Okay, I've got 6 picks in the first 63, a bunch of prospects that I like, and not enough roster slots. I'd either like to package a prospect with a pick to upgrade my pick position, trade a couple prospects for another prospect, or trade a pick and a prospect for a prospect upgrade. If you don't like to gamble on the draft, there are a number of already started prospects at almost every position and if you're looking for picks I'm always looking for lottery tickets. I've already traded the #16 prospect in the AA Eastern League for the #93 pick and an 11 slot improvement in the third round so I'm serious about moving some guys. PM.
Picks:
#11
#27
#38
#42
#57
#63
#104
Prospects:
Jordan Akins OF - AZL #12
Parks: Akins is a plus-plus athlete and has the raw tools to stick in center field (depending on how the body develops), the speed to be a weapon on the bases, and the bat to develop into a 50-grade hitter with above-average power. There is a wide gap between Akins’ present and future abilities, and he often relies too heavily on natural athleticism. He’s still in the process of developing and utilizing his tools in game action. If everything breaks in his favor, Akins could be a perennial All-Star from a premium position; right now, he’s a lottery ticket with legit five-tool potential. He might require another season in short-season ball to add the necessary skills to his game to play at the full-season level. Tool-based grade: 61: That’s a first-division starter in the majors and an All-Star-level talent.
Ross (Lubbock, TX): You may have already done so elsewhere, but can you comment on Akins progress?
Jason Parks: I wrote an OFP on AKins over the summer which pegged his future at the all-star level. Long way to go, but he has progressed in the last year. Akins might be the best all-around athlete in the Rangers' system, with 70 speed, a 65/70 arm, and tons of raw power. Out of the box (and to 1B), Akins is a 4.2 -4.3 type, but his second-gear is absolutely incredible. D-1 football recruit that is starting to learn how to play baseball. He could be a beast.
Jorge Alfaro C - NWL #8
Parks: Why He’s Next in Line: Tools/Projection. Not many catching prospects can boast two 70-grade tool futures, or the ultimate ceiling of an All-Star at the major-league level. At the plate, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound backstop has tremendous raw strength, sending ropes over the fence with a twist of the hips and a flick of the wrists. If you ever have the opportunity to see him hit in the cage, you will notice that the ball makes a unique sound coming off the bat; it sounds like a canon blast, with incredible exit velocity. In the box, Alfaro is balanced, with a quiet load, good weight transfer, and explosive leverage in his swing. He shows major league-quality opposite-field power at the present, getting good extension in his swing and generating power from his core. The swing itself isn’t especially short, but he has a fluid path to the ball, with the necessary loft to create backspin. The hit tool will allow the plus-plus power to play, but I only project him to be an average hitter at his peak.
Behind the plate, Alfaro is raw but showing improvement; his footwork is getting better and his overall comfort at the position has noticeably improved since last season. The 17-year-old can already pop in the 1.90 range, no doubt on his way to being a well above-average weapon in quelling the running game. His best attribute on defense is a 70 arm, which is capable of delivering lasers on a line across the diamond. Last season, I watched a then-16-year-old back-pick a runner at second base with a Pudge Rodriguez-esque rocket, surprising the second baseman, who was expecting a throw but wasn’t expecting his hand to swell from the sting.
Statistically speaking, 2011 might not look sexy on paper, but development is what we are looking for here. Alfaro is still raw and can be susceptible to breaking balls, especially when he gets power hungry and starts sitting dead red on every pitch. That’s to be expected from a player with a limited professional record, so its not a major concern now.
If he can continue to take developmental steps he will emerge as a top-10 talent in the Rangers system, and he could go even higher if the power arrives in game action. Alfaro has the potential to be a superstar, but it’s going to take time.
Adonys Cardona P - GCL #8
BA: Cardona signed with the Blue Jays for $2.8 million, a record for a Venezuelan amateur and the highest bonus on the international amateur market in 2010. After touching 93 mph as an amateur, Cardona hit 94 during instructional league last fall and ran his fastball up to 95 this summer. He sits in the low 90s and has the physical projection to add more velocity as he continues to fill out his long, lean frame.
