Rookies, 1999

 

 
(Some of the prognosticators of the day -- PP&S  =  Prospects, P and Suspects; FB  = Fastball, BA = Baseball America; BBHQ = Shandler's Baseball Headquarters; BBW = Baseball Weekly; IFR - Iowa Farm Report; TSN = The Sporting News; MEMLR = Montreal Expos Minor League Reporter)


18 Dec, 1998

Just don't know. 

Matt White the next Sandy Koufax.  Or, the next Steve Dalkowski.  

I guess this is where it helps to actually see a guy play!  The numbers are . . . pretty awful.  But, the folks who should know are hanging in with White.

Baseball America puts him back at the top of the TB prospect list, the 'crown jewel' says BA.  Nothin' a little experience won't cure.  Sickels says he's no longer 'can't miss'.  But, the prospect guru puts him at #2.   Fastball also has him at #2 (chance to become a #1 or #2 starter in the majors).   PP&S has downgraded White into the 'project' category.  On Deck still projects White as a 'future ace" who could be in the majors as early as May, '99.


19 Jan, 1999

Notes on a  highly-rated starting pitcher -- Ted Lilly, lhp, MON :

BBHQ -- #7 " ... Montreal plucked the 23-year-old who many felt was the Dodgers best pitching prospect. Lilly features a dominating, low-90s fastball, curveball, and change-up, and can pinpoint them on both edges of the plate. Pitching for three teams at two levels, he was 11-9 with a 2.6 Ctl and 8.4 K/game.

BBW -- " ... Lilly has progressed rapidly and is one of the top lefties in the minors. Lilly, 6-1 and 177 pounds, was the 23rd-round draft pick in '96. That summer, he went 4-0, 0.84 ERA with 75 strikeouts in 54 innings in the Northwest League. The next season, he was named California League Pitcher of the Year, leading the league in ERA (2.81), finishing second in strikeouts (158) and tossing the league's first no-hitter in three years. Lilly continued his mastery at Double-A in '98, winning eight of his last nine starts to finish 8-4, 3.30 ERA. He was promoted to Triple-A Albuquerque and after the trade went to Triple-A Ottawa. The 23-year-old has command, stuff and presence, including a low-90s fastball and a solid curve."

ESPN -- #3.  "  ... Lilly is a classy left-hander with a live fastball, strong breaking stuff,
and good control. He will challenge for a rotation spot in 1999."

FB -- #3 " ... Lilly is a super left-handed pitcher with some pop and good control. He throws in the low 90’s and happens to have a solid hook, too. He pitched at Double-A and Triple-A in ’98 and could join the Expos’ rotation in ’98. He’s not afraid to come inside and his control makes him a strong prospect."

ON DECK -- " ... Ted Lilly, LHP The Expos acquired a load of young talent from the Dodgers in the Perez/Grudz deal, none more coveted than left-hander Ted Lilly. The 22-year-old showed why he was so sought after ...  Expos hope that Lilly's good fastball and outstanding control can work its way into their rotation sometime in '99."

TSN -- " ...  He mixes curves and fastballs with an outstanding change-up. His fastball hits 90 mph occasionally, fast enough for a lefthander. His curve averages 75 mph.  Charlotte Knights manager Fredi Gonzalez says Lilly has "Tom Glavine-type stuff."  Ottawa manager Pat Kelly says Lilly appears to have a great feel for pitching, lots of composure and the ability to keep hitters off-balance."

BA -- #3 " ... has power pitcher's stuff and has struck out 430 hitters in 370 minor league innings. His low-90s fastball has exceptional life in the strike zone, and he throws a hand two-plane curveball as his strikeout pitch ... even after a solid winter in Puerto Rico, odds are he'll be at Triple-A Ottawa to start '99."

MEMLR -- #7 "Background: Ted Lilly was named the California League pitcher of the year despite going 7-8, a testament to how impressive he was in an extreme hitter's league. He threw a no-hitter early in the season and was named pitcher of the week four times. Drafted by Toronto in the 13th round of the 1995 June draft. Ranked by Baseball America the 6th best prospect in the California League in 1997. Named pitcher with Best Control in California League in 1997 managers poll. 1997 California League All-star. 1998 Texas league All-star. Was leading Texas League in ERA at the time of his promotion to Albuquerque.

