Top 20 Catching Prospects in ‘09

Posted by Jeremy on January 29, 2009 under 2009 Top 20 Prospects | Read the First Comment

Here’s the first of a nine part series that will detail the top 20 prospects from each of the various positions on the diamond. Each profile offers only a brief overview.  For more detailed analysis, check out my other site Hot-Prospects.  The prototypical catcher has changed over the past decade or so. Gone are the days of the unathletic and offensively inept backstop. Today’s catching prospects have middle of the lineup bats, rocket arms and good athletic skills. This batch offers no exception and its headliner may just be the best overall prospect in baseball this season.

#1) Matt Wieters—Baltimore Orioles

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Um….everything.  You name it, his bat, plate discipline, glove, arm, power, leadership, and work ethic are all at elite levels and ready for major league action. 

Weaknesses: He won’t steal many bags, but then again, which catchers do?  Also, and this is nitpicking, his size evokes comparisons to Joe Mauer which leads me to have fleeting concerns about future injury struggles.  Wieters has never had to miss action in the past, however, and shows no signs of slowing down yet.

2009 Outlook: The O’s signed Greg Zaun in the offseason as insurance for Wieters.  There’s no doubt that he is ready to start in the big leagues, but Baltimore may opt to keep him at AAA Norfolk just long enough hold back the hands of the arbitration clock.  A strong spring could and should make that a moot point.  Once he emerges, he is a top candidate for A.L. Rookie of the Year honors and for many future All-Star seasons.

2.) Buster Posey—San Francisco Giants

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Posey’s bat is electric, slashing deep drives to the gaps and down the lines.  He batted .469 with 23 HR and 93 RBI with the Florida State Seminoles this past season.  He has stellar plate discpline and hand eye coordination.  A converted SS, Posey may be the most athletic catching prospect in baseball with plus defensive skills and agility.

Weaknesses: It is unclear how much power Buster will hit for as a pro.  He had one big power season with an aluminium bat but has been more of a line drive guy since.  He has high upside behind the plate, but is still learning the subtle nuances of the position.

2009 Outlook: The Giants are excited to pair him up with top pitching prospects Madison Bumgarner and Tim Alderson at High-A San Jose.  Those three will serve as integral pieces in shaping the future success of the Giants organization and the outlook for that happening is quite good.

3.) Jesus Montero—New York Yankees

2008 Stats:

Strengths: His bat is golden.  In his first full season, Montero demonstrated that he can hit for a high average and that his power, while good now, has a chance to be great.  Unlike many young hitters, Montero doesn’t strike out too much and he seems to be quite willing to grind out walks 

Weaknesses: His glove is not golden.  Montero’s size affects his agility behind the dish and his quickness in throwing out baserunners (26 of 105).  His 6-4 225 lb. body is not done growing either which should mean that a switch to 1B or DH will soon follow.

2009 Outlook: It’s on to High-A Tampa for Montero to see if he can continue his torrid hitting.  Expect some of those 34 doubles from last season to become HR’s this season and, with the success of Austin Romine (more on him later) behind the dish, expect to see Jesus with a 1B or DH behind his name more often.

4.) Carlos Santana—Cleveland Indians

2008 Stats:

Strengths: His thunderous bat broke through big time in ‘08.  He produces surprising power with a compact swing and fast hands.  His plate discipline is top notch and he has a knack for driving in runs in clutch situations. 

Weaknesses: While he has good receiving skills, his arm is inaccurate (34 of 127 CS) and his release time is below average.  These things shouldn’t deter him from sticking as a catcher, though.  Santana had a great season, but the ability for him to repeat it is yet to be known.

2009 Outlook: Santana will move on to AA Akron where he had a cameo last season.  Heisted from the Dodgers in the Casey Blake trade, Santana is fully capable of becoming an exceptional option to fill the void behind the plate in Cleveland that Victor Martinez leaves behind. 

5.) Tyler Flowers—Chicago White Sox

2008 Stats:

Strengths: If the Arizona Fall League performance from Mr. Flowers (.387 12 HR 23 RBI 25 runs in 20 games) is any indication, Tyler may have more power than any other catching prospect in baseball.  With his 6-4 245 lb. frame Flowers can hit just about any pitch out of the ballpark.  Flowers is a highly selective hitter as well walking 98 times in ‘08.