Cardona stands out for his fastball as well as his changeup, which is advanced for his age and keeps hitters off balance. International scouts' primary concerns with Cardona were his below-average curveball and the effort in his delivery, both of which he still needs to address.
Glynn Davis OF - NYPL #15
BA: Davis' calling card is his speed, which rates as an 80 on the 20-80 scouting scale. He has a chance to beat out an infield hit almost any time he hits the ball on the ground, and he'll be even more dangerous when he learns to get out of the box with more consistent quickness. He's trying to develop a leadoff man's mentality—working the count, bunting and hitting the ball on the ground—and might even develop fringe-average power once he fills out his live, quick-twitch body.
His speed translates to above-average range in center field. Davis still is honing his defensive instincts, but his jumps, routes and angles continue to improve. His solid-average arm would play any outfield position.
Marco Hernandez SS - AZL #6
BA: Hernandez and Gioskar Amaya took turns at short and ranked among the best infielders in the league. Hernandez is more likely to remain at shortstop than Amaya. Hernandez has a more athletic frame and good range. He also has plus arm strength but needs better accuracy on his throws.
A switch-hitter, Hernandez currently is better from the left side of the plate. He has good bat speed and contact skills, and he shows the ability to bunt for a hit. He should have at least gap power and has plus speed, though he's still learning how to use it on the bases.
Parker Markel P - NYPL #3
PLReport: Markel isn't just the best and most advanced pitcher in the league, he also has the best stuff. Formerly drafted by the Tigers, Markel shows tons of demeanor on the mound. He throws a well-commanded fastball which regularly sits 94-95 (and touched 96-97 at times), a slider in which he throws at a consistent, over-the-top arm slot and a change up. His change up isn't plus but his fastball and slider are. Markel can both control and command the zone with his pitches and has a very simple, smooth delivery. The Rays love young pitchers with pitchability and good mound presence, and along with other things Markel definitely has just that.
Renato Nunez 3B - DSL #
BP: Prospects who receive $2.2 million as amateurs aren’t normally classified as “in the dark.” However, Venezuelan third baseman Renato Nunez is barely more than 100 at-bats into his professional career, has yet to make his stateside debut for the less-than-global Oakland A’s, and did I mention he was born in 1994? That’s why he’s in the dark. Nunez is a dream, but the dream has a happy ending, as the 17-year-old’s offensive ceiling is exceptionally high; both his hit and power tools project to be plus attributes, with some in the industry throwing 70s on his future power. Nunez isn’t especially toolsy on defense, but he has a chance to stay at third if his body cooperates, as his glove and arm are of positional quality. He’s a lifetime away, but his ceiling is worthy of the present attention.
Raul Alcantara P - GCL #6
BA: On both a prospect and a performance level, Alcantara was one of the top pitchers in the GCL. He led the league in ERA (0.75), WHIP (0.60) and opponent average (.147), earning a promotion to the NY-P in August.
Alcantara has projectable size and repeats his sound delivery well, allowing him to fill the strike zone. He throws 90-95 mph and does a good job of pitching off his fastball and locating it for a young pitcher. He also has a curveball that some scouts project as a plus pitch and a changeup that could be at least an average offering, though he didn't miss as many bats as his pure stuff would suggest.
Jorge Bonifacio OF - APP #21
BA: In a breakout year for the Bonifacio clan, 26-year-old Emilio hit .298, stole 40 bases and started at every position but first base and catcher for the Marlins. Younger brother Jorge, an 18-year-old right fielder, smashed seven homers and batted .284/.333/.492 in 236 at-bats for Burlington as the Appy League's second-youngest position player. Limited to an outfield corner by fringe-average speed, Bonifacio's power must play for him to profile as a big league regular. Some scouts project solid-average power for Bonifacio because he stays on the ball longer than most young players just by virtue of his natural bat path. Bonifacio has room to add a bit more strength, but he's physically mature for a teenager and looks the part of power-hitting right fielder. If he learns to lay off breaking stuff out of the zone, Bonifacio could develop into an average hitter.
Rosell Herrera SS - PIO #5
BA: Casper had the two best shortstop prospects in the league, as Trevor Story and Herrera shared the position and also spent time at third base. Signed for $550,000, Herrera struggled in his 2010 pro debut in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League but reversed course this season, impressing PL observers with his high-energy approach and switch-hitting potential.