Strengths: Lilly's best pitch is a 90-94 mph fastball that Expos officials call a dominant pitch. His curveball also shows signs of being an above-average major league pitch, and he has shown the ability to mix his pitches well. Has an above average change and good mound presence. Knows how to pitch. He knows how to set up hitters. He's got a great feel for pitching. Lilly's command is excellent.

Weaknesses: Lilly's fastball which was clocked at 93-94 mph last season has been in the 89 mph range with the Lynx. The Expos are doing some things mechanically with him to try and get that velocity back."   (MEMLR = Montreal Expos Minor League Reporter)


21 Jan, 1999

A couple of notes from the BBW prospect report ... this week's issue ...

Kris Benson  "... has the stuff ... has kinks to iron out."

Chad Hermansen  " ... projects as a run producer and an All-Star."

Lance Berkman  " ... his lack of speed or arm strength will limit him."

Daryle Ward  " ... outstanding pure hitter ... developing power."


23 Jan, 1999

TSN (The Sporting News) has begun its rookie reviews (a top five). 

A couple of interesting picks -- TSN is holding firm on a couple of prospects downgraded elsewhere.  Matt White gains the nob as TB's #1 prospect, and Ryan Minor is #2 on the BAL list. 

The Minor review is, however, less than enthusiastic:

"Minor has good power and is above-average defensively at third with a strong arm, but needs to show offensive improvement at Class AAA Rochester this season."

TSN does seem to like White a lot:

"White needs to develop better control and be more aggressive on the mound -- in other
words he has the same weaknesses as other pitchers his age. Considering his physical
skills and talent, there's no reason to think he won't make the necessary adjustments to
become a No. 1 starter in the majors."


28 Jan, 1999

PP&S  " ... The Blue Jays will, eventually, have some interesting choices at SS, where HS phenoms Joe Lawrence and Felipe Lopez both impressed in 1999 ...  Lawrence exploded with an adjusted OPS over .880 ... see him as a MLB quality performer in the fairly near future. Lopez really didn't have enough time in 1998 to judge fairly, however, when a kid is hailed as one of the best HS players in the nation, is drafted in the first round, and then hits .380 in his first 75 professional AB's, well, you notice ... Don't draft him just yet (unless your league is very deep), but watch him very closely."

BBW  " ... FELIPE LOPEZ ... Despite 13 errors in 22 games, Lopez is regarded as a wizard with the glove and more experience will allow his quick actions to translate into exceptional range. With a body that will provide added punch to his hitting as it fills out and the potential to swipe plenty of bases ... "

BBHQ  " ...  Adam Everett ... defense is outstanding and the Red Sox felt like he
could field well enough to play 2B and even hit well enough to play 3B if
needed."

BBW  " ... ADAM EVERETT   ...  In his first taste of pro ball, the 21-year-old batted .296 with no homers in 21 games at Class A Lowell. While he'll need to continue to fill out and add strength, scouts call him a first-class shortstop with plus range, hands and throwing arm."


30 Jan, 1999

OK another position that has proven difficult to fill.   Centre field. 

Discovered I'm doing not doing badly in centre.    Current/future (NL Lankford/Patterson & Bergeron, AL Lofton/Melian, Mantle Everett/Nobody, Gaedel Edmonds/Beltran & Mateo, SICO Everett & Hidalgo & Rondell White/Patterson & Darnell McDonald).  But, always on the lookout.    In sharp contrast to the limited number of choices at ss, there appear to be a whole wave of future HOFs coming up to play centre:

BBHQ -- Jackson Melian NYA " … He has tremendous speed for his size and unlimited power potential. He should get all the experience he needs and if he makes the most of his talents, there's no telling what he could accomplish."

BA -- Jackson Melian, NYA " … runs an 6.5 60-yard dash and won all the Yankees home run hitting contests during instructional league … arm is top of the scale … speed allows him to play center field with ease … "

BBW -- Jackson Melian, NYA  " ...  the jewel of the system ... has every tool a scout drools over — raw power and a quick bat, good speed and a powerful throwing arm. Though he's still adjusting to the breaking ball and is tentative at times, he already has advanced skills tracking fly balls."

