Rookies, 2003                                                                                                     Rookies 2003 Page Two

 
02 January, 2003

Who's on first?   Teixeira? Matsui? Contreras?  Some interesting decisions for those who have the option of having all three available for the picking.  

Jim Callis, Baseball America, clearly likes Jose Contreras NYA as the best of the rookie crop :

" ... Contreras isn't a typical "prospect," because he's 31 and has proven himself at the highest levels of international baseball against professional hitters. But by the BA definition, he's a prospect because he hasn't exceeded Major League Baseball's rookie playing-time limits (130 at-bats or 50 innings). When we release our Top 100 Prospects list in March, he'll get my vote to be No. 1 overall."

Jason Boyd in BA's Prospect Handbook on Contreras :

" ... Contreras regularly throws 94-96 mph with his fastball and tops out at 98. An impressive physical specimen with a rock-solid frame, he's able to maintain his velocity deep into games. His power arsenal is rounded out by two more plus pitches, a slider and a splitter ... The only test for Contreras is to prove he can rise to the occasion in major league venues with the burden of a heavy contract in New York. He hasn't suffered any known injuries, but the Yankees admit he has shouldered a heavy workload in Cuba. While many Cubans are surrounded by questions about their age, no one has challenged Contreras' birthdate. He has all the makings of a No. 1 starter and will be expected to pitch to that standard in New York."

Callis on Jason Arnold TOR (not ranked in TOR or OAK due to the trade) :

" ... Arnold will be No. 5 on our Jays Top 30 in the Prospect Handbook, trailing Dustin McGowan, Jayson Werth, Kevin Cash and Francisco Rosario."

For those of us without A-Rod, Nomar or Tejada in the middle, there is help on the way.  An outstanding crop of shortstops is on the horizon, although expectations have to be tempered with the reality that several are likely to switch positions. 

Kevin Winter, SportsTicker, has Jose Reyes NYN as the best of the crop :

" ... Primarily a leadoff-type hitter, Reyes has not put up power numbers to date but should develop more pop as his body matures. In 65 games at Double-A, Reyes batted .308 in 198 at-bats against left-handers, his first full season as a switch hitter. Defensively, the native of the Dominican Republic had his error total increased to 29 this year, but he has good range and tremendous arm strength."

Brandon Phillips CLE captured the runnerup slot :

" ... A shortstop throughout his minor league career, the 21-year-old is being groomed to play second base ... Between Double-A and Triple-A this past season, the right-handed-hitting Phillips batted a combined .302 with 31 doubles, 18 homers and 67 RBI. His defense has become suspect over the past three seasons, evidenced by an average of 31.6 errors per year, and his passion for making the routine play look flashy is part of the reason."

DET's Omar Infante rated #3 :

" ... A defensive standout, Infante has been one of the youngest players in each league he's appeared during his four-year career ...  his .281 career mark projects for a decent average in the majors because he makes consistent contact. The downside is that Infante rarely walks and has little power. Since being signed in 1999, he has drawn just 103 walks with eight career home runs and 52 doubles. He is a fluid fielder with good range and excellent actions, but has committed 53 errors over his last two minor league seasons."

A couple of highly-hyped young ATL stars -- Wilson Betemit & Kelly Johnson -- were down the chart and Hanley Ramirez BOS failed to make the Top 10.  

" ...  absolutely tore through the Pioneer League, batting .400 in July and earning a late season look at High-A Vero Beach, a very strong challenge for a hitter just two months removed from high school. He continued to produce, with a trio of three-hit games before being hit by a pitch and breaking his wrist. Loney has a picture-perfect swing and consistently drives the ball into both gaps while showing excellent power potential. He makes consistent contact and has a good understanding of the strike zone ...  Loney's debut has him on the fast track, and his wrist is expected to be fully healed before spring training. He'll most likely be one of the youngest position players in the Florida State League in 2003."

Down at #7, shortstop Joel Guzman :

" ...  signed for a Dominican record $2.25 million bonus in 2001, with scouts already comparing him to a young Alex Rodriguez. His pro debut was inconsistent, but a success overall considering he is still the age of most high school seniors. On a pure tools level, Guzman is beyond reproach. He projects to hit for average and power, shows an excellent understanding of the strike zone, and features good range and a plus arm. Because of his size, he may be better suited for third base, but he has both the arm and the bat to play there."

ANA's playoff star Francisco Rodriguez is Josh Boyd's (Baseball America) pick as the best of the Angels' prospects.  But, he comes with a warning :

" ... Though his across-the-body delivery creates deception and leverage, his mechanics and frame could be considered red flags. Considering Rodriguez' history of arm problems, the Angels would be wise to preserve his arm."

Casey Kotchman, first baseman was the runnerup, with onrushing SP Bobby Jenks at #3 :

" ... With an overpowering fastball that has hit 102 mph, Jenks is on the verge of harnessing his explosive stuff. He works in the mid- to upper 90s and added a two-seamer in the AFL. His power curveball is among the best breaking pitches in the minors, and he gained the confidence to throw it for strikes in Arizona. His arm action is clean and effortless ... .needs consistency on and off the field ... .Scouts compare his dominant repertoire and frame to a young Curt Schilling. If he doesn't develop command, his stuff might allow him to become a closer."

Catcher Jeff Mathis, at #4 wins rave reviews :

" ...  strong hands and plus bat speed allow him to drive the ball with power into the gaps, and eventually will produce home runs. He’s a premium athlete with an aggressive nature and above-average tools behind the plate. He already shows advanced receiving skills, a plus arm and a quick release. One scout said Mathis’ makeup is off the charts ... offers a unique combination of tools for a catcher and has the potential to be a two-way asset. He should move up the ladder rapidly alongside Kotchman ... when you project Mauer, we're talking about a potential superstar, a unique catcher with plus tools all over the place. Mathis really isn't far behind."

In a deep farm system, 19-year-old righthander Johan Santana was #5 :

" ... After leading the Rookie-level Arizona League in strikeouts in 2001, he finished third in the Midwest League last year. Licey manager and Red Sox advance scout Dave Jauss called Santana the best young prospect in the Dominican League ... The ball screams out of Santana's hand, coming in as high as 98 mph. He pitches in the mid-90s and flirts with the upper 90s. He made progress with his plus slider last season and has the makings of an above-average changeup ...  Similar to a young Ramon Martinez, Santana has frontline stuff and a projectable picher's frame. He'll head Class A Rancho Cucamonga's rotation at the start of 2003."