"His offensive potential is spectacular," Casper manager Tony Diaz said. "He's got a line-drive, middle-of-the-diamond hitting approach, with good hand-eye coordination, especially from the left side."
Herrera did most of his damage as a lefty, batting .301/.393/.486 with five of his six homers. One scout noted that he has a lot of excess motion in his hitting setup, but that his bat is always on time. He should mature into a plus hitter with at least average power because his swing works from both sides of the plate.
Jorge Martinez 2B - AZL #10
BA: Like many of his fellow 17-year-old teammates from the 2010 AZL Indians, Martinez returned to the league this summer. He showed improvement but remained inconsistent, no surprise given his youth.
Martinez' upside remains high, and one scout remarked that his tools ranked among the best in the league. His bat can be electric at times and he shows average power from both sides of the plate, exceptional for a teenage shortstop. He also has a firm grasp of the strike zone for a youngster.
Martinez has a strong arm but needs to develop more reliability and agility in the field. He could move to second or third base if he continues to grow, but scouts give him a good chance to stay at shortstop.
Elvis Araujo P - AZL #3
BP: This 20-year-old lefty has a huge (Sabathia-like) body and a very promising fastball. The Venezuelan uses an overhand delivery and is very “arm-y” in his release, but the stuff looked very good. His fastball was in the 92-95 range during his five innings of work, touching 97 on one occasion. The plus pitch had some natural sink and run, and avoided the barrel most of the night. Araujo also delivered several good 11-to-5 curveballs, but they weren’t consistent; the pitch often featured a soft break and loose rotation. Araujo’s stuff is too advanced for the complex league, and if he can find an edge with his secondary stuff, he could develop into a very good prospect. After losing years of developmental time to Tommy John surgery/recovery, Araujo is playing catch-up, and like most players on this list, will need to prove his worth outside of Arizona before people will start to pay attention.
Destin Hood OF - CAR #12
BA: More than one CL observer pointed out that Hood is turning into the player Chicago hoped it was getting in Mitchell. Hood was a Southeastern Conference-caliber wide receiver. He committed to play football at Alabama before the Nationals lured him to baseball with a $1.1 million bonus. In his fourth professional season, his skills started to catch up with his tools.
Hood's bat has come a long ways since he was drafted, but he still has to prove he can catch up to hard fastballs and quality breaking balls. His raw strength should translate into average power, especially now that he has improved his plate discipline. His plus speed plays well on the bases and in right field, where he shows a solid arm.
Ravel Santana OF - GCL#2
BA: For a $150,000 investment in November 2008, the Yankees signed Santana, whose raw tools compare favorably with anyone's in their system. After distinguishing himself in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League last year, Santana stood out at the plate and in center field in his U.S. debut. His season ended abruptly with a nasty injury as he broke his ankle in two places and tore some ligaments sliding into second base on Aug. 13.
Santana was one of the best athletes in the GCL. He has a wiry build, good bat speed and plus power. His hands work well at the plate and he has a solid understanding of how pitchers try to attack him. He struggled early in the season against offspeed pitches before making some adjustments that got him ready to hit earlier and helped him recognize breaking pitches better.
While Santana was one of the better hitters in the league, his best tools are in the field, where he has a chance to be a plus defender in center. His arm is one of the strongest in the minors, grading from 70-80 on the 20-80 scouting scale. He's also a plus-plus runner, giving him plenty of range and making him a threat on the bases.
Norman (San Jose): what kind of offensive ceiling does Ravel Santana have?
Ben Badler: Higher than anyone in the league's other than Bichette, and from a pure tools standpoint, he had better tools than anyone in the league. I don't think the pure hit tool right now is as advanced as the numbers might suggest; there's still some rawness there against offspeed stuff, but he has a solid approach, makes adjustments and has 60, maybe even 65 raw power depending who you talk to. In terms of overall tools and ceiling, I know there's some scouts who would put Santana ahead of Bichette.
In review - Best tools, Plus power, Plus CF defender, Plus-plus speed, Plus-plus arm.
