The Peoria Javelinas dropped a 9-3 decision to the Mesa Solar Sox (box/gamer). Justin Maxwell again started in right field going hitless in three at-bats. Adam Carr pitched 2 2/3 innings of scoreless/hitless relief, walking one and striking out one.
Today: The Javelinas host the Solar Sox at 3:35PM EDT
There were no games scheduled in the Venezuelan League.
Hendo | 16-Oct-07 at 9:46 am | Permalink
Nice job by Carr in garbage time, continuing his sparkling performance in the Minors where he’s accrued an ERA of 2 and a bit over two seasons. Not bad at all for an 18th-round draft pick.
One question, Brian — in Potomac Carr was a closer, but is that how he really projects? Don’t get me wrong, I’d just love me a multi-inning closer or two (Kent Tekulve, anyone?), but Carr looks more like an Ayala-type middle-inning long reliever at least from the numbers.
Brian Oliver | 16-Oct-07 at 10:08 am | Permalink
Comparing Carr to Ayala is not that far off of the mark. Carr has the ability to strike out hitters in bunches but he also walks too many. Installing him as a major league closer at this point in his development would be risky. Viewing him as a set-up guy who can throw multiple innings to bridge the gap is likely a better role for him.
Ryan Sullivan | 16-Oct-07 at 12:38 pm | Permalink
Brian-
How far away is Carr from the majors, not just for a cup of coffee, but permanently? He seems like he has some talent, but has only been pitching about two years, maybe less.
Also, along the same lines, can you give a brief “scouting report” on him?
Thanks-
Brian Oliver | 16-Oct-07 at 12:43 pm | Permalink
Carr is 23 years old so it would not surprise me to see him reach the majors some time in late 2008 for the aforementioned cup of coffee with a legit chance of sticking around to begin the 2009 season. He has a mid-90s fastball that is tough on lefthanded hitters. He also has an above average slider. From watching him in Potomac this year, it looked like he was working on change, but it still needs more time to be a useful pitch. He can really bring it and was tough on the hitters in the Carolina League. His biggest challenge will be harnessing control. If he can perhaps sacrifice a couple of mph on the fastball to improve his location, he could become a set-up guy for the Nationals sooner rather than later