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30/31 December, 2004
 On
the lookout for a few more Scoresheet owners (Canada) for the 2005 season ... one
owner needed, for example, for a Southern Ontario loop, live draft, good
collection of guys ... let me know if interested
Also,
Scoresheet Canada on the move -- to New Brunswick. SS Canada Mantle
owners beware, I think Frankie Whipple has the 2005 title in the bag (he's
pretty close to where Cory is re-locating and can now personally drop off his
"extra payments" ... )
I'll
get to updating the various lists when I'm back at home base (in the next few
days).
Mexico
-- Joe Dillon FLO 4-4, 4th & 5th homers, 5 RBI & 2-3, triple,
.311 ... Edgar Gonzalez
ARZ 0.2 6 5 5 0 0, 5.72 ... Francisco Campos, hoping for another MLB
chance, 7.0 4 0 0 1 13, 3.29 ... Dan Johnson
OAK (at leadoff) 1-4, 12th homer, 3 RBI, .252
Puerto
Rico -- Yadier Molina STL 2-4, 1st homer, 3 RBI, .284
Dominican
-- Merkin Valdez SF 5 3 0 0 1 2, 3.91 ... Jose Reyes
NYN 2-3, walk, 5th double, .302
Venezuela
-- Jose Castillo PIT 2-5, 12th & 13th doubles, .362 ... Franklin
Gutierrez
CLE 1-5, 12th homer, .279 ... Jose Lopez SEA 2-4, 10th homer, SB, HBP, .311 ...
Francisco Rodriguez ANA, first poor effort, 2.0 4 3 3 1 1, 1.59 ... Juan
Rivera
ANA 2-3, 6th & 7th homers, 3 RBI, .402
Hard
to keep up with the indefatigable Seth Trachtman at SportsBlurb. He's
moved on to the Cardinal farm and with the trading of Daric Barton, the
system appears to have little but a few pitching prospects :
"
... 1. Anthony Reyes ... If he can keep his delicate arm
healthy, this 23-year-old out of USC has a chance to be an ace. Considering that
he has had so many arm problems, that is a big if. Reyes throws in the
low-to-mid-90s with a good slider, posting a dominating 12.4 K/9 in Double-A
last season ...has pinpoint control and has had no home run problems thus
far."
Adam
Wainwright ranks at No.2 in spite of a disappointing (and injured) 2004
with Brad Thompson at No. 3 :
"
... Thompson went on a long scoreless innings streak last season in
Double-A, which set Cardinal Nation abuzz. He looks like another draft steal for
this organization, this time from the 16th round in 2002. The 22-year-old
right-hander throws in the low-90s with excellent control, but his less than
superb strikeout rate in Double-A is a concern as he moves up. Without one
terrific secondary pitch, he is more a back of the rotation starter."
From
the BA chat room, Will Kimmey, Baseball America, provided answers to questions
on the Phillies' Top 10 (headed by Ryan Howard, Gavin Floyd
and Cole Hamels :
"
... Floyd was tired late and his velocity dropped. But over the last
season or two, Floyd really has proven that he works more in that 89-91 range
moreso than at 93 ... total package really reminds people of that of Brett
Myers: low-90s fastball, hammer curve and struggles to locate his offerings at
times. Floyd, however, is much more laid back than Myers ... he's probably not
going to be a No. 1. How many of those are there anyway? Sixteen in the whole
major leagues. He projects as a solid 3, or at best a 2 right now. Better
command across the board, and getting some velocity back on the heater could
lead him to emerge in that category. But a 2-3 isn't bad."
"
... The Phillies said Hamels looked fine this fall in a few instructional
league bullpens. I still have a hard time finding five minor league lefties I'd
rather have than Hamels right now. His changeup and poise are major league
caliber ... If he's at 100 percent this spring, and there's no reason to
think he won't be. Double-A would be a fast-track start, and not out of the
question."
Greg
Golson " ... He could be a star. He's a great character
player, and could be a 20-20 guy with a excellent defense and a strong arm in
center field."
Michael
Bourn, best leadoff prospect in the minors? " ... He's
certainly a strong candidate for that title. He's got the eye and speed needed,
plus the extra pop for doubles and triples. Comparisons are always slightly
misguided because no two players are the same, but maybe a Kenny Lofton-type
leadoff man, with that type of OBP, AVG, SB figures. He's a better defender with
a much stronger arm. We haven't done anything Top 100-wise yet, but he should be
on that list. Late 2006 or 2007 seems like a safe ETA, with Lofton himself
serving as a stopgap this year."
Jose
Capellan has moved into the MIL Top 10 in the revised list at BrewerFan.com.
John
Sickels, ESPN.com, on Brian Dopirak CHN :
"
... A second-round pick from a Florida high school in '02, he is a 6-4,
230-pound monster ... Dopirak drew 48 walks in '04, but with 123 strikeouts.
Scouts say that he's not just a hacker; Dopirak has enough natural swing
quickness to hit for average at higher levels, but he will have to gain at least
somewhat better command of the strike zone for that to prove true. I think
Dopirak's power will carry forward easily, but I'm not so sure about his batting
average and OBP. He doesn't have to turn into Rod Carew, but even marginally
better strike zone judgment would go a long way towards making him a complete
hitter. Despite his weaknesses, he is still one of the top hitting prospects
around."
27/28/29 December, 2004
Mexico -- still not sure if this is Jonny Gomes or, as listed, Johnny
Gomez, but the guy his hitting up a storm, 3-5, 13th homer, .390
Seth Trachtman, SportsBlurb,
busy over the holidays with his latest update -- the Pirates' system.
Lefty Zach Duke takes the top spot over right-hander John Van
Benschoten :
"
... Not that Duke was bad before last season, but he took a step toward
domination last season. The southpaw posted an ERA well below 2.00 in High-A and
Double-A at the age of 21. He throws in the low-90s with a wide repertoire and
near perfect control. Lloyd McClendon proved with the call-up of Jose Castillo
that he is not against young players moving up quickly, so Duke could see the
light of the majors next season."
"
... He may not be the most polished Pirates prospect, but Van Benschoten most
likely has the highest ceiling. Among their pitching prospects, he is their only
true power pitcher. The former first round pick throws in the mid-90s with a
good curve, and his minor league performances were impressive until Triple-A.
His control really struggled in the majors following a call-up, so more of that
time in the minors should help."
Jim Callis,
Baseball America, on the effects of recent trading activity on Daric
Barton, Dan Haren, Dan Meyer, Hanley Ramirez
et al) :
" ... When the 2005 Prospect Handbook comes
out, Barton will be the No. 2 prospect, sandwiched between outfielders Nick
Swisher and Javi Herrera. Meyer will be No. 4, behind Herrera and ahead of
righthander Joe Blanton. Haren has too many major league innings to meet our
definition of a prospect any longer, but it he still qualified, I'd put him just
ahead of Meyer ... looks like the A's are expecting Meyer to make their
Opening Day rotation. Despite a 2.79 ERA, he didn't exactly dominate Triple-A
last season, so it's possible that he'll need more time at that level. With a
91-93 mph fastball, a tight slider and an improving changeup, he has a ceiling
as a No. 2 starter and the realistic possibility of becoming a No. 3. No
question, he's one of the best lefty prospects in the game."