Josh Boyd responding to a report suggesting Jenks was a prime candidate for an arm injury :

" ... I'll tell you why I don't think there's a "good chance" he will blow it out. First, he has a clean delivery and throws into the upper-90s with very little effort. Whether the AFL hitters are just tired and bored, which is quite a generalization to make over an entire league, the key for Jenks was command. He was throwing his breaking ball for strikes, and he was building confidence. People need to be realistic with Jenks; he is going to take some time to develop, but the power stuff is there to be special. The Angels are doing a good job helping him get straightened out, and his agents--the Scott Boras Corp.--will do everything they can to keep him on the straight and narrow."

05 January, 2003

Such strength on the hill.  Kevin Goldstein, The Prospect Report, reviews the SF farm and finds a plethora of top quality SP candidates headed by righthander Jesse Foppert :

" ...  the Giants' 2nd round draft pick in 2001 ... and he won the Northwest League ERA crown in his pro debut. The Giants surprised many by having Foppert skip A-Ball and start the season with AA Shreveport. Kept on a strict pitch count early, he whiffed 30 in 16.2 inning in his first four appearances. He limited opposing hitters to a .199 average and lasted just 11 starts in Shreveport before being promoted to AAA Fresno. He struck out 27 over 17 innings in his first three PCL starts, and finished the year by leading all minor league starters with 11.74 K/9. Foppert possesses the perfect pitchers body and flawless mechanics. He throws his fastball consistently in the 93-95 mph range, and has dialed it up as high as 97. He takes some juice off the heater for a cut fastball that flies out of the zone, and his nasty slider gives him a third plus pitch. His changeup is inconsistent but shows promise ...  Foppert's rise has been staggering, as he found himself knocking on the door of the major leagues by the end of his first full season. Despite the amazing progress, he's not quite a finished product, and needs to improve his stamina and command."

Another RHP Jerome Williams was right behind :

" ...  one of the youngest players in his league for the last three seasons, and he performed admirably as a 20-year old in the Pacific Coast League. A constant victim of horrible run support, Williams went 2-4 in his final seven starts despite posting a 1.93 ERA. Williams works his fastball in the low 90s, and while his breaking pitches are perhaps average, his changeup is among the best in the minors. He can be bafflingly inconsistent, however, leading some to question his intensity on a start-to-start basis ... .Williams added to his late season run with a fine outing in the Arizona Fall League, putting up a 2.05 ERA in 22 innings, with 25 strikeouts. The Giants have pushed Williams throughout his career, and they'd like to see him find some stability and build on his late season success." 

Kurt Ainsworth, yet another RHP, ranked #3 :

" ...  started the year in the big leagues as a spot-starter/long reliever. He pitched well, but was sent back to AAA to get more consistent work. He tossed quality starts in six of his first seven outings for Fresno, and finished fourth in the PCL ERA race despite missing a month in mid-season with a strained back muscle. Ainsworth has a big league repertoire, with the ability to throw five quality pitches for strikes ... has an excellent feel for pitching, but the Giants would like to see him throw with more confidence ... The most mature of Fresno's big three, Ainsworth has the best shot at breaking camp with the major league team."

06 January, 2003

07 January, 2003

  Chris Reed (Prospect Report) rates the best of the righty starters and Cuban import Jose Contreras is right at the top :

" ... according to all scouting reports, is a bonafide ace. He uses five pitches effectively along with good command to dominate hitters. Scouts tell tales of watching Contreras light up radar guns with mid-90's fastballs as he finishes off a complete game. At 6'4" and 225 lbs, Contreras has the body to withstand a fullseason of pitching every fifth day. He is reportedly 31-years old, and if he can make good on the hype he will be quite a bargain for the Yankees."

(Mathew Pouliot, RotoWorld didn't rank Contreras " ... A 31-year-old Contreras is also probably a top-10 prospect, but if he’s really 35 or so? If that’s the case, then he wouldn’t crack the top 50.")

SF's Jesse Foppert and Jerome Williams captured the 2-3 spots with Rafael Soriano SEA as #4 :

" ... converted from a weak hitting outfielder to a fireballing pitcher in 1999. Not a bad career decision. Soriano features a mid-90's fastball and slider that drops like a hammer. If he fails as a starter his pitches fit the profile of an effective closer. Soriano was lights-out in AA-San Antonio - 10 K's/9 IP, 2.9 BB's/9 IP - and he'll compete for innings in Seattle this spring. If he doesn't stick with the Mariners he'll head to AAA-Tacoma. With his limited experience, it's possible that Soriano will emerge as a #1/#2 starter in the future."

Adam Wainwright ATL finished #5 :

" ... has posted great strikeout rates throughout his career. In pitchers' haven High A-Myrtle Beach, Wainwright put up a 3.31 ERA to go along with more strikeouts than innings pitched. Standing 6' 6", Wainwright's pitching coaches and Braves instructors have been trying to get him to use his body more to add velocity to his low-90's fastball. He has a plus curveball which he uses to punch out batters after he's buried them in the count. He'll head to AA-Greenville in 2003 and should finish the season in AAA-Richmond. He has the potential to be a good #1/#2 starter."

08 January, 2003

With the publishing of Mathew Pouliot's RotoWorld Top 100 there's at least three lists available to study and compare.  In the top 20, at least, there's a fair degree of similarity. (Pouliot did not list Matsui or Contreras, but says if he had Matsui would likely have been #2 and Contreras a top 10.  He also left Rafael Soriano off the list noting he would have been #18 if eligible.)   

Mark Teixeira was Pouliot's top pick to give the TEX 3B the #1 ranking across the board. 

" ... baseball’s top prospect and a future MVP candidate at third base. Of course, that’s assuming he stays at third. Teixeira plays the position fairly well, but Hank Blalock is a little better and that could result in Teixeira playing first base or DHing for the Rangers. Teixeira is a better prospect than Blalock was a year ago. It’s only a bit of an exaggeration to say that he’s Mike Schmidt to Blalock’s George Brett. Although Teixeira is expected to open the season in the minors, there’s a good chance that he won’t be there for long."

"  ... 50. Jose Lopez - SS Mariners  ... 18-year-old players who hit .324 in full-season ball tend to attract notice. That Lopez is also a slick-fielding shortstop makes him a pretty special prospect. Lopez is at least two and probably three years away from the majors, but he projects as quality regular. His progress is going to give the Mariners a lot to think about when Kazuo Matsui becomes available after the season. The Mariners seem like a logical fit for the Japanese shortstop, but blocking Lopez wouldn’t be a very good idea."

