10/27 Arizona Fall League Report

Posted by Jeremy on October 29, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Back to the keyboard to provide some more AFL updates.  Tuesday’s games saw Pittsburgh Pirates prospect Jose Tabata have his best game as at the plate, going 3-6 with his first HR and six RBI.  Tigers SS prospect Cale Iorg logged his first dinger as well, driving in three and scoring three times.  Freddie Freeman went yard and looks to be emerging from an early season slump. 

In Phoenix, the Oakland A’s OF tandem of Corey Brown and Grant Desme are providing ample evidence that the A’s’ present offensive woes may become a thing of the past.  Desme is currently leading the league with eight dingers and, though he didn’t add to that total Tuesday, he did drive in two runs and score three times.  Brown, an Oklahoma State alum, also had three RBI on the strength of his fourth HR of the season.  Both Brown and Desme are highly athletic players who have the ability to hit 30 HR per season at the major league level.

Tuesday’s top star, however, is household name Stephen Strasburg.   The Nationals’ franchise player bounced back big time from his lousy outing last week by tossing 4.1 innings of one-hit, one run ball walking one and striking out five for his second win of the season.  Despite the poor outing last week, Strasburg’s various 2008 and 2009 cards remain white hot commodities on the eBay trading floor.  A couple more outings like this will only amply that market.

AFL Player of the Day—STEPHEN STRASBURG

Other Notable AFL Performances:

  Peoria Saguaros 6

• Freddie Freeman—2-4 HR(1) RBI 2R
• Matt McBride—1-4 HR(2) 3 RBI
• Cedric Hunter—2-3 3 RBI
• Zack Cozart—2-4 2B 2R SB(2)

  Mesa Solar Sox 5

• Chris Parmelee—2-5 2 2B 2 RBI
• Luis Exposito—2-3 2B RBI BB
• Greg Burns—2-4 R
• Rene Tosoni—1-4 2R RBI BB

  Phoenix Desert Dogs 7

• David Espinosa—2-4 2B R
• Grant Desme—1-2 2B 3R 2 RBI 2 BB
• Corey Brown—2-4 HR(4) 3 RBI 2B SB(1)
• Brad Emaus—2-3 2 RBI BB SB(2)
• Steven Strasburg—4.1 IP H ER 2 BB 5K W (2-1)

  Surprise Rafters 6

• Jeff Bianchi—2-5 HR(1) 3 RBI 2R
• Mitch Moreland—2-4 2B RBI BB
• Marcus Lemon—2-4 3B 2R RBI

  Peoria Javelinas 10

• Jordan Danks—2-3 3R RBI 2 BB
• Cale Iorg—3-5 HR(1) RBI 3R SB(3)
• Russ Mitchell—1-4 3 RBI
• Dustin Ackley—1-4 2R BB

  Scottsdale Scorpions 9

• Jose Tabata—3-6 2B HR(1) 6 RBI
• Domonic Brown—2-5
• Cole Gillespie—3-5 2B R
• Brandon Crawford—1-2 3R RBI 2 BB
• Scott Mathieson—1.2 IP H BB 3K

8/4 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on August 5, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Cincinatti Reds 3B prospect Juan Francisco hit his 20th HR yesterday, driving in two and scoring twice.  Francisco has as much power potential as anyone in the Reds’ farm system and has made big strides this season to cut back on his strikeouts.  Last year, Francisco hit 23 HR and drove in 92 runs while earning a 19 BB/123 K ratio in 127 games.  This season, Francisco has kept his power numbers up and has cut back his K rate to 88 in 100 games.  He’s only walked 19 times, but the progress at a higher level is worthy of note.  The market for Francisco’s first year cards was hot at the end of last season as several collectors anticipated him to become one of the top sluggers in the minor leagues this season.  However, a slow start and mitigable increases in his numbers has caused several prospectors to divert their funds elsewhere.  His 2008 autos in Donruss Threads (#/999) and his Donruss Elite Extra autos #/1495 can be had at $4-7 each-roughly 1/3 their values in late 2008.

Pedro Alvarez continues to be a beast at the AA level as he socked his 8th HR at Altoona and 22nd on the season.  He added two doubles and two RBI during a three hit day and raised his post-promotion average to .307.  The Pirates made more big trades at the deadline that will go a long way in overhauling a once maligned farm system.  With each trade, new opportunities sprout up for aspiring youngsters to make their mark in a major league uniform.  Alvarez will get his shot this season.  I mused in my Brian Matusz article about the market effect that would occur in his cards after his debut.  Matusz, like Alvarez, has an exclusive deal with Razor Entertainment Group which effectively limits the exposure of his cards on the eBay market. 

Matusz had a fine and victorious debut surrendering one run on six hits over five innings, walking three and striking out five Detroit Tigers.  In the hours following his performance, the prices of his ‘08 Razor autos have jumped about 30-40%.  It is nice to see that the cards are considered viable investments on the open market, but the rise in price is on par with what other larger brands would experience in similar situations.  In other words, the fact that Razor has exclusive deals with several ‘08 draftees does not, at this time, seem to have a pronounced inflationary effect on the values of their cards. 

Today’s top prospect doesn’t have a major brand card issued as of yet, but that may change soon.  Chicago White Sox RHP prospect Dan Hudson was dominant once agains yesterday, scattering three hits over six scoreless innings, striking out seven.  The dominant performance raised the former Old Dominion hurler to 7-0 since his promotion to Birmingham and gave him his 12th victory of the ‘09 season.  Hudson was ranked the 24th best prospect in the White Sox farm system by Baseball America but he’s pitched as well as anyone, including departed prospects Aaron Poreda and Dexter Carter.  Hudson has been virtually unhittable at each of the three levels he’s thrown at this season as hitters are batting a combined .191 against him.  Just as impressive is his sterling 25 BB/142 K ratio in his 123 innings of work.  Hudson has a workhorse frame (6-4 220 lb.) and features a 92-94 MPH fastball that saws off right handers and fades away from lefties.  His slider and changeup are a bit behind, but each offers good downward movement that keeps him from getting hit hard.  The vacancy left by Poreda and Carter elevates Hudson to the upper ranks of Chicago’s young arms.  Hudson will likely finish the year at AA and should be a prime candidate to pitch in the Arizona Fall League.  Keep your eyes peeled for his first year cards and snag them early as he might not gain as much post-release notoriety as he deserves.  Secondary sites like Sportsbuy.com and Beckett.com should provide excellent values for his non-autographed releases.