Weaknesses: Like Jesus Montero, Flowers will be hard pressed to stay behind the plate.  His enormous size and below average athleticism makes him a more ideal candidate for one of the infield corner positons.

2009 Outlook: Now as a memeber of the White Sox, Flowers should move on to AA Birmingham or AAA Charlotte for the start to the 2009 season.  Expect Flowers to dramatically exceed his Myrtle Beach HR totals (17) this season.

#6.) J.P. Arencibia—Toronto Blue Jays

2008 Stats:

Strengths: A powerful bat that can hit 20-25 HR per season at the MLB level and improving defensive tools to go with his top notch leadership skills.

Weaknesses: His plate discipline is awful (18 BB/101 K) and he is a prototypical base-clogging catcher.

2009 Outlook: Arencibia’s power is intriguing, but he is not ready to make his MLB debut.  He should play the entire season at AAA Syracuse before earning a few Rogers Centre AB’s in September.

7.) Lou Marson—Philadelphia Phillies

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Marson has a line drive bat that produces occasional power to the gaps and should hit for a high batting average in Philly.  His plate discipline is also very good and his receiving skills makes him one of the better defensive backstops in the minor leagues.

Weaknesses: In a position that is becoming increasingly populated with power hitters, Marson has yet to demonstrate much.  If it does come around, he may find himself bumped up a notch or two on this list.

2009 Outlook: Marson got a look last season and performed quite well, but the post season heroics of Carlos Ruiz should mean that the 22 year old Marson will head to AAA Lehigh Valley to start the season.  He’ll be back up at some point—hopefully with a little added thunder in his bat.

8.) Taylor Teagarden—Texas Rangers

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Teagarden has elite defensive skills.  Baserunners simply do not run on him like they do other minor league catchers.  He has the potential to be a 20 HR hitter in the major leagues and his brief stint in Texas was nothing short of impressive.

Weaknesses: Injuries have cost Teagarden costly development time early in his career.  His subpar performances in two hitter-friendly environments (Frisco and Oklahoma City) raises the question “Who is thre REAL Taylor Teagarden?”

2009 Outlook: The Rangers are flush with young catchers.  There have been some trade rumors swirling around one of them (more likely Saltalamacchia or Ramirez) heading to Boston.  Teagarden’s defensive advantages supercedes both Salty and Max Ram’s offensive upsides.  Expect Teagarden to get the majority of AB’s in Texas this season.

#9) Jonathan Lucroy—Milwaukee Brewers

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Lucroy has surprising power from his average sized frame and he blends it with above average plate discipline.  His defensive skills are underrated as he gunned down 49 % of would be base stealers and earned a .989 fielding %.

Weaknesses: Lucroy’s athleticism has probably peaked already and there is a chance that his numbers may slip a little as he progresses against more advanced competition. 

2009 Outlook: He’ll start at AA Huntsville and may get a look at AAA Nashville at some point this season.  Angel Salome’s sterling ‘08 season has placed him in Milwaukee’s immediate plans, but Lucroy’s blend of skills is considerably better and it is only a matter of time until he surpasses Salome.

10.) Angel Salome—Milwaukee Brewers

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Salome makes good contact at the plate and peppers line drives all over the field.  He is compact and powerfully built and his athleticism and arm strength are both above average.

Weaknesses: Salome’s receiving skills and arm accuracy are rudimentary at this point.  Also, while he has good power to the gaps, he will likely be a 10-15 HR hitter in the major leagues.  Salome’s mechanics at the plate have been characterized as “unconventional” and “ugly but effective”.  This could lead to problems against pitchers paid to exploit those flaws.

2009 Outlook: Salome is a better option than any of the three other receivers on Milwaukee’s roster.  He will be given a shot at earning a spot in the Brewers’ opening day lineup.  If he doesn’t succeed, he will head back to AAA Nashville and wait for his opportunity.

11.) Hank Conger—L.A. Angels

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Conger can flat out hit.  He has power from both sides of the plate and has a knack for driving in runs in bunches.  He has a good approach at the plate and is aggressive with pitches in the strike zone.    His arm strength is also quite strong.

Weaknesses: Conger is a walking M.A.S.H. unit.  He has missed time in each of his first three seasons suffering from various maladies.  Behind the plate, Conger’s skills are below average and a move to 1B or DH seems to be in the making.

