Going into 2009, Mark Melancon was overhyped. We heard terms for him like “closer prospect,” “bridge to Mo,” and from some real crazies… “the heir to Mo.” All this before he pitched a single inning in the majors. Melancon, in his 16 innings of work in 2009 (4.44 FIP, 5.51 BB/9), lived up to none of these titles. Now, because he didn’t manage to set the world on fire, we forget about him. We turn our talk to people like Mike Dunn, Zach Kroenke and Romulo Sanchez.
Here’s the thing: Mark Melancon is still really, really good.
In his first full year at AAA, Melancon was one of the top six pitchers in the International League* in terms of K/BB, posting a 4.91. Of those six, only two had a K/9 ratio above 9.0. The first was Tommy Hanson and the other was Mark Melancon. Melancon also ranked 4th overall in terms of WHIP (0.91). We’re still looking at a top of the line relief prospect who can strike people out and limit free passes, while generating a good amount of ground balls (57.6% in his minor league career).
Mark is going to get his chance to stick at the major league level at some point in 2010. Melancon might never turn into the player set by those lofty terms previously mentioned, let’s just hope he fares better than our dearly departed Coke and Bruney.
*Minimum 50IP.
15 Comments
Pirate Captain December 16, 2009 15:18
It’s not like he really got a chance last season.
Captain Reality December 16, 2009 20:24
He looks like an albino rat and he sucks. SUCKS. I don’t care about his K/BB, his FIP, his WHIP, or his BBQ. He got hammered damn near every outing.
Antonio Osuna > Mark Melancon
Reality Pirate December 16, 2009 20:44
I don’t have anything intelligent to add to the thread i just wanted to be cute and continue the name patern. I like Melancon and he has a cool name.
Frederick the Elephant December 16, 2009 21:17
I agree with Captain Reality. If pitchers don’t produce good results in their first 16 innings, they should be skinned alive and thrown into a pool of peroxide.
Elephant Pirate December 16, 2009 21:59
he does look like an albino rat, but he will have a breakout year. I bet the over on 50 innings… 3rd year after TJ and great 2008, 2009 k/bb rate through 3 minor league levels.
Reality Fredrick December 16, 2009 22:19
He does not have red eyes, I agree he’ll be a good MR guy this year, this year’s aceves with out the spot starts
Captain Elephant December 17, 2009 02:19
Last time I checked, a 3.86 era isn’t all that bad, esp when you consider that of Melancon’s 13 appearances, 9 of them came with runners on base (6 of 9 w/RISP)… not exactly low leverage situations. Girardi used him sporadically (gigantic understatement), so I can’t blame him for having a tough time finding his rhythm. Hopefully, he gets a proper opportunity to showcase his stuff next year.
Rob A from BBD December 17, 2009 03:50
Wow, it’s amazing how quickly people can write these prospects off. Yes Melancon is still really good.
Some Random Guy December 17, 2009 05:29
I guess “small sample size” and “he’s a freaking rookie” don’t mean anything to some folks, hm?
JoeThunder December 17, 2009 05:43
As Dr. Gonzo would say, “let’s give the boy a lift.”
Dick Ear December 17, 2009 05:46
Ya know, why don’t ya just shut up?
General Reality December 17, 2009 07:52
Captain Reality, I hereby demote you to Private Reality, which is where you already are, mentally.
Dude December 17, 2009 10:57
he didnt exactly grab the chance he had last yr by the throat
a tad over hyped
HJCho December 18, 2009 10:28
You can’t really judge a player on their September call-up performance, especially their first one. Sure, he couldn’t find the strike zone and hit a couple guys really hard, but he’s on the big stage for the first time. My recollection was a lot of big guys (Mo included) didn’t look so dominant our of the gate, and went on to outstanding careers.
Joba’s dominant performance two years ago really raised the bar on expectations, but he was the exception, not the rule.
ryan December 20, 2009 17:33
Didn’t Robertson struggle his first yr and have a great 2nd yr? it happens.