" ... 52. Chin-Hui Tsao - RHP Rockies  ... made a very impressive comeback from ligament replacement surgery in 2002 ...  looked like one of the game’s top pitching prospects after posting a 2.73 ERA and striking out 187 batters in 145 innings for Single-A Asheville in 2000. He’s not all the way back yet, but he has more upside than anyone in the Colorado farm system."

" ... 59. Chad Tracy - 3B Diamondbacks ...  a line-drive hitter who rarely strikes out. He should be an average regular in the majors, one capable of batting .300 and hitting 15-20 homers per season. Tracy will spend 2003 in Triple-A and figures to contend for a starting job in 2004."

" ... 64. Boof Bonser - RHP Giants  ...  Giants jumped Bonser from Single-A Hagerstown to Double-A Shreveport at the start of last season, but sent him to San Jose after he got off to a rough start. Things ended up working out pretty well, as Bonser held California League hitters to a .195 average. Obviously, control is a problem, but Bonser throws in the mid-90s and has a quality curve and changeup. He could emerge as a No. 2 starter if he tames his wild streak."

" ... 70. Jeremy Bonderman - RHP Tigers  ... has tons of potential, but his control is rather shaky and he’s a pretty big injury risk. Still, he has the 93-mph fastball, slider and changeup to develop into another Weaver-type ace for Detroit."

" ... 84. David Wright - 3B Mets ... has .280-25 homer offensive ability and is a quality glove at the hot corner. In a best-case scenario, he will turn into Robin Ventura, though a Travis Fryman comparison may be more appropriate."

09 January, 2003

Jim Keller, SportsTicker, picks a TEX pair as the best of the 3B prospects (SportsTicker applied liberal standards allowing Hank Blalock & Sean Burroughs, rated 2-3, to retain eligibility).

Mark Teixeira took the top spot :

" ... seems a lock to hit .300 with 35 homers annually in the major leagues. In addition to his awesome numbers, he walked 46 times and fanned 60 -- an excellent ratio for a slugger. Equally productive from both sides of the plate, the switch-hitter continued his hitting in the Arizona Fall League, batting .333 with seven homers and 23 RBI in 27 games. Though the Rangers feel Teixeira can play the hot corner, he made 21 errors in 85 games. Expect him to move over to first base in near future as Rafael Palmeiro spends more time at DH."

ATL's Andy Marte ranked # 4:

" ... the 18-year-old hit .281 with 32 doubles, 21 homers and 105 RBI as the Class A South Atlantic League's fourth youngest player last summer. The numbers at his age combined with a firm grasp of the strike zone puts Marte in elite prospect company, but he still has three levels to master before hitting the major leagues. The native of the Dominican Republic is a 4-tool talent, lacking only above average speed."  

10 January, 2003

Worth the chance I'd think.  Bobby Jenks ANA.

" ...  has the fastball of the gods—102 mph peak velocity—and an almost equally impressive curveball, but he has maturity and command issues. If he grows up and throws more strikes, Jenks could develop into a Clemens/Schilling-caliber pitcher. Jenks was impressive in the Arizona Fall League for the second straight year, so watch him carefully this season ...  With emotional maturity, Jenks could become the best pitching prospect in baseball. He likely will start 2003 in Double-A. (David Srinivasan/TSN)

Kevin Goldstein, The Prospect Report, has Scott Hairston as the best of the ARZ prospects :

" ... . Offensively, Hairston is a force to be reckoned with. He hits for high average with power to all fields, shows excellent patience, and is a good baserunner. Defensively, he's a bit of a mess. While he has the athleticism to play in the infield, he shows average range at best and is sloppy around the bag. Scouts have complained about a lackadaisical defensive effort from Hairston, and he may be ticketed for left field. He certainly has the bat to play anywhere."

Lefty Mike Gosling ranked #2 :

" ... made his professional debut in 2002 with AA El Paso in the Texas League, one of the friendliest hitter's parks in the minors. He spun a three-hit shutout in his fifth start, and led the Texas League in wins (14), while finishing 2nd in batting average allowed (.238), and third in ERA (3.13). Gosling throws in the low 90s with excellent movement, and both his curve and slider are among the best in the system ... .highly advanced and will begin the season with AAA Tucson. He should make his major league debut by the end of the year."

Shortstop Sergio Santos finished at #3 :

" ... pro debut at Missoula started with a 1-for-16 slump, but he adjusted quickly and finished in the league's top five in home runs and slugging percentage ... Scouts were concerned about his power before being drafted, but 30 of his 55 hits went for extra bases and he showed a knack for using all fields. He understands the strikezone well. He has above-average speed, but does not possess the pure athleticism needed to play at shortstop. He made 28 errors in just 54 games, and will be moved to either second or third base in the future. His makeup is absolutely off the charts."

Michael Levesque, Baseball America, likes newcomer Clint Everts as the top prospect in Montreal.  The righthander was the 5th overall pick in the June draft :

" ... has the potential to be a front-of-the-rotation starter. He's an outstanding athlete with a slender frame that projects to fill out as he matures. He has a loose, quick, smooth arm action, using a high three-quarters arm slot and a balanced delivery to produce three above-average pitches ... curve gets top marks on the 20-80 scouting scale, with one National League scouting director saying, "If that's not an 80 curveball, I'll never see one." ...  should make his pro debut at Montreal's new low Class A Savannah affiliate. Though high school pitchers are a risky demographic, Everts could zoom through the system."

Lefty starter Mike Hinckley was the runnerup :

" ... already touches 94 mph and sits in the low 90s, and some scouts project him to add more consistent velocity as he fills out his lean frame ...  just needs to add strength and innings. He showed improvement in all areas of his game last year, doing a better job of pitching inside and improving the overall quality of his stuff ... Expos envision Hinckley developing into a frontline starter. He'll make his full-season debut at Savannah in 2003."

11 January, 2003

At Baseball America, Mike Berardino goes with Miguel Cabrera as the best of the Marlins' prospects :

" ... has soft hands and a plus arm that’s accurate and ranks as the best among the system’s infielders. Cabrera’s line-drive swing has produced more doubles than homers so far ...  projects to hit for both average and power, with annual totals of 35-40 homers not out of the question down the road ...  Having outgrown shortstop, Cabrera could get too big for third base if he continues to add bulk and wind up at first base, which would give the organization a perplexing logjam."

