Rookies 2006

                                                                                                                           Pitching Line = IP H R ER BB SO
 


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28-29 January, 2006

     Good news from John Sickels ... the 2006 Prospect Book is in the mail ... could be arriving mid-week in the USA ... a little later in Canada

     Dominican playoffs - Anderson Hernandez NYN (2B & leadoff) 3-5, .455 ... WilyMo Pena CIN 2-4, homer, .400 ... Venezuela - Franklin Gutierrez CLE 2-5, double

     Troop movements ...  SEA - Matt Tuiasosopo, Adam Jones, Jeff Clement, Asdrubal Cabrera among the ST NRIs ... PHI - acquired Arthur Rhodes from CLE for Jason Michaels (which would seem to suggest the Marte / Crisp deal is back on, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports it's Coco Crisp, David Riske and Josh Bard to BOS for Andy Marte, Guillermo Mota, Kelly Shoppach, PTBNL (and, if all this goes through, it seems Ryan Madson moves into the PHI rotation & Shane Victorino becomes the prime back-up OF) ...

     Delmon Young, as expected, atop the TB prospect list at On Deck.  Young, Jeff Niemann, Elijah Dukes ranking 1-2-3.

     Well, that will surely have a major affect on his prospect status :

" ... Jairo Garcia, the A's top minor-league reliever, is now known as Santiago Casilla. That is his real name; Casilla used false documents when he signed his first contract, something that is not unusual in the Dominican Republic but that has been less frequent since a post-Sept. 11 crackdown on visas. "It's something we didn't know about, but he came forward with the information, so I commend him for that,'' general manager Billy Beane said. Garcia/Casilla has aged 2 years and 10 months; he's now 25. He'll have to be issued all new papers, which could delay his arrival at spring training.''   (San Francisco Chronicle)

     Look who's back :

" ...  the Astros have signed catcher J.R. House, 26, to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training. House, the former minor-league player of the year in the Pittsburgh farm system, was released last year after a myriad of injury problems. The backup quarterback at the University of West Virginia last season, House had surgery last Feb. 22 to repair a serious rotator cuff injury." (Houston Chronicle)

     CLE General Manager Mark Shapiro on OFs Franklin Gutierrez and Brad Snyder :

" ...  Gutierrez and Snyder are guys you will see a lot of in spring training. Franklin has had an excellent winter. He's cut down on his strikeouts and he's an impact center fielder defensively. There's still some question as to what he's going to be up here, but he's a big leaguer." "Brad Snyder plays the game the way we want it be played. He's got the power, size and athleticism combo that we look for in our young players ...And he's a local kid which is a good match."  (Cleveland Plain Dealer)

     Confirmed - Felix Hernandez won't be pitching in the World Baseball Classic :

" ... Seattle team president Chuck Armstrong announced that Hernandez will not pitch for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic. That had been speculated for some time, but there was another nugget of news about the 19-year-old pitcher. Hernandez likely will be the No. 5 starter. "We've been thinking of having Felix as the fifth starter, to start the season," Mike Hargrove said. "That's the easiest place for us to monitor his work." The manager said he would keep a close eye on both Hernandez's pitch counts and innings."  (Seattle Times)

     Justin Verlander DET, on the cusp :

" ...  Now that Verlander is competing to stick in Detroit, he's still acting like an unknown commodity with plenty to prove. For all the speculation that the fifth spot in the Tigers rotation is his to lose, the big right-hander with the occasional triple-digit fastball refuses to view a Major League job as an expectation. He wants to win. "It's more of a goal," he said. "It's something to work for and prepare myself for." New manager Jim Leyland admitted last week that he has almost his entire roster set going into his first Spring Training, but the final spot in the rotation remains open ...  At the center of the competition is Verlander, the Tigers' top prospect since his selection as the second overall pick in the 2004 First-Year Player Draft. He rose from Class A Lakeland to Double-A Erie to Detroit by the All-Star break in his first pro season, which probably would have ended with him in the Tigers rotation if not for shoulder fatigue in August ...  unlike fellow top prospect ... Joel Zumaya, Verlander has no apparent future as a reliever. If he doesn't make the Tigers rotation, he's most likely headed to Triple-A Toledo."   (MLB.com)

     Rangers' notes from Kat O'Brien, Fort Worth Star Telegram :

" ... "I think Kameron [Loe] has probably got an inside edge at one [spot], based on the success he had last year," Connor [pitching coach Mark Connor] said. "But the fifth spot for me is wide open -- [Josh] Rupe, [R.A.] Dickey, [Thomas] Diamond, [Juan] Dominguez, maybe C.J. Wilson, but he did some pretty good things in the bullpen." Loe went 9-6 with a 3.42 ERA as a rookie in 2005. He pitched out of the bullpen most of the season but was 4-2 with a 2.70 ERA in his eight starts. He wants to be in the rotation. "I have confidence in my own ability to win a spot or keep it," Loe said. "If I would start the year in the bullpen, I would embrace that, then work my way out, just like I did last year."

" ... Shortstop Joaquin Arias, 21, is likely at least a year away from competing for a big league job. Even so, Arias is one of the Rangers' most intriguing prospects. Manager Buck Showalter regularly marvels at his defense. Baseball America rated Arias the 12th-best prospect in the Double A Texas League in 2005, and he hit .318 as one of the youngest players in the Dominican Winter League. "He still has a ways to go, but he's going in the right direction," Rangers hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo said. "The most impressive thing is his strikeout rate [46 in 499 at-bats in 2005]. The tools are there." 


27 January, 2006

     Venezuelan playoffs - Franklin Gutierrez CLE 2-4, double ... Victor Zambrano NYN  4 -2/3 5 4 4 3 1 ... Tony Armas WAS 1/3 2 3 3 3 0

     Troop movements ...  Marte/Crisp deal apparently off ...

     Baseball America on the Tigers ... Justin Verlander, Joel Zumaya, Cameron Maybin 1-2-3 on the charts

" ... The organization’s affectation for hard throwers finally paid off as Justin Verlander and Joel Zumaya had breakout seasons. Verlander, the No. 2 overall pick in 2004, took off after the Tigers altered his delivery slightly, started the Futures Game at Comerica Park and pitched in the big leagues three months into his pro career. Zumaya reached Triple-A as a 20-year-old and helped Toledo win the International League championship."

     The David Wells diet might jeopardize a rotation opportunity for Juan Dominguez in TEX :

" ...  Dominguez could lose any advantage he may have had for the fifth starter's spot before spring training ever starts. Dominguez, who missed his first flight to Dallas for the Rangers' minicamp this week, also showed up at about 225 pounds, 15 pounds heavier than the Rangers had desired. Weight and punctuality have been two issues that have frustrated the Rangers in the past about Dominguez ...  22-year-old Josh Rupe and 25- year-old C.J. Wilson left much more favorable impressions with their arrival at minicamp. In discussing Rupe on Wednesday, manager Buck Showalter noted that Rupe breezed through workouts while Dominguez was laboring."  (Dallas Morning News)

     Jonathan Mayo, MLB.com, on a  trio of D'Backs flychasers and a Phillie mound threesome (Cole Hamels, Gavin Floyd, Gio Gonzalez) :

" ... I think all three have a very good chance for success at the Major League level. Obviously, Floyd has struggled of late, but still has the kind of stuff where he can succeed if he can get command back. Cole Hamels, it's all about health. If he can stay healthy, he's a No. 1 or 2 starter ...  If we're talking upside, I guess I'd rank them Hamels-Gonzalez-Floyd. Gio Gonzalez is a very good left-hander. I think you'll see Hamels and Floyd in the big leagues this year and maybe Gio makes it a year later."

" ... As for the D-Backs prospects ... I think Carlos Gonzales is more of a 2008 kind of guy. Even if he starts speeding up and goes from the California League to the Southern League in one year, I still think he needs another year in the Minors. He has a tremendous amount of upside and power potential. Chris Young is a very exciting young player ...  went from low-A to Double-A last year and didn't skip a beat ... plays a very good center field. He swings and misses a lot, but he's still very young. I think you'll see him this year. Carlos Quentin should be in the Opening Day lineup, but there's not room for him there, so I don't know what they're going to do."

     Top WSox SP prospect heading for the pen.

" ...  If there are no injuries to the starters, Brandon McCarthy will start the year in the bullpen," Cooper [pitching coach Don Cooper ] said Wednesday. "I'm not trying to paint him into a corner. Everyone in baseball, including the White Sox, knows he's a starter. On most teams he would have been a starter last year. "It just might not be his time to get 30 starts this year for us — and we're able to say that from a position of strength." ... "You don't want to jerk the kid's chain," Cooper said of McCarthy, "but everyone that has a career both in baseball and out of baseball has to be flexible on the job. That is what McCarthy will have to handle this season. "There's no doubt in my mind he can handle that. The bottom line is that no one individual comes before team."  (Daily Southtown)

     Jim Callis, Baseball America, looks at Ryan Zimmerman vs David Wright :

" ... Zimmerman gets the edge defensively, as any scout who discusses him calls him a future Gold Glover and there's even some possibility he could play shortstop. But Wright is also a good defender and I think he'll be better at the plate in the long run. While both players project as .300 hitters, Wright has more power. I see him as a 35-homer hitter, and Zimmerman as more of a 20-25 homer guy. Wright also will draw more walks. Zimmerman should be at least an above-average regular and likely a perennial all-star. But Wright has a chance to be one of the game's elite players, and he could make that leap this season."

