heard in camp
of who's making a good impression on the mound, behind the
dish and at the plate?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- Hi folks, nice to talk with you again. My job almost insures
that I will know almost nothing except what I read and hear
about spring training. We have great pro scouts led by Gary
Sutherland who watch everything in Tempe. Tony is also a
really good scout and he is watching everyday as is Bill
Stoneman and Ken Forsch. We have plenty of eyes in Arizona.
In addition, the coaches and Mike are evaluating every day.
Lastly, it is much too early to put a value on what is going
on right now. As an old friend and scout of mine, Moose
Johnson said, "I'm going to wait until the blocking
and tackling starts before I make a choice."
Q:
(Angelswin) - With all of the Francisco Rodriguez contract
talks worrying some fans about him potentially walking at
season end, who in the minors if that happens, do you think
has the mentality, as well as the skills, to be a future
closer or set up guy for the Angels?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- Frankie's deal is way over my pay grade. Let's see how
that comes out over time.
You
always are looking at minor league pitchers and what roles
they can fill in the big leagues. Stephen Marek is the name
everyone talks about because he did that job at San Jacinto.
Darren O'Day has a feel for pitching in relief. Even Jordan
Walden's name gets thrown in because he throws so darn hard,
but it is far too early for Walden's name to be in any discussion
like that. We would like to see a big year out of a pitcher
like Ryan Aldridge also.
Q:
(Angelswin) - Do you see anyone skipping a level to
start the 2008 minor league season? Some have said Walden
may skip Cedar Rapids and start in Rancho Cucamonga. What
can you tell us about that and who is on the "fast
track" to Anaheim in your opinion?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- We have a lot of guys that could be on a so-called fast
track, but in this organization we have good players at
every level so you have to earn your way. If say, Sean O'Sullivan
wants to get to Arkansas this year then the opportunity
is there, but he will have to pitch better than the other
guys in Rancho. Pretty simple process.
Q:
(Angelswin) - Ervin Santana finished the season strong
out of the bullpen which included some successful spot starts,
while having a very good winter ball showing in the Dominican.
What has Ervin done to improve his game from September of
2007 until now?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- Ervin Santana is still a young man. He gets penalized
because he had success in the major leagues at a young age.
Fair or not that is the way it is. Look how many games Ervin
has won at his age. Then look at some of the Baseball America
sweethearts in the minor leagues. The "sweethearts"
on other teams minor league rosters are often older than
a pitcher like Santana. The Angels do not shy away from
signing college players, but the younger the player, the
more time we have to get the player to be an "Angel
baseball player".
Believe
me the baseball industry certainly recognizes what an "Angel
baseball player" looks like. We are thrilled to have
Ervin Santana in our organization and I wish we could sign
10 more just like him on the international market.
Q:
(Angelswin) - What plans are ahead for Kendry Morales?
It seems like he has no position to play with the big league
club and the DH spot is being filled by 4-5 outfielders.
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- Kendry Morales is as good a hitter as the Angels have.
Guys like Morales will play. No doubt about that. Kendry
still has work to do and needs to do those things with the
bat and with the glove. He will. Nobody in the major leagues
has so many hitters that they cannot find a spot for a hitter
with this type of plus plus power and the plus bat that
Kendry has. He is still really young and somewhat like Ervin
Santana, seeing it appears that he has been around a long
time, but that is only because he was playing at a very
high level at a very young age. We are thrilled with Kendry
and see him progressing nicely for us and we look forward
to him getting plenty of at bats this season.
Q:
(Angelswin) - Speaking of winter ball, Erick Aybar had
a tough time both on offense and more importantly for him,
on defense in the Dominican. What's going on with Erick
and do you think he should be the front runner for the starting
SS job, or would you prefer Brandon Wood or Maicer Izturis
for the opening gig at SS? Is Brandon Wood defensively up
to par with Aybar and Izturis right now?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- My preferences on who I like will be known only to other
Angels employees, unfortunately for our readers. Wood can
play defense at shortstop with anyone. Brandon will benefit
from advance reports greatly because his positioning on
each player will be really important. The ball gets on the
defender quicker at the big league level because a big man
is the one hitting the ball. When Vlad Guerrero hits a ball
it gets on the hitter quickly.
Macier
Izturis can play SS in the major leagues. Erick Aybar will
be evaluated on how he plays this spring and how he has
played for the Angels in the past. Alfredo Griffin is a
true infield genius and Rob Piccilo in the minor leagues
give Erick as much help as he will ever need. Scouts should
have to pay money in order to sit and listen to Griffin
and Rob talk about infield play. I certainly trust our infielders
with those guys and anything they come up with good enough
for me.
Q:
(Angelswin) - With the talented group of prospects at
Rancho Cucamonga this year, do you think you'll make it
out often to see the Quakes in 2008? What a team the Quakes
are going to have this year, I'm predicting good things
from the farmhands that assemble at the Epicenter.
