#6 Dan Runzler, LHP. BD: 3/30/1985. 6''4", 215 lbs. B-L, T-L.
MLB: 3-0, 3.03, 32 IP, 20 BB, 37 K.
I'm not sure it's appropriate to count Dan Runzler as a prospect, but he's pitched less than 50 innings at the MLB level and that qualifies him as a prospect by BA's criteria. Since he's slated to return to Fresno in 2011 as a starting pitcher, I decided to go ahead and count him. I think most of us have seen him pitch for the Giants so not much need for a scouting report here. I usually don't rank pitchers who profile as relievers highly, but when you have a guy with Runzler's stuff who has already pitched successfully at the MLB level, I think you have to rank them right up there, both on ceiling and proximity to the majors. Runzler's stuff gives him closer potential. On the other hand, he's big and strong enough to thrive as a starter if he can develop a repertoire. It looks like the Giants are going to give him that chance. He can always move back to reliever any time. His big problem has always been walks. His ability to get the strikeout somewhat mitigates the damage the walks do, but to take it to the next level and become a full-fledged MLB pitcher, he's going to have to cut them down to at least Jonathan Sanchez levels.
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Here's a quote from John Manuel from Baseball America: "This year's BA Handbook will say, "A prospect is anyone who has no more than 50 innings pitched, 30 relief appearances, or 130 at-bats in the big leagues, regardless of service time." The relief appearances deal is added for this year; I'm calling it the Daniel Bard rule." Runzler has 52 relief appearances.
ReplyDeleteOK well, too late now. Maybe it was a nice opportunity to take a look at
ReplyDeleteDan Runzler? That's what I think is the most important part of these write ups rather than the rankings which are just my opinion and very unscientific.
Runzler is awesome, he should definitely be in the bullpen. I don't mind that they are trying to get him to be a starter, but seriously the guy is lights out, he's young, why sign old man and inneffective Mota and give arbitration and a couple mil to all these relievers(especially including Lopez, who is possibly headed for a major downfall from his randomly career year)
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