2009 Outlook: Hopefully it is a healthy one.  He’ll start at AA Arkansas with a promotion to Salt Lake City being a possibility.  The Angels would love to get his bat into their lineup in some capacity or another by mid-2010.

12.) Kyle Skipworth—Florida Marlins

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Power, power, power.  Skipworth has it from foul pole to foul pole and the fact that it comes from the left hand side of the plate makes him even more valuable.  He has a cannon for an arm and he is not afraid to use it to nab unaware baserunners.

Weaknesses: His other skills behind the plate are quite sloppy.  He has hard hands and his large size makes affects his coordination and quickness at blocking balls in the dirt and rising from a crouch.  His debut with the GCL league also showed that he needs some work on his plate discipline as well.

2009 Outlook: The Marlins should give Skipworth a shot a full season Low-A ball this year at Greensboro.  If he struggles early on, he may go back down to short season Jamestown.  The future is very bright for this youngster, he just needs time.

13.) Brett Lawrie—Milwaukee Brewers

2008 Stats: Not Available

Strengths: Lawrie had one of the most intriguing prep bats in the 2008 draft.  He has plus-plus power potential and exceptional bat speed.  Additionally, his athleticism could eventually make him a solid defensive player behind the plate.

Weaknesses: Rawness and inexperience.  There are quite a few unknowns about how Lawrie will develop defensively and he may need to shift to another position if catching doesn’t take.

2009 Outlook: With both Salome and Lucroy already experiencing success in the system.  The Brewers will opt to take their time with Lawrie.  He should get some work at extended spring training before joining the Brewers’ short season affiliate Helena.

14.) Max Ramirez—Texas Rangers

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Max Ram has an explosive bat that hits for a high average and good power to all fields.  He is an aggressive hitter who makes good contact and drives in runs by the bunches.

Weaknesses: He is a terrible defensive catcher.  The Rangers have tried to find a different position for him to play (1B, LF, DH) and the odds are pretty good that his future resides with one of them.

2009 Outlook: Ramirez’s Venezuelan Winter League stint (.298 15 HR 53 RBI) has the Rangers abuzz about his potential in their lineup, but there are log jams at every stop.  I think his future in Texas will not be long lived.  The Rangers need pitching and he is one of the best young bats that they have available for trade.

#15.) Derek Norris—Washington Nationals

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Norris drew 63 walks in 70 games at short season baseball.  He has an athletic and powerful catcher’s build that profiles to hit for power and average as well.  He has good speed for a catcher and will steal the occasional base.  Defensively, Norris has solid all around skills and a strong arm that gunned out 47 % of potential base stealers last season.

Weaknesses: Norris needs to prove he can continue this success at full season ball.  He could cut his K rate back a little bit as well.

2009 Projection: Full season Low-A Harrisburg seems to be the likely destination for Norris.  There is quite a bit of upside in this young receiver’s game and he could find himself much higher on this list next season.

16.) Wilin Rosario—Colorado Rockies

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Rosario’s bat has the potential to be a middle of the lineup run producer that hits 20-25 HR per season with a high batting average.  He is an aggressive hitter who have excellent bat speed and wiry strength.  His arm is a force to be reckoned with as he vanquished 46% of potential base stealers in ‘08.

Weaknesses: His high energy approach tends to make him overly aggressive at the plate at times.  He will be challenged to continue his stellar numbers at the next level.  It will be important for him to work counts more effectively to avoid a drop off.

2009 Outlook: Low-A Asheville awaits Rosario.  This should be an environment where his bat will continue to flourish.  Like Derek Norris, another fine season from Wilin Rosario will bump him considerably higher on next season’s list.

17.) Adam Moore—Seattle Mariners

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Moore is big and strong (6-3 220 lb.) and his bat shows it.  He is not just a masher, though.  Moore hits the ball well to all fields and has a sound approach at the plate in all situations.  He is a solid game caller and should be a vocal leader in the clubhouse.

Weaknesses:He has made good strides in his defensive game, due in large part to extensive work with M’s catching instructor Roger Hanson.  However, his large frame has a negative effect on his mobility, as testified by his 44 passed balls over the past two seasons.

2009 Outlook: The M’s have Kenji Johjima and Matt Clement blocking Moore’s opportunities in Seattle, but he won’t be far away.  He’ll play the majority of the season at AAA Tacoma and will continue to work on his agility behind the dish.  Expect a call up in September.

