" ... One Cubs official said he believes Blasko will eventually fit in nicely as a No. 3 starter, and another predicted the prospect will be in the big leagues by the end of next season."  (Daytona Beach News-Journal)

Wilson Betemit?  

" ...  Betemit saved his best for last. The Atlanta Braves hope it's the start of something. Betemit, considered one of Atlanta's top two prospects the past few years, belted two homers and drove in four runs in Richmond's season-ending 7-0 victory over Norfolk ... Considering his elite prospect status, Betemit, 21, has spent two lackluster seasons with Richmond. He hit .245 with eight homers and 34 RBI as a shortstop last year. A 10-game hitting streak and three homers in the final five games hiked this year's marks to .261-8-65. He also had 13 triples and committed 28 errors playing third base. The two-homer outburst was his first in 220 games in a Richmond uniform. He smacked another drive that Tides center fielder Esix Snead ran down with a sprint near the warning track. 

"Very impressive," R-Braves manager Pat Kelly said. "It's about time," Betemit said. "Everything I did the last two months, that's what I want to see next year." Hours of work in the batting cage with Braves coach Rick Albert correcting swing flaws paid off in a .275 mark in the second half and supplied the Braves with optimism. Betemit likely will return to Richmond for a third season. "Wilson Betemit is a guy we feel very, very good about," Atlanta farm director Dayton Moore said recently. "I've always said a player has to have three things: You've got to have the ability; you've got to produce; and you've got to have the opportunity. He definitely has to produce a little more. But it wouldn't surprise me what could happen . . . because he's got tremendous baseball skill." (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
 

04 September, 2003

John Sickels, ESPN.com, on David DeJesus KC :

" ... drafted in the fourth round in 2000. His career has been slowed by injuries, particularly to his shoulder and elbow, but he's played very well when healthy and should get a shot at a job next spring, especially if Carlos Beltran is traded. In 57 games this year at Triple-A Omaha, DeJesus hit .292 with a .405 on-base percentage and a .455 slugging percentage, with eight steals. He has outstanding strike-zone judgment, with solid gap power, and holds in well against left-handed pitchers, obviously a good thing in a left-handed hitter. DeJesus is also a fine defensive outfielder, and can play center. He's intelligent, hustles, and plays with spark"

Ryan Howard and Cole Hamels named as the best in the PHI system :

" ... Howard, 23 ... spent the season with the Clearwater Phillies of the Florida State League ... came close to winning the Triple Crown, leading the league in hitting (.304) and in homers (23). He was second with 82 runs batted in, seven short of the leader ...  Howard paced the league in slugging percentage (.514) and placed third in base hits (149) and on-base percentage (.374). He was fourth in doubles (32).

A 6-foot-4, 230-pound left-handed hitter and thrower, Howard was named the league's Most Valuable Player. He was named to its postseason and midseason all-star teams. He was a South Atlantic League mid-season all-star for Lakewood.

"Ryan had a quality year for us and made good strides at the plate while coming along well defensively this year," said Mike Arbuckle, the Phillies' assistant general manager, scouting and player development. "His work ethic will help him to continue improving. He has a good major-league future ahead." ... selected by the Phillies in the fifth round of the 2001 draft.

" ...  Hamels ... 19-year-old lefty went 6-1 with a 0.84 earned run average in 13 starts, striking out 115 South Atlantic League hitters in 74 2/3 innings. In late July ... promoted to Clearwater where he made five starts, finishing the season with an 0-2 record and a 2.73 earned run average.

"Cole made two jumps in leagues during the season and handled both of them well," Arbuckle said. "He's got good stuff along with a good ability to pitch that will allow him to be a very successful major-league pitcher in the not-too-distant future." Howard and Hamels will be at Veterans Stadium ...on Sept. 19 to accept their awards during a pre-game ceremony.." (Ocean County Observer)

2B Victor Diaz NYN wins praise, but not catcher Justin Huber in the year-end review of the Mets' AA franchise :

" ... * Most overrated: For all the hype surrounding Huber, he often struggled with Double-A pitching, and his defense needs work. In a league filled with catching prospects, Huber wasn't as good as Guillermo Quiroz (New Haven), Kelly Shoppach (Portland), Joe Mauer (New Britain) or Dioner Navarro (Trenton), but he's only 21, with time to improve."

* Best hitter: After coming over July 14 in the Jeromy Burnitz trade with the Dodgers, Victor Diaz told Mets' COO Jeff Wilpon, "You got a good deal on me." He backed it up by batting .354 in 45 games and raising his career average to .317. If the 231-pound Diaz sheds 20 pounds and improves his defense, he'll be the next second baseman at Shea.  (Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin)

Sean Thompson SD, one of the top arms in the Northwest League (5th in ERA, 2.48, 1st in strikeouts) :

" ... Thompson made his final appearance of the season Tuesday night, and judging from the numbers he put up all season, it is doubtful the lefty will ever be back at Civic Stadium. Thompson seems a sure bet to be moved up a level or two next season after being named the Northwest League left-handed starter of the year. In his final start of the season, Thompson allowed four hits and one run in five innings pitched to earn the victory in Eugene's 4-1 win over Vancouver.

" ... Thompson finished the season 7-1 with a 2.48 earned-run average. He is now tied for the league lead in wins, and his eight strikeouts against the Canadians put him in the league lead with 97 on the season."

" ... Thompson said he also improved his mental approach to the game this season while working with pitching coach Dave Rajsich. "My composure has completely turned around. I was a head case last year," he said. "I've learned to pitch. I still have tons to learn and tons that I want to learn. There is no ceiling for me, I want to learn as much as I can." (Eugene Register-Guard)

05 September, 2003

John Sickels, ESPN.com, on Johnny Estrada ATL :

" ...  Estrada isn't really a "prospect" technically, since he played half a season for the Phillies in 2001 and is no longer an official rookie. But most people still think of him as a prospect, so we'll go with that for now. He is an excellent defensive catcher and put in a solid year at Triple-A Richmond, hitting .328 with a .393 OBP and a .494 SLG in 106 games. He slammed 29 doubles to go with 10 homers. While he drew just 25 unintentional walks in 354 at-bats, he struck out just 30 times. I love the low strikeout rate. Being a switch-hitter gives Estrada's managers extra flexibility when it comes to lineup management and his glove is good enough to play every day. Estrada's main negative is his age: at 27, he is quite old as prospects go, and is probably as good now as he'll ever be. But that's still pretty good, and he should have a long career."

More recognition for Jeremy Reed CHA -- named Player of the Month in the Southern League :

" ... Barons outfielder Jeremy Reed has been named ... Player of the Month for August ... Reed batted a league-leading.434 (43-for-99) and drove in a league-high 23 runs. He scored 25 runs and added 10 doubles, two triples, and one homer to go along with a robust .517 on-base percentage and a .606 slugging percentage. In his 28 games in the month, he walked 16 times and only stuck out six times. Reed has had one of the most impressive seasons in recent minor league history. Since joining the Barons from Single-A Winston-Salem he has hit .409 (99-for-242) with 7 homers, 43 RBI, 51 runs scored and 18 stolen bases in 66 games. He has walked 29 times and struck out just 19 times and hasn’t committed an error. His combined numbers between Winston-Salem and Birmingham make him a dark horse candidate for Minor League Player of the Year. For the year, he has batted .373, with 11 homers, 95 RBI, 88 R, and 45 SB."  (Birmingham Press Release)

06 September, 2003

Jim Keller, SportsTicker, has ST's version of the 2003 All-Prospect Team.  For those who've followed the minors this season, there are few surprises.  Joe Mauer MIN, who has won rave reviews at every stop, was chosen as the best behind the plate over luminaries such as Jeff Mathis, Guillermo Quiroz and Dioner Navarro.

" ... The 19-year-old Mauer is the complete package. He threw out over 50 percent of attempting basestealers, led all minor league catchers in batting and walked as many times as he struck out. Furthermore, the lefthanded hitter batted .335 at Class A and .341 at Class AA."

" ... Third baseman Andy Marte (Braves), an All-Teen Team selection the last two years, has collected 67 doubles and 39 homers at the Class A level the past two years, and he won't turn 20 until this offseason. The two-way talent earned the nod in a tight race with Dallas McPherson of the Angels."

" ... Outfielder Alexis Rios (Blue Jays) had a breakout campaign in his fifth professional season, leading the Class AA Eastern League in batting at the tender age of 22 despite playing in pitcher-friendly New Haven. The center fielder had his best month in August, batting .410 with five homers and 28 RBI. Scouts drool over the 1999 first-round pick's build. His lean, 6-6 frame allows him to roam the outfield, and it should provide him more power as he matures physically."

Keller's picks :  Catcher Joe Mauer MIN, First base Prince Fielder MIL, Second Josh Barfield SD, Third Andy Marte ATL, Shortstop Bobby Crosby OAK, OF Jeremy Reed CHA, Alexis Rios TOR, Grady Sizemore CLE, SP Rich Harden, Ervin Santana, Zack Greinke, Chin-hui Tsao RP Royce Ring CHN.

Matthew Pouliot, RotoWorld, on some of the callups :

" ... Ryan Madson - RHP Phillies ...   should still be a top candidate for a rotation spot next season. The 1998 ninth-round pick with the 90-mph fastball and outstanding changeup has been one of the most solid performers in the minors over the last few years and projects as a fourth starter in the majors. He’ll pitch in middle relief this month."

" ... Luis Martinez - LHP Brewers ...his impressive left arm finally began to generate results in his second year at Double-A Huntsville and he now looks like one of Milwaukee’s top prospects. The Brewers added him to their rotation this week, and although he was shaky Wednesday in his major league debut, I expect him to have some value this month. He’ll probably be the team’s fourth or fifth starter next year."

