byronlhsdrmr

As usual we’ll start with a review of the teams already apart of my bandwagon:

Florida State (ACC) 1-0

Connecticut (Big East) 3-0

As always, let me know what you think below.  Tell me what you think of teams already in my bandwagon.  Tell me which teams are apart of your bandwagon.  Try to guess which seven teams will round out my bandwagon.  Let’s get some interaction going. 

I’m moving onto the representative from the SEC.  The experts say the South East is much improved, but I’m not yet buying into that thought.  Kentucky is Memphis of the last several years, only in a tougher conference – so they’ll lose a few games.  After Kentucky its Tennessee, whom I like as well, they’ve got three or four possible All-SEC performers.  However, the team who is joining my bandwagon is neither of these teams, but it is a recent back-to-back champion. 

Florida (SEC) 1-0

The argument I’ve heard against Florida is that they lost their top player, their top scorer, their top playmaker – of course all of whom all Nick Calathes – how can they be better.  It was the same for Connecticut and partly the same with Florida State – with the loss of Toney Douglas.  Throw out all comparisons to last year.  It’s a new season anything can happen.   The talent as a whole is down, in my opinion.  Florida is one of the most solid team’s I’ve come across.  They return sophomore Alex Tyus, who will shift to hi natural power forward position this year, he will likely lead the team in rebounds and could lead them in scoring as well – he averaged 12.5 ppg his freshmen year.  Also returning is 5-8 sophomore guard Erving Walker , who averaged 10.1 ppg last year despite playing in Calathes’ shadow – and it was a literal shadow, Calathes is 6-6 to Walker’s 5-8, ha!  Junior Chandler Parsons is a personal favorite of mine.  He led the team with fourteen points in their season opener.  His emergence will be a key determinant in Florida’s season.  Joining the above three holdovers is top recruit Kenny Boynton, a 6-2 off guard who will immediately step in as one of the team’s top scoring threats, he scored twelve in the opener.  Helping out the front court is Georgetown transfer Vernon Macklin, who will step in at the five to provide defense, rebounds and some low post points; he scored thirteen and grabbed eight rebounds in the first game.  He’s an excellent complement to Tyus.  Senior forward Dan Werner will also contribute; he averaged 8.9 ppg and 4.9 rpg last season in a starting role.  Freshmen Erik Murphy, a 6-10 forward, whom rivals.com likens to former Gator Matt Bonner .  I really like this Gators team; they’re good in the frontcourt with depth there and they’re good in the backcourt, admittedly with less depth.  The question is, are they great anywhere?  I tend to think that frontcourt of Tyus, Macklin and Parsons is great.  Florida will get a couple of early tests as they take on Florida State November twenty-forth, they go to #2 Michigan State on November twenty-seventh and take on another “great” frontcourt in Syracuse, at home, December tenth.  Other than those three games they coast to SEC season, when they go to Vanderbilt on January ninth.  It’s my impression that they will lose all three early tests and go into SEC season 10-3, which isn’t bad, but they’ll be without a good win.  Stealing one of those games, most likely either Fla. St. or Syracuse at home, would go a long way to ensuring their March plans. 

Welcome back to The Bandwagon .  Before I reveal the second team on my early/pre-season bandwagon, let’s first look at those teams already on it:

Florida State 1-0

As always, let me know what you think of my bandwagon picks thus far and be sure to include your own bandwagon picks at the bottom of the page; I’d love to hear your thoughts.  Now are you ready for my next bandwagon team? 

Connecticut 3-0

There is a strange vibe surrounding the Big East this year.  It seems that the usual leaders of the conference have taken a step back -- I mean you Connectut, Pittsburgh and Louisville -- while Villanova and West Virginia have both taken a big step forward.  At least the experts seem to think so.  I'll admit 'Nova and West Virginia do deserve some buzz, but I think the experts are making a mistake by overlooking some of the conferences top programs, such as Connecticut.  When I made my selections, I was under the impression that UCONN was ranked lower than thirteenth – thus making them a bolder pick.  I still feel they belong here though.   It could be argued that Connecticut lost more following last season than any other team (North Carolina and Pittsburgh may be the only competing teams).  However, Jerome Dyson returns, he’s scored better than nineteen ppg through the team’s first three games while also leading the team in assists.  Kemba Walker is lightening-quick and will provide adequate scoring, while reserving his ability to explode in some games.  Stanley Robinson is a tall 6-9 with great athleticism, everybody is expecting him to burst out this season and thus far he has.  Helping out this threesome – and 6-9 senior forward Gavin Edwards – are three freshmen ranked better than seventy-fifth by rivals.com .  Amongst the newcomers is Alex Oriakhi, a 6-9 center, who’s presence will be felt immediately on defense and on the boards – he leads the team in rebounds through three games averaging just more than ten a game.  Joining him is 6-7 forward Jamal Coombs-McDaniel and off-guard Darius Smith, who is of the Kemba Walker mold.  Suffice to say, the Huskies have a good mix of young and old on this year’s team.  I understand they lost a lot; it is tough to imagine this team is better – especially after that game against Hofstra, right? – but give this team time and they’ll scare any team in the top ten.  Looking at the schedule, Connecticut should cruise through their first five.  On December ninth they’ll play Kentucky, at home, giving this team its first true test.  If the younger players can learn to contribute offensively by then, I say they take that game to remain undefeated heading into Big East play at Cincinnati on December thirtieth. 

"The Bandwagon" is simple: throughout the season [college hoops] I will periodically name teams whose bandwagons I am officially jumping on (or off).  These are teams I think of in high esteem, teams I think are on the rise, or are at least an interesting sleeper team.  To start the college basketball season off right, I have choosen ten teams whose bandwagons am either starting or jumping on -- they will be released throughout the early part of the week.  I will monitor the performance of these teams, and continuously reevaluate whose bandwagon I'm on -- and in some cases driving, right?  To start the season off right, I am on the bandwagon of at least one team in each of the six BCS conferences.  My pre/early season thoughts on each of these bandwagon teams will accompany their selection.  Feel free (and please do) let me know what you think of my selections and post whose bandwagon you are on as well. 

Florida State (ACC)

Many experts say its a down year for the ACC this season, they instead favor the top heavy Big 10 and Big 12, but the ACC is incredibly deep this season.  In part because of the Seminoles.  Florida State returns a pair of guys in the frontcourt: the 7-1 Solomon Alabi, a highly skilled big man and Chris Singleton, a 6-9 sophmore, who I have yet to get a good read on.  The front court will have to be a strength this season after Florida St. lost top guard Toney Douglas.  They do return three guards, however, including 6-4 junior Derwin Kitchen who will at least share ball-handling responsibilities, he is a good rebounder - averageing 4.6 rpg in 08/09 - and will look to up his shooting this season as well.  The other two holdovers are: Luke Luocks, a 6-5 sophmore point guard and Deividas Dulkys a 6-5 shooting guard who makes his mark behind the arc (not intentionally looking to rhyme).  Joining them in the backcourt is one of my favorite freshman in all of college basketball this season -- and perhaps the biggest reason for the Seminoles' inclusion on this list -- Michael Snaer.  Snaer is a 6-5 shooting guard with explosive scoring ability and athletism.  He can get it done by getting to the basket or from outside.  He will be this team's leading scorer.  I absolutely love this team's size.  I realize "it's all about the guard-play", but oversized players at three positions [with Alabi, Kitchen and Snaer at the 5, 1 and 2] should cause a lot of teams some problems.  I question, however, this team's depth and possibly more importantly, their ball-handler -- I prefer both Snaer and Kitchen off the ball.  Florida State has a fair non-conference schedule.  They'll play four early road games, including @ fellow bandwagon team, Florida and @ Ohio State.  At worst this team goes 5-2 before going to Georgia Tech on December 20th to kick off their ACC season, but I think they can easily handle an unexperienced Florida team this easy in the season.  Ohio State will be the real test, the Buckeyes are experienced and skilled, and perhaps most importantly at home.  However, if they can take that road game, or maybe even play tough and stay in it till the end, I think they will have turned some heads going into conference play.  This team is not better without Toney Douglas -- they're better with Michael Snaer

So, what do you think of my first bandwagon

What happened to those player grades, eh? 

Well, I got wrapped up in several other things and I am headed out of town on Monday.  However, I will get back to those, eventually.  I have really gotten back into prospect mode - what with the trade deadline and all.  You say, Victor Martinez to the Sox.  I say, Nick Hagadone and Bryan Price to the Indians.  Next pressing thing on my schedule is minor league reports for July, which may be a three or four parter depending on how I break it down.  I will also cover the short season leagues thus far. 

Stats, via Mlb.com , are as of July, 15th 2009.  All grades were assigned prior to the All-Star game. 

