Even beyond his amazing start to the season and the no-hitter in the Southern League, Hanson was one of the most dominant pitchers in the minors this year, and it seems as if he's flying under the radar a bit; when it comes to any discussion of the top pitching prospects in the game, he's not in it. That's hard to understand, as the stuff matches the stats, with his fastball, curve, slider, and changeup all rating as above average in the eyes of scouts.
Holland had the biggest breakout performance of the year, and actually got better at each level as the season wore on. A moderately obscure draft-and-follow going into the year, Holland shocked everyone by suddenly firing mid-90s fastballs, getting up as high as 98 as the season wore on. He's also my favorite kind of breakout player, because when you ask the Rangers themselves to explain the sudden increase, the answers basically amount to, "don't know, but I'm not complaining about it."
Pimp Your Pirates!
Moderator: Cardinals
-
Cardinals
- Posts: 7721
- Joined: Sat May 18, 2002 1:00 am
- Location: Manch Vegas, CT
- Name: John Paul Starkey
Rosa nearly jumped from high Class A in 2006 to the majors out of spring training in 2007. He has developed rapidly over the last two seasons, earning a brief big league callup in June, with the only roadblock a tender arm that caused the Royals to shut him down in mid-August as a precaution.
Rosa's fastball is his best weapon, usually sitting around 93 mph and topping out at 95-96 when he needs it. He generates good downward plane with his fastball and pounds the strike zone with it. He backs it up with a late-breaking 11-to-5 curveball, a hard slider and a changeup. The changeup showed improvement and was a big reason he was more effective against lefthanders than righthanders.
Though his season ended prematurely, the Royals don't believe he has any health concerns going forward because he throws with an easy motion. He has made a full recovery from Tommy John surgery in 2004.
Rosa's fastball is his best weapon, usually sitting around 93 mph and topping out at 95-96 when he needs it. He generates good downward plane with his fastball and pounds the strike zone with it. He backs it up with a late-breaking 11-to-5 curveball, a hard slider and a changeup. The changeup showed improvement and was a big reason he was more effective against lefthanders than righthanders.
Though his season ended prematurely, the Royals don't believe he has any health concerns going forward because he throws with an easy motion. He has made a full recovery from Tommy John surgery in 2004.
12, 14, 15, 17, 22
-
Cardinals
- Posts: 7721
- Joined: Sat May 18, 2002 1:00 am
- Location: Manch Vegas, CT
- Name: John Paul Starkey
Tommy Hanson is looking more and more like a Major League hurler in the Arizona Fall League.
The heralded Braves prospect extended his fall scoreless streak to 8 2/3 innings Saturday, striking out nine over four no-hit frames to lead the Mesa Solar Sox to a 3-1 victory over the Peoria Saguaros.
Hanson (2-0), who went a combined 11-5 with a 2.41 ERA in 25 starts between Class A Advanced Myrtle Beach and Double-A Mississippi this season, has raised his game a notch in the AFL. The 22-year-old right-hander has yielded only one hit and three walks with 14 strikeouts in his first three outings.
"Hopefully, [the Braves will] give me a chance and I can prove that I belong there," Hanson said. "I hope I can do well and try to stay up there. I'm real confident with all my pitches and I plan to just keep attacking hitters."
On Saturday, Hanson was nearly perfect, fanning five of the first six batters he faced and setting down 10 in a row before hitting Padres prospect Mike Baxter with one out in the fourth. The Tulsa, Okla., native responded by striking out Chad Huffman (Padres) and getting Shawn Bowman (Mets) to pop out to second.
"Everything was working for me today," he said. "Home plate felt really close and I felt like I could put the ball anywhere I needed to put it. It was just one of those days where it was going where I wanted it to go."
Fellow Braves farmhand Deunte Heath struck out the first batter he faced in the fifth before surrendering a single to Kyle Blanks (Padres). Heath, Tyson Brummett (Phillies), Kris Medlen (Braves), Sergio Escalona (Phillies) and Stephen Marek (Braves) combined to limit the league-leading Saguaros (8-3) to an unearned run on five hits with six strikeouts over the final five frames.
Marek struck out Steven Hill (Cardinals) with a runner on first in the ninth to nail down his second AFL save.
Signed by Atlanta as a draft-and-follow pick in the 22nd round of the 2005 First-Year Player Draft, Hanson has emerged as the Braves' top young pitcher. He led the organization with 163 strikeouts this year and tossed the first no-hitter in Mississippi history against Birmingham on June 25, striking out a career-high 14 in the process.
"I kind of feel like it's just rolled over from the regular season," Hanson said. "I'm doing the same things here that I was during the season. Hopefully, I'll keep having success."
The heralded Braves prospect extended his fall scoreless streak to 8 2/3 innings Saturday, striking out nine over four no-hit frames to lead the Mesa Solar Sox to a 3-1 victory over the Peoria Saguaros.
Hanson (2-0), who went a combined 11-5 with a 2.41 ERA in 25 starts between Class A Advanced Myrtle Beach and Double-A Mississippi this season, has raised his game a notch in the AFL. The 22-year-old right-hander has yielded only one hit and three walks with 14 strikeouts in his first three outings.
"Hopefully, [the Braves will] give me a chance and I can prove that I belong there," Hanson said. "I hope I can do well and try to stay up there. I'm real confident with all my pitches and I plan to just keep attacking hitters."
On Saturday, Hanson was nearly perfect, fanning five of the first six batters he faced and setting down 10 in a row before hitting Padres prospect Mike Baxter with one out in the fourth. The Tulsa, Okla., native responded by striking out Chad Huffman (Padres) and getting Shawn Bowman (Mets) to pop out to second.
"Everything was working for me today," he said. "Home plate felt really close and I felt like I could put the ball anywhere I needed to put it. It was just one of those days where it was going where I wanted it to go."
Fellow Braves farmhand Deunte Heath struck out the first batter he faced in the fifth before surrendering a single to Kyle Blanks (Padres). Heath, Tyson Brummett (Phillies), Kris Medlen (Braves), Sergio Escalona (Phillies) and Stephen Marek (Braves) combined to limit the league-leading Saguaros (8-3) to an unearned run on five hits with six strikeouts over the final five frames.
Marek struck out Steven Hill (Cardinals) with a runner on first in the ninth to nail down his second AFL save.