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- Our Rancho club is going to be the place to be this season.
Players like Mount, Phillips, O'Sullivan, Trevor Bell and
others would be in this amateur draft if they had not signed.
They would all be 1st round players if in this draft. But,
they also to a man are happy they signed with the Angels
and got their career started. Mark Trumbo may be in Rancho
and if we can get tap into his power potential this year
then people in Rancho will see some of the longest Home
Runs they have seen in awhile. Matt Sweeney and Hank Conger
should also be in Rancho and they are 2 players that would
not even be in this situation if they had went to college.
I like
the way Arte lets us develop players. We are allowed to
take HS players and let them progress. Some other teams
will take college players and let them get to the big leagues
quicker than the Angels will. Our philosophy is that the
new players have to get in line and beat out the guys in
front of them. Look at the rotation in Rancho this year
and a prospect will be pitching every single night. I don't
see any other organization being able to do that.
Q:
(Angelswin) - When you talk to opposing teams' scouts,
what Angels prospect is mentioned with glowing reports the
most from them?
A:
(Eddie Bane) -
Teams usually start paying extra attention to your players
when they get to the Cal League level. But, they already
know about the obvious guys like Adenhart, Conger, Sweeney
and a few others. Obviously, the good teams like the Twins
nabbed Alexi Casilla from us a few years ago when Terry
Ryan scouted him in Cedar Rapids. Scouts are everywhere
and they know where the good players are and in what organizations
they play in. One of our good problems is that we are starting
to get some backup and guys are going to have to beat out
another good player to make it to the show. Good problem
to have, but we need to make good choices and put the right
guys on the field.
Abe
Flores only has so many innings in the minor leagues and
the right players need to get those innings.
Q:
(Angelswin) - Eddie, what can you tell us about the
amateur draft and what a day in the life of draft day for
Eddie Bane and the Angels is like?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- The other day in Houston, Texas was typical from what
I want in our Angels scouts and myself. Kevin Ham knew about
a HS pitcher throwing at 10:30. The game started at 10,
but we made it because our guys are always early. At 12
noon I was able to get Robbie Grossman, a HS hitter at Cy
Fair in Texas, in batting practice. A couple innings of
that game and then a HS match up of pitchers at 3:30.
Fortunately,
the 3:30 game was close to the Bush Airport in Houston.
The flight to Phoenix left on time and when I drove by ASU
after landing in Phoenix I noticed the lights were on. I
walked into ASU's ballpark at 9:30 and Miami of Ohio was
playing Oregon St. I noticed that most all of the scouts
were gone except Bo Hughes, our west coast supervisor. Bo
was still at the game and still working. Other clubs may
do this type work, but I am sure that our Angels scouts
work like this each and every day.
I wish
there were more days like these where you got 6 players
in one day, but sometimes you have to hunt and peck to see
just one draft.
Q:
(Angelswin) - Following up that question, has Tony Reagins
communicated to you any changes as far as who to draft in
this years' 2008 amateur draft. Do the Angels go for best
available, HS over College? Positional need, or closest
to the big leagues?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- Tony has communicated to me that he wants us to get it
"right". I understand what that means. Find the
player, sign the player and then go do it again and again.
That is what I love and Tony knows that. I look forward
to it and also look forward to getting into Latin America
more often and helping Clay Daniel with some of the big
time guys in Latin America. Also want to see if we can find
more Young Il Yung's in Asia. He was hurt last year, but
this young man, if healthy has a huge future.
Q:
(Angelswin) - What player or players do you predict
has a break out year in 2008 (Like Brok Butcher, Nick Green,
Chris Pettit and Sean O'Sullivan did in '07) and why?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- That is all up to the players themselves. The players
in Rancho have been able to play together for quite awhile
now. Orem, Cedar Rapids and now Rancho. This will be the
last time that will happen in my opinion. 5-6 of these guys
in Rancho are going to have huge years and will be knocking
on the door in Orange County real soon. The players need
to understand how really close they are now to being major
leaguers ball players.
As far
as big years I would think Pettit wants to prove last year
was for real. Green is being shown a golden opportunity
and O'Sullivan could be on the door step in no time because
he has feel for pitching unlike any of our other guys. Sean
just does not throw strikes. Sean throws the ball where
he wants just like really good major league pitchers do.
Sean has to get in(he has) good shape and stay there. The
game comes easy for Sean and sometimes that can be a hindrance.
I know scouts in SoCal are kicking themselves for talking
themselves out of O'Sullivan when he was an amateur.
Q:
(Angelswin) - Injuries in camp, are there any players
that have been shut down due to injuries and will get a
late start heading into the 2008 minor league season?
A:
(Eddie Bane) - Not that I know of, but then again
that is more of an Abe Flores question. One thing on Abe
Flores. Abe was my asst for my first years with the Angels.
With the changes Abe become our minor league director. I
had no idea all the things that Abe did to make my job easier.