Catchers:

Ivan Rodriguez - C

At the start of the season, I think I could have predicted a line like this from Pudge - .245/.278/.397.  Perhaps the batting average and on-base percentages are a tad low, but he's still providing better offensively production (sadly) than the Astros have been used to in recent years.  Pudge has also belted seven homeruns along with scoring twenty-six runs and thirty RBIs.  Rodriguez has also been Pudge behind the plate, and that always helps. 

Humberto Quintero - D-

Only seventy-seven at-bats for Quintero, but he hasn't made the most of them, he's hitting .247/.266/.312 this season.  One thing I have learned about 'Q' is that he will not be an everday player, something we wondered about prior to the season. 

J.R. Towles did not qualify, having less than 50 at-bats. 

Infielders:

Miguel Tejada - A

Tejada has been amazing, maybe the defensive is in decline, but I haven't seen anything this year that makes me think his defense is detrimental to the team.  Tejada leads the team in batting average at .329.  He also hit a slugging % of .473 with seven homeruns and thirty-seven extra-base-hits.  Tejada struck out only twenty-six times the first half but, also only walked ten times, leading to a mediocre .357 OBP.  Miggy was tied for second on the team with forty-nine RBIs and third on the team in runs scored with forty-eight. 

Lance Berkman - A-

Due to a horrid April many believe Berkman has had a poor first half, however, he leads the team in homeruns, OBP, SLG%, walks, and RBIs (anymore I'm missing?  probably) with eighteen, a .403 OBP, a .526 SLG%, sixty-six and fifty-five respectively.  Berkman's average was only .271, but who cares with an OBP over .400, right?  He's also silently stolen six bases in eight tries and was second on the team with fort-nine runs scored. 

Jeff Keppinger - B-

Keppinger, the right-handed platoon at third base, has really grown on me.  When first acquired, I didn't feel Keppinger would provide anything more than Drew Sutton (who was sent to Cincinnati in the deal).  However, through the first half, Keppinger has been holding up his side of the plate.  Batting .273 with a .353 OBP and .416 SLG%, in one hundred and sixty-one at-bats (thirty-eight less at-bats than Blum).  Keppinger is also one of two Astros batters with a BB/K ratio over one (Berkman being the other), he has walked nineteen times and struck out sixteen times.  Also, in less at-hats, Keppinger has driven in one more run than Blum. 

Question of the day:  Would you prefer the power upgrade of Chris Johnson taking over the right side of the platoon, or keep Keppinger's on-base skills? 

Geoff Blum - C+

Blum has hit .281 with a .350 OBP and .362 SLG%.  He struck out twenty-seven times and walked nineteen times, scoring twenty-seven runs.  All-in-all nothing stands out about Blum, but he has been servicable and the two of them (Blum and Keppinger) manning third hasn't kept the Astros from competing. 

Kazuo Matsui - D

Matsui 1. couldn't stay healthy 2. Was not the most effective second basemen, even when he returned.  Matsui hit .252 with a .313 OBP and .338 SLG%.  He struck out forty-three times and walked only nineteen times.  He has stolen nine bases and has provided some timely hits, so I won't give him an F, but a D is more than deserved, unfortunately. 

Edwin Maysonet - B

I don't know why the front office doesn't seem to like Maysonet.  He fields well and provided some good offensive production during his stint in the majors.  In fifty-four at-bats he hit .315 with a .356 OBP and .407 SLG%.  Personally, I would like to see Maysonet be brought back up with a chance to stick, but with Matsui making five million for the next two years that, it isn't likely to happen. 

Matt Kata didn't qualify.

Due up:  The remaining 'Player Performance Grades' as well as a look into the Elias Rankings, the off-season and 2010.  I'm looking forward to reading your answers to the 'question of the day'. 

I have had this post sitting on my desktop for awhile and I am finally publishing it.  This marks my first post in exactly a month and I apologize for that.  I have some interesting topics coming up, however, and I hope to get on here more consistently.  The Astros are .500, so let's celebrate the first half of the season. 

A quick note about yesterday's Futures Game, which I watched in it's entirety despite a four hour rain-delay.  The Astros' Chia Jen-Lo recorded the win, pitching one inning and striking out one, with the bases loaded and two outs.  He was throwing in the low 90s with a good slider in the mid 70s.  Jason Castro also looked impressive.  He belted a hanging curve off a lefty to deep right field, scoring a three-run homer.  He also threw out Luis Durango at third on an attempted steal.  Durango had a good jump and the pitcher, Dan Duffy, was slow getting the ball to the plate but, Castro threw a strike down the third base line to nab Durango just in time.  His arm is definitely a plus tool despite throwing out only three of fourteen would-be basestealers. 

I have a couple of topics planned.  I am going to grade individual (major league) players on their performance thus far.  I also plan to take a trip across state to see Houston's New York-Penn League team, Tri City ValleyCats.  They are probably the minor league affiliate of Houston's I know the least about (their players that is), but they are far and away the closest in proximity (I can see them at three locations in the next month, including their home ballpark outside of Albany, within a two and a half hour drive).  So, I plan on having some form of scouting reports on some of their top prospects.  I may also review my top 15 Astros prospects at some point, but we'll see how things go. 

Without further ado, here are the Astros' top Minor Leaguers for the month of June.

Round Rock Express AAA
Pitcher of the Month : Bud Norris RHP
Norris reclaims the monthly honor, having won it in April, but narrowly losing out to Bazardo in May.  That's not to say Bazardo made it easy.  He pitched 28 innings over four starts (7innings/start), posting a 3.21 ERA with a 1-0 record.  He struck out 15, while walking only 5 batters, and also gave up 29 hits.  For Bazardo it was another solid, but not dominant month.  Norris also pitched 28 innings over four starts (obviously still 7 innings/start).  He did it with a 0.96 ERA and 1-1 record though.  He gave up only 18 hits, but did walk 12, and stuck out 26 batters.  A couple things to note about Norris' month are that his strikeout rate did drop, for the first month this year his k/9 was under 9, but his ground out to air out ratio was much higher, and he gave up only one HR last month.  I continue to be inpressed by this duo, and very much look forward to seeing them in Houston soon.  Maybe one, or both, of them will become important parts to the Astros' second half. 
Batter of the Month: Chris Johnson 3B
Round Rock position players continue to underwhelm me, especially this month, when Brian Bogusevic , Mark Saccomanno , J.R. Towles and Tommy Manzella all had weak performances.  I was left with two options for the award.  Johnson, my number seven Astros prospect last offseason, or, John Gall a first basemen, with a season.255 AVG, who was born in the '70s.  Statistically they had very similar months, but Johnson had more extra base hits, and that was enough for me.  Johnson hit .280, with a poor .301 OBP, and .460 SLG%.  He hit 2 HRs, along with a total of 11 XBHs (extra base hits), and 28 hits total.  Now for the bad stuff, Johnson struck out 23 times, in 100 ABs, and walked only 3 times.  Wait a moment, let it sink in...  He walked only 3 times.  He played in 26 games last month, and walked... 3 times.  His K:BB ratio was 7.7 to 1.  That is absolutely terrible.  I love Johnson.  I think he provides a lot of offensive potential, along with solid defense from the hot corner, but he cannot, and will not become a ML contributor until he learns to take a walk, and raises his OBP. 

Corpus Christi Hooks AA
Pitcher of the Month: Polin Trinidad LHP
No contest.  Trinidad was the lone bright spot on a terrible Hooks pitching staff.  Trinidad pitched 37 and a third innings over five starts (>7 innings/start), accumulating a 3-2 record.  His ERA for the month was a spectacular 0.72, allowing only three earned runs all month.  He struck out 21 batters, walked four, and gave up 27 hits - a WHIP of .83 over 5 starts!  In July we'll see if Trinidad can give Bazardo and Norris a run for the AAA monthly crown, as he has been called up to Round Rock once the AA All-Star game is over. 
Batter of the Month: Wladamir Sutil SS
This was a very close four-horse race between Sutil , Drew Meyer 2B, Jason Castro C and perennial contender, but never winner, Colin DeLome.  Meyer was the runner up, he hit for a good average, on-base percentage, and provided enough power, I just liked what Sutil had to offer a little bit more.  Castro was a hitting machine upon getting called up, however, he began to slow down a little as the month ended, and he has yet to hit for power in AA, only two of his seventeen hits went for extra bases.  On top of that, Castro only walked twice in 16 games, but he also only struck out six times.  DeLome once again showed off some power, collecting nine extra base hits, including four homeruns, he also stole three bases.  However, per usual, he also struck out a lot, 27 times in 98 ABs (28 games).  DeLome still had one of the higher OPS' this month, though, his was .821, lifting his season OPS to .811.  Sutil is typically the leadoff hitter, and was a Texas League All-Star.  Usually I overlook Sutil, but this month I want to give him his due.  In 109 ABs, he hit .312 with a .390 OBP.  He hit no homeruns but, eight of his thirty-four hits were doubles.  He scored sixteen runs, and stole four bases.  Finally he stuck out only nine times (remember 109 ABs, 29 games) and walked 11 times, hooray for a prospect with a K:BB ratio less than one!