" ... With the Red Sox, any prospect who joins
the lineup has to be able to produce right away. Their massive payroll means
they shouldn't have to rebuild anytime soon. Instead of counting on Ramirez to
pull his weight in 2006, Boston now can ease him into the lineup. Renteria's
presence shouldn't be an issue until 2007. At that point, if Ramirez is a better
defender than a 31-year-old Renteria, Renteria likely would move to second base.
If Renteria has a better glove, Ramirez could slide over to second or third
(where he still would have more than enough bat). It's also very possible that
Ramirez will be used as the key to a blockbuster trade. He's one of the best
prospects in baseball, and the Red Sox could help their big league club
considerably if they were willing to trade him."
John Sickels,
ESPN.com, on Daric Barton OAK :
"
... has no real weakness as a hitter. One Midwest League pitcher told me
this summer that Barton was basically impossible to pitch to; he could hit
anything you threw at him, and never reached for a pitch outside the strike
zone. His plate discipline is excellent, and his strikeout rate is very low for
a young power hitter. Defense is another issue ... athletically, he is
simply stretched at catcher. He doesn't run well enough to be an outfielder, and
will probably end up at first base eventually. This may be part of the reason
the Cardinals traded him, but his bat was too good for Oakland to pass up ...
Given a normal growth curve, Barton projects as a .290-plus hitter with more
than 20 homers a season, gobs of walks, and an excellent on-base percentage
... may end up at first base, or perhaps even DH. While many clubs loathe
relegating a young bat to the DH role so early, Barton is such a good hitter
that it may be a waste of his skill to use him in any role BUT DH. He has a
special bat, and it should be treated that way."
Fall/Winter Ball ... keeping up with some of the young guns (and a few vets of
interest), a few already back home resting for Spring Training :
AVG AB 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB
Guerrero, Vladimir .400 15 1 0 0 0 0 2 0
Gettis, Byron .371 105 7 1 2 15 12 24 5
Cintron, Alex .366 71 5 0 3 9 5 8 0
Castilla, Vinny .364 33 2 0 2 8 8 5 1
Castillo, Jose .361 205 11 3 10 35 16 42 4
Alfonzo, Edgar .353 68 4 1 2 13 4 7 1
Rivas, Luis .351 37 4 0 1 3 8 10 2
Bergolla, William .346 26 2 0 0 2 5 1 4
Furcal, Rafael .343 35 3 1 0 7 6 4 3
Cabrera, Miguel .333 42 2 0 2 8 11 8 0
Young, Walter .327 113 7 0 6 23 11 20 0
Nivar, Ramon .321 134 5 1 2 10 12 11 5
Cantu, Jorge .319 185 10 1 11 39 12 40 0
Tracy, Andy .316 136 7 1 17 32 42 36 4
Guzman, Freddy .311 103 5 2 0 12 20 18 21
Infante, Omar .310 168 12 5 4 19 16 33 6
Lopez, Jose .306 157 11 2 9 27 11 15 0
Ugueto, Luis .306 255 15 5 4 27 13 51 9
Morales, Kendry .304 23 1 0 0 3 0 3 0
Reyes, Jose .303 119 4 3 1 11 9 7 11
Guzman, Joel .298 114 5 1 2 12 8 25 1
Gimenez, Hector .296 135 7 4 2 22 7 32 0
Tiffee, Terry .293 41 2 0 2 3 4 8 0
Aybar, Erick .292 130 3 0 1 13 10 17 2
Krynzel, Dave .286 35 2 0 0 4 3 7 2
Gutierrez, Franklin .281 196 14 2 11 34 12 49 5
Molina, Yadier .280 82 2 0 0 4 3 10 1
Perez, Antonio .279 43 1 0 1 4 10 8 1
Dillon, Joe .277 112 8 0 3 14 9 21 1
Izturis, Maicer .271 129 9 1 0 9 18 11 3
House, James .270 37 2 0 3 5 0 11 0
Marte, Andy .268 138 7 0 5 25 24 40 1
Alomar, Roberto .267 15 1 0 0 0 0 1 0
Terrero, Luis .264 129 7 4 2 8 18 30 7
Diaz, Victor .262 107 4 0 5 10 12 29 1
Dubois, Jason .257 144 8 1 10 24 19 53 3
Izturis, Cesar .256 90 2 2 0 10 5 4 2
Johnson, Dan .256 133 7 0 11 32 34 22 1
Encarnacion, Edwin .250 148 9 0 3 13 16 26 4
Ramirez, Hanley .244 119 4 2 5 16 10 28 4
Broadway, Larry .242 62 5 1 1 8 2 16 1
Pie, Felix .238 80 2 0 3 4 5 29 3
Vazquez, Ramon .237 93 6 1 0 7 15 20 0
Quiroz, Guillermo .237 114 9 0 6 19 20 30 0
Gotay, Ruben .235 85 1 1 4 15 13 18 1
Kroeger, Josh .235 68 2 0 4 12 13 25 2
Callaspo, Alberto .233 150 8 0 1 15 18 8 2
Linden, Todd .229 83 2 0 4 7 6 29 1
Leone, Justin .224 58 2 1 2 8 10 21 1
Torrealba, Yorvit .224 134 6 0 3 13 9 26 0
Baldiris, Aarom .219 64 2 0 0 1 4 19 0
Betemit, Wilson .209 67 2 1 2 13 12 23 0
Pena, Willy Mo .198 86 1 0 6 17 7 29 0
Shoppach, Kelly .191 68 2 0 0 6 5 26 0
Hardy, J.J. .154 26 1 0 0 1 2 11 0
Borchard, Joe .140 50 1 0 2 4 2 21 0
W L ERA G SV IP H BB SO
Rodriguez, Francisco 0 0 0.00 13 4 15.0 4 6 30
Ohman, Will 0 0 0.90 19 14 20.0 10 8 30
Guttormson, Rick 5 2 1.15 21 4 31.1 21 11 38
Patterson, John 2 1 1.20 5 0 30.0 25 4 27
Armas, Tony 0 0 1.29 5 0 14.0 13 5 11
Stephens, John 4 1 1.76 9 0 41.0 46 7 37
German, Franklin 0 1 2.12 13 0 17.0 9 3 10
Petit, Yusmeiro 4 3 2.15 11 0 50.1 43 8 53
Prieto, Ariel 8 1 2.22 12 0 77.0 66 14 49
Bazzell, Shane 4 1 2.27 6 0 35.2 32 12 24
Gonzalez, Edgar 1 0 2.67 5 0 27.0 25 9 19
Osuna, Antonio 0 1 2.70 10 4 13.1 13 4 16
Pinto, Renyel 2 3 3.23 8 0 30.2 21 19 27
Ankiel, Rick 1 1 3.25 6 0 27.2 34 7 31
Pena, Ramon A. 3 1 3.38 9 0 32.0 30 11 16
Bazardo, Yorman 1 1 3.41 21 0 37.0 34 7 25
Waechter, Doug 1 2 3.46 7 0 39.0 41 8 31
Ramirez, Ismael 6 1 3.70 12 1 41.1 34 9 36
Vogelsong, Ryan 2 2 3.94 7 0 32.0 30 14 32
Thompson, Justin 2 2 4.15 8 0 34.2 37 7 19
Montero, Agustin 0 1 4.26 23 12 25.1 21 14 33
Capellan, Jose 0 2 4.30 7 0 23.0 24 7 19
Liriano, Francisco 1 3 4.60 5 0 15.2 14 6 16
Nieve, Fernando 3 1 4.64 8 0 33.0 36 6 27
Valdez, Merkin 0 2 4.87 7 0 20.1 20 13 19
Soler, Alay 0 2 5.28 5 0 15.1 14 6 23
Cruz, Juan C. 0 1 6.07 4 0 13.1 15 8 14
Foppert, Jesse 0 3 6.17 6 0 23.1 27 8 23
Bautista, Denny 1 3 6.59 8 0 28.2 38 13 29
Santana, Ervin 0 0 7.30 8 0 12.1 15 7 14
Valenzuela, Fernando 1 2 8.59 6 0 22.0 40 10 8
Ledezma, Wil 0 2 14.29 3 0 5.2 14 4 3
Quevedo, Ruben 0 3 15.12 3 0 8.1 16 11 3
24/25/26 December, 2004
My thanks to those who have already sent along donations for the new season even
though I've yet to begin the annual campaign! Much appreciated guys!
