4/23 Low-A Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on April 23, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

MIDWEST LEAGUE

Young Blue Jays slugger Johermyn Chavez smacked his second HR of the season, as did Paul Cruz, Tyson Auer, and Cody Puckett.  On the mound, Steve Hensley won his third game in a row with a strong seven innings of shutout baseball. 

Today’s top player is Milwaukee Brewers big righty Cody Scarpetta.  The 20 year old was simply dominant yesterday allowing just one run on three hits in six innings while striking out 10.  The 2007 11th round pick has a 1.54 ERA and has punched out 18 in just 11.2 innings this season mixing a power curveball with his 92-94 MPH heat.

Midwest League Player of the Day—CODY SCARPETTA

 


Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Sawyer Carroll—1-3 2B 2R 3 RBI BB
• Matthew Clark—2-4 2B R 2 RBI
• Jeudy Valdez—2-4 2B RBI
• Cody Scarpetta—6 IP 3H ER 2 BB 10K
• Chris Carpenter—5 IP H 2 BB 6K
• Cody Puckett—2-4 2R HR(2) RBI
• Alfredo Marte—3-5 2B 3B 2 RBI 2R SB(1)
• Reynaldo Navarro—3-4 2 2B 3B RBI R
• Johermyn Chavez—1-2 HR(2) RBI 2 BB
• Nick Francis—3-4 HR(2) 4 RBI
• Eric Hosmer—1-3 R RBi BB
• Niko Vasquez2-4 2R
• Paul Cruz—2-3 HR(2) RBI BB
• Denny Almonte—2-4 2B 2 RBI
• Danny Carroll—2-4 2R 2 SB(3)
• Tyson Auer—3-4 HR(2) RBI 2B

Pitching:

• Cody Scarpetta—6 IP 3H ER 2 BB 10K
• Chris Carpenter—5 IP H 2 BB 6K
• Trevor Harden—7 IP 5H ER BB 5K W(2-1)
• Steven Hensley—7 IP 8H 5K W(3-0)

SOUTH ATLANTIC LEAGUE

Travis D’Arnaud had a big game for Lakewood, doubling twice and driving in four runs while Casey Kelly tossed another gem for the Red Sox surrendering just two hits over five innings.  Paul Gran continues to hit the ball well, doubling twice and scoring three times and both Jordan Pacheco and Gerardo Rodriguez hit their third HR’s oe the season. 

Today’s top player is Yankees CF prospect Melky Mesa.  The 21 year old hit two HR, drove in four and scored three times.  Mesa is an athletic outfielder with solid contact skills and emerging power potential.  He still needs to work on his plate discipline (1 BB/16 K), but is hitting .275 with 4 HR 10 RBI and 8 runs scored in 12 games this season.

South Atlantic League Player of the Day—MELKY MESA

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Robi Estrada—1-3 2R 2 RBI BB
• Anthony Scelfo—3-5 2 2B 3B 3 RBI R
• Melky Mesa—3-5 2 HR(4) 4 RBI 3R
• Carmen Angelini—2-6 R RBI
• Justin Greene—2-4 3B RBI BB 2R
• James Cesario—4-5 2 RBI R
• Jordan Pacheco—2-3 HR(3) RBI 2R BB
• David Christensen—1-5 3B 3 RBI SB(3)
• Paul Gran—2-4 2 2B 3R RBI
• Kyle Skipworth—1-3 2 RBI
• Travis D’Arnaud—3-4 2 2B 4 RBI R
• Gerardo Rodriguez—2-4 2R HR(3) rBI
• Wilmer Flores—2-4 R RBI

Pitching:

• Casey Kelly—5 IP 2H 4K
• Ross Seaton—5.2 IP 4H ER BB 6K W(2-1)
• Martin Perez—5 IP 3H 2 ER 2 BB 6K L(0-2)
• Jeurys Familia—6 IP 2H ER 3 BB 5K W(2-0)

Low-A Weekend Report

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

I’m back!