Lancaster JetHawks High A
Pitcher of the Month: Fernando Abad LHP
Just about every pitcher in Lancaster is a whose-who of bad performers.  It was so bad that I had to dig into the Lancaster bullpen, to grab a pitcher with only one save this season and shower him with this award.  Don't get me wrong, Abad had a good month.  In seven appearances, and seventeen innings, he posted a 1.06 ERA, struck out twelve, walking only three batters, and giving up only eight hits. 
Batter of the Month: T.J. Steele OF
I may consider dropping the high A pitching award and in its place, honor two Lancaster batters, because there are more than those deserving of being recognized.  Before I continue, I suppose I am obligated to tell you, the California League is an extreme hitters League.  That's why the Lancaster pitchers' numbers are terrible and their hitters' numbers can be extraordinary.  Still, big numbers are more fun to talk about.  Steele is one of my favorite prospects in the system, and he is finally healthy enough to win a monthly award.  He leads a stellar group of six contenders.  In 104 ABs, Steele hit .394, with a .439 OBP and .692 SLG%.  He hit four homeruns and added thirteen other extra base hits, including six triples.  He also knocked in twenty-six RBIs and scored another twenty-eight himself.  However, like most Astros prospects, Steele had trouble with his plate discipline.  Striking out twenty-three times, while walking seven times.  Steele stole five bases in ten attempts.  Other numbers of note on the offensive end of Lancaster: Gabriel Suarez hit .328 over 67 ABs with a .392 OBP.  Brandon Barnes was called up from Lexington and hit .327 over 49 ABs, and added 7 XBHs.  Jack Shuck hit .296, and struck out only 8 times over 98 ABs, he walked 7 more times than he struck out, 15.  Jon Gaston hit .311, he did not however match his May homerun number, the unbelievable 9 he hit last month, but he did hit 4, with a SLG% of .566.  Koby Clemens took over for Jason Castro as the starting catcher, making the most of the opportunity, he hit .329 with an OPS of .955.

Lexington Legends Low A
Pitcher of the Month: Jordan Lyles RHP
Before I talk about the two guys who battled for this award, I'll touch on several of the young Lexington pitchers I've been highlighting since April.  Robert Bono and Henry Villar both had their typical, also very good, months.  In five starts Bono had an ERA of 2.43, but only struck out six.  Henry Villar made eight appearances out of the bullpen, pitching thirteen and two thirds innings, with a 3.29 ERA and striking out eighteen.  Both Kyle Greenwalt and Brad Dydalewicz took a small step back, but on the season, both are still performing very well, and both of their first starts in July were very good.  That brings us to our winner, Jordan Lyles and runner-up, Ross Seaton.  Seaton started five games, pitching thirty-two and a third innings, with a 1-3 record and 2.51 ERA.  He finally started to show an ability to strikout batters, he struckout twenty-three of them last month, while walking ten and giving up twenty-eight hits.  Lyles has continued to be one of the very best pitchers in the South Atlantic League , I am amazed he, and Seaton as well, have not been called up yet (although if the plan is to wait till the end of the year, then move them both up to AA next season.  I am ok with it.  Why send your top two pitching prospects to a hitters league, the California League, if you can avoid it, right?).  Lyles made five starts in June, pitching twenty-eight and a third innings, with a 2-2 record and 3.18 ERA.  He struck out forty-three batters, while allowing only six walks, and giving up only twenty-two hits.  From the scouting reports I've seen Lyles has his fastball sitting in the 90s, with a developing and improved curveball and change, along with very good command.  All signs are pointing to good things from Lyles moving forward.  I would assume Lyles and others from this crop would have made the jump to high A, except for the fact that the front office doesn't want to throw them into the launching pad of Lancaster, which is probably a wise move.  Hopefully they can skip a level and start next season in AA. 
Batter of the Month: Brian Pellegrini OF
There's no one else in Lexington even challenging him at this point.  Ebert Rosario had a bad month, Brandon Barnes was called up, and although April's winner, Albert Cartwright returned from injury, he has not performed well either.  Pellegrini hit .437 over 87 ABs, with a .495 OBP and .816 SLG%, that's an OPS of an astonishing 1.311.  Need I say more?  He hit nine homeruns.  Is that enough for you?  Good, because the rest is less than stellar, although he "only" struck out 18 times, he only walked 9 times. Pellegrini is 24, and playing in low A, so he should be expected to dominate, as he has been.  I would say call him up, but the Lancaster outfield is crowded, as is the Corpus Christi outfield, and Pellegrini did not fare so well when he started the season off in Lancaster, anyways. 

AL Starters:
C - Joe Mauer Min
How could it be anyone else?
1B - Justin Morneau Min
Best numbers among AL first basemen, eat is Teixeira.  This is despite rare appearances on ESPN. 
2B - Robinson Cano NYY
Best numbers among AL second basemen, better than Kinsler, better than Pedroia. 
3B - Evan Longoria TB
'Nough said. 
SS - Jason Bartlett TB
Better numbers than Jeter despite less at-bats.
OF - Jason Bay Bos
He is far and away the best outfielder in the AL this year. 
OF - Carl Crawford TB
There are probably five or more guys worthy of the final two outfield spots.  I like Crawford because of his average and speed.
OF - Adam Jones Bal
Jones is already overshadowed by the rest of the league, being an Oriole.  But, he is also overshadowed by the popular Nick Markakis and rookie Matt Wieters.  This is my subtle nod to Jones' performance this season, and further proof the Orioles made a killing in the Bedard trade. 

NL Starters:
C - Brian McCann Atl
This is such a pathetic group, but someone does have to start, right?  I think Brian McCann is the most talented, so I closed my eyes and penciled in his bubble. 
1B - Albert Pujols StL
Year in and year out this position is so close, and so many of the players are deserving.  I want to make note of the great performances from Adrian Gonzalez and Prince Fielder, but Pujols is clearly at the top. 
2B - Chase Utley Phi
One of those rare occurrances where numbers = popularity. 
3B - Ryan Zimmerman Was
David Wright's numbers are slightly better, but if Zimmerman played for a better team his would blow away the competitions.  Plus you have to give Zimmerman for signing an extension with the worst team in baseball.  Could Zimmerman, Strasburg and Bryce Harper make Washington competitive?  Even I have my doubts. 
SS - Miguel Tejada Hou
The numbers are very close between Tejada and Han Ram, but if Tejada is the All-Star starter, his trade value may go up, right?
OF - Raul Ibanez Phi
There is no better hitter in baseball this year. 
OF - Carlos Lee Hou
He has All-Star starter's numbers. 
OF - Hunter Pence Hou
His numbers are probably 5th best among outfielders, but he's the best right fielder in baseball, and his perpetual joy on the baseball field would be awesome to see in the All-Star game. 

Hello, welcome to my 2009 MLB Mock Draft.  This is where I will try to predict every pick for the first several rounds.  With the recent news of Kyle Gibson’s stress fracture and other stock changes, I have just completely remade my mock draft, before I even released the first version.  I had originally planned to mock all the day one picks, the first one hundred and eleven.  But, because I have had to change many picks, I am not sure I will be able to get that many done by the draft tomorrow.  I will however, mock as many picks as possible and provide sufficient information on each pick.  I will continue working on this and update it, as I finish each round.  My goal is to predict 20% of the picks I mock.  I hope those of you who read my write up enjoy, please comment, and come back tomorrow for my thoughts on the draft itself.  Later in the week, I will be reviewing the draft, so look for that as well. 

Scouting reports come from a number of sites, most prominently Baseball America, PGCrosscheckers.com, John Sickel’s site minorleagueball.com and milb.com. 

There are a couple places in the draft I want to point out now, for when I come back to grade - how many picks I got right - my mock.  Where ever a team is picking back-to-back, notably Arizona at 16 and 17 and the Angels at 24 and 25, if I guess a guy at one of those two spots and he is picked by that team at the other spot, I’m counting it.  Also, in the first round supplemental, I am counting any player I guess the correct team for.  If Nick Franklin goes to the Angels in the supp. no matter what pick, I’m counting it.  I think that’s fair, right?  Anyways, enjoy. 

I have decided I am going to post what I have on the blog, and add to it, as it gets done.

First Round

1. Washington Nationals: Stephen Strasburg RHP San Diego State

Strasburg is the number one pick of the 2009 MLB draft.  My official prediction for how much he signs for… $21.5 million.  Strasburg is the best prospect in the draft era, and would fit into a big league rotation immediately.  I would love for the Nationals to send him to AAA, so I can see him in Syracuse, and give you all my own scouting report of him.  He throws his fastball in the high 90s and can touch 103 mph.  He also throws a hammer breaking ball in the low-to-mid 80s and a changeup he throws in the low 80s.  I worry a little; I think its possible Strasburg blows out his arm at some point, a la the guy a lot of people compare him to, Mark Prior.  With a comp. of Mark Prior, who wouldn’t worry?   Anyways I seem to be in the minority on this. 

