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March 22, 2013
Prospects Will Break Your Heart
Cincinnati Reds Top 10 Prospects
State of the Farm: "I got my bag, run to the station. Railman says you've got the the wrong location. I got my bag, run right home. Then I find I've got the number wrong."
The Top Ten
1. Billy Hamilton
What Happened in 2012: Billy Hamilton stole 155 bases in 132 regular season games making him the scariest baserunner of the modern era.
Strengths: Elite speed; best in baseball; achieves top speed in a few steps; best singular tool in minors; good hands at the plate; can control the bat; swing isn't empty; shows bat speed; range in center is elite; arm is strong.
Weaknesses: Well below average power; tendency to expand zone; will chase after breaking balls; reads/routes still developing; throws struggle to stay on line; tail off to arm side and lose carry.
Overall Future Potential: 7; all-star player
Explanation of Risk: Moderate risk; catalytic player with high floor.
Fantasy Future: Has the potential to be a leadoff bat; contact ability and elite speed, so average will play up; 100 stolen base potential; doubles/triples; limited over-the-fence power.
The Year Ahead: Hamilton's transition to center is a work in progress, but the initial results have been promising and the end result should be a player with impact potential at the position. His range is elite because of his Hall of Fame speed, and his natural coordination and instincts will put him in good positions to make plays. The hit tool isn't great, but it will play up because of the speed. If he expands his hitting zone against better pitching, he might end up a back-of-the-lineup type over the prototypical leadoff role. Hamilton has an extremely high floor, and if the bat plays and the defense refines, he could be a perennial All-Star for the next decade. If not, he will still be the most feared man in the game when he reaches base.
Major league ETA: 2013
2. Robert Stephenson
What Happened in 2012: In his much anticipated pro debut, Stephenson flashed the brilliance his amateur hype suggested was possible, reaching the full-season level and missing more than a bat an inning against much older competition.
Strengths: Good body; projection; athletic delivery; big explosion in the arm; arm speed is elite; fastball works in the mid-upper 90s; can touch 100; heavy vertical life; impact pitch; curveball flashes plus; some depth and two-plane movement; can drop the pitch for strikes or chase; some feel for changeup.
Weaknesses: Can fail to finish his delivery; won't stay over the ball; curve will slurve; fastball will elevate; changeup behind other offerings; turns it over, but can be too firm/overthrown; fastball command needs refinement.
Overall Future Potential: High 6; no. 2 starter
Explanation of Risk: High risk; elite potential with fastball, but secondary offerings need work; limited pro experience.
Fantasy Future: Has the potential to miss a lot of bats; win a lot of games.
The Year Ahead: More than one source thought Stephenson should be the top player on this list, which isn't a knock on Hamilton. The ball just explodes out of Stephenson's hand, with an ultra-easy and athletic delivery and release, and punishing velocity and movement. If the curve stabilizes as a plus pitch and the changeup becomes an average offering, Stephenson is going to be a beast on the mound, the kind of player that belongs in the top tier of talent in the minors.
Major league ETA: 2015
3. Tony Cingrani
What Happened in 2012: Cingrani exploded, starting the season in the California League and finishing it with a cup of Joe at the major-league level at the end of the season.
Strengths: Good size; left-handed; good pitchability; feel for it; fastball has solid-average velocity, but plays up; excellent delivery-based deception; hitters are late to pick up the ball; jumps on them; changeup is easy plus; good action and deception; good command profile.
Weaknesses: Slider is fringe; lacks bat-missing intensity; fastball is more deception than power; has to hit spots and keep hitters off balance; several sources put bullpen future on him.
Overall Future Potential: 5; no. 4 starter
Explanation of Risk: Low risk; already reached major-league level; two above average to plus pitches.
Fantasy Future: Could log innings in the middle of a major-league rotation; lacks impact potential as starter because of fringe breaking ball.
The Year Ahead: Cingrani has the stuff to start, with a sneaky fastball that he can work low in the zone and a bat-missing changeup that he uses as an out pitch to both lefties and righties. The development of the slider is the key to his ultimate future, as an average offering could back hitters off the fastball and give him an arm-side weapon against lefties.
Major league ETA: 2012
4. Daniel Corcino
What Happened in 2012: Jumping straight from the Midwest League to Double-A, Corcino made 26 starts, logged over 143 innings, and took a major step forward as a pitcher and a prospect.
Strengths: Easy arm; fast and fluid; from a lower slot, works low-90s with the fastball and can touch higher; good movement to arm-side; picth can also show cutting action; changeup is above-average; plays well off fastball; good sinking action and fade; slider can flash; attacks hitters
Weaknesses: Short and thick; can lose plane; will throw across body; slider gets sweepy and slurvy; fastball can run into hard contact when elevated; needs to work down to establish plane; command is fringe.
Overall Future Potential: High 5; no. 3 starter
Explanation of Risk: Moderate; achieved Double-A level; needs command and breaking ball refinement.
Fantasy Future: Has bat-missing stuff and the arsenal to start; body to log innings/maintain stuff; could chew in middle rotation.
The Year Ahead: Corcino could use a heavy dose of Triple-A, where he can work to refine his spotty command and his slider, which flashes potential but if often more slurvy than sharp. The fastball/changeup combo is very good, so if he can take another developmental step forward in 2013 like he did in 2012, he could be pushing for a rotation spot very soon.
Major league ETA: 2013
5. Nick Travieso
What Happened in 2012: Big-time arm arrived on the professional scene with a little rust, but flashed the high-ceiling stuff that made him a first-round pick.
Strengths: Impact arm strength; physical/strong; fastball works low-mid 90s; projects to work mid-upper 90s; lively; slider flashes plus; very sharp; bat-missing pitch; some feel for changeup; advanced.
Weaknesses: Potential high maintenance body; delivery has some effort; tendency to overthrow; changeup underdeveloped.
Overall Future Potential: 6; no. 2/3 starter
Explanation of Risk: High risk; 19-years-old; complex-league resume.
Fantasy Future: Has the body for workload and the stuff to stick in a rotation; could develop into impact arm.