Signed by Atlanta as a draft-and-follow pick in the 22nd round of the 2005 First-Year Player Draft, Hanson has emerged as the Braves' top young pitcher. He led the organization with 163 strikeouts this year and tossed the first no-hitter in Mississippi history against Birmingham on June 25, striking out a career-high 14 in the process.
"I kind of feel like it's just rolled over from the regular season," Hanson said. "I'm doing the same things here that I was during the season. Hopefully, I'll keep having success."
12, 14, 15, 17, 22
-
Cardinals
- Posts: 7721
- Joined: Sat May 18, 2002 1:00 am
- Location: Manch Vegas, CT
- Name: John Paul Starkey
● ● ● ● ●
#1A (11) - RHP Michael Main | DoB: 12/14/88 | 6′ 1″, 170 lb.
Acquired via: 2007 MLB Draft, 1st Round (24th overall)
58.2 IP, 3-3, 2.76 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 65 K, 18 BB (Arizona, Clinton)
Pros: Electric overall arsenal; overwhelming athleticism; make-up
Cons: Limited statistical record (86.2 career IP); some minor injury concerns
ETA: 2010
Sensational MLB Comp:: Bret Saberhagen
Jason's Comments: Main is the perfect storm of pitching prospects. He has the pure stuff to pitch at the very top of a Major League rotation. His fluid mechanics allow him to uncork a low-to-mid 90s heater with life, to go along with a tight curveball that will occasionally have 11-to-5 movement when he doesn't stay on top of it. His change-up is still developing, but it has above-average potential and is already thrown with good arm speed. He is perhaps the most gifted natural athlete of any player in the Rangers' minor league system, and he has the mental make-up to actually reach the bar set by his physical gifts.
How can I possibly rank Main above two of the top pitching prospects in the minors who are both coming off transcendent seasons that saw them rise from Low A and finish in AA? One word: Promise.
#1A (11) - RHP Michael Main | DoB: 12/14/88 | 6′ 1″, 170 lb.
Acquired via: 2007 MLB Draft, 1st Round (24th overall)
58.2 IP, 3-3, 2.76 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 65 K, 18 BB (Arizona, Clinton)
Pros: Electric overall arsenal; overwhelming athleticism; make-up
Cons: Limited statistical record (86.2 career IP); some minor injury concerns
ETA: 2010
Sensational MLB Comp:: Bret Saberhagen
Jason's Comments: Main is the perfect storm of pitching prospects. He has the pure stuff to pitch at the very top of a Major League rotation. His fluid mechanics allow him to uncork a low-to-mid 90s heater with life, to go along with a tight curveball that will occasionally have 11-to-5 movement when he doesn't stay on top of it. His change-up is still developing, but it has above-average potential and is already thrown with good arm speed. He is perhaps the most gifted natural athlete of any player in the Rangers' minor league system, and he has the mental make-up to actually reach the bar set by his physical gifts.
How can I possibly rank Main above two of the top pitching prospects in the minors who are both coming off transcendent seasons that saw them rise from Low A and finish in AA? One word: Promise.
12, 14, 15, 17, 22
-
Cardinals
- Posts: 7721
- Joined: Sat May 18, 2002 1:00 am
- Location: Manch Vegas, CT
- Name: John Paul Starkey
Baseball Prospectus' #1 Colorado Rockies prospect is...
Five Star:
1. Dexter Fowler, CF
DOB: 3/22/86
Height/Weight: 6-4/175
Bats/Throws: S/R
Drafted/Signed: 14th round, 2004, Milton HS (GA)
2008 Stats: .335/.431/.515, .283 EqA at Double-A (108 G)
Last Year's Ranking: 5
Year in Review: Finally healthy for a full year, Fowler delivered on the promise of a breakout season, participated in the Olympics, and even got a brief major league look.
The Good: This is one of those special players who catches your eye the moment he takes the field, and then backs it up with his performance. There's really nothing he can't do: he has a pro approach at the plate, makes consistent hard contact with gap power and projection for more, is a plus-plus runner, and he's an outstanding center fielder with a good arm. As if all of that isn't enough, you can add that he has outstanding makeup and intelligence.
The Bad: Finding things wrong with Fowler requires nitpicking. There is debate about his ultimate power ceiling, and he'll need to learn how to turn on balls and extend his arms more in order to reach it. He could be a better basestealer, but he is tentative at times and needs to improve his jumps.
Fun Fact: In the seventh inning of games for Tulsa, he went 15-for-37 with eight extra-base hits and 10 walks, good for a .405/.532/.811 line.
Perfect World Projection: He's an impact center fielder with speed and power, but more of the former than the latter.
Glass Half Empty: He settles for being more of a Devon White type than a true superstar.
Path To The Big Leagues: Willy Taveras puts up a roadblock made of balsa wood.
Timetable: The Rockies aren't ruling anything out, but for now they'd prefer Fowler put in some time in Triple-A to add a bit more polish.
Five Star:
1. Dexter Fowler, CF
DOB: 3/22/86
Height/Weight: 6-4/175
Bats/Throws: S/R
Drafted/Signed: 14th round, 2004, Milton HS (GA)
2008 Stats: .335/.431/.515, .283 EqA at Double-A (108 G)
Last Year's Ranking: 5
Year in Review: Finally healthy for a full year, Fowler delivered on the promise of a breakout season, participated in the Olympics, and even got a brief major league look.
The Good: This is one of those special players who catches your eye the moment he takes the field, and then backs it up with his performance. There's really nothing he can't do: he has a pro approach at the plate, makes consistent hard contact with gap power and projection for more, is a plus-plus runner, and he's an outstanding center fielder with a good arm. As if all of that isn't enough, you can add that he has outstanding makeup and intelligence.
The Bad: Finding things wrong with Fowler requires nitpicking. There is debate about his ultimate power ceiling, and he'll need to learn how to turn on balls and extend his arms more in order to reach it. He could be a better basestealer, but he is tentative at times and needs to improve his jumps.
Fun Fact: In the seventh inning of games for Tulsa, he went 15-for-37 with eight extra-base hits and 10 walks, good for a .405/.532/.811 line.
Perfect World Projection: He's an impact center fielder with speed and power, but more of the former than the latter.
Glass Half Empty: He settles for being more of a Devon White type than a true superstar.