18.) Austin Romine—New York Yankees

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Romine’s first season offensive numbers were icing on the cake to many analysts who are more enamored with his athleticism and elite arm strength.  Romine showed that he could be an offensive force as well who hits for a good average and solid power numbers.

Weaknesses:Romine didn’t put his defensive abilities to good use in ‘08, throwing out just 20 of 98 base runners and allowing 18 passed balls. 

2009 Outlook: Romine continues alongside fellow catching prospect Jesus Montero to High-A Tampa for more development.  It will be interesting to see how the Yankees organization addresses this developing situation.  The best bet is that Montero will be the one who shifts to 1B.

19.) Bryan Anderson—St. Louis Cardinals

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Anderson has a line drive bat and highly developed plate discipline.  He is an intelligent player who has a great feel for calling pitches and commanding a pitching staff.  He should hit for a high average at the major league and play solid defense.

Weaknesses: The power has not developed yet, as Anderson’s career high for HR’s in a season is 6.  He is an average athlete who has a low ceiling for development.

2009 Outlook: Anderson’s path to St. Louis is obscured by Yadier Molina who is entering the prime of his career and is under contract through at least 2011.  Likely, Bryan will be playing everyday at AAA Springfield again in hopes that he can develop a little more pop in his bat to draw attention of the Cardinals’ brass.

20.) Wilson Ramos—Minnesota Twins

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Ramos is very strong with good bat speed that produces power to all fields.  He is a good athlete as well with above average quickness for a catcher and a strong, accurate arm (43% CS rate in ‘08).

Weaknesses: His aggressiveness can get him in trouble at times at the plate.  He strikes out too much and walks too little (37 BB/103 K).

2009 Outlook:  AA New Britain will provide a good challenge for Ramos this season and give us all abetter look at his potential going forward.  If he can hone his plate discipline, he should move up this list.  If not, he could find himself off of it.

Others to consider:

Luis Exposito, Jason Castro, Josh Donaldson, Mike McKenry, Francisco Pena, Jacob Jefferies, Petey Paramore, Adrian Nieto,

Stay tuned for the next installment as we travel 90 ft. up the 1st base line to examine the formidable Top 20 1st Basemen.  If you enjoyed this series, feel free to check out some of the eBay links to some great auctions going on right now.  Use the comments list below to propose your top 20 catchers or comment on mine!

Your Daily Value #41

Posted by Jeremy on January 28, 2009 under Your Daily Value | Be the First to Comment

2008 Donruss Threads GERARDO PARRA Auto #/999

Current eBay Price—$4.00-6.00

While flame throwing youngster Jarrod Parker sits atop the Arizona Diamondbacks’ hierarchy of elite prospects, this young Venezuelan OF quietly fills the #2 spot in just about every analyst’s list.  Parra handled the challenges of both High-A and AA ball last season admirably, hitting .286 with 6 HR 52 RBI and 28 SB.  Parra has the ability to play any OF position with superb range and a very strong arm and his solid plate discipline would be a welcome change of pace from the currently whiff-prone D’Backs lineup.

The question mark with Parra is his power numbers.  His bat speed is exceptional, but his swing trajectory is more condusive to producing line drives with moderate gap power.  However, Parra’s statistics from the Venezuelan Winter League offers substantial hope.  Gerrardo hit .329 with 7 HR 44 RBI and a league leading 20 doubles in 246 AB’s.  Given those numbers, it is conceivable that he could develop into a 10-15 HR hitter this next season.

Arizona’s roster is presently set with Justin Upton and Chris Young manning RF and CF respectively.  Eric Byrnes will get another shot at the starting job in LF after injuries ravaged his productivity last season and the fact that his contract pays him a guaranteed $21 million through 2010, it seems highly unlikely that he will be going anywhere.  This should put Parra at AAA Tuscon to start the season, but a solid spring and/or another Byrnes injury should allow for him to make his MLB debut at some point in ‘09.

2008 offers several 1st year autos of Gerardo Parra.  The Donruss Threads (#/999) and Bowman’s Signs of the Future are the least expensive at just $3-5 each.  There is a little more demand for his Donruss Elite Extra Auto ($6-8 each) due to the fact that it is numbered to just 421 copies.  I don’t think that Parra has the same potential to be a superstar like his future OF counterparts Upton and Young, but his comprehensive skill set should fit very well in the leadoff or #2 spot of this Arizona lineup.