The Year Ahead: Arriving to camp in better shape will certainly help the big righty, as the body raised some question marks for scouts after he signed. With a lively low-90s fastball that can touch much higher in bursts, Travieso projects to hold that velocity deep into games, and tick up as he continues to find consistency and rhythm in his delivery. If the end result is a mid-high 90s fastball and a wipeout slider, Travieso could develop into a true power arm. One source already called him more advanced than Stephenson at the same age, so the bar is set high. Watch this one. He could take off.
Major league ETA: 2016
6. Ismael Guillon
The Tools: 6+ FB; 6 CH; 5 potential CB
What Happened in 2012: Low and slow, Guillon finally made it to full-season ball, making four starts in Dayton after a strong showing in the Pioneer League.
Strengths: Strong; good balance in delivery; works fastball in the low-90s; good run; easy plus pitch from left-side; several sources put a 6 on present changeup; very good arm speed; action; can pound the zone; aptitude for pitching.
Weaknesses: Lacks physical projection; curveball is more show than showcase; fringe at best at present; might develop into solid-average offering; can lose plane and work up.
Overall Future Potential: High 5; no. 3 starter
Explanation of Risk: High risk; Tommy John on resume; only four starts at full-season level.
Fantasy Future: Has bat-missing potential and two plus pitches from the left side; held velocity well in 2012; has pitchability and profiles as a mid-rotation type.
The Year Ahead: Healthy and ready for a full-season workload, 2013 will tell us a lot about Guillon and his potential. Southpaws with lively low-90s fastballs and plus changeups pitch in the major-league level, and if the curveball steps up, this could be a very good prospect. Obviously, the injury history, lack of a plus breaking ball, and limited projection could limit the upside, but the now stuff is very good and with more refinement, the 21-year-old could take off in 2013.
Major league ETA: 2015
7. Jesse Winker
What Happened in 2012: The first-round pick wasted little time showing off his offensive potential, hitting for average and power with a good approach.
Strengths: Good size/strength; natural baseball ability; mature approach to the game (all sides); easy contact ability; good hands; controls the bat head very well; generates bat speed; plus raw; arm is average and enough to play in either corner; glove is a 5.
Weaknesses: Swing is more hard contact/line drive than leverage/over-the-fence; might not be ideal power bat for corner spot; can get tied up against good stuff; defensive profile is only average at best.
Overall Future Potential: High 5; major-league average player
Explanation of Risk: High risk; mature player despite age; yet to play full-season ball; risk factor likely to shrink next season.
Fantasy Future: Has the potential to hit for a high average with good secondary skills (good OBP, not a base-clogger, pop). Might not be huge power threat, but isn't without some power potential.
The Year Ahead: Winker is ready for full-season baseball, and the bat has a chance to play at a high level right away. His hands and hips work well, and he can generate good bat speed and a line-drive swing plane. The power might be slower to arrive in game action, but he will work himself into favorable counts and should put himself in good positions to drive fastballs. He has a tough profile to overcome, as he's a corner player that might not have a middle-of-the-order bat. But the sources that believe in the stick really believe in it, calling it an easy future 6 tool capable of hitting .280-plus at the highest level. Long road to reach that level, but lots of promise in this player.
Major league ETA: 2016
8. Jonathan Reynoso
What Happened in 2012: Making his stateside debut after two Dominican Summer League campaigns, Reynoso popped up on the prospect radar, flashing legit five-tool potential.
Strengths: Impact potential; shows flashes of all five tools; easy 6 run; shows speed and awareness on base; has some bat-to-ball ability; easy contact; above-average power potential; shows necessary components for eventual over-the-fence pop; raw arm strength is plus; glove will play in center.
Weaknesses: Inconsistent; more raw tools than baseball skills at present; aggressive at the plate; very loose; needs refinement across the board.
Overall Future Potential: High 6; first-division talent
Explanation of Risk: Extreme; long way from high ceiling.
Fantasy Future: Monster potential; good contact and speed, with some pop; projects to stay at premium position.
The Year Ahead: Slow and steady for Reynoso, but the baseball skills will ultimately set his pace. He's ready to face more advanced competition, perhaps at the full-season level, where his see ball/hit ball reactions and fast play could stumble upon some developmental hurdles. The future is crazy bright for this kid, but it's not going to happen overnight. The tools are legit. It just might take a few years to see the first-division player emerge from the raw shell.
Major league ETA: 2016
9. Kyle Lotzkar
What Happened in 2012: Finally healthy, Lotzkar almost doubled his career high in innings pitched, logging over 112 and making 22 starts over two levels.
Strengths: Excellent size; strength; fastball works in the low-90s; bumps higher; big life helps the pitch play up; slider is above average; bat-missing weapon; creates good angles with all his pitches.
Weaknesses: Struggles to stay on the field; command is fringe at best; changeup will flash average, but is below average at present; can show it and sink it, but lacks much projection.
Overall Future Potential: 5; no. 4 starter
Explanation of Risk: High risk; injury history.
Fantasy Future: If he can stay healthy, has the size, strength, and stuff to log innings and miss bats in the middle of a major-league rotation.
The Year Ahead: Back to the health issue, because the talent is there to find sustainable success. Assuming Lotzkar can stay healthy, the arm works, with a good, lively fastball and a very good slider. He needs to find more consistency with the slider, and harness his command, but he's going to miss bats with it, even if that comes in a bullpen role down the line. For now, he can start, and if the changeup improves and the ability to throw strikes is there, he's going to remain a legit prospect.
Major league ETA: 2013
10. Dan Langfield
What Happened in 2012: After signing as a third-round pick out of Memphis, Langfield started missing barrels in the Pioneer League to the tune of 54 in only 37 innings of work.
Strengths: Electric arm; extremely quick; athletic; nice burst at the end; works low-mid 90s; can play up; shows hard breaking ball with two-plane movement and late dive; could be fast mover in relief.
Weaknesses: Some effort in delivery; struggles to stay on a good line; overthrows and pitches with intensity; loose command; fringe changeup.
Overall Future Potential: High 5; setup reliever
Explanation of Risk: Moderate risk; mature arm; potential for a 7 pitch; above-average breaking ball.
