Volquez is a hard thrower who has been highly regarded for some time but who hasn’t been able to translate his stuff into results in limited chances at the big-league level. Ranked #3 among Rangers prospects by Baseball America coming into 2007, Volquez owns a 7.20 ERA in 80 innings with Texas over parts of the past three seasons. His chief problems have been giving up way too many hits, walks, and home runs. Ouch.

Volquez’ minor-league numbers have been fantastic, including a 2.67 ERA and 10.26 K/9 in 172 innings at Triple-A over the past two seasons. From the Baseball America 2007 Prospect Handbook (aff link):

If he can refine his curve and command, Volquez can earn a rotation spot in the spring and eventually emerge as a frontline starter. If he can’t, he soon could find himself in the bullpen.

We’ve discussed Cincy’s need for help in the rotation, and if Volquez can meet earlier projections, then this could work out well for the Reds. However, if he ends up in the bullpen, they may regret having given up a player of Hamilton’s caliber to get him. Not that Hamilton comes without risk, but at least he’s accomplished something at the big-league level.

Herrera is a 5′7″ reliever who works in the low-80s but who features a devastating changeup. Despite a lack of overpowering stuff, he’s succeeded everywhere he’s been to this point, including Double-A for most of ‘07.

Maybe this will work out for the Reds, but I think they gave up too much.

Other Voices

• Baseball Musings
• Baseball America
• Lone Star Ball

Post from: Knuckle Curve