Path To The Big Leagues: Willy Taveras puts up a roadblock made of balsa wood.
Timetable: The Rockies aren't ruling anything out, but for now they'd prefer Fowler put in some time in Triple-A to add a bit more polish.
12, 14, 15, 17, 22
-
Cardinals
- Posts: 7721
- Joined: Sat May 18, 2002 1:00 am
- Location: Manch Vegas, CT
- Name: John Paul Starkey
5 Star Prospects
2: Brett Wallace, 3B
DOB: 8/26/86
Height/Weight: 6-1/245
Bats/Throws: L/R
Drafted/Signed: 1st round, 2008, Arizona State University
2008 Stats: .327/.418/.490, .259 EqA at Low-A (41 G); .367/.456/.653, .307 EqA at Double-A (13 G)
Last Year's Ranking: N/A
Year in Review: Arguably the top hitter in college baseball, he had no problem adjusting to pro ball, putting up huge numbers at Double-A just weeks after signing.
The Good: Wallace is an offensive machine. He has a big-league approach, outstanding hand/eye coordination, and above-average power. Defensively, he makes the plays on all the balls he gets to, and has enough arm for the hot corner.
The Bad: His bat is clearly his primary tool. Amateur scouts dubbed him "The Walrus" because of his thick build; he's a very slow runner with poor range at third base, especially when charging in on slowly hit ground balls.
Fun Fact: In the Arizona State media guide, Wallace lists his favorite player as A's third baseman Eric Chavez, which gives him something to aim for defensively.
Perfect World Projection: He'll be a number-three hitter who's among the league leaders in batting average and on-base percentage, with 20-25 home runs annually.
Glass Half Empty: His offensive value takes a downturn if he moves to first base, but he's not going to stop hitting.
Path To The Big Leagues: Troy Glaus has one year left on his contract, so if he can stay on the left side, the timing is good; if not, first baseman Albert Pujols isn't going anywhere, which makes Wallace outstanding trade bait.
Timetable: Wallace will stay at third, and will likely return to Double-A to begin 2009.
2: Brett Wallace, 3B
DOB: 8/26/86
Height/Weight: 6-1/245
Bats/Throws: L/R
Drafted/Signed: 1st round, 2008, Arizona State University
2008 Stats: .327/.418/.490, .259 EqA at Low-A (41 G); .367/.456/.653, .307 EqA at Double-A (13 G)
Last Year's Ranking: N/A
Year in Review: Arguably the top hitter in college baseball, he had no problem adjusting to pro ball, putting up huge numbers at Double-A just weeks after signing.
The Good: Wallace is an offensive machine. He has a big-league approach, outstanding hand/eye coordination, and above-average power. Defensively, he makes the plays on all the balls he gets to, and has enough arm for the hot corner.
The Bad: His bat is clearly his primary tool. Amateur scouts dubbed him "The Walrus" because of his thick build; he's a very slow runner with poor range at third base, especially when charging in on slowly hit ground balls.
Fun Fact: In the Arizona State media guide, Wallace lists his favorite player as A's third baseman Eric Chavez, which gives him something to aim for defensively.
Perfect World Projection: He'll be a number-three hitter who's among the league leaders in batting average and on-base percentage, with 20-25 home runs annually.
Glass Half Empty: His offensive value takes a downturn if he moves to first base, but he's not going to stop hitting.
Path To The Big Leagues: Troy Glaus has one year left on his contract, so if he can stay on the left side, the timing is good; if not, first baseman Albert Pujols isn't going anywhere, which makes Wallace outstanding trade bait.
Timetable: Wallace will stay at third, and will likely return to Double-A to begin 2009.
12, 14, 15, 17, 22
-
Cardinals
- Posts: 7721
- Joined: Sat May 18, 2002 1:00 am
- Location: Manch Vegas, CT
- Name: John Paul Starkey
TORONTO – The statistics don't tell the story of Kevin Ahrens' improvement in his first full professional season, farm director Dick Scott says.
The third baseman, a first-round draft pick (16th overall) from Memorial High in Houston in 2007, batted .259/.329/.367 with five home runs and 42 RBIs in 460 at-bats with low Class A Lansing last season.
Ahrens, 19 and a switch-hitter, had his best month for batting average in July when he hit .296, with two homers and eight RBIs, but dipped to .184 in August. He did finish relatively strong, however, batting .267 in his final 10 games. He batted .289 in April with a .390 on-base percentage and, in May, hit .245 with a .294 OBP.
"I heard from some scouts that they thought he was one of the top three players in the league in the second half of the season and that's a nice compliment for Kevin and shows how much better he keeps getting," Scott said. "He got a lot better defensively, moving his feet over there and he has a plus arm and his swing is coming along and he's starting to drive the ball, hit the ball a lot more solid.
"It's one of the things where you just look at the stats you're never going to see his improvement. If somebody goes in and sees him at the beginning of the year and sees him at the end you're going to see a ton of improvement."
He said the improvement was noticed by the organization's coaches who saw him in spring training and then saw him again in instructional league.
"He was one of the guys we talked about frequently in our meetings, how much he improved," Scott said.
After signing in 2007, Ahrens played in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League, where he batted .230 with 21 RBIs.
The third baseman, a first-round draft pick (16th overall) from Memorial High in Houston in 2007, batted .259/.329/.367 with five home runs and 42 RBIs in 460 at-bats with low Class A Lansing last season.
Ahrens, 19 and a switch-hitter, had his best month for batting average in July when he hit .296, with two homers and eight RBIs, but dipped to .184 in August. He did finish relatively strong, however, batting .267 in his final 10 games. He batted .289 in April with a .390 on-base percentage and, in May, hit .245 with a .294 OBP.
"I heard from some scouts that they thought he was one of the top three players in the league in the second half of the season and that's a nice compliment for Kevin and shows how much better he keeps getting," Scott said. "He got a lot better defensively, moving his feet over there and he has a plus arm and his swing is coming along and he's starting to drive the ball, hit the ball a lot more solid.
"It's one of the things where you just look at the stats you're never going to see his improvement. If somebody goes in and sees him at the beginning of the year and sees him at the end you're going to see a ton of improvement."
He said the improvement was noticed by the organization's coaches who saw him in spring training and then saw him again in instructional league.
"He was one of the guys we talked about frequently in our meetings, how much he improved," Scott said.
