The Phillies trade of closer Ken Giles to the Houston Astros was difficult for some fans to take, given the popularity of the young closer. But, the Astros ponied up a big price in terms of talent: five young pitchers. The centerpiece of the deal, Vincent Velasquez, was the subject of a "bold prediction" on ESPN's David Schoenfield.
The Phillies rotation in 2015 was bad. 5.23 earned run average bad. Schoenfield :boldly" predicts that Velasquez will emerge as an "ace" in 2016:
One reason it will be better: Vincent Velasquez, the talented right-hander acquired in the Giles deal. Look for him to make 25 to 27 starts and post an ERA under 3.25 — and become the staff ace.
Velazquez probably will get a chance to start for the Phillies in Spring Training, but may have to earn a starting spot.
The Phillies currently have a trove of starters heading into Spring Training: Jeremy Hellickson, Charlie Morton, Aaron Nola, Jerad Eickhoff, Velasquez, Brett Oberholtzer, Adam Morgan, David Buchanan, Alec Asher, and perhaps Matt Harrison. Also still hanging around is Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez, and Jake Thompson has a shot down the line to make the team.
Velasquez was rated the Astros' fourth-best prospect when he was called up last season. He pitched enough to shed the "prospect" tag, but his ceiling remains. Velasquez replaced former Phillies pitcher Fausto Carmona Roberto Hernandez after two months last year and went 1-1 with a 4.37 earned run average, making seven starts and pitching 12 times out of the bullpen.
Other bold predictions include a Triple Crown for Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper. Check out the piece here on ESPN.com.