2. Seattle Mariners: Dustin Ackley OF North Carolina

If Strasburg is on the first tier of prospects by himself, I would say Ackley is on the second tier, all by himself.  He is clearly the best hitter, having “plus, plus hittability”, according to milb.com’s draft report.  He adds plus speed and range in centerfield.  Ackley has dispelled any thoughts that he wouldn’t be able to play centerfield, following Tommy John surgery last summer, which had him saddled at first.  The main question on Ackley is how much power he’ll hit for, and although I don’t think he needs too much to be an effective major league hitter, he certainly hit 20-30 homeruns.  There was some talk about the Mariners wanning on Ackley and considering Aaron Crow or Tanner Scheppers, but I don’t buy it, Ackley’s the guy.  What I think the Mariners are getting in Ackley is a future no. 3 hitter, who is going to play centerfield, hit .300+ with a .400 OBP, and be a 20-20 guy (Curtis Granderson better OBP?), not bad, eh?

3. San Diego Padres: Donavan Tate OF Cartersville HS (Georgia)

After the first two picks things get very interesting, very fast.  It seems as though the Padres have narrowed this selection to three guys: Tate, Aaron Crow and Mike Minor.  Although, if I were running this draft, I would take Tyler Matzek, who I believe is the third best prospect in the draft.  Crow would also be a good pick, but Minor is a clear overdraft.  If Ackley falls, the Padres WILL take him.  Tate has, perhaps, the highest ceiling in the draft.  However, he is also going to cost a lot of money, close to six million?  Tate has a strong commitment to North Carolina, where he would play both football and baseball – his father Lars Tate was an NFL player.  There are also questions about Tate’s hit-ability.  I like Tate at this spot for two reasons: 1. He’s the guy available with the most upside and San Diego’s system could really use some upside, particularly up the middle 2. If Tate doesn’t go number three, I don’t know where he goes, so I instead of forcing a headache upon myself, I’ve decided to take the risk, along with the Padres, and take Tate. 

4. Pittsburgh Pirates: Aaron Crow RHP Fort Worth (University of Missouri)

As previously stated, I’m fairly certain about the first two picks, however, every other pick is far from certain.  Rumors have swirled around the Pirates, involving a sign-ability pick here.  Names discussed include: Tony Sanchez and Bobby Borchering.  The Pirates would like to save money because they are rumored to be the favorites to sign Dominican Miguel Angel Sano a SS, the rumored price is four million.  Apart from those rumors the Pirates are known to like college pitchers and the top arm on my board is Aaron Crow, who has little negotiating power and should sign around slot.  If Crow’s name sounds familiar, it should, he was the number nine pick in last year’s draft, and went to an independent league, along with Tanner Scheppers, after failing to sign, I had him going number ten to my Astros.  Crow throws a low-to-mid 90s sinking fastball, a plus slider and an at least average changeup, which is his biggest improvement from last year.  Personally, I like Crow and think he has front of the rotation upside, as a reliever he could pitch in the major’s later this season and could be in a rotation next. 

5. Baltimore Orioles: Tyler Matzek LHP Capistrano Valley HS (California)

As previously stated, Matzek is the third prospect on my board, and although Zach Wheeler seems to be the popular pick here of late, I still like Matzek – and I love the idea of Wheeler seven to his home state Braves.  Matzek throws his fastball up to 95 mph, but sits in the low 90s.  He throws two at least average breaking balls, a curveball he throws in the mid 70s and a slider in the mid 80s.  He also throws a changeup, but hasn’t needed it yet.  Matzek may not be a true no. one starter type, but he has good 2/3 starter upside, with much more polish than you would expect from a HS pitcher.  The Orioles usually draft the best player available (BPA) and don’t shy away from guy with perceived signability problems.  I do think the Orioles would love to add a good position player to their system, but there is no one of value here, so the Orioles will be “forced” to add to their already stellar crop of pitchers. 

6. San Francisco Giants: Tanner Scheppers RHP St. Paul (Fresno State)

Scheppers is a tough guy to slot in.  Many experts have him falling out of the top ten and in some cases out of the first round, because of fear for that same shoulder problem that made him fall last year.  However, because I am mocking through the first supplemental, I would hate to have to guess how far Scheppers is going to fall, I mean, I already have to do that for Kyle Gibson, so I’m not going to torture myself and do it for Scheppers too.  I like this fit.  Although, I haven’t seen many people agree with me, that’s ok though.  Scheppers has put together a good showing in St. Paul and should be close to major league ready.  He profiles as a top of the rotation starter, but does come with injury risk.  He throws his fastball in the mid 90s and can put “cut and sink” onto it (according to milb.com).  He also throws a power curve and changeup.  Like the Orioles, I think the Giants would love to add a bat and could be a possibility for Tate should he fall past the Padres, but without sufficient value on my board the Giants will also add to their “stellar crop of pitchers”.  Jacob Turner and Zach Wheeler are also candidates. 

7. Atlanta Braves: Zack Wheeler RHP East Paulding HS (Georgia)

I hope the Brave appreciate me dodging two bullets (the Orioles and Giants) to deliver them their prized Georgia arm.  Wheeler was the guy I liked at the beginning of the year for the Astros, but since, has had his stock rise more than just about anyone in the draft.  Wheeler has a perfect pitcher’s body at 6’4 170, and also fits Atlanta’s mold as a prep local product, as an added bonus, he’ll sign for slot!  Wheeler already throws up to 95 mph and still has plenty of projection.  He also throws an above average curveball and the makings of an average change.  The sky is the limit for Wheeler, who has one of the highest upsides among the HS pitchers in this draft, but he also has some mechanical problems. 

8. Cincinnati Reds: Alex White RHP North Carolina

This is where I had Gibson slated for awhile, dubbing him the Yonder Alonso of this draft.  However, due to the stress fracture, the Reds are unlikely to take him – although they could – and I don’t have to explain my Gibson = Alonso comparison.  White has been up and down, but I still believe he has the highest upside amongst college pitchers NNS (not named Strasburg).  I actually really like White and believe he would be a steal here.  Leake and Grant Green are also possibilities.  White throws a low 90s fastball, which gets up to 95 mph; his 2-seamer has great movement to it.  His slider is also a plus pitch, he throws a splitter as an off-speed pitch, as well as a below average curveball. 

9. Detroit Tigers: Jacob Turner RHP Westminster Christian Academy (Missouri)

Jacob Turner wants Rick Porcello money, well; why not give him to the team with a Rick Porcello void in their minors?  Turner has a large frame at 6-5 220 and is already throwing in the mid-low 90s.  He also throws a mid 70s slider.  He hasn’t really needed a changeup in high school.  Matt Purke is now being rumored

10. Washington Nationals: Chad Jenkins RHP Kennesaw State

Jenkins is a bit of an overdraft, but not too badly, since many think he could go to the Blue Jays at twenty also.  The Nationals have also been attached to Mike Trout and others with this pick.  The idea being to sign someone at or below slot since Strasburg is going to cost $21.5 million.  Jenkins throws his fastballs, two and four seamers, in the low 90s.  He adds a low 80s slider and changeup. 

11. Colorado Rockies: Mike Leake RHP Arizona State

Leake was the big mover during the college season, as he moved up probably a round.  He led division I in a couple statistical categories – so eat it Strasburg.  However, Leake profiles as a 3/4 starter, with a high floor.  He throws a high 80s/low 90s sinking fastball, he adds a high 70s/low 80s slider and plus changeup.  He command is plus, plus.  He’s short, but athletic for a pitcher.  The last four drafts, 78% of the Rockies’ top 137 picks have been college players, 50% have been college pitchers.  Mike Leake is a nice complement to Christian Friedrich (last year’s first rounder), and gives the Rockies a nice trio of advanced pitchers (throwing Jhoulys Chacin into the mix).  Plus they need all the pitching help they can get – although all three of the pitchers I listed profile towards the middle of the rotation.

12. Kansas City Royals: Wil Myers C Wesleyan Christian Academy (North Carolina)

After a couple years of paying for high priced talents: Mike Moustakas, Eric Hosmer, etc, the Royals are looking for a bargain at a premium position (C, SS, CF), and rumors include Tony Sanchez, the top college catcher.  However, I like the higher upsided (yes, upsided, I like the way it sounds) Myers.  Myers has raw power and all the tools to become a solid defensive catcher, with a good arm.  He is also very athletic for a catcher, with above-average speed. 