Fantasy Future: He's going to miss bats, and if it comes in bursts, stuff could be very nasty.
The Year Ahead: Developing arm in a rotation has several benefits, even if the long-term outlook is more bullpen that starter. Langfield has the athleticism and the raw stuff to mold into a starter, but the delivery isn't super clean and the changeup/command components aren't crazy projectable. In bursts, Langfield could be a problem for hitters, with a plus-plus potential heater and a hard curve that can miss barrels. You develop them as a starter until the role shifts, and then you lock the doors. He has the potential to move fast, but in a rotation, the progress will slow a bit.
Major league ETA: 2015
Prospects on the Rise:
1. RHP Sal Romano: A contender for the 10th spot in this system, Romano could easily be on the list at this point next season. He lacks big flash, but can work a low-90s heater, quality curve, and playable change into the mix, and with a big, strong body, could develop into a workhorse at the highest level, if not more if the stuff ticks up. Good arm.
2. LHP Amir Garrett: If the basketball player turned pitcher turned basketball player turns back into a pitcher full-time, he could be sitting atop this list next season, and that's not hyperbole. Six-foot, five-inch lefties with arms as long as baselines and good feel for the craft don't grow on trees, and if the Reds are fortunate enough to secure Garrett's services full-time (he currently plays basketball for St. John's), the progress he made in his brief exposure in 2012 could be a precursor to something special in 2013. This could be the type of arm you buy tickets to watch pitch.
3. 3B Gabriel Rosa: 2012 was a disappointment, as the 19-year-old Puerto Rican wasn't very good at the plate, hitting a soft .179 in 21 games in the Pioneer League. But the scouting reports are very strong, with some calling for a slow burn before an intense breakout. That breakout might not come in 2013, but the talent flashes suggest its possible, and if it happens, you don't want to get caught sleeping on this highly projectable prospect.
Factors on the Farm (Prospects likely to contribute at the ML level in 2013
1. RHP JJ Hoover: Acquired in the trade for Juan Francisco, Hoover eventually found himself at the major-league level, where the 25-year-old shoved it in 28 appearances. He misses bats with a 91-94 mph fastball and a very good mid-70s curveball, and he has a chance to carve out a permanent role in the major-league bullpen at some point in 2013.
2. IF Henry Rodriguez: He's not a sexy prospect, but Rodriguez is a tough out with a good swing, and despite a right-side defensive profile, could be a utility option at the highest level. With good situational hitting skills and some gamer qualities, Rodriguez is an ideal bench infielder, although not the kind of impact talent to stick around as a starter in most lineups.
3. 1B Donald Lutz: Lutz is a big man with legit power, and he just might get a taste of big league action in 2013. The defensive profile is limited, and several scouts think he's more 4A than major-league regular, but Lutz can muscle mistakes out of the park, even if it comes at an all-or-nothing price.
Top 10 Talents 25 And Under (born 4/1/87 or later)
With two NLDS losses in the last three years and a veteran core that includes Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips, Shin-Soo Choo, Johnny Cueto, Homer Bailey and Jonathan Broxton, the Reds are a club poised to contend for playoff spots in the short term. In addition, their considerable stash of under-25 talent suggests that they may have the talent to continue contending for years to come.
Star outfielder Jay Bruce has posted back-to-back 30-HR seasons and is poised to continue that trend as he heads toward the prime of his career. Bruce is a burgeoning star who will be a perennial All-Star and likely MVP candidate for the next five to six seasons at least.
Latos has increased his workload in each of his three full seasons in the big leagues and has yet to allow more than eight hits per nine innings. His other peripherals remained strong in 2012 despite a move to a more hitter-friendly ballpark, and his raw stuff shows equally well.
It is clear that Chapman can completely dominate out of the bullpen having fanned over 15 hitters per nine innings and allowing a hit about every two innings in 2012. There is no doubt his fastball and slider could play in the starting rotation, but there are still questions about his command and changeup. The uncertainty surrounding Chapman's effectiveness in the starting rotation (if he ever makes it there) is the only reason he rates behind Latos on this list.
Devin Mesoraco may have hit just .212/.288/.352 in a part-time role last year, but he still has the chops to stick behind the plate and the offensive potential to pop 15-20 home runs a year. Ryan Hanigan still projects to get a bulk of the time behind the dish in Cincinnati in 2013, but Mesoraco projects as the long-term answer at the position. –Mark Anderson
A Parting Thought: This isn't the deepest system in baseball, but it does feature several impact talents, the kind that can alter the landscape at the professional level should they develop to potential.
Jason Parks is an author of Baseball Prospectus. Follow @ProfessorParks
36 comments have been left for this article.
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I have a question: Is Billy Hamilton slowing himself down by wearing those pants?
Mar 22, 2013 04:12 AM
I think public nudity is frowned upon in Cincinnati. He might have options on the road vs. the Giants, however.
Mar 22, 2013 07:11 AM
I should have elaborated on my comment, as it obviously went over a few heads but hey, it was early and I hadn't had any coffee. The picture on the BP homepage shows Hamilton in midstride, and the crotch of his pants appear to be down around his knees. It seems to me that this might be an impairment, not only from a kinetic standpoint, but aerodynamically as well. I was just hoping someone with some knowledge of such things might chime in. That was the only thought I had on the issue.
Mar 22, 2013 11:47 AM
What are the odds that Yorman Rodriguez ends up on this list next season? I understand he won't reach the ceiling we once thought but does he still project as big leaguer?
Mar 22, 2013 05:35 AM
When do you expect Mesoraco to become the primary option at C for the Reds? 2014? Later?
Mar 22, 2013 05:47 AM
Ryan Hanigan isn't even a free agent until 2015. He has a career .370 obp and everybody loves him as a catcher and teammate. Basically Rocco needs to hit a ton when he gets his chance or hope that Hanner's gets hurt.
Mar 22, 2013 06:30 AM
Benjamin Harris
Any truth to the rumor that Nick Travieso is the illegitimate son of Kevin Mench?