He will do a great job, but he is missed. His job is being
taken now by Tory Hernandez with some of the stuff in Justin
Hollander's camp. Tory is really really good. He even is
able to help with our arbitration stuff while still knowing
what is going on will all of my scouts on the road. Pretty
incredible stuff.
Q:
(Angelswin) - Finally, on a personal note, this was
a long off-season, what did Eddie Bane do during the off-season?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- Eddie Bane does not have an off-season and none of my
scouts do either.
Somebody
plays baseball almost every day of the year now. Guys organize
camps that run on Christmas Eve for heavens sake and a guy
like Bear Bryant in Alabama will always leave me a message
that he saw some kid play in Mississippi on Christmas Eve.
That is his way of topping our other guys and showing how
hard they work. It is a good thing to have guys trying to
outwork each other and our guys do it every single day.
The
only thing that really happened baseball and personal-wise
in the off-season was that I was informed that I am a finalist
for the College Baseball Hall of Fame and that my youngest
daughter Veronica had a big year at Chapman GPA-wise. She
is a great kid.
The
inductees will be announced shortly so we shall see what
happens with that. Just being a finalist is an overwhelming
thought for me. People for some reason have a long memory
from my playing days at ASU. It also helps working for Arte
Moreno and the Angels, it keeps your name in the limelight.
Lastly,
good luck to the Angelswin.com readers. I really love the
fact that so many people care about the Angels. That is
a great feeling. Thanks a lot folks and good luck to all
in the upcoming baseball season.
This
concludes our time with Eddie Bane for this month's feature.
Check back with us in March for the next edition of "The
Bane Connection". Also, feel free to send questions
to us that we may be able to pass on to Eddie for future
columns at: chuck@angelswin.com
The
Bane Connection - October (2007) Edition
by Chuck Richter - Angelswin.com Founder
& Executive Editor
October 29th, 2007
In this
month's edition of the Bane Connection we asked Eddie some
questions that have nothing to do with the Angels future
stars, but rather switched gears this month and had him
tell us a little bit about Eddie the person, ex-ball player
& scout.
Eddie
has been kind enough to share not only his insight &
insider info on all of the Angels future stars throughout
the season and in this edition, about himself. With this
being the last edition in 2007, until late Feb of 2008 when
pitchers & catchers report, let's all give Eddie a round
of applause for his efforts & contributions for not
only the Angelswin.com community, but for all of the fans
& readers of this monthly segment on the net.
With
no further ado, let's proceed with the interview entitled......
The Lighter side of Eddie Bane
Q: (Angelswin) - How did you get into baseball?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- Hi folks, guys and girls. Welcome to another Bane Connection
and let's get going. First of all I hope you guys are getting
to watch my ASU Sun Devils in football. That is one of my
diversions off the field and we have to keep that quiet
around Mr Moreno and Dennis Kuhl and John Carpino as they
are huge University of Arizona fans.
I started
in baseball like every other kid by playing in Little League
and having great parents who helped me along the way. Went
to High School in Westminster and then on to ASU and was
drafted by the Twins after 3 years as a SunDevil and then
was fortunate enough to go directly to the major leagues
and play for the Twins. Got the chance to play baseball
with Rod Carew, Harmon Killebrew, Tony Oliva, Larry Hisle,
Lymon Bostock, Bert Blyleven (who should be in the Hall
of Fame) Danny Thompson, Roy Smalley and many other great
players. Jim Kaat though was the one that took me under
his wing and guided me through all tough times. And, had
the chance to learn from Gene Mauch, who I consider the
smartest baseball person I was ever around.. After playing
professionally I started at the bottom rung of scouting
and was lucky enough to move up to my current position of
Director of Scouting.
Q: (Angelswin) - Most memorable game from a personal
performance standpoint?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- My most memorable pro game would probably be either my
first win against the WC Oakland A's or the first game of
my career when I pitched in front of the biggest crowd in
the history of the Old Met in Minneapolis when the people
showed up to see the college hot-shot pitch against the
KC Royals. I pitched 7 innings with 3 hits and left the
game leading 2-1. We blew the lead, but those things happen.
Q: (Angelswin) - Most memorable game you witnessed
from a fans' standpoint?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- I was working for the Dodgers when Kirk Gibson hit the
homerun to beat Oakland. Knowing some of the background
only people with the club would know and having my dad and
kids at the game made it really special.
Q: (Angelswin) - What was your worst scouting trip
you ever had?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- It is almost impossible to have a bad day scouting. I
do remember coming back from a game in Mexicali where they
had no cabs, in a rough area and I rode in the back of a
pig farmers truck to the border...... with me and the pigs
in the back. I was happy to get the ride. You also see some
unique things when scouting in the south that you just don't
see anywhere else. Fighting parents etc. always add to the
spectacle. But, by and large it is scouting and that is
a ton of fun.