     Pitching tops the TOR prospect chart at OnDeck.  Dustin McGowan, Ricky Romero, David Purcey 1-2-3.

     Jeremy Sowers CLE looking more and more like a 2006 contributor, if only in September :

" ... General Manager Mark Shapiro predicts that Sowers will pitch for the Indians sometime this season ...  Regardless of the timing, Sowers will get there with guile and a mature outlook about his craft. Not that he doesn't have a live arm. Left-handers seem to be blessed with the ability to make baseballs move in funny ways. ``Fortunately, I'm part of that one in nine group, the 11 percent of the population that's left-handed,'' Sowers said. For lefties, 89 mile-per-hour fastballs dive and dip and somehow appear to batters as if they're galloping along at 96. Curveballs bend in odd ways, and change-ups fall away in what seem to be unnatural directions. ``A pitcher's job is to get outs; pitching isn't about throwing hard, it's about ruining a hitter's timing,'' said Sowers, who joined the Indians on their press tour stop Wednesday night ...  Sowers isn't buying into anyone else's vision of his future, no matter how well intended. He understands that part of the process is remaining grounded and taking his career one start at a time."  (Akron Beacon Journal)

     No longer an elite system, but a few young Cubbies on the way :

" ... Here are some names to keep an eye on, leading off with Eric Patterson, who will likely start at Double-A West Tenn. The second baseman won the Midwest League batting title with a .333 average. Pitcher Carlos Marmol was 6-2 with a 3.99 ERA at Class A Daytona and 3-4 with a 3.65 ERA at West Tenn. Player development director Oneri Fleita compares Marmol to a young Carlos Zambrano. Catcher Jose Reyes hit .257 at West Tenn and has been impressive in winter baseball. Infielder Ryan Theriot impressed the Cubs brass during his brief callup in September. Casey McGehee batted .297 for West Tenn with eight homers and 72 RBIs. And there's first baseman Brandon Sing, who hit .276 at West Tenn, and who will play a little left field. The Cubs have a pretty good first baseman now in Derrek Lee, and Sing may have to show he can play elsewhere to get called up."  (MLB.com)

     Just so you won't worry about your SPs in the World Baseball Classic :

" ... Pitchers in the first round of games, scheduled from March 3-10, will be limited to 65 pitches. The amount rises to 80 pitches for the second round, set for March 12-16, and 95 for the semifinals on March 18 and the championship March 20. A 30-pitch outing must be followed by one day off, and a 50-pitch outing must be followed by four days off. No one will be allowed to pitch on three consecutive days."  (AP)


26 January, 2006

     Dominican playoffs - Anderson Hernandez NYN 3-5, double, triple, .429 ... Hanley Ramirez FLO, in the OF, 2-4, double, .240

     Troop movements ...  CHN - purchased Angel Pagan from NYN ... OAK - signed Frank Thomas ... COL - Ian Stewart, Chris Iannetta, Troy Tulowitzki among the invites to the Rockies' ST camp ...

     William Calvin, InsideTheDugout takes on the CIN system and picks Homer Bailey as the best of the prospects but also likes a centre fielder and a potential starter :

" ... 2 - Jay Bruce ...  has the speed, power, and a great plate discipline that kids his age do not yet possess for the most part. His speed will allow him to play center field as Griffey’s replacement. His plus-plus arm could even allow him to play right field ...  has the potential at this very moment to play starting center field for the Reds and most any other organization. He is without a doubt a 5-tool player and a potential all star."

" ... 3 -Travis Wood ...  another of the Reds up and coming stars, with big time potential and composure unlike most kids his age, he could be called up within the next 3 years for a start or two. Prior to the 2005 draft, Wood’s fastball was sitting at right around 89-91, but as the draft got closer he was able to get it up to the mid-90’s. Right now his highest speed is right at 95 mph. Since Wood isn’t exactly a tall lefty, he attempts to make up for his lack of height with a wild delivery. Most scouts say he needs to work on his mechanics in order for him to strike out more polished hitters. Wood is definitely a long term project with a high ceiling."

     Chris Denorfia named the Reds' top minor leaguer of 2005 :

" ... Denorfia, 25, spent the 2005 Minor League season at Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Louisville, where in 137 games he combined to hit .317 with 20 home runs, 87 RBIs and 12 stolen bases ... Following the season, he participated in the prestigious Arizona Fall League, where he was an All-Star after hitting .333 with three homers, 24 RBIs and three steals in 23 appearances for Mesa. Denorfia enters the 2006 season rated by Baseball America as the fifth-best prospect in the entire organization."  (MLB.com)

     This - the BAL prospect list at OnDeck - makes Nick Markakis the near unanimous pick (the No. 1 on eight of nine lists) as the best of the Orioles farm.  Scott Rex goes Markakis, Hayden Penn, Adam Loewen 1-2-3.

     Baseball America likes Bobby Jenks as the best of the WSox prospects.  Jenks, Brian Anderson, Ryan Sweeney 1-2-3. 

     Dayn Perry, FoxSports, adds another 10 to his Top 100 (61-70).  An OBA machine, an under the radar ARZ SP and a teenage shortstop are among the entries :

" ...  63. Russell Martin ...  finished second in the Southern League with a .430 OBP; so he's certainly adept at getting on base. To boot, Martin's also a skilled defender behind the plate, with good receiving skills and a strong throwing arm. His primary shortcoming, however, is a lack of power ... Many observers think Martin's strong swing mechanics portend a power surge, but that remains to be seen. As is, he's still a solid prospect."

" ... 66. Garret Mock ...  sports a mid-90s fastball, plus a cutter and a pair of promising breaking pitches. Mock's shown good control thus far and solid strikeout rates, and his 4.18 ERA from last season isn't bad once you consider that High-A Lancaster is one of the best hitter's parks around ... Long-term, he could wind up as a strong No. 2 starter in the bigs."

" ... 67. Elvis Andrus ...  The next Braves homegrown superstar? He might be just that. Last season, Andrus, despite being one of the youngest players in the minors, flashed strong on-base skills across two rookie circuits. The power hasn't manifested itself just yet, but the skills are there. Once his body fills out, Andrus will have some thump at the plate. Defensively, he's exceptional — strong arm, great lateral range and excellent footwork. Andrus isn't as raw as you'd think given his age, and his tools — and baseball smarts — are off the charts. Keep your eye on this one."

     David Luciani, Baseball Notebook, with a little more on his Top 100 and specifically Lastings Milledge :

" ...  Milledge came in as the 12th best outfielder of the future in all of the majors and at #103 overall, which is a projection for a strong player. Again, I emphasize how little a "top 100" prospect list actually tells you about the overall future baseball population as landing at the 103rd position puts him among the top 3% of minor league baseball players. I project him as a future 20/20 type, good enough to stick in the majors for a long time but not at the superstar level some are projecting."


25 January, 2006

     Troop movements ... Lastings Milledge NYN among the Mets' NRIs ...

     With four more teams in the books Scott Rex, OnDeck, has wrapped up the NL Top 40s.  Here's the cream of the crop of the latest entries :

NEW YORK METS      HOUSTON           MILWAUKEE        LOS ANGELES DODGERS
Milledge Lastings  Patton Troy	     Fielder Prince   Billingsley Chad  
Pelfrey Mike	   Nieve Fernando    Braun Ryan	      Guzman Joel
Humber Phil	   Barthmaier Jimmy  Rogers Mark      LaRoche Andy
Martinez Fernando  Hirsh Jason	     Eveland Dava     Elbert Scott
Maine John	   Pence Hunter	     Capellan Jose    Miller Greg
Gomez Carlos	   Buchholz Taylor   Gallardo Yovani  Kemp Matt
Bannister Brian	   Towles J.R.	     Hart Corey	      Ethier Andre
Parnell Bobby	   Einertson Mitch   Parra Manny      DeWitt Blake
Guerra Deolis	   Bogusevic Brian   Jackson Zach     Broxton Jonathan
Soler Alay	   Gutierrez Juan    Inman Billy      Martin Russell

     Bryan Smith, Baseball Analysts, on Anthony Reyes STL and the Cubs' farm system :

" ...   Anthony Reyes had a modest start to the season in high-A before dominating the Southern League. And whatever potential he showed that year, Reyes proved to be for real in AAA, as well as limited Major League action last season. While the Cardinals haven't showed a ton of faith to give him a spot yet, they expect very high things down the road. Much further down the road lies much of the rest of the system."

" ...   Cubs had very high hopes for their farm system last year, as they were planning on having Felix Pie turn a corner, and they had a minor league home run king in Brian Dopirak. Angel Guzman was supposed to be healthy again, Ryan Harvey was entering his first full season and Jason Dubois was ready to get his big break. The Cubs were very, very well thought of, with probably one of the top 15 systems in the game. If you had told me that Matt Murton would hit over .300 in the Majors, and Ronny Cedeno's bat would prove to be real, I would have said top ten. But, that was not the case. Brian Dopirak fell apart, Angel Guzman stayed hurt, and Billy Petrick got hurt. Jason Dubois struggled in a limited opportunity, and Felix Pie was hurt for the year by July. Still, Pie had a very good season, and the team's draft pick -- Mark Pawelek -- showed fantastic potential. There is still hope for this system, but they simply need to have a year in 2006 that is as good as 2005 was bad."