Mar 22, 2013 05:55 AM
Pat Folz
Going into 2012, I recall one of the knocks on Hamilton being that he ironically wasn't a very "good" base-stealer in terms of technique. I didn't notice it mentioned here... has he improved in that area, or did his success at AA convince scouts that his schtick will play in the Majors?
Mar 22, 2013 06:13 AM
Dave from Pittsburgh
I still don't get all the hype for Billy Hamilton, he has no power, and he'll get thrown out a lot more in the majors. Sure if everything works out, he's the next Juan Pierre, but if not, then he's Scott Podsednik. Neither option to me sounds all that great.
Mar 22, 2013 06:21 AM
It's a matter of scale. When Juan Pierre was Hamilton's age he stole 38 bases in Portland. When Scott Podsednik was that age he stole 20 bases in the minors. Neither of those guys is a good comp for Billy. The best comp I've seen is the man whose record was broken, Vince Coleman. That's his downside imho. Now our understanding of the game has advanced to the point that Coleman is considered an overrated player. But if that's his floor then he's still a fine prospect. Youtube the kid... he is faster than you think, faster than anyone since Willie Wilson.
Mar 22, 2013 06:36 AM
I agree with Lou about the Vince Coleman comp. And if he's a little more Tim Raines than Vince Coleman he'll be VERY valuable. Also if he's 2001-2005 Juan Pierre I think fantasy owners would be more than okay with that floor.
Mar 22, 2013 07:04 AM
Vince Coleman is one of the most overrated players of all time (unlike Raines). He stole a lot of bases but also made a ton of outs. His OBP was only over .400 once in his entire career, and his career OBP is just .324. For a guy with those wheels, he only hit .264 for his career.
Mar 22, 2013 08:16 AM
In addition to stealing a kajillion bases, he posted a .410 OBP in A+/AA last season. The various projection systems are all over the place on Hamilton (understandably), but if he can put up a .360 or so OBP, tear up the basepaths, and play acceptable CF, that's a 2-3 win guy who is 22 years old.
Mar 22, 2013 07:07 AM
I concur.
Mar 22, 2013 08:52 AM
People overemphasise the likely impact of Hamilton in fantasy, given that he won't be told to go up and steal every time he's on base. If he does that in blowouts, he'll get a fastball in the ribs, because baseball somehow thinks that's how things should be done. There will be other situations when it's better for him not to risk a steal - do you want to take the bat out of Votto's hands, for example - and the pitchers and catchers are, as discussed, more competent at the big league level. In terms of runs, he's not going to score many more than someone like Michael Bourn, who is fast, a good baserunner, gets on a lot and leads off.
Mar 22, 2013 09:52 AM
Batters will also get drilled in the minors for stealing in a blowout. It's stupid and it hurts people, but it is done.
Mar 22, 2013 11:05 AM
No disagreement that they would be delighted if he was as good as Bourn. The point I was making is that Michael Bourn doesn't win two categories outright for people in fantasy and Hamilton likely won't either.
Mar 23, 2013 04:54 AM
I saw Hamilton on the back fields at 2012 spring training and his speed is ridiculous, and he's a lot stronger than someone like Dee Gordon. He didn't rely on infield hits and bloops; he drove the ball into the gaps. But, as the scouting report notes, he probably won't hit too many over the fence, and that obviously limits the ceiling. I would have ranked Stephenson No. 1, even though he's less of a sure thing.
Mar 22, 2013 10:22 AM
I'm not sure how not hitting HR's should ding him if thats not his game- as you stated, he has gap power, so while he won't hit many HR's, he'll hit tons of doubles and is a threat for a triple anytime he hits a double. If he had HR power he would be the best prospect in the game. What his game is now is one of the most, if not the most, unique prospect in a loooong time. If that speed makes that 5+ hit tool play to a 6, and he keeps the batting eye, he's a potential MVP candidate to me.
Mar 22, 2013 10:48 AM
The "value" of Billy Hamilton depends on how you define "value." If you define value as expected marginal wins, then you may be right; he may be overvalued. However, can anyone in the minors match his entertainment value? The guy scored from second base on a routine ground out! He caught a ball on the warning track as a SS! I don't care if he bats .200. I'll pay full price for a ticket when the Reds are in town, just to see what he does on the bases and in the field. That is REAL value because it puts butts in the seats. Too often people in the sabremetric crowd forget that baseball is an entertainment product.
Mar 22, 2013 10:43 AM
I'd argue that nothing put more butts in the seats than winning than a guy who can run fast and do little else.
Mar 22, 2013 11:03 AM
Maybe, but I suspect that winning ballgames will put more butts in the seats than anything. MLB isn't the minor leagues, where a good portion of the audience is there to see individual players or prospects as opposed to cheering a specific team to victory. Minor league teams exist to develop players, not to win championships, so if all he brings to the Reds is "sideshow attraction" attendance, that isn't going to be enough.
Mar 22, 2013 11:15 AM
Yeah, but, in retrospect, would you much rather trade Devin Mesoraco or Yasmani Grandal in the Latos trade?
Mar 22, 2013 07:36 AM
Billy Hamilton looks slow in that picture. He's hardly moving at all.
Mar 22, 2013 09:59 AM
Expanding on volzok's question above. Can Yorman figure it out and convert his toolshed into a mansion of game ready skills? Should I abandon the dream of Yorman, or can I cling insistently to it for at least one more season.
Mar 22, 2013 11:38 AM
Jason, how does Jesse Winker compare to a 19 year old Christian Yelich?
Mar 23, 2013 07:11 AM
Jason Parks
BP staff
Not in the same league, imo. Yelich could win a batting title one day. Winker could be a plus hitter. I like Winker, but I don't think he is a special bat.
Mar 23, 2013 09:31 AM
I get that, but I seem to recall that Yelich, after being drafted, was not thought of as highly as he is now. IIRC, the word on Yelich 6 months after turning pro was similar to what you wrote of Winker now.
Mar 23, 2013 12:42 PM
Chris Buckley and Terry Reynolds have done a very solid job in the last ten years. The Reds' drafts from 99-03 were horror shows.