BBHQ -- Alex Sanchez, TB " … continued to improve in every phase of his game and now stands poised to be the CF of the future for the Devil Rays. Noted as an amazing defensive outfielder, Sanchez's calling card is speed … "

IFR -- Alex Sanchez, TB " … Beat the ball into the ground and beat it out is Alex Sanchez's game. Sanchez is one of the more prolific basestealers in the minors … the epitome of a punch-and-judy hitter .. I doubt he'll be much of a major leaguer.

TSN -- Darnell McDonald, BAL " … an all-tools outfielder who has a chance to be an Andruw Jones-caliber impact player at a very young age."

BA -- Darnell McDonald, BAL " … the potential to be a speed/power package … path will likely include a stop at every level … "

FB -- Darnell McDonald, BAL " … An athletic outfielder that has great tools. He hasn’t shown much power so far, but his speed, both on the bases and in the outfield, make him a legitimate leadoff man."

ESPN -- Darnell McDonald, BAL " … Darnell McDonald, OF: Awesome athlete, still learning to play baseball."

TSN -- Julio Ramirez, FLO " … has already been the answer to the "best defensive player" and "fastest baserunner" categories in this season's prospect watches, so that gives you some idea of why he's the best outfield prospect the Marlins have. He can run, throw, catch, hit and hit for power … "

BA -- Julio Ramirez, FLO " … five-tool talent … has 30-homer power … "

FB -- Julio Ramirez, FLO " … If he can keep from swinging for the fences, he could be a special leadoff man and base-stealer while contending for Gold Gloves in center field."

FB -- Ruben Mateo, TEX " … could be one of the best outfield prospects in all of baseball. He combines all five major tools (speed, power, hitting for average, fielding and throwing) into a dynamic package. He is their center fielder of the very near future and once he adjusts to the Majors, he’ll be a legitimate 30-30 player that will hit around .290-.300. He’ll also win a couple of Gold Gloves before his career is over … "

ESPN -- Ruben Mateo, TEX "When the Rangers think about Ruben Mateo they envision a franchise talent in Juan Gonzalez/Ivan Rodriguez mode … outstanding athlete …"

PP&S -- Ruben Mateo, TEX " ... is one of the best prospects in baseball right now, and should be a long time star in the big leagues ... "

BA -- Vernon Wells, TOR " … all the signs of being a big-time hitter … the speed to play center field and a strong enough arm for right."

BA -- Alex Escobar, NYN " … comparison to … Vladimir Guerrero … offensively … natural center fielder … ball explodes off his bat … blinding speed …. "

FB -- Alex Escobar, NYN " … seems to have it all. He has great speed, good power, plays strong efense and also hits for average. If he can continue to dominate at the ouble-A level in ’99 like he has at Single-A, the Mets have a future All-Star."

TSN -- Alex Escobar, NYN "Escobar is considered a five-tool player with a great throwing arm and that rare combination of power and speed."

PP&S -- Alex Escobar, NYN " ... crown jewel ... only going to get stronger, which should lead to even more power, and he gets positive reviews for his defense and baseball smarts. I need to see a 2nd year of this type of performance before crowning Escobar a can't miss guy, but he's as close as they come."

BA -- Peter Bergeron, MON Ranked as the #2 prospect.

FB -- Peter Bergeron, MON " … gets on base consistently, steals bases, hits for a nice average and covers ground in center field. If he plays well in Spring Training, he could allow the team to use him in center field, with Rondell White moving to left or being traded, and bat leadoff."

ESPN -- Peter Bergeron, MON " … Speedy outfielder with a high on-base percentage, some power, and a great glove in center field."

BA -- Brian Simmons, CHA " … comparable to … Dunwoody, another athletic center fielder with speed and power potential who isn't a polished hitter yet … "

FB -- Brian Simmons, CHA " … Simmons can play all three outfield spots, has decent speed, decent power and plays very aggressively."

FB -- Corey Patterson, CHN " … He has incredible physical talent. He has the power to bat in the middle of the order some day and the speed to patrol center field. Give him some time and he could be special."

BBHQ -- Milton Bradley, MON " ... the most athletic talent of anyone in the organization and is rapidly shaping that ability into stardom … plays an outstanding CF… "


01 Feb, 1999

Trying to put together a page with the "other" pitching prospects (other than Ankiel, Anderson, et al).  Maybe best first though to reflect . . .