The past couple of days building campfires, eating smores, and playing on the beach were very theraputic, but it is good to be back in the fold.  Lots happened over the last couple of days.  Derek Holland was called up by the Rangers to pitch in their bullpen, Rick Porcello won his first major league game in dominant fashion against my Mariners, and Ricky Romero tossed another gem for the surging Blue Jays.

The minor league ranks were abuzz with activity as well and I will provide significant totals from both Saturday and Sunday.  I got one great suggestion so far in the ongoing PPR contest and I will be implementing that in the stat lines from this day forward.  Pitching and batting performances will be separated in order to add clarity to the breakdowns.  Thank you Gerald for your contribution!  For those of you who have yet to log in with your comments, I will be accepting them until Wednesday 4/22.  Click the link above for contest details.  Now, the weekend’s results…

SOUTH ATLANTIC LEAGUE

Wilmer Flores collected four hits and three runs over the weekend while Mets OF prospect Rafael Fernandez rapped five hits, including his first HR, and scored four times.  The hands down player of the weekened, though was Florida Marlins OF Isaac Galloway.  The 2008 1st rounder went 6-9 with four runs, two RBI and four stolen bases.

South Atlantic League Player of the Weekend—ISAAC GALLOWAY

Other Notable Performances:

Hitting:

• D’Arby Myers—2-4 HR(1) 2 RBI
• David Adams—3-4 2 2B BB SB(1)
• Ray Kruml—2-4 2R RBI SB(4)
• Isaac Galloway—2-4 2 RBI R 2 SB(2) (Sat.)…..4-5 2B 3B 3R 2 SB(4) (Sun.)
• Anthony Rizzo—2-5 2B R SB(1)
• Jordan Pacheco—4-4 2B
• Wilmer Flores—2-4 2B 3 RBI R (Sat.)…..3-4 BB R (Sun.)
• Jordany Valdespin—2-5 2 RBI 3R BB
• Josh Satin—4-4 3R 2 RBI BB
• Rafael Fernandez—3-6 3R 3B (Sat.)…..2-4 HR(1) RBI SB(1) (Sun.)
• Jay Austin—2-3 2 RBI BB SB(1)
• Mike Lyon—2-4 HR(1) 2 RBI 2R
• Luis Sumoza—1-5 GS HR(1) 4 RBI
• Ryan Blair—2-3 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Anthony Gose—2-4 R RBI 3 SB(9)
• Nick Arata—3-3 2B R 4 RBI SB(2)
• Kyle Skipworth—1-3 3 RBI 2BB

Pitching:

• Dan Hudson—6 IP 3H 4K W(1)
• David Phelps—6 IP 5H ER BB 4K W(2)
• Robert Carson—6 IP H BB 3K W(1)
• Richard Sullivan—6 IP 6H 2 ER BB 7K W(3)
• Oliver Drake—7 IP 3H ER 5K W(2)
• Eric Beaulac—5 IP 2H BB 6K W(1)

MIDWEST LEAGUE

There weren’t any prospects that had stellar back to back performances, but there were some good single game performances to note.  Mariners ‘08 draftee Aaron Pribinac looked solid again over 6.2 innings, while Josh Vitters continued to torch Midwest League pitching with a three hit, two RBI and two run outing on Saturday.  The Fort Wayne bunch had great outings on Sunday, including Allan Dyktra’s two RBI’s and two runs and Drew Cumberland doubled, tripled and scored twice.  Top player honors go to a different Wizard though, as Miami alum Blake Tekotte broke an early season slump by hitting his first HR, driving in four runs and scoring three times.