Mar 23, 2013 19:07 PM
Joey Votto, not withstanding.
Mar 23, 2013 19:07 PM
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New York City Opera Opens Spring Season With POWDER ON HER FACE, 2/15-23
New York City Opera opens its spring 2013 season with a new production of Powder Her Face (1995), composed by Thomas Adès (b.1971) to a libretto by Philip Hensher (b. 1965). The world premiere of the opera, inspired by a sex scandal that rocked Britain in the early 60s, not only caused controversy, with its on-stage depiction of fellatio, but also propelled Adès to international recognition. Reviewing the premiere, The Sunday Times critic Paul Driver called Powder Her Face "one of the most striking new operas I have seen in years," and added, "From the tango of the overture to the tango of the close, one is on The Edge of one's seat trying to catch as much as possible of the prolific, fast-altering, vividly etched and instrumentally outrageous detail of a score which is boiling with life."
Conducted by Jonathan Stockhammer, whose artistry is as musically omnivorous as Adès' score, and directed by Jay Scheib, who is known for technologically rich theatrical innovation, the opera returns to BAM, where it was semi-staged at the Majestic (now Harvey) Theater as part of the 1998 Next Wave Festival.
Performances will take place February 15-23 at the BAM Howard Gilman Opera House (30 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn): February 15, 21 and 23 at 7:30 P.M., and February 17 at 1:30 P.M. Tickets, $25-$250, can be purchased at 718.636.4100 or BAM.org. Please note: The production contains nudity and scenes of a sexual nature; parental discretion is advised.
Powder Her Face centers around a series of Polaroids presented during the 1963 divorce case against Margaret Campbell, Duchess of Argyll. In the pictures, Campbell, dubbed the "Dirty Duchess" for the eighty-eight men with whom she allegedly had extramarital affairs, appeared nude, wearing only her signature pearl necklace. Some of the photos showed the Duchess performing oral sex on a man whose face was not visible. He was crowned "the headless man" by the tabloids, and his identity was the subject of much speculation.
Through the prism of Campbell's life story, Powder Her Face explores the intersection of gender, politics and power. Scheib has said, "Powder Her Face, with its high-speed turns, feels on the surface like a Don Giovanni-but this one's about a woman who does what she wants how and when she wants. Adès has singlehandedly resurrected the reputation of one Dirty Duchess, as dreamt by Jean Genet-and the music is absolutely thrilling."
With the exception of the "sterling tenor" (American Theater) William Ferguson, whose role as the Electrician follows many others with New York City Opera, the entire Powder Her Face cast and creative team-including Stockhammer and Scheib-is new to the Company. British mezzo-soprano Allison Cook, who recently garnered acclaim for her Teatro alla Scala debut in the world premiere of Luca Francesconi's Quartett (with subsequent performances at the Wiener Festwochen), will be introduced to American audiences as the Duchess. As the Maid, coloratura soprano Nili Riemer will make her Company debut, having won praise as the Queen of the Night in multiple European and American productions of Die Zauberflöte, among other roles. Matt Boehler, whom The New York Times has deemed "a bass with an attitude and the goods to back it up," and whom The Washington Post hailed as "a supple, clarion bass," makes his Company debut in the role of the Hotel Manager.
Several favorites of the downtown theater scene will have non-singing roles, including Jon Morris (Fuerza Bruta, Scheib's World of Wires) as the Waiter and Kaneza Schaal (The Wooster Group, Elevator Repair Service) as the Nurse. The cast also features a non-singing chorus of thirty nude men.
For Scheib, Powder Her Face follows World of Wires (based on Rainer Werner Fassbinder's Welt am Draht), which premiered at The Kitchen in January 2012, won Scheib a 2012 Obie Award for Direction, earned rave reviews and has toured internationally. The director applies his signature multimedia approach to Adès' opera, with sets by Marsha Ginsberg, costumes by Alba Clemente, lighting by Thomas Dunn and projection design by Joshua Higgason.
Powder Her Face is the third production in a relationship New York City Opera has forged with BAM, which will serve as the Company's Brooklyn base through the 2014-15 season. As New York City Opera continues to match special projects with suitable venues across the city, BAM and New York City Center, the Company's original home, will serve as its primary theaters. The superior acoustics of BAM's 2,100-seat, 19th-century-style Howard Gilman Opera House enhances the artistry of singers and musicians, and the venue's convenient Fort Greene location offers a warm welcome to the New York City Opera's loyal audiences while also helping to attract a new, diverse and enthusiastic fan base.

subset: commoncrawl


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The Peixe official has denied the Brazil star will leave the club in the summer following yet more rumours linking him with Barcelona
Cadena Ser reported that the player was ready to make the move to Europe and that Peixe were prepared to sell their prized asset, but Rodrigues has now set the record straight.
"Interviews through the phone are a complicated thing. A Spanish radio station called, but that thing they put in the paper is not true," he told Globoesporte.
"I told him [the reporter] that I had read that [that Neymar said he wanted to leave] in a newspaper. They either tried too hard to get something out of it, or they simply misunderstood what I said."
"It is not true either [that Santos are willing to start welcoming bids for Neymar]. He asked me if there were any clubs interested, and I said yes, of course, every transfer window there are new bids for him coming in, and we don't expect it to be different this time."
Barcelona and Real Madrid are both believed to be interested in the 21-year-old, with the Neymar rumour mill set to continue for the forseeable future.


text: Quality, price point and flexibility continue to drive customer interest in pizza. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor. Americans are into upscale, premium and gourmet everything these days. So why would anyone expect pizza to be any different? The question is, "Can your pizza program measure up?" From exotic toppings to a variety of doughs, c-store


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He Who Shall Not Be Named
An amazing moment occurred yesterday on the campaign trail. Somebody said something nice about He Who Shall Not Be Named.
"I keep hearing (Obama) say that he's responsible for keeping America from going into a Great Depression," Mitt Romney said during an event in Maryland. "No, no, no. That was President George W. Bush..." Mitt actually uttered the B-word - and in a favorable context, no less! That was truly a show-stopper, because, thus far in the Republican campaign, "George W. Bush" has rarely escaped the candidates' lips. Ronald Reagan has naturally received plenty of shout-outs, but if you tallied the tens of millions of words expended during the primary season, you'd labor virtually in vain to find any praise for the guy who recently reigned eight years.
