|
(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 90s 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. Hes 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 hasnt 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, hell be a legitimate 30-30 player that
will hit around .290-.300. Hell 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, well 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
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