Greg Maddux rookie reviews

(Maddux made his major league debut in 1986 (31 innings 5.52 ERA).

1986 Street & Smith's -- no mention in the Chicago rookie section.  Among rookie pitchers mentioned -- Jay Bailer, Johnny Abrego, Steve Engel, Derek Botelho, Gary Parmenter, Carlton Hamilton.

The Sporting News 1986 Baseball Yearbook. Peter Gammons article on Stars on the Rise.  Pitchers named (in the following order) -- Lance McCullers, Juan Nieves, Randy Myers, Jose Guzman, Barry Jones, Calvin Schiraldi, Eric Plunk, Duane Ward, Bill Wegman, Paul Assenmacher, Terry Ferreira, Rob Woodward, Mark Grant, David Cone, Greg mathews, Rich Yett, Greg Mayberry, Carl Hamilton, Edwin Correa, John Habyan, Chuck Cary, Charlie Kerfeld.  Number of Maddux mentions - 0.

Bill Mazeroski's Baseball '86.   Maddux position on Maz's Gold List -- not selected.  Pitchers on the list -- Todd Worrell, Lance McCullers, Jose Guzman, Roger Mason, Gene Walter, Steve Davis, Bill Wegman, Bob Kipper, Greg Mathews, Chris Green, Chuck Cary, Tony Ferreira, Ray Hayward, Scott Bailes, Bob Tewksbury, Matt Williams, Marty Clary, Mike Smith, Jeff Parrett, Dave Shipanoff.

Number of Maddux mentions on Maz's Their Future is Near - 0.  Pitchers noted -- Juan Nieves, Rob Mallicoat, Scott Bankhead, Gary Parmenter, Duane Ward, Mike Campbell, John Habyan, Grey Mayberry, Charlie Kerfeld.

The Sporting News 1987 Baseball Yearbook   Tracy Ringolsby Rookies On Tap for 1987.  Maddux isn't among them.   "Besides Palmeiro (Rafael) the Cubs have no prospects who appear ready to break through right away.  Greg Maddux had some tough times with the Cubs in September, but after a 14-4 minor league season  ... the righthander could earn a promotion before long."

Street & Smith's 1987 -- " ... Maddux, whose 16 wins in '86 included 10 in a row in AAA, has an abundance of control but a lack of weight." 

Mazeroski's Baseball 1987.  Number of players listed in the Gold List and Future is Near categories -- 51.  Number of Maddux mentions - 0.

After his 1997 season (155 2/3 5.61)

Mazeroski's Baseball 1988  " ... that would leave a spot in the rotation for 22-year-old righthander Greg Maddux.  But it's tough to say if that's good."

Street & Smith's 1988  "   ... no other Cub pitcher (with the exception of Rick Sutcliffe) is certain of a 1988 spot on the staff."

The Sporting News 1988 Baseball Yearbook  " ...  Maddux got off to a so-so 4-5 start, then dropped nine of his final 11 decisions."

And the rest is history.


04 Feb, 1999

As usual, Geoff Young is up to interesting things ... including his projections for 1999. For those (Hi Denis) thinking of moving/acquiring the latest KC phenom, Geoff has the following:

Carlos Beltran    AB  H  2B 3B HR BB K SB CS  AVE  OBP  SLG 
                 471 139 36 11 17 43 91 22 2 .295 .358 .527 

"Electrifying "tools" prospect who last year finally figured out how to use them. May struggle at first, but should patrol center field at Kauffman Stadium for many years to come. I'm reluctant to make comparisons at this stage, because we haven't seen what
he can do over a full season, but there is another Puerto Rican center fielder in New York who comes to mind. The computer gives him .327/.398/.622, which, if everything goes right, might happen in, say, the year 2005."


12 Feb, 1999

Looking for gold in 2000.  The following may have a chance to be among the chart-toppers in next year's rookie reviews. 

BBHQ -- #3  Adam Everett     (SS) The Red Sox selected him as their first round pick in
1998  ... defense is outstanding and the Red Sox felt like he could field well enough to play 2B and even hit well enough to play 3B if needed. He's not going to rise slowly and could make his way all the way to Triple-A in 1999."