More on Justin Huber NYN.  Ranked as the Mets' #4 prospect by Fox Sports :

" ... Huber, an Aussie, was inked by the Mets in 2000. In the low minors, he's shown broad offensive skills, including an excellent power stroke. Defensively, his throwing arm is adequate at best, but he's otherwise impressive. After being promoted to AA-Binghamton this season he struggled, but he's still young and may require an adjustment period in the high minors. His plate discipline has declined as he's moved up through the system, but the power is still there. He's probably not a future star, but he could be a productive every-day catcher at the highest level."

" ... 6. Aaron Baldiris, 3B, Age: 20 Here's a sleeper for you. The Mets signed Baldiris in 1999 as a free agent out of Venezuela in 1999, and he's done nothing but hit since then. He hasn't shown a great deal of power yet, but he's hit for high averages and posted excellent walk rates. He had another strong season in the Sally League this year. He's slated for the FSL in 2004, which will be another test. His power should improve as he matures, but he has a great deal of compensating skills right now. If he keeps this up, he'll get a lot more notoriety in the coming years."

7. Lastings Milledge, OF, Age: 18 It's too soon to know much about Milledge, whom the Mets took with the 12th overall pick of the June draft. He didn't make much of a splash in the rookie-level Appalachian League, but it was only 26 ABs. He has blazing speed, plays a good center field and has excellent power potential. On the downside, he's got a lot of adjustments to make before he can handle professional-quality pitches. He's fooled easily at this point, but he's got nothing but time at this point."

Jim Callis, Baseball America, on Abe Alvarez BOS :

" ... Alvarez probably won't be a star but he can be a useful big leaguer and can get there very quickly ... Lefthanders who know how to pitch can reach the majors very quickly, and he could move through the Boston system as rapidly as Casey Fossum did. That would put Alvarez in Fenway Park in the second half of 2005. Alvarez doesn't throw as hard as Fossum, but he does a fine job of mixing three average to above-average pitches: an 86-88 mph sinker, a curveball and changeup. His curve is his best pitch, and his command and mechanics are very good. A second-team All-America this spring at Long Beach State, Alvarez continued to perform well after signing for $700,000. Operating on tight pitch counts, he didn't allow an earned run in 19 innings over nine starts in the short-season New York-Penn League. Opponents batted just .138, and he fanned 19 while permitting just one unintentional walk. Alvarez still has to prove he can succeed at higher levels without an overpowering pitch, but he's off to a promising start."

07 September, 2003

John Sickels, ESPN.com, on John Maine BAL & LA lefty Greg MIller :

" ... (Maine) ... a sixth-round pick in '02 out of UNC Charlotte. A 6-4, 190-pound right-hander, he has a low-90s sinker and a very good slider. He posted a 1.53 ERA and outstanding 108/18 K/BB ratio in 76 innings for Delmarva, earning a promotion to Class A Frederick, where he went 6-1 with a 3.07 mark and 77/20 K/BB in 70 innings. Maine can be overpowering at times, and has good command. His main focus this year has been improving his changeup. We need to see what he does in Double-A next year, but he's definitely one of the brightest prospects in the Orioles' farm system. I like Maine a lot."

" ... Miller is for real. He was drafted in the supplemental first round in 2002, out of high school ... progress this year was extremely rapid. In 21 starts at Class A Vero Beach, he went 11-4 with a 2.49 ERA and a 111/41 K/BB ratio in 116 innings. At Double-A Jacksonville he was even more impressive, posting a 1.01 ERA in four starts, with a 40/7 K/BB in 27 innings. All of his numbers are above average or excellent, and his K-rate in Double-A was especially nice. Given his youth, it's all the more fascinating. Miller has a fastball in the 90s, and uses a knucklecurve as a killer out-pitch. He's also improved his changeup, and his command and control are obviously very solid. He also has the mound presence of a veteran, despite being just 19. On his own terms, he has everything you look for. The key for Miller, as it always is for young pitchers, is health. He was shut down early this year as a precaution due to a sore shoulder ...  he's a legitimately excellent talent. Whether he can turn that into major league performance remains to be seen. He's got lots of things in his favor, objectively and subjectively. But he'll have to fight history to make it. We'll have to keep close track of his health."

SportsTicker on Ervin Santana ANA :

" ... Santana (Angels) may arguably be the best pitching prospect still in the minor leagues ...  has the makings of a power pitcher's body, gets the ball to the plate at 93-97 mph and has command of his breaking ball and changeup. More importantly, Santana dominated the hitter-crazy Class A California League (10-2, 2.53 ERA), earning Pitcher of the Year honors despite being one of its youngest competitors. He also had success at Class AA before a tired arm slowed him late in the season. In 2002, the 6-3, 170-pounder won 14 games in the Class A Midwest League when he was known as Johan."

Matthew Pouliot, RotoWorld, on a struggling MIN OFer and MON's quick rising reliever :

" ... Michael Cuddyer  ... 2003 is going to go down as a very disappointing season for Cuddyer. The 24-year-old went into last year’s playoffs as Minnesota’s right fielder, but he was given all of three weeks to prove he deserved the starting job this season and hamstring problems sidelined him on three separate occasions after he was sent back to the minors. Cuddyer is going to be a quality regular in right field for some major league club. It still could be the Twins, but he needs consistent playing team and being on a contending team with several quality alternatives just isn’t a good situation for him."

" ... Chad Cordero  ...  a surprising addition to Montreal’s roster, becoming the second member of the 2003 draft class to reach the majors. He has the low-90s fastball and slider to be a very good reliever. The Expos are still kicking around the idea of making him a starter next year -- they’d likely send him back to Double-A if they make the switch -- but his long-term future is probably in the bullpen. He could be the team’s closer someday."

08 September, 2003

Fox Sports on the FLO prospects (Miguel Cabrera, Dontrelle Willis 1-2) :

" ... 3. Jason Stokes, 1B, Age: 21 Stokes, a second-round pick in 2000 ... is the reason the Marlins felt secure in parting with Adrian Gonzalez earlier this year. Stokes is now the unchallenged "first baseman of the future" in the organization. He had an outstanding season in 2002 in the Midwest League, showing tremendous power and hitting for average. This year, he's in the high-A Florida State League, which is generally a tough circuit for hitters, and his numbers have taken a hit. The raw power is still there, but the base hits aren't falling for him this year. It's far too soon to take that as an indictment, but now he's got more to prove at the higher levels. He's got a fine bat, but 2004 will be highly critical for him."

" ... 9. Jeff Allison, RHP, Age: 18 The Marlins were quite pleased when Allison, by acclimation the best prep pitcher in the June draft, fell to them at No. 16 ... Allison has excellent velocity and can already throw four pitches for strikes. He's only got 11 innings of rookie ball under his belt, so it's too early to make any statistical judgments. It's well documented how hard it is for a pitcher drafted out of high school to build a successful major-league career, but the Marlins have a solid track record in this regard. Consider this a conservative, wait-and-see grade."

09 September, 2002

Dan Troy, StrikeThree, on a pair of MIL kids -- Rickie Weeks, JJ Hardy :

" ... For those who missed it, Weeks established a new all-time NCAA record for career batting average during his three years at Southern University by stroking a modest .473. In his final season as an amateur, he hit .483 with a .602 OBP and a SLG of .948 ...  You want plate discipline? Weeks walked 48 times against 17 strikeouts in 172 at-bats. You want power? He hit 17 HR and 46 percent of his hits went for extra bases. You like speed? He was successful in all 31 of his stolen base attempts. All this from a second basemen. It makes you wonder what kind of player the Brewers could have selected if they had picked first in the draft instead of second. While I won't overanalyze his 63 at-bats in Beloit—the sample size is way too small to indicate anything particularly meaningful—it's certainly encouraging to see that Weeks continued his disciplined batting approach by drawing 15 walks in just 19 games. The key question is whether or not he'll be able to handle second base defensively, as his bat is far ahead of his glove right now ... Regardless of where he ends up, he's likely to be a significant offensive force at the big-league level."

" ... There is at least one guy in the Milwaukee system that causes no concern over his glove. Since being drafted out of high school in 2001, J.J. Hardy has earned strong reviews for his excellent defense at shortstop. His bat, however, had been subject to question entering the 2003 season ...Hardy rebounded impressively this season. In 416 AA at-bats, he hit .279/.368/.428, which is very good for a AA shortstop who played the bulk of the season at age 20. You've really got to love the dramatic improvement in his plate discipline, as he walked more times than he struck out (58:54) only a year after striking out twice as often as he walked (57:28). Even more reason for hope is that 33 percent of his hits went for extra bases, a figure that surpassed the Southern League average and indicates that some decent power may eventually emerge from his 6'2" frame. The Brewers love his maturity and competitiveness, and he'll get the chance to continue his development in the upcoming Arizona Fall League season."

Josh Barfield.  Can he remain a second baseman ?

" ... The Padres have yet to decide which player is their farm system's Player of the Year. Shortstop Khalil Greene rose from Class AA to the Padres, but second baseman Josh Barfield remains a strong candidate to become the first repeat winner since Derrek Lee in 1995-96. Barfield won the Cal League's Most Valuable Player award. Though young for the high-Class A league, he drove in 128 runs in 135 games with Lake Elsinore, reached base in 39 percent of his chances, hit 16 home runs and stole 16 bases in 20 tries. "And he was the best-fielding second baseman in the Cal League at 20 years old," said Tye Waller, the Padres' director of player development."