Logan Schafer OF - PCL #18
BA: After winning the high Class A Florida State League batting title and the Brewers' minor league player of the year award in 2009, Schafer missed all but seven games last year with a sports hernia and a broken foot. He lost the first six weeks of this season after breaking his right thumb in spring training, but recovered to play his way to Nashville in late July and Milwaukee in September.
Schafer consistently produces line drives with a simple swing, though he doesn't have much power and can fall victim to offspeeed pitches. He's a solid runner with the aptitude to steal a few bases and cover the gaps in center field. His arm is more accurate than strong but fine for a center fielder.
Red Sox Roster Crunch
Moderator: RedSox
Red Sox Roster Crunch
Last edited by RedSox on Tue Dec 13, 2011 4:18 pm, edited 8 times in total.
Some new stuff on Matt West:
1. RHP Matt West: From a lighting fast arm in a ¾ slot, position prospect turned high-ceiling relief prospect Matt West shows two 70-grade pitches and 70-command projection. His fastball will sit in the mid-90s and can touch higher, with great extension giving the pitch explosion and late-life. It’s a well-above-average major league offering, and might even grade higher than 70 on some reports. The slider is another 70-grade beast, as West will actually show it in multiple forms; I’ve seen the pitch destroy with a harsh two-plane break at 79-81 with depth, but he can also shove the pitch into the mid 80s, with more extreme tilt as it enters the zone. Because he shows near-elite secondary command, West can drop the slider for strikes on either side of the plate, to lefties or righties, with an almost preternatural ability to back-foot the pitch and then turn around and elevate it out of the hitting zone. With two late-inning pitches to go along with sharp command, West has the stuff to close at the major league level. With a demeanor suited for high-leverage situations, West has the rare combination of stuff and savvy required for the pressure-packed situations. Baseball is a strange game, and the developmental journey of some prospects can be even stranger. Matt West is a prime example of what can happen when natural ability finally finds the proper avenue for conductivity. You have to credit not only West but also the developmental staff of the Rangers for showing the patience necessary to extract this raw talent. West isn’t a finished product, but based on what I’ve seen he owns the highest relief ceiling in the system. He could be a frontline closer. His stuff is that nasty.
1. RHP Matt West: From a lighting fast arm in a ¾ slot, position prospect turned high-ceiling relief prospect Matt West shows two 70-grade pitches and 70-command projection. His fastball will sit in the mid-90s and can touch higher, with great extension giving the pitch explosion and late-life. It’s a well-above-average major league offering, and might even grade higher than 70 on some reports. The slider is another 70-grade beast, as West will actually show it in multiple forms; I’ve seen the pitch destroy with a harsh two-plane break at 79-81 with depth, but he can also shove the pitch into the mid 80s, with more extreme tilt as it enters the zone. Because he shows near-elite secondary command, West can drop the slider for strikes on either side of the plate, to lefties or righties, with an almost preternatural ability to back-foot the pitch and then turn around and elevate it out of the hitting zone. With two late-inning pitches to go along with sharp command, West has the stuff to close at the major league level. With a demeanor suited for high-leverage situations, West has the rare combination of stuff and savvy required for the pressure-packed situations. Baseball is a strange game, and the developmental journey of some prospects can be even stranger. Matt West is a prime example of what can happen when natural ability finally finds the proper avenue for conductivity. You have to credit not only West but also the developmental staff of the Rangers for showing the patience necessary to extract this raw talent. West isn’t a finished product, but based on what I’ve seen he owns the highest relief ceiling in the system. He could be a frontline closer. His stuff is that nasty.
Okay, with my prospect/pick block out I guess I should block my carded guys plus a couple close ups.
INF
Green, Taylor
Lee, Derrek
Rolen, Scott
Wigginton, Ty
OF
Damon, Johnny
Schafer, Logan
SP
Wilson, Alex
RP
Belisle, Matt
Fuentes*, Brian
Marmol, Carlos - ZiPS - 3.19 ERA, 128 ERA+
Peralta, Joel
Reynolds*, Matt
Tateyama, Yoshinori
Venters*, Jonny
Wheeler, Dan - ZiPS - 1.22 WHIP, 106 ERA+
Brach, Brad
Probably only would move 2 of these guys to set the pen.