TSN -- #5  JAYSON WERTH     " ... considered to be a five-tool prospect -- a rarity for a player at his position. Werth was selected as the best defensive catcher by managers in the South Atlantic League. He hasn't shown much power yet, but that is expected to develop."

BBW -- Up & Coming  JACKSON MELIAN " ...  has every tool a scout drools over — raw power and a quick bat, good speed and a powerful throwing arm. Though he's still adjusting to the breaking ball and is tentative at times, he already has advanced skills tracking fly balls."

IFR -- #4 Felipe Lopez  " ...   In his brief debut his K-to-Walk ratio was 17 to 3, but when you're hitting .370-.380, that isn't much of a cause for concern. He'll be in a full-season league next year, and if he hits much at all he will move pretty quickly. "

BBW -- Up & Coming Dermal Brown   " ...  awesome power, great speed and a great attitude."

FB -- #1    A.J. Burnett    " ...  on the road to stardom ... At worst, Burnett will be a closer. At best, we’ll be talking Cy Young."

ESPN --- #2   Milton Bradley " ...   projects as a .280-.300 hitter, with double-digit homer and steal totals, and a good glove ...  the tools are here, and the skills are developing."

FB -- #1   Corey Patterson   " ... the power to bat in the middle of the order some day and the speed to patrol center field. Give him some time and he could be special."

PP&S -- #1  Jack Cust " ...    blossomed big time this year, posting both OBP and SLG over .500. Now, he was too old (at 19) to be playing at Lethbridge (R+), but his offensive development should certainly move him to A or A+ in 1999 ...  fielding is adequate, but his hitting should make him a very valuable commodity down the road."

ESPN -- #5  Jorge Piedra  " ...  Hit .383 with 22 doubles and 16 steals in the Pioneer League. Could be the next Dodger find from Latin America."


25 March, 1999

Howe Sportsdata is out (thanks to Fastball) with it's top 10 by position (also there's a top 20 over-all from Howe over on the Top 100s page):

CATCHERS

 1) Ben Davis, Padres minors' best defender has developing bat 
 2) Angel Pena, Dodgers great hitter with good pop & great arm 
 3) Mitch Meluskey, Astros has added power to solid bat/strong arm 
 4) Ramon Hernandez, A's 2-time bat champ plays both ways 
 5) Jayson Werth, Orioles big receiver with all the tools/intangibles 
 6) Jason LaRue, Reds hitting machine; smacked 50 doubles in '97 
 7) Ben Petrick, Rockies great athlete with all tools but hasn't hit
 8) Robert Fick, Tigers will be full-time star if he can catch 
 9) Cesar King, Rangers great defensive catcher coming off poor '98 
10) Steve Lomasney, Red Sox quality backstop with serious pop

FIRST BASEMEN

 1) Nick Johnson, Yankees great pure hitter with discipline and power 
 2) Pat Burrell, Phillies first pick in '98 has great offensive tools 
 3) Calvin Pickering, Orioles huge, pure hitter with light-tower power 
 4) Carlos Pena, Rangers '98 first rounder adjusted well to wood bats 
 5) Kevin Witt, Blue Jays former SS without true position; good power 
 6) Fernando Seguignol, Expos sleeper is maturing into offensive force 
 7) Shawn Gallagher, Rangers broke through with MVP season in '98 
 8) Doug Mientkiewitz, Twins great gloveman proved he could hit in '98 
 9) Ron Wright, Pirates slugger has had back injury last two years 
10) Kevin Barker, Brewers '96 3rd-rder has quick bat with power

SECOND BASEMEN

 1) Carlos Febles, Royals good bat/glove/speed; '98 was big year 
 2) Ronnie Belliard, Brewers all-around game, including live bat/speed 
 3) Warren Morris, Pirates has hit entire career; has enough glove 
 4) Carlos Guillen, Mariners leadoff-type has 2-way skills; injury-prone 
 5) Marlon Anderson, Phillies solid hitter needs more walks to be complete 
 6) Kelly Dransfeldt, Rangers big & physical with/power/speed/steady glove 
 7) Jerry Hairston, Orioles very good hitter is moving fast; possible SS 
 8) Chad Meyers, Cubs ideal leadoff man needs to improve defense 
 9) Jason Romano, Rangers '97 1st-rder is pure hitter with work ethic 
10) B. Abernathy, Blue Jays solid all-around player who makes contact