" ...  Barfield is blossoming the way scouting director Bill Gayton said he would after taking the Texan in the fourth round of the 2001 draft. Sterner tests await. In the Class AA Southern League, pitchers will test Barfield's strike-zone discipline; he had 122 strikeouts against 50 walks this season. Defensively, Barfield may have to prove wrong skeptics who question his arm. The Padres have contemplated moving Barfield to center field, but Waller says he'll wait and see. "I know because of his throwing motion, he's a little long, a lot of people have concerns about his ability to play second base," Waller said. "I've got to be the patient guy. With the improvement he's made, I'm not convinced he cannot be a second baseman. I think he can fix that glitch." (San Diego Union-Tribune)

Still a teenager, Edwin Jackson gets an MLB opportunity :

" ... 19-year-old double-A right-hander is scheduled to face five-time Cy Young Award winner Randy Johnson. The Dodgers are in the thick of the National League wild-card race and the struggling Diamondbacks are fighting to remain in playoff contention, so Jackson won't be eased in slowly. But the Dodgers believe their top pitching prospect is ready for the challenge."

" ... He's the guy," Manager Jim Tracy said of Jackson, who turns 20 on Tuesday. "I don't think age has a whole lot to do with it. Character and composure, there's a whole lot to be said for that, and you hear nothing but good things about him. "The Marlins don't have any apprehension about [21-year-old starter] Dontrelle Willis in a pennant race. I don't see why we should. We're not asking this kid to go out there and pitch a complete game. If he wants to, that's fine." 

" ... The Dodgers converted Jackson after selecting him as an outfielder in the sixth round of the 2001 amateur draft. He was selected the organization's minor league pitcher of the year in 2002 after going 5-2 with a 1.98 earned-run average for Class-A South Georgia. This season, Jackson went 7-7 with a 3.70 ERA and 157 strikeouts in 148 1/3 innings for double-A Jacksonville ...  Jackson impressed pitching coach Jim Colborn in a bullpen session. "It's hard not to be excited. He's got a great delivery," Colborn said of Jackson, whose fastball has been clocked in the mid-90s. "How well he can control his emotions and feel comfortable in a setting different from the one he's been used to that'll be the big thing." (LA Times)

10 September, 2003

Jeff Francis COL, the outstanding streak continues in the playoffs with a complete game shutout, his 2nd playoff win  :

" ... Francis stuck out ten, walked one and hit two batters en route to the three-hit gem. It was the third shutout thrown by the Oaks pitching staff this post season and the second in the series. Stockton did not advance a runner beyond second base ... The other two complete game shutouts throw by Francis this year were in July. One was a no-hitter against Modesto on July 6. The other was a two-hitter against Inland Empire on July 22."

John Buck HOU, likely more minor league time in 2004 :

" ... The Astros had catcher Raul Chavez tentatively penciled in for a spot on their 2004 big-league roster even before he was promoted last month ... unless the organization's thinking changes, will be back full-time next season as the backup to Brad Ausmus. He's considered a first-rate defensive catcher, and club officials are confident he'll produce offense to warrant a spot on the team. John Buck, perhaps the organization's top prospect, did most of the catching this season at New Orleans and figures to start there again next season. Once he's called to the big leagues, he will at least share the starting job with Ausmus." (Houston Chronicle)

Alexis Rios TOR, Player of the Month in the Eastern League :

" ... The 6’5”, 180 lb. Guaynabo, Puerto Rico native had an outstanding month for the Ravens, hitting .410 with five doubles, two triples, five home runs, 25 runs scored, 28 RBI, 10 walks, three stolen bases, a .457 on-base percentage and a .615 slugging percentage in 30 games ... ending the season with a league-best .352 batting average. Rios, a unanimous selection as an outfielder for the 2003 Eastern League All-Star Team, also finished the season ranked among the league leaders in hits (181-1st), triples (11-tied 1st), slugging percentage (.521-3rd), extra-base hits (54-tied 4th), on-base percentage (.402-tied 4th) and doubles (32-5th). Alexis was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the first round as the 19th overall selection in the June 1999 draft." (EL Press Release)

11 September, 2003

Rich Harden OAK, named SportsTicker's Pitcher of the Year :

" ... rapid ascent from 17th-round pick in 2000 to major league starter in just three years. Harden's domination in minor league baseball earlier this season is what earned the 21-year-old SportsTicker's Pitcher of the Year honors. "That's pretty cool," Harden said. "It's an honor and exciting to be named (the winner)." Growing up in Canada, Harden always "just had fun" playing baseball but never made the investment in watching the sport on television or rooting for a specific team. Harden, a center fielder for Victoria in British Columbia's Premier League, had made only cameos on the mound before Oakland drafted him as a pitcher, surprising and exciting him at the time."

" ... Harden began this season with the Class AA Midland RockHounds in the hitter-friendly Texas League and continued on to Class AAA, where he finished his minor league season 11-4 with a 2.74 ERA and a .201 average against. Harden struck out 108 while walking a career-low 35."

" ... One of Harden's goals at the beginning of the season was to cut down his walks. Prior to 2003, he had issued 114 in his first two professional seasons, including a career-high 76 between Class A Visalia and Midland last year. Harden also knew he needed to keep his pitch counts down in order to go deeper into games. Last year, Harden estimates, throwing 90-100 pitches took him into the fifth inning, where this season he could last until the sixth and seventh with the same amount thrown. "My goal (at the beginning of the season) wasn't necessarily to get to the big leagues," he said, "I just wanted to go out and pitch well and keep my pitch counts down to go later into the games. Compared to the last two seasons, and especially last year (with the walks), I think it's something that I've really improved." (Amy K. Nelson) 

Edwin Jackson as ... Doc Gooden ?  Josh Boyd, Baseball America :

" ... quickly become one of the best young arms in the minors. "He was the best pitching prospect I've seen this year," one National League scouting executive said. "It's easy. It's power. It's electric. It's reminiscent of a young Dwight Gooden with that kind of stuff." Jackson, who went 7-7, 3.70 with 157 strikeouts in 148 innings for Double-A Jacksonville, became the youngest pitcher since Gooden to earn a win in his major league debut last night. The Diamondbacks and Randy Johnson proved to be no match for Jackson, who allowed four hits and one run over six innings."

" ... his fastball, named best in the Southern League in Baseball America's Best Tools survey, tops out at 98 mph, and he pitches consistently at 93-94. His secondary pitches have developed into effective weapons ...  Jackson's power slider often clocks in at 86 and features late, vicious bite and plenty of depth in the strike zone. "I've never seen a kid throw 97 so easy," the NL scout said. "I thought he was having a catch with his dad. You can build a staff around a guy like that. "(Watching him pitch), I was excited, boy. Like when you look over there and see Shania Twain—I just wanted to admire it for a minute."

Prince Fielder, a Midwest League double :

" ... Fielder recently joined some elite company. The Melbourne resident became the first player since Albert Pujols in 2000 to win the Midwest League MVP and Prospect of the Year honors in the same season. Fielder, a first baseman for the Class A Beloit (Wis.) Snappers, hit .313 with 27 home runs and a club-record 112 RBI during the regular season ... Fielder was Milwaukee's first-round pick of the 2002 draft, seventh overall." (Florida Today) 

12 September, 2003

Dayn Perry, FoxSports, with the best of the BOS prospects :

" ... 1. Kevin Youkilis ...  has posted ridiculously good walk rates at every stop, and this season is no exception (86 BB in 312 AB at AA-Portland). Scouts don't like his pudgy body, and there's some real doubt as to whether he'll hit for even a modicum of power at the major-league level. But he is an on-base machine, and he’s in an organization that covets that skill. He’s just been promoted to Triple-A, so his time is nigh."

" ... 2. David Murphy ... The Sox drafted Murphy with the 17th overall pick of the June draft. He’s a slugging outfielder out of Baylor who’s capable of playing center. He draws walks and hits for power — just what the Sox will focus on in the draft now that Theo Epstein is in charge. "

Hanley Ramirez has dipped to #6, quite a statement in a week farm system :

" ... 6. Hanley Ramirez ...  signed out of the Dominican in 2000, and after a thoroughly excellent season in the low minors in 2002 he began popping up on prospect lists. This year, he’s struggled all season in the Sally League, so that’s taken some shine off his prospect status. Still, it’s too early to write him off. According to scouts, he has the defensive chops to stick at shortstop. And last season his bat was incredible. It’s an indictment that he’s not hitting in low-A ball, but he deserves the benefit of the doubt for now."

13 September, 2003

Joe Mauer MIN, Baseball America's pick as the best of the best, the 2003 Minor League Player of the Year :

" ... He doesn't have to improve any of his tools or skills to jump in and impact the game at the major league level," Twins scouting director Mike Radcliff said. "He's not a normal prospect. Improvement is a different word with a guy like that. He's good enough with his present abilities." This season Mauer hit .339-5-85 between Fort Myers and New Britain, posting the highest average of any minor leaguer under 21 and the best of any minor league catcher. Managers voted Mauer the best defensive catcher in his league for the second straight year and he threw out better than 50 percent of basestealers."

                  Class  AVG  G  AB  R  H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB  SLG  OBP 
Fort Myers  FSL      A  .335 62 233 25 78 13  1  1  44 24 24  3 .412 .395 
New Britain EASTERN AA  .341 73 276 48 94 17  1  4  41 25 25  0 .453 .400

And, just to put an exclamation point on the choice, SportsTicker also saluted Mauer as the top minor leaguer :

" ... Playing among the most talented crop of minor league catchers in recent memory, Mauer has distanced himself from the pack with a brand of two-way play rarely seen. "He's an offensive player but also just as good a defensive one," Rantz said. "He's got some great skills behind the dish as far as throwing and receiving and blocking. He's the complete catcher that we're looking for." 

" ... In time split between the advanced Class A and Class AA levels, Mauer led all minor league catchers with a .338 batting average and threw out an amazing 52 percent of attempting basestealers before teams all but stopped running on him. He also did not commit an error until June and was charged with just three miscues all season. "I learned a lot this year," said Mauer, whose brothers Jake and Bill also play for the organization. "I just had a good time playing wherever I was at. It was a good year overall." (Joe Barbieri SportsTicker)

Mark McCarter, Huntsville Times, on Mr. Versatility, Josh Willingham FLO : 

" ... He was a sleek college shortstop, "about 20 or 25 pounds lighter than I am now.'' Then he became a third baseman. And a second baseman. And a first baseman. And a left fielder. And a catcher. And right fielder. Take your pick."