Your Daily Value #40

Posted by Jeremy on January 27, 2009 under Your Daily Value | Be the First to Comment

2003 Bowman Chrome Draft RICKIE WEEKS Auto

Current eBay Price—$10.00-13.00

.234 BA 14 HR 46 RBI 66 BB/115 K

On the surface those numbers are quite disappointing given Weeks’ exciting tools.  In fact, many collectors would likely consider his career to this point to be a lackluster departure from the lofty expectations heaped upon him after being selected with the 2nd overall pick in the 2003 draft. 

However, the sum of his skills defies the fruits of his performance.  Weeks has surprising strength and good speed that plays well on the basepaths as well as on defense.  He is quite effective at drawing walks and putting himself into position to score once he reaches base.  The problem is that he doesn’t reach base enough.  Weeks still swings and misses at too many pitches and is prone to long slumps at the plate.  He often gets pull happy and falls victim to offspeed pitches out of the strike zone.

Better days could lie ahead for Rickie though.  He is approaching that infamous age of 27 where players tend to enter the prime years of their careers.  The talent is there for Weeks to be a perennial 20 HR/30 SB hitter who scores 100+ runs per season.  He plays in a great hitter’s ballpark and the fact that the Brewers were able to keep their deadly lineup intact for the ‘09 season bodes well for him as well. 

The 2003 Bowman Chrome Draft set has historically garnered high demand from collectors as players like Ryan Howard, Jonathan Papelbon, Nick Markakis, Delmon Young and others have graced the upper echelon of the hobby’s hotlists over the past few years.  Weeks may not ever experience the ceiling of his once stratospheric potential, but at just $10 or so per chrome auto, I am willing to bet that his cards are at a market low.

Your Daily Value #39

Posted by Jeremy on January 26, 2009 under Your Daily Value | Be the First to Comment

2006 Bowman Chrome Prospects DEXTER FOWLER

Current eBay Value—$1.25-2.00

The time has come for the consensus #1 rated prospect in the Colorado Rockies organization to roam the spacious CF confines of Coors Field.  Fowler’s 2008 season was spent, in large part, at AA Tulsa where he put up his finest numbers to date hitting .335 with 9 HR 64 RBI 20 SB and 92 runs despite missing a month playing for Team USA in the Beijing Olympics. 

Fowler’s skill set places him in the elite class of prospects as there is no aspect of his game that deters his potential to be an MLB superstar.  He hits the ball well and has superb plate discipline, his plus-plus speed is well used on the basepaths as well as in CF where his range, instincts, and arm could make him a perennial Gold Glover.  The biggest question mark in his game right now is in determining his future power output.  He has never hit for double-digit HR’s in any season, but his 6-5 190 lb. frame has sinewy, fast twitch muscle strength that could easily facilitate future power growth without negatively affecting his speed or athleticism.  Fowler will be just 23 years old on opening day and is still a bit raw in some aspects of his game (he was a highly recruited basketball player in HS). 

Fowler’s debut cards were autographs #/603 in the 2004 Donruss Elite Extra set.  Today, those cards are still affordable at $28-32 each—roughly the same price as Brewers new ace Yovani Gallardo’s autos from the same set.  The 2006 Bowman Chrome Prospects cards are much lower priced offerings and, though they are not 1st year cards, they are officially tabbed as his rookie cards.  Other fine 2006 cards of his can be found in Bowman Sterling ($2.50-4.00 each) and Bowman Originals ($0.75-1.25 each). 

The Rockies may opt to send Fowler to AAA for some more spring seasoning, but his ultimate ‘09 destination is surely Colorado.  Once he gets there, he should stay for a long and prosperous time.

Your Daily Value #38

Posted by Jeremy on under Your Daily Value | Be the First to Comment

1997 Bowman Chrome JASON WERTH RC

Current eBay Price—$2.00-3.00

This late bloomer’s stock began to rise during the second half of last season in which he hit .279 with 13 HR 35 RBI and 12 SB, and his stellar performance in the World Series (8-18 HR 3 RBI 4 SB) could mean that Werth’s cards could experience a significant bump in market value in 2009.

