7/19 High-A Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on July 20, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Atlanta Braves OF prospect Cody Johnson reclaimed the minor league HR lead by blasting his 24th yesterday, driving in two and scoring twice.  He also walked and stole his 9th base of the season.  Power is definitively his calling card, but it is nice to see him drawing more walks as of late and stealing bases.  The more that Johnson can distinguish himself as a multi-dimensional hitter, the more bullish I become about his major league future.  Johnson has already exceeded his walk totals from last season, drawing his 47th yesterday, and his K rate has slowed significantly during the month of July (13 BB/19 K).  On the flip side, Cody has posted his lowest batting average splits this month, hitting just .207 with 4 HR and 15 RBI.  I am not too concerned with this as he may be making mechanical adjustments and altering his aggressive approach.  I look at this as a positive sign for long term success.  The power potential is there for Johnson to be a perennial 30-40 HR hitter at the big league level and his overall potential reminds me of towering slugger and whiff machine Adam Dunn.  His walk rates are behind Dunn’s at this point, but at just 20 years old, there is plenty of time for Johnson to boost his totals.  Johnson’s first year autos have experienced bi-polar fluctuations over the past couple of seasons, rising to $20+ in 2007 and dropping to $8-10 during ‘08.  Currently, they are residing somewhere in the middle at $7-9 for his Bowman Sterling autos and $9-12 for his Bowman Chrome Draft autos.  I think that AA ball is going to be a huge litmus test for the former AFLAC All-American and we’ll likely have to wait until next season to see the effects of that.  As for this season, 30 HR 90 RBI and about 150 K’s seems to be solid locks.

Roger Kieschnick had four knocks yesterday including his 19th HR, four RBI and three runs scored.  Kieschnick’s big day snapped a 2-18 dry spell and raised his average to .296 and his RBI total to 74 on the season.  Similar to Johnson, Roger seems to be altering his approach at the plate to cut back on his K’s as his BB/K ratio for the month of July has been quite balanced (8 BB/10 K) but his batting average (.237) is more than 40 points lower than his previous season low.  I am much more an advocate of a balanced approach at the plate.  Strikeouts are not a major detractor from overall performance if the power numbers and OBP remains high.  Hitters like Ryan Howard, Adam Dunn, Carlos Pena and others have put up monster seasons despite big K numbers as they are able to also draw 80-100+ walks per season.  Kieschnick’s first year autos are quite affordable right now with prices for his Donruss Elite Extra, Razor Threads, and Playoff Rookie Ticket autos selling for $7-10 each.  I think Kieschnick’s power numbers will carry forward, but I am skeptical of his batting average totals.  The athletic outfielder’s flirtation with the .300 mark has more to do with the fact that he is currently in the California Leauge and amidst a talented lineup.  Perhaps his recent struggles can be attributed in part to the fact that Buster Posey has moved on to AAA. 

Today’s top prospect is another California League offensive benefactor, San Diego Padres 3B prospect James Darnell.  The former South Carolina Gamecock belted HR’s 12 and 13 yesterday, driving in four runs.  Darnell started slowly after his late June promotion, but has caught fire over the last 10 games, hitting .324 with four HR, eight RBI and seven runs scored.  Darnell’s plate discipline is extraordinary as he has a positive 68 BB/61 K ratio.  The Padres have a pleasant dilemma at the hot corner as both Darnell and AA star Logan Forsythe are both having stellar seasons.  Defensively, Forsythe is clearly superior as his excellent range, arm, and hands trump Darnell’s decent skills.  Darnell will likely have to move to the outfield where there is a plethora of talented prospects to compete with.  I think he’s a player that should play at both AA and AAA next year with a shot at earning a 2010 September debut, but it will be interesting to see exactly where he ends up as a pro.  His first year autos from the 2008 Donruss Elite Extra, Playoff Contenders, and Razor sets are all quite affordable right now at $3-8 each and serve as excellent sleeper buys for next season.

