Goldstein: Tanner Scheppers underachieving so far

December, 28, 2011
12/28/11
9:43
AM CT
Baseball Prospectus' Kevin Goldstein listed his "biggest prospect flops of 2011" and on the list is Rangers RHP Tanner Scheppers. Here's what Goldstein says about Scheppers:
The point in which Scheppers went south is clear to point out. He started the 2010 season by dominating out of the bullpen and was on the verge of the big leagues when the Rangers decided to see if he could work as a starter.

He's simply never been the same since, and a return to the bullpen has not brought his stuff all the way back to 2010 levels.

"I think he's still a potential 7th or 8th inning guy, but I'd be wary of him in a deal," said one front office member. "There are a lot of red flags, from the control, the delivery, and most of all the injury history."
You can read the whole thing here (insider).

I agree that Scheppers hasn't zoomed to the majors as expected, but I still believe he's got time. The injury issue was a concern even back to when he was drafted, but he's still got the stuff to do something if he can put it together. The Rangers aren't the type of club to simply throw a guy in a deal and give up easily. They'll see what he's got this season, which is clearly a big one for Scheppers.

Do you agree with Goldstein?
Richard Durrett joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009. He writes about colleges, the Dallas Stars and the Texas Rangers. Richard spent nine years at The Dallas Morning News covering the Rangers, Stars, colleges, motorsports and high schools.

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