Midwest League Player of the Weekend—BLAKE TEKOTTE

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Josh Vitters—3-4 2B 3B 2 RBI 2R
• David Thomas—3-6 HR(1) 3 RBI 2 2B 3R
• Jason Christian—3-4 2 RBI 2R BB
• Mitch Levier—2-5 2B R 4 RBI SB(1)
• Matt Clark—3-4 R RBI 2 BB
• Brandon Douglas—3-5 2R RBI BB
• Johermyn Chavez—2-4 HR(1) 3 RBI 2R
• Franklin Hernandez—2-4 3 RBI
• Jordan Newton—2-4 HR(2) RBI 2R
• Justin McClanahan—2-4 HR(2) 2 RBI 2B
• Blake Tekotte—2-4 HR(2) 2 RBI 2B
• Drew Cumberland—2-5 2B 3B 2R RBI
• Allan Dykstra—1-3 2 RBI 2R 2 BB
• Kyle Russell—3-4 2 2B R 2 RBI

Pitching:

• Aaron Pribinac—6.2 IP 3H ER 2 BB 5K W(2)
• Steven Osuna—6 IP 5H 6K W(1)

4/14 Low-A Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on April 15, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

SOUTH ATLANTIC LEAGUE & MIDWEST LEAGUE

Lots of performances to note here.  Zach Collier put together a big all around game with a double, triple, two runs two RBI and his third SB.  Chase D’Arnaud and Scott Robinson both had three hits and Ronnie Welty smacked four, including his first HR.  Today’s top performer was Washington’s hot catching prospect Derek Norris, who went 3-4 with his second HR, two RBI and three runs scored.

Low-A Player of the Day—DEREK NORRIS

Other Notable Performances:

• Travis Mattair—1-1 R 2 RBI 3 BB
• Zach Collier—2-2 2B 3B 2R 2 RBI BB SB(3)
• Tyler Cloud—6 Ip 4h 3 Er 2 BB 5K W(1)
• Ronnie Welty—4-5 HR(1) 3 RBI
• Xavier Avery—2-5 RBI
• Greg Miclat—3-5 2R
• Derek Norris—3-4 HR(2) 2 RBI 3R BB
• Chris Curran—2-4 BB R
• Tim Federowicz—2-5 2B R BB
• Peter Hissey—2-5 BB
• Brock Huntzinger—5 Ip 4H ER 3K
• Fabian Williamson—4.2 IP H 2 BB 3K
• Armando Zerpa—4.1 IP 0H 2K
• Cliff Springston—7 IP 2H UER 3K
• Wilmer Flores—2-5 R
• Eric Campbell (Mets)—1-3 2 RBI BB
• Sean Ratliff—1-4 R 2 RBI
• Jeffry Marte—1-4 3B RBI
• Gerardo Rodriguez—3-4 SB(1)
• Yeliar Castro—3-4 SB(1)
• Eric Beaulac—4 IP 2H BB 5K RBI R
• Anthony Scelfo—3-5 RBI R
• Quincy Latimore—2-4 3B 2R BB
• Chase D’Arnaud—3-4 2B RBI
• Calvin Anderson—3-4 2B 2R RBI
• Paul Gran—2-4 2B 2R RBI BB
• Scott Robinson—3-5 2 2B 4R SB(1)
• Jordan Pacheco—2-3 2 RBI BB
• James Cesario—3-5 2B R SB(1)
• Joseph Massey—2-4 2 RBI BB
• Andy Garcia—2-4 HR(1) RBI 2B 2R
• Gregory Infante—6 IP 3H BB 2K W(1)
• Kyle Greenwalt—5 IP 4H ER 2K L(1)
• Eric Surkamp—5 IP 3H ER BB 9K
• Brett Marshall—6 IP 2H UER 2 BB K
• Pat Venditte—2 IP H 5K W(1)
• Anthony Scelfo—3-5

4/12 Low-A Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on April 13, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

At last!  I am able to cover the action from the South Atlantic and Midwest Leagues.  The Sally League played last night, but the Midwest had only one game on their schedule.  We’ll start with the Midwest and cover their Saturday results.  Eric Hosmer had a couple of hits as did Blake Tekotte.  Drew Cumberland blasted a double and triple while driving in two and scoring twice.  On the bump, Dodgers young star Ethan Martin threw a gem allowing just two hits over five shutout innings and the Mariners’ Aaron Pribinac was even more effective allowing one hit and one walk over six innings, striking out five.