AA Player of the Day—DAN HUDSON

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Matt Spencer—2-4 HR(15) RBI 2B
• Darin Holcomb—2-5 HR(10) RBI 2R BB
• Mike McKenry—2-5 2B
• Ryan Harvey—3-5 HR(16) 5 RBI 2B
• Cole Garner—3-4 2B 2R RBI
• Cedric Hunter—3-5 2B RBI
• Ezequiel Carrerra—3-5 3B 2R 3 RBI SB(19)
• Andrew Lambo—1-3 2B 2 RBI
• Scott Cousins—1-2 R HRI(10) RBI 2 BB
• Juan Francisco—3-5 HR(20) 2 RBI 2B 2R BB
• Todd Frazier—2-5 R RBI
• Starlin Castro—2-4 R 2 RBI BB
• Jose Lobaton—2-3 HR(4) 3 RBI 2B
• Jason Heyward—2-3 (.422 BA at AA)
• Gorkys Hernandez—2-4 2R RBI 2 BB
• Pedro Alvarez—3-6 HR(22) 2 RBI 2 2B 2R
• Brian Friday—3-4 2 2B 2 RBI R BB
• Ryan Kalish—1-4 HR(11) RBI BB
• Jorge Jimenez—3-4 HR(12) RBI 2BB BB
• Ruben Tejada—3-4 R RBI
• Miguel Abreu—3-5 2 2B R 3 RBI
• Cale Iorg—1-4 HR(11) RBI
• Michael Bertram—2-3 HR(12) 4 RBI BB
• Brett Pill—2-5 Hr(13) 2 RBI
• Brandon Crawford—2-5 HR(10) RBI
• Carlos Santana—1-3 RBI 2 BB

Pitching:

• Dan Hudson—6 IP 3H 7K W (12-5)
• Chaz Roe—9 IP 6H 2 ER 3 BB 3K W(5-2)
• Aneury Rodriguez—6.2 IP 6H ER BB 6K W (7-10)
• Travis Banwart—7 IP 3H 2K W (7-5)

7/7 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on July 9, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Phillies OF prospect Michael Taylor and Marlins OF prospect Michael Stanton each rapped three hits yesterday.  Taylor smacked two doubles and drove in two while stealing three bases.  The big day raised his average to .345 and pushed his season stolen base total to 17.  At 15 HR and 64 RBI, there isn’t much left for him to prove at the AA level and it seems logical to expect that he will get some AAA AB’s some time soon. 

Michael Stanton’s three hit day included his 18th HR of the season and three RBI.  Since his promotion to AA 29 games ago, the king sized slugger has struggled, hittng just .221 with 13 BB/34 K.  I’m not too dismayed by this, though.  Stanton is only in his second full season as a pro and his plate discipline is still a work in progress.  His month of June was dismal (.214 3 HR 9 RBI 9 BB/27 K in 22 games), but his July numbers (.241 3 HR 7 RBI 4 BB/7 K) shows marked improvement.  I expect that he will continue to acclimate himself well to AA pitching and think that the month of August will be his best yet.

Today’s top prospect is no stranger to this list.  Brian Matusz turned in his best performance of ‘09 tossing eight innings of one-hit ball, walking none and striking out 11.  This dominant outing lifted the lefty to a perfect 4-0 record at Bowie with a 0.34 ERA.  AA hitters are batting just .122 against Matusz and he’s walked just 6 and struck out 32 in 26.1 innings.  Despite his excellent showing, I don’t think he’ll get a crack at pitching in Baltimore this season as the club have Chris Tillman and Jake Arrieta ahead of him.  Tillman has fallen off as of late, though, and there could conceivably be a situatio where Matusz leapfrogs him for a promotion in September.  Arrieta will definitely be there by September at the latest.  Matusz is in his first season as a pro and prudence exercised by the O’s wouldn’t be a bad thing.  One thing is for certain, though, the future of the Orioles’ pitching staff looks to be quite bright.

AA Player of the Day—BRIAN MATUSZ

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Ryan Strieby—2-5 HR(16) 2 RBI 3R BB
• Cale Iorg—2-6 HR(9) 2 RBI 3R
• Alex Avila—3-6 HR(8) 4 RBI 3R 2B
• Pedro Alvarez—1-5 HR(17) 2 RBI
• Michael Taylor—3-4 2 2B R 2 RBI 3 SB(17)
• Nick Weglarz—2-3 HR(13) 2 RBI 2R BB
• Beau Mills—2-4 2B 2R RBI
• Carlos Rivero—3-4 2B
• John Drennen—2-4 2 RBI
• Juan Francisco—2-3 HR(15) RBI BB 2R
• Mike Wilson—1-2 HR(3) RBI 2 BB 2R
• John Shelby Jr.—2-5 2B 3B R RBI
• Tyler Flowers—2-4 R SB(3) BB
• Dayan Viciedo—2-5 2R
• Stefan Gartrell—1-3 HR(16) 3 RBI
• Michael Stanton—3-5 HR(18) 3 RBI 2B
• Logan Morrison—1-2 2B R RBI 3 BB
• Alex Gordon—2-5 2B HR(1) 3 RBI
• Darin Holcomb—1-3 HR(4) RBI
• Lance Zawadzki—2-4 2B 2R
• Mitch Canham—1-3 2B R 2 RBI BB
• Johnny Whittleman—1-4 HR(4) 3 RBI BB 2R
• Chad Tracy—3-5 2 2B R 2 RBI
• Adrian Cardenas—3-4 R
• Josh Donaldson—2-4 2B R RBI
• James Rapoport—3-4 2B 2R 2 RBI BB
• Steven Hill—1-5 HR(12) 2 RBI

Pitching:

• Brian Matusz—8 IP H 11 K W (8-2)
• Luis Perez—6 IP 5H ER BB 5K W (6-6)
• Scott Diamond—7 IP 6H 3 ER BB 10K L (3-8)
• Cesar Carillo—8 IP 3H Er BB 4K W (6-4)
• Michael Kirkman—6 IP 2H BB 5K W (6-5)

6/18 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on June 19, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

When evaluating prospects, I find that there is a blend of statistics and physical attributes that each possesses that tell a great deal about what to expect from them at higher levels.  A hitter that struggles with plate discipline often finds his batting average and on base percentages suffers against more refined pitchers.  Batters that hit for a good number of doubles and triples as youngsters(18 to 21 yrs old) tend to build strength as they mature and hit for more power.  These along with several other characteristics often hold true, but every once and awhile a player pops up that defies my parameters of conventional wisdom, leaving me scratching my head.

Meet Johnny Whittleman.

The Texas Rangers’ young 3B prospect has an athletic build (6-2 195 lb.) and, at age 22, has the frame to build more strength as he matures.  Whittleman was a personal favorite sleeper of mine after his successful 2007 season that saw him hit .262 with 17 HR 72 RBI and 34 doubles at two full season Class A stops.  Formerly a 2nd round pick in the ‘05 draft, Whittleman shows a disciplined approach at the plate uncharacteristic of most prep to pro players.  Last season at High-A Bakersfield, Whittleman drew 82 walks while striking out 113 times in 118 games.  Despite a mediocre HR total of just seven and a batting average well below California League standards (.257), Whittleman smacked 38 doubles, leaving promise of power to come.