Q: (Angelswin) - What do you like best about your
job?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- In the end the job is all encompassing. The thought that
everyday you still believe you are going to find that one
Roy Hobbs hid out somewhere that nobody else knows about.
I still love the travel, hotels, food, rent-a-cars and the
entire thing.
Q: (Angelswin) - Best Major Leaguer you've signed
to date?
A:
(Eddie Bane) -
I have been fortunate enough to be around and help sign
(you always help sign as it is never a one man operation)
all-stars and Cy Young award winners. I helped sign Albert
Belle, Cory Snyder, Eric Gagne, Paul LoDuca, Carl Crawford
and many others with the other clubs, but the best player
I have ever signed in my mind is Paul Konerko. Paul is also
at the top of the list as far as good people I have signed
also. I really care about Konerko and he feels the same
way about me. I have known Paul since he was 13 years old
as he was a childhood friend of my son, Jaymie.
Q: (Angelswin) - What's a week in the life of a scout
like?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- Different months of the year are completely different,
but if you take the month of April or May every day of the
month for say my national crosscheckers, Jeff Malinoff and
Ric Wilson is constant travel. Up in the morning (early
6am) fly for a couple of hours, get a rent-a-car, use the
GPS, find the ballpark, find a hotel, get room service,
shower, get on the computer, watch tv for an hour, try and
get some sleep and then get up and do the same thing again
everyday for about 20-30 days in a row. All sandwiched around
keeping up with the voice mail and trying to see how your
kid did in his math test or soccer game.
But,
I would not change it for anything.
Q: (Angelswin) - What is the best prank you have
seen in the clubhouse or dugout?
A:
(Eddie Bane) -
Oh, they are all over the place. Best one I ever did was
convincing the front desk that they needed to call our Latino
pitcher, Juan Vientedos, every hour all night to remind
him to take his medicine for his bad arm. I told them that
no matter how much he yelled at them that they needed to
call him every hour on the hour. He would complain to them
in Spanish, but they reliably called him back on the dot
every hour. He was down at the front desk about ready to
trade blows at 5 in the morning, but it was pretty funny.
Q: (Angelswin) - Favorite city to travel to when
scouting?
A:
(Eddie Bane) -
2 places very diverse. New York City is the most fun place
in the world with the plays, etc. And, you cannot beat the
state of Mississippi or Alabama for the hospitality and
the beauty of the people.
Q: (Angelswin) - Ever second guess yourself for a
scouting decision on a kid and have it come back to haunt
you?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- Sure, all the time. Most notable was Bill Bene my first
year with the Dodgers. I was headstrong in love with a pitcher
named Bill Bene with a great, 100 mph arm. I went right
by and did not want to hear about a 3rd baseman at Oklahoma
St. named Robin Ventura. Oops.
Q: (Angelswin) - How do you think Tony Reagins will
do as a Major League General Manager?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- Tony will do an excellent job as GM of the Angels. We
will miss Bill a lot, but I thought it was a great choice
to stay in-house and use Tony's attributes as a GM. He has
been schooled in being the GM and he will use his people
and he has plus baseball skills himself so I look forward
to a continuation of the success we have had with the Angels.
It is
tough for baseball to lose Terry Ryan, Bill Stoneman and
John Schuerholz all in one offseason. All great baseball
people, but it is just a reminder that time marches on.
Q: (Angelswin) - Last book you read?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- Secret Servant by Daniel Silva. Read that along with the
book titled 'Texas' by James Michener at the same time.
I am a big reader.
Q: (Angelswin) - Favorite kind of music?
A:
(Eddie Bane) -
All kinds, but the Beach Boys is what I get freaky over.
Q: (Angelswin) - Favorite vacation spot in the offseason?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- Lake Tahoe. It has everything. Outdoors, golf, the serenity
of the woods and the indoors of the Nevada type stuff.
Q: (Angelswin) - Favorite food & place to eat?
A:
(Eddie Bane) -
Garcia's Mexican restaurant.
Q: (Angelswin) - What was your worst job?
A:
(Eddie Bane) -
I moved bricks, mud and dirt around one day in a moving
project. That was when I was positive sports were going
to be a better way to go.
Q: (Angelswin) - What is your hobby? (Not Baseball
related)?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- I am a pretty good golfer(about a 7 handicap), but my
favorite thing to do is either read history or go to Broadway
shows. If you ever need a review of Les Mis, Jersey Boys
or Mamma Mia then I am your guy.
Q: (Angelswin) - Lastly, what is Eddie Bane's biggest
accomplishment in life?
A:
(Eddie Bane)
- My biggest accomplishment by far is that I am the father
of Jaymie, Kacey, Corey and Veronica Bane. Also the dad
of the greatest dog on the earth, Sven Bane. My scouts can
tell you how nutty I am about Sven and all animals really.
That is a good enough accomplishment for me anytime.
Once
again Chuck, thanks for asking the questions and I hope
I did not bore the readers too much with this personal stuff.