It's weird, in a way. It wasn't all that long ago - I'm thinking of the 2004 Republican Convention, which I attended in New York - when Bush was treated like a demigod. Night after night, the podium hyperbole was over the top. But the election debacles of 2006 and 2008 have clearly rebooted the grassroots Republican mood.
The conservative base probably doesn't concur with the widely held (true) view that Bush was one of the worst presidents in history, as evidenced not just by his disastrous unfunded war in Iraq, but by the fact that he left us with a smoking wreckage where once there was an economy. No, those are not the reasons why base voters (and the candidates who pander to the base voters) feel such ill will toward the Unnamed. Their big complaint is that Bush betrayed conservatism, that he wasn't truly one of them. So this election season, they want a truly true believer.
And to achieve that goal, they first need to trash virtually everything Bush did during his tenure.
Such was the drill during the Republican debates. Romney dumped on Rick Santorum for his Senate vote to pass No Child Left Behind (a signature Bush program that expanded government oversight of education). He dumped on Santorum for supporting the Bridge to Nowhere and scads of other federal goodies (earmarks exploded during the Bush era). He dumped on Santorum for supporting the pricey Medicare drug prescription plan (another signature Bush initiative). He dumped on Santorum for supporting big Bush-backed appropriations bills that included (get ready, folks) money for Planned Parenthood. In response, Santorum dumped on Romney for endorsing the '08 federal bailout of the banks (another Bush initiative).
In other words, it has been open season on dissing W. Without ever specifically naming W as the culprit.
And let's not forget the immigration issue. Back in the distant days of Bush's "compassionate conservatism," he pitched a path-to-citizenship plan for illegal immigrants. Romney this season has positioned himself far to the right, suggesting instead that we should make things so miserable for illegal immigrants that they will "self-deport." Indeed, when one-time flavor of the month Rick Perry sought during a debate to defend the idea of giving state college tuition aid to the children of illegal immigrants, he was booed. When he suggested that the boobirds didn't have a "heart" (a favorite Bush word back in the day), he was booed some more.
Bottom line: If He Who Shall Not Be Named was running in the 2012 primaries, touting his brand of conservative Republicanism, he would be booed. The guy is just too lefty for today's purists. Which is why he keeps getting dissed in absentia. Which tells you plenty about today's GOP.
But that prompts a question. How come Romney suddenly invoked Bush yesterday, to the point of singing his praises? (Whether Bush actually deserved that praise, whether he actually rescued us from a Great Depression, is a debate for another day.) Why did Romney suddenly extol Bush as a national hero?
A few hours prior to Romney's shout out, a prominent GOPer released this statement: "Congratulations to Governor Mitt Romney on his win (in Illinois) and to all the candidates for a hard fought, thoughtful debate and primary season. Primary elections have been held in 34 states, and now is the time for Republicans to unite behind Governor Romney and take our message of fiscal conservatism and job creation to all voters this fall. I am endorsing Mitt Romney for our party's nomination. We face huge challenges, and we need a leader who understands the economy, recognizes more government regulation is not the answer, believes in entrepreneurial capitalism and works to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to succeed."
Signed, Jeb Bush.
Yes, the Bush brand is on the cusp of a comeback - and Mitt is recalibrating accordingly. It's his way of saying thanks for the endorsement. One hand washes the other. All that previous dissing of W and his policies? All that distancing from W, treating him as He Who Shall Not Be Named? Erased in an instant. And how easy that is, when you have an Etch a Sketch sensibility.
Speaking of Etch a Sketch, will that gaffe supplant the yarn about how Romney put his dog on the roof for a 12-hour drive? My newspaper column today explains why the Seamus story has pentrated the popular culture, much like John Edwards' $400 haircut, John Kerry's windsurfing, and George H. W. Bush's supermarket scanner.
Follow me on Twitter, @dickpolman1


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Smart, Healthy Diabetes Living
May 8, 2013
Restaurants 101: Tips For Diabetics
Hi Friends! Okay, so we all enjoy dining out at restaurants, right? As diabetics, we also have to be concerned about healthy food options, specifically foods and drinks that do not spike our blood sugar levels too much. I...


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Italian tradition of excellence.
At Borlino, our never-ending pursuit of style and functionality is partnered with our ultimate quest of perfection. Like the artists of the past, we design each product with passion and emotional intensity, reflecting the classical antiquity of the Renaissance era in Florence. With our highest respect and regard for artists such as Donatello and Michelangelo, we humbly work as we think they once did – with the ultimate desire to create art that will endure time and trends.
Our range of bags and cases are designed with function in mind to handle anything and everything you carry in your daily life. Our products are designed to provide you with a look that reflects your unique, rugged lifestyle and your personal, professional presence.
We create authentic one-of-a-kind works of art . They are all limited production works. Each reflecting true Italian craftsmanship passed on to us through generations of artisans reflecting the culture and heritage of intellectual endeavor. Each piece is handcrafted by our expert artists, one piece at a time using only the finest Italian leathers and findings.
From our rugged travel bags and stylish messenger bags to leather professional briefcases, we provide a one-stop solution for your quest of leather bags and accessories. Borlino offers a huge collection of leather bags which include the following:Messenger Bags
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From our little factory of artists direct to your front door, we welcome you to discover Borlino. Be remembered.


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Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Figure Modeling Resource
Posted by Arnie Fenner 5 comments:
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Interview with Petar Meseldzija
Our friends at One Fantastic Week got to interview our very own Petar Meseldzija, who as usual is full of enthusiasm and great insight.
Monday, December 29, 2014
In Memoriam
by Arnie Fenner
"Like the wind crying endlessly through the universe, Time carries away the names and the deeds of conquerors and commoners alike. And all that we are, all that remains, is in the memories of those who cared we came this way for a brief moment."
The end of December is the time to remember those members of our community that we said farewell to in 2014.