" ... What Josh Willingham is most impressively, in the words of a veteran scout, "is a major-league hitter.'' And if he happens to have more uses than a Swiss army knife, then there's the bonus. ... former All-America selection at the University of North Alabama ... "

" ... Willingham began the season catching for the Jupiter (Fla.) Hammerheads, in Class A ball, albeit so highly regarded he was on Florida's 40-man major league roster. He was promoted to Carolina in early June and hit a hot streak, going 8-for-16. Then he heard a clicking in his knee. No big deal, he figured. All catchers' knees click like windup novelty teeth. But, running out a hit in Chattanooga, his knee gave way. He was hustled to surgery, then into rehab. And, unfortunately, hustled back into action too quickly. He played four games - homering three times - and reinjured the knee. It hadn't had sufficient time to heal. He spent three more weeks on the disabled list and returned Aug. 21 and has been limited to the corner infield spots - no catching, doctor's orders - since."

" ... Though he played in only 83 games this season, Willingham batted .277 with 18 homers and 47 RBIs. "He's been a big addition to the middle of our lineup,'' said Mudcats manager Tracy Woodson. "I've got some scouting buddies who love him as a hitter. They're not sure where to put him, but he can play anywhere just to get his bat in the lineup.'' 

A little more on Ryan Ketchner SEA, courtesy of SportsTicker :

" ... The 21-year-old, who led the California League in strikeouts and finished 14-7 during the regular season, fanned seven men and walked just one. In two postseason starts, Ketchner, a 10th-round selection by the Seattle Mariners in the 2000 draft, has tossed 13 2/3 scoreless frames with 16 strikeouts and only eight hits allowed. Including his last three starts of the regular season, Ketchner is 4-0 with an ERA of 0.72, blanking opponents in four of five outings and surrendering just 17 hits in 37 2/3 innings."

In his final start of the regular season, Ketchner came within a pitch of a perfect game. 

" ... As most people know by now, Ketchner is almost totally deaf. He wears hearing aids in both ears, but they allow him to pick up vibrations, not distinguish words. He knows sign language and is an expert at reading lips. The "handicap" can be a help at times. If there are distractions, he can turn off the hearing aids and concentrate on the job at hand. Earlier this year, Seattle Director of Player Development Benny Looper told The Press-Enterprise, "At the time we drafted him (10th round, June, 2000) we didn't feel (his hearing impediment) would be a detriment to his career...We're confident he can make it to the majors."  Ryan Patrick Ketchner is 21, 6'1" tall, weighing 195 pounds. ... In 2001 he was 3-3, 2.92 with 58 SO, 18 BB and a .199 OBA in 52 1/3 IP. Last year he went 3-6, 2.59 with 118 SO, 39 BB and a .190 OBA in 111 IP. "  (CAL Press Release)

Grady Fusion TEX GM on Laynce Nix as a CFer and the emergence of SP Kameron Loe :

" ... If we had two slugs on the corner in the big leagues, Laynce Nix's ability as a center fielder might not look as good. But if we've got two accomplished corner outfielders, Laynce's ability in center might eventually be very, very solid. I think this is a player that has taken to it fairly well. There are still things that he's learning as far as the little intricacies of it are concerned, but he has the speed and the instincts to become a solid center fielder with some offensive impact. The biggest thing for Laynce is to continue to better himself as an offensive player -- pitch selection, swing plane -- and with his everyday approach to the game. But he certainly has the strength and the hands to become a complete major league player." (Jamey Newberg's TEX Minor League Report)

" ... he’s not an overpowering pitcher at this point. He’s kind of an 85-90 kind of guy. But he’s got a very deceptive slot, a low-three-quarters arm angle. And he’s got the kind of big sweep breaking ball that can buckle a lot of players at the lower levels. But give due credit to him because he is certainly one of those guys that has picked up on our pitching program. He’s gained confidence in his stuff, maybe unlike how he pitched at Northridge, where he wanted to pick a little bit too much and missed the strike zone. Now he’s gathered confidence, he’s attacking the strike zone, he’s pitching down in the strike zone, he’s getting his ground balls and his pop-ups and he’s not trying to strike everybody out. He has done a tremendous job."

John Sickels on David Wright 3B NYN :

" ... I love Wright, and he deserves more attention than he's received ...  has made steady progress. He hit .266 with 11 homers and 76 walks in the Sally League in '02. In '03, he boosted his production playing at St. Lucie in the Florida State League, hitting .270 with a .369 OBP and a .459 SLG. He is an across-the-board producer, hitting 39 doubles, 15 homers, drawing 72 walks, stealing 19 bases. He does a lot of things well. The doubles are an indicator of more power to come, and he shows both tools and skills. Wright is also a good defensive third baseman, and made just 16 errors in 130 games this year. He has fine lateral range and a strong arm ... I think he's a great candidate for a major breakout in 2004."

Wright also received notice and kudos from Josh Boyd at Baseball America :

" ... Wright led St. Lucie to the Florida State League championship by hitting .391 with one home run in 23 at-bats and a postseason-best nine hits, five doubles and three steals. His performance capped his third pro season, as he continues to establish himself as one of the game's brightest young hitting prospects. Wright, 20, hit .270-15-75 with a career-high 39 doubles. His season is even more impressive when taking his .200 clip in 180 at-bats between May and June into consideration. While the Mets attributed his midsummer slump to overpreparing for games, Wright showed the ability to adjust and hit over .300 with eight bombs in the final two months."

" ... "He's going to be a good, good player for a long time," Brevard County manager Doug Sisson said. "He has power and he controls the zone pretty well for a young guy. The ball jumps off his bat and he plays a good third base. He can go to his left and his right; he can make the play on the bunt and throws to first on the slow roller real well."

ANA's infield combo winning more praise :

" ... Venezuelan Alberto Callaspo, 20, and Dominican Erick Aybar, 19, were voted the league's best defensive second baseman and shortstop by the managers. Callaspo led the Midwest League in batting (.327-2-67), runs (86), hits (168) and doubles (38). Aybar was fifth in batting (.308-6-57), second in triples (10), fourth in hits (153) and tied for fourth in runs (83). Cedar Rapids manager Todd Claus told Baseball America, "Callaspo is the best young hitter I've ever coached as far as being polished at this level." Claus had Casey Kotchman on his team last year. In the field, Claus and Tom Kotchman both say, "Callspo and Aybar are the best they've seen turning the double play. Cedar Rapids coach James Rowson compares them to the Indians pairing of Omar Vizquel and Roberto Alomar." At the beinning of the year, Aybar and Callaspo were rated numbers 21 and 23 among Angels' prospects by Baseball America." (CAL Press Release)

14 September, 2003

Worries in PIT about Sean Burnett ?

" ... The word out of Pittsburgh is that Burnett has only discomfort in his elbow, related to fatigue rather than, say, a torn ligament that would require Tommy John surgery. But GM David Littlefield's comments that Burnett has had similar problems in the past is a bit of a red flag. The Pirates have had to shut down Burnett temporarily before, and at 6-foot-1 and 170 pounds he isn't the strongest pitcher. Burnett has succeeded at every step in the minors and had a fine 14-6, 3.21 Double-A season at age 20, but his lack of dominance leaves his long-term value in doubt. His strong suits are his changeup and command, and he is lefthanded. But he also throws his fastball in the high 80s and his slider isn't an out pitch."  (Jim Callis, Baseball America)

OF Terrmel Sledge and lefty Michael Hinckley named MON's Minor League Player and Pitcher of the Year : 

" ... Sledge, 26, hit .324 with 26 doubles, nine triples, 22 home runs, 92 RBI and 13 stolen bases in 131 Triple-A games ...Sledge's offensive effort earned him an invitation to the Triple-A All-Star Game and a spot on the All-Pacific Coast League team. A three-time Edmonton Player of the Month (April, May and August), Sledge was acquired in September of 2000 in the deal that sent catcher Chris Widger to Seattle."

" ... Hinckley went a combined 13-5 with a 3.14 ERA in 27 starts for Single-A Savannah and Brevard County this season. The 20-year-old was named Savannah Pitcher of the Month in June and July before a late-season promotion resulted in another Pitcher of the Month citation with Brevard County in August. Hinckley, the Expos' third-round selection in the 2001 First-Year Player Draft ...  led all Montreal minor leaguers in wins (13) and strikeouts (134), while his three complete games tied for the organization lead." (Edmonton Trappers Press Release)

16 September, 2003

John Sickels, ESPN.com, on the TOR outfield trio -- Alexis Rios, Gabe Gross, John-Ford Griffin :

" ... In traditional scouting terms, Rios is the best prospect of the three. He has the most speed, the best physical projection, and is the youngest. He's still just learning to tap into his power. Although his plate discipline is the weakest of the group, it's better than it was before; he made huge strides this season learning to refine his swing."

" ... Gross doesn't have Rios' pure athleticism, but is no slouch himself, having been a college quarterback at Auburn. He has the best arm of the three, as well as the best strike zone judgment, and has proven he can hit Triple-A pitching. He's also the oldest, turning 24 this October."

" ... Griffin is the least toolsy of the trio, but some scouts feel he's the best pure hitter. His plate discipline is better than Rios', but not as good as Gross'. He's the least talented defensively and has the least physical projection. Nagging injuries have plagued him as a pro, and he could explode offensively once fully healthy. Basically, all three of these guys are solid prospects, though they all have their weaknesses. Rios has the best chance to be a superstar type, to be a Five Tool/Seven Skill guy, but he also has a higher risk of failure. My personal favorite is Gross, but I respect them all."

