The 22-year old right-hander has floundered badly in the opening two months of 2011. Archer was the primary piece in the deal that sent Matt Garza to Chicago, but his new surroundings in Tampa have not been beneficial.

There is nothing positive to take from his consistently poor efforts in April and May: 74 hits in 58 2/3 innings, 31:52 BB:K ratio and .314 batting average against (.308 RHH). At this same level last season (AA Southern League), he won eight of 13 starts, surrendering just 48 hits in 70 innings (.198 BAA) and working to a 1.80 ERA. However, his 39 walks should have been a signal of struggles on the horizon.

His overall control and command within the strike zone have been, in a word, abhorrent. There is nothing wrong with his stuff, but his hard curve is neutralized when he can’t locate early in counts. His sinking fastball isn’t chewing up bats like it did last year either (1.13 GO/AO).

On a positive note, his best start came last time out, throwing six innings of two-run ball while walking only two. Archer has the build and the arm, now he needs to find consistency with his mechanics and throw strikes. The Rays don’t make many mistakes with talent evaluation, so a 180 in performance is to be expected.

His numbers in the low A SAL highlight his raw attributes, giving up 76 hits and walking 25 in 64 innings of work. His mechanics are complex and a bit painful on the eyes, resulting in hit or miss command. He has a high, swinging leg kick and his ball hand almost hits the dirt before returning to (non-traditional) over the top throwing position. His funky delivery serves to hide the ball well, but there’s entirely too much room for error.

In 25 April innings he walked a mere six batters, however, that figure escalated to 15 walks in 33 2/3 May innings. As a result, his .252 BAA against in May still yielded a 6.42 ERA (as opposed to .318/4.68 in April).

Perez possesses a true mid 90’s “power sinker” (1.49 GO/AO), the makings of a filthy curve and useful change, but there are impairments that require correction, or at least slight modification. The ceiling on Perez is mighty high, but he’s a project and the unknowns are plentiful.

Now 25 years of age, the 2004 fifth overall selection has been disabled with carpel tunnel syndrome for the second time this season. The nerve issues were obviously debilitating his performance on the mound, specifically his ability to feel the baseball and throw strikes.

In five PCL starts he pitched to a 13.20 ERA, allowing 21 hits and issuing 22 BB (12 K) in 15 innings. Command has never been a mainstay, but 1.5 walks per inning is a bit much.

Keep in mind, this is the same pitcher who threw ten innings of two-hit ball in September and October in the big leagues last year, striking out 11 and walking three. Rogers name was emergent back atop prospect rankings, and he was widely considered an option for the back end of the Brewers rotation entering 2011. He was right on the doorstep to contributing and finally living up to the hype, but the latest injury situation has become impossible to project.

Rogers is receiving cortisone injections in his wrist and has been out since May 25th.

Originally slotted into a relief role, Garvin did nothing but win after entering the starting rotation for the ‘Dores. His command is supreme and he’s beginning to utilize his frame for enhanced velocity (90-94). He jumps at hitters upon completion of his delivery, making his change a very effective offering. His curve is just there for show at this point, and needs work.