Jim Callis' NL Central "comments"

[clevername]

Pie, to me, seems to be one of those classic guys that get highly rated based on what people think he will do once he "fills out" who never actually "filled out" and is destined to be a speedy thin guy. Which ain't bad, but probably isn't what he's hyped up to be.

I might be way off base and I haven't looked closely at him in a while, but that's my general impression. If that is the case and the Cubs could capitalize on his hype inflating his trade value I think Roberts would be a good return.

[mikechamp]

The impression I got from Callis' chat is that the trade package would include more than Pie and Gallagher. Rumor has it that the O's are asking for Hill, getting shot down, and are trying to assemble an equivalent package through quantity.

So while Pie and Gallagher might be "a steal" for Roberts, it sounds to me like the trade would include more, like Marshall and/or others.

[picasso]

I don't think Pie will ever get the opportunity to be Corey Patterson part deux (which I believe Lou and Hendry perceive him to be)

[Bo Hart]

It would be the Cards equivalent of Skip+Hawksworth. Granted they're younger. I just mean they're all over matched in the bigs.

Gallagher reached the majors at age 21, Pie at 22. If they're capable of reaching the majors at that level, it's an indication that they're ahead of the curve. Who cares if they struggled? Most players their age are still in the minors. Both have value, both have potential to be solid major league contributers. The same probably cannot be said for Hawk, and especially not Skip.

[InvincibleCakeEater]

It would be the Cards equivalent of Skip+Hawksworth. Granted they're younger. I just mean they're all over matched in the bigs.

Gallagher reached the majors at age 21, Pie at 22. If they're capable of reaching the majors at that level, it's an indication that they're ahead of the curve. Who cares if they struggled? Most players their age are still in the minors. Both have value, both have potential to be solid major league contributers. The same probably cannot be said for Hawk, and especially not Skip.

Sorry for not clarifying my comments. I wasn't saying that in trade terms they equal each other. It's obvious they don't. Pie and Gallagher would obviously fetch more due to age and not much injury history. But, when it's all said and done I see them as equals. I don't expect the young guys to come up and excel, however, usually their best tool shines. Whether it's power, getting on base or making good contact. Pie is young and could improve obviously, but from everything I saw and the numbers, he was completely over matched. He put up huge numbers in 1/2 seasons at AA and AAA(a repeated level), and doesn't run well for a guy as fast as he is(i.e. Skip). As for Gallagher, Hawksworth was a poor comparison. IMO he is more like Thompson. Has a pitch that dominates in the minors, and while somewhat effective in the bigs, doesn't translate. That's just my two cents.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

People who terrorize AAA like Pie did at his age are very rare.

Gallagher has the ceiling of a 3 starter, although reportedly he's dropped about 25 pounds and added mph to his fastball, which could allow him to be more.

[tenniseleven]

that career .38 BB/k ratio is something to give a second look to (including a .36 BB/k ratio his first stint in AAA, and .32 his first stint in ML), although it was slightly better his 2nd time around in AAA...

he should be a decent bat, a .280/.340/.460 hitter with + defense has good value (and he could be a 30/30 guy at least a couple times in his career)...

then again, I'll need to see a BB/K ratio over .45 (and preferably over .50) in the majors before I believe he can reach his potential, and not just be a .250/.320/.430 type hitter...