Fast forward to 2009 and you would find Mr. Whittleman’s numbers diminishing even further.  His batting average sits at just .224 (boosted about 20 points after his 4-5 performance yesterday), though his on base percentage is more than 100 points higher, due to his fine 31 BB/42 K ratio.  16 two baggers puts him on pace for his third consecutive season of 30+ doubles but he hasn’t been able to log in with his first HR yet.

What do we make of this going forward?  Prior to Michael Young’s five year extension with the Rangers, I would have been more enthusiastic about Whittleman.  The Rangers, for all their organizational depth, are quite thin at 3B.  The talent is still there for Whittleman to carve out a major league career, but there’s a great deal left for him to prove.

Today’s top prospect is Cincinnati Reds SS Zack Cozart.  The former 2nd rounder smacked two homeruns and three RBI in the first game of a double header and then followed it up with a two hit, RBI showing in the nightcap.  Cozart has been blistering hot during the month of June, batting .339 with 6 HR 10 RBI and 4 SB.  A blue collar player through and through, Cozart skipped over High-A ball and has attacked AA pitching with aplomb, hitting .290 with 8 HR 35 RBI and 17 doubles.  Ahead of Cozart is the sweet swinging Chris Valaika who just returned to Louisville’s lineup after missing a month with a broken hand.  Valaika’s bat is more polished at this point than Cozart’s, but Zack is a better defensive shortstop.  Given that he has already skipped a level this season, it would not be surprising to see the Reds keep him in AA for the duration of the regular season.  Watch to see if Cincy places him in the Arizona Fall League this offseason.  If so, there may be a good opportunity for Cozart to get a decent look by the Reds in spring training 2010. 

AA Player of the Day—ZACK COZART

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Rene Tosoni—1-3 2B R 2 RBI BB
• Gorkys Hernandez—2-3 2B R
• Jose Tabata—1-3 RBI SB(4)
• Cale Iorg—2-4 R 2 RBI
• Josh Thole—3-5 2B 3R 2 RBI BB SB(4)
• Ryan Kalish—2-3 R BB
• Nick Evans—2-4 2R HR(3) 2 RBI
• Matt Whitney—4-5 2B R
• Yonder Alonso—3-6 RBI SB(1)
• Zack Cozart—2-4 2 HR(8) 3 RBI BB (Game 1)…..2-4 RBI (Game 2)
• Tyler Colvin—2-5 2 HR(5) 2 RBI 2R
• Darwin Barney—1-4 HR(2) RBI
• Juan Francisco—1-5 2B R RBI BB (Game 1)…..3-4 HR(13) 4 RBI 2R (Game 2)
• Chris Heisey—1-2 3R
• James Adduci—2-3 2B 2R BB SB(16)
• Josh Bell—3-4 2 2B R RBI SB(2)
• Eduardo Perez—2-5 HR(6) 2 RBI 2B
• Taylor Green—1-3 HR(4) 3 RBI BB
• John Shelby Jr.—2-4 2B
• Tyler Flowers—1-2 HR(10) RBI 2 BB
• Christian Marrero—1-4 HR(8) 2 RBI
• C.J. Retherford—2-5 2B R RBI
• Matt Mangini—2-3 R RBI BB
• Drew Locke—4-6 2B R  5 RBI
• Wladimir Sutil—3-6 4R RBI
• Mitch Moreland—3-6 2B R
• Marcus Lemon—3-5 2B 2R 4 RBI
• Johnny Whittleman—4-5 2 2B 3R 2 RBI
• Timmy Smith—4-5 R 2 RBI
• Luis Durango—2-4 2B 2R BB
• Lance Zawadzki—2-3 HR(11) RBI 2 BB 2R
• Brian Joynt—3-5 2B HR(1) 2 RBI
• Chris Carter—2-4 HR(10) RBI 2B BB
• Matt Spencer—1-4 2B RBI BB
• Daryl Jones—3-5 R
• Cole Garner—2-4 2B 3 RBI
• Daniel Mayora—4-5 2B 2R 3 RBI
• Mark Trumbo—3-4 2 2B 3B 4 RBI

Pitching:

• Mark Rzepczynski—7 IP 5H ER BB 8K
• Tim Bascom—7 IP 3H 2 BB 7K
• Ryan Pope—5.2 IP 5H 4K
• Tyson Brummett—7 IP 4H 2 ER 5K
• Travis Wood—5 IP 8H 3 ER BB 6K W (7-3)

5/18 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on May 19, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Josh Bell hit HR #3 and drove in three runs while Tampa Bay Rays Aussie prospect Rhyne Hughes hit his 13th dinger and drove in four.  Desmond Jennings stole three bases yesterday and Gorkys Hernandez had three hits and scored three runs.

Today’s top performer is Chicago Cubs infield prospect Marquez Smith.  The 23 year old Clemson alum combined for six hits in a double header, hitting his 6th and 7th HR, while driving in four and scoring five times.  Smith is a compact player with more athleticism and defensive versatility than his 5-10 210 lb. frame suggests.  He can play 2B, 3B, the corner OF spots and has been postulated as being a decent candidate to switch to catcher, given his strong arm and thick build.  Offensively, Smith is an aggressive hitter who makes good contact and drives balls well to the gaps.  The Cubs don’t have a lot of positional depth in their farm system giving a defensively malleable player like Smith ample opportunities to slide into the upper tiers of the organizational depth chart.

AA Player of the Day—MARQUEZ SMITH

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Marquez Smith—3-4 HR(6) 2 RBI 3R (Game 1)…..3-4 HR(7) 2 RBI 2R (Game 2)
• Darwin Barney—2-3 RBI R BB (Game 1)…..3-4 2B R SB(4) (Game 2)
• Josh Bell—1-2 HR(3) 3 RBI BB (Game 1)…..1-4 2B 2R (Game 2)
• Andrew Lambo—1-3 2B 2 RBI
• Tony Thomas—1-3 HR(8) RBI BB
• Cale Iorg—3-5 2B 2R
• Brennan Boesch—3-5 HR(7) RBI
• Brandon HIcks—1-3 HR(2) 2 RBI
• Willie Cabrera—1-4 HR(1) RBI
• Desmond Jennings—1-2 2B 2R BB 3 SB(13)
• Gorkys Hernandez—3-4 2B 3R
• Rhyne Hughes—1-3 HR(13) 4 RBI
• Chris Carter—1-5 HR(4) 2 RBI
• Matthew Sulentic—4-4 2 2B R RBI
• Marcus Lemon—2-4 3R 2 BB SB(2)
• Justin Smoak—1-4 2B RBI 2 BB
• Chad Tracy—2-5 2B 3 RBI R
• Tyler Flowers—2-4 2B R BB
• Cyle Hankerd—3-4 2B R 2 RBI
• Peter Bourjos—2-4 SB(12)
• Pete Kozma—3-5 RBI

Pitching:

• Dan Cortes—5.2 IP 5H ER 5 BB 4K W (1-4)
• Heath Rollins—6 IP 6H 2 ER 2 BB 5K W (4-2)
• James Russell—5 IP 3H ER BB 7K
• Travis Wood—5.1 IP 4H 2 ER 3 BB 7K
• Cesar Carrillo—7 IP H BB 5K
• Jarrod Parker—5 IP 4H ER 4 BB 5K W (2-2)

5/17 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on May 18, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Chicago White Sox power prospects Tyler Flowers and Brandon Allen each hit HR’s on Sunday as did Seattle Mariners #1 prospect Greg Halman.  Chicago Cubs 2B prospect Tony Thomas continues to fly under many prospectors’ radars hitting his 7th dinger.  Cleveland Indians sluggers Carlos Santana and Nick Weglarz each collected four hits and combined to score five runs in a double header continuing their May hot streak.