Midwest League Player of the Day—AARON PRIBINAC

Other Notable Performances:

• Billy Nowlin—2-3 2B RBI R
• Mauricio Robles—5 IP 2H BB 8K W(1)
• Sawyer Carroll—1-4 2B 2 RBI
• Blake Tekotte—1-3 2R 2 BB
• Drew Cumberland—3-4 2B 3B 2 RBI 2R BB
• Allan Dykstra—1-3 2R 2 BB
• Simon Castro—4.1 IP H 5 BB 3K
• Michael Marseco—1-2 2B R 2 BB SB(1)
• Nick Romero—2-4 R BB SB(1)
• Tyson Auer—2-5 2B 2R HR(1) RBI SB(3)
• Bobby Lanigan—5 IP 3H 2 ER 2 BB 5K
• Devaris Gordon-Strange—1-4 R SB(2)
• Austin Gallagher—2-4 RBI
• Ethan Martin—5 IP 2H 2 BB 4K W(1)
• Curtis Partch—5 IP 7H 2 ER 6K L(1)
• Maximo Mendez—2-4 3B R
• Luis Cota—5 IP 3H ER 2 BB 8K L(1)
• Aaron Pribinac—6 IP H BB 5K W(1)
• Eric Hosmer—2-4 2B
• Dusty Coleman—1-3 R 2 BB
• Ryan Flaherty—2-4 R BB
• Chris Archer—3 IP 0H 4 BB 5K

In the Sally League, Anthony Rizzo belted his first HR of ‘09 as did Travis D’Arnaud.  Michael Almanzar had two RBI and big Joe Mahoney had an even bigger day going 4-5 with a triple, six RBI and two stolen bases.  However, his career day was not enough to unseat Rockies first rounder Christian Friedrich who tossed six one-hit innings walking two and striking out nine en route to his first win of the new season.

South Atlantic League Player of the Day—CHRISTIAN FRIEDRICH

Other Notable Performances:

• Steven Souza—2-4 2 RBI R BB
• Stephen Englund—1-3 2B R 2 RBI 2 BB
• Joe Mahoney—4-5 3B R 6 RBI 2 SB(3)
• Ronnie Welty—3-5 2B 3R RBI BB
• Travis D’Arnaud—1-5 HR(1) 3 RBI
• Charlie Culberson—2-4 3R
• Josh Mazzola—3-4 2 RBI 2R BB
• Wilmer Flores—2-5 2B R
• Jacob Jeffries—2-4 R
• Jeremy Beckham—2-4
• Mike Sheridan—1-4 HR(1) RBI
• Carlos Pimentel—6 IP 7H 2 ER 6K
• Edward Martinez—1-2 2B 2 RBI R
• Michael Bianucci—1-3 2B 2 RBI R
• Anthony Rizzo—2-4 HR(1) 3 RBI 2R BB
• Tim Federowicz—1-4 HR(2) 3 RBI BB
• Oscar Tejeda—2-5 2R
• David Mailman—2-5 R
• Michael Almanzar—1-3 2 RBI
• Mitch Dening—2-4 R
• Peter Hissey—2-4 R
• Casey Kelly—5 IP 4H BB 4K W(1)
• Joeseph Massey—2-4 R RBI
• Carlos Martinez—2-4 R
• Christian Friedrich—6 IP H 2 BB 9K W(1)
• Garrison Lassiter—3-4
• David Phelps—5.2 IP 3H 4K W(1)
  

3/7 Spring Training Report

Posted by Jeremy on March 9, 2009 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

I watched a little of the US vs. Canada game in the World Baseball Classic yesterday and was awe struck by the filfthy stuff that big right-hander Phillippe Aumont demonstrated.  He struggled a bit with his control early, but struck out David Wright and Curtis Granderson to get out of a bases loaded jam.  Around the major leagues, Brandon Wood continues to swing a hot bat, John Mayberry Jr. went deep for the third time this spring and Beau MIlls hit his second long ball.  The youngster of the day, however, went to Phillies southpaw J.A. Happ who was simply dominant in three innings surrendering two hits and striking out seven.