High-A Player of the Day—JAMES DARNELL

 

Other Notable Performances:

Hitting:

• Michael Bianucci—2-4 HR(16) RBI 2B 2R
• Roger Kieschnick—4-5 HR(19) 4 RBI 3R
• Conor Gillaspie—3-5 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Thomas Neal—2-6 2 2B 2R
• Darren Ford—2-4 2B R RBI
• C.J. Ziegler—5-5 2B 2R RBI
• Tyson Gillies—2-4 2B
• Joe Dunigan—1-3 HR(22) 2 RBI
• Jake Rife—3-4 2B 2 RBI
• Jay Brossman—1-3 2R 2B 2 RBI BB
• Jemile Weeks—3-5 2 2B R
• Grant Desme—2-4 2B 3R RBI BB
• Jermaine Mitchell—3-4 2 RBI R SB(10)
• Jon Gaston—2-4 HR(23) 2 RBI 2R
• James Shuck—2-5 3R
• Brian Barnes—1-3 3R RBI 2 BB
• Koby Clemens—3-5 2B 3 RBI
• James Darnell—3-5 2 HR(13) 3 RBI 2R
• Matt Clark—2-5 2 HR(15) 2 RBI 2R
• Christan Lara—3-5 HR(5) 2 RBI SB(11)
• Pedro Baez—2-4 2B R SB(5)
• Radamez Nazario—3-4 2B 2R RBI
• Pedro Florimon Jr.—2-4 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Derrick Robinson—2-5 R RBI SB(46)
• Johnny Giavotella—2-5 RBI 2 SB(16)
• Eric Huber—1-4 2B 4 RBI
• Alex Presley—3-5 2B 2R
• Cody Johnson—1-3 HR(24) 2 RBI 2R BB SB(9)
• Dominic Brown—2-3 2 RBI BB
• Arlon Quiroz—3-4 R SB(15)
• Derrick Mitchell—2-4 2B HR(7) RBI
• Brad McElroy—3-5 2R SB(4)
• John Tolisano—1-3 R RBI 2 BB
• Manny Rodriguez—2-4 HR(5) 4 RBI BB
• Logan Schafer—3-5 2B 2R
• Lee Haydel—1-4 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Damon Sublett—2-5 2B BB
• Austin Romine—1-4 2B R RBI BB
• Chris Swauger—2-2 HR(9) 3 RBI BB

 

Pitching:

• Nick Additon—6.1 IP 7H 4 ER 2 BB 8K
• Darren Byrd—6 IP 4H ER 3K W (2-3)
• Jeff Mandel—7 IP 5H Er BB 6K W (8-4)

6/30 High-A Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on July 2, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Sorry for getting this one out late. My son is out of school for the summer which limits my online time significantly.  I have lit the candle, though and it is currently burning at both ends.  This should keep me up later each night to try and get more work done after the family goes to bed.

We’ll see.

As for the High-A action, Thomas Neal and Angel Villalona each had three hits and drove in three runs for the San Jose Giants.  Neal has hit the tar out of the ball this season, hitting .349 with 13 HR 49 RBI 22 doubles and 53 runs scored this season.  June was a banner month for Neal as he hit .414 with 6 of his HR during that time.  The 22 year old rightfielder has the most power in the Giants organization of any prospect not named Angel Villalona.  His plate discipline is sound and he makes good contact at the plate, but I would really like to see what this guy can do at the AA ranks.  The California League, as I have long maintained, is a very hitter friendly environment while the Eastern League (home of San Fran’s AA affiliate Connecticut) tends to favor pitching.  Somehow I think the .349 average is flukish and that his numbers should more closely resemble last season’s .279 mark.  Regardless that average, mixed with 25-30 HR power, should make him a highly intriguing prospect once his first year cards surface on the eBay market.

Angel Villalona has been hovering below the radar this season as many other San Jose Giants like Madison Bumgarner, Tim Alderson, Buster Posey, Brandon Crawford, and the aforementioned Thomas Neal have all garnered more attention.  Still, the 18 year old 1st Baseman has put up a solid showing at High-A ball, hitting .271 with 9 HR 39 RBI and 41 runs scored.  Plate discipline and pitch recognition continues to be a sore spot for Angel as his 9 BB/66 K ratio vehemently testifies.  He will never be a low strikeout guy, and chances are he won’t walk a ton either, but his ability to more closely match those numbers will speak volumes to just how high his ceiling will be.  A full season at San Jose would best behoove Villalona developmentally as would some work in a winter league.