The
Bane Connection - September (2007) Edition
by Chuck Richter - Angelswin.com Founder
& Executive Editor
September 20th, 2007
Eddie, it's that time of the month again to connect and
proceed with what is to be the final Eddie Bane Connection
on the Angels Minor Leaguers in 2007. (more on that at the
bottom of the Q&A)
I want to thank you for all of your time you've put into
this as I've received numerous thank you emails over the
last year and a half from Angels fans across the country
that can't wait for this segment every month as they share
the same passion I do in following what could be not only
future Halos, but perhaps future All Stars in the major
leagues down the road.
You're the best Eddie, thank you for sharing your insights
with us all. We at Angelswin.com truly appreciate it &
thoroughly enjoy it.
Ok, roll up your sleeves, let's dig in.
Q: (Angelswin) - Eddie, the minor league season has
ended and there have been a few surprises this season. Who
sticks out in your mind as most surprising minor league
player in 2007?
A: (Eddie Bane) - The
most pleasant surprises this year were players such as Trevor
Bell showing the plus stuff he showed as an amateur. Also,
Jordan Walden and Robert Fish both have superior stuff and
they were able to get it over the plate in good spots much
quicker than I thought they would. That is in large part
due to Zeke Zimmerman and Kernan Ronan, our pitching coaches.
At the end of the summer Walden threw 100 mph in a game
and only walked one batter in that game. Outstanding at
an early part of his career. Ryan Mount is beginning to
open all the eyes that I thought he would. He has surprising
power.
Q:
(Angelswin) - On the heels of the most surprising player
in 2007, what Angels' minor leaguer do you think took a
step backward in his development in 2007?
A: (Eddie Bane) - That
is impossible to answer as I always see the glass as half
full. I would say that injuries are the only thing that
deter me. Nate Boman and Jon Bachanov both missed time and
I hate seeing that.
Q:
(Angelswin) - Before we get into our categorized awards,
what Angels' minor leaguer would you consider, naming just
one, would be your selection for the Angels' Minor League
Player of the Year?
A: (Eddie Bane) - Chris
Petit is the name that comes quickly to mind.
Q: (Angelswin) - What Angels' Minor Leaguer displayed
the best approach at the plate and discipline in 2007?
A: (Eddie Bane) - I
try and stress to our scouts to seek aggressiveness and
the other stuff will come. Sweeney, Pettit and Conger come
to mind immediately when talking about hitting. Statia is
also going to be good at all the things that come with discipline.
Q: (Angelswin) - What Angels' Minor Leaguer would
you consider the best 'hitter' for his contact rate &
ability to hit for a high batting average in 2007?
A: (Eddie Bane) - I
still think our best hitter in the minor leagues this year
was Kendry Morales when he was in Salt Lake. He went on
a streak in SLC and LA where every time he swung was a rocket
off the wall. I have said for a long time that when he does
get comfortable in the USA he is going to be a real tough
out.
Q: (Angelswin) - What Angels' Minor Leaguer showed
the most raw power in 2007'?
A:
(Eddie Bane) - Mark Trumbo has as much raw power
as any player in baseball.
Q: (Angelswin) - What Angels' Minor Leaguer displayed
a mirror of the Angels prototypical player with the aggressive
philosophy on the bases, success rate of stealing bases,
ability to put the bat on the ball making a productive out
and for laying down a bunt successfully in 2007? Additionally,
who was clocked the fastest from home plate to first base
among the Angels minor leaguers in 2007?
A: (Eddie Bane) - Chris
Petit and PJ Phillips fit in this category. PJ stole a lot
of bases this season. Look at what his brother did this
year. 30-30 and Brandon Phillips is a late bloomer. Sean
Rodriguez is a good baseball player also. Peter Bourjos
is the fastest player in the organization and has to get
better at stealing bases and taking over a game that way.
In this organization he will learn that over time.
Q:
(Angelswin) - Most raw talent offensively, despite the
lack of statistical numbers in 2007?
A:
(Eddie Bane) -PJ Phillips has a ton of potential.
The entire Cedar Rapids team will just get better and better
as they learn the rigors of 162 games.
Q: (Angelswin) - Lastly, before we switch gears to
the pitching awards, who in your mind wins the best defensive
player in 2007, both in the outfield and infield (1 a piece)?
A:
(Eddie Bane) - Peter Bourjos is our best defender
in the outfield and Statia and Andrew Romine are the best
infield defenders.
Q:
(Angelswin) - The Angels Minor League Pitcher of the
Year in 2007 is............?
A: (Eddie Bane) - That
is a tough one. I will give out the names to consider in
my mind, Nick Adenhart, Nick Green, Miguel Gonzalez, Darren
O'Day, Sean O'Sullivan, David Herndon, Robert Fish and Jordan
Walden. I would say that O'Sullivan leading the league in
ERA is the most impressive.