Two first baseman were next on the FLO chart.  Jason Stokes was #2 :

" ...  hits to all fields and shows a good understanding of the strike zone and pitchers’ tactics ...  has worked hard on his defense, and while he will never be nimble, won’t hurt a club at first base ... After fighting through injuries the last two years, Stokes’ durability is in question ...  probably start 2003 in high Class A. Adrian Gonzalez’ superior defense makes it likely Stokes will play left field when both are big league regulars, perhaps in 2005 ... As for Stokes, yes, I've been told he is one of four untouchables in the system. The others are Cabrera, Willis and Hermida. They'll talk about everybody else if the price is right."

12 January, 2003

Jason Collette, RotoJunkie, has his take on a few of the NL East prospects (unfortunately, the RJ reports are reviews of the 2002 top prospects rather than a Top 10 of the 2003 young guns).  Nonetheless, a few of the noted :

Bubba Nelson ATL  " ... had a phenomenal 2002 season leading the minor leagues with a 1.72 ERA. He was also 11-5 with a 1.05 WHIP and 105 strikeouts in 136 IP. He has two solid pitches and is working on the changeup. Personally, I rank him just behind Wainright in the organization, and those two should be heading up the AA staff in Greenville this season."

Aaron Heilman NYN  " ... has been everything the Mets hoped he would be when they drafted him in the first round of the 2001 draft. He shows great control and relies mainly on his fastball and slider while developing his changeup and splitter. Once he gets to the majors, he should have a successful career, and that career should start at some point this season."

Taylor Buchholz PHI  " ... has had an interesting minor league career. At 18 years old, he started his 2001 season going 1-10. Most young guys would have fallen apart, but Buchholz stayed with it and ended up going 9-14 with a 3.36 ERA. In 2002, he went a combined 10-8 with a 3.82 ERA and 1.25 WHIP. The higher ERA was mainly due to his four forgettable starts in AA ball. He possesses a low 90's fastball, strong curve and evolving change. Just like Myers, innings have to be a concern with this kid. He turned 20 in October and the young man has already amassed 403 professional innings; 177 last season at 18 and 181.2 as a 19 year old this season."

A very impressive off-season for Kevin Goldstein, The Prospect Report.  With his posting of the ATL prospect preview, Kevin has completed reports on all 30 teams (BA is just a little over half-way through).  A five-star performance!

Righthander Adam Wainwright tops his ATL chart :

" ... Tall and lanky, Wainwright's projectable, low-90s fastball baffles hitters because of its tremendous downward plane and incredible movement. Both his curveball and changeup have made great strides, and he has fantastic control for a young pitcher of his size. Wainwright's skinny frame has perhaps contributed to a lack of stamina. He has run out of gas the past two seasons, going 0-3, 6.67 in his final five starts of 2002 ... needs to prove he can stay effective over an entire season to meet his projection as a potential ace."

The surprise on the TPR ranking is the slide of Wilson Betemit down to the #6 slot :

" ... despite overwhelming physical skills, he has never been a consistent run producer at any level above rookie-ball, save a 47 game stint in the Southern League in 2001. A move to third base has been projected for years, but he has been exclusively a shortstop in the minors, and to his credit, he has played very well there ... He'll return to AAA Richmond, but should make his major league debut during the season."

Outfielder Jeff Francoeur was #5 :

" ... a classic five-tool outfielder, hitting for average and power while showing excellent speed on the basepaths. An outstanding defensive player with excellent range and a plus arm, he will most likely move to right field as he fills out. Francoeur is still a bit rough around the edges. He abandoned a football scholarship to Clemson to play for the Braves, and he has never before concentrated solely on baseball. The Braves absolutely rave about his attitude and work ethic ...  Francoeur's outstanding debut was a surprise only in the short time it took for him to achieve success as a pro."

14 January, 2003

The OAK farm is featured in the latest entry in ESPN's " Hot Stove Heaters" and John Sickels finds a lot to like, including 2002 draftee, catcher Jeremy Brown :

" ... Most teams thought University of Alabama catcher Jeremy Brown was an overdraft, since he has a "bad body" and looks sloppy in uniform. But Oakland loves his bat, and he hit stunningly well in the Cal League, hitting .310 with 10 homers and 44 walks in just 187 at-bats! He is also a very good defensive catcher."

Starter Rich Harden is among the "Will Help Soon" guys :

" ... Won't start the season in the majors, but should be up at some point. Fires consistent 94-95 mph fastballs, with a wicked changeup. Also has a gradually improving slider. Fanned 102 in just 85 innings in Double-A. One of the best prospects that people haven't heard much about."

Lefty John Rheinecker gets a mention in the "Will Help Someday" section :

" ... 3.38 ERA and 100/24 K/BB ratio at Double-A Midland. Works at 88-90 with a hard slider and a very good curve, obviously throws strikes. Right behind Rich Harden on the "next chance in the rotation" list."

Earlier, in the chat room, Sickels offered some views on the Cubs' lefties, Andy Sisco and Luke Haggerty :

" ... Both were at short-season Boise last year, and both pitched well. Both are very tall lefties who throw in the low-to-mid 90s. Both have promising breaking balls. Both could be really good, but will have to show what they can do in full-season ball in '03. Sisco probably has a slightly higher ceiling, while Hagerty (a college pitcher) has a bit more polish at this point. ETA 2005 I think."

Jose Reyes NYN  " ... he' s a good prospect, no question. He's ready defensively. His bat is the question...it looks like he'll hit for average, hit some doubles....certainly he'll be a better hitter than Ordonez was, although my pet goldfish is a better hitter than Rey. Whether Reyes is just an adequate hitter or something more remains to be seen. He's young enough to have plenty of projection/development left, and could end up similar to Edgar Renteria. But the Mets don't have a good track record with young hitters, so the organizational context is not a positive."

On the SF trio of moundsmen, Jesse Foppert, Kurt Ainsworth, and Jerome Williams :

" ... I see all three as major league starters, with the usual health caveat of course. Ainsworth has the most polish. Foppert has the best raw stuff. Williams is the smoothest and most projectable. For '03, Ainsworth has the best chance to help, but Foppert isn't far behind. Williams is a lot of fun to watch...very loose and fluid on the mound, with a great curve and some surprising pop on his fastball. Of the three, I expect one will get traded, one will get hurt, and one will end up in the Giants rotation for the next five years. Which is which I cannot say."