     FLO hoping for big things from Scott Olsen :

" ...  the 22-year-old promises to contend for a Marlins' rotation spot in Spring Training. Elbow inflammation cut short the left-hander's 2005 season ... The elbow had been nagging him a while, and he resumed throwing activities in late August and September. An MRI taken a few months back revealed a bone spur in back of his elbow. "Doctors said you can throw with it if you choose to," said Olsen, who is already in Jupiter, Fla., throwing and lifting weights. "They gave me an option if I wanted to go through surgery or not. I said, 'If I can throw through it, we'll hold off and see what happens.' I think a lot of it was from tendinitis, the swelling. I stopped throwing for five weeks and it went away." Now with Marlins pitchers and catchers scheduled to report to Roger Dean Stadium on Feb. 18, Olsen recently progressed to long-tossing at 120 feet, and on Monday he is scheduled for his first bullpen session since last year. Barring any unexpected setbacks, Olsen sees himself being ready to compete for a rotation spot in what projects to be a wide-open race this spring."   (Joe Frisaro, MLB.com)

     Kenji Johjima, arriving early in SEA, makes a good first impression, especially with his attempts to master English :

" ...   "We're real excited about this," general manager Bill Bavasi said Tuesday. "This is a big change in a real important position on our club. We're going from a position of weakness behind the plate to one of strength." One of Johjima's main strengths is an off-the-charts work ethic. While there has been speculation that Johjima's lack of English-speaking skills could make communication with Mariners pitchers difficult, Bavasi said he'd already noticed that Johjima is making a huge effort to rectify that situation ...  Bavasi also said Johjima had a meeting set up with former Mariners catcher Wilson to discuss the Mariners pitchers and their strategies. "These are requests he's made, so he's way ahead of me on a lot of these things," Bavasi said. Johjima, meanwhile, said he's confident that the unspoken language of baseball will prove to be a stronger form of communication than English, Spanish or Japanese ...  The only other question mark about Johjima has been his health, and Bavasi showed absolutely no concern about that. The catcher batted .309 (127-for-411) with 24 home runs and 57 RBIs over 116 games in an injury-shortened 2005 season. Johjima broke the tibia in his left leg on Sept. 22 and missed the reminder of the season." (AP)

     A few more notables from the first installment of the team-by-team reports by Matthew Pouliot, RotoWorld.com :

BAL, No. 4  " ... Nolan Reimold ...  One of the best hitters in college last year, Reimold was taken 61st overall by Baltimore and kept slugging away in the minors ... .boasts 25 or 30-homer power. His ability to hit for average at higher levels is in question, but since he’s a legitimate defensive right fielder, he’s hardly one-dimensional. He might be a part of Baltimore’s outfield as soon as the second half of next year."

NYA, No. 6  " ... Tyler Clippard ...  has struck out more than five batters for every one he has walked since the Yankees made him a ninth-round pick in 2003 ...  relies on command and a quality changeup to succeed. His fastball is delivered at 88-90 mph, and his curve isn’t much more than an average third pitch. Unless he adds some velocity as he fills out, he might be a reliever in the majors."

TOR, No. 6  " ... Casey Janssen ...  blew through three levels a year after being taken in the fourth round out of UCLA, going 13-4 with a 2.18 ERA, 122 H and 136/20 K/BB in 148 2/3 IP overall ...  doesn’t throw much harder than 92 mph, and he has great command. He lacks a secondary pitch as strong as Banks’ slider, but he has enough weapons to keep a batter off balance ... . Since he’s stuck behind some pretty talented arms, it doesn’t figure that he’ll reach the majors until 2007 at the earliest."

     Rays happy to add Edwin Jackson, Chuck Tiffany to the SP mix.

" ...  Dodgers farm director Terry Collins, whose job was to manage their development, said he feels pretty confident that both can develop into successful big-league starters. "I hated to see them go," Collins said ...  remains confident that Jackson, only 22, is very capable of being a dominating No. 1 starter. "He is for me. He was for me," Collins said. "If he does what got him to the big leagues, he is going to be there. He has ( Curt) Schilling stuff - a 97 mph fastball and, he may not have the splitter, but he has a breaking ball and the other stuff will come with age. ... The upside is really there." Though Tiffany, a 20-year-old likely headed to Double A, is further away, he could move quickly. In a three-week span at Class A Columbus in 2004, he pitched five innings of a combined no-hitter, five innings allowing one run and a seven-inning perfect game (with 12 strikeouts). "I was there the night he threw the perfect game, and it was a mismatch. He was 19 pitching against some 23- and 24-year-olds and they couldn't touch him," Collins said. "He's a guy who's got a huge upside."  (Marc Topkin, St. Petersburg Times)

     Joel Zumaya gunning for a 2006 rotation spot :

" ...  Intensity is the self-claimed forte of this Tigers pitching prospect ...  Zumaya said "I've grown up always being a bulldog on the field." New pitching coach Chuck Hernandez has been around Zumaya for only a few hours, but he already can tell. "You could see it in the way he talks," Hernandez said. "He has an aggressive nature, and there's nothing wrong with that." ...  Zumaya, a 6-foot-3, 215-pound right-hander, is competing for the Tigers' fifth rotation spot, behind Jeremy Bonderman, Kenny Rogers, Mike Maroth and Nate Robertson. His main competitors are right-hander Justin Verlander and lefty Wil Ledezma. In 2005, Zumaya was 8-3 with a 2.77 ERA at Double-A Erie and 1-2 with a 2.66 in eight games at Triple-A Toledo. "I don't know my chances" of earning the fifth spot, he said, "but I'm going to make it real hard for the coaches to make that decision. I wouldn't mind a spot in the bullpen. I want to help this team out in any way."   (Detroit Free Press)


24 January, 2006

     Dominican playoffs - Erick Aybar LAA 2-5 & 2-3, triple, .471 ... Joaquin Benoit TEX picked up a win in relief, 1 2 0 0 0 0 ... Juan Cruz OAK 6 5 3 2 2 6 ...  Venezuelan playoffs - Alberto Callaspo LAA 2-4 ... Franklin Gutierrez CLE 3-5

     Troop movements ... CHN - signed Wade Miller ... rumours - BOS to trade Andy Marte to CLE for Coco Crisp

    Matthew Pouliot, RotoWorld.com, is back with his Top 10s !  The initial installment covers the teams of the AL East. A few of the choices :

BAL, No 1  " ...  Nick Markakis  ...  seventh overall pick in the 2003 draft has established himself as one of the game’s better outfield prospects, but he’s probably not ready yet, and even if he is, the Orioles don’t need him becoming eligible for free agency after 2011. Ideally, Markakis will be the club’s right fielder in 2007. He could be a candidate to play center field for a couple of years, but he’s a natural in right, where his strong arm -- many teams viewed him as a pitcher when he was drafted -- could make him a Gold Glove contender someday. Offensively, he figures to fall short of becoming an annual All-Star. He does, however, have some 30-homer seasons in his future."

BAL, No 7  " ...  Brandon Snyder ...  High school catchers have tended to be among the worst picks early on in drafts, but Snyder is very athletic and doesn’t need to stay behind the plate to succeed. If the Orioles become convinced that the catching will take a toll on his bat, they might make him a third baseman, something that could advance his ETA by a year."

BOS, No 1  " ... Andy Marte ...   only real source of concern now is the mysterious right elbow injury, which came to light after he was traded to Boston for Edgar Renteria. His agent dismissed the report of him possibly requiring Tommy John surgery as nonsense. Even if Marte did need the surgery and missed 2006 as a result, he’d still be a fabulous prospect. His defense at third base, once a weak point, continues to improve, and he’ll be a .280 hitter with 30 homers and 60-70 walks per year in his prime. Another three to six months in Triple-A should be sufficient."

BOS, No 6  " ... Jacoby Ellsbury ...  was receiving comparisons to Johnny Damon even before the Red Sox made him the 23rd pick in the 2005 draft. Selected as the fastest baserunner and third-best defensive player in Baseball America’s tools rankings of draft-eligible collegians, he projects as Boston’s long-term center fielder. It figures to be at least 2008 before he’s ready to make much of a contribution offensively. Ellsbury lacks outstanding offensive upside, but he could get on base enough to be a leadoff hitter."

NYA, No 1  " ... Philip Hughes ...  For the first two months of last season, the 6-foot-5, 220-pound Hughes dominated the South Atlantic League as an 18-year-old. A mild case of shoulder tendinitis slowed him down at the end of June, and he was able to get in just 17 2/3 innings following a promotion to Single-A Tampa. Hughes throws 91-93 mph and could add velocity as he matures. His slider is a plus pitch and his changeup is on its way to becoming one. Since he also has good command, he should continue to move quickly for a high school pitcher, if only he can avoid additional arm troubles. He has No. 2-starter potential."

NYA, No 3  " ... Jose Tabata ...  turned in an extremely impressive showing in the Gulf Coast League, even though he only turned 17 in August. Scouts rave about his tools, and it’s extremely encouraging that he seemed to have a very good idea of what he was doing at the plate at an extremely young age."