Jayson began his career as a catcher in the Orioles organization before injuries and mediocre minor league performances bounced him to the Blue Jays, Dodgers, and finally, the Phillies.  Prior to 2008, Werth was strictly a platoon player whose right handed bat absolutely decimated LHP’s.  Last year was no exception, as Werth batted .303/.368/.652 with 16 HR in just 155 AB’s against southpaws.  Manager Charlie Manuel decided to give Werth more at bats against righthanders and, while his splits are less impressive, (.255/.360/. BA), there has been considerable improvement which may lead him to feel more confident in taking a more power condusive approach against RHP’s.  In addition to his power numbers, Werth has demonstrated that he is a highly aggressive and intelligent baserunner (20 of 21 SB attempts) and an athletically gifted defensive OF as well.

I think that we can expect even more from Werth this season IF he can stay healthy.  This has been a problem in the past and he has yet to prove that he can handle the rigors or a 162 game schedule.  If he does, it seems quite possible that Werth could bump his numbers up into the 30 HR/30 SB range while scoring 100+ runs at the top part of Philly’s high-octane offense. 

Werth’s best 1st year card is the 1997 Bowman Chrome card and, while it is not a rare card, it is one that is difficult to find in bulk quantities.  Autographed cards for Werth are not that plentiful either.  He has a 2005 SPX auto #/350 that seems like a good bargain at $6-8 and his 2007 UD Elements Autos can be had in the $7.50-10.00 range.

Alcides Escobar Cards—Sell ‘em if you’ve got ‘em

Posted by Jeremy on January 25, 2009 under Readers Mailbag | 2 Comments to Read

Stormy seas for 2009?

It is not every day that I receive letters in the ol’ mailbag, and it’s an even rarer day that I receive them from people connected to major league players or prospects.  Tonight, however, I did receive a letter from someone very close to Milwaukee Brewers SS phenom Alcides Escobar.

While I do not feel that it is completely appropriate to share the verbatum contents of the letter, I will impart to you that it was a scathing letter that, to me, casts serious doubts about Mr. Escobar’s emotional preparedness and fortitude to play at the major league level at this time.  The letter detailed some maturity issues and lapses in integrity that has reportedly led to Escobar’s dismissal from his Venezuelan Winter League team.  I looked all over the internet to confirm this, but came up empty.

Whether or not this story has teeth, news like this makes me wary.  Escobar is a young player (turned 22 in December) with top tier talent, but players with dubious character issues and problems with work ethic become prime candidates for failure at higher levels.  My gut tells me that he may struggle a bit at AAA Nashville this season.

Note to all sports fans: The men that wear the jerseys of the teams that we live for are, indeed, just men.  Some may be able to throw a ball faster than a Ford Focus or be able to outrun an El Camino, but in the end, they are as human as you and me.  None are worthy of our worship and all are flawed in more ways than one.

My best wishes and thanks to the person who wrote me that letter.  May the One worthy of worship and praise bless you richly.

Neftali Feliz Sizzling the Gun at 102 MPH

Posted by Jeremy on January 24, 2009 under Market Watch | Be the First to Comment

10-6 2.69 ERA 151 K's in '08

Once again I was parusing through the MLB news and notes and happened upon an article chronicling the progress of top Texas Ranger hurlers Derek Holland and Neftali Feliz.  Reports have it that both pitchers are looking great in spring workouts and that the rumor that Feliz can hit 102 MPH are indeed true.  Feliz should begin the ‘09 season pitching at AAA Oklahoma City which should be a good challenge for him as it is a very hitting condusive environment and will hopefully give us a precursor for what we can expect from him once he makes it to Arlington.  That should happen at some during the regular season, especially now that Eric Hurley will be sidelined for the entire season.

The market for Feliz’s ‘08 autos is quite active right now with his various Donruss-made autos selling in the $25-35 range.  Ugh, I really like Feliz’s upside, but spending that much on a pitcher goes against just about every prospecting bone in my body.  The best bet may be to wait and see what he does in spring training as well as the early part of the season.  Early struggles may lead to a down market period that could be more advantageous to adding a card or two to your inventory.

If you just can’t wait and need to get a piece of this future star right now, believe me…I understand!  Here are some fine auctions available right now for the Rangers flame throwing phenom.