High-A Player of the Day Tyler Henson blasted two homers yesterday, driving in three runs.  The Baltimore Orioles’ 3B prospect first popped up on my radar this past winter when he paced the Hawaiian Winter League in runs scored, doubles and bases on balls.  Unfortunately, he also finished second in strikeouts and committed nine errors at the hot corner.  Henson has tons of athleticism that he uses well on the basepaths and his 6-1 190 lb. frame indicates that he should be a 12-15 HR hitter at the major league level.  This season with Frederick, Henson has struggled to make consistent contact at the plate, striking out 83 times while walking 23 times.  This has contributed to his lackluster .246 batting average and anemic .310 OBP.  He’s still driving the ball well to the gaps, hitting 19 doubles, and his 12 SB this season indicates that he is on track for his third consecutive 20 SB season.  The O’s don’t have a whole lot of depth within their organization at 3B as Billy Rowell has moved to the other side of the diamond, Mike Costanzo is a perennial disappointment, and Tyler Kolodny is having a so-so season at Low-A Delmarva.  There is ample opportunity for the 21 year old former SS prospect to make some moves up the organization’s depth chart if he can turn some of his exciting tools into more consistent skills.

High-A Player of the Day—TYLER HENSON

 

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Julian Perez—2-5 2R RBI SB(5)
• P.J. Phillips—3-4 HR(6) RBI 2R
• Trayvon Robinson—1-3 HR(10) 2 RBI
• James Darnell—1-4 HR(9) 3 RBI
• Sawyer Carroll—2-4 3B 2R RBI
• Tyson Gillies—4-6 2R 3 SB(21)
• Carlos Peguero—3-4 2 HR(18) 5 RBI 3R
• Alex Liddi—3-5 2 2B 3R RBI SB(7)
• James McOwen—2-5 Hr(4) 2 RBI 2B 2R
• Brandon Barnes—2-4 Hr(8) 3 RBI 2R
• Jermaine Mitchell—3-4 2 2B 3B 3R RBI BB
• Thomas Neal—3-5 2 2B 3B 3 RBI 2R
• Angel Villalona—3-5 3 RBI R
• Brian Bocock—2-4 2B 3R 3 RBI BB
• Darren Ford—3-4 3R 3B
• Jason Kaase—3-5 2B R
• Ollie Linton—3-6 2 RBI
• Jesus Sucre—2-4 HR(2) 2 RBI 2B
• Michael Burgess—2-5 2B 3B RBI
• Seth Rooney—3-4 3 2B 2 RBI BB
• Brent Morel—4-5 HR(10 3 RBI 2R SB(17)
• Tyler Kuhn—4-4 2R 3B RBI
• Tyler Henson—2-4 2 HR(6) 3 RBI 2R
• Mike Moustakas—3-3 2B RBI BB
• Derrick Robinson—2-5 2B 2R
• Pedro Florimon Jr.—2-3 2 2B 2R RBI
• Tim Federowicz—2-5 HR(11) RBI 2R
• Yamiaco Navarro—3-5 HR(1) 3 RBI 2B
• Che Hsuan Lin—2-4 3B 3R 3 RBI BB
• Jason Place—2-5 2 2B R RBI
• Jordy Mercer—1-4 3B R 2 RBI
• Greg Burns—2-3 2 2B R RBI BB 2 SB(20)
• Matt Dominguez—1-4 HR(5) 3 RBI

Pitching:

• Ryan Morris—5 IP 3H ER 3 BB 7K

6/15 Low-A Minor Legue Report

Posted by Jeremy on June 16, 2009 under Market Watch | Be the First to Comment

After a long absense, I’ve taken a gander at the progress of today’s Low-A prospects and have a few things to report.  Toronto Blue Jays OF prospect Johermyn Chavez hit his 11th HR of the season, driving in four runs and scoring twice.  At 20 years old, the 6-3 220 lb. Venezuelan is serving his second season with Lansing putting up better results.  Strike zone judgement that was abysmal last season (25 BB/128 K) is vastly improved through the first half of this season (19 BB/54 K).  This has been the key cog for the 60+ point jump in his batting average and 100 pt. jump in OBP.  Chavez has the power potential to be a 25-30 HR hitter at the major league level and his arm is strong enough for right field.