After signing in 2007, Ahrens played in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League, where he batted .230 with 21 RBIs.
12, 14, 15, 17, 22
-
Cardinals
- Posts: 7721
- Joined: Sat May 18, 2002 1:00 am
- Location: Manch Vegas, CT
- Name: John Paul Starkey
5. Rafael Rodriguez, RF
DOB: 7/13/92
Height/Weight: 6-5/198
Bats/Throws: R-R
Drafted/Signed: Dominican Republic, 2008
2008 Stats: None
Last Year's Ranking: N/A
Year in Review: The organization continued to spend heavily in the international market by giving Rodriguez a $2.55 million bonus, a record for a Dominican position player.
The Good: Rodriguez' long, angular frame and natural raw power draws some physical comps to a right-handed Darryl Strawberry. The ball flies off of his bat when he gets his arms extended, and he also has excellent plate coverage and hand-eye coordination. He's a tick above-average runner, and has the arm required for a good right fielder.
The Bad: Only 16, Rodriguez is obviously unrefined. He has little exposure to quality secondary pitches, so there are open questions about just how much he'll hit. He's still growing, and he'll likely lose athleticism once he matures, though he should be fine in right field.
Fun Fact: Remember the day when we all got a chuckle out of Dan Quayle spelling 'potato' wrong in a school classroom? Rodriguez was two days old when that happened.
Perfect World Projection: His ceiling is extremely high.
Glass Half Empty: Again, the dude is 16 years old.
Path To The Big Leagues: All that the $2.55 million bought was a path to the Estados Unidos and a work permit. He's at least four years away, and more likely five or six.
Timetable: Rodriguez will spend the first half of the year at the Giants' training complex in Arizona before seeing his first professional at-bats in the complex league.
DOB: 7/13/92
Height/Weight: 6-5/198
Bats/Throws: R-R
Drafted/Signed: Dominican Republic, 2008
2008 Stats: None
Last Year's Ranking: N/A
Year in Review: The organization continued to spend heavily in the international market by giving Rodriguez a $2.55 million bonus, a record for a Dominican position player.
The Good: Rodriguez' long, angular frame and natural raw power draws some physical comps to a right-handed Darryl Strawberry. The ball flies off of his bat when he gets his arms extended, and he also has excellent plate coverage and hand-eye coordination. He's a tick above-average runner, and has the arm required for a good right fielder.
The Bad: Only 16, Rodriguez is obviously unrefined. He has little exposure to quality secondary pitches, so there are open questions about just how much he'll hit. He's still growing, and he'll likely lose athleticism once he matures, though he should be fine in right field.
Fun Fact: Remember the day when we all got a chuckle out of Dan Quayle spelling 'potato' wrong in a school classroom? Rodriguez was two days old when that happened.
Perfect World Projection: His ceiling is extremely high.
Glass Half Empty: Again, the dude is 16 years old.
Path To The Big Leagues: All that the $2.55 million bought was a path to the Estados Unidos and a work permit. He's at least four years away, and more likely five or six.
Timetable: Rodriguez will spend the first half of the year at the Giants' training complex in Arizona before seeing his first professional at-bats in the complex league.
12, 14, 15, 17, 22
-
Cardinals
- Posts: 7721
- Joined: Sat May 18, 2002 1:00 am
- Location: Manch Vegas, CT
- Name: John Paul Starkey
Background: Fowler had a breakthrough season in 2008 after injuries limited him to 164 games the two previous seasons. A Double-A Texas League all-star for Tulsa, he was selected to play in the Futures Game at Yankee Stadium, played for the U.S. Olympic team, and made his big league debut in September. A 14th-rounder in 2004, Fowler didn't debut until the following season because the Rockies didn't sign him until August, after a trade of Larry Walker provided payroll savings that were used for his $925,000 bonus. Fowler scared teams off because he had offers to play baseball at Miami, where he was headed before signing with the Rockies, and basketball at Harvard. A High School All-American, he was ranked by Baseball America as the 10th-best high school position player available in the 2004 draft. He played in summer league programs with Chris Nelson, the Rockies' first-round draft choice in 2004.
Strengths: There are few players with as complete a package of tools as Fowler, from physical ability to his personality. Constantly smiling, he plays center field and runs the bases with a flair that conjures up memories of a young Garry Maddox and Willie Wilson. His feet don't seem to ever leave the ground with his effortless stride. He is a plus runner who gets good breaks on balls defensively and has a plus arm for a center fielder. He continues to make strides offensively and started to show an ability to drive the ball in 2008. Having not begun to switch-hit until he got into pro ball, Fowler is stronger from the right side of the plate, batting .405 in 84 at-bats against lefthanders last season. But he has good technique from the left side, even though he does use a split grip. He said it gives him a feeling of bat control, and the organization has taken a hands-off approach to that situation.
Weaknesses: Fowler has no glaring holes. It's a matter of how quickly he'll make adjustments. Fowler has a sleek, athletic build that figures to steadily get stronger, although he will never be bulky, and with that strength will come run-production power. However, that is still a projection at this point. At each level he has had to adjust to the command of pitchers, and learn not to be in a hurry to chase pitches out of the zone. He has too much speed to give away at-bats and needs to make more contact with two strikes. He has excellent speed, but needs to learn how to use it as an offensive weapon in terms of stealing bases and bunting.
The Future: Fowler is expected to be a key part of the Rockies' long-term foundation with his ability to play center field in spacious Coors Field. He might hit leadoff but could develop enough power to move lower in the order, perhaps as a No. 3 or No. 5 hitter. Natural progression will have him open this season with Triple-A Colorado Springs, but with his raw abilities, Fowler has the ability to push up the development plan. Fowler's ability to make quick adjustments at Tulsa last year has moved him onto the fast track.
Strengths: There are few players with as complete a package of tools as Fowler, from physical ability to his personality. Constantly smiling, he plays center field and runs the bases with a flair that conjures up memories of a young Garry Maddox and Willie Wilson. His feet don't seem to ever leave the ground with his effortless stride. He is a plus runner who gets good breaks on balls defensively and has a plus arm for a center fielder. He continues to make strides offensively and started to show an ability to drive the ball in 2008. Having not begun to switch-hit until he got into pro ball, Fowler is stronger from the right side of the plate, batting .405 in 84 at-bats against lefthanders last season. But he has good technique from the left side, even though he does use a split grip. He said it gives him a feeling of bat control, and the organization has taken a hands-off approach to that situation.