Q:
(Angelswin) - Which Angels Minor League pitcher commanded
the strike zone the best in 2007?
A: (Eddie Bane) - O'Sullivan
has Major League command right now. But, if you look at
that entire staff at Cedar Rapids and most of them threw
wall to wall strikes which is again a compliment to Dan
Ricabal and Kernan Ronan. I will say that conversion pitcher,
Marco Albano switched from being an infielder and threw
nothing but quality strikes.
Q: (Angelswin) - What Angels Minor League pitcher
showed the best fastball for both his movement and velocity
in 2007? Which Angels' Minor League Pitcher clocked the
highest on the radar gun in '07 as well?
A: (Eddie Bane) - Adenhart
still has the best fastball for location, life and velocity
when he is right. Walden touched 100 and threw several 99's
in the playoffs. The neat thing about Jordan is that he
threw his best fastball later in the game when the game
was on the line. Most impressive.
Q: (Angelswin) - Best curveball demonstrated by an
Angels Minor League pitcher in 2007?
A: (Eddie Bane) - I
am not sure it is the best in our system, but new draftee
Trevor Reckling has had his curveball compared to Barry
Zito. Pretty good company.
Q:
(Angelswin) - Best slider demonstrated by an Angels
Minor League pitcher in 2007?
A: (Eddie Bane) - I
need more time to think on that one, I've seen some good
sliders thrown in our system.
Q:
(Angelswin) - Best changeup demonstrated by an Angels
Minor League pitcher in 2007?
A:
(Eddie Bane) - Nick Green has an outstanding
change.
Q:
(Angelswin) - Lastly, which Angels Minor League relief
pitcher would you say showed the best punch-out pitches
and knack for closing games out in 2007?
A: (Eddie Bane) - Warner
Madrigal has big league stuff. Darren O'Day will pitch in
the big leagues with his nasty underhand delivery. Hard
to say who will be a closer as usually that happens at the
Major League Level or in 3-A.
As always Eddie, we thank you for your time and efforts
as there was a lot of questions here in this segment, We'll
conclude our Eddie Bane Connection next month with some
non Angels' Prospect questions, calling the segment "The
Lighter Side of Eddie Bane". Should be a blast!
(Eddie Bane) Thanks
Chuck and thanks readers. It is really great to have this
kind of interest in Angel baseball and all our scouts really
appreciate the interest and the questions keep us on our
toes. With Kotchman, Morales, Kendrick, Aybar, Mathis, Napoli,
Weaver, Wood and others you are seeing just the tip of the
iceberg. Bill and Arte have allowed us to sign players which
is not always the case in other organizations. Look at our
roster some time and you will see that we have more homegrown
players that play important roles than any team in baseball.
4/5's of the rotation along with the closer and setup guy
are all homegrown. This allows Arte and Bill the opportunity
to do the right things when the free agent market opens.
That is why the Angels simply have the best all around organization
in the game of baseball.
The
Bane Connection - August (2007) Edition
by Chuck Richter - Angelswin.com Founder
& Executive Editor
August 27th, 2007
Q:
(Angelswin) - Eddie, what can you tell us about Nick
Green (10-6, 3.66 ERA & a 1.12 WHIP - 96 K's in 160
IP) who is quietly having a good season after a not so good
May/June. Will his fastball be enough to compliment his
solid changeup and secondary pitches? 1-6, 3.66 ERA &
a 1.12 WHIP - 96 K's in 160 IP
A: (Eddie Bane) - Nick
Green is have a very nice season. He was already on the
radar screen though because Scioscia and Butcher will able
to see him in spring training. Key is to be more consistent
with low strikes. He has plenty of fastball. Not a burner,
but up to 93 at times. Chris McAlpin did a great job of
finding Green after he was not used much as an amateur.
Q: (Angelswin) - Baseball America recently listed
the top ten prospects at each position plus the top five
relief prospects. The Angels only had one player listed
in those ninety five names. Did that disappoint you? We
had some great drafts in the first few years of the Stoneman
regime. What has happened in the past few years? The drafts
don't seem to be as productive. I know we have lost some
veteran scouts. Is that part of the reason? ....
A: (Eddie Bane) - All
of us, including scouts, enjoy reading BA and other publications.
I am not disappointed at all. I have heard from countless
Scouting Directors, asst GM's and other scouts about our
Cedar Rapids club. It may be the first time since I have
been scouting that we have a legit prospect at every position
on the field in addition to at least one pitching prospect
every night. Sweeney, Conger, Trumbo and O'Sullivan along
with several others don't come along all the time.
Nobody in the MW League swings the bat as well as Matt Sweeney
with the possible exception of Conger. We consider Conger
to be the premier catching prospect in the game right now.
20 year old Sean O'Sullivan leads the Mid-West League in
ERA and is pitching better and better as the season goes
on while maintaining his velocity. And, as I have said before
we are not going to trade Nick Adenhart for any of the other
teams top pitching prospects. We are happy with Nick and
they should be happy with their guy.