The Boston Red Sox have a rich farm system, but quality catching prospects has been an area of weakness in recent history.  ‘08 draftee Tim Federowicz is a breath of fresh air.  Yesterday’s 4-5 two RBI, two run outing was just the most recent in what has been a hitting barrage for the 5-10 213 lb. receiver.  The former Tar Heel has torn the cover off of the ball during the first half, hitting .342 with 9 HR 32 RBI and 17 doubles.  Despite his lofty accomplishments, the stocky backstop was not included in Baseball America’s Top 30 Red Sox prospects list, an oversight that will assuredly not be repeated in 2010.

Today’s top prospect is Daniel Brewer, a 21 year old OF from the New York Yankees farm system.  Brewer was perfect at the plate, going 4-4 with two doubles, two triples, two RBI and four runs scored.  For the season,  the ‘08 eighth rounder is hitting a robust .342 with two HR 25 RBI and 18 doubles.  He has a firm grasp of the strike zone walking 30 times versus 41 strikeouts.  As polished as Brewer is at the plate, he displays average to below average tools across the board.  He doesn’t have much power, yet his fringy speed relagates him to a corner outfield spot.  This season, he’s been a DH for Tampa, which doesn’t bode well for his opportunities going forward.   That said, he is a gamer who gets the most out of his abilities.  That desire, matched with his grit at the plate may propel him into a major league lineup someday.

High-A Player of the Day—DAN BREWER

 

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Eric Morrison—2-3 2B 2R 2 SB(5) (Game 1)…..2-3 2B R 2 RBI BB (Game 2)
• Jeremy Synan—3-4 HR(10) 2 RBI
• Kevin Mattison—2-3 HR(10) 2 RBI 3R BB
• Anthony Gose—2-3 2 RBI SB(41)
• Tim Federowicz—4-5 2B 2R 2 RBI BB
• Anthony Rizzo—3-5 2B 2r 2 RBI
• Mitch Dening—2-4 2B R 4 RBI
• Peter Hissey—2-4 R RBI SB(11)
• Abner Abreu—3-4 2 2B R RBI
• Dan Brewer—4-4 2 2B 2 3B 4R 2 RBI SB(8)
• Melky Mesa—3-5 2B 2 3B 2R RBI
• David Adams—2-4 2R RBI BB
• Ryan Flaherty—1-3 2B R 3 RBI
• Junior Lake—2-4 2B R (Game 1)…..2-3 2R HR(3) 2 RBI (Game 2)
• Jose Garcia—2-4 HR(1) 2 RBI 2R
• James Darnell—2-4 2B 2 RBI
• Justin McClanahan—3-5 HR(7) 2 RBI 3R
• Johermyn Chavez—2-4 HR(11) 4 RBI 2R BB
• Mike McDade—2-4 HR(7) 3 RBI
• Brian VanKirk—4-5 2B 2R RBI
• Brett Lawrie—3-5 2B RBI
• Nick Van Stratten—3-4 3B R
• Eric Hosmer—1-4 3B R 2 RBI
• Gabe Jacobo—1-3 3B R 2 RBI 2 BB
• Nate Tenbrink—2-5 HR(5) RBI
• Jacob Shaffer—2-4 3B 2R 2 RBI BB

Pitching:

• Will Smith—8 IP 5H ER 2 BB 7K W (4-2)
• Nick Schmidt—6 IP H Er 3 BB 5K
• Chase Lirette—6 IP 3H 2 ER BB 5K W (3-3)
• Yoon-Hee Nam—4 IP 6H 2 Er BB 8K
• Michael Lee—5 IP 2H BB 5K W (1-1)
• Alexander Perez—6 IP 4H ER BB 8K W (5-2)
• Dimaster Delcado—6 IP 4H 6K W (1-0)
• Chris Carpenter—7 IP 3H K W (3-3)
• Jason Knapp—5.1 IP 2H 4 UER 5 BB 7K L (2-5)
• David Phelps—5.2 IP 8H ER BB 6K W (7-1)

Top 20 Third Base Prospects (Part 2)

Posted by Jeremy on February 21, 2009 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

Here is the list for the second half of the top 20 third base prospects.  This is a difficult list to rank simply for the fact that many of these guys are still very young and quite raw.