TB, No 2  " ...  Wes Bankston ...  After returning from offseason wrist surgery and spring training knee surgery, Bankston went about solidifying his status as the Rays’ first baseman of the future by finishing with an 897 OPS at two levels. ...  has some work to do on defense. On offense, he projects as a .270-.280 hitter with 25- or 30-homer ability."

TB, No 3  " ...  Chuck Tiffany ...  Since being drafted in the second round in 2003, he’s struck out 11.8 batters per nine innings. He is a flyball pitcher and he needs a much better changeup to go along with his 88-91 mph fastball and excellent curveball, but any lefty who can strike out that many batters at such a young age has to be taken very seriously. A late-season audition for a rotation spot is a possibility. However, it may be that he’ll need two more years in the minors."

TOR, No 2  " ...  Ricky Romero ...  the first pitcher taken in last year’s draft ...  lacks the upside one might expect from someone drafted so early, but Romero is a polished pitcher with a very good chance of developing into a long-term No. 3 starter. He works at 89-92 mph and records strikeouts with a terrific curveball. His changeup is a quality third offering. If the Jays had an opening for him, he could conceivably contribute in the second half of this season."

TOR, No 10  " ...   Ryan Patterson ...  a fourth-round find out of LSU last year, finished third in the New York-Penn League in average and first in slugging in his pro debut. Although he was primarily a center fielder initially, he’s nearly certain to end up in a corner. The Jays could choose to test him in the Florida State League this year, which would likely result in a major offensive decline. He still has to be viewed as quite the sleeper."

     It's Adam Miller atop the Indians' prospect chart at Baseball America.  BA goes with Jeremy Sowers at No. 2 and Brad Snyder at No. 3.

    More Cleveland prospect news, Let's Go Tribe has its picks as the best of the CLE farm (with Miller second to Sowers) :

" ... (1) LHP Jeremy Sowers  ...  doesn't have the upside that Adam Miller does, but he does have the "pitchability" that so often leads to success in the majors. Sowers showcased his skills against Eastern League batters in 2005, holding opposing batters to a .652 OPS. Jeremy's control (29 walks in 159.2 IP) is also something I love in a pitcher. While his fastball at best touches 90 mph, he has enough command and movement so that hitters never feel comfortable against him.

" ... (4) 1B Ryan Garko ... Consistency at the plate has helped Garko to the cusp of getting a starting job in the majors. His ability to play first base will probably determine how long he can stay a starter. Ryan's swing is quick and efficient, but from a scouting standpoint, that's all he has going for him ...  good news for Ryan is that the Indians are close to giving up on Ben Broussard, and his main competition in the minors (Aubrey, Head) are a year behind him developmentally, so he should get his chance in 2006. The fact that he can serve as the third catcher on a roster certainly will help as well."

" ... (6) OF Franklin Gutierrez  ... has a better arm and better range than Snyder, which is why he's looked at more as a center fielder than Snyder, and possibly one reason why the Indians may trade Coco Crisp soon. Gutierrez has been bothered with bone chips in his elbow, which could be one reason why his power dropped in 2005. His offensive upside is still very high, and given his defensive prowess, gives him a slight edge over Snyder on my list. Gutierrez, Snyder, and Francisco should make up an interesting outfield for Buffalo this spring. "

     Scott Rex, OnDeck, has been busy updating his Top 40s.  Here's the elite group (1-10) for each of the latest entries :

COLORADO         FLORIDA        PHILADELPHIA    PITTSBURGH        SAN DIEGO
Stewart Ian      Hermida Jeremy Hamels Cole     McCutchen Andrew  Carrillo Cesar
Tulowitzki Troy  Olsen Scott    Gonzalez Gio    Walker Neil       Barfield Josh
Nelson Chris     Ramirez Hanley Haigwood Daniel Maholm Paul       Kottaras George
Morales Franklin Petit Yusmeiro Mathieson Scott Gorzelanny Tom    Jimenez Fabian
Jimenez Ubaldo   Sanchez Anibal Victorino Shane VanBenschoten Joh Johnson Ben
Roe Chaz         Volstad Chris  Bourn Michael   Bullington Bryan  Thompson Sean
Lindsay Shane    Johnson Josh   Golson Greg     Redmond Todd      Wells Jared
Morillo Juan     Hernandez Gaby Baez Welinson   Paulino Ronny     Ramos Cesar
Baker Jeff       Stokes Jason   Costanzo Mike   McLouth Nate      Headley Chase
Shealy Ryan      Bowyer Travis  Garcia Edgar    Bautista Jose     Hundley Nick

     Tim Polko, RotoHelp, in his report on NL third sackers, includes the Reds Edwin Encarnacion :

" ...   Encarnacion ...  Compiling a .309/.384/.546 performance with 15 HR, 54 RBI, a 7/9 SB%, and a 33:53 BB:K in 291 AB for AAA Louisville(IL) earned Encarnacion the starting job in Cincinnati at the end of July, however he completely flopped down the stretch. The good news is that a weak BA didn't impede his power or patience, and with only a surprisingly low contact rate limiting his average, Encarnacion appears primed for a significant step forward. Batting at the end of perhaps the league's best overall lineup provides plenty of opportunities for success ... Even bidding towards the teens isn't a bad idea given his long-term upside, making Encarnacion a sleeper in any league."


22-23 January, 2006

     Playoffs Venezuela - Renyel Pinto CHN  5 4 2 0 2 8 ...  Fernando Nieve HOU 4 6 2 2 3 2  ...

     Troop movements ... BAL - trades Jorge Julio and John Maine to NYN for Kris Benson ... BOS - Boston Herald reports Andy Marte, Guillermo Mota being moved to CLE for Coco Crisp & a reliever ...

     David Purcey, Guillermo Quiroz, Francisco Rosario are 1-2-3 in the Blue Jays prospect report by David Regan at RotoAmerica :

" ... A big 6’5”, 230 (or more) lb. lefty, Purcey is the Blue Jays’ top overall prospect. Fastball sits in the 92-93 range with a little extra zip added when needed. His curve projects as a plus pitch as well, and while his change isn’t his best pitch, it should be adequate enough once he reaches the majors ... command still needs work ... his placement here is more of a reflection on the state of the Toronto system. Has #4 starter type upside and could make his big league debut in September or earlier if needed."

" ... After a breakout 2003 ... Quiroz has had two disappointing seasons. Since late 2003 however, he’s missed time with a collapsed lung and a broke hand ...  also had issues with his conditioning, seeing his weight balloon well over 220 on a 6’1” frame. Still, the fact that he’s a catcher and there’s a major need at the position in Toronto gets him to near the top of this list. He’s also a solid defender with a good arm, but his bat will always be in question. Should open as the Jays’ starting catcher this year if he performs at all in spring."

" ... #13 Curtis Thigpen ...  has lived up to his 2nd round draft status. He’s a nice mixture of developing power and strong plate discipline. Performed very well at Low A Lansing and based on that, Toronto skipped him right over High A to AA where after a slow start over the first couple weeks of the year, he finished well, hitting over .300 in his last 100+ at-bats. In time, he could be a .280/.350/.460 type catcher which is more than adequate to hold a major league starting job."

     Quite a variety among the TOR picks :   

   BAmerica        SportsBlurb     D'mond Futures  RotoAmerica      InsideTheDugout  Batter's Box
 1 McGowan Dustin  Romero Ricky    Banks Josh      Purcey David     McGowan Dustin   McGowan Dustin
 2 Romero Ricky    McGowan Dustin  Gaudin Chad     Quiroz Guillermo Purcey David     Purcey David  
 3 Purcey David    Purcey David    Cheng Chi-Hung  Rosario Francisc Jackson Zach     Janssen Casey  
 4 Lind Adam       Lind Adam       Lind Adam       Romero Ricky     Banks Josh       Jackson Zach  
 5 Banks Josh      League Brandon  Roberts Ryan    Janssen Casey    Janssen Casey    Lind Adam
 6 Janssen Casey   Thigpen Curtis  Marcum Sean     Santos Sergio    Lind Adam        Quiroz Guiller
 7 League Brandon  Litsch Jesse    Yates Kyle      Griffin John-F   Marcum Shaun     Romero Ricky  
 8 Rosario Franci  Jackson Zach    Romero Davis    Banks Josh       Romero Ricky     Banks Josh
 9 Thigpen Curtis  Cheng Chi-H     Purcey David    Cannon Chip      Quiroz Guiller   Marcum Shaun
10 Perkins Vince   Griffin John-F  Thigpen Curtis  Lind Adam        Rosario Franci   Rosario Franci

     Joe Frisaro, MLB.com, checks out the winter ball performances of a couple of FLO prospects :

" ... Yusmeiro Petit ...  Pitching for Magallanes in Venezuela, the right-hander posted a 5-1 record with a 2.01 ERA. In nine games, with eight starts, he tossed a total of 49 1/3 innings, striking out 43 while walking just eight before he was shut down. While not possessing overpowering pitches, Petit has the reputation of finding ways to win ...  will get a chance to win a rotation spot with the Marlins in Spring Training."