INF
Green, Taylor
Lee, Derrek
Rolen, Scott
Wigginton, Ty
OF
Damon, Johnny
Schafer, Logan
SP
Wilson, Alex
RP
Belisle, Matt
Fuentes*, Brian
Marmol, Carlos - ZiPS - 3.19 ERA, 128 ERA+
Peralta, Joel
Reynolds*, Matt
Tateyama, Yoshinori
Venters*, Jonny
Wheeler, Dan - ZiPS - 1.22 WHIP, 106 ERA+
Brach, Brad
Probably only would move 2 of these guys to set the pen.
Last edited by RedSox on Tue Dec 13, 2011 3:05 pm, edited 3 times in total.
Adam Eaton sighting at BA:
Patrick Tsai (Beijing): How close was Adam Eaton to making the top 10 list? What can you tell us about his defence?
Bill Mitchell: Patrick, Eaton had the biggest jump in the organization, going from #30 last year to the 11-15 range this year. The statement that I often hear about Eaton is that he's a "gamer with tools." He can play all three outfield positions and has above-average range at the corner spots. He's got a plus arm, the second best in the organization behind Cowgill. The kid can hit, too. As he moves through the system, he's shedding the "fourth outfielder" label and could be a starter in the major leagues. I'm a fan.
Patrick Tsai (Beijing): How close was Adam Eaton to making the top 10 list? What can you tell us about his defence?
Bill Mitchell: Patrick, Eaton had the biggest jump in the organization, going from #30 last year to the 11-15 range this year. The statement that I often hear about Eaton is that he's a "gamer with tools." He can play all three outfield positions and has above-average range at the corner spots. He's got a plus arm, the second best in the organization behind Cowgill. The kid can hit, too. As he moves through the system, he's shedding the "fourth outfielder" label and could be a starter in the major leagues. I'm a fan.
Jorge Bonifacio - BP KC #8
Tools Profile: He has prototypical corner-outfield tools.
Year in Review: This teenage Dominican blew away Appy League scouts with his offensive ability.
The Good: Bonifacio is an advanced hitter with a quick and quiet swing that generates loud contact; he has the potential for above-average power. He's a good outfielder with decent speed and a plus arm that generated seven assists in 43 games from right field in 2011.
Perfect World Projection: He could be a star-level corner outfielder, but there is still work to be done.
Tools Profile: He has prototypical corner-outfield tools.
Year in Review: This teenage Dominican blew away Appy League scouts with his offensive ability.
The Good: Bonifacio is an advanced hitter with a quick and quiet swing that generates loud contact; he has the potential for above-average power. He's a good outfielder with decent speed and a plus arm that generated seven assists in 43 games from right field in 2011.
Perfect World Projection: He could be a star-level corner outfielder, but there is still work to be done.
Ravel Santana, Yankees #7 Prospect over at BA:
Scouting Report: Wiry, lean and athletic, Santana could wind up with above-average or better tools across the board. His best present tool is his arm, which rates at least a 70 and earns some 80 grades on the 20-80 scouting scale. He's at least a plus runner and he plays an above-average center field. Santana's offensive ceiling is considerable, thanks to excellent bat speed, strength and loft in his swing and a willingness to use the whole field. He showed plus power as the season went along, gaining confidence as his pitch recognition improved. He does have problems making contact against good breaking balls, though he made encouraging adjustments.
Yet another report that has Ravel with plus power, plus to ++ speed, ++ arm, and above average in CF. He's also almost a full year younger than Mason Williams.
Scouting Report: Wiry, lean and athletic, Santana could wind up with above-average or better tools across the board. His best present tool is his arm, which rates at least a 70 and earns some 80 grades on the 20-80 scouting scale. He's at least a plus runner and he plays an above-average center field. Santana's offensive ceiling is considerable, thanks to excellent bat speed, strength and loft in his swing and a willingness to use the whole field. He showed plus power as the season went along, gaining confidence as his pitch recognition improved. He does have problems making contact against good breaking balls, though he made encouraging adjustments.
Yet another report that has Ravel with plus power, plus to ++ speed, ++ arm, and above average in CF. He's also almost a full year younger than Mason Williams.