The very best to all for the holiday season & for 2005 (may crossover heaven
be to your lasting benefit.)
Mexico
-- Dan Johnson OAK 1-5 & 0-2 & 1-4, 11th homer, .256 Puerto
Rico -- Bill Pulsipher 8.0 8 2 2 2 5, 3.44 ... Yadier
Molina STL 3-5, .267 ... Ruben Gotay KC 4-5, double,
triple, 3 runs, 3 RBI & 1-4, 4th homer, .235 ... Alex Cintron ARZ 2-5, 3rd homer, 3
RBI, .387 ... Doug Waechter TB 6.0 7 3 3 2 4, 3.46
Venezuela
-- Jose Castillo PIT 2-5, 9th homer & 1-4, 10th homer, .361
... Franklin Gutierrez CLE 1-4, 11th homer, .281 ... Jose Lopez
SEA 3-4, 8th homer, 3 RBI & 1-2, 9th homer, 2 walks, .303 ...Renyel Pinto CHN 4.0 5 4 2 2 3,
3.23 ... Tony Armas WAS 5.0 5 2 2 1 4, 1.29 ...
Dominican
-- Denny Bautista KC, struggles continue, 2.2 5 3 1 3 3, 6.59 ... Edwin
Encarnacion CIN 1-3, 2 walks & 2-4, 9th double, .250 ... Juan Cruz OAK 1.1 4
5 5 2 2, 6.08 ... Erick Aybar ANA 2-4, .295, 8th error ... Ervin
Santana ANA 1 1 1 0 0 0, 7.30 ... Vlad Guerrero ANA 4-4, .400 ... Hanley
Ramirez BOS 0-4, 2 Ks, .244
Jeremy
Hermida is the new top dog in FLO taking the top slot in Mike Berardino's
rankings at Baseball America. Lefty Scott Olsen is the runner-up,Yorman
Bazardo at No. 3. John Manuel handled the questions in the BA chat
room :
"
... Scouts we talked to were encouraged by Hermida's power in the AFL,
where he hit seven homers and ranked third in the league in that category. He's
had some nagging injuries, but that's been the only thing holding him back,
really, in his career. He's going to have a Jason Kubel-type year next year;
Hermida hit .297-.377-.441 in the FSL at age 20, while in '93, Kubel hit
.298-.400-.361 at age 21 there. I look for Hermida to have a breakout power year
in the Southern League next year ... Hermida's bat is clearly better than
Francoeur's, and I like Francoeur. Hermida makes more consistent contact, has
more patience and is showing the same kind of game power. Francoeur has more raw
power, but if Hermida's patience means his raw power will translate more into
game power against better pitching. I'd put Hermida right up there in the group
behind Young, who is the top OF in the minor leagues, ahead of the likes of
Shin-Soo Choo and Ryan Sweeney."
"
... Olsen's an elite power big league lefty potentially, like a young Al
Leiter. That's an elite group, but I'd take Olsen over Floyd and Hamels in that
group (not to pick on the Phillies). Olsen vs. Hinckley is very tough; Olsen's
stuff and ceiling is clearly higher. It just seems like Hinckley is quite
polished and, if he stays healthy, a good bet to be a very good third starter.
I'd give Olsen a slight edge, though. He's in the top 10 pitching prospects in
the game."
Bill
Ballew, Baseball America, with some snippets on the Braves' farmhands :
Jeff
Francoeur over Andy Marte " ... they're both
tremendous prospects, but Francoeur's body looks better for the long haul than
the way Marte's has filled out of late. Marte is a stud, but Francoeur has the
total package to reach levels few players ever see ... I see Francoeur getting
his first taste of the big leagues in September and his first shot at a starting
job, beginning at some point in mid-2006. Plate discipline is his biggest need,
but it's not going to be a long-term issue, in my opinion. Experience will
improve that. I see him as a .280-.290 hitter with middle of the lineup power
numbers ... he really reminds me of former Brave Dale Murphy, especially with
his character, all-around abilities, etc. ... Marte could see some time in the
big leagues this year, but he's more likely to make serious contributions in
2006. He's more consistent than McPherson, possesses a little better overall
package (in my opinion) than Teahen, and compares favorably to Wright."
Brian
McCann " ... I think he can hit enough for first base, but
McCann can rake for a catcher. Barring an unforeseen roadblock, he's the future
behind the plate ... McCann could be a .280-30-90 if catching doesn't take too
big a toll on his body. McCann would be a top 100 guy for me
Kyle
Davies " ... Davies is a warrior with a nasty repertoire. When
he is at the top of his game, he can be unbeatable. After making some
adjustments in his mechanics two years ago, Davies has taken off. He could
contribute in Atlanta this year if someone goes down in the rotation ... Davies
is an up-and-comer who showed in 2004 that his 2003 performance was no fluke.
True No. 1 starters are few and far between, but Davies could be a No. 2 if he
continues to develop at his most recent pace.
Seth Trachtman at SportsBlurb
takes on the MIL system and finds a lot to like with the farm depth particularly
impressive. No surprises at the top with Prince Fielder and Rickie
Weeks running 1-2. Shortstop JJ Hardy ranks No. 3 with a newcomer
moving in at No. 4 :
"
... J.J. Hardy ... the shortstop job is open for the taking. The
22-year-old's trademark is defense, but he can be an asset offensively too. He
has good plate discipline and may have 20 home run potential in the majors after
his early season surge in Triple-A. Look for him to move into the second tier of
starting shortstops in baseball."
"
... 4. Jose Capellan ... Rather than just repeating
myself here, I'll just quote his profile from the Braves Report: "After
last Spring Training, Capellan has been publicized just about as much as any
prospect in the game. When you can control 100 mph fireballs, it is easy to see
why. His velocity went up last season, and he dominated three levels before
reaching the majors. While he went through those levels as a starter, his stuff
lends itself more to closing since his repertoire is not all that deep. He will
turn 24 in January, and there is a small chance that he could be closing for the
Braves next season." With the Brewers, he should enter Spring Training as a
starter but has better closer potential long-term."