Weaknesses: Fowler has no glaring holes. It's a matter of how quickly he'll make adjustments. Fowler has a sleek, athletic build that figures to steadily get stronger, although he will never be bulky, and with that strength will come run-production power. However, that is still a projection at this point. At each level he has had to adjust to the command of pitchers, and learn not to be in a hurry to chase pitches out of the zone. He has too much speed to give away at-bats and needs to make more contact with two strikes. He has excellent speed, but needs to learn how to use it as an offensive weapon in terms of stealing bases and bunting.
The Future: Fowler is expected to be a key part of the Rockies' long-term foundation with his ability to play center field in spacious Coors Field. He might hit leadoff but could develop enough power to move lower in the order, perhaps as a No. 3 or No. 5 hitter. Natural progression will have him open this season with Triple-A Colorado Springs, but with his raw abilities, Fowler has the ability to push up the development plan. Fowler's ability to make quick adjustments at Tulsa last year has moved him onto the fast track.
12, 14, 15, 17, 22
-
Cardinals
- Posts: 7721
- Joined: Sat May 18, 2002 1:00 am
- Location: Manch Vegas, CT
- Name: John Paul Starkey
Strengths: Elbert still has a live arm, and his fastball was back up to 90-94 mph in 2008. He has a hard, two-plane curveball at 83-86 mph and runs it under the hands of righthanders. His changeup is also a plus pitch at times. He usually operates in the bottom of the strike zone.
Weaknesses: A former all-state running back, Elbert has a football mentality on the mound, resulting in a high-effort delivery and a tendency for his front side to fly open when he rushes. Missing most of 2007 didn't help his mechanics, and there's some thought he may not be able to go back to starting because he can't repeat his delivery. He pitches away from contact, leading to erratic control and command.
The Future: If Elbert makes the Dodgers out of spring training, it will be as a reliever. If not, he'll probably return to starting at their new Triple-A Albuquerque affiliate. If he can't re-assert himself in that role, he'll still be valuable as a late-inning reliever, perhaps even a closer
Weaknesses: A former all-state running back, Elbert has a football mentality on the mound, resulting in a high-effort delivery and a tendency for his front side to fly open when he rushes. Missing most of 2007 didn't help his mechanics, and there's some thought he may not be able to go back to starting because he can't repeat his delivery. He pitches away from contact, leading to erratic control and command.
The Future: If Elbert makes the Dodgers out of spring training, it will be as a reliever. If not, he'll probably return to starting at their new Triple-A Albuquerque affiliate. If he can't re-assert himself in that role, he'll still be valuable as a late-inning reliever, perhaps even a closer
12, 14, 15, 17, 22
-
Cardinals
- Posts: 7721
- Joined: Sat May 18, 2002 1:00 am
- Location: Manch Vegas, CT
- Name: John Paul Starkey
http://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy/blog/ro ... asy,137920
Move over Craig Stadler. There's a new "Walrus" in professional sports.
Announced last week, Troy Glaus is expected to miss at least the first five weeks of the regular season after undergoing shoulder surgery, which means Brett Wallace, the Cardinals '08 first-round pick from Arizona State, is on the precipice of cracking the opening day starting lineup.
Wallace, one of baseball's premiere hitting prospects, has a major league ready bat. A patient, powerful lefty-swinger with tremendous statistical upside, the All-Star caliber youngster raked a .337 BA with eight homers and 36 RBIs in 202 at-bats between Single- and Double-A last season. Equally impressive, Wallace continued to wield a fiery stick in Arizona Fall League action, smacking a .309 BA with six homers and 24 RBIs in just 94 at-bats. Here's how John Vuch, Cardinals director of minor league operations, described Wallace's game:
"He's just a very polished hitter. He came to us that way and he's done everything we expected and he's brought more defensive aptitude than we thought. He's not the prototypical third baseman as far as his body type, but he's got more athleticism than you would initially think."
Analyzing his saber contributions under a microscope, one could easily classify his homer potential as "in development." His absurdly elevated 49.6 GB% (33.1 FB%) last season is very uncommon for a high-contact power hitter. For example, Aramis Ramirez posted a 31.3 GB% (48.3 FB%) a year ago. He may flirt with a .300 BA consistently, but until his GB:FB splits trend differently, he's more of the 15-20 HR variety.
In many ways, his minor league splits mimic those of KC's Billy Butler. Based on Butler's slow transition to big league pitching, it may take Wallace at least 400 MLB at-bats to discover his long-ball stroke. But with a strong spring campaign he could easily wind up trotting out to third base opening day, assuming he fends off another unheralded power prospect, David Freese (.306 BA, 26 HR, 91 RBI, 111:39 K:BB in 464 Triple-A at-bats last year), and possibly Brendan Ryan, Joe Mather and Joe Thurston.
Despite the ferocious bat, the one knock against the 21-year-old is his defense. Because of his bottom-heavy build (Seriously, if Butler swallowed Grimace, Wallace would have an American League clone), he's marginally nimble. For your enjoyment, here's Wallace's tree-trunk frame in animated color:
Sure the kid may squat elephants, but he's no Scott Rolen with the mitt. Still, if Albert Pujols can't convince the Cards to sign Manny Ramirez, it's possible the rookie's blazing bat may force management to overlook his suspect defense.
For now, keep close tabs on Wallace this spring. If he scorches at the plate, regular at-bats will be a certainty in April, which could make him mixed-league desirable. Keep in mind Glaus is scheduled to be a free agent after this season, meaning if Wallace plays admirably during his audition, it's very conceivable St. Louis will unload the veteran.
Because of his mammoth potential, Wallace is worth a Mr. Irrelevant selection late in your mixed draft ($3-$6 bid in NL-only auctions), especially in keeper formats.
So, will you hunt the Walrus in your draft? Discuss below.
Move over Craig Stadler. There's a new "Walrus" in professional sports.
Announced last week, Troy Glaus is expected to miss at least the first five weeks of the regular season after undergoing shoulder surgery, which means Brett Wallace, the Cardinals '08 first-round pick from Arizona State, is on the precipice of cracking the opening day starting lineup.