THIRD BASEMEN

 1) Eric Chavez, Athletics future impact player is offensive force 
 2) Michael Barrett, Expos drafted as SS, also plays catcher; athlete 
 3) Russ Branyan, Indians incredible power, lots of strikeouts 
 4) Mike Lowell, Marlins has developed solid bat/discipline/defense 
 5) Mike Cuddyer, Twins former SS moving to 3B in '99; explosive bat 
 6) Tony Torcato, Giants sweet swing with vast power potential 
 7) Carlos Lee, White Sox pure hitter with size, arm and power 
 8) Joe Crede, White Sox pure hitter and solid glove; just 20 
 9) Chris Truby, Astros solid gloveman developed power in '98 
10) Corey Koskie, Twins shaky defense, but he hits and has power

SHORTSTOP

 1) Pablo Ozuna, Marlins great offensive skill with necessary glove 
 2) Alex Gonzalez, Marlins defensive stalwart will star if he can hit 
 3) Alfonso Soriano, Yankees kid has great tools; played in Japan 
 4) Adam Kennedy, Cardinals pure hitter with pop and solid glove 
 5) Rafael Furcal,Braves great leadoff hitter with bat/eye/speed 
 6) Brent Butler, Cardinals future star with bat; may switch to 2B or 3B 
 7) Joe Lawrence, Blue Jays pure hitter with power & arm; may outgrow SS 
 8) Enrique Wilson, Indians has all-star tools; better from right side 
 9) Luis Rivas, Twins known for tremendous range; starting to hit 
10) Felipe Lopez, Blue Jays defensive wizard is promising switch-hitter

OUTFIELD

 1) J.D. Drew, Cardinals much publicized player has impact skills 
 2) Ruben Mateo, Rangers five-tool talent is future all-star 
 3) Alex Escobar, Mets power arm/bat; one of minors best prospects 
 4) Gabe Kapler, Tigers low pick has power bat/build; breakout '98 
 5) Carlos Beltran, Royals all-around talent came into own in '98 
 6) Julio Ramirez, Marlins great all-around player; bat is suspect 
 7) Lance Berkman, Astros '97 1st rounder is great hitter with power
 7) Chad Hermansen, Pirates former infielder has awesome power; now LF 
 8) George Lombard, Braves power/speed athlete becoming baseball player 
10) Vernon Wells, Blue Jays kid has all the tools; developing power

RHP

 1) Brad Penny, Diamondbacks great arm & good body/command/change 
 2) A.J. Burnett, Marlins emerged in '98 with 95 mph heat 
 3) John Patterson, D'backs '96 1st-rder hits 99 mph, 94 consistently 
 4) Matt Clement, Padres durable with sinking fastball and slider 
 5) Roy Halladay, Blue Jays '95 1st-rder has power arm and knuckle curve 
 6) Chad Hutchinson, Cardinals Stanford QB is still learning; great arm 
 7) Ryan Bradley, Yankees '97 1st-rder has dominated with power arm 
 8) Jeff Weaver, Tigers '98 1st pick has baffling curve and heat 
 9) Jeff Austin, Royals Stanford star is Greg Maddux-like 
10) Matt White, Devil Rays '96 loophole free agent has great stuff

LHP

 1) Rick Ankiel, Cardinals bonus baby with power arm dominated in '98 
 2) Ryan Anderson, Mariners 6-10 lefty has big-time heat; 18 SO game 
 3) Bruce Chen, Braves Panamanian has assortment and control 
 4) Matt Riley, Orioles 94 mph heat/great curve; dominated in '98 
 5) Mark Mulder, Athletics '98 1st rder is long & lean and throws hard 
 6) Ted Lilly, Expos low pick has heat, curve and control 
 7) Eric Dubose, Athletics '97 1st rder has great arm/fastball/stuff 
 8) Alan Webb, Tigers great command and offspeed array; smallish 
 9) Randy Wolf, Phillies has poise/90+ mph heat and command 
10) Ryan Mills, Twins #1 in '98 had some arm trouble; good stuff


03 April, 1999

John Sickels at ESPN ... pitching ... now and later ...