" ... Anibal Sanchez ...  teammate of Petit on Magallanes, Sanchez saw limited Winter League action, appearing in 10 games with two starts. A projected starter, the right-hander had a 4.91 ERA ...  worked 18 1/3 innings and showed a good strikeout-to-walk ratio, 18-to-6 ...  regarded as having a high upside as a starter. He too will get a chance to win a rotation spot in Spring Training, but he may not be quite ready for the big leagues. It's not out of the question that Sanchez could be turned into a reliever with the Marlins."

     Thomas Harding, MLB.com, on Matt Macri one of the unheralded COL kids (COL's AA club likely will feature Ian Stewart at 3B,  catcher Chris Iannetta, SS Troy Tulowitzki, OFs Seth Smith, Joe Gaetti & Jordan Czarneicki plus 2B Macri) :

" ...  Macri, 23, an infielder who has risen rapidly since being drafted in the fifth round out of Notre Dame in 2004 ... It was a case of what he calls "a diverse education" at Notre Dame that has allowed Macri to flourish in a farm system where there are prospects at his primary positions. He was a shortstop, but he ended up playing extensively at third base in his final year with the Fighting Irish. Macri played third at Tri-City in 2004 and batted .333, convincing the Rockies that they needed to keep him on the field even though he and Stewart would be with Modesto in 2005. Macri batted .283 with a healthy .381 on-base percentage in 64 games. A wrist injury that required surgery ended his season early ... With Tulowitzki on a fast track, the Rockies invited both to the instructional program in Tucson to work together in the middle infield, with Macri at second base. "We got a lot of talented draft picks coming up here, real mature," Macri said. "At this point, as long as I can get in the lineup, it doesn't matter where they put me."

     Mike Hindman provides in depth coverage of the Rangers' farm with the TEX infielders the subject of his latest prospect bulletin : 

" ... 2. Joaquin Arias ...  the Rangers remain as high on him as any player in their system. Arias continues to be a projectable prospect and as one of the youngest players in the Texas League last year, he did what you want projectable prospects to do. He got better and better, just as he had as one of the youngest players in the Cal League in 2004 ... has plenty of shortcomings: He hasn't shown much power. He refuses to take a base on balls. He committed 29 errors last year. For every two bases he steals, he gets caught once ... He's got all of the ingredients to become another Tony Fernandez. Arias and Fernandez share almost the exact same build: 6'2", 170 lbs., with long arms and legs. Arias has the great range, arm strength and incredibly quick hands of Fernandez. Like Fernandez, Arias is especially good at going to his right ...  He's been fast-tracked so far and has always been among the youngest players in his league."

" ... 1. Ian Kinsler ...  Since turning pro, Kinsler has dramatically increased his strength and developed freakish bat speed ...  In 2005, Kinsler moved up to triple-A Oklahoma where switched over to second base, a position he'd never really played. He was very steady for three months ... But when July rolled around, he slumped, hitting just .229 / .328 / .376...  Kinsler caught fire in August, hitting .336 / .421 / .555 for the month. He also seemed to have ironed out his defense at second base, making just one error during August (after making five a month through June and three in July) ...  Among his mountain of achievements, he can already count "winning" a big league job in spring training. He did it last year. Seeing extended time in the Rangers' spring lineup because Alfonso Soriano was still recovering from a 2004 hamstring injury, Kinsler proceeded to hit .327 and slug .612 while finishing 11th in all of baseball with eight spring doubles. To think he'll either regress or that D'Angelo Jimenez will outperform him this March is pretty unrealistic. If Kinsler is sent back to Oklahoma, it will only be for a month or two and because the club thinks that Jimenez can hold the fort long enough to allow Kinsler to build up a head of steam as he heads towards his big league debut."


21 January, 2006

     Troop movements ... TEX - claimed Aarom Baldiris off waivers from NYN ...

     Alex Wang, InsideTheDugout, takes on the Pirates' farm and finds some potential gems :

" ... 1- Andrew McCutchen ...  first round pick, McCutchen was praised for his athleticism and power-speed combination. McCutchen also showed an impressive approach at the plate in his major league debut. With top of the line speed, McCutchen covers tons of ground in center field with an average arm ...  He will likely be a 20-20 player at the major league level, with 30-30 potential. While showing a great approach at the plate, McCutchen is still somewhat raw."

" ... 2- Tom Gorzelanny ...  2nd round pick from 2003, Gorzelanny surprised many by making his major league debut in less than two years since being drafted. Gorzelanny throws in the lows 90s with good movement. His slider is a plus pitch as well, and his changeup has improved to give Gorzelanny a solid third pitch ...  can be inconsistent at times with his pitches, and he could also tighten up his control. Gorzelanny will likely start the year at AAA, but he may start in the majors with a good spring training. He has a higher upside than fellow lefty Paul Maholm."

     Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, on Ian Kinsler at 2B in 2006 :

" ...  Barring a late trade, which is unlikely, this is Kinsler’s job to lose. Mark DeRosa and D’Angelo Jimenez both have major league experience, but no matter how well they play this spring, I suspect the decision will be not about them, but about Kinsler. He is the future. The Rangers expect the future to start now. The only way he doesn’t get the job is if he performs poorly, and that may relate more to defense than to what he does at the plate."

     Adam Miller CLE gunning for a return to top form :

" ...  The baseball does not explode out of the right hand of Adam Miller as it once did. He's not complaining. He's pitching. "I'm almost back to normal," said Miller ...  He's ticketed to begin the season at Class AA Akron. "Adam is progressing on a throwing program," said Tribe director of player development John Farrell. "He will go into spring training ready to compete. "We think he responded well in the [Arizona] Fall League. He's on a solid, progressive path - especially for someone 21 years old." Farrell said it's not out of the question that Miller could be pitching at Class AAA Buffalo at some point this season."  (Cleveland Plain Dealer)

     David Luciani, Baseball Notebook, is in the midst of his annual "IF SLEEPERS EXISTED" series. One youngster on the list so far - Prince Fielder :

" ...   Everyone knows about him but given how many rookies have disappointed in recent years, don't be surprised if people aren't willing to bet the farm on him. The trade of Lyle Overbay solidified Fielder's position as the apparent Opening Day first baseman and he projects as an immediate .250s type with 25 home run power and maybe 70 RBI ability in his first year, if not more. My latest forecast for 461 at bats reflects the minor uncertainty associated both with his job security and other factors related to rookies ... If you pro-rated my forecasted ability for him to, say, 550 at bats (meaning if you believe there's no chance he could lose his job in 2006 or spend any time as a pinch-hitter), you end up with a forecasted 30 home runs and about 85 RBI."

     Matt Kemp LAD already ready to challenge for the centre field slot :

" ... After a breakout season at Vero Beach, Kemp continued to impress in Arizona in the Fall League ...  expected to open the 2006 season at Double-A Jacksonville. "My mentality is that nobody can get me out," he said. "I had confidence going into every game. I've heard some people compare my game to Derrek Lee. It's exciting to hear that. I have a power swing, sometimes it gets too long and I have to shorten it up." Kemp not only has a power bat, but a throwing arm that can handle right field and the ball-chasing speed and instincts to handle center. "I love it in center," said Kemp. "That's where I played most last year after trying it in Spring Training for the first time. I just fell in love with it. I can play all three, but I like being the leader in the outfielder."   (MLB.com)

     Jeremy Sowers CLE looks to get a little more minor league time :

" ...  No matter what level he pitched at in 2005, Sowers was effective and efficient with his four-pitch mix. He knows he still has work to do, though. "I need to become more accurate," he said. "I need to enhance my changeup and get a little better with my curveball. I have to work on holding the running game a little better. "There's no part of the game you can ever be content with in this sport, because people always adjust and you need to be better." The Tribe will send him to Buffalo to get better this season, even though many in the organization believe the kid could be ready to make a big-league impact. The team just doesn't have an opening for him at this time. "We feel he still can benefit from innings at the Triple-A level," farm director John Farrell said. "Whether that's 10 starts or 15 starts, it's not a predetermined number."   (MLB.com)


20 January, 2006

     Dominican playoffs - Hanley Ramirez, in RF, 2-7, triple, homer ... Erick Aybar LAA 4-5, walk ... WilyMo Pena CIN 3-5, homer ...

     Troop movements ... SD - claimed Walter Young off waivers from BAL (Padres now with Chris Young OF, Chris Young SP, Eric Young U and now Walter)  ... BOS - Theo Epstein back ... CHA - among the NRIs, Lance BroadwayRay LiottaRyan Sweeney and Josh Fields ...

     Matt Jacovina, WarmOctoberNights, looks at the new-look FLO farm :

" ... 1. Jeremy Hermida  ...  While Delmon Young may be the best prospect in baseball, Hermida is currently a better player and has quite a high ceiling himself. Jeremy has a unique skillset of speed, patience and developing power. It’s very rare to find a 21 year old who can walk 111 times in 118 AA games, but what makes him more remarkable is that he’s also athletic ...  In 25 stolen base attempts last season, he was only caught twice ...  Even his outfield defense is reportedly steady ...  he’s already the perfect hitter to bat in front of Miguel Cabrera. Within a few seasons, expect the two of them to become one of the most potent run-producing duos in the game."