13. Oakland Athletics: Grant Green SS Southern California

Before the season, Grant was expected to be one of the first three picks in the draft.  However, he has played his way down, as many now question his ability to stay at short, as well as his power.  Green does, however, have good hitting ability, and average to above-average speed.  His arm is also at least average, leaning above-average slightly.  However, (milb.com) he has some trouble ranging up the middle and his power is more line-drive power than anything else, but he could hit 15-20 homeruns.  Oakland’s MO is established college players, which makes it Green or Brothers in my book.  The A’s are also attached to Donavan Tate, should he fall, and his reported $6 million price tag, so signing Green should be no problem.  By the way, I love me some Green.  I think he’ll stick at short, and be a near .300 hitter with 15-20 homeruns… that’s enough. 

14. Texas Rangers: Shelby Miller HS Brownwood HS (Texas)

If there was a lock this late in the draft, it’d be Miller to the Rangers.  It fits there MO, he’s local, it works.  He throws in the mid 90s with a good curve in the mid 70s, but he has some command issues.  He’s plenty projectable.  Let me double check if this makes sense: Texas usually takes the BPA; money shouldn’t be a problem and they like their fire-ballers, yep, Miller does makes sense. 

15. Cleveland Indians : Mike Minor LHP Vanderbilt

  Mike Minor has been rumored all over the first round, but there is no clear consensus on who that one team is who takes him.    The Indians want Miller, but he won’t get there.  So, it will be the best college player on their board.  The question is who is the top college arm on their board?  It could be Minor, Rex Brothers, James Paxton or Eric Arnett.  I picked Minor.  Mainly because he would fall in my mock if I didn’t put him here (if he doesn’t go here, my prediction is 19 to the Cardinals.  Minor is a low ceiling/high floor starter.  He throws a low 90s fastball, along with both a slider and curveball, and a good enough changeup.  He probably has 4/5 starter upside. 

16. Arizona Diamondbacks : Rex Brothers LHP Lipscomb

17. Arizona Diamondbacks: Bobby Borchering 3B Bishop Verot HS (Florida )

Here’s the first pair of D’back picks.  They like to go high upside HSers early, followed by college floor.  Borchering has one of the best bats in the draft.  He is switch hitter with great bat speed and raw power from both sides.  Many believe he will have to eventually move to first but, I think he could stay at third.  His speed is average or a little below.  His arm is about average as well. 

Brothers is a guy I like a lot.  He throws his fastball in the mid 90s, he also throws a good slider, with a lot of movement, hasn’t thrown his changeup too much.  He’s a rare lefty that can dial his fastball up to 96/97 mph and I think his ceiling is 2/3 starter if he develops his changeup. 

18. Florida Marlins : Chad James LHP Yukon HS (Oklahoma )

Chad James is the guy I’m hoping falls to the ‘Stros at 21, but it’s unlikely he will as he is coveted by the D’backs, Marlins, Cardinals and Blue Jays.  The Marlins develop HS pitching very well, so James makes sense here.  If Borchering gets to here, I could see the Marlins taking the in-state third basemen.  James is a lefty with a low 90s fastball, he has touched 95 mph.  He also throws an above-average power curve and above-average changeup.  He has plenty of projection.  I seriously don’t know why James isn’t considered one of the elite HS arms, but one team will benefit as a result in the 16-22 range. 

19. St. Louis Cardinals : James Paxton LHP Kentucky

Word is the Cardinals are leaning left-handed pitcher, the options being: Minor, Brothers, James and Paxton.  One of them will fall, and in this scenario it’s the Boras corp. client, Paxton.  Paxton throws in the mid-to-high 90s, along with a hard slider and a change, which isn’t worth praising.  I don’t like Paxton, lack of a real changeup, command, questionable mechanics, Boras, but it seems like the Cards do, so he’s the pick.  

20. Toronto Blue Jays: Eric Arnett RHP Indiana

This was a tough one.  I’ve been hearing college arm.  The Jays would have liked Jenkins, Minor or Brothers, but none of them fell.  I also think Chad James is an option, although history would show the Jays shy away from HS arms in the early rounds, and Matt Hobgood is still an option.  Kyle Gibson, post-injury, has been rumored here and I think Mike Trout or Tim Wheeler are options here.  Trout has one of the highest upsides amongst position players and Wheeler is the next best college bat.  I went with the college arm route and took Arnett, although I am far less than confident with that pick.  Arnett is a 6’5” righty, who throws in the mid 90s, he also throws a slider in the high 70s/low 80s which can get batters out.  His changeup needs some work.  I’m not in love with this selection, but that’s mostly because I’m not in love with Arnett, who has risen this season, after an increase in velocity.  I also am not high on his secondary pitches or command, but he has to go somewhere in the first round… I guess, and he could go as high as 15. 

21. Houston Astros: Slade Heathcott LHP/OF Texas HS (Texas)

I have gone over this pick again and again.  I have changed my mind many times, and I still have no clue.  I have studied Astros drafts, particularly last year’s.  I have looked at the pool of names, over-and-over again, but still nothing looks right.  What does look right is Chad James.  He’d be perfect.  He’s the top guy on my wish list, but I really don’t think he’s going to last here, and I decided to adhere to my integrity as a blogger (ha) and have him go earlier.  I also like Rex Brothers, but he also will probably be gone.  There are other names in consideration here: Matt Hobgood would make sense as the next best HS arm, Jared Mitchell is the best athlete, I call Tim Wheeler “the Jason Castro of this draft”, and I started a recent buzz about Mike Trout.  Seriously, I participated in John Sickel’s mock draft on Saturday and took Trout with his pick, and since then, a bunch of people have started talking about Trout to the Astros.  I would love to see it, but I’m afraid Houston isn’t taking an OF from New Jersey and people just went to John’s website saw the pick, and liked… maybe I’m just being ethnocentric, I don’t know.  Anyways, the guy at thebaseballdraftreport.com said, “ a great tip though for any young mockers out there – go with as many off the wall picks as possible because, on the off chance you get lucky and nail one of them, you’ll be lauded as a prophet. Mock drafts almost work counter to basic human nature as people often forget the bad picks, but clearly remember the good ones.”  (By the way I suggest thebaseballdraftreport.com to anyone interested in the draft, lots of good insight)  I like this idea.  Houston is my favorite team, so I am going to hook them up with one of my favorite draft prospects, Slade Heathcott and actually it could happen...  Heathcott has one of the five highest upsides in the draft (among position players).  However, he has signability issues and character issues, which is why most teams are considering him for the second and third rounds.  The Yankees, among other teams are thinking about nabbing Heathcott in the first, due to the lack of solid options.  The Astros are also high on Heathcott, plus the all important, Texas factor.  So, why can’t the Astros jump on Heathcott?  One thing I can tell you about Bobby Heck and the current Astros draft philosophy is, they do not care about the consensus.  They will take whoever they believe to be the BPA, and it could be Heathcott.  Look at Jason Castro and Jordan Lyles from last draft?  Now go look at how they’re doing in their first full season… Jason Castro, by the way, for all you Astros fans, was called up to AA Corpus Christi and will be ready for Wednesday’s game.  Heathcott is a five-tool outfielder.   According to milb.com, he has “plus hitting ability”, “plus power to all fields”, above-average speed, plus arm strength and a plus defender.  I am going to try hard, to will this pick into reality. 

22. Minnesota Twins: Jiovanni Mier SS Bonita HS (California)

The MO on the Twins: HS bats, college arms.  Mier is the kind of toolsy player they like and with the first couple of tiers of college pitchers gone; he seems like an obvious choice.  Mier is the top HS shortstop amongst a deep class.  He has all the defensive tools to stay at short too.  He also has some hitting ability, with a little power to go with it. 

23. Chicago White Sox: Andrew Oliver LHP Oklahoma State

Oliver throws a mid 90s fastball along with a plus changeup, but he does not really have a breaking pitch yet.  He is also a Boras corp. client, but that shouldn’t bother the Chi Sox.  The White Sox have, however, been attached to several of the toolsy outfielders still around: Trout, Everett Williams and Reymond Fuentes. 

24. Los Angeles Angels : Tyler Skaggs LHP Santa Monica HS (California)

25. Los Angeles Angels : Mike Trout OF Milville HS (New Jersey)

Another back-to-back pick, remember if Skaggs goes 25 or Trout goes 24, I’m still counting it as a correct pick.  The Angels, like the D’backs have an abundance of early round pick, so they could do almost anything with them, but based on their philosophy and lack of talent in their system, they’ll go HS, HS, HS, early and often.  Skaggs is a California arm.  He throws a low 90s fastball, but should add more velocity as he matures; he is 6’5” 180 and offers plenty of projection, and some.  Skaggs also throws a plus curveball in the low 70s. 

Trout, like I’ve said is one of the ten best bats in the draft and I’ve heard it said that he is the most likely guy in the class to join the 30-30 club.  He’s a five-tooler with solid defensive skills and a plus arm. 

  26. Milwaukee Brewers: Garrett Gould RHP Maize HS Kansas

Gould just looks like a Brewers pick.  I get a Jake Odorizzi vibe from him, in fact.  He throws his fastball in the low 90s and can get into the mid 90s a little.  He also throws a plus curve and a decent enough changeup.  Gould also has that all important, no not “Texas factor”, projection thing.  He’s 6’4” 190 after all.