Thanks to each for enriching our lives. May they all rest in peace.
"Like the wind crying endlessly through the universe, Time carries away the names and the deeds of conquerors and commoners alike. And all that we are, all that remains, is in the memories of those who cared we came this way for a brief moment."
—from "Paladin of the Lost Hour" by Harlan Ellison
The end of December is the time to remember those members of our community that we said farewell to in 2014.
b 1924
Jim Bamber/cartoonist
b 1948
Charlie Barsotti/cartoonist
b 1933
Lorenzo Bartoli/comic artist
Jeremy Dale/comic artist
b 1979
Al Feldstein/comic artist & editor
b 1925
Jeffrey K. Fisher/illustrator
b 1955
H.R. Giger/artist & film designer
b 1940
Stan Goldberg/comic artist
b 1932
Anthony Goldschmidt/graphic artist
Etta Hulme/cartoonist
b 1923
Karen Avery Jones/art director Lightspeed Magazine
b ?
Larry Latham/animator & comic artist
b 1953
Michael Lennick/SPFX artist
b 1952
Dan Lynch/cartoonist
b 1946
Al Pimsler/illustrator
b 1918
Arthur Rankin/animator & director
b 1924
Mark E. Rogers/illustrator & writer
b 1952
Roy Scarfo/space artist
b 1926
Stu Shiffman/fan artist
b 1954
Dick Smith/SPFX artist
b 1922
Bhob Stewart/cartoonist, writer, & educator
b 1937
Hal Sutherland/animator & painter
b 1929
Adam Tan/artist
b 1992
Dave Trampier/illustrator
b 1954
Massimo Vignelli/graphic designer
b 1931
James Arthur "Art" Wood/cartoonist
b 1927
Patrick Woodroffe/illustrator & painter
b 1940
Bunny Yeager/photographer
b 1929
Thanks to each for enriching our lives. May they all rest in peace.
Posted by Arnie Fenner 5 comments:
Saturday, December 27, 2014
The Strategy of Submitting to Spectrum
-By Dan dos Santos
The deadline for entries to Spectrum 22 is less than one month away, which means it's time to start thinking seriously about HOW, and WHAT, you want to submit.
It used to be that you had to mail in submissions. Which meant a lengthy process of photographing your work, printing it out and proofing, and then actually mailing it. But Spectrum now accepts digital submissions, which is wonderful news for all of us procrastinators out there.
But more important than how to submit to Spectrum, I want to talk about WHY to submit to Spetcrum.
I know for a fact that a lot of genre ADs now use Spectrum as their go-to 'sourcebook' for talent. This makes Spectrum a really wonderful means for aspiring illustrators to get their first break in the industry, and actually get their work on the shelves. But more importantly, it will get their work in the hands of the people that can hire them.
It's also a great opportunity for established professionals to show off personal work that was uncommissioned. This is especially important if you're trying to steer your career in a new direction.
You will often find that the most successful illustrators are very strategic about their career choices. They treat it like a business, spending time and money on promotion and personal projects that they feel will advance their career. For instance, last year was the first year you could submit digital entries to Spectrum. This might seem inconsequential to some, but to established professionals who rely on Spectrum as a means of advertising, it was important.
I spoke to Dave Palumbo about this, who was weighing the benefits of mailing in prints vs. digital submissions. Always looking to improve, Dave decided to mail in half his submissions and email the other half. He would then take a tally when he was done, and see which means he felt was most beneficial for his work the next year. Strategy!
It is also worth noting that Dave Palumbo made a dramatic stylistic shift in his work a few years ago, and used Spectrum as a means to help show off that new style. Once the right people saw his new work, it was only a matter of time until he started getting calls for that style.
|The very first painting I got into Spectrum 10, more than a decade ago, helping launch my career.
Each year, I personally take the time to really consider what I want to submit to Spectrum 22. It is, after all, how I will be publicly 'representing' myself for the upcoming year. For instance, if I wanted to do more comic work and less book covers, then I would specifically submit pieces that showcase that type of work.
The strategy of submission doesn't stop there. Once upon a time, I actually used to separate my entries, and mail them out in three different envelopes on three different days. That way, when they were unpacked my entries would be better spaced out around the room, giving me a better chance of catching a judge in a generous moment. Sneaky, right?!
I often hear from young artists about how they didn't get into Spectrum. The first thing I ask is how many pieces did they submit. Sadly, the answer is usually '1'. To give you some idea of how stiff the competition can be, every year I personally submit 10-12 pieces. Of those 12 pieces, I typically get about 2 or 3 in. That is an 80% rejection rate!
Now, many of you may be saying to yourself, "Twelve pieces?! That's $240!" And yes, that may be a lot of money for some of us, especially if you're an artist who is just starting out. But the key is to think of it as advertising. It is an investment, not an expense.
If I spend $240 on entries, and they lead to even ONE new job, that investment paid for itself more than ten fold. That means I can then submit to Spectrum for the next 15 years using only the money I earned from that one job. 15 years of advertising could lead to 15 more jobs, and so on.
Maybe you have your eye on smaller budgets. Maybe you want to work for Magic: The Gathering. Well, how much money are you willing to spend in order to land a job that pays about $1000, and has an extremely good chance of a re-hire.
Give yourself a budget and use it wisely. With just $60, you can submit about 3 pieces to the competition. That is 3 tries to get your client's attention. So make sure you submit 3 pieces that are appropriate for the type of work you want to do. For MtG, I would ask myself, "Are my pieces the right format? Do they show an ability to paint monsters? Do they show an ability to depict 'magic'?"
If not, you still have time to create a completely new piece specifically for the annual!
|Photo © Irene Gallo
So go ahead, show them what you've got!


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Alumni statistics
The numbers speak for themselves.
Time well spent
Eighty-seven percent of 2009 graduates said they were "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with their overall education at UAF. Two-thirds said they used what they'd learned at UAF on a daily or weekly basis at work.
Life after college
About 40 percent of 2009 alumni said they were employed full or part time, year round. More than 60 percent apparently liked college so much they wanted more, and about half of them planned to continue at UAF.