Q: (Angelswin) - When Santana went down to Salt Lake
Triple-A, did he work on anything specifically in attempts
to resolve the issues he had with the major league club?
A: (Eddie Bane) - Ervin
is more of a question for our major league people. I will
say that at 24 years old Santana has done a lot more at
the ML level then most of the so-called prospects who are
also 24 years old have done in the minor leagues.
Q: (Angelswin) - Do the Angels plan on shifting Kendry
Morales to a new position? His bat is there and the power
has been shown of late, but he's blocked by Kotchman at
1B and Garret Anderson at DH possibly in 2008.
A: (Eddie Bane) - Kendry
has really good hands. He also has a strong arm which would
help with any position change. BUT, currently we need him
at 1B because Casey Kotchman is suffering a tough injury.
Morales has hit .300 everywhere he has been in the system,
but just lately have we seen in the way above average hitter
he will be when he settles in at the big league level. Kendry
Morales is going to be an above average major league hitter
with power. That is what makes scouting fun.
Q: (Angelswin) - Warner Madrigal...He is putting
some impressive numbers in Single A. What does the future
hold for him, and how does the club plan on using him?
A: (Eddie Bane) - Warner
is a special young man that all the people in our minor
league side of the business pull hard for. He has been in
the organization awhile and did not make it as a hitter,
but he has a big fastball and his slider can be out of this
world. Once again, consistency will be the key.
Q: (Angelswin) - How much as Brandon progressed this
season in AAA and do you guys plan on having him start there
again next season as well?
A: (Eddie Bane) - I
wish we had 100 Brandon Wood's. We would have the best organization
of all time. That means in all aspects of the game. Makeup,
aptitude, ability, usability are all top of the scale when
you are talking about Brandon Wood. He is a winner and will
make the organization even that much better when he settles
into the major leagues.
Q: (Angelswin) - Tobin Mason, Trevor Reckling, Michael
Anton & outfielder Jeremy Moore. What can you tell us
out these 4 youngsters that have made quite an impression
in short season A Ball?
A: (Eddie Bane) - First
things first. Let's switch the names around. You even had
me at first glance. It is Mason Tobin. I will say that all
scouting departments feel giddy about the guys they signed
in the draft and we are no different. Mason Tobin is a RHP
signed by Casey Harvie in the northwest. I do not know why
the Braves did not sign him, but I am happy they did not.
Body reminds of big league star, Kevin Brown. He has that
kind of life on his fastball at up to 93-94. He completely
dominated in Arizona and has not missed a beat in Orem where
he and pitching coach Zeke Zimmerman got his breaking pitch
on the same plane as his fastball.
Treveor Reckling is a HS lefty that we got because of the
hard work of Greg Mohrhardt and Mike Silvestri. That being
said I would have been extremely unhappy if we did not sign
this young man. He has a legit Zito type curve and he is
striking out everybody in Arizona. We are happy with Trevor.
Michael
Anton is a lefty that is from the east coast, but was living
in Arizona at the time of the draft. John Gracio, our area
scout in Arizona, found Mike at a workout and then would
not let up on the young man or me until the draft. His relentless
scouting is the reason that the Angels got Anton.
Ever
year we try and draft a few athletes and hope they can use
their tools. We may have something with Moore. He is playing
for Kotchman in Orem and has hit a bunch of homeruns. In
addition he can run and looks to be a legit prospect.
Q: (Angelswin) - Sean O'Sullivan appears to have
turned the corner and has just been flat out dominate. What
can you tell us about the success O'Sullivan is having of
late?
A: (Eddie Bane) - Sean
O'Sullivan is back to the form he showed his jr year in
high school when he was ranked as the number one prospect
in the county by BA. Fastball is getting to 94 at times
and he still has the great feel for changing speeds. He
also has plus plus command.
Q: (Angelswin) - With both the Travelers and Bees
in 1st place and potentially heading into respective playoffs,
how much roster movement if any between teams and from RC
do you think might happen?
A: (Eddie Bane) - Tony
will do what he thinks is right, but I like the clubs the
way they are setup now. The main focus as always is to have
the best players with the Angels so the big league club
has the best chance to win.
The
Bane Connection - July (2007) Edition
by Chuck Richter - Angelswin.com Founder
& Executive Editor
July 25th, 2007
Q:
(Angelswin) - Christopher Pettit, wow what more can
I say? This guy has been on an absolute tear this year,
especially after his promotion to High-A ball in Rancho
Cucamonga. What can you tell us about Pettit, is he really
a full package of speed, power and disciplined at the plate?
How do you rate his defense and arm, and what position do
you see him playing in the future, a corner OF spot or centerfield?