Today’s top prospect, however, is elite LHP Madison Bumgarner.  After a rain delay cut Tim Alderson’s second AA start to just one inning, Bumgarner relieved him and allowed just one hit over six innings, striking out 9 for his second AA win.  Bumgarner has now surrendered just one run in 12 innings since his promotion and is holding Eastern League hitters to a .200 BA.  My gut tells me that Bumgarner will get a look by the Giants in September which makes his rookie cards a solid investment right now that could pay profitable dividends within the next three or four months.

AA Player of the Day—MADISON BUMGARNER

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Michael Daniel—1-4 HR(3) RBI BB SB(1)
• Brad Harman—2-5 HR(3) RBI
• David Cooper—1-3 2B 2R RBI BB
• Carlos Santana—2-4 2B 2R (Game 1)…..2-2 RBI 2 BB (Game 2)
• Nick Weglarz—2-4 2B 2R (Game 1)…..2-3 R RBI BB (Game 2)
• Matt McBride—1-3 R 2 RBI
• Tony Thomas—1-4 HR(7) RBI
• Andrew Lambo—3-5 2B 2 RBI R
• Cale Iorg—2-2 2B R 2 BB
• Scott Sizemore—2-5 2 2B 2 RBI R
• Brandon Snyder—1-4 2B R RBI
• Tyler Flowers—1-4 HR(5) 2 RBI
• Brandon Allen—1-2 HR(6) RBI BB
• Greg Halman—2-4 HR(12) RBI
• Dayan Viciedo—2-3 R
• C.J. Retherford—2-3 2B 3 RBI
• Cyle Hankerd—3-3 2B 4 RBI R
• Mike Baxter—3-4 2 2B R RBI
• Tony Abreu—3-5 3R

Pitching:

• Will Inman—7 IP 2H BB 7K W (4-1)
• Antonio Bastardo—7 IP 4H 2 ER BB 7K L (2-2)
• Madison Bumgarner—6 IP H 3 BB 9K W (5-1)
• Reidier Gonzalez—6 IP 5H Er 8K W (2-1)
• Junichi Tazawa—5 IP 7H 3 ER BB 7K L (4-3)

5/7 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on May 8, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Multiple HR performances speckled the AA landscape yesterday as a trio of Detroit Tigers farmhands took turns accomplishing the task.  First baseman Ryan Strieby hit his sixth and seventh in the first game of the double header, driving in four runs and scoring three times, while Cale Iorg hit his first two dingers in the second game of the double dip.  Iorg’s double play partner Scott Sizemore hit a homerun in each game of the double header, doubling his season totals.  In other news, Collin DeLome hit number nine, while Hank Conger, Brandon Allen, and Marvin Lowrance each hit their fourth HR’s.  On the mound, Cubs righthander Jay Jackson tossed another seven innings shutout gem, punching out 10 for his second win.  Hector Rondon moved to 5-0 and Troy Patton allowed just two hits over six victorious innings.

Today’s top player is someone who jumped onto my radar screen last season after a fast track, two level performance at Low-A Kane County and High-A Stockton, hitting .266 with 30 HR 83 RBI and 16 SB.  Corey Brown was a highly recruited two sport athlete who chose to play baseball at Oklahoma State University.  He had some difficulty with strike zone discipline (58 BB/168 K) last season, but seems to have made some strides in the early going this year.  In just 13 games, Brown is hitting a robust .435 with 4 HR 11 RBI 2 SB and 11 runs scored.  He doesn’t strike me as a high average guy, but the athleticism and adeptness in the field makes him, in my mind, a poor man’s Grady Sizemore.  He should play most or all of the season at AA this year with a likely audition for an MLB job in spring of 2010. 

AA Player of the Day—COREY BROWN

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Luis Durango—2-4 2R BB SB(17)
• Justin Smoak—2-4 R
• Chad Tracy—1-4 HR(6) 2 RBI
• Josh Horton—3-3 2R RBI 2 BB
• Corey Brown—3-5 2 HR(4) 4 RBI 2B 2R
• Josh Donaldson—1-3 HR(2) 3 RBI BB
• Kurt Mertins—2-4 HR(1) RBI
• Collin DeLome—1-4 HR(9) RBI
• Brett Wallace—3-5
• Todd Cruz—2-4 2 2B RBI
• Hank Conger—1-4 HR(4) RBI
• Matt Mangini—2-3 2B 3 RBI
• Scott Cousins—2-4 R RBI SB(6) (Game 1)…..1-4 HR(3) 2 RBI
• Jaime Hoffmann—2-3 2B 3B 3 RBI R
• Justin Sellers—2-2 2B 2 BB 3R SB(3)
• Darwin Barney—4-6 3 RBI R SB(2)
• Tony Thomas—3-5 2 2B 3B 2R BB (Game 1)…..2-3 2B R BB (Game 2)
• Travis Jones—3-3 2B 2 BB 2R (Game 1)…..2-3 2B (Game 2)
• Brandon Hicks—3-5 2 RBI R
• Ty Wright—3-4 2 RBI 2R
• Pedro Ciraco—3-4 R RBI SB(6)
• Mark Hallberg—2-5 2B 2 RBI
• Chris Heisey—4-5 2B HR(5) 2 RBI
• Todd Frazier—2-4 2B R
• Brandon Allen—3-4 HR(4) 2 RBI 2B 2R BB
• Dayan Viciedo—2-5 2R RBI SB(3)
• Beau Mills—2-4 R RBI
• Carlos Santana—2-3 2B RBI BB
• Brad Emaus—2-5 2B R 2 RBI
• Sean Shoffit—2-5 2B 2 RBI R
• Jonathan Diaz—2-5 2 2B 2R RBI
• Brad Corley—2-3 3R HR(3) RBI
• Brandon Snyder—1-3 HR(3) 2 RBI
• Scott Sizemore—2-5 HR(3) RBI 2R (Game 1)…..2-4 HR(4) 2 RBI 2B
• Ryan Strieby—3-3 2 HR(7) 4 RBI 3R BB
• Marvin Lowrance—3-4 HR(4) RBI 2R
• Cale Iorg—2-3 2 HR(2) 2 RBI 2R
• Aaron Bates—4-5 2B 2 RBI R
• Lucas Duda—2-4 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Shawn Bowman—3-4 2B RBI R

