Sox Claim Giants Pitcher Eric Surkamp

[gr8mexico]

Originally Posted by TDog

Giants fans actually hold him in higher regard than they did Aaron Rowand, at the end, anyway.

Fans tend to place a high value on expectations, and Surkamp didn't have the opportunity not to live up to his expectations, having pitched in the majors only as a future prospect who averaged 10 strikeouts per nine innings in the minors. There was a time when Barry Zito was immensely popular on the Giants and Adam Dunn was immensely popular with the White Sox, but that was before they didn't live up to their expectations. Even if Robinson Cano has a good career with the Mariners, he likely will never be as popular with their fans as he is right now.

The White Sox don't have any hype attached to Surkamp, so he's going to have to show something to get the love.

Well here's a write up about the guy http://optionedtofresno.blogspot.com...%20Surkamp?m=0

[XplodingScorbord]

Originally Posted by gr8mexico

Well here's a write up about the guy http://optionedtofresno.blogspot.com...%20Surkamp?m=0

Reading that write up makes me think of Mark Buehrle. I bet lots and lots of people said similar things about him. If we get let's say half (a third?) out of this guy as we did out of MB, this is a phenomenal pickup.

[TomBradley72]

Originally Posted by TaylorStSox

He's a starter.

So much for my theory-

Anyway looks like a good candidate for extra starter/long relief at a minimum-

[cws05champ]

Originally Posted by XplodingScorbord

Reading that write up makes me think of Mark Buehrle. I bet lots and lots of people said similar things about him. If we get let's say half (a third?) out of this guy as we did out of MB, this is a phenomenal pickup.

That write up was prior to TJ surgery in July 2012, looks like he tried to come back in the 2nd half of this year but didn't go well. The evaluation in Baseball America says he has a Dynamic curveball, a 2 seam fastball with late life (Prior to TJS) that brushed 90mph. Solid change and flashed a cutter as well. Supposed to have great mound presence and good control.....he was rated as the 25th best prospect going into 2013 (because of the TJS).

Solid pick up for nothing....

[soxfanreggie]

Originally Posted by TomBradley72

So much for my theory-

Anyway looks like a good candidate for extra starter/long relief at a minimum-

For what we gave up to get him, anything we get out of him that isn't pure sucking is good!

[blandman]

Can't have enough pitching. This guy might crack the rotation.