FanPost

When to Promote Minor Leaguers

Ryan Miller (39 IP 23 H 8 R 2 HR 16 BB 42 K and a 2.52 GO/AO) and Kelvin De La Cruz (40.2 IP 34 H 10 R O HR 19 BB 37 K and a 2.22 GO/AO) are off to fantastic starts in Low-A.  These numbers, to me, seem worthy of a promotion, but what factors are important in deciding whether to promote or not to promote, I honestly have no idea. 

How much weight should we place on the guys in front of them at the next level?  In this case, do you promote Steven Wright to clear space and/or move Espino or Carlton Smith to the bullpen? 

How important is it to promote guys who have shown they are superior to the competion?  Is there a danger of guys developing into bad habits if they are facing lesser competition, but what if there are still areas that need to be worked on?  Is there a fear of promoting a guy too soon?  Is this to small of a small sample to promote someone on?

How does Age and projection factor in?  For example, De La Cruz is a year younger and from what limited information I have heard about the two, he's the one with the higher upside, but since Miller is older, does he need to be promoted more?

I am sorry I don't have much insight to provide, but I thought this would be an interesting topic of discussion that some of you could provide more insight on.

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