Pitching:

• Michael Antonini—6.2 IP 5H ER 2 BB 6K
• Jay Jackson—7 IP 5H BB 10K W (2-3)
• Jarrod Parker—6 IP 8H 2 ER 6K W (1-1)
• Hector Rondon—6.1 IP 3H ER BB 4K W (5-0)
• Brett Omogrosso—6 IP 2H ER 2 BB 4K W (3-0)
• Troy Patton—6 IP 2H BB 6K W (3-0)
• Will Inman—8 IP 5H 2 ER BB 5K W (3-1)
• Omar Poveda—7 IP 3H UER 2 BB K
• Jason Fernandez—8 IP 5H 2 ER 4K W (3-3)
• Dan Cortes—6 IP 5H ER 4 BB 8K
• Tyler Herron—7.1 IP 3H 2 ER BB 8K L (1-2)
• Trevor Reckling—7 IP 2H BB 7K
• Chaz Roe—6.2 IP 4H 2 ER 2 BB 4K
• Kyle Winters—4 IP 5H 3 ER 3 BB 7K
• Josh Lindblom—5 IP 3H ER BB 6K

4/15 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on April 16, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

EASTERN LEAGUE

Brian Friday, Erik Lis, Beau Mills, and Colin Curtis each collected three hits while Jon Still and Emmanuel Garcia hit their first HR’s of the season.  Hector Rondon spun another gem for his second win and Michael Antonini looked dominant in five shutout innings striking out eight.  Today’s player of the day is none other than Akron’s superstar catcher Carlos Santana who blasted a grand slam HR for his second dinger of the year.

Eastern League Player of the Day—CARLOS SANTANA

Other Notable Performances:

• Brian Friday—3-4 3B RBI SB(2)
• Hector Rondon—5.2 IP 4H ER BB 5K W(2)
• Beau Mills—3-4 2B R
• Carlos Santana—1-3 GS HR(2) 4 RBI BB
• Matt Moses—3-4 2R
• Juan Portes—2-4 2B 2 RBI
• Erik Lis—3-4 R BB
• Jon Still—1-4 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Josh Reddick—2-4 2B
• Argenis Diaz—2-3 2B BB
• Emmanuel Garcia—2-5 HR(1) 3 RBI
• Josh Thole—2-5 2B
• Michael Antonini—5 IP 4H 3 BB 8K W(1)
• Jake Arrieta—5 IP 7H ER 3 BB 4K W(1)
• Cale Iorg—2-4 RBI
• David Cooper—1-3 RBI
• Fabio Castro—6 IP 4H BB 6K
• Reegie Corona—2-4 2B 2R SB(1)
• Colin Curtis—3-4 2B 3B 2 RBI R SB(1)

SOUTHERN LEAGUE

Desmond Jennings had a big day on the basepaths scoring two runs an stealing three bases, including home.  Scott Elbert put another fine start under his belt, while Hector Ambriz allowed just two hits and struck out eight under seven innings.  Those performances didn’t trump that of tall Marlins RHP prospect Sean West whose six innings saw him surrender just two hits and two walks while racking up nine strikeouts.

Southern League Player of the Day—SEAN WEST

Other Notable Performances:

• Gordon Beckham—1-3 2B R RBI 2 BB
• Tyler Flowers—1-3 R 2 BB
• John Shelby Jr.—1-5 2B R
• Brett Omogrosso—6 IP 5H ER 3 BB 3K W(1)
• Richie Robnett—1-4 3B R RBI
• Desmond Jennings—1-2 2R 3B 2 BB 3 SB(4)
• Scott Elbert—4 IP H ER 3 BB 6K
• Jovanny Rosario—4-5 2 RBI R
• Andrew Lambo—1-4 2 RBI
• Jamie Hoffmann—1-2 HR(1) RBI 2R 3 BB
• Justin Sellers—2-4 2B R BB 2 SB(2)
• Gorkys Hernandez—2-4 2B BB SB(3)
• Kala Ka’aihue—1-4 HR(2) RBI
• Deunte Heath—4 IP 2H 6 BB 2K
• Chris Cody—4 IP 5H 2 ER 3 BB 8K
• Hector Ambriz—7 IP 2H BB 8K W(1)

Top 20 Shortstop Prospects for 2009

Posted by Jeremy on February 10, 2009 under 2009 Top 20 Prospects | Be the First to Comment

After working on this crop of shortstops, I came to the realization that this bunch is extremely difficult to figure out.  With the exception of a few players, many of the top 20 (and those on the outer fringes of the list) are players whose performances have not yet matched the depth of their tools.  Projectibility is a favorite buzz word in a prospector’s vocabulary, as it indicates an elevated ceiling of potential skills.  However, it also serves as a double edged sword.  Several factors can inhibit a player’s potential; injuries, strike zone judgement, and even poorly run organizaitons (my Mariners case in point).  This list is chock full of projectibility and, odds are that there will be a great deal of movement, both positive and negative, within the ranks throughout the season.  Enjoy the list!

1.) Gordon Beckham—Chicago White Sox

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Beckham is an extremely polished player with both the bat and glove who has the ability to hit for a high batting average, 20-25 HR power all while playing solid defense at the shortstop position.  He has off the charts makeup and a relentless competitive drive.

Weaknesses: At a demure 6-0 175 lb., there is not much projectivity to Beckham’s athleticism.  His ceiling is not nearly as high as the other Beckham on this list.

2009 Outlook: Gordon opened a lot of eyes in the Arizona Fall League when he hit .394 with 3 HR 13 RBI and 20 runs scored in just 18 games.  This should easily allow for him to skip High-A ball altogether and head directly to AA Birmingham to start the season.  A promotion to AAA Charlotte in the making at some point followed by a his MLB debut after rosters expand in September.  Alexei Ramirez is currently slated to play SS this season, but he seems more suited to be a 2B or OF once Beckham is ready. 

2.) Elvis Andrus—Texas Rangers

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Explosive top of the lineup speed and a bat that sizzles line drives from gap to gap.  His combination of range, glove, and arm strength makes him a future Gold Glove candidate and potential All-Star.  Several within the organization praise his makeup and leadership skills. 

Weaknesses: Andrus has below average power at this point of his career, though there is promise for more.  His plate discipline is still a bit raw which should allow for major league pitchers to exploit his aggressiveness in the early going.