Bryan
Smith, Wait Til Next Year, musing about the prospects of some prospects in
2005. Among them :
"
... Adam Miller ... It shouldn’t be shocking that the next
person I think of after Felix Hernandez is Adam Miller. After a great playoffs
in the Carolina League, if I were the Indians I would challenge Miller with a
promotion to the Eastern League. But the organization is quite conservative, and
I expect at least a few starts in the Carolina League. It won’t take long to
reach AA, where his ERA will be in the mid-to-high 3.00s. Look for a real slow
start, with a finish that makes some wonder if he’ll open 2006 in Jacobs
Field."
"
... Daric Barton ... There is now a lot of pressure on
Barton, who seems to have been a sticking point in the Mark
Mulder trade. Instead of having to go to Palm Beach next year, Barton will
end up in Modesto (could be worse!), which is much more of a hitter’s haven.
His numbers could be anywhere from average to ridiculous, with my guess as
somewhere in the middle. His numbers should look pretty similar to Omar
Quintanilla’s there last year (.314/.370/.480), with an OBP in the low-.400s
as my only real significant change."
"
... Shin-Soo Choo ... While I never thought too much of Choo last
year, I’m beginning to like the guy as a prospect. Like, more than I do Jeremy
Reed. I think he’ll play great in the PCL next year, and should get to debut
in Seattle by about July or August. I cannot say whether or not he has
centerfield-quality defense, but a midseason Randy Winn trade could open up a
spot for Choo in the outfield. By that time, let’s say his 2005 PCL line reads
about this: .320/.400/.495."
22nd to ... December, 2004
Best
wishes to you and yours for the holidays! Most of the lists have
been updated including the 40-man roster page (although I've been unable to find
any source with up-to-date rosters for the Mets or Dodgers).
Puerto
RIco -- after a solid start to the winter ball season, Jesse Foppert SF has been
battered about in three straight starts, 4.0 7 6 5 1 4, now up to
6.17 Venezuela -- Fernando Nieve HOU 5.2 5 3 2 1 3, 4.50 ...
Yusmeiro Petit NYN 5.0 6 3 1 1 5, 2.15 ... Guillermo Quiroz TOR 2-2, 9th double,
6th homer, walk, HBP, 2 RBI, .245 ... Larry Broadway WAS 2-6, 5th double,
triple, 3 RBI, .250 Mexico -- Edgar Gonzalez ARZ 8.0 11 3 3 4 7,
2.67 ... Dan Johnson OAK 1-3, 10th homer, .262 ... Joe Dillon FLO 5-5, 7th &
8th doubles, SB, .304
Dominican
-- Erick Aybar ANA 0-2, 2 walks, .282 ... Vlad Guerrero ANA 0-4 ...
Rafael Furcal ATL 2-4, double, 4 RBI, .333 ... JR House PIT 1-3, 3rd homer, .276 ...
Andy Marte ATL 1-4, .269 ... Jose Lima FA 6 6 0 0 2 3, 2.61
A
touch of surprise at Baseball
America as Bill Ballew rates the ATL farm system and comes out with
outfielder Jeff Francoeur as the top dog (over last year's No. 1,
third baseman Andy Marte). Catcher Brian McCann
has zoomed up the chart to grab the No. 3 slot. ahead of righthander Kyle
Davies and lefty Anthony Lerew.
John
Sickels, ESPN.com, with notes on Justin Huber and Freddy Guzman :
"
... Huber's best skills are on offense. He is skilled at making hard contact,
has good plate discipline, doesn't strike out much, and is gradually increasing
his power. Given a normal development curve, he should mature into a .280-plus
hitter with a high on-base percentage and 20-25 homers a year ... The Royals are
committed to Buck as their catcher, so Huber is probably going to be shifted to
other positions. He runs well enough to handle a corner outfield spot, and he
should be OK at first base too."
Freddy
Guzman SD " ... a line-drive hitter with excellent speed, swiping 65
bases this year in Double-A and Triple-A, then adding five more in 20 games for
the Padres. He's shown decent plate discipline in the minors, willing to take a
walk, but his overall offensive performance is hampered by an extreme lack of
power. I don't think he will hit the ball with enough authority to be a regular
major league outfielder, but he could slot in nicely as a bench guy. He MIGHT
develop into a Juan Pierre, but I doubt it."
The
Astro farm gets the treatment by
Seth Trachtman at SportsBlurb. Chris Burke climbs to No. 1
ahead of first-year pro Mitch Einertson :
"
... Burke is a former first round pick that has turned himself into one of
the top second base prospects in the game. His ability is slightly similar to
Future Hall of Fame Astros second baseman Craig Biggio, himself. Burke hit
.315-16-52 with 37 steals at the age of 24 in Triple-A last season. That was the
first time he has shown power in his pro career, and the fact that he was
playing in a hitter's park has some skeptical that he can hit that many out of
the park in the majors. Burke will also take a pitch, either out of the strike
zone or on the arm, so he is the perfect future leadoff hitter."
"
... Everybody passed on Einertson in the recent draft until the fifth
round, and most are already regretting it. The 18-year-old was unbelievable in
Rookie Level, hitting .308-24-67 in just 227 at-bats. Strikeouts are already a
major concern with 70, but power does not come along at such an early age often.
A long way to go, yet Einertson has gone a long way in establishing himself as a
prospect already."
20/21 December, 2004
Among
other lists, the NRIs updated ... but, these Spring Training invitees among the
most difficult lists to track down, many are reported only in the local papers,
so if you see any omissions please let me know.
Catchup
... Mexico -- Dan Johnson OAK 2-4 & 0-3, .261 ... Alfredo
Amezaga, celebrating his move to COL, 2-4, homer, 2 RBI, .231 ... Marshall
McDougall TEX 1-3, 9th homer, .287 .
Puerto
Rico -- Justin Thompson TEX, longshot comeback candidate,
7.0 5 0 0 1 5, 3.00 ... Alex Cintron ARZ, now fighting for a job,
3-3, walk & 1-4, .389 ... Doug Waechter TB 7.0 4 2 2 1 6,
3.27 ... Rick Ankiel STL 5.0 4 2 1 4 2, 2 WPs, 3.25
Venezuela
-- this doesn't look good, Tony Armas WAS 0.2 2 0 0 0 0 ... Juan
Rivera ANA 3-4, SB, .413 ... Jose Castillo PIT 1-3, 10th
double & 2-5, SB, .366 ... Franklin Gutierrez CLE 1-4, 11th
double & 2-5, 12th double, 2nd triple, & homer, double, .299 ... Miguel
Cabrera FLO 3-4, double, .500
Dominican
-- Edwin Encarnacion CIN 1-3, 7th double, .244 ... Andy Marte
ATL 0-3, 2 Ks, .268
Charles
Richter at AngelsWin has a detailed look at the ANA prospects. A very
impressive analysis, with Dallas McPherson at the top:
"
... all but established himself as one of the best power hitting prospects in
baseball and #1 in an organization stacked with talent. D-Mac not only hit 40
Home Runs, but he also smashed 36 doubles and 14 triples ... Like most power
hitters McPherson whiffed a bit too much ... an average third baseman as of now
but I feel he's athletic enough and determined to become an outstanding defender
at the hot corner ... . I'd like to see him cut down on his strikeouts and
improve his footwork a bit at third base ... I can see McPherson putting up
.305/.350/.530 #'s while crushing 35-45+ home runs annually ... Player
comparison: Jim Thome."