Top prospects with jobs

Matt Clement … should develop into an excellent starter.

Odalis Perez … it is no stretch to see him doing what Kevin Millwood was able to do last year for the Braves. Perez could be better than Millwood, in fact.

Freddy Garcia … a big right-hander with a blazing fastball and promising breaking stuff

Braden Looper … Marlins hope some middle-relief time will help him adjust to the majors and improve his slider.

Roy Halladay … it will be a surprise if he spends much of the season in the Minors … If he stays healthy, he will be a fine pitcher.

Kris Benson … doesn't have the stuff of Garcia or Clement, but his command is sharper.

Top prospects for later in the year

Bruce Chen … still a fine prospect.

Rick Ankiel … Almost a left-handed version of Kerry Wood. He doesn't throw quite as hard as Wood, but has much better control … the top southpaw prospect in the game.

Octavio Dotel … throws very hard and has improved his control

A.J. Burnett … if he builds on his 10-4, 1.97 numbers of last year, he could be up fast.

Mark Mulder … has held his own against major leaguers this spring, gives the Athletics a potential ace starter in the not-so-distant future. He throws hard, and throws strikes

Ryan Bradley … a very good arm, but needs a consolidation season in the high minors, and the

Ed Yarnall … an Andy Pettitte-type lefty. He doesn't have a blazing fastball, but is sneaky-fast, has good breaking stuff, throws strikes, and is smart

Ryan Anderson … has the stuff, and his control seems to be coming along.

Sleepers

Ryan Rupe … throws 95 mph with outstanding control, and has been so impressive this spring that the D-Rays have considered bringing him north. Double-A would be a wiser choice, but odds are we will see him sometime this year.

Brett Hinchliffe … has adequate stuff and succeeds when he throws strikes and has his confidence.

Joe Mays … little-known minor leaguer with a decent arm and good control, Mays has pitched great this spring and could earn a relief role

Mike Lincoln … doesn't throw hard, but the Twins are reportedly impressed with his pitching savvy and intelligence, and like to compare him to Brad Radke.

Micah Bowie … throws 90 mph, has decent breaking stuff, and good command. He has thrown well this spring, and would make ideal trade bait.

Jim Stoops … has a 92-mph sinker, a slider, and could sneak in some saves.

Scott Williamson … throws very hard and has pitched so well this year that the Reds considered making him their closer. He will pitch middle relief instead, but he has a very bright future.

Rafael Roque … southpaw with good stuff and improving control, Roque has earned a rotation spot in Milwaukee

Breakthrough candidates

Scott Elarton … one of the best young pitchers around, and is being well-handled by Larry Dierker

Jason Schmidt … throws hard, his command is slowly improving, and assuming continued good health, further progress should be expected.

Steve Woodard … One of the best-kept secrets in the majors, Woodard has excellent command for a young pitcher, and so far the Brewers have been relatively careful with him.

Eric Milton … has been solid this spring, thanks to renewed confidence and some mechanical adjustments. The Twins will be counting on him to stabilize the rotation behind Radke.

Jeff Suppan … has thrown the ball very well since coming to Kansas City last September. He seems to be over elbow troubles and lack of confidence

Jim Parque … rushed last year, but has been sharp this spring. If he can avoid nibbling and get some corner calls from the umps, he could surprise.


24 July, 1999

Baseball America has posted their "best tools" lists. Check it out. Always interesting.  Here's a sample:

        Batting       Power         Pitcher       Defensive SS
INT     Stensen BOS   Branyan CLE   Chen ATL      Jimenez NYA
PCL     Mateo TEX     Ward HOU      Ankiel STL    Dransfeldt TEX
EAST    Burrell PHI   Morgan CLE    Armas MON     McDonald CLE
SOU     Wakeland DET  Thompson TOR  Norton CHN    Nicholson SD
TEX     Durazo ARZ    Piatt OAK     Ankiel STL    Lugo HOU
CAL     Chen LA       Chen LA       Dorame LA     Castro ANA
CAR     Rowand CHA    Brown KC      Marquis ATL   Dellaero CHA
FSL     Wells TOR     LeCroy MIN    Sneed TOR     Young TOR
MW      Meadows CHN   McNeal HOU    Mears SEA     Dawkins CIN
SAL     Furcal ATL    Sosa PIT      Standridge TB Furcal ATL


19 September, 1999

There's at least one major surprise as CBS Sportsline published its All-Prospect Team.  The Minor league Player of the year (according to BB Weekly) didn't even make the team.  Adam Piatt OAK got honourable mention, but the 3B spot went to SD 3B Sean Burroughs.