Wallace, one of baseball's premiere hitting prospects, has a major league ready bat. A patient, powerful lefty-swinger with tremendous statistical upside, the All-Star caliber youngster raked a .337 BA with eight homers and 36 RBIs in 202 at-bats between Single- and Double-A last season. Equally impressive, Wallace continued to wield a fiery stick in Arizona Fall League action, smacking a .309 BA with six homers and 24 RBIs in just 94 at-bats. Here's how John Vuch, Cardinals director of minor league operations, described Wallace's game:
"He's just a very polished hitter. He came to us that way and he's done everything we expected and he's brought more defensive aptitude than we thought. He's not the prototypical third baseman as far as his body type, but he's got more athleticism than you would initially think."
Analyzing his saber contributions under a microscope, one could easily classify his homer potential as "in development." His absurdly elevated 49.6 GB% (33.1 FB%) last season is very uncommon for a high-contact power hitter. For example, Aramis Ramirez posted a 31.3 GB% (48.3 FB%) a year ago. He may flirt with a .300 BA consistently, but until his GB:FB splits trend differently, he's more of the 15-20 HR variety.
In many ways, his minor league splits mimic those of KC's Billy Butler. Based on Butler's slow transition to big league pitching, it may take Wallace at least 400 MLB at-bats to discover his long-ball stroke. But with a strong spring campaign he could easily wind up trotting out to third base opening day, assuming he fends off another unheralded power prospect, David Freese (.306 BA, 26 HR, 91 RBI, 111:39 K:BB in 464 Triple-A at-bats last year), and possibly Brendan Ryan, Joe Mather and Joe Thurston.
Despite the ferocious bat, the one knock against the 21-year-old is his defense. Because of his bottom-heavy build (Seriously, if Butler swallowed Grimace, Wallace would have an American League clone), he's marginally nimble. For your enjoyment, here's Wallace's tree-trunk frame in animated color:
Sure the kid may squat elephants, but he's no Scott Rolen with the mitt. Still, if Albert Pujols can't convince the Cards to sign Manny Ramirez, it's possible the rookie's blazing bat may force management to overlook his suspect defense.
For now, keep close tabs on Wallace this spring. If he scorches at the plate, regular at-bats will be a certainty in April, which could make him mixed-league desirable. Keep in mind Glaus is scheduled to be a free agent after this season, meaning if Wallace plays admirably during his audition, it's very conceivable St. Louis will unload the veteran.
Because of his mammoth potential, Wallace is worth a Mr. Irrelevant selection late in your mixed draft ($3-$6 bid in NL-only auctions), especially in keeper formats.
So, will you hunt the Walrus in your draft? Discuss below.
12, 14, 15, 17, 22
-
Cardinals
- Posts: 7721
- Joined: Sat May 18, 2002 1:00 am
- Location: Manch Vegas, CT
- Name: John Paul Starkey
Time for our first Pirates Farm report in 2009.
Trevor Reckling LH SP (07 draftee...not even 20 yet till later this month and in AA. Sick)
A: 19 IP, 0.95 ERA, 9 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 16 SO, .138 BAA
AA: 19 IP, 0.95 ERA, 9 H, 2 ER, 9 BB, 17 SO, .138 BAA
Cumulative: 38 IP, 18 H, 4 ER, 12 BB, 33 SO, .138 BAA
Wilkins De La Rosa LH SP
A: 14 IP, 1.29 ERA, 9 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 17 SO, .184 BAA
AA: 6 IP, 0.00 ERA, 5 H, 1 BB, 9 SO, .217 BAA
Cumulative: 20 IP, 0.90 ERA, 14 H, 2 ER, 5 BB, 26 SO, .194 BAA
Wilmer Font RH SP
A: 19 IP, 1.89 ERA, 13 H, 4 ER, 13 BB, 19 SO, .200 BAA
Clay Zavada LH RP
AA: 14.1 IP, 2.51 ERA, 4 ER, 5 BB, 17 SO, .160 BAA
Luis Marte RH SP
AA: 29.2 IP, 3.34 ERA, 26 H, 11 ER, 5 BB, 29 SO, .236 BAA
Eduardo Morlan RH RP
AA: 17 IP, 2.65 ERA, 15 H, 5 ER, 6 BB, 12 SO, .242 BAA
Pete Kozma SS 07 Draftee
A: .315/.381/.384, 8 BB, 16 SO, 73 AB
AA: .233/.273/.233, 2 BB, 3 SO, 30 AB
Josh Harrison 2B 08 Draftee
A: .381/.403/.531 4 BB, 12 SO, 113 AB
Austin Gallagher 1B/3B 07 Draftee
A: .286/.344/.366, 10 BB, 23 SO, 1 HR, 112 AB
Jordy Mercer SS 08 Draftee
A: .250/.314/.417, 9 BB, 18 SO, 3 HR, 108 AB
Jason Heyward OF 07 Draftee
A: .261/.340/.466, 10 BB, 18 SO, 4 HR, 2 SB, 88 AB
Matt LaPorta OF 07 Draftee
AAA: .333/.414/.640, 9 BB, 10 SO, 5 HR, 75 AB
MLB: 2 for 13, HR
Luke Hughes 3B
AAA: .286/.383/.520, 16 BB, 25 SO, 5 HR, 98 AB
Kyle Hudson OF 08 Draftee
A: .275/.365/.321, 12 BB, 17 SO, 11 SB, 84 AB
Rolando Gomez, Adrian Nieto and Fernando Cruz yet to play.