Casey
Kotchman is the runner-up with Cuban import Kendry Morales
zooming to No. 3 :
"
... Morales, 6-foot-1, 225 pounds, has power from both sides of the plate, is an
above-average defender with solid-average arm strength and fringe-average speed.
He has advanced instincts and a good feel for the game. He profiles as a corner
outfielder, but has also played first and third base ... "He's a
middle-of-the-order hitter that's getting ready to play in the big
leagues," Angels scouting director Eddie Bane said. "He's on the big
league roster going into (spring) camp with a chance to win (an Opening Day)
job." ... Player comparison: Mark Teixeira."
Seth Trachtman, SportsBlurb,
looks at the Reds' farm and finds a little improvement, but far from the depth
and quality of the top teams. Third baseman Edwin Encarnacion rates
No. 1 :
"
... Encarnacion remains one of the top third base prospects in the game. Fantasy
owners drooling over the possibility of Austin Kearns at third base next season
may have that pleasure short-lived. The 21-year-old hit .281-13-76 last season
in Double-A, along with 17 steals. He has improved his plate discipline
immensely over the past two years and is considered an excellent player
defensively ... His 53/79 BB/K ratio in less than 500 at-bats shows that
his plate discipline is not a weakness. Considering his age, he could amount to
a 20/20 man in the majors."
First
sacker Joey Votto is the runner-up, over starter Richie Gardner
:
"
... The 22-year-old Gardner has a repertoire similar to that of former Red Chris
Reitsma, though his fastball is better. He had an ERA below 3.00 in High-A and
Double-A last season, with a 139/26 K/BB ratio in 156.2 innings between the two
levels. He has gone from sleeper prospect status to solid prospect in one year
and could be pitching for the pitcher hungry Reds by the end of next season if
he has a good start to his 2005."
Mike
Gullo, TheMinorsFirst, has a great way to kick off the New Year -- his Top
100 prospects scheduled for January first!
18/19 December, 2004
Venezuela
(Wed) -- Renyel Pinto CHN 2.1 4 6 5 5 0, 3.04 ... Wil Ledezma
DET 2.1 4 6 5 5 0, 14.29 ... Omar Infante DET 3-6, .299
Felix
Hernandez at the top of the charts in SEA and heading for No. 1 overall.
Baseball America's Jim
Callis has selected Hernandez as the best of the Mariners' farm in BA's latest
Top 10. Jeremy Reed was the runner-up with Chin-soo Choo at No. 3.
In the BA chat room, Callis added a few snippets on the Ms' kids :
Felix Hernandez " ... The Mariners would like him to spend some time
in Triple-A, so odds are against him making the Opening Day roster. But I
suspect we'll see him starting for the Mariners by the second half of the season
... He has great stuff: plus-plus fastball, plus-plus curveball, plus changeup.
His plus-plus slider might be his most devastating pitch, but the Mariners won't
let him throw it. He's young, durable, throws strikes and loves to compete.
There's no apparent chink in his armor."
Jose Lopez " ... Lopez still has a lot of offensive potential for a middle
infielder but will need a better approach. He would have ranked anywhere from 2
to 4 on the Top 10 if he were still eligible. "
Clint Nageotte " ... The Mariners still see him as a starter, but most of
the other clubs I've talked to think he should head to the bullpen pronto. He
doesn't throw his changeup enough and doesn't have a great approach as a
starter, but he could be a closer or top-notch setup man. His slider is just
nasty."
Shin-soo Choo " ... compared Choo to Mark Kotsay when Choo was in the low
Class A Midwest League in 2002, and I still think that comp fits. Former
pitcher, line-drive hitter, modest power but good on-base skills, very good
baserunning instincts. Choo has a stronger arm but lacks Kotsay's defensive
instincts."
Bryan
Smith, Wait Til Next Year, with news on a couple of winter ball performances
:
" ... The best stories in the Puerto Rican League
are those involving pitchers on the way back. My favorite, and the most
publicized, is Rick Ankiel’s Puerto Rican quests. The St. Louis southpaw
has a 3.57 ERA in 22.2 innings overseas, including a fantastic twenty-nine
strikeouts. While his 30 hits allowed is a bit of a concern, Ankiel has allowed
only three walks and one home run ... Also on the trail back is Jesse
Foppert ... After a dynamite debut out of the University of San
Francisco, Foppert became one of the game’s best pitching prospects with a
fantastic 2002 season. But arm injuries, like they so often do, struck, and
Foppert did not get to fulfill his destiny in the 2004 season. On the trail
back, Foppert has a 5.12 ERA in the P.R. League in 19.1 innings. But he has
struck out 19 batters while only allowing one walk, a positive sign only about 9
months removed from surgery."
Austin
Kearns, third baseman. For now :
" ... General manager Dan O'Brien said Austin Kearns
will go into spring training as the starting third baseman. But that's as far as
O'Brien would go ... While everyone says Kearns has improved vastly since the
experiment started in Instructional League, it's clear he's not ready for
Opening Day. "It's a step-by-step process," O'Brien said. "It's not like you
wave a magic wand and you have all the requisite skills." ... Whether Kearns
opens the season at third will be determined in spring training. "The thing
everyone has to appreciate is, when it's all said and done, the only way to
really know is to play in games and deal with game situations," O'Brien said."
(Cincinnati Enquirer)
Bobby
Jenks dumped by ANA, picked up by the WSox ... Kendry Morales officially on the
ANA roster.
With Edgar Renteria on the scene, what's to become of Hanley Ramirez?
A view from the Boston Globe :
"
... signing of All-Star shortstop Edgar Renteria to a four-year deal with an option for a fifth year, Ramirez's future
with the Red Sox becomes clouded. His shortstop reservation at Fenway in 2006
has just been canceled. Before the Sox acquired the two-time Gold Glover,
Ramirez said he was willing to move to second or third base, but would prefer to
remain at short. He also understands he could be playing elsewhere. "You never
know; they could trade me," he said yesterday. "I just want to go to training
camp and be on the team." Asked if he was hurt by the signing, Ramirez said, "Of
course I am hurt that I did not get the position I was expecting to fill. But I
will play wherever they want me to and, for that matter, with whatever team
wants me. I just like to play ball." Did anybody from the Red Sox contact him?
"They haven't talked to me," Ramirez said. According to Ben Cherington, the Sox'
director of player development, the Renteria deal won't necessitate a position
switch for Ramirez. "Hanley is someone we like a lot and that hasn't changed in
the last three days," said Cherington. "He's a shortstop and he's going to stay
a shortstop. We believe he's going to be a good major league shortstop."
Andy
Marte in the outfield? Jeff Francouer in 2005?
" ... general manager John Schuerholz ... said that the Braves aren't considering
playing third baseman Chipper Jones or shortstop Rafael Furcal in the outfield.
He did say, however, that top prospect Jeff Francoeur will get a look in spring
training. "Francouer is real close to the major leagues," Schuerholz said.
"We're going to give Jeff a chance to come to spring training and show us what
he's got. He might excite a lot of people." The 20-year-old Francoeur is still
likely to need another season in the minors, though, and the Braves' new left
and right fielders are more likely to come from either free agency or trades ...