Troy E. Renck, Denver Post, on the possibility of a change at third in COL :

 " ... It is turning into a third and painfully long audition for Garrett Atkins. Atkins represents the hope and promise of a Rockies farm system counted on to replenish a roster thick on kids and short on dollars. But Atkins' defense at third base is threatening to slow his development. The soft-spoken 23-year-old has committed five errors in 18 games and is searching for the consistency that developed in his last two months in Triple-A Colorado Springs. "I am really disappointed in how I have played," Atkins said. "Down (in Triple-A), if you make an error, you know that tomorrow you are going to have a chance to make it up for the next day. Mentally, that has been an adjustment, because I haven't proven I can play here every day."

" ... Manager Clint Hurdle would like Atkins to compete for a starting spot in the spring, particularly if Chris Stynes is re-signed to play second base. Atkins is scheduled to try out for the United States' Pan-American team during the Arizona Fall League. Even if he makes the club, Atkins plans to spend part of the winter conditioning at Coors Field and polishing his fielding with special instructor Walt Weiss. "It's something that he's going to have to work on probably for the rest of his career," Hurdle said. A .319 hitter in Triple-A, Atkins has a .184 average in 49 at-bats with the Rockies."

17 September, 2003

Kevin Goldstein, Baseball America, in his wrap on the ANA prospects notes a few not included in the pre-season Top 10 :

" ... Brandon Wood, SS (ANA's top pick in June) ... Natural shortstop added muscle to lanky frame and moved into first round, then utilized that strength in a late-season power surge at Provo."

" ... Emerging Prospects: Albert Callapso, 2b: Midwest league batting champ hit a career low .327 and struck out just 28 times all season. Nick Gorneault, of: A 19th-round selection out of U. Mass in 2001, Gorneault hit .326-16-91 and led the Angels system in RBIs. Warner Madrigal, of: Dominican teenager led the Pioneer League in runs while finishing second in the batting average and slugging."

John Sickels, ESPN.com, on Cole Hamels PHI :

" ... was literally unhittable at times this year, and may be the best LHP prospect in the game right now ... has a very good fastball. He throws it anywhere between 89 and 94 mph. The pitch has good movement, yet he often has pinpoint command of it. The combination of velocity, movement, and location was too much for A-ball hitters to handle this year. Hamels is more than just a good fastball, though. His curve and changeup are both above average pitches and he mixes them well. His mechanics are clean and he repeats them consistently. He's very efficient for a young pitcher and has excellent presence on the mound. Hamels is still physically projectable and could add another inch plus 20 pounds to his frame. This would likely boost his fastball even more."

" ... Hamels is one case where the numbers and the scouting reports agree: this guy is a stud. His ratios are not merely good, but are outstanding across the board. He throws hard, throws strikes, and knows how to pitch. He's the crown jewel of the Phillies' farm system."

Matthew Pouliot, RotoWorld :

" ... Kazuo Matsui - SS  ... Matsui, who turns 28 next month, is expected to make the jump to MLB for the 2004 season. The switch-hitter is batting .311 with 29 HR, 73 RBI, 107/51 K/BB and 12 SB in 517 AB for the Seibu Lions this year and is a fine defensive shortstop. It’s believed that he wants to remain at short, but he could help himself financially if he’s willing to shift to second or third. Offensively, he resembles Edgar Renteria ...  would be a great option at second base for the Mets, and I think they’re the favorites to sign him."

Jim Callis, Baseball America, on Joe Borchard CHA :

" ... he hit .253/.307/.398. Not exactly what the White Sox had in mind when they handed him a record $5.3 million bonus in 2000. His batting average dropped 19 points from 2002, while his on-base percentage dipped 42 and his slugging percentage decreased by 100. Whether he'll ever be able to tap into his considerable raw power is in doubt for one simple reason: Borchard can't control the strike zone. Pitchers know he'll chase pitches, so they don't throw him strikes. His plate discipline has eroded as he has moved up through the minors."

" ... Few scouts see him as a legitimate center fielder ... which is a problem because Chicago has Carlos Lee and Magglio Ordonez to man its corners. DH? Not with both Paul Konerko and Frank Thomas around. Though he's a switch-hitter, Borchard also has scuffled against lefthanders since reaching Triple-A. He has hit just .207 with eight homers in 241 at-bats against southpaws with Charlotte. In the majors, he has gone 5-for-25 (.200) with 13 strikeouts against lefties."

Callis on Delwyn Young 2B LA :

" ... In two seasons as a pro, he has hit .315/.381/.530 while facing more experienced pitchers. While he could draw a few more walks, he has been a consistent line drive hitter with very good power for a second baseman ... still hasn't sold scouts that he'll be able to play second base in the majors. He probably has enough bat to move to third base, but Young's offense will stand out more if he can remain at second. He's just not fluid in the field at this point ... As part of his Scouting Department series, Josh Boyd recently ranked Young as the ninth-best second-base prospect in baseball."

18 September, 2003

Dan Troy, StrikeThree, with his take on the Prospect of the Year :

" ... The honor should not necessarily go to the best prospect in the game. A great prospect can have a year with numbers insufficiently gaudy to qualify. For example, David Wright and Andy Marte may be the two best third-base prospects in the game, but these young players didn't quite hammer out the kind of jaw-dropping megastats that seem appropriate for a Prospect of the Year honor. Similarly, while there are a few impressive young pitchers who appear to be on the path to stardom (Greg Miller, Scott Kazmir, and Cole Hamels, to name three), it's hard to give the honor to a guy that didn't pitch much more than 100 or 110 innings."

Troy's finalists were Josh Barfield 2B SD, Bobby Crosby SS OAK, Dallas McPerson 3B ANA, Zack Greinke SP KC and Jeremy Reed OF CHA :

" ... And the winner is: Bobby Crosby. It was a tough call this year as no one or two guys really set themselves apart. I was tempted to pick Reed, but I ultimately settled on Crosby as his impressive offensive numbers were compiled at a higher level while playing a more demanding position, and playing it pretty well. I also like that there are few holes or questions in Crosby's performance, as he hit for a solid average, his walk rate was very good, and his power output was very strong. If Reed's power totals were a little better, or if he had posted similar numbers in AAA, he probably would have gotten the nod. While I don't think Crosby is the game's top prospect, I do believe he's a darn good one that can fill in capably for Tejada in Oakland next year, and that he will eventually mature into one of the better shortstops in the game."

Prince Fielder MIL, selected by USA Today as the Minor League Player of the Year :

" ... He's actually a better player than what I was hearing," said Reid Nichols, director of player development for the Milwaukee Brewers, who selected Prince Fielder as the seventh overall pick of last year's draft, "and everybody was saying he was good." ... his stats almost good enough for a Triple Crown in the Class A Midwest League. He batted .313 (tied for third) with 27 home runs (second) and a league-leading 112 RBI."

" ... Prince's brawny build compares to his dad's. When Cecil led the American League in home runs from 1990-91 and in RBI from 1990-92, the Tigers listed him as 6-3, 260. The Brewers list Prince as 5-11, 260. But Prince Fielder often uses his left-handed swing to drive the ball to the opposite field. "I don't consider myself a power hitter," he said. "That's not what I try to do."

ANA selected as the Organization of the Year by SportsTicker :

" ... With a stable of top-tier prospects throughout the minor leagues, the Angels have emerged as SportsTicker's 2003 Organization of the Year. Led by third baseman Dallas McPherson, catcher Jeff Mathis, first baseman Casey Kotchman, righthander Ervin Santana and second baseman Alberto Callaspo, the Angels ranked ninth among the 30 major league clubs in organizational winning percentage in 2003."

" ... The slugging McPherson, a second-rounder in 2001 who was sidelined for the first four weeks of the season with back problems, made up for lost time with a torrid July. The 23-year-old batted .360 with 11 home runs, including blasts in five consecutive games. McPherson showed no difficulty in acquainting himself with Texas League pitching following the promotion. He hit .314 with five home runs, including three in one game, and 27 RBI in 28 games with the Arkansas Travelers."

" ... The 20-year-old Mathis, a supplemental first-rounder in 2001, emerged as one of the best offensive catching prospects in the game with a .323 average, 11 homers and 54 RBI with Rancho Cucamonga. He then batted .284 with 14 RBI in 24 games with Arkansas. A converted shortstop and pitcher in high school, Mathis boasts a lethal throwing arm with improved skills behind the plate despite limited experience. He also possesses the makeup and intangibles of a champion."

" ...  Abel Moreno, a 20-year-old righthander from Santo Domingo. Moreno had gone 10-0 with a 2.38 ERA with Provo in the rookie-level Pioneer League before earning a promotion to Cedar Rapids, where he went 1-1 with a 1.62 ERA and struck out 15 in three starts. Moreno suffered his first loss in over a year on August 26, snapping a 13-game winning streak dating back to last season."

Jesse Foppert SF ... surgery done ... rehab begins :

" ... Foppert underwent Tommy John surgery Tuesday morning in Birmingham, Ala. The surgery was performed by Dr. James Andrews and assisted by Giants orthopedist surgeon Ken Akuzuki. Foppert will return to the Bay Area on Thursday and will begin rehabbing next week. Foppert won't begin to throw for another three months, according to trainer Stan Conte, and will be sidelined 12 to 18 months. Conte said Foppert probably won't be ready to pitch until the 2005 season."  (Contra Costa Times)

Kevin Goldstein, Baseball America, with the ARZ system wrap and a note on the pre-season ARZ #1, Scott Hairston :

" ... Nagging back problems forced him out of the lineup for over a month combined with an August slump (.218) kept him from matching last year's breakout performance. He still projects as an elite offensive second baseman."

" ... Top Draft Pick: Conor Jackson ... Seen before the draft as one of the more polished college hitters available, Jackson moved from third base to the outfield and set a Northwest League record for doubles while leading the league in RBIs."