Your Daily Value #37

Posted by Jeremy on under Your Daily Value | Be the First to Comment

2002 Bowman Chrome Draft SHIN-SOO CHOO

Current eBay Price—$1.00-1.50

This guy has been around forever, yet will be just 26 this season and is coming off of a blazing final two months of the ‘08 season which saw him hit .359 with 10 HR 41 RBI and 41 runs scored in just 44 games.  Choo was a career .300 hitter in the minor leagues but never got an opportunity to earn much playing time with the Mariners.  After the trade to Cleveland, Choo platooned for a couple of seasons until the Tribe made him a full time starter in mid-July.  Choo has the potential to hit at least 20 HR per season as a starter and there is also some potential for him to chalk up double digit SB totals.  His strong arm and decent range makes him a  good candidate for RF which bodes well for his future with the club as prospects Matt LaPorta and Michael Brantley profile to be better fits in LF.

The 2002 Bowman Chrome Draft set was a landmark set for top prospects like Cole Hamels, Jeff Francouer, Zack Grienke and others.  While the set has cooled significantly over recent years.  Choo’s first year card could be a nice little gem that can be grabbed at a bargain basement price.  Keep an eye out for his various autographed cards as well.  Once he starts compiling good stats, the demand for all of his stuff should appreciate both here and overseas.

Your Daily Value #36

Posted by Jeremy on under Your Daily Value | Be the First to Comment

2005 Bowman Chrome Draft STEPHEN DREW Auto

Current eBay Price—$27.50-30.00

Remember when this card was selling for $75-100 each?  A sophomore slump in ‘07 and the emergence of several other autographs from this remarkable set (Ryan Braun, Jacoby Ellsbury, Colby Rasmus, etc..) muted the enthusiasm collectors felt for J.D. Drew’s younger brother’s cards despite his big turnaround in 2008.  Last season, Drew batted .291 with 21 HR 67 RBI 41 doubles and 91 runs scored.  At 26 years old, he will be entering the prime of his career and is, quite easily, one of the top 5 shortstops in all of baseball.  I think that it is reasonable to believe that Drew can become a 25-30 HR hitter who drives in 85-100 runs and scores 100 runs per season for the next several years.  The one area that I would like to see him address is his BB/K ratio.  He walks far too little for someone of his power potential—this seems to be a common thread throughout the Diamondbacks whiff-prone roster. 

There is a good deal of potential for Drew to establish himself as an All-Star this season, though Hanley Ramirez and Jose Reyes serve as formidable roadblocks.  From a value standpoint, players that drop in value after stellar debuts often have a difficult time regaining the market demand that their cards.  I think that Drew will buck the trend, he plays a prime time position in a hitter’s ballpark and there is plenty of reason to believe that the best years for this young player are ahead of him.

The Bowman Chrome Draft autos have always held up extremely well in the eBay market but there are also several other first year Drew cards from ‘05 that should be cheap acquisitions.  Most notably are his Bowman Sterling and Topps Chrome Update cards that can be found with regularity in the $2-4 range.  Also, there are plenty of serial #’ed RC’s and autos various Upper Deck products.  Get a few while they are cheap!

Your Daily Value #35

Posted by Jeremy on January 22, 2009 under Your Daily Value | Be the First to Comment

2008 Razor Exclusive Signature BRETT WALLACE Auto

Current eBay Price—$13.00-16.00

Just today, it was reported that current Cardinals 3B Troy Glaus will undergo shoulder surgery that will effectively sideline him for at least 12 weeks.  This opens up a battle for the hot corner in which this hot prospect is surely going to be engaged during spring training.  The other options for 3B, Joe Mather and David Freese are not nearly as talented as Wallace but St. Louis may decide to not get the arbitration clock running on the former Sun Devil quite yet. 

Offensively, Wallace is ready to step into the middle of this lineup and be a front runner for the NL Rookie of the Year award.  He has hammered minor league pitching mercilessly at every stop that he has been challenged with, hitting .337 with 8 HR and 38 RBI at two stops before batting .309 with 6 HR and 24 RBI in limited time in the Arizona Fall League. 

Razor’s inaugural baseball card set has not quite garnered the same market value that the more established Bowman Chrome sets have, but I think that once some of these exclusive prospects start to distinguish themselves in professional ball, these cards will curry much more market demand.  Wallace could very well be the first one of these guys to get his shot in an MLB lineup.  Once he does, he will not disappoint.