Trevor Reckling LH SP (07 draftee...not even 20 yet till later this month and in AA. Sick)
A: 19 IP, 0.95 ERA, 9 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 16 SO, .138 BAA
AA: 19 IP, 0.95 ERA, 9 H, 2 ER, 9 BB, 17 SO, .138 BAA
Cumulative: 38 IP, 18 H, 4 ER, 12 BB, 33 SO, .138 BAA
Wilkins De La Rosa LH SP
A: 14 IP, 1.29 ERA, 9 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 17 SO, .184 BAA
AA: 6 IP, 0.00 ERA, 5 H, 1 BB, 9 SO, .217 BAA
Cumulative: 20 IP, 0.90 ERA, 14 H, 2 ER, 5 BB, 26 SO, .194 BAA
Wilmer Font RH SP
A: 19 IP, 1.89 ERA, 13 H, 4 ER, 13 BB, 19 SO, .200 BAA
Clay Zavada LH RP
AA: 14.1 IP, 2.51 ERA, 4 ER, 5 BB, 17 SO, .160 BAA
Luis Marte RH SP
AA: 29.2 IP, 3.34 ERA, 26 H, 11 ER, 5 BB, 29 SO, .236 BAA
Eduardo Morlan RH RP
AA: 17 IP, 2.65 ERA, 15 H, 5 ER, 6 BB, 12 SO, .242 BAA
Pete Kozma SS 07 Draftee
A: .315/.381/.384, 8 BB, 16 SO, 73 AB
AA: .233/.273/.233, 2 BB, 3 SO, 30 AB
Josh Harrison 2B 08 Draftee
A: .381/.403/.531 4 BB, 12 SO, 113 AB
Austin Gallagher 1B/3B 07 Draftee
A: .286/.344/.366, 10 BB, 23 SO, 1 HR, 112 AB
Jordy Mercer SS 08 Draftee
A: .250/.314/.417, 9 BB, 18 SO, 3 HR, 108 AB
Jason Heyward OF 07 Draftee
A: .261/.340/.466, 10 BB, 18 SO, 4 HR, 2 SB, 88 AB
Matt LaPorta OF 07 Draftee
AAA: .333/.414/.640, 9 BB, 10 SO, 5 HR, 75 AB
MLB: 2 for 13, HR
Luke Hughes 3B
AAA: .286/.383/.520, 16 BB, 25 SO, 5 HR, 98 AB
Kyle Hudson OF 08 Draftee
A: .275/.365/.321, 12 BB, 17 SO, 11 SB, 84 AB
Rolando Gomez, Adrian Nieto and Fernando Cruz yet to play.
12, 14, 15, 17, 22
-
Cardinals
- Posts: 7721
- Joined: Sat May 18, 2002 1:00 am
- Location: Manch Vegas, CT
- Name: John Paul Starkey
Well. My farm system is drastically different now. But here's some nice things I've found on a pair of my guys:
Chris Archer RH SP Cubs MWL: 2.81 ERA, 109 IP, 119 SO, .202 BAA, 66 BB. He missed out on the Cubs top 10, but Callis had this to say of him:
Chris Archer RH SP Cubs MWL: 2.81 ERA, 109 IP, 119 SO, .202 BAA, 66 BB. He missed out on the Cubs top 10, but Callis had this to say of him:
Nick Noonan 2B Giants CAL .259/.330/.397, 41 XBH. Not a great year for the Cal leaguer as he just missed the top 10 but BA had this to say:Jim Callis: As much as I don't think the Cubs should have traded Mark DeRosa, they did get three good arms back in Archer, John Gaub and Jeff Stevens. Archer just missed the top 10 and will fall in the 11-15 range in the Prospect Handbook. He has an electric arm and didn't allow a home run all year, and he'll take off as soon as he develops some command.
Noonan has yet to put up big numbers in full-season ball, but the former sandwich pick has been part of two championship teams the last two years, spending last year in high Class A at age 20. He covers the plate almost too well, as he puts tough pitches in play too often. With more discipline, he can be become the quintessential offensive second baseman.
12, 14, 15, 17, 22
-
Cardinals
- Posts: 7721
- Joined: Sat May 18, 2002 1:00 am
- Location: Manch Vegas, CT
- Name: John Paul Starkey
On the Rays Sickels Top 20 we have...
Pretty happy with early rankings/writeups on my 09 picks so far given I didn't get to pick until the end of the third round. Granted in a year I might hate these picks but hey, that's the fun part.11) Luke Bailey, C, Grade C+: Difficult to rank since we don't know if the Tommy John is going to impact his defense yet. Was a first round talent before he got hurt.
16) Todd Glaesman, OF, Grade C+: Excellent tools, have to see if he can control the zone at higher levels. Could be Top Ten guy next year if he does.
12, 14, 15, 17, 22
-
Cardinals
- Posts: 7721
- Joined: Sat May 18, 2002 1:00 am
- Location: Manch Vegas, CT
- Name: John Paul Starkey
From the All AL non Top 10 list on BA:
Jim Callis wrote:Luke Bailey, c, Rays: Because Bailey blew out his elbow while pitching, Tampa Bay was able to steal him in the fourth round of the 2009 draft. He not only has the power potential, arm strength and leadership teams want in a catcher, but he also makes consistent contact and is more athletic than most backstops.
12, 14, 15, 17, 22
-
Cardinals
- Posts: 7721
- Joined: Sat May 18, 2002 1:00 am
- Location: Manch Vegas, CT
- Name: John Paul Starkey
KLaw's sleeper prospects: Catcher Miguel Gonzalez has good strike zone coverage with power potential, and he has already shown an above-average arm and good receiving skills. He spent most of 2009 in the Appalachian League, but got a cup of coffee in Triple-A at the end of the season, which speaks to how well the White Sox regard his game.
12, 14, 15, 17, 22
-
Cardinals
- Posts: 7721
- Joined: Sat May 18, 2002 1:00 am
- Location: Manch Vegas, CT
- Name: John Paul Starkey
Time to revive this.
Kevin Goldstein wrote:After cruising through the Sally League with a 1.14 ERA in seven starts while limiting the league to a .168 batting average, Teheran moved up to the Carolina League last night, striking out 12 of the 26 batters he faced. A true potential ace, Teheran's 93-97 mph fastball is enough to dominate on its own, but it's rare to find a teenager with an advanced changeup, and Teheran's breaking ball has also made progress this year. It's not ridiculous to think he could be in the big leagues before he turns 21, that is to say before opening day 2012.
Not bad from Julio T. Chatwood is also looking pretty good in the Cal League so far as well.Ben Badler wrote:Atlanta has carefully managed Julio Teheran's innings and assignments, but it became abundantly clear after a month that facing low Class A hitters just wasn't going to be much of a challenge.
In his first start for high Class A Myrtle Beach yesterday, Carolina League hitters didn't seem to faze Teheran either. The 19-year-old righthander struck out 12 and allowed one run in seven innings at Winston-Salem, surrendering two walks and four hits. It would have been a complete game for Teheran in the second game of a doubleheader, but the score remained tied after seven and lasted 20 innings before Winston-Salem emerged with a 4-3 victory.