Mark Allen Haverty, Fox Sports, on Edwin Jackson LA :

" ... A sixth-round pick by the Dodgers in 2001, Jackson went from high school to the Gulf Coast League, where he appeared in 12 games that season, two as a starter. While wild, walking nineteen in 22 innings, he also showed that he could put people away when needed with 23 strikeouts. While a return to the Gulf Coast League was likely for Jackson, he went out and impressed the Dodgers in spring training, and he started the 2002 season off in the South Atlantic League. Just 18 to start the season, Jackson continued to impress, posting a record of 5-2 with a ridiculous 1.98 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP. What was most impressive was the level of control he showed, losing the wildness that plagued him in 2001. Jackson struck out 85 in 2002, while walking just 33. While he was a rising star prior to 2002, he was now the top pitching prospect in the system. 

" ... Once again, Jackson began the season in another league, this time moving to Jacksonville in the Southern League, and he was the youngest player in the league at 19. Neither the pressure of being the youngest, nor the pressure of being the top prospect in the system, got to Jackson, as he continued to impress. Jackson stayed with Jacksonville for the entire Double-A season, starting 27 times, and posting a record of 7-7 with a 3.71 ERA and 1.17 WHIP. Jackson continued to post a stellar strikeout-to-walk ratio, finishing the season with 157 strikeouts and just 53 walks ... called him up to fill in for the injured Hideo Nomo. ... stepped up to the challenge ... allowed only four hits and one run in his six innings of work, walking none, and striking out four to pick up his first career win ... With the season Jackson has had, Jackson is almost a sure-bet to break camp with the Dodgers next year. Jackson has all the tools to be a superstar."

MIL's Mike Jones still on the shelf, surgery remains a possibility :

" ... Brewers' top draft pick in 2001 and one of the brighter pitching prospects in the organization, will not participate in the Arizona Fall League next month while he continues to recover from the elbow problem that ended his season in early August. Jones, a 20-year-old who was 7-2 with a 2.40 earned run average in 17 starts for Class AA Huntsville this season, will continue his throwing program in Phoenix. The Brewers remain optimistic about his recovery at this point, but the possibility exists that Jones will need surgery that could sideline him for the 2004 season. "We think this is the right thing to do," farm director Reid Nichols said. "He'll continue to do side work with a conservative approach. At some point, we'll stress (the elbow) enough to see if it's going to be a problem." (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel)

19 September, 2003

Jonathan Mayo, MLB.com, with his Minor League All-Star picks.  Joe Mauer MIN and Guillermo Quiroz TOR finished 1-2 at catcher with Prince Fielder and Casey Kotchman the choices for the first and second teams.  The picks are second -- Josh Barfield SD & Jayson Nix COL.

" ... 3B Dallas McPherson, Angels It's generally a good sign when a guy jumps from a level, particularly from A to Double-A ball, and continues to excel. In McPherson's case, he may have actually improved when faced with the challenge of going from the California League to the Texas League. After hitting .308/.606/.404 with Rancho Cucamonga, he hit .314/.569/.426 in 28 games with Arkansas. Totaled up, McPherson ended the year with a .310 average, 23 homers and 86 RBIs. Throw in his 16 steals and the fact this was just his second full year in pro ball, and this could be a very special player very soon. Backup: Corey Hart, Brewers."

Bobby Crosby OAK took the first team slot at SS with BJ Upton as the backup.

Mayo picked an OF of Alexis Rios TOR, Grady Sizemore CLE and Jeremy Reed CHA.  The backups -- Stephen Smitherman CIN, Byron Gettis KC and Rene Reyes COL.

" ... LHP Greg Miller, Dodgers Edwin Jackson got more press, especially because of his successful big-league debut, but it was Miller who took home Dodgers' Pitcher of the Year honors. He's only 19, and this was just his first year of professional ball. But oh, what a year it was. Miller went 11-4 with a 2.49 ERA in the Florida State League, striking out 111 in 115.2 IP. Then he posted a 1.01 ERA in four starts with Jacksonville in Double-A, with 40 K's (and just 7 BB) in 26.2 IP. Backup: Travis Blackley, Mariners."

Zack Greinke KC was the RHP with Joe Blanton OAK as the backup.

RP Matt Palmer SF with Todd Pennington CLE as the runner-up.

Yankee 3B the pick of the crop in the Gulf Coast League.  Baseball America has begun its league-by-league prospect reviews by selecting Eric Duncan over Mets' starter Jeff Allison as the best of the GCL :

" ... "He was the best hitting prospect in this league, by far," said Yankees manager Dan Radison, a former big league coach. "He's got excellent swing mechanics and power to all fields. He just needs a little more discipline with some of the pitches he swings at." "He's very aggressive, both at the plate and in the field," Pirates manager Woody Huyke said. "He's a pure hitter. He hit lefthanded and righthanded pitching equally well." Duncan's defense isn't as advanced as his bat, but he generally fielded everything hit at him. His arm strength and range are considered below-average, which may eventually require a shift to first base."

21 September, 2003

Kevin Goldstein, Baseball America, with his season wrap on the BAL system :

" ... John Maine, rhp Age: 22 The Orioles breakout player of the year, Maine led the minors in strikeouts, and continues to look like a steal after being selected in the sixth round of last year's draft. Limited opposing batters to a .177 average across two levels while compiling a K/BB ratio of nearly 5-to-1."

" ... Emerging Prospects: Adam Loewen, lhp: Last year's top pick finally signed just before this year's draft, and showed dynamic stuff in seven games for Aberdeen before being shut down as a precautionary measure ...  Matt Riley, lhp: More of a re-emergence for Riley, who was ranked as the Orioles top prospect before the 1999 and 2000 seasons, but had struggled with injuries and control since. Riley went 9-4 with 150 strikeouts in 144 innings to earn his first big league callup in nearly four years."

Jonathan Mailloux, SportsTicker, with some of the the top prospect picks from the International League :

" ... Chase Utley of the Philadelphia Phillies has emerged as the next star in waiting. After skipping Class AA ball and torching opposing pitchers for a franchise-record 39 doubles with the Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons in 2002, Utley broke camp with the big league club this season ...  Bouncing between Philadelphia and Scranton in the season's first month ... his most productive season as a pro. Displaying power to all fields and plate discipline ...  finished second in the league with a .323 batting average while posting a .517 slugging percentage, a team-leading 18 homers and 77 RBI while striking out once every six plate appearances. "The kid is going to be a real quality big league hitter," said Mike Arbuckle, the Phillies' assistant general manager of scouting and player development. "He's a guy who can bring some pop to your offense without sacrificing average from a middle infield position."

" ... Starting pitchers Ryan Madson and Josh Hancock emerged as two of the best young arms in the circuit in 2003 ... Madson achieved a career-high with 138 strikeouts while finishing tied for second in the league with 12 victories this past season. The 6-6 righthander combined what some consider to be the organization's best changeup with control and pitch location to produce a 3.50 ERA. Hancock, acquired from the Boston Red Sox ... was overpowering down the stretch, winning his final five decisions to post a career-high 10 wins. After off-season pelvis surgery resulted in a slow start, the 25-year-old Mississippi native rallied for a 2.94 ERA over the final two months of the season."

" ... Justin Morneau (Twins) emerged as the best first base prospect in league this season. A third-round selection in 1999, the converted catcher demonstrated a smooth stroke to hit 22 home runs in 91 games between Class AA and Class AAA. After working on his fielding in the Arizona Fall League, the British Columbia native committed just four error in 81 games between the minors and Minnesota, where he slugged three longballs in just over 30 games."

 Baseball America has tapped KC OF Chris Lubanski as the top prospect from this season's Arizona League :

" ... His best and most advanced tool is speed, which ranks as an 80 on the 20-80 scouting scale ...  His bat is a solid-average tool. He hits a lot of line drives, especially to the gaps, but must recognize pitches better and use the whole field. Lubanski also must to draw more walks and make more contact. "With his speed, he needs to learn to hit the ball the other way," Giants manager Bert Hunter said. "He tries to pull everything now." Lubanski's arm and power are both below-average, but he should add pop as he fills out his 6-foot-3, 180-pound frame and lofts balls more consistently."

John Sickels, ESPN.com, on Andy Marte ATL :

" ... emerged as a top prospect with a strong season in 2002 ... I was impressed with his production, but his plate discipline was shaky, and Atlanta doesn't have a good track record with similar prospects. But Marte set these concerns aside this year, hitting .285/.372/.469 at Class A Myrtle Beach. The biggest improvement in his statistical profile was his walk rate, which improved from 41 in 488 at-bats to 67 in 463 at-bats. Marte put up these numbers playing in a difficult hitter's park, which just adds to his reputation."

" ...  Marte ... doesn't turn 20 until next month. Defensively, he has a strong arm and good range, but needs to cut down on errors of inexperience and carelessness. That's certainly a common problem, and I'm not worried about his defense in the long run. Offensively, he has power to all fields and few real weaknesses, but I'm still interested to see how his strike zone judgment will hold up at higher levels ... In the long run though, Marte is an excellent prospect."

And, Sickels on ANA's infield combo, Alberto Callaspo & Erik Aybar :

" ... Aybar ... a free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 2002. He made his debut last year with Provo in the rookie-level Pioneer League, and hit .326 with 15 steals. Promoted to Cedar Rapids, he hit .308/.346/.446 this year, with 30 doubles, 10 triples and 32 steals. A switch-hitter, Aybar has a quick swing and lots of gap power. He also has plus speed on the bases, and has made progress learning to read pitchers and make the most of his footspeed. He does not strike out much, drew just 17 walks this year, and will have to prove he can control the strike zone at higher levels. On defense, he has a decent arm and very good range, and is more reliable than most shortstops his age. He's only 19, and I like him a lot."