27. Seattle Mariners: Drew Storen RHP Stanford

  Storen is the top closer in the class, but I think he’ll be drafted as a starter, and the Mariners seem like a team that would do it.  He throws his fastball in the low 90s with good movement.  He also throws his curve in the low 80s and has an effective changeup.  That three pitch mix makes me think starter.  The Mariners are big on college players in the draft, by the way. 

28. Boston Red Sox: Matt Purke HS Klein HS (Texas)

Purke is easily one of the fifteen best players in the draft, but he wants so much money and there are only so many teams that are going to pay $5 million + for a prospect.  Which means someone is going to fall and the likely candidate is Purke.  So, some team at the bottom of the draft will luck out, possibly the Red Sox.  Purke throws his fastball in the low 90s, touching 95.  I’ve said that a lot, I mean, a lot of pitchers throw in the low 90s touching 95.  He throws his curve in the high 70s and has a good changeup.  He also has good command and a projectable body. 

29. New York Yankees: Matt Hobgood RHP Norco HS (California)

New York needs talent and s high school arm as good as Hobgood’s should be tough to pass up.  SS/RHP David Renfroe (this year’s Casey Kelly and Slade Heathcott have been rumored here.  Hobgood throws his fastball in the low 90s, he also throws a plus curve in the mid 70s, according to milb.com it could be the best curve among HS pitchers in the class.  He doesn’t have a changeup though, so he’ll need to work on a third pitch. 

30. Tampa Bay Rays: Max Stassi C Yuba City HS (California)

The Rays’ position of need on the farm is at catcher, and with Stassi available need happens to coincide with the BPA.  Stassi has great instincts and makeup; he also has all the defensive tools behind the plate and an average arm.  His bat should be good and he has some power. 

31. Chicago Cubs: AJ Pollock OF Notre Dame

The last four years, 85% of Cubs picks in the top 149 pick have been college players.  Pollock happens to be a personal favorite of mine, and it is tough to let him go to the Cubs, but the pick makes sense.  Pollock has a very advanced approach at the plate, and has gap power.  He is an above-average runner with great instincts.  He is a good fielder in center with an average arm. 

32. Colorado Rockies: Tim Wheeler OF Sacramento State

Kyle Gibson is rumored here but I’m not quite buying it.  Although, interesting move for the Rockies, if it happens, more on that later… again, if it happens.  Wheeler makes sense as the BPA and a college player; remember what I said about the Rockies and college players?  Wheeler makes good contact, with some power at times, and has plus speed.  He also has an average arm, but plus range in center.  That’s the first round. 

Compensation Round A

Now that we’re done with the first round, the blurbs are going to be much shorter and to the point. 

33. Seattle Mariners : Matt Davidson 3B Yucaipa HS (California )

Davidson has some of the greatest power potential in the draft, but like Borchering may have to move off first.  Personally, I think he can stay at third, though.  Seattle tends to lean college, but Davidson’s power bat may be too much to pass up and this pick would continue a stellar draft for the Mariners. 

34. Colorado Rockies : Alex Wilson RHP Texas A&M

The Rockies pick for a third time and I have them once again taking a college right hander.  Wilson, however, is not much like their first pick Mike Leake.  He has a mid 90s fastball, a sometimes plus slider he throws in the mid 80s a curveball and changeup, although the latter two aren’t nearly a useful as the first two.  Wilson pitched from the Texas A&M bullpen the second half of the season, but he still profiles as a starter with a pretty high ceiling. 

35. Arizona Diamondbacks : Brett Jackson OF California

Jackson is another personal fav.  He has a lot of raw power and some hitting ability, but strikes out a lot.  He also is an above-average runner.  He has a plus arm and is a decent fielder in center. 

36. Los Angeles Dodgers : Madison Younginer RHP Mauldin HS (South Carolina )

The Dodgers didn’t have a first round pick, so should go for a lot of upside with this pick… how about Younginer, who was a reliever in high school, but will be tried out as a starter in pro ball.  He has a mid 90s fastball and projection. 

37. Toronto Blue Jays : Jared Mitchell OF Louisiana State University

  Mitchell is one of the very best athletes in the draft, and was a possibility for the Astros in round one.  His ceiling is a Carl Crawford type outfielder with more power. 

38. Chicago White Sox : Rich Poythress 1B Georgia

  Poythress is one of the best pure hitters in the draft.  Again I opt against the toolsy OF rumors and I really don’t know why. 

39. Milwaukee Brewers : Tommy Joseph C Horizon HS (Arizona )

Joseph has enormous raw power and a chance to play behind the plate, with a plus arm.  He seems like a fit for the Brewers to me. 

40. Los Angeles Angels : Reymond Fuentes OF Puerto Rico

Fuentes is one of the toolsy outfielders the White Sox are after.  However, I think he’s a better fit for the Angels. 

41. Arizona Diamondbacks: Mychal Givens SS Plant HS (Florida)

Givens throws 97 mph off a mound, but it seems like most teams now like him as a high upside HS shortstop.  Is he a possible five-tooler?

42. Los Angeles Angels: Nick Franklin SS Lake Brantley HS (Florida)

  I really like this pick.  Franklin does just about everything well, with great makeup and the ability to stay at short long term. 

43. Cincinnati Reds : Marc Krauss 3B/OF Ohio

I don’t know that much about Krauss, he is one of the college ranks’ best power hitters , that’s about it.  I just love the prospect of the Ohio to Ohio connection here. 

44. Texas Rangers : Everett Williams OF McCallum HS (Texas )

Williams is another toolsy outfielder, with good power potential and speed.  The Astros were at one time considering him in the first, but have since soured on him a little. 

45. Arizona Diamondbacks: Jason Kipnis OF Arizona State

Arizona will take guys from Arizona State, they would love Leake, and Kipnis will sign for slot, an essential for teams with so many early picks.  Kipnis has about average tools across the board. 

46. Minnesota Twins : Sam Dyson RHP South Carolina

Dyson is a draft-eligible sophomore (Drew Storen is too actually), which means he has added leverage and could potentially be tougher to sign as a result.  He has a mid 90s fastball and mid 80s slider. 

47. Milwaukee Brewers: Kentrail Davis OF Tennessee

Davis is also a draft-eligible sophomore, he was supposed to be a first rounder at the start of the season, but was only ok.  Many believe he would benefit greatly from a junior season.  Davis could have a good power/speed combo, but some think he won’t be able to play center in the future, hurting his value. 

48. Los Angeles Angels: Kyle Gibson RHP Missouri

Here’s where I have Gibson.  It’s really just a stab in the dark.  Many think Gibson will still find his way in the first round, but I don’t really want to see a team waste a pick.  The Angels have money, multiple picks and are in need of great value.  When healthy, Gibson throws a low 90s/high 80s fastball with one of the best sliders in the draft and above-average changeup with above-average command. 

49. Pittsburgh Pirates : Tony Sanchez C Boston College

Tony Sanchez is the top college catcher, and is unlikely to fall this far, but he could.  If he does, it would work out greatly for the Pirates, who were considering him for the first round.  Sanchez has some hit ability, some power, average speed, a decent arm and good skills behind the plate.  He’s a prospect you shrug your shoulders at, because, other than his ability to stay behind the plate, no tool really stands out, which is probably why he’s slipped in my mock.  But, those tools in a catcher are very useful.  The Pirates like to take college players, they could use a catcher in their system (who couldn’t) and Sanchez would be the BPA here.  That’s the first sandwich round.

26 More Picks I'm banking on...

51. Seattle Mariners: Kyle Heckathorn RHP Kennesaw State
52. and 83. San Diego Padres: Ryan Jackson SS Miami and Jeff Kobernus 2B California
I'm not distinquishing which I like in the second and which I like in the third, so if either go at either, I'm counting it.  Kobernus reminds me of Matt Antonelli, while Jackson is Adam Everett, great defense, possibly little to no offense. 
54. Baltimore Orioles: Stephen Perez SS Gulliver Prep (Florida)
55. San Francisco Giants: Brody Colvin RHP HS Louisiana
56. Los Angeles Dodgers: Jake Marisneck OF HS California
59. Colorado Rockies: Blake Smith OF California
61. Chicago White Sox: Billy Hamilton OF/SS HS Mississippi
Here's where I'll finally take that toolsy outfielder. 
62. Texas Rangers: Zach Van Rosenberg RHP HS Louisiana
64. Arizona Diamondbacks: Kent Mathes OF Alabama
Mathes should be a hot commodity seeing how he has no leverage, being a senior and all, a team with multiple picks, the D'backs, could use the financial relief they'd get by taking him.  Plus he's got the talent to be a high pick. 
66. Florida Marlins: Dane Williams RHP HS Florida
67. St. Louis Cardinals: Randal Grichuk OF HS Texas
68. Toronto Blue Jays: Brooks Raley LHP/OF Texas A&M
69. Houston Astros: David Renfroe SS HS Mississippi
Remember Derek Dietrich!!!
72. New York Mets: Brian Goodwin OF HS North Carolina
73. Milwaukee Brewers: David Holmberg RHP HS Florida
75. Philadelphia Phillies: Todd Glaesman OF HS Texas
76. New York Yankees: Steve Matz RHP HS New York
78. Tampa Bay Rays: LeVon Washington OF HS Florida
85. Baltimore Orioles: Chris Owings SS HS South Carolina
96. Los Angeles Dodgers: Bryan Berglund RHP HS California
98. St. Louis Cardinals: Robbie Shields SS/2B Florida Southern
99. Toronto Blue Jays: Bryan Morgado LHP Tennessee
107. Boston Red Sox: Mike Belfiore RHP Boston College
111. Houston Astros: Jonathan Walsh C HS Texas
At some point. Los Angeles Angels: Trayce Thompson OF HS California

Those 26 picks bring up to a grand total of 75, enjoy the draft.

