When we signed Dan Leatherman to be a Dynasty baseball client in March of this year, we thought he was a talented player who unfortunately was dropped by an MLB organization and would have to spend some time with an Independent League team before making his way back to the Minors. We were delighted to hear that the Washington Nationals were interested in Dan and quickly jumped on the opportunity to send him straight to their extended Spring Training, avoiding him playing a single game in Canada (which is where he was headed to play Indy ball). Leatherman had shown his skill previously with the Twins and we believed that he would once again show up strong in his second stint in the Minors. Thus, we advised him to sign a one-year deal with the Nationals, giving him the opportunity to either re-sign with the team at the end of the season or test the market as a free-agent.
Dan ended up having a remarkable first year back in the Minors and while he is working hard in the off-season working out and providing for his family, we are putting together statistical sheets to show his value to an MLB organization. That organization may be the Nationals. It may also be any other NL or AL team. We are only permitted to negotiate with the Nationals (and no other team) until five days after the conclusion of the World Series. While we would love for Dan to remain in the Nationals organization, we must prepare as if that will not be the case. Here is an example of one statistical comparison that we have established, highlighting how Dan compared to his fellow teammates on last year’s Hagerstown Suns team:
2 replies on “Dan Leatherman Comparisons”
Thanks for posting this. I think this type of analysis it what an agent’s main role should be (especially for minor league players who do not get much marketing). I also think that you can break down the numbers even more. What are the key statistics for a relief pitcher like Leatherman? For example, can you caculate inherited runners scored and run differential? Can you gather helpful info from this link: http://www.minorleaguesplits.com/cgi-bin/pl.cgi?pl=504093
Just trying to help and keep people talking about what agents really do. What are you goals in the numbers? Does it impact what a team would be willing to pay him or does it simply show a team that they should sign him? Don’t most minor league players sign that National Association contract or just get paid close to $1,500 a month? Thanks.
This is merely an example of the sheets that we are putting together for Dan. Thanks for the link, I will go ahead and take a look at it. I appreciate your comments and contributions as of late.
The goals in the numbers are to convince Washington to pay Dan what he deserves and/or to show other teams his value and why they should potentially consider adding him to their rosters (after the mandatory 5 days post-World Series). $1,500 may be an average contract for a Minor League player. Our stance is that Dan’s performance has shown that he is above average.