2009 Outlook: Andrus inadvertantly created a good deal of buzz in the offseason as the organization stated that Michael Young will be shifted over to 3B to make room for Andrus.  He may not be ready yet for the challenge, though his work ethic and competitiveness makes it hard for him to fail for long.  As an insurance policy, the Rangers signed 11-time Gold Glover Omar Vizquel, who should serve as a fine mentor for the Rangers’ future leadoff dynamo.

3.) Tim Beckham—Tampa Bay Rays

2008 Stats:  

Strengths: Tools…and lots of them.  The ball jumps off of his bat due to his quick swing and surprising strength.  He projectibly can be an 18-22 HR hitter in time and his speed should produce 20-30 SB per season as well.  Defensively, he has all of the tools to be a special playmaker at the shortstop position.  Despite his youth, he has shown a great deal of maturity and exhibits a good feel for the game. 

Weaknesses: He is still quite raw.  His swing has technical flaws that need to be ironed out and his strike zone judgement is still in its early stages of development. 

2009 Outlook: Beckham should get to put his abilities on display at full season Low-A Bowling Green this summer.  He has all the abilities to be a bonafide superstar in the future, but that day currently just a speck on the horizon.  The Rays have a wealth of talent sprinkled throughout their farm system which allows for them to bring Beckham along at a prudent pace.  Once the skills catch up with the tools, Tim Beckham could become baseball’s #1 overall prospect.

4.) Carlos Triunfel—Seattle Mariners

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Triunfel has a lively bat that has shown intriguing power potential and high rates of contact.  Triunfel is a very confident player who attacks all phases of his game with a consistent desire to better his skills.  Those that have watched Carlos feel that he will develop into more of a power hitter in the future along the same lines as Miguel Tejada. 

 Weaknesses: Triunfel clashed early in the season with team officials at High Desert about undisclosed issues and was suspended for the early part of the season.  While much of this can be chalked up to youthful indescretions, it is still a matter that is worth monitoring this season.  Triunfel’s thick legs should lose some footspeed and range over time, which makes shortstop only a temporary home.  A change to the hot corner would put additional pressure on him to put up better power numbers.

2009 Outlook: Triunfel has worked dilligently since his suspension to make himself into a more complete player.  He toiled at two separate winter league stops and should get a look this spring before heading to AA West Tennessee in April.  The M’s have been aggressive with Carlos’ development and he has handled every challenge thrown at him with consistently positive results. 

5.) Alcides Escobar—Milwaukee Brewers

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Emerging top of the lineup offensive potential with promising gap power.  Escobar has excellent speed that he utilizes well on the bases and in the field.  Defensively, Escobar’s range, hands, and arm strength ranks him as one of the top SS in the minor leagues.

Weaknesses: He doesn’t have the HR potential as some of the other players on this list.  Escobar also needs to do a better job of working counts and drawing more walks if he wants to be a leadoff hitter.

2009 Outlook: J.J. Hardy and Rickie Weeks are his biggest obstacles keeping Alcides Escobar from Milwaukee right now.  That should give him ample time to play everyday at AAA Nashville to put the finishing touches on his development.  He will get another opportunity to play with the Brewers or, perhaps, another organization at some point this season.

6.) Chris Valaika—Cincinnati Reds

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Valaika is a good offensive player with a high average bat and power to the alleys that could provide 12-18 HR per season for the Reds.  He is a gritty competitor who is a potential clubhouse leader as well.

Weaknesses: Defensively, his below average range may eventually shift him to second base.  He also needs to continue to work on tightening up his plate discipline as he doesn’t draw many walks.  Valaika has good polish, but isn’t as projectible as other prospects on this list.

2009 Outlook: After playing well in the Arizona Fall League (.311 2 HR 16 RBI 18 runs scored) Valaika will get an opportunity to play with the Reds’ big league camp at spring training before heading to AAA Louisville in April.  The Reds have a glut of depth at shortstop, but none of them have the offensive upside of Chris Valaika.  He should get the call to Cincinnati at some point in the second half of the season.

7.) Yamaico Navarro—Boston Red Sox

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Navarro’s offensive game made great strides last year as he demonstrated good line drive power that could produce 12-15 HR per season at the major league level.  He is strong for his size and is an adept fielder.  Yamaico plays with a high level of energy and has a penchant for making dazzling plays.

Weaknesses: He doesn’t have enough power to be a middle of the order run producer, nor enough speed to be a prototypical leadoff hitter.  Yamiaco needs to keep refining his approach at the plate to significantly cut back on his K totals.  If he doesn’t, he will get eaten alive by more advanced pitchers.

2009 Outlook: AA Portland will privide a monumental challenge for Navarro.  His ’08 season helped to vault him to the top of Boston’s organizational chart at SS, but there are several intriguing prospects (Oscar Tejeda, Argenis Diaz, Casey Kelly) who could potentially knock him down a peg or two.  Navarro will have to prove that his offensive breakthrough is more than a California League-induced aberration.

8.) Ivan DeJesus Jr.—Los Angeles Dodgers

2008 Stats:

Strengths: DeJesus has remarkable plate discipline for someone of his age and his quick bat produces line drives all over the field.  Ivan Jr. has above average speed that he uses on the bases wisely.  Defensively he has demonstrated good agility and fluidity.  Plus, his arm strength is just a tick above average which helps his chances as a SS.

Weaknesses: DeJesus has more power than his dad did, but he still will be hard pressed to crack double digits in HR’s at the major league level.  Despite his good defensive tools, DeJesus still makes quite a few errors, which may be due to lapses in focus on routine plays. 

2009 Outlook: DeJesus has worked hard at a couple of fall and winter league destinations this offseason.  He should get a long look by the Dodgers before reporting to AAA Albequerqe.  The Dodgers just re-signed Rafael Furcal to a three year contract which makes things more complicated for DeJesus.  Second base may be a better option though, as Blake DeWitt and veteran Mark Loretta offer far less formidable competition.  Expect DeJesus to make his Chavez Ravine debut in the second half of ‘09.

9.) Reid Brignac—Tampa Bay Rays

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Once a defensive liability, Brignac has worked dilligently to become one of the most reliable fielding shortstops in the minor leagues.  His 6-3 180 lb. frame offers promising power potential as it matures.

Weaknesses: As Reid’s defensive skills have improved, his offensive production has regressed.  He struggled last season to control the strike zone and his power output has decreased in each of the past three seasons.  Brignac’s size offers intriguing offensive potential, but as it grows, his range could diminish as well. 

2009 Outlook: Jason Bartlett’s excellent performance in the second half of the ‘08 season gives Brignac a little more time to work things out at AAA Durham.  He needs it.  Expect Reid to earn a call up at some point ’09 with hopefully better results.  Brignac’s long term future with the Rays is tenuous as Tim Beckham is assuredly the shortstop of the future in Tampa.  However, if Reid can distinguish himself over the next season and a half, there is still a chance that he can be a solid player either with the Rays or another organiztion.