In addition to Francoeur, Schuerholz said that highly rated Andy Marte,
considered the top third base prospect in the minors, will figure in the
outfield mix by 2006. "He's never played the outfield [before] in his life, but
he can hit," Schuerholz said." (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
16/17 December, 2004
Puerto
Rico Tues/Wed -- Jesse Foppert SF, another rough outing, 2.1 6 4 3 2 3 ...
Alex Cintron ARZ 2-4, double, .349 ... bursting bubble, Bill
Pulsipher 1.2 8 9 9 1 1 ... Venezuela Tues -- Jose
Castillo PIT 1-4, 8th homer, .371 ... Franklin Gutierrez
CLE 1-4, 10th double, .289 ... Edgardo Alfonzo SF 4-5, double,
homer, 4 RBI, .462 ... Juan Rivera, looking more and more like a
steal for ANA, 1-3, homer, 3 RBI, .398 Mexico Wed -- Ariel Prieto
7.0 5 2 1 1 3, 2.22 ... Andy Tracy COL 1-3, 17th homer, .317
Seth Trachtman, SportsBlurb,
picks a power guy for the top slot in the Cubs' system :
" ... Brian Dopirak ... has as much raw power
potential as any minor leaguer in baseball. The 20-year-old hit .307-39-120 in
Low-A last season after hitting 15 homers in less than 300 at-bats the previous
year. The former second round pick's power per age is about as good as anyone in
the game, but strikeouts are a problem for him. His emergence reminds me of
Jason Stokes of the Marlins organization from a few years ago. Stokes was all
the rage after that breakout but has since calmed as a prospect. Not saying the
same will happen with Dopirak, but let's just see how he adjusts to higher level
pitchers."
" ... Bobby Brownlie ... The 24-year-old
Brownlie finished with a 3.36 ERA in Double-A last season, along with a 114/36
K/BB ratio in 147.1 innings pitched. He has comparable stuff to Cardinals
pitcher Matt Morris, with solid control. If the Cubs did not add a fifth starter
this off-season, they could give Brownlie a chance to enter the rotation out of
Spring Training."
John
Manuel, Baseball America, with some Rangers' tid bits from the BA chat room
:
Ian Kinsler, Joaquin Arias
" ... Kinsler ... What a year. He hit 20 homers this year; I think 15-20 is more
reasonable to project for Kinsler ... That would be very good for any middle
infield spot. I do think second base will be his eventual destination, and his
short swing and consistent approach at the plate should help him hit for
average. It's hard not to like his offensive package ... Arias is a better
athlete by quite a bit and more likely to be an everyday shortstop in the major
leagues ... has better all-around tools. Of course, Kinsler's bat is better
right now, but I think in two years, as he gets stronger and gains more
experience, Arias' bat will start to catch up to his other tools. He's got a
chance to be an impact player offensively and defensively ... He's got a chance
to hit .300 in the big leagues; he's got great plate coverage, gap-to-gap (10-15
HRs?) power, not the power of Kinsler but he's not a lightweight either. He has
adjustments to make, but he's 20, and he has time to make them and has shown the
ability to make them."
John Danks, Thomas Diamond
" ... Danks struggled in the second half at Stockton; Diamond has a better
fastball and a bigger, more durable body. I believe in Diamond's breaking ball
(whichever one he picks) and think he'll have a plus fastball, plus change and
average breaking ball. I like Danks quite a bit, hence he ranks second, and it's
not like there's a huge difference between the two of them in terms of ceiling.
But we don't do 1 and 1A, there are no ties, so I gave the edge to Diamond for
the reasons listed above."
Jason Botts " ... Jason's 24,
he's not a good defender, he has holes in his swing that cause him to strike out
a lot and he's still fairly mechanical in his swing and approach at the plate.
That said, he was the hardest player to leave out of the top 10 because he is
somewhat athletic, he's a monster physically, he's got big power and he's
showing progress and aptitude at the plate. Those are very good qualities to
have. I like him as a prospect; just not as a Top 10(TM) prospect."
Hmmm.
Edgar Renteria to the Red Sox. 4 years. Hanley Ramirez?
Trade bait?
Mark
Allen Haverty, at The Sporting News, on Dan Meyer, ATL :
" ... started out in Double-A this year, going
6-3 with a 2.22 ERA in 14 games (13 starts) with a sick 86:12 K/BB ratio in 65
innings of work. Moved up to Triple-A, Meyer did nothing to disappoint. In 12
games, he was 3-3 with a 2.79 ERA, striking out 60 while walking 25 in 61.1
innings. Featuring a solid low-90s fastball, slider, and changeup, there's not
much left for Meyer to prove in the minors. Although he might not crack the
Braves' rotation out of spring training, a trade would certainly make his path
to the majors quicker. He's definitely ready for the shot. Even without a trade,
he'll force his way into the bigs soon enough."
At
Diamond Futures, Michael
Laureano has wrapped his position-by-position analysis with postings on
starting and relief pitchers. Felix Hernandez, not unexpectedly,
tops the chart followed by Zach Duke, Clint Everts,
Yusmerio Petit and Jeff Francis.
Cesar Jimenez SEA was tabbed as the top relief prospect.
Thanks
to Brian Oliver for helping to sort out the WAS roster (Roy Corcoran and
Scott Downs off the 40-man). Still lots of movement on the horizon.
15 December, 2004
Updates
to all the lists you need to begin planning your drafts (check the home page)
... a couple of teams showing more than 40 on their rosters ... likely because a
few deals not yet finalized ... Pedro not put in the books yet.
Mexico
Tuesday ... Jeff Cirillo 2-4, double, homer, 3 RBI, .321 ... Joe
Dillion FLO 3-4, 2 doubles, .300 ... Edgar Gonzalez ARZ 7.0
6 3 3 1 6, 2.37 Venezuela Mon ... Rick Guttormson SEA,
used as a starter, 5.0 5 2 2 2 5, 1.15 ... John Rocker 1.0 0
0 0 1 1
A
couple of new Top 10s ... Baseball America has the Texas list up with a righty-lefty
combo atop the chart. Thomas Diamond at No. 1, with John
Danks the runner-up. Two shortstops -- Joaquin Arias
and Ian Kinsler follow.
At
SportsBlurb, Seth Trachtman also has RHP & LHP as the top two in the Philly
system.
" ... Gavin Floyd ... has a good shot
at winning a starting rotation spot out of Spring Training. The 21-year-old
right-hander combines a strong low-90s fastball with one of the best curveballs
in all of baseball. Control did become a concern during his major league call-up
last season, and that may hold him off from becoming a great rookie. This is
still a long-term number two starter"
" ... Cole Hamels ... left-handed
Hamels was arguably the best pitching prospect in baseball prior to last season
but missed most of the 2004 season due to elbow soreness. He throws in the
low-90s with a great changeup, curve and superb control for his age. He remains
untouched with some gaudy strikeout numbers up to High-A, and reports are that
he will be ready to go at the beginning of next season. There is no doubt that
he still has ace ability."