" ... 2. Scott Olsen ...  Assuming Olsen’s elbow inflammation is no longer an issue come spring, there’ll be nothing holding him back from becoming a fixture in the young Marlins’ rotation ...  has the potential to be a decent major leaguer, even at the age of 22. Both his fastball and slider are already above average pitches ...  need to improve a third pitch before he can consistently provide quality outings, but even presently, if Olsen’s pitches are on he’ll provide some dominant games. Scott has the advantageous combination of lots of K’s, not so many walks, and a nice ability to keep the ball in the park, not to mention a physical frame that’s conducive to pitching."

" ... 9. Chris Volstad ...  leads a talented pack of 2005 draft picks. He has a pitcher’s frame, which will likely add some velocity to his fastball, and is said to be advanced for his age. It’ll be his first full season of professional ball out of high school, so don’t expect dominance out the gate, but keep an eye on him: he has the potential of a #2/3."

     The Daily Lancer offers a look at a Royals' Top 10 :

" ... 1. Billy Butler ... coming off a remarkable season ...  great raw power and should be a good contact hitter ...  30 HRs during the regular season and hit above .300 at High A and AA. His plate discipline has been good so far, although he struggled a bit in that area at AA. He'll have no trouble finding a spot in the lineup, but finding a position in the field might be tough. It might be hard to hide his glove in LF ... Corner outfield is a position of need in the organization, so he'll get every chance to play there."

" ... 2. Alex Gordon ...  had a decent debut in the Arizona Fall League, exhibiting good plate discipline with a .403 OBP. Gordon has very good power from the left side of the plate. Gordon has drawn a lot of comparisons to Mark Teixeira and could be the Royals' No. 3 hitter of the future. The biggest question mark is Gordon's future position. The Royals are going to keep him at third until Teahen proves himself. If Teahen becomes a solid third basemen, then Gordon will likely be moved to the corner outfielder."

" ... 5. Chris Lubanski ...  put up some great offensive numbers at High Desert ...  72 extra base hits and drove in 116 runs, even with a very slow start to the season. However, Lubanski's great numbers were likely a result of his home park, as his road splits weren't nearly as impressive. AA will tell a lot about Lubanski's future. His defense in CF is suspect and his arm isn't good enough to play RF."

     Jonathan Mayo, MLB.com, on Andre Ethier LAD :

" ... Ethier is the guy to be excited about here. He had the breakthrough season in Double-A last year, then performed exceptionally well in the Arizona Fall League ...  hits for average, has some power. His on-base skills are improving ...  though he's not quite the walk machine some from that organization are. And he's a good defensive outfielder. I think you will see him at some point in 2006."

     Ryan Garko CLE likely heading for more time in the minors :

"  ...  Garko likely will open at Class AAA Buffalo, where he batted .303 with 19 home runs and 77 RBI in 127 games last year ...  "We think his bat is ready for the major leagues," said Mike Hazen, Indians assistant director of player development. "He simply needs more time and reps at first." The Indians entered the off-season with an opening at first, given Ben Broussard's struggles offensively in 2005. They apparently closed it last week by signing veteran Eduardo Perez, a right-handed batter who is in line to platoon with Broussard. "It's not an indictment whatsoever of Ryan as a prospect," Hazen said. "He's still very much in our plans. It's just that he can't be expected to learn on the job in Cleveland." ...  "When I do get the opportunity to get called up and get some playing time, I want to be there the rest of my career," he said. "I don't want to be a guy who bounces up and down."   (Cleveland Plain Dealer)


19 January, 2006

     Troop movements ... MIL - released Russell Branyan ... BOS - signed Julian Tavarez, designated Tim Bausher for assignment ... TB - signed Shawn Camp ... NYN - signed RHP Yusaku Iriki ...

     Dayn Perry, FoxSports, moves on with the third installment of his Top 100.  It includes a possible centre fielder for the Pirates and Padres' backstop :

" ... 75. Andrew McCutchen ...  one of the only Pirate hitting prospects worth mentioning. He batted .709 during his senior year of high school, and he boasts exceptional speed on the bases, great range in center and command of the strike zone. He hasn't shown much power as of yet, but he has the bat speed for it. As soon as his body fills out, the power will follow. McCutchen will see full-season action for the first time in 2006, and he should do just fine."

" ... 77. George Kottaras ...  one of the most promising offensive catchers currently in the minors. In the second half of last season, he authored a batting line of .287 AVG/.397 OBP/.416 SLG despite playing in the pitcher-friendly Southern League. Kottaras has yet to cultivate a power stroke (but has excellent walk rates and a career OBP of .392). At the plate, he has a picture-perfect, left-handed stroke that generates lots of line drives. Behind the plate, he's athletic and mobile, but he has a bit of a slow release on throws."

     David Regan, RotoAmerica, features the Washington system and, to no surprise, Ryan Zimmerman is atop the list :

" ...  One of the easier selections for a team’s #1 prospect, Zimmerman wasn’t put on the fast track this year after being drafted in 2005, he was as close as a guy could come from being put on a jet plane right to the big leagues ... They had their eye on Zimmerman for awhile and didn’t hesitate a bit on draft day. He zoomed right to the majors (only position player 2005 draftee to do it) and hit .397/.419/.569 in 58 at-bats. Right now his glove is his best tool, as Zimmerman projects to win several Gold Gloves in his career ...  He’s got great range, hands, and a strong, accurate arm ...   projects as a .300 hitter with solid plate discipline. Power isn’t his best tool, but he’s well put-together at 6’3”, 220, so it’s not hard to project 25-30 HR’s annually."

" ... #2 Clint Everts ...  I think Everts is going to surprise some people this year ...  was on his way to fulfilling his promise as a #1 starter ...  before coming down with a sore arm and undergoing Tommy John surgery in September. Came back late this year for a few rehab starts in the low levels of the minors and fared well. When healthy, he throws a fastball that hovers in he 88-91 range, a plus curve, and one of the minors’ best changeups. During his rehab, it’s been reported that he grew 1-2 inches and put on up to 15 lbs. of muscle. It was certainly needed, as he now stands 6’3”, 180 ... challenge this year will be to continue building arm strength."

"  ... #5 Mike Hinckley ...  A poor 2005 moves this former system #1 prospect down the charts. Suffered a shoulder strain in spring training last year and never seemed to fully recover. Velocity was down and his command was inconsistent at best. When 100%, he offers a low 90s fastball, very good curve, and a solid change. Great work ethic and is loved by his teammates. Just needs to get healthy and work hard to get back his prospect status."

     William Calvin. InsideTheDugout, has a righty-lefty combo atop the HOU prospect chart :

" ... 1-Jason Hirsh ... This kid may be exactly what the Astros need in 2006 to give them that final push in the later months ...  has the potential to be one of the best pitching prospects in all of baseball. With his mid 90’s fastball and his nasty two-seamer similar to that of Greg Maddux’s, Hirsh has everything needed to be a top of the rotation starter. The Astros have very little to be happy about in their farm system, but Hirsh is definitely a top notch talent who will soon provide them with a very good young arm in their rotation within the next couple of years. Some experts think that if Hirsh is unable to work on his changeup, he may be headed towards more of a closer’s role then anything else. With everything Hirsh has in his arsenal, I definitely see him as a very nice #2 SP and possibly even a #1 SP."

" ... 2-Troy Patton ...   young lefty is one of those pitchers who can be put side by side with just about any pitching prospect and he’ll even up. He has a low 90’s fastball and a plus- plus curveball that controlled batters to the tune of .211. With Patton’s ice cold composure out on the mound, I'd go out on a limb and compare him to Zach Duke. He’s not quite as polished as Duke, but he’s not that far off either. Patton has the tools necessary to be a #2 SP on most rosters, but I’d say he’s going to end up right around the middle of the rotation for the Astros."

     Scott Rex, OnDeck, rates the CIN and STL farms.  Homer Bailey tops the Reds' prospects, ahead of Jay Bruce and Travis Wood.  On the Cards, it's Anthony Reyes, Mark McCormick and Colby Rasmus, 1-2-3.

     Tim Polko, RotoHelp, includes a pair of 2006 question marks in his review of AL third basemen :

" ...  Dallas McPherson ...  Few players seem harder to evaluate than McPherson, who could spend the year anywhere from AAA Salt Lake to the DL to the heart of the Angels' order. He entered last season as perhaps the game's top power prospect yet failed to gain any significant traction in the majors. A herniated disk delayed his promotion to Los Angeles until late April, he suffered a couple more minor injuries over the summer, and then McPherson eventually required season-ending hip surgery at the end of August. However, the removal of a bone spur from his hip shouldn't affect his power at all ...  I consider McPherson a potentially dynamic sleeper even as a reserve."

" ...  Kevin Youkilis ...  Now he moves into the starting lineup as the primary first baseman and likely #2 hitter, an ideal slot for someone with his on-base skills and seemingly limited power. Remember that he possesses much more value in sim leagues, but also set a .270/15/70 base for Youkilis as a full-time player. A .300/20/100 explosion similarly wouldn't shock me, so take full advantage of any slack in the bidding to acquire a relative youngster possessing such an impressive skill set."