Jose Castillo PIT  " ... I don't think Castillo has received enough attention. He hit .300 with 16 homers and 27 steals in the Carolina League last year. His patience is still marginal, but it has improved. Double-A will tell us a lot. If he handles that well, he will take his place as one of the best SS prospects in the game."

Victor Martinez CLE  " ... If they let him play every day, he'll be a ROY candidate. In fact, I'm very optimistic about the Indians over the next couple of years. They don't have enough pitching to challenge this year, but their offense should be better than expected, and the Twins should watch out in '04. Martinez looks like a .300, 20 homer guy to me."

15 January, 2003

Bill Ballew, Baseball America, taps Jose Reyes as the best of the Mets' prospects with the runnerup, Scott Kazmir, no slouch :

" ... has two plus-plus pitches: An electric fastball that sits in the 93-95 mph range and hits 97, plus a hard slider that he throws at different speeds. He shows an excellent feel for his changeup. Kazmir is a superb athlete with an easy delivery, superior arm quickness and strong leg drive ... His small frame is the only concern raised by scouts, but he has been durable and injury-free so far ... .The Mets say they are determined not to push Kazmir too fast, though that may be easier said than done. He’s ticketed for low Class A Capital City in 2003."

Unsung, third baseman David Wright ranked #4 :

" ... smooth and easy swing produces outstanding bat speed and hard line drives to all fields. His speed is just barely above-average, but he’s an excellent baserunner. Wright has a strong and accurate arm at third base ... Natural maturity and more experience should boost Wright’s home run totals ... at least two full years from the major leagues, but he has all the ingredients to be the long-term answer at third base for the Mets ... No one works harder in the minors than Wright. Whether or not he's another Rolen remains to be seen, but I think Wright has a huge upside."

In catcher John Huber, #5, NY may have the guy to move Piazza to first : 

" ...  Mets focused on Huber’s defense last year, so everything he accomplished at the plate was a credit to him. Strong and intense, he has the bat speed and power to hit 25-30 homers a year. Huber understands the strike zone. He shows quick feet and excellent mobility behind the plate ...  He has average arm strength and accuracy and needs to improve his release ... has all the tools that you want to see from a solid catcher, and could be an all-star once he learns to how call a game and work with pitchers a little better. His bat, meanwhile, is definitely good enough to produce at higher levels, regardless of his position."

16 January, 2003

Geoff Young, at Ducksnorts.com, would be an interesting read even if he didn't write about Padres' prospects.  But, I find his insights into the SD young guns especially valuable.  At the top of his 2003 list, a 2002 draftee -- Khalil Greene:

" ... There really isn't anything not to like about him. Yeah, his plate discipline was a bit shaky in his first exposure to pro ball and he's not going to be a stellar defensive shortstop, but that's nitpicking. Although he's not particularly big, Greene is strong and generates good power to the gaps with his compact swing. He projects as a middle-of-the-order offensive threat in the vein of Rich Aurilia (the guy who hits .280 with 20+ homers a year, not the 2001 freak version). In the field, what Greene lacks in quickness and arm strength, he makes up for in instincts and quick release. He'll never be mistaken for Ozzie Smith, or even Ozzie Guillen, but he should be an average defensive shortstop or perhaps slightly better."

Lefty Mark Phillips claimed the runnerup slot :

" ... Phillips continues to tantalize and frustrate with his combination of overpowering stuff and inconsistent command. Arms like his are seldom found on left-handers; he throws easy low- to mid-90s gas and has a solid breaking ball. But at times he simply cannot find the strike zone with any of his pitches. If he can learn to be more efficient with his pitches and avoid the lapses in control that have plagued him thus far, Phillips has the chance to be a front-end power lefty in the mold of Mark Langston or Al Leiter. But for now, he's still a work in progress with very high upside."

  John Sickels, ESPN, sees a flicker of light at the end of the tunnel for the Royals' farm system.  The club's #1 pick in 2002, Zach Greinke, has impressed :

" ...  Unlike many high school pitchers from Florida, he wasn't abused as a youngster, since he didn't take up full-time pitching until his senior year. Unlike many new converts to the mound, Greinke seems to know what he is doing, firing a 90-93 mph fastball for strikes, while showing a very good slider, a very good curve, and a very good changeup. He held his own in the Puerto Rican Winter League against much older competition. He looks great so far."

John Sickels  zooming along with his team-by-team rookie previews, has a look at the FLO system and highlights a couple of SPs obtained in trades from MON :

"  ... Justin Wayne ... The former Stanford star throws four pitches for strikes, is bright, and understands his craft. Statistically, the main weakness is a low strikeout rate, which isn't a good sign, but the Marlins seem committed to him, and he held his own in five starts last year."

" ... Don Levinski ... Went 12-6, 3.02, with 125/55 K/BB in 119 innings in the Class A Midwest League. Works in the low 90s, with a solid curve and changeup."

And, there's another SP, this one stolen from the Cubs :

" ... Dontrelle Willis ... One of the best southpaw prospects in the game, acquired from the Cubs. Went 12-2 last year with sub 2.00 ERA. Deceptive movement and excellent control are a nasty combination."

17 January, 2003

SportsTicker, in a Kevin Winter report, has wrapped up its position-by-position previews with a look at the Top 10 outfielders, headed by TB's Rocco Baldelli :

" ... Baldelli exploded in 2002, batting .331 with 19 homers, 71 RBI, 28 doubles and 26 stolen bases  ...  a line-drive hitter with excellent bat speed, enabling him to hit for power as well. The biggest concern about Baldelli is his lack of plate discipline. In 96 at-bats at the Class AAA level, the righthanded hitting Baldelli did not draw a single walk."

Joe Borchard CHA and Michael Cuddyer MIN ranked 2-3 with Michael Restovich MIN the surprise #4 pick :

" ... Built like a linebacker, Restovich has the ability to launch home runs into a different stratosphere. In 138 games with Class AAA Edmonton during 2002, the 24-year-old finished fourth in the Pacific Coast League with 29 homers ... has good bat speed and but his career-high 151 strikeouts in 518 at-bats, the fourth straight season with 100-plus strikeouts, could be cause for concern."