10.) Oscar Tejeda—Boston Red Sox

2008 Stats: 

Strengths: Tejeda has a lean and athletic body that oozes tools and projection.  His quick bat makes solid contact that produces line drives with potential power output down the road.  He has also been praised for his good makeup and baseball IQ.

 Weaknesses: He has good defensive tools but has not harnessed footwork and throwing mechanics.  This makes him error prone and may force a position switch at some point.  His power is merely a projection right now, and the ceiling is likely limited to 10-15 HR per year.  He has good speed, but has yet to figure out how to use it as a weapon on the basepaths.

2009 Outlook: Tejeda was surpassed by Yamaico Navarro on organization’s depth chart.  He has the youth and abilty to reclaim the top spot and some success at High-A Salem should help with that process.

11.) Pete Kozma—St. Louis Cardinals

2008 Stats:

Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
QC	MID	.284	99	377	58	107	20	4	5	40	150	45	69	12	5	.363	.398	.760
PBC	FSL	.130	24	77	4	10	4	0	0	10	14	10	27	0	1	.231	.182	.413
Minors		.258	123	454	62	117	24	4	5	50	164	55	96	12	6	.340	.361	.701

Strengths: Pete has the complete package of skills suitable to becoming an MLB shortstop.  He has solid average to above average defensive tools and advanced instincts for a prospect his age.  His better tools are seen in his offensive game.  Kozma has a fundamentally sound swing that hits more line drives right now, but could develop power with some fine tuning.  He also shows a willingness to work at bats for walks and once he is on base, he uses his above average speed with savvy and discipline.  He is a gamer who works tirelessly to make himself a better baseball player.

Weaknesses: His ceiling is a little difficult to determine.  Some who have seen Kozma play feel that he could be an every day shortstop, others feel that he may develop as a utility-type player.  His blend of skills are good, but nothing stands out as being “spectacular”.  He needs to cut back on his K’s and continue to work on driving the ball with authority.

2008 Outlook: Kozma will begin back at High-A Palm Beach in April.  The Cardinals are quite thin at the shortstop position

12.) Cale Iorg—Detroit Tigers

2008 Stats:

Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
LAK	FSL	.251	99	383	61	96	15	7	10	47	155	35	111	22	11	.329	.405	.734
Minors		.251	99	383	61	96	15	7	10	47	155	35	111	22	11	.329	.405	.734

Strengths: Iorg demonstrated a wide assortment of above average tools in his first full season.  His 6-2 180 lb. frame has good athleticism and budding power potential.  He can probably hit between 15-20 HR per season with regularity and his baserunning skills could produce the same amount of stolen bases.  Defensively, Iorg showed good range and a strong throwing arm that should make him a defensive asset in the six-hole.

Weaknesses: Iorg missed a season doing missionary work in Portugal.  At age 23, he is a little less refined than other prospects his age, though he made up ground quickly in ‘08.  His plate discpline is a major impediment that hampers his ability to hit for a higher batting average.  Also, his numbers waned as the season progressed, perhaps due to the shoulder strain that kept him sidelined for a while.

2009 Outlook: Tigers’ GM Dave Dombroski is quite optimistic that Iorg can be the team’s regular shortstop in a short period of time.  Iorg will get the opportunity to prove him right at AA Erie.  It sounds like Detroit would like to place him on the fast track.  Don’t be surprised to see him earn a promotion to AAA at some point if Iorg progresses as Dombroski hopes.  He is conservatively ranked on this list and, odds are, he will not be this low come next season.

13.) Justin Jackson—Toronto Blue Jays

2008 Stats:

Strengths: There is a ton of projectibility wrapped up in this 6-2 190 lb. package.  Jackson showed an ability to hit for good XBH power that could start clearing more fences as he matures.  He has good speed once he gets moving, which allows for him to run bases well and turn doubles into triples.  He has good defensive tools highlighted by a cannon-like arm that was clocked at 93 MPH as a high school senior.

Weaknesses: Jackson is overly aggressive at the plate which allows for him to rack up strikeouts in copious amounts and leaves him vulnerable to slumps at the plate.  His power is merely a projection at this point and his baserunning speed doesn’t produce high SB totals. 

2009 Outlook: Jackson’s struggles in ‘08 shouldn’t keep him from moving up to High-A Dunedin this spring.  The Blue Jays aggressively drafted young, high-upside offensive talents in the ‘07 draft, signalling an impending youth movement in Toronto over the next couple of seasons.  Expect Jackson to be amongst the masses taking the field in Rogers Centre within the next three seasons.

14.) Lonnie Chisenhall—Cleveland Indians

2008 Stats:

Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
MVS	NYP	.290	68	276	38	80	20	3	5	45	121	24	32	7	2	.355	.438	.794
Minors		.290	68	276	38	80	20	3	5	45	121	24	32	7	2	.355	.438	.794

Strengths: His bat is highly advanced for someone of his age, producing above average power with the ability to hit for a high batting average as well.  Chisenhall has a good feel for the strike zone and makes effective use of his marginal speed by intelligently running the bases.

Weaknesses: Off the field incidents ended Chisenhall’s career at the University of South Carolina as he was arrested for burglary and grand larceny.  He has seemingly moved beyond these but they still bear watching.  Additionally, his slow foot speed and thick frame fits better at 3B where his offensive numbers become more marginal.

2009 Outlook: Last season’s fine performance at short season Mahoning Valley should carry forward at full season Low-A ball this year.  Chisenhall will have to make the shift to 3B soon, but his offensive upside should allow for him to play anywhere.

15.) Carlos Rivero—Cleveland Indians

2008 Stats:

Strengths: At 6-3 210 lb., Rivero is an imposing well built SS in the mold of Cal Ripken Jr. and (ahem) Alex Rodriguez.  Rivero caught fire in August batting .356 with 4 HR and 21 RBI.  His fluid swing and quck hands has the potential to produce excellent power numbers that could surpass 20 HR per season at the major league level.  He has shown soft hands and a strong arm as well.

Weaknesses: Rivero may very well outgrow the SS position.  His substandard footspeed has already affected his range and there is plenty of reason to believe that he is not done growing.  At the plate, Rivero makes good contact but is prone to swinging at pitches out of the zone early in the count, limiting his walk totals.  The promise of power to come is merely projection at this point.

2009 Outlook: Shortstop will probably not be Rivero’s future position, but the Indians are allowing him the opportunity to play himself out of the position.  Right now, the numbers that he puts up defensively are average.  He will progress to AA Akron this season and that should prove to be a monumental challenge for him that he may not be prepared to undertake.  Don’t be surprised to see him back at Kinston if he struggles in the early going.

16.) Jonathan Galvez—San Diego Padres

2008 Stats: 

Strengths: Galvez has a wide assortment of tools wrapped up in an athletic 6-2 175 lb. frame.  His quick right-handed swing has good leverage that should produce more HR power in future seasons.  More intriguing is his patience at the plate.  He makes good contact with balls in the strike zone and has shown an advanced ability to recognize offspeed pitches.  His foot speed is also an asset that he utilizes on the basepaths and in the field.

