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:

Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
FRD	CAR	.345	69	229	48	79	8	0	15	40	132	44	47	1	2	.448	.576	1.024
BOW	EAS	.365	61	208	41	76	14	2	12	51	130	38	29	1	0	.460	.625	1.085
Minors		.355	130	437	89	155	22	2	27	91	262	82	76	2	2	.454	.600	1.053

 

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:

Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
GIA	AZL	.385	7	26	8	10	3	1	1	4	18	5	4	0	0	.484	.692	1.176
SKV	NOR	.273	3	11	2	3	2	0	0	2	5	3	0	0	0	.429	.455	.883
Minors		.351	10	37	10	13	5	1	1	6	23	8	4	0	0	.467	.622	1.088

 

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:

Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
CHA	SAL	.326	132	525	86	171	34	1	17	87	258	37	83	2	1	.376	.491	.868
Minors		.326	132	525	86	171	34	1	17	87	258	37	83	2	1	.376	.491	.868

 

 

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:

Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
INL	CAL	.323	99	350	88	113	34	4	14	96	197	69	59	7	4	.431	.563	.993
KIN	CAR	.352	29	105	34	37	5	1	6	19	62	20	24	3	0	.452	.590	1.043
AKR	EAS	.125	2	8	3	1	0	0	1	2	4	0	2	0	0	.125	.500	.625
Minors		.326	130	463	125	151	39	5	21	117	263	89	85	10	4	.431	.568	.999

 

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:

Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
MYR	CAR	.288	122	413	72	119	32	1	17	88	204	98	102	8	7	.427	.494	.921
Minors		.288	122	413	72	119	32	1	17	88	204	98	102	8	7	.427	.494	.921

 

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:

Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
DUN	FSL	.315	59	248	38	78	22	0	13	62	139	11	46	0	0	.344	.560	.904
NHM	EAS	.282	67	262	32	74	14	0	14	43	130	7	55	0	0	.302	.496	.798
Minors		.298	126	510	70	152	36	0	27	105	269	18	101	0	0	.322	.527	.850

 

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:

Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
REA	EAS	.314	94	322	55	101	18	0	5	46	134	68	70	3	3	.433	.416	.849
Minors		.314	94	322	55	101	18	0	5	46	134	68	70	3	3	.433	.416	.849
MLB		.500	1	4	2	2	0	0	1	2	5	0	2	0	0	.500	1.250	1.750

 

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:

Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
FRI	TEX	.169	16	59	6	10	2	0	2	6	18	8	23	1	0	.279	.305	.584
OKL	PCL	.225	57	187	26	42	5	3	7	16	74	28	59	0	1	.332	.396	.728
Minors		.211	73	246	32	52	7	3	9	22	92	36	82	1	1	.319	.374	.693
MLB		.319	16	47	10	15	5	0	6	17	38	5	19	0	0	.396	.809	1.205

 

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:

2008 Season
Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
WVA	SAL	.310	65	239	45	74	16	1	10	33	122	30	39	8	1	.391	.510	.901
BRE	FSL	.292	64	236	31	69	12	1	10	44	113	28	45	1	2	.364	.479	.843
Minors		.301	129	475	76	143	28	2	20	77	235	58	84	9	3	.377	.495	.872

 

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:

Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
HUN	SOU	.360	98	367	67	132	30	2	13	83	205	33	57	3	2	.415	.559	.973
Minors		.360	98	367	67	132	30	2	13	83	205	33	57	3	2	.415	.559	.973
MLB		.000	3	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	.000	.000	.000

 

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:

2008 Season
Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
RCQ	CAL	.303	73	294	47	89	20	2	13	75	152	14	55	2	1	.333	.517	.850
Minors		.303	73	294	47	89	20	2	13	75	152	14	55	2	1	.333	.517	.850

 

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:

Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
MRL	GCL	.208	43	159	22	33	6	0	5	21	54	13	46	2	2	.263	.340	.602
Minors		.208	43	159	22	33	6	0	5	21	54	13	46	2	2	.263	.340	.602

 

 

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:

Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
FRI	TEX	.354	69	243	49	86	16	2	17	50	157	37	56	2	2	.450	.646	1.096
RAN	AZL	.800	2	5	4	4	2	0	0	1	6	2	0	0	0	.857	1.200	2.057
OKL	PCL	.243	10	37	5	9	1	0	2	6	16	3	13	0	0	.293	.432	.725
Minors		.347	81	285	58	99	19	2	19	57	179	42	69	2	2	.439	.628	1.067
MLB		.217	17	46	8	10	1	0	2	9	17	6	15	0	0	.345	.370	.715

 

 

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:

Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
VER	NYP	.278	70	227	42	63	12	0	10	38	105	63	56	11	9	.444	.463	.906
Minors		.278	70	227	42	63	12	0	10	38	105	63	56	11	9	.444	.463	.906

 

 

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:

Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
CAS	PIO	.316	66	263	48	83	15	3	12	49	140	24	57	4	3	.371	.532	.903
Minors		.316	66	263	48	83	15	3	12	49	140	24	57	4	3	.371	.532	.903

 

 

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:

Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
WTN	SOU	.319	119	429	60	137	34	2	14	71	217	40	77	0	1	.396	.506	.902
Minors		.319	119	429	60	137	34	2	14	71	217	40	77	0	1	.396	.506	.902

 

 

 

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:

Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
CHA	SAL	.300	104	407	66	122	24	1	10	49	178	25	56	3	0	.344	.437	.781
Minors		.300	104	407	66	122	24	1	10	49	178	25	56	3	0	.344	.437	.781

 

 

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:

Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
SPR	TEX	.388	19	80	12	31	5	0	2	14	42	4	12	0	0	.412	.525	.937
MEM	PCL	.281	73	235	27	66	13	2	2	27	89	32	46	2	0	.367	.379	.745
Minors		.308	92	315	39	97	18	2	4	41	131	36	58	2	0	.377	.416	.793

 

 

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:

Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
FTM	FSL	.288	126	452	50	130	23	2	13	78	196	37	103	0	1	.346	.434	.780
Minors		.288	126	452	50	130	23	2	13	78	196	37	103	0	1	.346	.434	.780

 

 

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!