David Srinivasan, The Sporting News, on Joe Borchard CHA :

" ...  batted .272-20-59 in 438 at-bats at Triple-A last season but is capable of much more. He is a tremendous athlete who played quarterback at Stanford, and he has the potential to belt 35 to 40 homers ... likely will lose the center field battle to Aaron Rowand in spring training, but he has the potential to get 200 at-bats. Borchard might consistently hit .250 to .270 with 20-plus homers, even if he shows no improvement."

On Khalil Greene, SD :

" ...  was ridiculously good at Clemson in 2002, batting .470-27-91 with 17 steals (in 18 attempts) and a superb 22-46 strikeout-walk ratio. The Padres made Greene the thirth overall pick in the draft, and he batted .309-9-38 in 220 at-bats between two Single-A clubs. He has his share of skeptics because he isn’t a premier athlete, but there is little doubt he can hit ... .has John Olerud potential offensively and should get a legitimate chance to play short or second for the Padres in late 2003."

18 January, 2003

John Sickels, ESPN, found a lot to like on the ANA farm in his latest prospect preview.  The young guns include ANA's own Johan Santana :

" ... Not related to the Twins pitcher of the same name, but he is a strong prospect in his own right. Throws 94-96 mph, and both his slider and changeup are good. 146/48 K/BB in 147 innings for Cedar Rapids looks sharp to me."

Catcher Jeff Mathis also wins the Sickels Seal of Approval :

" ... One of the best catching prospects in baseball, though most people aren't aware of this yet. Sound defensively, and hit .287 with 41 doubles, 10 homers in the Class A Midwest League."

Among the relatively unknown ANA prospects is third baseman Dallas McPherson :

" ... Swings a strong lefty stick, hit .277 with 15 homers, 78 walks, 30 steals for Class A Cedar Rapids. Needs to polish his defense and prove he can hit at higher levels, though it seems likely he will."

Some touch choices for Bill Ballew, Baseball America, in selecting the top young guns for the Braves.  Dan Meyer, Trey Hodges, Jung Bong, John Ennis, and  Horacio Ramirez were among the pitching prospects who DIDN'T make the Top 10.  In the end, Ballew tapped righthander Adam Wainwright to top the ATL prospect chart.  The 21-year-old is viewed as the kind of guy you'd want to anchor your rotation :

" ...  Few pitchers are more projectable than Wainwright. His tall body and loose arm action should allow him to add velocity as he continues to mature and develop ... . His fastball, rated the best in the Carolina League by managers, has outstanding movement and frequently fools hitters. Wainwright is nearly as successful with his hard curveball ...  also throws strikes with his solid changeup ...  needs to get stronger and improve his stamina  ... has faded in the past two seasons. He went 8-3, 2.24 during the first four months of the 2002 season before going 1-3, 6.32 in his final seven starts ... .has the ingredients to be a top-of-the-rotation starter, but the Braves don't want to rush him. His ETA in Atlanta is 2004."

Outfielder Jeff Francoeur, the 23rd overall pick in the 2002 draft, ranked # 6 :  

" ... made a seamless transition from high school to pro ball. He was the Appalachian League's No. 1 prospect ... impresses scouts as much with his character as he does with his tools. And he's loaded with tools, starting with 6.43-second speed in the 60-yard dash and solid baserunning instincts. He has a plus arm and the ability and instincts to play all three outfield positions. He drives the ball to all fields and makes rapid adjustments. His swing is smooth ... Francoeur is a natural leader with a tremendous drive to reach the big leagues. Several Braves officials said he could top this list at the end of 2003."

19 January, 2003

Jim Callis, Baseball America, in looking at the college ranks, sees some prime talent for the June draft.  

" ... can a college second baseman be the first overall pick in the draft? Southern’s Rickie Weeks is projected to do just that after leading NCAA Division I in batting, slugging (.996), triples (for the second straight year) and tying for the lead in RBIs last year ... Weeks has the raw tools for shortstop, but his lack of soft hands and inexperience have led to a pair of less-than-rousing experiments at the position his first two years in college ... made significant strides when pressed into second-base duty last summer for Team USA. One scout compares Weeks defensively to big leaguers Ray Durham and Eric Young—less than pretty, but adequate. If Weeks can develop into even an average defender, he’ll be a true five-tool player ...  "He’s a good enough athlete. If he doesn’t get it, you can put him in center field and he’ll be good enough there to still be considered a five-tool guy."

The Mets teenage phenom gets the call as the top lefty prospect in baseball in Chris Reed's latest preview in the Prospect Report.  Reed sees Scott Kazmir as the class of a tough field :

" ... Only 6' 0", Kazmir can't help but be compared to another southpaw from Texas who consistently unleashes mid/high-90's heat - Billy Wagner. Wagner was a starter thoughout the minors before he was moved to the pen in Houston amid concerns about his small stature. He's obviously enjoyed great success in his closer role. Kazmir has the stuff to post similar numbers and hopefully he will be given the chance to start that Wagner never received ... Kazmir is a few years away, but he has Cy Young potential."

Cliff Lee, one of the prizes for CLE in its Colon trade, grabbed the runnerup slot :

" ... Lee had what many consider a breakout season in 2002. In 2001, the hard-throwing lefty more than held his own in the Florida State League - 2.79 ERA, 10.6 SO/9 IP, 3.8 BB/9 IP ... in 2002 ... duplicated his success because he lowered his walk rate to 2.4 BB/9 IP. Before too long he was dealt to the Indians in the Bartolo Colon deal and made stops at AA-Akron and AAA-Buffalo before ending the year in Cleveland. His peripherals at Triple-A were marginal and he could use more time in Buffalo to hone his command. He has the potential to be a #2/#3 starter."

20 January, 2003

Following his piece on the most overrated of the prospects, David Cameron, Strike Three, puts the spotlight on some of the relative unknowns who deserve a little more ink. At the top of the pack is HOU catcher Hector Gimenez :

" ...  may have as much potential as any minor-league catcher not named Joe Mauer. He's extremely raw at the moment, but a switch-hitting catcher with above average power and a serious package of defensive skills should not be ignored. After a hot start, Gimenez's production fell off, but he still managed to produce 28 extra base hits. He's extremely aggressive at the plate and needs to cut the strikeouts, but that can come with experience. He's going to spend 2003 as a 20-year-old and likely shedding the anonymity he's carried so far. If you're looking to invest in one player whose stock could shoot up dramatically next year, Gimenez is your guy."