" ... Callaspo, 20, is similar to Aybar, better offensively but not quite as talented defensively. A Venezuelan, he hit .327/.377/.428 this year, with 20 steals. He knocked 38 doubles, and while he hit just two homers, the doubles are a sign of more power to come. He fanned just 28 times in 514 at-bats, while drawing 42 walks. A right-handed hitter, he has solid plate discipline. He doesn't run quite as well as Aybar but is a more polished runner. Defensively, he doesn't have as much range as Aybar but is more reliable. He turns the double play well and does good work at second base. I think both Aybar and Callaspo are fine prospects. Aybar's physical ceiling is a notch higher, but Callaspo is no slouch when it comes to tools. Both show signs of developing solid baseball skills, though Callaspo is a bit better right now in terms of polish. These guys will be paired all the way up the ladder by Anaheim."

Jonathan Mayo, MLB.com, on top prospects in the AL East :

" ... 1. B.J. Upton ...  Everyone knew Upton, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2002 draft, had tremendous upside. Few projected he would start fulfilling that potential so quickly. After hitting .302 in 384 at-bats with Charleston in the South Atlantic League, the 19-year old held his own in 29 games all the way up in Double-A, hitting .276. The 56 combined errors may seem alarming, but few have doubts about Upton's ability to play short in the big leagues."

" ... 3. Dustin McGowan ...  After toying with Florida State League hitters to the tune of a 2.85 ERA over 14 starts, McGowan got bumped up to Double-A. At age 21, McGowan excelled in the Eastern League as well. The right-hander went 7-0 with a 3.17 ERA in 14 starts, striking out 72 and walking 19 in 76.2 IP, helping New Haven make it to the EL Championship Series."

" ... 8. Guillermo Quiroz ... In past editions, it was Kevin Cash who got some attention, but perhaps Quiroz has passed him by. Hitting .282 with 20 homers and 79 RBIs all while committing 4 errors in 100 games has a lot to do with his move up. His tools behind the plate were why the Blue Jays signed him, and how he's beginning to fulfill his offensive potential as well. He took a step forward with his power last year, hitting a total of 13. This year's explosion moves the 21-year old a step closer to a big-league job."

22 September, 2003

Eastern League salutes Rios, Burnett, Sizemore :

" ... Alexis Rios of the New Haven Ravens is the Eastern League Chase Most Valuable Player for the 2003 season. Rios finished first in the Eastern League batting race with a .352 average and was also ranked among the league leaders in hits (181-1st), triples (11-tied 1st), slugging percentage (.521-3rd), on-base percentage (.402-tied 4th), extra-base hits (54-tied 4th) and doubles (32-5th) while also leading the Ravens to their first regular season Northern Division Championship in franchise history." (EL Press Release)

" ... Grady Sizemore has been named the Eastern League/Chase Rookie of the Year for the 2003 season. After batting .343 with three homers, 20 RBI and 31 runs scored in 47 games with Class A Kinston of the Carolina League, Sizemore continued to impress in his Double-a debut. The 21-year old hit .304 with 13 home runs and 78 RBI while tying for the league lead in triples (11) and ranking second in the league in runs scored (96)."  (EL Press Release)

" ... Altoona pitcher Sean Burnett, who turned 21 this week, has been named the Eastern League pitcher of the year. Burnett, a left-hander, missed the playoffs with an elbow strain. He was 14-6 with a 3.21 ERA in 27 starts to help the Curve land its first playoff berth. A first-round pick in 2000, Burnett was the Carolina League pitcher of the year last year with Lynchburg as well as the organization's pitcher of the year. In four professional seasons, he is 40-19 with a 2.63 ERA." (Pittsburgh Post Gazette)

Joe Mauer -- concerns about a power shortage? Jim Callis, Baseball America :

" ... I'm not concerned. Mauer has just nine homers in 277 pro games, but he's also a career .330 hitter who has drawn more walks (129) than strikeouts (101) despite always being one of the youngest players in his league. He's still just 20, and power is often the last tool to develop, particularly with gifted lefthanded hitters. If I had to pick, I'd rather have a young player show hitting aptitude before power, because it's easier to teach someone how to drive the ball than to make good, consistent contact."

" ... Mauer isn't trying to avoid strikeouts. Right now, he has a pronounced tendency to hit the ball on the ground. According to SportsTicker, in 2003 he hit 1.73 ground balls for every fly ball, a borderline extreme ratio. Mauer just needs to add some loft to his swing, and he's such an advanced hitter that he should be able to do that without ruining his stroke. In fact, his G/F ratio declined from 2.42 in high Class A to 1.33 in Double-A, so he may be starting to make that adjustment. He won't be Mike Piazza, but I project Mauer as a .300-plus hitter with 20 homers annually and Gold Glove defense. That would make him a superstar catcher."

Ah, that's the explanation.  Gilberto Mejia DET, on paper looks to be a superstar (a switch-hitting shortstop with great numbers -- 360 .400 .611 -- in rookie ball).  But, there's more :

" ... Mejia can swing the bat and can run a bit, but he has few other redeeming qualities. This was his fourth year in pro ball ... prone to striking out and is undisciplined at the plate and on the bases. He's 21 (older than any prospect on the GCL Top 20), and one manager said he looked like he was 30. He can't play shortstop—he did it only out of necessity in the GCL—and finding a position for him will be a challenge." (Allan Simpson, Baseball America)

Speedster Joey Gathright TB's Minor League Player of the Year :

" ... Gathright began the season at Class A Bakersfield, advanced to Double-A Orlando and appeared on his way to Tropicana Field for a late-season test run. However, a dislocated shoulder - resulting in a torn labrum and subsequent surgery - derailed the speedy outfielder ... rewarded for his outstanding season by being named the Devil Rays' minor-league player of the year. Gathright, the organization's top leadoff hitter prospect, finished the season with a .334 batting average and 69 stolen bases. His 69 steals were the second-most in organizational history ...  Gathright, 21, was the Rays' 32nd-round draft choice in 2001. He said despite his disappointment about the way his breakout season ended - it also cost him an opportunity to compete in the Team USA Olympic Qualifying Trials next month - he is upbeat about his future with the Rays. ``As long as they know me,'' Gathright said. He plans to start rehabilitating his shoulder Monday and will remain in St. Petersburg in the offseason to prepare for next season. ``I want to steal 100 [bases] next year,'' he said. ``I know what I have to do now to steal 100.'' (Tampa Tribune)

COL 3B prospect Ian Stewart the best of the Pioneer League in Baseball America's Top 20 league-by-league reviews :

" ... attracted raves for his aggressiveness at the plate, while others appreciated the way he was into every pitch at third base. "He's a Jim Thome type," Kotchman (Provo manager Tom Kotchman) said. "He drives the ball the other way to left-center field, and he can hit the ball over the right-field lights." Stewart may not be a Gold Glove candidate at third but should be able to handle either corner infield position. Carey (Casper's P.J. Carey) said Stewart's work ethic could allow him to be an above-average defender. "He not only met expectations, he's exceeded them," Carey said. "And what I love about him is that the expectations he has for himself are higher than anyone else's."

23 September, 2003

John Maine BAL, the system's Pitcher of the Year :

" ... Maine was named the Jim Palmer Minor League Pitcher of the Year ... Maine led the organization in pitching in 2003 with a combined 2.27 ERA (146.2IP/37ER) between Delmarva of the South Atlantic League and the Keys. He posted a 14-3 overall record, including a 6-1 mark with Frederick. The Orioles' 6th round selection in the 2002 First-Year Player Draft threw the only no-hitter in the Carolina League this past season in the second game of a doubleheader at Winston-Salem on July 3. Maine set a team season-high on August 20 by striking out ten batters in a win against Lynchburg. He also made an appearance in the 2003 All-Star Futures Game, where he retired both batters that he faced." (Frederick Keys Press Release)

25 September, 2003

Will Kimmey, Baseball America, picks a SEA farmhand as the best of the Northwest League :

" ... Felix Hernandez ... In a league filled with college players, Hernandez dominated at 17. He led the league in wins, ERA and strikeouts for most of the summer, before allowing four earned runs over five innings in his final start before a promotion to low Class A Wisconsin. "He more or less dominated every time he took the mound," Tri-City manager Ron Gideon said. Hernandez throws his overpowering fastball at 94-95 mph and it tops out at 97, with some managers saying it could reach 100. He commands it well, moving it all over the strike zone, and is adept at working hitters up the ladder. He also has a plus curveball and solid changeup. He has a good presence on the mound and a knack for pitching. "He's not raw at all," Spokane manager Darryl Kennedy said. "The only rawness is that he is 17 years old. He's one of the better young prospects on the mound in this league in a while."

John Sickels, ESPN.com, on JJ Hardy MIL :

" ... Reports on Hardy usually begin with his defense. As befits the offspring of tennis and golf players, Hardy has excellent hand-eye coordination. He has great instincts and very quick hands. His arm is strong enough for shortstop and quite accurate. While Hardy doesn't have Ozzie Smith-like pure range, he has enough mobility for short and does a great job positioning for the play. He has good field presence and plays like a veteran. Offensively, Hardy is still a work in progress, though he made great strides this past season. He has a short, compact stroke, and started to hit for more power this year. The Brewers worked closely with him to improve plate discipline and pitch recognition this season, and the results were positive. He boosted both his on-base and power production significantly. Hardy does not strike out much, and further offensive development is likely. Scouts like his work ethic and intelligence, and he's an articulate person with leadership qualities."

" ... Hardy hit over .300 in the first half in '03, before tiring in July and losing some of his punch in the second half. He maintained good strike zone judgment for the season, however, nearly doubling his walk rate compared to 2002, without increasing his strikeouts. He also set a career-high in slugging percentage. Hardy's overall '03 numbers don't look awesome on the surface, but he was very young for Double-A, and they form a great basis for development."