 

11.) Dayan Viciedo—Chicago White Sox

2008 Stats: N/A

 

 

Strengths: The 19 year old Cuban is built like a tank and he produces jaw dropping power with his smooth lefty swing.  Dayan is a complete hitter who has shown the ability to hit for average as well as a member of Cuba’s national team. 

Weaknesses: His weight has been an issue.  Viciedo is reported to the White Sox at a robust 5-11 245 lb.  That is more than 20 lbs. less than when he signed with the Sox.  He has yet to have a professional AB which makes much of his projectible skills just conjecture at this point. 

2009 Outlook: There have been rumors that Viciedo will be given a shot to make the White Sox roster this spring.  It is not outside the realm of possibility as Ozzie Guillen handed last year’s Cuban wonderkind Alexei Ramirez the starting job out of spring training and he went on to finish second in the A.L. ROY voting.  Viciedo is 8 years Ramirez’s junior, though, so a stint in the minor leagues seems to be more realistic.  It won’t be too long, however, as Viciedo’s four-year MLB contract starts ticking come April.

 

12.) Juan Francisco—Cincinnati Reds

2008 Stats:

Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
SAR	FSL	.277	127	516	71	143	34	5	23	92	256	19	123	1	2	.303	.496	.799
Minors		.277	127	516	71	143	34	5	23	92	256	19	123	1	2	.303	.496	.799

 

 

Strengths: Francisco has prolific power potential that could hit upwards of 30 HR per season at the major league level.  He has all of the makings of a superb defensive 3B with good quickness and an arm that may just be the strongest in the Reds system.

Weaknesses: Awful plate discipline.  His 19 BB/123 K ratio indicates that he struggles mightly with pitch recognition and falls victim to getting into pitchers’ counts.  He has a frame that could put on more bulk in the future that could work to diminish some of his above average athleticism.

2009 Outlook: AA tends to be a make or break level for raw power hitters.  Francisco has the ability to be a big time power hitter in the major leagues, but his ability to control the strike zone will be the ultimate determinant in his overall success.  He will never draw many walks, but if he can cut his K’s to around 100, he should continue to have success.

 

13.) Allen Craig—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	.304	129	506	84	154	30	0	22	85	250	48	87	2	1	.373	.494	.867
Minors		.304	129	506	84	154	30	0	22	85	250	48	87	2	1	.373	.494	.867

 

 

Strengths: Craig has been a consistently productive hitter at each level he has played.  He is a polished hitter with good power that should translate to 18-22 HR per season at the major league level.  He has a sound feel for the strike zone and works hard to get the most out of his limited athleticism.

Weaknesses: He has average defensive abilities and his ceiling is not as high as some of the other prospects on this list.  While he should evolve into a solid major league player, he doesn’t have the “wow” factor that other more projectible players on this list have.

2009 Outlook: The offseason shoulder surgery of Troy Glaus may make Craig’s situation a little more interesting.  Glaus is expected to be ready by mid-April, but he has a history of spending large chunks of time of the DL.  St. Louis has an assortment of backups to Glaus (David Freese, Brian Barden, Joe Mather) but none have the offensive potential that Craig has.  AAA Memphis seems the best destination for Craig at this time, but a late season call up should be in the cards (rimshot).  Glaus will not be with the Cardinals next season which should open up an opportunity for Craig in 2010.

 

14.) Jason Taylor—Kansas City Royals

2008 Stats:

 

Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
BUR	MID	.242	127	433	79	105	17	4	17	58	181	81	97	40	14	.372	.418	.790
Minors		.242	127	433	79	105	17	4	17	58	181	81	97	40	14	.372	.418	.790

 

 

Strengths: Taylor is a stupendous athlete with top flight speed and intriguing power potential.  Unlike most young power hitters, Jason grinds out at bats and earns a high amount of walks which, when blended with his baserunning skills, makes him an ideal leadoff hitter.