Youngster of the Day—J.A. HAPP

Other Notable Performances:

• Scott Moore—2-3 2 2B R
• Nolan Reimold—1-1 R SB(2)
• Matt Wieters—1-1 RBI
• Robert Andino—2-5 HR(1) 2 RBI 2R
• Cameron Maybin—1-2 BB
• Sean West—2 IP 3H UER BB 2K
• George Kottaras—1-2 HR(1) RBI 2R BB
• Jeff Bailey—2-4 2 2B R
• Scott Campbell—2-4 2B 3B 3 RBI R
• Travis Snider—2-3 RBI
• Brad Emaus—1-1 R BB
• Mike Hessman—2-3 BB
• Scott Sizemore—1-3 HR(1) RBI
• Ryan Perry—1.2 IP H 2K
• J.A. Happ—3 IP 2H 7K
• John Mayberry Jr.—1-3 HR(3) 3 RBI
• Pedro Alvarez—1-1 R
• Andy LaRoche—2-3 BB R
• Daniel McCutchen—2 IP BB (W)
• Colby Rasmus—1-4 3B RBI
• Leonard Davis—1-3 HR(1) RBI
• Luke Montz—1-3 2B R BB
• Dillon Gee—2 IP BB 2K
• Daniel Murphy—2-3 2 BB 2 2B R
• Wilmer Flores—1-4 2B RBI
• Brandon Jones—1-2 HR(1) RBI
• Phillippe Aumont—IP 2H BB 2K
• Neftali Soto—2-4 RBI BB 2B
• Wladimir Balentien—2-3 HR(1) RBI
• Adam Moore—1-2 2R
• Brian LaHair—1-2 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Xavier Paul—1-3 3B RBI
• Josh Donaldson—1-3 HR(1) RBI
• Landon Powell—1-3 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Sean Doolittle—2-3 R RBI SB(1)
• Yung-Chi Chen—1-3 2B R RBI
• Gregorio Petit—2-2
• Will Venable—2-3 R RBI
• Beau Mills—1-3 HR(2) RBI
• Matt LaPorta—2-4 2B
• Franklin Morales—4 IP 3H 3K (W)
• Jesus Guzman—1-2 R RBI
• Chris Getz—2-3 2B
• Clayton Richard—4 IP 4H
• Brandon Wood—2-3 2B R 2 RBI SB(2)
• Sean Rodriguez—1-3 2B RBI
• Matt Brown—2-2 2B 3 RBI
• Jordan Walden—2 IP 2H BB 2K

Top 20 Third Base Prospects for 2009 (Part 1)

Posted by Jeremy on February 19, 2009 under 2009 Top 20 Prospects | 2 Comments to Read

For those of you who enjoy these top 20 lists, I apologize for the delay in compiling this one.  I knew that this was going to be a banger of a list, but after writing about 40-50 names of potential candidates, I am absolutely floored at the amount of talent left off of this list.  The top 20 is an intriguing blend of polished college players and high upside youngsters from both the domestic and international markets.   Diverse as they may seem, each player has something in common–they can flat out rake. 

After oscillating between two Scott Boras clients for top spot honors, I have decided to go with the #2 overall pick of the 2007 draft Mike Moustakas. 

1.) Mike Moustakas—Kansas City Royals

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Moustakas has a bat that produces prolific power to all fields (he hit 52 HR in his high school career).  He has a strong feel for the strike zone and should be able to hit for a high batting average as well.  His cannon arm is ideal for 3B as he has been clocked at 98 MPH as a prep player.  His athleticism has continually improved over the past three seasons which should open up some opportunities defensively

Weaknesses: He is an average to below average defensive player at this point.  There has been come conjecture of playing him at 3B, RF and even C over the past couple of seasons.

2009 Outlook: Moustakas’ bat sizzled in the second half of the ‘08 season which may allow for him to use High-A Wilmington as a temporary springboard to AA NW Arkansas.  Moustakas is a prime time power prospect in every sense of the word and his role in the middle of a young and already talented Kansas City Royals lineup could begin as soon as Opening Day 2010.