Hello all, I just participated in a mock draft on John Sickel’s blog, http://www.minorleagueball.com/ .  For the whole mock draft I strongly suggest you go to his site and view the whole thing.  He will be giving his input of each team’s draft there soon. 

The way his mock works, is, he assigns each organization a “scouting director”, that person was responsible for their team’s picks.  I took the role of Bobby Heck as the scouting director of the Houston Astros .  I had four picks to work with: 21, 69, 100 and 111 – we drafted the entire first day, the first three rounds and corresponding supplemental round.  Here is my input on each of my picks. 

I went into the “draft” looking to capitalize on last year’s stellar draft.  I wanted to come away with some upside arms and possibly some help up the middle, particularly at shortstop. 

21. Mike Trout OF Millville HS (New Jersey)

The top two guys on my draft board (with a realistic shot of getting to me) were Rex Brothers LHP Lipscomb and Chad James LHP Yukon HS (Oklahoma).  Brothers throws up to 97 as a lefty, while James throws in the low 90s with advanced secondary pitches for a HSer.  On the board at the time, I considered: Trout, Everett Williams, Eric Arnett, Garrett Gould, Matt Hobgood , Jiovanni Mier and Tim Wheeler , with Trout, Williams and Wheeler – all outfielders – as finalists.  This is where I stepped out of Bobby Heck’s shoes a bit.  I wanted to play this mock as if I were the Astros on Tuesday, what would they really do.  I have studied their draft philosophy a bit and feel like I have a good idea of what they would do.  However, if given the options of Trout, Williams and Wheeler, Trout may be third on their list.  Williams is an Austin native, and the best HS position player from Texas.  Obviously, he is high on their list.  He also happens to be one of the ten best athletes (according to PGcrosscheckers) in the draft, with one of the very best speed, power combos in the draft.  Tim Wheeler is an advanced bat with tools from Sacramento State.  He kind of fits the mold of a Jason Castro type hitter, and he would not be considered an overdraft – not that I think Castro was… I love me some Castro, I think we all know that by know.  Wheeler is possibly a five-tool outfielder, probably lacking too much power, with a good chance to move through the system pretty swiftly, Castro pace.  Hmm… I’m really starting to like that comp. Tim Wheeler = Jason Castro in centerfield.  Anyways, Trout has, potentially, one of the very best bats in the draft.  It’s my opinion that he’s the best five-tooler in the draft, with, possibly above-average power, plenty of speed and base-stealing ability, and he’ll be a good fielder in center with a strong arm.  I was very surprised Trout was still around and would be thrilled if Houston took him on Tuesday, but I would be surprised to see it.  Although Trout it signable, and a good athlete – the Astros loves athletes.  He’s from New Jersey and I don’t know how many times they’ve seen him and if they’d pick him over a local kid they may feel is his equal.  That’s my thought at least, when was the last time Houston picked someone picked someone from the Northeast? 

69. Colton Cain LHP/1B Waxahachie HS (Texas)

Here’s how my draft board went for this pick: David Renfroe, Slade Heathcott, Brody Colvin, Randal Grichuk, Jeff Malm and Colton Cain.  The first five were taken, leaving me with Cain.  Cain will be a tough sign for whoever takes him, but I think Houston would give it a shot – Ross Seaton, right?  Seaton is better, by the way.  I would lean towards Cain as a pitcher at this point.  Milb.com ’s draft report for him, says he throws a heavy sinking fastball up to 94, with an inconsistent breaking ball and a changeup, that he has a feel for.  Cain is a bit of a project because of his lack of solid secondary pitches, but he could be a very good starter if they develop. 

100. Kendal Volz RHP Baylor

In an interview with a Houston Chronicle write, Bobby Heck said he really liked the amount of pitching in the Big 12.  Some Big 12 pitchers he may be talking about are: AJ Morris, Kansas State, Andrew Doyle, Oklahoma, Andrew Oliver, Oklahoma State, Mike Neeseth, Nebraska and Kendal Volz, Baylor.  At the start of the season, Volz was considered a first rounder, but inconsistency and some questions about Volz’ ability to stay a starter have caused his stock to draft.  David Nick and Bryan Beglund, along with a plethora of Big 12 pitchers were on my draft list, but I feel like Volz is a solid pick.  Milb.com’s scouting report says the following about him, fastball between 88 and 92, but touches 97, low 80s slider, with tight rotation, low 80s changeup.  “N ot only did he show three good pitches, he threw them for strikes and with a purpose. Showed more maturity with his gameplan and looked more like a starting pitcher than he has previously.”  If this Volz shows up for Houston, they have a steal in the third round.  Even if Volz is a reliever, he profiles in the late innings and could be their closer of the future. 

111. Jake Cowan RHP San Jacinto JC (Texas)

Cowan is a steal, as far as I’m concerned.  He throws a mid 90s fastball, as well as two good secondary pitches, making his repertoire one of the better mixes in the draft.  Being a JUCO (junior college) player, Cowan is underrated going into the draft.  He has a good amount of upside as a starter and should be relatively easy to sign.  I did not consider anyone else for this pick. 

My personal mock draft, mocking the first three rounds, is coming along as well.  However, it will likely not be on the blog until late Monday. 

Hello everyone, I hope you are all having a wonderful near-summer.  I am back on the blog after a bit of a hiatus.  I recently started an internship at Syracuse University - oh yes, that's right, I'm name dropping... does this consider me an insider in matters pertaining to SU?  Anyways, as a result I have been very busy; but I would like to get back on here and start letting all of you know what I think of the current state of sports.  The MLB draft is also only a week away and I have to start getting people to view my blog in anticipation of my very ambitious MLB Mock Draft , which will have in depth analysis of all one hundred and eleven day one picks.  If you are a baseball fan, but have never paid much attention to the draft, I think you would very much enjoy keeping at least one eye on it this year, and my coverage of the draft is aimed at everyday fans who don't know as much about the scouting and player development side of the diamond.  I am also thinking about running a live blog the night of the draft, Tuesday June 9th at 6:00 PM.  I would open a blog post when I come home from work that afternoon and would run updates throughout the night, this would also act as a forum, where the comments section would be devoted to discussion and questions.  If you are interested in this, please leave a comment below.  I will be mentioning this as I post new blogs throughout the week - please let me know if this is something that would interest you!  Anyways, in the past I have failed to live up to promises on this blog, I think this is because I took on big projects - such as the top 15 prospects series -  which were impossible to finish.  Now I will be focusing on smaller posts on a variety of topics.  Since I mentioned the top 15 prospects series, allow me to use this time to conclude it.  I will not be finishing the top prospects series, sorry.  I do, however, have the remaining lists, and if you ask, I could release those in one post, but would provide no analysis or explanation.  Also, feel free to comment topic ideas you would like my opinion on, or ask a question you would like answered... especially if you have a question about the 2009 MLB Draft !  Anyways, without further ado, here is the second installment of the Astros’ organizational players of the month…

AAA - Round Rock Express :

Pitcher of the Month

Yorman Bazardo RHSP – I actually just changed this award, moments ago it was Bud Norris, who went 2-2 over six starts, pitching 35 and a third innings, but striking out 37 batters and allowing 35 hits in May.  His ERA was 3.06 for the month and is still only 2.75 on the year; he has struck out 62 batters in 59 innings.  Bazardo, on the other hand, went a perfect 4-0, also over six starts – one of which was a shutout; he pitched a team leading 42 and third innings.  His ERA in May was 1.49 and he allowed only 26 hits!  He struck out 28.  At first glance I was going to give the accolade to Norris, he is after all the top pitching prospect – due for a promotion – and looked to be more dominate because of the much superior strikeout rate.  However, Bazardo looked to be just as dominate allowing only 26 hits in over 42 innings.  Norris allowed more hits, 35, in less innings, 35.  Competition between these two is only good news for the Astros.  Bazardo is 24 years old, 25 in July, and from Venezuela. 

