Prospect Report:
One Last Thing...

David Cameron

If there is one truism about all-star teams, it's that you can't fit in every deserving player. By selecting just two players at each position last week, there were a number of deserving candidates who couldn't find their way onto the roster. Here's a quick look at three players who just missed the cut:

Victor Martinez, Catcher, Cleveland

Martinez likely isn't fretting over his omission, having just earned a promotion to the big club and taking over as the Indians' starting catcher. He started the year slowly, but caught fire in May and June, raising his season line to .328/.395/.474 and posting a solid 26/32 walk-to-strikeout ratio. His power and walk rate both declined from the previous two years, but Martinez still projects as an above-average offensive catcher.

Freddy Sanchez, Second Base, Boston

To be honest, he probably deserved to be on the team. He's spent enough time in Boston that I went with the Cal League kids instead, but Sanchez had a phenomenal run before the Red Sox called on him. His .384/.476/.566 line is simply remarkable, and he showed better patience at the plate than ever before, posting a BB/K of 26/26. He still isn't getting any younger, but his bat is earning him the right to get a look somewhere.

Ryan Ludwick, Outfield, Texas

I held the 30 games that Ludwick has spent as a DH against him, which was the main factor he didn't make the team. Of course, considering his career was thought to be in jeopardy due to a serious hip injury last year, its remarkable that he's even played in the outfield. Add his .304/.372/.552 line to the mix, even though it's the PCL, and the Rangers have reason to be excited about getting something worthwhile for Carlos Pena yet.

Now, on to some news of other sorts. I hate goodbyes. No one has ever had a good time saying goodbye, and there is usually crying involved. Hopefully, this one doesn't get quit so sentimental. It is with somewhat mixed feelings, however, than I am bidding adieu to the gang and readers here at Strikethree.com.

I have received and accepted an offer to join the crew over at Baseball Prospectus. If you read this column, I'm certain you've heard of BP, and you most likely are well aware of their work. This is an opportunity I just could not pass up. The resources they will provide will allow me to improve my writing and bring even better information to the table. I'm looking forward to this new challenge and seeing what lies ahead.

Not to make this sound like an awards speech, but there are some people who deserve recognition for what we've accomplished here the past two years. I've had a large amount of help since I've started, and I cannot begin to take credit for all of the work that you have seen here under my name.

First and foremost, Michael Cox, who gave me a shot to begin my writing career, and has been an extremely patient editor. Without Strikethree, I likely would have never even given this a chance. He took a gamble on me, and I'm thankful he did.

I probably would have quit a long time ago if it wasn't for the encouragement of my good friends Derek Zumsteg and Jason Michael Barker. They are both talented writers in their own right, and I certainly wouldn't have this opportunity if it wasn't for them.

I can't even begin to name all the people who I have relied upon for information in parts of the country that I can't get to, but few have had as much influence as Deric McKamey, Gary Reed, Scott Zilmer, Jamey Newberg, and Michael Nash.

Although I leave them unnamed, I appreciate all those working in baseball who have lent me a hand and helped me understand the game better. Even the parents of players I wasn't overly kind to, who took the time to explain why they felt I was unfair to their son, helped me. And a big thank-you to all the scouts who were willing to share some of the wealth of information they've acquired.

The best part of doing any of this is the friends you make, though, and I've been fortunate enough to meet some great people over the past 24 months. To everyone who e-mailed me with criticisms or compliments, took the time to write out a well-reasoned response, or questioned the legitimacy of anything I wrote, thank you. It made me a better writer, and I enjoyed getting the chance to interact with people who have the same interest in the minor leagues as I do.

This goodbye isn't really a goodbye, though. You'll still be able to contact me, and I'll still do my best to respond to all the e-mail I get. Until then, go over to baseballprospectus.com and get yourself a premium subscription.

Thanks for everything.

about the author

David Cameron becomes the latest member of the BP crew, joining such luminaries as George F. Will, Kofi Annan, and Ringo Starr. Tell David you're looking forward to his "American Idol" coverage at dac@strikethree.com. (We kid, of course. David's in charge of "Paradise Hotel.")