Milwaukee Scouts Rail Over Fryer Trade
By Frank Russo ~ February 5th, 2009. Filed under: Frank Russo Rants and Raves.
Many scouts within the Milwaukee organization are furious over the Eric Fryer for Chase Wright trade. In fact, one of the top scouts in the organization feels that he is going to become a true star. This evening at 5:30, I received a call from Tampa. It was from my main Yankees source. He had some interesting insight into the Wright for Fryer deal from a high level Brewers scout with whom he is friends with. He was told the following: “A lot of us really loved the kid. I know I did. When we heard about the trade we were like, ‘What the Hell is Melvin doing.” I talked to his coach at Ohio State, who raves about him.” If he stays healthy, it’s a huge deal for the Yankees. He’s a natural hitter, and that’s something you can’t teach. I think he has a chance to become a star. “He’s going to need a few seasons in the minors, but I think this kid is the real deal. “I don’t like the deal from our end, but you have to give Cashman credit. “I think the Yankees might have found their catcher of the future.”
So what does this all mean? Well, let’s just remember, prospects are just that, prospects. There are no guarantees. Fryer, who can also play outfield, might very well turn out to be a steal. If the Milwaukee scout happens to be right, and there are many others who agree with him, then this was a great move by Brian Cashman. Only time will tell.
February 5th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
“I think the Yankees might have found their catcher of the future.”
Eric Fryer is listed on the Tampa roster as an outfielder. With Romine, Montero, Kyle Anson and Chase Weems in the fold at that level, Fryer will stick in the outfield. Yankees have too many catching prospects in their system.
February 6th, 2009 at 12:11 am
Fryer is being groomed to be a utility player, and I think that that’s his ticket to the big leagues. It looks to me like he’s got a good bat, but, basically, a glove that’s OK but not good enough anywhere for him to be a major league regular. At least, that’s my take on him.
But hey, why scoff at a utility player who can catch? That’s a rarity, and something that a lot of big league teams would find attractive. He’s caught, played the OF corners, and 1B. Quite a few catchers get some experience at 3B, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see that happen over the next couple of years, as well.
A utility player who can play IF/OF corners and catch who has a good bat with some pop? Fryer will have a 10-yr major league career.