Top jobs
More than a quarter of alumni found employment in the education field, followed by government (20 percent) and health care and social services (10 percent). While the majority (80 percent) had jobs in Alaska, the Pacific Northwest beckoned some 10 percent, and London called at least one student.
In 2010 UAF awarded 1,203 diplomas:
- 34 licensures
- 66 occupational endorsements
- 165 certificates
- 203 associate degrees
- 472 bachelor's degrees
- 218 master's degrees
- 45 doctoral degrees


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Its nice that they're still with the same teams after all these years makes the last few matchups they'll have all the more meaningful.This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote
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Its nice that they're still with the same teams after all these years makes the last few matchups they'll have all the more meaningful.
Eric Maynor is still awful. I still dont understand why the media hyped him so much dude has been awful his whole career. He had one solid playoff series and then everyone made him out to be a great backup. Really bad defender and not that good of pg on offense.
With that said he is still an upgrade from what Portland had at back-up which is sad. Worst bench in basketball by far.
Bulls are going to lose to OKC. Nets and Bulls helping to give us some separation for the time being.
Thank you to Memphis and OKC!
Fun read on how Pacers defense makes teams stagnate on offense:
http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/pos...tingy-startersThere will sometimes come a point when a frustrated offense will all but abandon a pick-and-roll attack against the Pacers, which is why you see teams stagnate against the Pacers. If you can't get anything against the pick-and-roll, can't capably penetrate by isolating your perimeter guys, and if Hibbert is going to confront anyone who gets within eight feet of the bucket, then what do you have?
I bet TNT wishes they had a redo of their game selection for this up coming Thursday.
Bulls Sixers over Pacer Clippers? Come on...
Nothing like listening to League Pass to appreciate the Pacer's broadcast crews. Listening to the LAL/DEN game on the Denver broadcast. Moan and groan about a call, get to the replay and basically go 'nevermind'. I don't mind a guy being a homer, but have a clue about what the rules are at least.
I love Austin Carr who is similar in some ways but they are very different in critical areas.
That's Scott Hastings. I lived in Denver for a few years and got to the point where I watched Nuggets games on mute. He is, without question, the worst announcer I've seen involved in a professional sport.
Denver is getting lucky. Taking and making lots of long jump shots instead of taking good shots. Lots of standing around. Making shots is good, but it is not a long term success strategy.
Gordon Hayward is imposing his will on Boston's D. I want Boston in the playoffs. They can't defend Paul George, Lance Stephenson, and Danny Granger.
Boy, they are really hating on David Guthrie. Would not be surprised if they get a call from the league office about calling an official a cheater.
BTW, Guthrie is not a cheater, he just officiates with a quarter.
And yet with the game on the line, Pierce and KG went into kill mode and knocked down every mid ranger jumper they took.
Boston is a mixed bag for me.
If we get them, we have to step on their heads early in every game. If we let them hang in close games, it's not that I don't trust us to produce in the clutch (Hill and West clearly can), it's that I trust Pierce and KG to produce as well. But if you put them in a hole early, much harder for their old legs to dig out of.
And they don't have Rondo.
Smothered Chicken!
If we played them, then going up 2-0 in Indy would be a MUST. I would be extremely worried if we were heading back to rowdy Boston tied 1-1. If Pierce and KG got hot with that crowd behind them then it could be bad news.
I always thought Boston as a playoff threat ever since they won their championship with their big 3. So with their backs against the wall this season, they'll be as pushy as ever to get another ring before the end of their Big 3 era.
This Pacers team reminds me of that Celtics team in terms of their cohesiveness, style of play, and the way they are coached. In a way, a Celtics-Pacers match-up will be interesting in the playoffs. Old engine vs new engine. Either the Pacers will put the end to the old and have them retire, or will the old prove that the new is still not yet ready to overtake them.
Pierce and/or Garnett will be dead of old age by the playoffs.
A lot of the older fans/posters would be reminded of bad memories the last time Old Celtics met New Pacers in playoffs.
"It's just unfortunate that we've been penalized so much this year and nothing has happened to the Pistons, the Palace or the city of Detroit," he said. "It's almost like it's always our fault. The league knows it. They should be ashamed of themselves to let the security be as lax as it is around here."
----------------- Reggie Miller
This is what is said every single year, yet Boston is always a very tough out in the playoffs. I want no part of these guys even without Rondo
Being unable to close out a game in which you have a comfortable lead in the 4th Q = Pulling a Frank Vogel
I remember the last 2 times we played them in a playoff series.
And we saw Garnett miss the playoffs because of injuries a couple years ago. They can't guard George, Stephenson, and Granger. Past events don't matter, especially when the star player of those past playoff series won't be playing. The Celtics are being overrated because they were great a couple years ago.
They are as dangerous as any team in the NBA in the last 5 minutes of a close game. I agree, I don't see them mounting any large comebacks or scoring quickly if they are down 10, but if the game is tied with 5 to go. Pierce and KG know their sets maybe better than any pair of players this side of Parker and Duncan.
A couple of years ago? They were one game away from going to the finals last year. That's pretty great to me.
Like most have said, aside from the Heat, I think BOS would give us the most trouble in the playoffs. They whipped our butts pretty handily in Boston earlier in the year. No they're not as healthy, but they're still tough and battle tested. The fact that their bigs can hit perimeter J's, and they're not an isolation based offense (excluding Pierce) they could give the Pacers fits
Chris Paul and Blake Griffin?
Smothered Chicken!
Garnett missed the 2009 playoffs, but he's been healthy the last three years. In 20 playoff games last year, he averaged an impressive 19.2 PPG/10.3 RPG/.497 FG%. That's pretty damn good.
We are definitely a better overall team right now, no doubt about that. But experience matters in the playoffs, and Pierce and KG will without question elevate their games come playoff time. Their saving their best for last, like they do every year. Jason Terry could also be extremely valuable in the playoffs. He's old too, but he was an extremely valuable member of that Dallas team just two years ago.
I'd be nervous if we were tied with them with five minutes left in a playoff game, that's for sure.