It will be hard for hitters at any level to hit Teheran once he gains additional polish, and what he showed last night—a 93-96 mph fastball, an outstanding changeup and a slow curveball that could be an above-average pitch—is just about the best stuff you'll see from any pitcher in the minors.
Kevin Goldstein wrote:Tyler Chatwood, RHP, Angels (High-A Rancho Cucamonga)
Last year, Midwest League scouts had a hard time wrapping their heads around Chatwood, the Angels' top pick in 2008 (second-round). He limited hitters to just a .237 batting average while showcasing a fastball that got up to 95 mph and a plus curve, but his command was shaky at best, and his officially listed height of an even six feet seemed generous. Still, all Chatwood can do is prove the scouts wrong, and he's doing that so far this year, as in his last three starts he's fired 16 2/3 scoreless innings while allowing just 12 hits and striking out 22. A 1.65 ERA goes from great to crazy-great once one adjusts for the Southern Division of the California League, and for every scout that still sees a reliever profile in Chatwood, you can now find one who see him as almost a right-handed Scott Kazmir (the good version).
12, 14, 15, 17, 22
-
Cardinals
- Posts: 7721
- Joined: Sat May 18, 2002 1:00 am
- Location: Manch Vegas, CT
- Name: John Paul Starkey
Time to revive this, here's a few goodies from Goldstein's blog update today:
Matt Adams, 1B, Cardinals (Double-A Springfield): 1-for-4, HR (10), R, 2 RBI, 2 K. Four home runs in last four games and .319/.352/.655 on the year; fat guy can hit.
A.J. Jimenez, C, Blue Jays (High-A Dunedin): 2-for-3, 2 R, BB. The best catching prospect that nobody talks about? .354/.398/.510 in 25 games while throwing out more than half of opposing base stealers.
Marcus Knecht, OF, Blue Jays (Low-A Lansing): 4-for-4, HR (3), 2 R, 2 RBI. 20-year-old sleeper has good hitting skills and some raw power; .329/.402/.526 in 22 games.
12, 14, 15, 17, 22
-
Cardinals
- Posts: 7721
- Joined: Sat May 18, 2002 1:00 am
- Location: Manch Vegas, CT
- Name: John Paul Starkey
Ramon Flores, lf/1b, Yankees. The 19-year-old Charleston first baseman doesn't exactly fit your typical profile for a left fielder/first baseman. He doesn't really have the power you look for at the traditional power spots. But the teenager is hitting .283 thanks to an advanced feel for hitting. A scout who recently saw him complimented Flores' feel for the strike zone and noticed that his game power actually seems better than the raw power he shows in batting practice. That was on clear display this week, as Flores hit four home runs as well as two doubles (doubling his season extra-base hit total). He hit .323/.400/.744 this week. As a lefty thrower he doesn't have a lot of other options defensively, but if he hits the Yankees will make room.
12, 14, 15, 17, 22
-
Cardinals
- Posts: 7721
- Joined: Sat May 18, 2002 1:00 am
- Location: Manch Vegas, CT
- Name: John Paul Starkey
I did deal much of the farm off this past weekend, but still have a pair of league MVPs:
Rymer Liriano may not be among the top statistical leaders this season, but Midwest League managers certainly took notice of the Padres' speedy outfield prospect.
Liriano was named the circuit's Most Valuable Player and Prospect of the Year on Monday as the league announced its 2011 Postseason All-Star team. Lansing's Mike Redmond earned Manager of the Year honors as well.
20 years old and was .319/.380/.499 with 27 doubles, 8 triples, 11 home runs and 62 steals in the Midwest league.
---------------
Matt Adams, who months ago proved his sweet swing didn't need a tune-up in a high Class A circuit, sweetened his season on Friday when the Springfield Cardinals slugger was named the Texas League's Player of the Year.
The honor was vintage Adams, as he pulled a stunner over at least two other strong candidates that included Arkansas Travelers' 19-year-old center fielder Mike Trout, a 2009 first-round draft choice who was twice promoted to the Los Angeles Angels.
A 23rd-round pick from the same draft class but from little-known NCAA Division II Slippery Rock (Pa.), Adams garnered more votes from league managers, team broadcasts and newspaper beat writers.
Adams was skipped this year over the high Class A Florida State League, and yet entered Friday leading the TL in RBIs (94) and ranked second in both slugging percentage (.586) and home runs (30).
Rymer Liriano may not be among the top statistical leaders this season, but Midwest League managers certainly took notice of the Padres' speedy outfield prospect.
Liriano was named the circuit's Most Valuable Player and Prospect of the Year on Monday as the league announced its 2011 Postseason All-Star team. Lansing's Mike Redmond earned Manager of the Year honors as well.
20 years old and was .319/.380/.499 with 27 doubles, 8 triples, 11 home runs and 62 steals in the Midwest league.
---------------
Matt Adams, who months ago proved his sweet swing didn't need a tune-up in a high Class A circuit, sweetened his season on Friday when the Springfield Cardinals slugger was named the Texas League's Player of the Year.
The honor was vintage Adams, as he pulled a stunner over at least two other strong candidates that included Arkansas Travelers' 19-year-old center fielder Mike Trout, a 2009 first-round draft choice who was twice promoted to the Los Angeles Angels.
A 23rd-round pick from the same draft class but from little-known NCAA Division II Slippery Rock (Pa.), Adams garnered more votes from league managers, team broadcasts and newspaper beat writers.
Adams was skipped this year over the high Class A Florida State League, and yet entered Friday leading the TL in RBIs (94) and ranked second in both slugging percentage (.586) and home runs (30).
12, 14, 15, 17, 22
-
Cardinals
- Posts: 7721
- Joined: Sat May 18, 2002 1:00 am
- Location: Manch Vegas, CT
- Name: John Paul Starkey
Yes please.Examining several sets of comparable pitchers shows an expected ERA for Darvish anywhere from 2.78 to 3.40, which is from excellent down to merely very good, but no recent major league pitchers have the combination of Darvish's expected home runs, walks and strikeouts. Looking at those comparables and Darvish’s pitch metrics give me a personal opinion: I would compare him to Felix Hernandez with more strikeouts or Ubaldo Jimenez with fewer walks.
http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/artic ... -loves-yu/
12, 14, 15, 17, 22