LA righty Joel Hanrahan tossed a couple of no-hitters but even those failed to get his name tossed into the hype machine :

" ...  His 4.20 ERA in the pitcher-friendly Florida State League doesn't open a lot of eyes, even though his supporting numbers were very good. He doesn't have top-shelf stuff like fellow Dodger prospect Jonathan Figueroa, and he was lit up in a brief trial at AA. Despite that, I think he's got a chance to become a very solid number-two or -three starter in the major leagues. His command needs polish, but he's got several major-league pitches and has the makings of a real workhorse."

Even DET has a prospect or two :

" ... Considering the state of affairs in Detroit, it is surprising that Cody Ross hasn't received much attention as someone who could help rather soon. Ross isn't much of an athlete and will get written off by some as too slow or too rigid, but the man can hit. 50 of his 112 hits this year went for extra bases, and he wasn't just a slugger, posting a .280 batting average and drawing 44 walks. Ross also stole 16 bases in 18 attempts, though he's not particularly fast. He's got good instincts and plays the game hard, and he'll likely outwork every limitation that has been placed on him. He may not be a superstar, but Detroit needs more players like Cody Ross."

21 January, 2003

  Mark Teixeira again the top dog in the latest Top 100 as Kevin Goldstein, The Prospect Report, looks at the best of the prospects.  

  1. Mark Teixeira,   2. Scott Kazmir,   3. Jesse Foppert,   4. Joe Mauer,   5. Francisco Rodriguez,   6. Rocco Baldelli,   7. Vic Martinez,   8. Casey Kotchman,   9. Brandon Phillips, 10. Gavin Floyd

Mets' phenom, shortstop Jose Reyes, was 11th.

High praise for Khalil Greene from John Sickels in the latest Minor League Report on ESPN :

" ...  Greene, a shortstop from Clemson, was the best overall player in college baseball last year. He's got a fine bat, hit over .300 in his pro debut, and is winning over those who doubted his abilities on defense. He also has excellent makeup and instincts, and could see the majors sometime late this year. He is already the best prospect in the system."

25 January, 2003

Meanwhile, Ken Warren adds an interesting twist in his Top 100 prospect list -- Kazuo Matsui, the switch-hitting shortstop from Japan grabs the #3 slot (just behind Mark Teixeira and Hideki Matsui).  

Kazuo Matsui is expected to be a hot item, ready for the picking for the 2004 season (he signed a one-year contract in December with the Seibu Lions).  

" ... Matsui appeared in all 140 regular-season games and hit .332 and 36 homers -- both career highs -- with 87 RBIs and 33 stolen bases. He became only the eighth player in Japanese baseball to post a .300 average, 30 homers and 30 stolen bases in the same year.Matsui led the Pacific League with 119 runs scored, 193 hits, 46 doubles and six triples. Matsui is regarded as a potential candidate to move to the major leagues on a free agent deal after next season. "I'm going to think things over after the next season and then find an answer," he said. "It's tough when you look at the process of the players who have gone through it."  (Japan Times, Dec 30, 2002)

26 January, 2003

Mark Teixeira goes 7 for 7 as the Strike Three Top 100 hits the 'net.  David Cameron, who earlier went through the prospects position-by-position, tabbed the TEX phenom for the top spot on the chart.  That's not a surprise, but the runnerup is -- Joe Borchard CHA.  Joltin' Joe ranked from #6 to #24 on the other Top 100s.  Brandon Phillips CLE grabbed the #3 slot, ahead of Michael Cuddyer MIN and Jesse Foppert SF.  Jose Reyes NYN was 6th, Jerome Williams SF 7th.  Marlon Byrd PHI, and a pair of first sackers -- Justin Morneau MIN and Casey Kotchman ANA -- rounded out the Top 10.

Mets' phenom Scott Kazmir was 24th. 

John Sickels, ESPN.com, found a plethora of pitching in previewing the SF farm system.

" ... San Francisco boasts possibly the best collection of near-major-league-ready arm talent in the game ...  In Kurt Ainsworth, Jesse Foppert, and Jerome Williams, the Giants feature three outstanding pitching prospects. All three are ready or almost ready for the majors ...  Coming up behind them are the lively and highly promising arms of Boof Bonser, Ryan Hannaman, and Francisco Liriano. Any of these guys would be considered the top pitching prospect in many organizations."

" ... Ainsworth .... Throws hard, has a good variety of breaking pitches, and throws strikes. Major league ready in '02, and should be in the rotation in '03. Should be a better pitcher than Ryan Jensen."

" ... Foppert ... nasty breaking ball, and improving his control."

" ... Williams ... the mound ... .Loose, projectable, a favorite of scouts, and his numbers are starting to back that up."

" ... Bonser ... Double-A at the start of the season, but regained his bearings after moving back down to Class A."

27 January, 2003

From BrewerFan.net, an early look a one of the likely top picks in the June 2003 draft, outfielder Lastings Milledge :

" ...  Milledge has found his name atop top prospect lists now for years ... Amazing athlete, the type of player that only come around every few years. On potential alone Milledge has drawn comparisons to Ken Griffey Jr. & even Willie Mays. A more realistic comparison may be to Braves' CF Andruw Jones, another player whose pure tools are off the charts ...  has the most impressive bat speed of any player available for the 2003 draft. His power potential is rather impressive, as are his pure hitting instincts ... has had several off of the field incidents which causes many people to question his character & integrity. The only other thing scouts like to nitpick at is the fact that he 6' tall at best, and isn't likely to grow anymore. While that isn't that big of a problem, with a fully matured body sometimes it's hard to project him to get any better than he already is. Regardless, he is arguably the most athletically gifted player in the country."

Snippets from The Sporting News :

" ... Bobby Hill  ... has talent, speed and a great feel for the game. After struggling in an early-season call-up, Hill cut down on his swing in the minor leagues and finished strong. He might need time to get his feet wet this year, but once he does, he should be an ideal leadoff man (he's a switch hitter) who gets on base and runs." (Bruce Miles/TSN) 

" ... Ken Harvey ... A big, strong guy, Harvey still is learning to pull the ball. He had 20 homers and 75 RBIs for Triple-A Omaha in 2002. A history of foot problems is a concern, but he was the Arizona Fall League MVP, hitting .479 with seven homers and 34 RBIs for Scottsdale." (Dick Kaegel/TSN) 

28 January, 2003

Matthew Pouliot, RotoWorld, moves on to rate the first sackers and designated hitters.  Slim pickings for rooks in 2003.  