Weaknesses: Galvez struggled mightlily in July (.153 0 HR 9 RBI) and reports stated that the young SS put a great deal of pressure on himself, especially with runners in scoring position.  Galvez’s excellent performance happened in the Dominican Summer League and it remains to be seen how that will carry over to Low-A ball.

2009 Outlook: Galvez will only be 18 years old when the 2009 season begins which means that another dose of short season ball (probably with Eugene) looks to be in the cards.  If he continues to sustain his excellent rate of progress, he should be promoted to Fort Wayne and to the upper half of this list as well.

17.) Devaris Strange-Gordon—Los Angeles Dodgers

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Devaris Gordon may have to borrow his dad’s nickname “Flash” for awhile.  He is fast….really fast.  Gordon time of 6.35 seconds in the 60 yard dash makes him, hands down, the fastest player in the Dodgers organization.  His bat sprays line drives all over the field and his excellent hand-eye coordination makes him a difficult man to strike out.  Defensively, his range is almost limitless and his glove and arm strength seems to be adaquate for the position.

Weaknesses: LIke his dad, Tom, Devaris is slight of build and should never crack double digits in HR totals.  He needs to learn to work counts more effectively for walks in order to fulfill his potential as a leadoff hitter.  His speed could be used as a lethal weapon on the basepaths, but he needs to continue to hone his abilities to read pitchers’ pickoff moves.  Having Juan Pierre in the Dodgers’ system as a potential mentor couldn’t hurt.

2009 Outlook: His impressive numbers at Ogden will be challenged at Low-A Great Lakes this season.  Gordon has the electrifying speed and bat to be an elite top of the order prospect within the next couple of seasons.  His time under the radar won’t last long.

18.) P.J. Phillips—Los Angeles Angels

2008 Stats:

Strengths: There is no shortage of projectible athleticism in Brandon Phillips’ younger brother’s game.  At 6-3 170 lbs., P.J. has top notch speed and sinewy strength that could make him a 20/20 candidate as a major leaguer.  Phillips was red hot over the second half of the season batting .315 with 6 HR 25 RBI 18 SB and 39 runs scored. 

Weaknesses: There is still a great deal of rawness and sloppy technique in Phillips’ game.  His plate discipline is nothing short of abysmal and his glove work in the field (37 errors) is quite sloppy.  P.J. may make a move to the outfield in the future.

2009 Outlook: The challenge for P.J. will be to continue his late season success at his new destination of AA Arkansas.  This year should give a better bearing on where Phillips’ skills truly are.  If he can refine his approach at the plate and shore up his defense at shortstop, he would assuredly improve his stock on this list significantly.  His brother was a late bloomer.  Perhaps, P.J. will be as well.

19.) Chris Nelson—Colorado Rockies

2008 Stats:

Strengths: His bat speed and leverage gives Nelson power potential that exceeds the perceived potential of his 5-11 175 lb. frame.  Nelson’s sterling performance in the AFL (.321 6 HR 17 RBI 22 runs scored) not only revived hopes in his abilities as a prospect but showed that he has made strides in improving his plate discipline.  When healthy, Nelson has the speed to steal 15-20 bases per season at the major league level.

Weaknesses: Nelson’s development has been Jekyll and Hyde throughout his career.  Last season’s numbers were mitigated severely by injuries to his hammate bone and hamstring, which makes his overall health in 2009 worth watching.  Defensively, he is below average, and his skills may be better suited for the outfield.  If he is forced to move, his value takes an immediate hit, especially in an organization with the depth of talent that Colorado has.

2009 Outlook: 2008 was a lost season for Nelson, but he showed a lot by coming back and performing so well in Arizona.  He has been included on Colorado’s 40 man roster which means that he should get a good dose of playing time during spring training.  If he continues his success, Nelson should move to AAA Colorado Springs in April.  If he struggles, he may go back to Tulsa to work things out.  Nelson seems like he has been around forever, but he is still just 23 and the potential for him to be an offensive force in a major league lineup makes him a prime sleeper for 2009.

20.) Jason Christian—Oakland Athletics

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Christian is a big shortstop that has plenty of room to fill out in his 6-3 170 lb. frame.   He has shwon an ability to drive in runs and hit balls hard for good gap power.  Given his quick swing and fluidity, it is conceivable that he could develop above average power down the line.  His smoothness and strong, accurate arm reminds some scouts of fellow Athletic Bobby Crosby.  He is an intelligent player who showed a willingness to work at a variety of postions.

Weaknesses: Jason abandoned his solid plate discipline that he exhibited in his three seasons as a Michigan Wolverine.  He drew several walks, but his strikeout totals were quite a bit higher than expected.  Christian’s swing gets long at time, which leaves him prone to being exploited by advanced pitchers, especially on pitches in on the hands.

2009 Outlook: Christian has the looks of a 5th round steal.  His blend of skills and left-handed bat makes him a highly intriguing prospect for the 2009 season.  He should begin the season at either Low-A Kane County again or, perhaps, at High-A Stockton.  Either way, his ranking on this list is probably way too low and, with Oakland’s dearth of viable shortstop talent, his track to the major leagues could move quickly. 

 Ok, I can’t count…here’s a bonus addition to the list.

21.)  Brandon Hicks—Atlanta Braves

2008 Stats: 

Strengths: Power and lots of it.  Hicks is well built with a right handed swing that produces fence clearing power from foul pole to foul pole.  His sure hands and strong arm make him an above average defensive player as well.  Despite his thick 6-2 200 lb. frame, Hicks possesses excellent speed that he uses well on the basepaths.

Weaknesses: Strikeouts and lots of them.  Hicks has a high leg kick (see picture above) that occasionally throws off his timing and creates holes in his swing.  Hicks’ all or nothinig approach at the plate does not always serve him well in situations limits most of his production to the left side of the field, mitigating his batting average and run production. 

2009 Outlook: AA will be a big transition for Hicks.  He needs to cut back on his swing or he will be eaten alive and likely booted off of this list.  If he can refine his plate discipline, however, he has the potential to be the top power hitting shortstop in the minor leagues.  What he does with his swing will dictate whether he moves up this list or off of it.

Others to consider: Hector Gomez, Tyler Greene, Juan Silverio, Ehire Adrianza, Niko Vasquez, Andrew Romine, Argenis Diaz, Casey Kelly (his potential future as a pitcher keeps him off of this list). 

OOF!  That list took a long time to complete.  I ran into some formatting nightmares that gobbled up way too much time that I could have dedicated to our next list.  Let me know your thoughts about this list.  The bottom half of it was especially difficult as many of the prospects featured similar skills.  Overall, I think there is a lot of upside to this list that has yet to be fully discovered.  2009 should be a fun season!