A:
(Eddie Bane) - Chris is a good baseball player
first and foremost. He is going to hit no matter where he
plays. His spot will be as a corner outfielder more than
likely and he will make himself into a good defender no
matter where we put him. His bat is going to be his best
tool and no question about that. We are very happy to have
Chris and in a hs organization like ours it is great to
have a player with a college background come through as
Petit has.
Q:
(Angelswin) - Eddie, is it safe to say that the minor
league player of the year at this stage is Brok Butcher?
This guy pitched lights out in the Cal League which is a
notorious hitters league and now he has two solid starts
under his belt in Arkansas, Double-A. I've corresponded
with his brother Jason and we see a lot of Fausto Carmona
and Brandon Webb as someone to compare with, with that sinking
fastball, solid changeup and slider of his. What is the
talk around the scouts table regarding Brok Butcher?
A:
(Eddie Bane) - First of all Chuck I would jokingly
say that it is not best to get a scouting report from a
players brother. My mom thinks I should still be pitching.(LOL).
Seriously Brok is having a great year, but I would not be
giving out the player of the year honor just yet. We have
over a month to play in the Minor Leagues. Brok is certainly
on the list though. He does have a good sinker, but Brandon
Webb is on a different planet. If he gets to that point
then both Brok and Eddie Bane will be really happy.
I would
think others on the list for player of the year would be
Schoeniger, Sweeney, Trumbo, Petit, Sean Rodriguez, Adenhart
and a few others. People somehow forget that Nick Adenhart
is 20 years old and dominating in 2A. Also Conger was having
a big year before getting hurt in Cedar Rapids.
Q:
(Angelswin) - What's going on with Hank Conger? Injury?
if so what's his prognosis?
A:
(Eddie Bane) - Hank had a problem with his back
and is very close to being ready to play again. Hank was
playing very very well and we are thrilled with his progress.
Great makeup, great learner, great kid and a great talent.
Everything we could want in a player in his first full season.
He and Sweeney have both exceeded expectations this year.
Q:
(Angelswin) - Nick Adenhart has been a lot better after
his stint on the DL. Have their been any changes to his
mechanics or were the #'s that were not all that spectacular
before the DL stint, a result of the injury?
A:
(Eddie Bane) - Nick dominated at the beginning
of the season in Arkansas. Went through a tough stretch
and is now dominating again. We do not have anyone else
pitching as good as Nick right now with the possible addition
of Sean O'Sullivan.
Q:
(Angelswin) - Miguel Gonzalez has come out of nowhere,
what can you tell us about the right-handed hurler that
boasts a 2.98 ERA in 13 starts in Double-A this year.
A:
(Eddie Bane) - Abe Flores and Bo Hughes found
Miggy pitching in an adult league in Los Angeles. We signed
him and gave him a chance, but he took the ball and ran
with it. Now, he is throwing harder and has a chance if
he keeps improving a little more.
Q:
(Angelswin) - Rich Thompson & Darren O' Day have
been lights out this year in relief. Since the Angels could
use some bullpen help, could you see them as potential September
call ups?
A:
(Eddie Bane) - Bill Stoneman's department. But,
they both have been very good. My son, Jaymie who is a big
league scout for the Red Sox watched Thompson in the Futures
game and raved about his fastball. O'Day has that tough
Laredo angle to hit against and will always have a chance
to be a good major leaguer.
Q:
(Angelswin) - With the trading deadline just less than
a week away and the Angels are starved for a power hitter,
are there any prospects in the organization that the Angels
feel are can't miss, untouchables? or if the right guy can
be had, is anyone is available?
A:
(Eddie Bane) - I still believe that Bill and
Arte''s approach has been really solid and almost flawless.
People want Brandon Wood, Adenhart, Morales, Butcher, Bourjos
and all the other prospects we have. They will have a very
tough time getting those players. We are happy with what
we have and the facts that other teams would kill to be
in our position. This organization is going to win now,
but is built for the long haul and will also win in the
future. The top power prospects we have are Brandon Wood,
Mark Trumbo and Matt Sweeney. Some of those are closer than
others. Also remember that Juan Rivera is working very hard
in Arizona to help us at some point this season. Juan had
great power numbers in 2006.
[Angelswin]
As always Eddie, we thank you for your time and efforts.
Your fans are many in the Angelswin.com community
[Bane,
Eddie] Thanks folks for putting up with my stuff
and as always these are just my opinions and I certainly
welcome your thoughts and disagreements just as much as
I want to hear from my scouts when they want to tell me
I am crazy for thinking the way I do.
The
Bane Connection - June (2007) Edition
by Chuck Richter - Angelswin.com Founder
& Executive Editor
June 15th, 2007
Q: (Angelswin) - So, to start off Eddie, why don't
you give me an overview of the 2007 draft and how you think
the Angels did this year.
A: (Eddie Bane) - Every
club in baseball always thinks they did great right after
the draft and the Angels are no exception. We are doing
very well on the signings so far and will have a few more
to announce shortly.
Q: (Angelswin) - What are the chances of signing