Lyle Overbay ARZ, rated 17th overall, appear to be the best rookie bet :

" ... doesn’t have Hee Seop Choi’s upside, but he looks like the better bet in fantasy leagues. Overbay will hit for average and could drive in 100 runs if he gets enough playing time. Just as importantly, he appears to have the full backing of his organization."

This might be the year for Nick Johnson NYA (23rd overall) :

" ...  a candidate for a breakthrough season as a sophomore, but since he’ll be batting ninth in the Yankee lineup, don’t get too excited about his fantasy potential. Even if Johnson gets on base 40 percent of the time, he won’t put up big numbers in any one category. He’s just a solid pick, nothing more."

Right behind, HeeSeop Choi CHN :

" ...  ready for the majors, but he could be in for a bumpy ride as a rookie. It’s no secret that manager Dusty Baker likes veterans, and Eric Karros may not be finished as an adequate player. Choi might get platooned even if he does what is expected of him. While there is some chance that Choi could have a 30-homer, 100-RBI season as a rookie, I suggest bidding cautiously. This could end up as a Morgan Ensberg-type situation."

29 January, 2003

Kevin Winter, SportsTicker, has the Blue Jays' system up for inspection in his latest prospect preview.  Starter Dustin McGowan gets the nod as the best "lower-level" youngster :

" ... has the best fastball in the organization and has assumed the role as the organization's top pitching prospect. Armed with a heavy heater that rides anywhere between 92 and 97 mph, McGowan led the lower level Class A South Atlantic League with 163 strikeouts in 148 1/3 innings  ... has become more consistent with the command of his fastball ... has a power curve with an 11-7 break. He continues to work on his changeup and went 11-10 with a 4.19 ERA in 2002, his first full season of professional ball."

Justice Hill, MLB.com, on Coco Crisp CLE :

" ... He got called up to the Majors in early August, and he flashed the kind of talent that opened eyes as much as his name did. He is a player the Indians have on their to-watch-closely list this spring. "Coco Crisp will probably be at Triple-A," general manager Mark Shapiro says. "He is a young player that we feel had the potential to be a middle-of-the diamond performer, but who hasn't even played much at the Triple-A level." ...   He's been using the offseason to ready himself for Spring Training. He's been on a strength and conditioning program, mixing in some distance running. He's also been rehabbing a foot that he injured in winter ball ... His battle plan, he says, is to outwork his competitors. If they are spending three hours on the field, he'll top them with four hours of hard work. If they spend 30 minutes in the batting cage, he'll spend 35, 40 or 50 minutes there."

Joe Ptak has begun a position-by-position preview of the Indians' system on his CLE Indians site.  Catchers are the first up.  Of course, Victor Martinez, the likely AAA starter, is highlighted :

" ... he's in Triple-A strictly to work on his throwing skills as he only threw out 25% of opposing stealers last year in Akron and he struggled even worse at the major league level, throwing out just 15% (2 of 13) of would-be base stealers ... Martinez was originally signed as a shortstop so you would have to think his arm strength is sound and I've heard reports that he needs work on his footwork (getting into throwing position) and release mechanics that would back up that line of thinking. He's been voted the top defensive catcher in his league each of the last two seasons in a poll of league managers by Baseball America so the running game is the only concern."

30 January, 2003

The Cubbies' system is up for review in the latest edition of ESPN's Hot Stove Heaters.  In a look at the farm, John Sickels sees much to like :

" ... The Cubs feature one of the more impressive aggregations of minor league talent in the game. Mark Prior made his impact last year, but other rookies like Carlos Zambrano, Bobby Hill, and Juan Cruz were also auditioned. Results were mixed with this group, but all will be major contributors in 2003, and there are more youngsters on the way. The Cubs have both depth and breadth."

Expected to play a significant role this season is first baseman Hee Seop Choi :

" ... Platoon arrangement with Eric Karros would be a perfect way to break him in. Concerns about his ability to hit inside pitching look overblown to me. Love his power and patience. Hit 26 homers, .287, 95 walks at Triple-A Iowa."

On the horizon for 2004 and beyond are three solid SPs :

" ... Angel Guzman ... Ground ball pitcher with 92 mph sinker. Also has a curve and a changeup. Best pitching prospect in the system according to some, but will need to improve his command as he moves up."

" ... Andy Sisco ...  6-9 lefty. Throws 90-94 mph, posted 2.43 ERA in short-season ball, with 101 strikeouts in just 78 innings. Could make a big impression in '03."

" ... Todd Wellemeyer ... Overlooked, but scouts like his 92-94 mph fastball and a good changeup. Posted 4.70 ERA after being promoted to Double-A for eight starts, and will need a year to refine his command."

Snippets from The Sporting News :

" ... Rafael Soriano ... Soriano’s innings were severely limited last season by shoulder trouble that forced an extended trip to the DL. Despite this, he had a decent run in Seattle’s rotation, and he was overpowering at Double-A ...  with a 2.31 ERA in 46.2 innings. He allowed 32 hits (six homers) and posted a 52-15 strikeout-walk ratio. Soriano can touch 98 mph, and he has two potentially devastating out pitches: a changeup and slider ... One of the best pitching prospects in baseball, Soriano must stay healthy and refine himself a bit." (David Srinivasan/TSN)

31 January, 2003

Snippets from The Sporting News :

" ... Gavin Floyd went 11-10 with a 2.77 ERA at low Single-A Lakewood. In 166 innings, he allowed 119 hits, including 13 homers, and had a 140-64 K/BB ratio. Floyd has a mid-90s fastball, a superb hard curveball, and a good changeup. He has beautiful mechanics, and his control should improve as he gains experience. On top of that, Floyd is mature, intelligent and a hard worker ... Arguably the best pitching prospect in the low minors, Floyd is 12-24 months from the majors." (David Srinivasan/TSN) 

" ... Sean Burnett went 13-4 with a 1.80 ERA at high Single-A Lynchburg. He allowed 118 hits and only four homers in 155 innings and showed superb control, walking only 33. Burnett has an 88-92 mph fastball, a super changeup and a fine curveball. There is one flaw, however: Burnett whiffed only 96, an extremely lackluster 5.6 strikeouts per nine innings. If his K rate remains this low, he might hit a wall at Double-A ...  Burnett is one of the best young pitchers in the minors, but his low strikeout rate keeps him from being a top-tier prospect. (David Srinivasan/TSN) 

  
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