2.) Pedro Alvarez—Pittsburgh Pirates

2008 Stats: N/A

Strengths: Pedro has a polished bat that should hit for above average power and should flirt with .300 on an annual basis.  He also has a strong grasp of the strike zone and should be able to put together a good BB/K ratio.

Weaknesses: His range, glove, and arm strength all grade out as fringe average and a shift to 1B may happen at some point in his career.  More disturbing is the revelations from Pirates camp that he has reported to camp overweight and out of shape.  After being a stick in the mud during the hotly contested bonus negotiations, Alvarez will be hard pressed to meet the lofty expectations heaped upon him.

2009 Outlook: Alvarez is on the fast track to Pittsburgh as the clock is ticking on his 6-year MLB contract.  Expect him to start at High-A Lynchburgh before moving to AA Altoona at some point.  The Bucs currently have Neil Walker and Andy LaRoche battling for time at the hot corner, but the swiftly approaching arrival of Alvarez will blow both of them off to other positions or organizations.

3.) Brett Wallace—St. Louis Cardinals

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Wallace has proven at multiple levels and locations that his bat is MLB ready and has the potential to be amongst league leaders in several offensive catagories.  Wallace has above average power that racks up XBH in bunches and his plate discipline is nothing short of exceptional.  He has also worked hard to improve his defense at 3B, which seems like a good home for his strong arm.

Weaknesses: At 6-1 245 lb., Wallace has big limitations athletically.  His thick lower body should drastically limit his range and baserunning speed as he ages. 

2009 Outlook: Despite Troy Glaus’ uncertain status following his shoulder surgery, Wallace will not be given much of an opportunity to win a roster spot with the Cardinals this spring.  Expect him to start the season at AAA Memphis.  He will patrol the infield of Bucsh Stadium at some point this season, however, and once he is up, it will probably be for good.

4.) Mat Gamel—Milwaukee Brewers

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Gamel’s bat strokes line drives all over the diamond with improving power to the alleys.  He is a good athlete who has a fair amount of speed that he uses well on the basepaths and defensively.  His arm is quite strong and a seemingly good fit at 3B or in the outfield.

Weaknesses: Mat’s hot corner defense went from dispicable in ‘07 to just pretty bad in ‘08.  It is still the Achilles Heel in his game and a move to the OF seems imminent.  Also, Gamel’s plate discipline lapsed considerably after the Brewers traded Matt LaPorta away.  Perhaps Gamel was trying to do too much in his absense or just received tougher pitching without the lineup protection that the former Florida Gator provided.

2009 Outlook: The gaggle of mediocre third basemen (Bill Hall, Craig Counsell, Mike Lamb) is not enough to keep Gamel off of the Miller Park infield in 2009.  Gamel will get a ton of opportunities this spring as Bill Hall just recently tore his calf muscle and is expected to be sidelined at least until Opening Day.  That may be enough time for Mat to demonstrate to the Brew Crew that he is ready to take the mantle as Milwaukee’s starting 3B.

5.) Matt Dominguez—Florida Marlins

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Dominguez showed surprising power potential as an 18 year old at full season ball.  He has excellent contact rates and should be able to hit for a high average as well.  The defensive abilities, however, is what sets Matt apart from other 3B prospects.  His range, hands, and arm strength make him a perennial Gold Glove candidate.

Weaknesses: He needs to improve on his ability to work deeper into counts and draw more walks.  More advanced pitchers will be able to get him out with off speed pitches out of the zone, lowering his batting average totals.  Though athletic, Dominguez is not a threat on the basepaths (0 career SB).

2009 Outlook: Dominguez will move to High-A Jupiter to start the season.  If he continues to build on his successes from last season, it is conceivable that Florida could bump him to AA.  He is one of the Marlins’ brightest prospects and his track to the big leagues should move quickly.

6.) Wilmer Flores—New York Mets

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Limitless projectibility.  Flores has a long, athletic frame that has already demonstrated the ability to hit for power and average in his debut season.  He has excellent bat speed and an advanced feel for the game comparable to a young Miguel Cabrera.