" ... The Brewers have been aggressive about moving young players up the ladder, but Hardy looks like he needs a full dose of Triple-A. He's still young, and another year in the minors would help him put the final touches on his game, particularly the hitting side. In the big picture, Hardy's emergence is a symbol of how quickly the Milwaukee farm system has improved over the past couple of years, both in terms of drafting and development. They've made great strides in finding young talent in the draft, particularly at the high school level, and they've also improved their developmental approach. The fact that Hardy's main goal this year was to improve his strike zone judgment should make Brewers fans optimistic that the people running the front office know what they're doing."

Kevin Goldstein, Baseball America, in a wrap on the Cubs system, notes the success of a young outfielder and the emergence of a pair of righthanded starters :

" ... Felix Pie, of Age: 18 A successfull campaign for Pie, who spent the entire season in a full-season league and doesn't turn 19 until next February. The youngest player on the Futures Game roster, Pie showed remarkable athleticism, but still needs to hone some of the finer aspects of the game, including plate discipline and base stealing (just 19 for 32)."

" ... Emerging Prospects: Chadd Blasko ... supplemental first-round pick in last year's draft, the 6-6 RHP tossed six shutout innings in his professional debut and led the organization with a 1.95 ERA, including a 4-0. 0.82 record in his final six starts. Bobby Brownlie ... Cubs first-round pick in 2002 finally came to terms on March, and reported to Daytona in late April where he allowed just two hits over five innings in his pro debut. Allowed just 48 hits in 66 innings, but was shut down in July as a precautionary measure after complaining of shoulder pain."

27 September, 2003

John Sickels, ESPN.com, on Jeremy Hermida FLO and Russ Adams TOR :

" ... Hermida was the 11th overall pick in 2002 ...  left-handed-hitting outfielder, he disappointed people by hitting just .224 in 38 games in rookie ball. But he turned things up a notch in 2003, hitting .284 in 133 games at Greensboro in the Sally League. He didn't show much power, hitting just six homers and slugging .393, but he also drew 80 walks and stole 28 bases ... I like Hermida's excellent walk rate, and the great stealing percentage could be telling us something very positive about his baseball instincts. Listed at 6-4, 200 pounds, he has power potential but hasn't tapped it yet. My thinking is that he'll show some slight improvement in 2004, then really burst out with a big season in '05."

" ... Adams was drafted in the first round (14th overall) by the Blue Jays in 2002 ... began 2003 at Class A Dunedin, hitting .279 with a .380 OBP. Promoted to Double-A New Haven at midseason, he hit .277 with a .349 OBP and a .387 SLG in 65 games, with 10 doubles, 30 walks, and eight steals in 271 at-bats. I like Adams, and I can see the Knoblauch comparison, although they don't look much alike physically. Like Chuck early in his career, Russ is a speed-and-walks type leadoff hitter, someone who doesn't have tons of power (at least not yet), but who gets on base and is dangerous once there ... Although Adams is still a shortstop for now, there's been talk of moving him to second base eventually. He made 35 errors this year, and some scouts don't think he has enough arm to play shortstop at the major league level. Adams' best statistical marker is a good walk rate combined with low strikeouts. In 789 pro at-bats so far, he has fanned just 92 times, while drawing 110 walks. He does a lot of things right, and my guess is that he's going to be a solid all-around player."

TB's wonderkind BJ Upton picked by Baseball America as the class of the prospects in the South Atlantic League :  

" ... "He's a can't-miss, barring injury," Beasley (Hickory manager Tony Beasley) said. "My first instinct was I thought he was overmatched, then you see him a second, third and fourth series and he gets better and better. He would drive the ball into right center in one at-bat and then turn on 96 miles an hour in the next. "He has so many tools, you can't even name them." Upton shows five plus present tools, including above-average raw power and an advanced idea at the plate. His arm and speed grade out close to 80 on the 20-80 scouting scale, but he tends to get careless in the field. He topped the minors with a combined 56 errors, most of which were the result of showing off his arm strength, and he needs to improve his reads and positioning."

Scott Kazmir NYN and Cole Hamels PHI were 2-3. 

The awards keep coming for MIN catcher Joe Mauer.  He's the centrepiece of SportsTicker's All Teen team :

" ... Mauer, who began the season at age 19 and turned 20 on April 19, is arguably the top prospect in all of baseball. The first overall pick in the 2001 draft, Mauer led all National Association catchers with a .338 average in time split between the advanced Class A Florida State League and the Class AA Eastern League. He also gunned down 52 percent of attempting basestealers and made just three errors between the two stops."

Like Mauer, Andy Marte ATL was a repeat choice having won a spot on last year's squad :

" ... Marte, who played the entire season at age 19 in the advanced Class A Carolina League, bounced back from a slow start to lead the circuit with 52 extra-base hits. His .469 slugging percentage and 35 doubles were both good for second. Defensively, Marte's quickness and strong arm enable him to turn line drives down the third base line from potential doubles into outs."

Prince Fielder was the pick at first :

" ... Fielder (Brewers) earned the nod at first base on the strength of a near triple crown performance in the Class A Midwest League. A spitting image of his father and former major league slugger, Cecil, the 19-year-old Fielder earned league MVP honors by leading the league with 112 RBI. The seventh overall pick in the 2002 draft finished second with 27 home runs and third with a .313 average."

2B - Alberto Callaspo ANA, SS - BJ Upton TB, OF - Jeremy Hermida FLO, Jeff Francoeur ATL and Felix Pie CHN.  

Wouldn't you like to have these kids on your keeper list -- the SportsTicker All-Teen pitching staff -- Edwin Jackson and Greg Miller LA, Cole Hamels PHI, Scott Kazmir NYN, and Zack Greinke KC.

Matt Santillo, SportsTicker, has his picks as the best of the prospects from the Pacific Coast League.  Among the highlighted stars, Bobby Crosby OAK & Edgar Gonzalez ARZ :

" ... A first-round pick in the 2001 draft, Crosby has steadily improved in each of his three professional seasons. This year, he began to hit the ball with more power, finishing among the top five in the Pacific Coast League in extra-base hits and slugging percentage while batting .308. The 23-year-old also led all minor league shortstops with an OPS of .939. "(Power) was an issue," said Lieppman (A's director of player development Keith Lieppman). "It was all about extension. It's just a thing where guys have to make adjustments from the aluminum bat. We look at him as somebody who's definitely going to hit for power at the major league level." Crosby, the son of former major leaguer Ed Crosby, has also been very consistent in the field, displaying outstanding baseball instincts and a strong arm. Though some feel his 6-3 frame may limit his range at shortstop, Crosby has sound footwork should end up being a solid defender at the major league level."

" ... In just his second season, righthander Edgar Gonzalez (Diamondbacks) rocketed up the system to post eight wins for the Tucson Sidewinders and earn a promotion to the majors. A native of Mexico, the 20-year-old strung together a six-game winning streak during the season. In the midst of that streak, he made his major league debut on June 1 against the Padres. Gonzalez allowed three runs and 10 hits in 5 2/3 innings but did not get a decision. With improved control and some more game experience, he could help ease Arizona's pain when both Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling retire."

29 September, 2003

Baseball America charging ahead with its Top 20 prospects league by league. Fascinating result from the California League where ANA kids finished 1-2-3-4 :

" ... 1. Casey Kotchman ... Freak injuries continue to interrupt Kotchman's development. He missed the first half with a torn hamstring, then was knocked out of the playoffs when he was hit on the hand by a pitch. The ailments haven't prevented him from raking when he's in the lineup, however. In 558 career at-bats, he boasts a .326 average with 47 doubles and 16 home runs. He also has walked more than he has struck out at every stop since Anaheim drafted him 13th overall in 200."

" ... 2. Ervin Santana ... electric 93-97 mph heat and darting slider left hitters walking back to the dugout, and he also earned high marks for his poise and rhythm. He was named the league's pitcher of the year and won the ERA title ...  delivery and arm action are clean and effortless. "It's easy gas," an American League scout said."

" ... 3. Jeff Mathis ... athleticism and size generate comparisons to a young Jason Kendall. The AL scout said that Mathis has more arm and more pop than Kendall at the same stage, though his receiving skills lag behind. Primarily a shortstop in high school, Mathis has plus arm strength and has the aptitude to improve ...  Mathis' intangibles might outweigh all of his physical gifts. "He is legitimately upset if there is a rainout," the AL scout said. "He can't get too many swings. He just can't get enough baseball."

" ... 4. Dallas McPherson ... Scouts aren't convinced McPherson's mobility will allow him to stay at third base. That shouldn't matter, as he has the arm strength and power to play right field."

 In the Carolina League, KC's Zack Greinke topped the field :

" ... Everywhere Greinke went in the league, he drew rave reviews for his Greg Maddux-like command and his bulldog mentality on the mound. Greinke befuddled hitters by altering speeds on his fastball and curveball. He also throws a slider and changeup, and can throw any of the four pitches for strikes in any count. "He's overpowering physically and mentally," Kinston manager Torey Lovullo said. "He did a great job of attacking hitters and changing speeds. He'd throw his fastball one time and hit 95, then drop it back to 80. He's as close to what you'd call a sure thing as I've seen. He has a great feel for how to get a hitter out."

Sheldon Ocker, Akron Beacon-Journal, on Brandon Phillips CLE :

" ... In hindsight, second baseman Brandon Phillips should have spent all of 2003 developing his skills at Buffalo, but it's a little late for regrets. Either Phillips comes to Winter Haven and plays spectacularly -- which he didn't do last spring -- or he starts the season at Triple A. Shapiro is determined to find a second baseman over the winter -- either by trade or purchase -- who can hit. But there are limitations to his aspirations. The guy can't make a ton of money or cost much in talent, because what if Phillips emerges quickly next year? What does Shapiro do with the second baseman he acquired in the off-season?"

                                                                                                                        Rookies 2003 Page Eight