This article is part of our John Sickels' Column series.
The Diamondbacks trade Dan Haren to the Angels for Joe Saunders, Patrick Corbin, Rafael Rodriguez, and a player to be named later. On the surface this looks like a huge steal for the Angels, although the final tally can't be made until we know who the PTBNL is. It is rumored to be a very good prospect, possibly left-handed pitcher Tyler Skaggs. If that is true, the transaction looks a bit less one-sided.
Patrick Corbin, LHP: Corbin is 21 years old, a thin 6-foot-3, 165-pound lefty drafted in the second round in 2009 from Chipola Junior College in Florida. He has split 2010 between Low-A Cedar Rapids and High-A Rancho Cucamonga, posting a combined 13-3 record with a 3.87 ERA, and a 106:28 K:BB in 119 innings. A ground ball pitcher, he's posted a 1.51 GO:AO in the California League, on the strength of his 87-90 MPH sinking fastball and effective slider. His changeup needs work, but he's young enough to have plenty of development time ahead of him, and his sharp control is a big asset. If he can add some strength to his frame, he could throw harder in time.
Rafael Rodriguez, RHP: Rodriguez is 25 years old, a 6-foot-1, 17- pound right-hander who throws 88-92 MPH, mixing in a slider and changeup. He's not overpowering and his track record is erratic, although he's performed better since moving to the bullpen in 2007. He has a 3.04 ERA with a 30:15 K:BB
The Diamondbacks trade Dan Haren to the Angels for Joe Saunders, Patrick Corbin, Rafael Rodriguez, and a player to be named later. On the surface this looks like a huge steal for the Angels, although the final tally can't be made until we know who the PTBNL is. It is rumored to be a very good prospect, possibly left-handed pitcher Tyler Skaggs. If that is true, the transaction looks a bit less one-sided.
Patrick Corbin, LHP: Corbin is 21 years old, a thin 6-foot-3, 165-pound lefty drafted in the second round in 2009 from Chipola Junior College in Florida. He has split 2010 between Low-A Cedar Rapids and High-A Rancho Cucamonga, posting a combined 13-3 record with a 3.87 ERA, and a 106:28 K:BB in 119 innings. A ground ball pitcher, he's posted a 1.51 GO:AO in the California League, on the strength of his 87-90 MPH sinking fastball and effective slider. His changeup needs work, but he's young enough to have plenty of development time ahead of him, and his sharp control is a big asset. If he can add some strength to his frame, he could throw harder in time.
Rafael Rodriguez, RHP: Rodriguez is 25 years old, a 6-foot-1, 17- pound right-hander who throws 88-92 MPH, mixing in a slider and changeup. He's not overpowering and his track record is erratic, although he's performed better since moving to the bullpen in 2007. He has a 3.04 ERA with a 30:15 K:BB in 50 innings for Triple-A Salt Lake this year, collecting 10 saves. His stuff and command are both short of that necessary for him to close in the majors, but he could be a useful middle relief type.