Rick Ankiel STL was named Player of the Year (to follow his POY selection by Baseball America, and Pitcher of the Year by BB Weekly).

C --- Ben Petrick            AAA-Rockies       
Honorable Mention: Ramon Hernandez (Athletics); Matt LeCroy (Twins); Ramon Castro (Marlins); Jason LaRue (Reds).

1B -- Nick Johnson           AA-Yankees        
Honorable Mention: Pat Burrell (Phillies); Erubiel Durazo (Diamondbacks); Hee Choi (Cubs); Dernell Stenson (Red Sox). 

2B -- Marcus Giles           A-Braves       
Honorable Mention: Brent Abernathy (Blue Jays); Jason Romano (Rangers); Chad Meyers (Cubs); Adam Kennedy (Cardinals); Amaury Garcia (Marlins). 

3B -- Sean Burroughs         A-Padres            
Honorable Mention: Mike Lamb (Rangers); Adam Piatt (Athletics); Michael Cuddyer (Twins); Drew Henson (Yankees). 

SS -- Alfonso Soriano        AA/AAA-Yankees
Honorable Mention: Rafael Furcal (Braves); Travis Dawkins (Reds); D'Angelo Jimenez (Yankees); Pablo Ozuna (Marlins); Adam Everett (Red Sox); Kevin Nicholson (Padres). 

OF -- Vernon Wells           A/AA/AAA-Blue Jays    
OF -- Corey Patterson        A-Cubs            
OF -- Chin-Feng Chen         A-Dodgers         
Honorable Mention: Dee Brown, (Royals); Chad Hermansen, (Pirates); Roosevelt Brown, (Cubs); Peter Bergeron, (Expos); Jack Cust, (Diamondbacks), Aaron Rowand, (White Sox); Mike Restovich, (Twins); Mark Quinn, (Royals). 

RHP -- Ramon Ortiz            AA/AAA-Angels     
RHP -- Eric Gagne              AA-Dodgers        
Honorable Mention: Tomo Ohka (Red Sox); Kip Wells (White Sox); Dan Reichert (Royals); Wade Miller (Astros); Antonio Armas (Expos); Chad Hutchinson (Cardinals); John Patterson (Diamondbacks); Brad Penny (Marlins); Jon Garland (White Sox); Jake Esteves (Giants); Jason Standridge (Devil Rays); Adam Eaton (Phillies). 

LHP -- Rick Ankiel            AA/AAA-Cardinals
LHP -- Matt Riley              A/AA-Orioles      
Honorable Mention: Ed Yarnall (Yankees); Jimmy Anderson (Pirates); Randy Keisler (Yankees); Jeromie Robertson (Astros); Wilfredo Rodriguez (Astros). 

RP --- Francisco Cordero      AA-Tigers         
Honorable Mention: Chad Harville (Athletics); Dave Riske (Indians); Eric Cammack (Mets).


09 September, 1999

According to The Sporting News, these are the best "pure hitting prospects" by team :

ARZ Jack Cust … ATL Rafael Furcal … CHN Corey Patterson … CIN Ben Broussard, Austin Kearns … COL Jody Gerut … FLO Chip Ambres … HOU Daryle Ward … LA Chin-Feng Chen … MIL Kevin Barker … MON Talmadge Nunnari … NYN Alex Escobar, Jason Tyner … PHI Pat Burrell, Eric Valent … PIT Rico Washington … STL Adam Kennedy … SD Sean Burroughs … SF Tony Torcato

ANA Mike Colangelo … BAL Calvin Pickering … BOS Dernell Stenson … ChA Aaron Rowand … CLE Alex Ramirez … DET Eric Munson … KC Mark Quinn … MIN Steve Hacker … NYA Nick Johnson … OAK Adam Piatt, Mario Encarnacion … SEA Brian Robinson … TB Aubrey Huff … TEX Hank Blalock … TOR Luis Lopez