     Braves with a surplus of riches behind the plate.  Brian McCann getting established, Jarrod Saltalamacchia might try out another position :

" ...   Like McCann once was, Jarrod Saltalamacchia is now considered to be one of the best catching prospects in the Minor Leagues ...  may be just a year away from making his arrival in Atlanta. "We are fortunate enough to have two very talented catchers -- two of the best in the game we think -- in McCann and Saltalamacchia," Schuerholz said. While Saltalamacchia will likely begin this season at Double-A Mississippi, McCann will attempt to improve upon a rookie season in which he hit .278 with five homers and 23 RBIs ...  Smoltz and many of the other pitchers were impressed with McCann's strong mental makeup and ability to call a game. "They all like him," Braves manager Bobby Cox said. "He does a great job calling the game, setting up, and he can throw the ball well. And he's a good hitter, he's a tough out. I think John sort of adopting him really meant a lot. He had a lot of faith in him." ... While pleased with his swing, the Braves believe the left-handed catcher has the potential to add more muscle to his frame and potentially hit for much greater power ...  As for Saltalamacchia, the Braves are hoping that he continues his impressive development as a catcher ...  If Saltalamacchia proves he's ready for the big leagues in the next year or so, the Braves may decide to develop him at another position. This would be a way they could have both he and McCann in the same lineup."  (MLB.com)


18 January, 2006

    The book is at the printers!  It is scheduled to be shipped in early February.  This will be the 11th annual prospect book for John.  It's one of the season's most anxiously awaited baseball publications.  It ships in early February with pre-orders now being taken.  Order here.

     Dominican playoffs - Andy Marte, still scuffling, 0-3, .160 ... Joaquin Benoit TEX, in relief, 2 1 0 0 2 1 ... Erick Aybar 2-5, triple, .366 ... Juan Cruz OAK 5 4 1 1 4 4 ...  Venezuela - Franklin Gutierrez CLE 1-2, 2 walks ... Wilfredo Ledezma DET 5 5 2 2 0 3 ... Yurendell DeCaster PIT 3-4 & 2-4, homer

     Whew ... busy trying to get all the lists up to date, including the 2006 players' lists from Scoresheet ... the spreadsheet friendly lists (also with LAST NAME, FIRST NAME format) now posted ... AL, NL ... the official ones posted at Scoresheet ... also posted at SS, the 2006 Splits (platoon figures)  ...

     A New York, live-draft auction league looking for an owner ... now into it's 5th year, the  BL Twin Towers league needs one owner to fill out the 16 team circuit.    Contact Nate Stephens.

     Michael Laureano, Diamond Futures, has the complete Top 100 now available.  Lots of interesting choices.  The list broken down by position (the other 100s also sorted out by position).  This one caught my eye - Howie Kendrick (as in the Baseball Notebook listing) not rated very highly.

    CATCHER                    THIRD BASE               RHP
 34 Huber Justin             7 Butler Billy           2 Hughes Phil
 37 Saltalamacchia Jarr     11 LaRoche Andy           3 Hernandez Felix
 45 Willingham Josh         36 Marte Andy             9 Hernandez Gabriel
 65 Napoli Michael          48 Zimmerman Ryan        13 Broxton Jonathan
 97 Montero Miguel          49 Encarnacion Edwin     16 Petit Yusmeiro
                            93 Moore Scott           19 Banks Josh
    FIRST BASE              95 Psomas Grant          24 Diamond Thomas
 10 Fielder Prince                                   28 Ramirez Elizardo
 17 Barton Daric               SHORTSTOP             33 Verlander Justin
 21 Howard Ryan             15 Upton B.J.
 35 Jackson Conor           23 Wood Brandon             LHP
 41 Nicolas Cesar           46 Jones Adam             1 Liriano Francisco
 50 Carp Mike               63 Sanders Marcus         8 Patton Troy
 71 Sing Brandon            73 Rodriguez Sean        22 James Chuck
 83 Koshansky Joseph        74 Guzman Joel           27 Jones Justin
 85 Mullhern Ryan                                    31 Sowers Jeremy
 91 Whitesell Josh             OUTFIELD              32 Gonzalez Gio
                             4 Hermidia Jeremy       53 Jimenez Cesar
    SECOND BASE              5 Young Delmon          57 Duke Zach
  6 Weeks Richie            14 Young Chris           60 Eveland Dana
 12 Denker Travis           18 Pence Hunter          84 Lester Jon
 39 Pedroia Dustin          20 Linden Todd
 55 Sutton Drew             26 Pie Felix
 67 Patterson Eric          29 Kemp Matthew
 70 Kendrick Howie          30 Brinkley Dante
                            54 Dukes Elijah
                            58 Quentin Carlos

     Aussie phenom ... not as bad as first thought :

" ...  THE ROCKIES RECEIVED encouraging reports on highly touted pitching prospect Shane Lindsay. The Australian right-hander, who developed shoulder soreness this winter, has been examined by team doctors in Denver, and they do not believe he has a severe tear in his right labrum. The Rockies medical staff has recommended a rehabilitation- strengthening program. Lindsay, who came to Denver earlier this month for the tests, will remain in town the rest of the month so his progress can be monitored."  (Rocky Mountain News)

     Tim Polko, RotoHelp, has few youngsters in his review of NL second sackers ... just a pair of candidates on the fringe :

" ... Anderson Hernandez ...   appears quite capable of combining a high average with sufficient patience and speed to emerge as a productive top-of-the-order threat. He also possesses the defensive acumen desired in the Mets' infield of future stars and superstars. Spending an late-round pick here could net a useful big league player, especially if New York allows him another few months of development time as expected."

" ... Willie Bergolla ...  I expected a strong AAA campaign by Bergolla to vault him into the starting second base job in 2006. Unfortunately for the rookie, he posted another OBP under .350, barely improved his power numbers, suffered from a severe decrease in patience, and watched Ryan Freel emerge as one of the league's best leadoff men. At least Bergolla only turns 23 in February, giving him plenty of time for the additional minor league seasoning necessary before Cincinnati can consider him as a possible regular."

     Mark Healey, GothamBaseball, posts his picks as the top young guns in the Yankee system :

" ... 1.) Eric Duncan ... There are some that would have dropped Duncan from the top spot after batting just .235 at Double-A Trenton in 2005 ...  However, his 19 homers and 61 RBIs were positive signs that even when struggling in a pitchers league, he can produce solid offensive numbers. Of course GB felt this way even before Duncan has simply torn up the Arizona Fall League, hitting .362 with eight HRs and 27 RBIs in 23 games. He's even been working some at first base, which is an indication the Yankees are in no rush to move him."

" ... 2.) Phil Hughes  ...  posted a brilliant 7-1 record with a 1.97 ERA in 12 starts for Single-A Charleston ...  has dominant stuff, sharp command, and a progressing repertoire of breaking pitches. Simply put, the right-hander has the makeup and physical gifts to be a No. 1 starter, and when's the last time the Yankees produced one of those?"

     Gotham Baseball also updates its Mets' prospect list to reflect recent roster moves :

" ... 1. Lastings Milledge ...  Injuries slowed the early part of the season for Milledge at Single-A St. Lucie, but once he proved healthy (.302 in 232 at-bats), Milledge caught fire and continued his rampage in the Eastern League (.337 in 193 at-bats), an excellent yardstick of his ability. There remain some concerns about his plate discipline -- which is improving -- but his raw skills are frighteningly good. He possesses a plus-arm, has plus-range and has above-average speed. Though he hit just 8 homers all of last season, his power projects to 20-25 homers annually."

" ... 8. Carlos Gomez ... If "tools" were the only measuring stick for a prospect, Gomez would probably be right behind Milledge in our prospect rankings. His speed, arm and power projects even higher than Milledge, according to some scouts ...  Though he has tremendous upside, and is one of those players who scouts drool over when they see him perform, we still see a very raw player with enough inconsistency in his game to rate him this low. In fact, he only makes the Top 10 because of Minaya's deals."

     Kary Mooher, Springfield News-Leader, offers a feature on Cards' Adam Wainwright :

" ...  a right-hander who is all of 24 but yet has toiled in the minor leagues for six years now  ... among a handful of pitchers ...  expected to make competition for jobs as intense as any spring training in the 11 seasons veteran pitching coach Dave Duncan has been on staff. "If everybody makes it through spring training healthy," Duncan said, "we're going to have some real difficult decisions." Chief among them is the team's No. 5 starter, a role to be pursued by top pitching prospect Anthony Reyes and 29-year-old veteran free agent Sidney Ponson, formerly of the Baltimore Orioles. However, Duncan said Wainwright is in the mix, too ... "Hopefully, I'll be given a shot to compete in some way," said Wainwright, the Cardinals' No. 2 prospect behind Reyes. "I feel like I'm ready. I've seen every level there is to see, including the big leagues. I know I can get guys out up there."

     Lynn Henning, Detroit News, takes a crack at a Tigers' Top 10 (excluding Justin Verlander given his MLB time in 2005)

" ... 1. Joel Zumaya ... has a shot at making the club out of spring training, but one of the minor leagues' ace strikeout pitchers will more likely throw his first pitch for the Tigers later in 2006. He throws hard upper 90s and has a devastating breaking ball. Zumaya is a blue-ribbon prospect by any assessment, a potential big-league star."

" ... 2. Cameron Maybin ...  6-feet-4, 210 pounds, swings a tremendous bat, and has athletic skills that would have made him a Division 1 basketball star.  "This young man has a chance to be something, said Glenn Ezell, the Tigers minor-league field coordinator. "He not only has very good tools. He has the aptitude, the character, and the quality makeup."