Weaknesses: His defense at 3B is below average.  The Royals have shifted him to 1B and DH as well, but those haven’t taken either.  Perhaps the best opportunity is to shift to the OF, his speed and arm strength would play well there.  Also, he has yet to hit for a high average in his career, an interesting struggle given his outstanding discpline.

2009 Outlook: Taylor will play at High-A Wilmington this season along with Mike Moustakas.  Keep an eye on where the Royals decide to play him defensively.  There is an abundance of infield talent in the Royals’ system, but the outfield is quite a bit thinner.  Don’t be surprised to see Taylor end up there.  If so, his road to K.C. could move at a quicker pace.  His peripheral numbers indicate that he should be able to hit for a higher average down the road.  That, blended with his power and speed potential, could turn him into a bigger blip on prospectors’ screens.

 

15.) Jharmidy DeJesus—Seattle Mariners

2008 Stats:

 

Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
MAR	AZL	.339	34	127	27	43	12	1	6	18	75	14	25	4	1	.417	.591	1.007
EVE	NOR	.267	28	90	12	24	4	0	4	15	40	6	28	0	1	.316	.444	.761
Minors		.309	62	217	39	67	16	1	10	33	115	20	53	4	2	.376	.530	.906

 

Strengths: Power and batting average wrapped up in a highly projectible and athletic 6-3 185 lb. frame.  DeJesus has a good grasp of the strike zone and profiles to be an excellent defensive 3B.

Weaknesses: At this point, experience.  DeJesus put up some good numbers but they were at lower levels.  How his early successes will translate at more advanced levels remains to be seen.  He should lose some of his average speed as he ages.

2009 Outlook: The M’s should give Jharmidy his first exposure to full season baseball at Low-A Clinton.  It will be interesting to see which version of DeJesus comes out in the early going.  My guess is that his numbers will fall somewhere in between what he did in the Arizona League and at Everett.

 

16.) Billy Rowell—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	.248	111	375	39	93	24	0	7	50	138	36	104	1	4	.315	.368	.683
Minors		.248	111	375	39	93	24	0	7	50	138	36	104	1	4	.315	.368	.683

 

 

Strengths: Rowell has the potential to be a league leading HR hitter.  His tall, strong frame promises to add more bulk as he matures.  His left handed swing is fluid and provides good leverage to all drive balls to all fields.  He is a hard worker and intense competitor who is driven to improve his game.

Weaknesses: He has made improvements, but Rowell is still a below average 3B.  Plus, his size (some report him to be as tall as 6-7) should force him to move to 1B in the not too distant future.  He is a below average runner who should become even more so with age.  Also, there have been some rumblings that his intense demeanor tends to have a polarizing effect in the clubhouse.

2009 Outlook: Rowell will likely be handed another opportunity to improve upon his numbers at High-A Frederick before possibly earning a promotion to AA Bowie later in the year.  This should be the season where things start to click offensively for Rowell.  Once they do, he has the capability to put up some mammoth numbers and rise up this list.

 

17.) Jefry Marte—New York Mets

2008 Stats:

 

Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
MTS	GCL	.325	44	154	29	50	14	3	4	24	82	13	30	2	0	.398	.532	.930
Minors		.325	44	154	29	50	14	3	4	24	82	13	30	2	0	.398	.532	.930

 

Strengths: Tons of projectibility in this kid.  Marte has a lightning quick bat that provides good pop to the alleys and seems to hit everything hard.  He has an athletic frame that should also become stronger in the coming years.  He possesses above average speed that gives him good range in the field and his above average arm strengths suits him well at the hot corner.

Weaknesses: Marte is just 17 and is still extremely raw.  His defensive skills are rudimentary at this point and his fielding percentage of just .821 indicates his proclivity to struggle with routine plays.  He has good speed, but he doesn’t use it much on the basepaths. 

2009 Overview: Marte performed well enought to earn a trip to Savannah for his first look at full season baseball.  The Mets have the luxury of having two top flight, high-ceiling prospects at 3B, but with David Wright as the face of the franchise, it should mean that Marte (and perhaps Wilmer Flores as well) may need to find other places to play.  Both Marte and Flores are at least two to three seasons away from threatening to crack the Mets’ lineup, though, which gives them plenty of time to sharpen their offensive and defensive tools.

