A closer look: Nannini/McClaskey

Predicting how players will fare in the Atlantic League is tricky business. By the time they filter down to this level, they could be facing a number of unseen obstacles. They could be recovering from injury, could be past their prime or simply not motivated any longer.

In some ways, that’s the appeal of independent ball. A big leaguer can be average and a journeyman can be great. Everyone is on the same field.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the Barnstormers’ two pitching additions.

MIKE NANNINI: The Nevada native was once a coveted prospect. He was drafted 37th overall by the Astros in 1998. Incidentally, Houston’s first pick that year was a guy named Brad Lidge and he turned out OK (at least until Albert Pujols intervened). Nannini has been included in trades for All-Stars Derrek Lee and Tom Gordon, which says something about his former status.

Nannini, 27, flourished early in his career — posting a 2.70 ERA in A ball in 2001 — but stumbled as he moved to the higher levels. He ultimately became a quintessential journeyman, playing for eight teams over the past two seasons and serving primarily as a reliever.

What can we expect from him with the Barnstormers? Well, there’s a lot to like when you examine the numbers for this 5-11, 190-pound righthander. His career ERA is 4.04. He has allowed fewer than one hit per inning. His K/9 ratio is 7.6 and his BB/9 ratio is 2.8. So he doesn’t allow a lot of hits and doesn’t walk too many, while recording a good number of strikeouts. When you’re looking at a pitcher, that’s what you want to see.

Here’s what Marlins Insider, a prospects site, said in 2005:

Nannini is not a power pitcher. His fastball is only mediocre being clocked only in the 87-89 mph range. His breaking pitches however are extremely effective. He throws a nasty combination of curveballs, sliders, and change-ups that keeps hitters off balance which actually helps make his average fastball more effective. Nannini’s greatest strength as a pitcher is his magnificent control and knowledge of situational pitching.

TIM McCLASKEY: The Florida resident is one of those guys who has been around forever and has pitched well at most stops, but has never reached the big leagues. A former 36th-round draft pick, McClaskey was primarily used as a reliever when he was younger — posting terrific numbers in A ball. He was made a starter as he advanced and his ERA went up a little, but was still respectable. His career ERA is 3.89.

McClaskey, 32, has time conspiring against him. The 5-10, 170-pound righthander is on the wrong side of 30 and hasn’t been above Double-A since 2005. Looking at the numbers, you see some of the same positives that Nannini offers. McClaskey has allowed slightly more than a hit per inning, has a K/9 ratio of 7.4 and a BB/9 ratio of 1.7 (which is phenomenal). Both Nannini and McClaskey have displayed excellent control throughout their careers — a fact that will bring a smile to the face of pitching coach Rick Wise.

There’s another factor to consider with McClaskey: the intangibles. This article from the Reading Phillies site indicates he’s a hard worker who aspires to coach when his playing days are over. He should be a positive influence on the rest of the staff.

Why does McClaskey still grind it out after 12 seasons?

“I still love going out there and competing,” he said in the above article. “As far as playing the game, I’ve learned a lot. I’ve had a lot of different coaches and played with a lot of different guys. You learn something from everybody. Probably the main thing I’ve learned is how to slow things down and keep everything simple.”

Why has he never reached the majors?

“As far as the politics of the game goes, I have no idea. I don’t read the transactions; I don’t go down the list and do the numbers game during spring training. The only thing I have control of is how I throw the ball.”

The Barnstormers’ No. 1 stated goal was to improve a pitching staff that was below average last season. Adding these two players is a step in that direction.