This Question is from Gabriel:

I’m very impressed thus far in how the Savannah pitching staff is progressing. Who do you see getting promoted to FSL? I’d like Robert Gsellman to get another crack in FSL, not to mention Robert Whalen getting on the fast track.

Hi Gabriel, great question. Right now, unless these guys are really lights out, I don’t see any of our young guys getting on the fast track, with the exception of Gsellman, who has been spectacular. Unfortunately, both Gsellman and Whalen’s progress has been slowed due to their recent injuries, (Whalen had a recent hand infection, and I’m not sure with Gsellman), but they have pitched very well and with great command. I think Gsellman will be on the fast track as soon, especially with his prior experience in Hi-A, but Whalen will be down in Savannah for a long duration of the year in favor of the college arms. Whalen is very talented though, so we should see him climb very soon.

Akeel Morris would be another hopeful, but while his stuff is very overpowering to A-ball hitters, his control is not as superb, as he has walked 10 batters in 16 innings, but the good part is that he has not given up a run yet. He’s still developing very nicely, and getting multiple innings in to smooth out his delivery, I’ve been told, but in his case, to get the best results, he should not be fast tracked for the time being.

Who I do believe is on the fast track is their college pitchers, such as Ricky Knapp, who is an advanced starter with multiple different types of breaking balls, as well as a cut-fastball, and a four-seamer that touches 93, as well as Kevin McGowan, and Robert Coles. Other good bets would be international signees Miller Diaz (starter), and Darwin Frias (reliever), who impressed me when I saw them last year in Brooklyn.

These guys could be on the up and up, by mid-year if everything shakes out right, and I’d expect you to hear more about them sooner or later.

Thank you for your question, and I look forward to more.

(Photo Credit: Wally Murphy)