 

18.) Neil Walker—Pittsburgh Pirates

2008 Stats:

Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
IND	INT	.242	133	505	69	122	25	7	16	80	209	29	102	10	6	.280	.414	.694
Minors		.242	133	505	69	122	25	7	16	80	209	29	102	10	6	.280	.414	.694

 

 

Strengths: Walker has lots of good tools to work with.  He is a rare switch hitter at the 3B position that has good power from both sides of the plate.   He has above average speed that he uses well on the basepaths and has exhibited leadership and a sound work ethic as well. 

Weaknesses: Walker has good defensive tools that are still being refined after making the shift from catcher to 3B just two seasons ago.  He still has terrible discipline at the plate which will always detract from his ability to hit for a high average.

2009 Outlook:  He will be given a shot to bump Andy LaRoche off the top spot on the depth chart in spring training.  Walker has loads of upside in his game, but the struggle to put it all together still plagues him.  With Pedro Alvarez the hands down 3B of the future, Walker will either have to learn yet another new position or, more likely, anticipate a trade to a new organization.  That scenerio may provide be the boost that Neil needs to move his career to the next level.

 

19.) Jon Gilmore—Chicago White Sox

2008 Stats:

Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
DAN	APP	.337	67	258	27	87	23	0	4	31	122	13	41	0	3	.365	.473	.837
ROM	SAL	.186	27	102	6	19	1	0	0	4	20	2	20	1	0	.202	.196	.398
Minors		.294	94	360	33	106	24	0	4	35	142	15	61	1	3	.320	.394	.715

 

 

 

Strengths: Quick hands that hit for average and power to the gaps.  Gilmore is an agile athlete with soft hands and strong arm that should allow him to be a solid defensive third baseman.  His work ethic is impressive and his competitive drive is evident in his all out style of play.

Weaknesses: Gilmore needs to keep working on his footwork at 3B and his discipline at the plate.  He is an aggressive hitter who can be exploited by advanced pitching.  He also has a tendency to push himself too hard at times, becoming frustrated when his performance doesn’t meet his expectations.  This leaves him to be slump prone and may have contributed to his early season struggles at Rome last season.

2009 Outlook: Gilmore moves to a new organization that has a good deal of talent at 3B.  Keep an eye out for how the White Sox decide to use Gilmore in the upcoming seasons.  He has enough speed to shift to a corner OF spot if need be and his arm could play well in RF.  He’ll start the season at Low-A Kannapolis and look to continue his torrid hitting that he displayed at Danville last season.

 

 20.) Eric Campbell—Atlanta Braves

2008 Stats:

Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
MYR	CAR	.255	88	330	56	84	15	1	19	67	158	50	58	4	1	.362	.479	.840
Minors		.255	88	330	56	84	15	1	19	67	158	50	58	4	1	.362	.479	.840

 

 

Strengths: Campell is a compact power hitting ball of energy who also mixes in a discerning eye at the plate that works counts effectively and draws walks.  He is a fiery competitor that exudes confidence when he plays.  Defensively, he has a good glove and strong arm suitable for the position.

Weaknesses: Campbell displays a poor attitude at times and is prone to insubordination.  This has led to a couple of team-induced suspensions along the way.  Campbell has also struggled with injuries over the past couple of seasons, cutting into his production and slowing his development.

2009 Outlook: Campbell ended the season on a hot streak and should be ready to take on the challenges that AA Mississippi should offer.  I think that Eric Campbell is on a road to redemption.  He was a one time hot prospect that let his own immaturity hamper his promising future.  Let’s see if he can move beyond that and rise back to prospecting prominence once more.

Others to Consider: Mario Martinez, Josh Bell, Conor Gillespie, Brad Suttle,  Austin Gallagher, Travis Mattair, Johnny Whittleman, James Darnell, Tyler Henson, Tyler Kolodny, Darin Holcomb, Michael Almanzar, Taylor Green, Pedro Baez, Chris Johnson, Steve Souza

There’s the list.  As you can see, the list of players just off of the list are pretty darn talented as well.  The next Top 20 list will take us to the outfield for the best list yet.  Stay tuned and, as always, feel free to make your contributions in the comments secton!