John
Bonnes, TwinsGeek, trying to understand why the Twins missed out on Cory
Koskie :
" ... the Twins and Koskie couldn't come to terms on
the third year of his contract. That's 2007. Toronto was guaranteeing it (and
so, it seem, was nearly every other team) while the Twins wanted to add
incentive clauses to guarantee it. That's a solid strategy if the Twins had a
possible impact player pushing his way through the minors. But the Twins don't.
Michael Cuddyer is penciled in for next year, but by 2007 he'll be
in arbitration, and getting expensive. Terry Tiffee had a nice
debut, but he's 25, and barely makes the list of Twins prospects, let alone
impact players. Matt Moses, the first round draft pick from 2003,
has youth on his side, but he hit .223 in low A ball last season and has battled
health problems since before the Twins signed him. There's no way he's ready for
the majors by 2007. In fact, you can make a pretty good argument that 2007 is
the one year in the next half dozen where they are least likely to have solid
third baseman."
14 December, 2004
Venezuela
Sun ... Jose Castillo PIT 2-4, 7th homer, .374 ... Ismael
Ramirez TOR 1.1 6 7 7 2 1, 5-1, 3.79 ... Luis Ugueto SEA 3-6,
4th homer, .327 ... Miguel Cabrera FLO 2-3, homer, 3 RBI, .417
Rule
5 ... just 12 picks overall ...
John Sickels,
ESPN.com, helps to explain a couple of the top picks :
No. 1 by Arizona, traded to TB, Angel Garcia " ...
Garcia was a fourth-round pick in 2001 out of high school in Puerto Rico. He has
an excellent arm, capable of throwing 93-95 mph, but he had Tommy John surgery
in 2003 and is still recovering. Garcia has very high upside, but he is still
trying to refine his command and control, and the injury set him back. He has a
high ceiling but will have to be protected with a low-profile role if he sticks
on the Devil Rays roster."
No. 4, by MIL, traded to COL, Marcos Carvajal
" ... Carvajal has an excellent fastball, hitting 95-96 mph consistently. He
posted a 1.88 ERA in 36 games for Columbus in the South Atlantic League this
year, fanning 72 in 72 innings. He also has a good slider, and he keeps the ball
down, suppressing the home run. In 184 pro innings, he's allowed only three
homers. His control is erratic at times, but he could slot in nicely as a middle
reliever and possible future closer."
No. 5, by COL, Matt Merricks " ...would have
been protected by many clubs, but the Dodgers have an increasingly deep farm
system and couldn't find room on the 40-man roster. Merricks split the season
between the Braves and Dodgers farm systems after being involved in a July
trade. Merricks is a classic three-pitch lefty with good control. He's not a big
guy, standing just 5-11, but he gets his fastball into the low 90s and has a
good changeup. His biggest challenge will be pitching in the thin Colorado air."
At
Diamond Futures, Michael
Laureano makes his picks as the top kids from last year's Low-A and
Short-Season Leagues. STL catcher Daric Barton ranks as the top
dog, followed by Clint Everts WAS, Ian Stewart COL
and a pair of Mets' Yusmeiro Petit and Lastings Milledge.
TB's Delmon Young was 6th.
Fall/Winter Ball ... I think most stats are up to
games of Sat :
AVG AB 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB
Rivera Juan ANA VZ .410 78 6 1 3 19 4 14 2
Castillo Jose PIT VZ .371 167 9 3 6 25 12 31 3
Guzman Freddy SD DOM .351 77 4 2 0 11 18 15 14
Perez Antonio LA DOM .350 20 1 0 1 3 6 3 0
Garrett Shawn OAK VZ .344 90 9 1 0 10 14 22 0
Cintron Alex ARZ PR .333 39 4 0 2 5 4 3 0
Cabrera Miguel FLO VZ .333 9 0 0 0 1 1 1 0
Gall John STL MX .333 12 1 0 0 3 0 1 0
Arias Joaquin TEX DOM .333 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Young Walter BAL VZ .327 113 7 0 6 23 11 20 0
Tracy Andy COL MX .325 117 5 1 16 28 36 34 4
Gonzalez Luis COL VZ .324 136 4 2 2 16 14 25 0
Ugueto Luis SEA VZ .322 208 15 5 3 25 11 40 5
Reyes Rene COL VZ .321 196 9 2 6 36 15 31 2
Nivar Ramon TEX DOM .319 116 5 1 2 9 9 8 4
Morales Kendry ANA DOM .318 22 1 0 0 3 0 3 0
Almonte Erick CLE DOM .317 126 11 1 4 28 18 43 6
Reyes Jose NYN DOM .315 92 3 2 1 9 9 4 5
Torcato Tony SF VZ .315 89 5 0 4 10 9 15 0
Cantu Jorge TB MX .315 181 9 1 11 38 11 39 0
Davis J.J. WAS MX .313 131 5 1 10 19 16 31 3
Cirillo Jeff FA MX .311 74 5 0 0 7 18 12 1
Rivera Ruben FA MX .308 172 9 0 12 24 28 39 7
Cano Robinson NYA DOM .304 112 11 2 1 18 9 14 1
Guzman Joel LA DOM .301 113 5 1 2 12 8 24 1
Doster Dave FA MX .300 140 7 0 3 25 7 19 0
Lopez Jose SEA VZ .294 119 8 1 7 17 6 13 0
Aybar Erick ANA DOM .293 116 3 0 1 12 7 15 1
Tiffee Terry MIN VZ .293 41 2 0 2 3 4 8 0
McDougall Marshall TEX MX .292 178 16 0 8 40 31 41 3
Gutierrez Franklin CLE VZ .290 155 9 1 9 28 11 37 4
Gimenez Hector HOU VZ .290 124 7 4 2 21 6 28 0
Infante Omar DET VZ .289 121 10 4 3 15 10 24 4
Krynzel Dave MIL MX .286 35 2 0 0 4 3 7 2
Marte Andy ATL DOM .280 118 6 0 5 24 18 34 1
Terrero Luis ARZ DOM .278 108 5 4 2 8 16 20 6
Dillon Joe FLO MX .276 76 4 0 3 10 4 15 0
Myrow Brian LA DOM .276 123 9 1 3 20 32 34 0
Nunnally Jon PIT MX .276 87 5 0 6 18 12 16 3
Izturis Maicer ANA VZ .268 97 6 1 0 6 15 6 3
Diaz Victor NYN DOM .267 90 3 0 4 8 11 26 1
Johnson Dan OAK MX .259 112 7 0 9 27 24 16 1
Ramirez Hanley BOS DOM .257 109 4 2 5 16 9 25 4
Dubois Jason CHN MX .257 144 8 1 10 24 19 53 3
Quiroz Guillermo TOR VZ .253 99 8 0 5 17 13 26 0
Callaspo Alberto ANA VZ .250 132 7 0 1 13 18 7 2
Gil Jerry ARZ DOM .250 44 4 1 0 2 0 18 2
Molina Yadier STL PR .250 56 2 0 0 4 1 5 1
Encarnacion Edwin CIN DOM .244 127 6 0 3 10 13 22 2