Weaknesses: Many of his skills right now are quite raw.  Flores is only 17 years old and there are some questions as to how his body will develop.  If he bulks up like Cabrera did, it could prove to be slightly detrimental to his athleticism.  He also needs to continue to strengthen his grasp of the strike zone and work deeper into counts.

2009 Outlook: David Wright has the Mets’ 3B job sewn down through at least 2012 (and likely beyond).  That should give the young Flores ample time to develop at a conservative pace.  His next step is full season Low-A Savannah, which should give us a better glimpse at where he is at in his development.

7.) Josh Vitters—Chicago Cubs

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Vitters has big time power potential and the ability to hit for a high average as well.  His bat speed is top notch and the fluidity of his swing is akin to that of elite left handed hitters.  Those within the Cubs organization praise Vitters’ work ethic and makeup.

Weaknesses: Defense is still a bit of a struggle for Josh.  He has a decent glove and a very strong arm, but his footwork and range issues are still a work in progress.  He has a big frame which should make his speed on the basepaths become below average in time.  Like many young sluggers, Vitters needs to continue to progress with his knowledge of the strike zone.

2009 Outlook: Josh was pushed a bit too aggressively in the early part of last season by being sent to full season Low-A ball.  He’’s ready now.  Expect Vitters to blossom offensively at Low-A Peoria building on his power potential and, hopefully, his defensive prowess.

8.) Neftali Soto—Cincinnati Reds

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Soto has an awesome bat that has demonstrated advanced power potential and an ability to drive the ball to all parts of the field with authority.  Soto is an XBH machine, racking up 39 in less than 300 AB.  He makes good contact at the plate and should be able to keep his batting average at around .300 as a pro.

Weaknesses: He is a man without a defensive home right now.  The Reds shifted him from SS to 3B and 1B but his defensive acumen is so-so.  He may need to move to the OF down the road as both Todd Frazier and Juan Francisco have more defensive upside than him at the hot corner.

2009 Outlook: Soto should move to High-A Sarasota in April and, at just 20 years old, there is no reason to rush him to AA.  Keep an eye on where Soto plays defensively.  A move to the OF could open things up for him.

9.) Todd Frazier—Cincinnati Reds

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Frazier’s tall, muscular fram allows for him to hit for excellent power that should translate to 22-28 HR per season at the major league level.  He has a makeup that is off the charts and his desire to be the best player on the field is evidenced in his tireless work ethic.

Weaknesses: Frazier can become overly aggressive at the plate at times, racking up strikeouts.  He, like Soto, has yet to find a defensive home, having played at SS and 1B as well as the hot corner. 

2009 Projection: Frazier continues to the Reds’ new AA affiliate Jacksonville.  Keep track of whree he plays defensively.  If he makes the move to 1B, he may find himself packaged up in a deal to another franchise in the near future.  The Reds are quite set at first with both Joey Votto and Yonder Alonso having more upside than Frazier.

10.) Wes Hodges—Cleveland Indians

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Hodges has a smooth swing from the right side that has shown good gap power and the ability to drive in runs.  He has a strong sense of the strike zone and is improving on working counts. 

Weaknesses: Hodges’ defense is still way below average.  His range, glove and arm accuracy still need quite a bit of refinement.  Fortunately for him, there aren’t any other decent 3B prospects in the Indians’ farm system that threaten to push him off of the hot corner, but his sub .900 fielding percentage should not earn him any opportunities at Jacobs Field anytime soon.

2009 Outlook: Hodges should get a full dose of AAA this season with an implicit goal of shoring up his defensive shortcomings.  The Indians traded for Mark DeRosa in the offseason, likely as a one year stop gap to allow Hodges to develop.  Expect him to get a late season call up after the roster expansions in September. 

There’s the first 10 third base prospects.  I am currently working on the next 10 with a goal of getting them online by tomorrow morning sometime.  Feel free to comment on any one of these 10 or to submit your own top ten lists.  If you like what you are reading and are looking to buy cards of any kind, I would be honored if you did so through the eBay afflilate links on my site!