" ... 3. Brent Clevlen ...  broke through in 2005 at Single-A Lakeland and was named Detroit's top minor-league position player for 2005. He hits for power, he hits good pitching. His big gain in 2005 was on defense. Clevlen is a prototypical corner outfielder and middle-lineup hitter. He should arrive in 2007. "


16-17 January, 2006

     Dominican playoffs - Erick Aybar LAA 2-4, triple & 0-4, .370... Andy Marte BOS 0-4 & 1-4, homer, 3 RBI, .182 ... Daniel Cabrera BAL 3 4 1 1 1 6 ... Victor Diaz NYN 2-5, homer, 4 RBI, .354 ... Hanley Ramirez FLO, in LF, 3-4    Venezuelan playoffs - Franklin Gutierrez 2-4, homer, 3 runs, 3 RBI ... Tony Armas WAS 6 3 2 2 1 6

     Troop movements ... TB - trade Danys Baez, Lance Carter & PTBNL to LAD for Edwin Jackson & Chuck Tiffany ... LAD - designate Joel Hanrahan for assignment, invite to ST - Chad Billingsley, Justin OrenduffEric Stults, Matt Kemp, Tony Abreu and Edwin Bellorin ...

     Back at home base ... trying to get the lists updated ... so far the 40-man rosters, Crossovers and, with major help from David Farr, getting the Spring Training Invites sorted out ... also, Top 100s page and Top 10s page updated

     Kudos to Bryan Smith, Baseball Analysts for more outstanding work as he puts the finishing touches on his Top 75 with an update on Justin Upton and a couple of self-criticisms, including a note about the inclusion of the latest draftees :

" ... Justin's one flaw is that he enters the minors with no real position. His struggles at shortstop have been described in numerous ways, even by attributing it to Steve Blass disease, and I'm not sure Arizona would be smart in having him play there. There has been talk of third base, second base and centerfield. To me, the last one is by far the best option. It's the least taxing position to learn, and given his arm strength and speed, the one he profiles best at. If I was ranking Upton today, I would give him the number four slot in my top ten."

" ... While I think I was correct in my rankings of those [2005 draftees] within the top 75 (maybe Gordon over Zimmerman), three more players (Braun, Tulowitzki, Maybin) were probably deserving of spots. I'm just learning how to treat these players, however, so expect an improvement in next year's list."

" ... 2. Hanley Ramirez -- One factor that separates a good prospect list from a bad one is the ability to trust yourself. I believe in the ranking of each player, and the perspective of outsiders has little influence. This was not true with the ranking of Ramirez. It was simply a case of me listening too much to his supporters, and not actually evaluating his candidacy like I did everyone else. As a result, he's vastly overrated, probably to the tune of about 20 spots. So please, if you show your friends this list, try to tone down my ranking of Hanley."

     An interesting variation on the TB system in David Regan's Devil Rays' Top 20 at RotoAmerica.  Yes, Delmon Young tops the pack, but then David shakes it up a bit :

#2 Wes Bankston  " ... Perennially-underrated, Bankston broke out this year and now projects as the Devil Rays’ 1B of the future, circa April 2007. He’s a strong kid, capable of 30-35 HR annually with his raw power ... bothered by wrist problems during 2004 and had offseason surgery to allievate the problem and then subsequent minor knee surgery delayed his season until May. Got a quick promotion to AA after just 17 games in the CAL league. Showed decent power, although he was still not 100%. Has shown the ability to take a walk, which bodes well for his future."

#3 Elijah Dukes  " ... Has been called the D-Rays version of Milton Bradley and for good reason ...  on-field stuff now. Dukes has true five-tool ability and is a tremendous athlete. He can play any OF position with his cannon for an arm. He’s got very good speed and 30 SB type potential. He’s got a quick bat and has the ability to hit for 30+ HR power as well as a high average. There are just so many questions about his makeup though that it’s hard to see him having a long, successful big league career. If he stays out of trouble, he’s a guy with .300/.380/.540 type upside."

#11 Reid Brignac  " ...  Making the adjustment to full-season ball is no easy chore, so perhaps my expectations should have been lower for Brignac after seeing him hit .361 in the Appy League last year in his pro debut. Still, there’s an awful lot to like about this kid. He’s got a sweet left-handed stroke that uses to drive the ball a long ways. After homering just once in 113 at-bats last year, Brignac showed improved power in ’05 ... There’s a lot of offensive potential there, but unfortunately, most scouts predict his 6’3” frame will have to eventually move to 3B or the OF. In time though, he could have enough offense to play anywhere."

     Jan Ramirez, InsideTheDugout ranks the MIL farm system with no surprise atop the list :

" ... 1 - Prince Fielder ...   a more athletic left-handed hitting clone of his father Cecil ...  has great plate patience and amazing raw power and bat speed allowing him to hit the ball hard to all fields. He could be an absolute force at the plate, hitting for both power and average in the middle of the Brew Crew lineup for years to come."

" ... 2 - Ryan Braun ...  could move through the Brewers system quickly due to his polished bat, showing good power to all fields ... However as with many power hitters, scouts are already questioning whether he will stick at third. Milwaukee will start him there, but with his strong arm, a future in the outfield is not out of the question."

" ... 4 - Zach Jackson ...  Acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays in the Lyle Overbay trade ... In the mold of a finesse lefty, with the most reasonable comparison might be Gustavo Chacin, as they have similar pitches. Jackson has a fastball that sits between 88-90, a slider, changeup and curve. The Chacin comparison is also strong because Jackson may succeed by getting guys out without high strikeout rates."

     Michael Laureano, Diamond Futures, (felled by some health probs of late) has a partial list of his Top 100. I'm sure he'll have an explanation for Brandon Wood at No. 23 !

 1 Liriano Francisco    11 LaRoche Andy
 2 Hughes Phil          12 Denker Travis
 3 Hernandez Felix      13 Broxton Jonathan
 4 Hermidia Jeremy      14 Young Chris
 5 Young Delmon         15 Upton B.J.
 6 Weeks Richie         16 Petit Yusmeiro
 7 Butler Billy         17 Barton Daric
 8 Patton Troy          18 Pence Hunter
 9 Hernandez Gabriel    19 Banks Josh
10 Fielder Prince       20 Linden Todd

     Jim Callis, Baseball America, on where Justin Upton fits on the ARZ chart :

" ... Though he has yet to make his pro debut because he just signed for a draft-record $6.1 million, I'd put Upton on top of the loaded Arizona Top 10. He might not stick at shortstop, but I've had too many scouts tell me Upton could be the next Ken Griffey Jr. in center field, and I like him more than Stephen Drew. In fact, had he signed before we sent the Prospect Handbook to the printers, I would have ranked Upton No. 2 on my overall Top 50 Prospects list, between Delmon Young and Brandon Wood."

     A bit of a surprise in the top ranks of the TEX pitching prospects. Mike Hindman goes Edison Volquez at the top with John Danks as the runner-up and CJ Wilson besting Thomas Diamond for the No. 3 slot :

" ... 1. Edison Volquez  ...  the 21 year old ...  isn’t terribly far from being one of the top ten pitching prospects in all of baseball ... goes about 6'1", 190 lbs., with enormous hands and wields a three pitch assortment that includes the best fastball in the system. His 93-98 mph heater usually shows good late movement and he can subtract about 14-18 mph on a turnover change that he can run to either side of the plate (on consecutive pitches). He augments his two primary offerings with a solid but seldom used curve ball that features legitimate two-plane break. He’ll need to refine in order to maximize his potential as a front-line starter. The changeup, which was evidently added to his arsenal midway through the 2004 season, has a chance to be his best pitch ...  In a close race between the top four pitchers in the system, Volquez gets the top spot due in large part to the fact that other pitchers in the system (including John Danks, who said that Volquez "has got the best stuff I’ve seen in the minor leagues") almost universally consider him the best among their peers."

" ... 3. C.J. Wilson ...  general manager Jon Daniels talks of simultaneously working one-year plan and five-year plans. C.J. Wilson, probably more than anyone else in the system, is caught in the middle of those two plans. Can a club historically starved for pitching actually take a guy who posted a 2.73 ERA and held the opposition to a .191 batting average out of the bullpen while posting a 2.68 G/F ratio overall as a rookie and send him back to the farm? Isn’t he too valuable to the one-year plan? If the guy is Wilson, then maybe the answer is they can’t afford to not return him to the minors because, as good as Wilson was in the Rangers bullpen last year, the club needs to find out if he can become the solid starter they think and hope he can be in order to maximize his value in the five-year plan ...  after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Wilson returned to action last spring with improved stuff ... Wilson, who goes 6'2" and weighs a solid 210 lbs., features a four-pitch assortment that includes a heavy, sinking fastball that sits at 91 and peaks at 94 mph, as well as a plus curve ...  really needs to log a lot of innings this year. Mark Connor says that Wilson has the chance to be a number two starter down the road, but in order to become that, he needs to stretch out. He won’t be able to do so in Arlington this year where he would have a minor bullpen role on opening day if he were to break with the big club. I’d like to see him in the Oklahoma rotation for at least half a year before returning to Arlington. Wilson figures to compete for a spot in the Rangers rotation in 2007 and could fit into the back end of the rotation sometime this year should injury or ineffectiveness strike."   

 
 

Rookie Reports Archive :

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