Pie Felix CHN DOM .238 80 2 0 3 4 5 29 3
Kroeger Josh ARZ MX .235 68 2 0 4 12 13 25 2
Broadway Larry WASH VZ .235 17 1 0 0 2 1 4 0
Linden Todd SF VZ .229 83 2 0 4 7 6 29 1
Leone Justin SEA VZ .224 58 2 1 2 8 10 21 1
Betemit Wilson ATL DOM .212 66 2 1 2 13 12 23 0
Gotay Ruben KC PR .207 58 0 0 3 9 11 13 1
Shoppach Kelly BOS DOM .191 68 2 0 0 6 5 26 0
Pena Willy Mo CIN DOM .175 57 0 0 5 14 7 19 0
Hardy J.J. MIL MX .154 26 1 0 0 1 2 11 0
Paulino Ronny PIT DOM .152 66 0 0 1 9 7 23 0
Pena Jr Tony ATL DOM .143 7 0 0 0 0 1 2 0
Borchard Joe CHA MX .140 50 1 0 2 4 2 21 0
Cash Kevin TB DOM .120 25 1 0 0 1 4 8 1
W L ERA G SV IP H BB SO
Guttormson Rick SEA VZ 5 1 0.68 20 4 26.1 16 9 33
Ohman Will CHN MX 0 0 0.90 19 14 20.0 10 8 30
Pulsipher Bill FA PR 4 1 1.00 5 0 27.0 19 10 24
Garces Rich FA VZ 0 2 1.08 15 12 16.2 15 3 17
Patterson John WAS DOM 2 1 1.20 5 0 30.0 25 4 27
Pinto Renyel CHN VZ 2 2 1.48 6 0 24.1 12 12 24
Gonzalez Edgar ARZ MX 1 0 1.50 3 0 12.0 8 4 6
Stephens John BOS VZ 4 1 1.76 9 0 41.0 46 7 37
Cabrera Daniel BAL DOM 0 0 1.83 5 0 19.2 13 6 16
Dominguez Juan TEX DOM 0 0 2.16 4 0 8.1 7 5 7
Armas Tony WAS VZ 0 0 2.16 3 0 8.1 6 4 7
Petit Yusmeiro NYN VZ 4 3 2.18 10 0 45.1 37 7 48
German Franklin DET DOM 0 1 2.20 12 0 16.1 9 3 9
Prieto Ariel FA MX 8 0 2.31 11 0 70.0 61 13 46
Majewski Gary WAS PR 1 0 2.31 9 2 11.2 9 1 10
Bazzell Shane TEX PR 3 1 2.35 5 0 30.2 27 9 21
Osoria Franquelis LA DOM 0 2 2.76 18 0 16.1 19 4 15
Pena Ramon A. ARZ DOM 3 1 3.30 8 0 30.0 26 10 16
Hernandez Adrian FA VZ 5 4 3.44 10 0 55.0 56 16 40
Waechter Doug TB PR 0 2 3.46 5 0 26.0 30 5 21
Ankiel Rick STL PR 1 1 3.57 5 0 22.2 30 3 29
Cyr Eric FA PR 0 1 3.77 5 1 14.1 17 3 9
Vogelsong Ryan PIT VZ 2 2 3.94 7 0 32.0 30 14 32
Foppert Jesse SF PR 0 1 4.24 4 0 17.0 14 5 16
Capellan Jose MIL DOM 0 2 4.30 7 0 23.0 24 7 19
Hamilton Joey FA PR 0 3 4.50 5 0 24.0 21 4 15
Nieve Fernando HOU VZ 3 1 4.81 6 0 24.1 28 3 17
Soler Alay NYN DOM 0 2 5.28 5 0 15.1 14 6 23
Valdez Merkin SF DOM 0 2 6.07 5 0 13.1 17 9 13
Santana Ervin ANA DOM 0 0 7.94 7 0 11.1 14 7 14
Riley Matt BAL MX 0 0 11.00 3 0 9.0 10 13 9
13 December, 2004
Whew ... lots of tentative deals ... and the money
... how crazy is this? I thought Arizona was in financial trouble.
Ah, the Lords of Baseball. And ... we'll see who goes in the Rule 5 draft
today. Hard to figure out the Cubs who left some pretty good talent for the
picking while still having four slots open on their roster. Andy Sisco
could be one of the top picks.
" ... One of MLB.com's "Five Faves" to watch in the Cubs' system
prior to the season, Sisco stands at 6-foot-9, 260 pounds and happens to throw
with his left hand. Before the season began, it was thought he was ahead of
where Randy Johnson, the pitcher he's often compared to, at this stage of
development. The 2001 second-rounder went 4-10 with a 4.21 ERA in the Florida
State League, but he still struck out 134 in 126 innings. That gives the
southpaw 365 K's in 332 IP." (Jonathon Mayo, MLB.com)
Mexico (Sat/Sun) -- Jeff Cirillo, bidding
for a return to MLB, 2-2, 2 doubles, walk & 0-1, .311 ... Andy Tracy COL
2-3, 2 doubles & 0-4, .325 ... Joe Dillon FLO 4-5, 2 doubles,
.276 Venezuela (Fri/Sat) -- Yusmeiro
Petit NYN 2.2 4 3 3 2 2, 2.18 ... Jose Castillo PIT 4-5 & 0-3, .371
... Franklin Gutierrez CLE, in a little funk, 0-5 & 1-2, .290 ...
Adrian Hernandez 1.2 6 7 6 3 1, 3.44 ... Tony Armas
WAS 4.1 2 0 0 2 4, 2.16 ... Juan Rivera ANA 2-4, homer & 2-4,
double, & 1-3, 3rd homer, .410 ... Rick Guttormson SEA 1.1 2 1 1 2 0,
0.68 ... Fernando Neive HOU 5.0 4 0 0 0 7, 4.81 ... Jose Lopez
SEA 1-3 & 2-3, triple, .293
Seth
Trachtman, SportsBlurb, goes with Lastings Milledge as the class of
the Mets' farm :
" ... A first round pick in 2003 out of high school,
Milledge is as toolsy as any outfield prospect in the minors. The 19-year-old
hit .337-13-58 with 23 steals in just 261 at-bats at Low-A last season and has
the bat to hit for more power as he gets older. The big concern, as with most
tools prospects like Milledge, is his lack of plate discipline. A 17/53 BB/K
ratio in Low-A is something that needs to be improved as he moves up."
" ... 2. Yusmeiro Petit ... considered one of
the top pitching prospects in the game by many people. The right-hander
dominated Low-A and High-A on his way to Double-A last season at the age of 19.
The ceiling is not great since he throws in the low-90s, but Petit has
outstanding control and a nice repertoire. A 200/39 K/BB ratio in 139.1 innings
pitched last season shows just how ahead of the game he is right now. His major
league ability projects just ahead that of Brian Lawrence as a solid number two
or number three starter."
Sweet Lou will likely have another version by the
time you read this, but ... it appears BJ Upton has some time left as a
shortstop :
" ... Piniella said the Rays would probably go into Spring
Training with returnees Dewon Brazelton, Scott Kazmir, Doug Waechter, Mark
Hendrickson and Rob Bell vying for spots in the rotation. He added that Seth
McClung, returning from Tommy John surgery, could be in the mix as well.
"Getting McClung back is like adding a [new] pitcher,'' Piniella said. "He's got
a good arm.'' Piniella said the Rays are leaning toward B.J. Upton retuning to
the minors for more defensive seasoning. "The organization wants Upton to be a
Major League shortstop, and we feel he will be in due time,'' Piniella said." (MLB.com)
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