Hitter of the Month

Tommy Manzella SS – Mark Saccomanno and Brian Bogusevic were also in the mix but, surprisingly, it was Manzella who showed off the most power in May.  Bogusevic did have a noteworthy month, batting anywhere between leadoff and third in the lineup.  His average was .292 with a .371 on-base % and .409 slugging %.  He boasted eight extra bases, including two homeruns and was successful on all five of his steal attempts.  Manzella hit .339 with a .397 on-base % and a .492 slugging %.  He hit fourteen extra base hits, eleven of which were doubles. 

AA – Corpus Christi Hooks :

Pitcher of the Month

Douglas Arguello LHP – Had Chia-Jen Lo, April’s A+ pitcher of the month, been healthy after being called up, he probably would have competed for this honor.  However, without him, this was not a very intriguing decision.  He was 1-2 in four starts over 27 and two third innings.  He posted a 2.28 ERA, allowing 19 strikeouts and 27 hits. 

Hitter of the Month

Andrew Locke OF – Hmm… looks like I may have been right about James Van Ostrand, ha!  Andrew Locke was downright raking in May; no other AA hitter was even close.  He hit .327 with a .375 on-base % and .533 slugging %.  He hit five homeruns and drove in 31 RBIs, scoring 18 of his own. 

A+ - Lancaster Jet Hawks :

Pitcher of the Month

Leandro Cespedes RHP – It is my pleasure to introduce many of you to Cespedes the 22 year old Domican.  He went 1-3 in three starts, and five total appearances, posting 2.38 ERA.  In 22 and two third he allowed 22 hits and also struck out 22 batters.  As a prospect I am a little worried about Cespedes’ height, since he’s only 5’11”. 

Hitter of the Month

Jon Gaston OF - I want to so badly make this a “co” award and hand half of it to Jason Castro, but Gaston deserves it.  Castro hit for a .311 average, with a .425 on-base % and .509 slugging %.  He hit three homeruns and added another twelve doubles (seven more than he hit in April).  He also showed off his advanced approach at the plate walking nineteen times, fifteen times more than last month.  He did however; still strike out a bit too much, 22 times.  Gaston hit for an average of .365, with a .461 on-base % and .808 slugging %!  He hit nine homeruns and added nine doubles and five triples.  He stoles five bases, struck out 26 times, and walked 18 times.  Gaston also scored 30 runs. 

A- - Lexington Legends :

Pitcher of the Month

Jordan Lyles RHP – All the usual suspects were considered, that is: Lyles, Ross Seaton, Robert Bono, Kyle Greenwalt, Henry Villar and Brad Dydalewicz, however, the clear winner of this impressive group is the 2008 first supplemental round draft pick.  After capturing the April award, Seaton cooled down to an ERA of 4.44 over five starts, his yearly ERA is still only 2.44.  I am starting to get a little worried about his inability to strikeout batters, though, in 26 innings last month he struck out only nine.  Seaton’s first start in June was a CG shutout with six strikeouts.  Despite decent splits, Greenwalt finished May with a 0-4 record.  Henry Villar has become the odd man out of the Lexington rotation, but put together another solid month.  Posting a 2.01 ERA in eight appearances, including one start, he struck out 19 batters in 22 innings.  Villar has actually been better as a starter.  He has a 1.69 ERA in his three starts and a 2.00 ERA in his other eleven appearances.  Furthermore, Villar has struck out 20 batters in 10 and two thirds innings as a starter, while striking out 25 in 27 innings as a reliever.  It seems as though Villar has been unable to go deep into starts – three starts, 10.2 innings, do the math – and that’s why he’s currently a reliever, despite his success this season.  Dydalewicz doesn’t pitch enough innings to win the award.  He threw three starts in May, posting a 1.59 ERA.  However, he struck out seven batters, while also walking seven.  Robert Bono is quickly becoming a personal favorite… he’s certainly after Lyles and Seaton – I’m high on Villar – but, he’s surpassed Dydalewicz and Greenwalt.  Bono would be considered the runner up this month.  He went 2-0 in five starts posting a 2.25 ERA.  He struck out 22 batters in 28 innings, while walking only 5 .  Lyles only went 1-3 in six starts with a 2.48 ERA.  He struck out 40 batters in 36 and a third innings, and walked only six.  On a slight side note, how about Bobby Heck!  “Over-drafting” Jason Castro and Jordan Lyles in the first and supplemental round, respectively, is really starting to work out.  Stuff like that really gets me hyped for the draft… do you see a theme starting to form for the coming week?  Draft!  Draft! Draft!

Hitter of the Month

Brian Pellegrini OF – The 24 year old was sent down to low A Lexington after showing an inability to hit for average in Lancaster.  I would prefer not to give out this award to a 24 year old in low A ball, but every other position player in Lexington stinks!  Seriously, it is a very good thing they have one of the best pitching staffs in the minors.  Albert Cartwright the previous award winner, does not actually “stink”, he’s just inconveniently injured.  In 47 at-bats, Pellegrini hit for an average of .277, with a .393 on-base % and .574 slugging %.  He hit three homeruns, struck out thirteen times and walked nine times. 

P.S. – I have assigned a player to all 111 first day picks, for the MLB draft .  Tomorrow I will scan through it and probably revise the draft a little bit, then the rest of the week will be spent writing blurbs on each pick, explaining who and why.  I'm hoping for a Sunday afternoon release.   Teaser: I have gotten really into draft philosophies.  As always, let me know what you think.   Tuesday 6 PM, live MLB Draft blog chat, let me know if you're interested.  

Hello everyone, I hope you are all having a wonderful near-summer.  I am back on the blog after a bit of a hiatus.  I recently started an internship at Syracuse University - oh yes, that's right, I'm name dropping... does this consider me an insider in matters pertaining to SU?  Anyways, as a result I have been very busy, but I would like to get back on here and start letting you all know what I think of the current state of sports.  The MLB draft is also only a week away and I have to start getting people to view my blog in anticipation of my very ambitious MLB Mock Draft, which will have in depth analysis of all one hundred and eleven day one picks.  If you are a baseball fan, but have never paid much attention to the draft, I think you would very much enjoy keeping at least one eye on it this year, and my coverage of the draft is aimed at everyday fans who don't know as much about the scouting and player development side of the diamond.  I am also thinking about running a live blog the night of the draft, Tuesday June 9th at 6:00 PM.  I would open a blog post when I come home from work that afternoon and would run updates throughout the night, this would also act as a forum, where the comments section would be devoted to discussion and questions.  If you are interested in this, please leave a comment below.  I will be mentioning this as I post new blogs throughout the week - please let me know if this is something that would interest you!  Anyways, in the past I have failed to live up to promises on this blog, I think this is because I took on big projects - such as the top 15 prospects series -  which were impossible to finish.  Now I will be focusing on smaller posts on a variety of topics.  Since I mentioned the top 15 prospects series, allow me to use this time to conclude it.  I will not be finishing the top prospects series, sorry.  I do, however, have the remaining lists, and if you ask, I could release those in one post, but would provide no analysis or explanation.  Also, feel free to comment topic ideas you would like my opinion on, or ask a question you would like answered... especially if you have a question about the 2009 MLB Draft!  Anyways, without further ado, here's what I think about LeBron James...

I have never been a big supporter of LeBron, last year I was all for Kobe over LeBron for MVP.  However, this year and particularly what LeBron has done in the playoffs, has left me unable to deny LeBron the title of "King".  However, King James' season is over... let the scrutiny set in... and it didn't take long.  Today I am going to discuss the whole ordeal of LeBron refusing to shake hands with the victorious Magic in the series clinching game six, as well as his refusal to participate in the postgame media conference.  I'd like to kick off the series of musings (these are not fully conceived thoughts, just initial musings for the most part) with my apologies to LeBron James, after such a great season and his personal run in the playoffs, he faces so much uproar after his actions immediately following game six.  I will forgive LeBron for leaving the court before shaking hands and congratulating the Magic.  In the Heat of the moment people make mistakes.  What I do not like is that he offered no remore for his actions afterward.  When addressing the media after the incident he only offered explanations. 


"It's hard for me to congratulate somebody after you just lose to them," he said. "I'm a winner. It's not being a poor sport or anything like that. If somebody beats you up, you're not going to congratulate them. That doesn't make sense to me. I'm a competitor. That's what I do. It doesn't make sense for me to go over and shake somebody's hand."

I think that is absolutely ridiculous.  LeBron comes off as arrogant and prideful.  From reading this, it makes me think LeBron thinks he is above the game and is on a completely different level than his competitors.  He is not.  The Magic proved they were better.  "I'm a winner."  What kind of a statement is that?  I get the idea that LeBron was perhaps poking at his teammates.  "I'M a winner", they, my teammates, they're the losers.  Again, I am just speculating, and tossing in some random thoughts - I apologize that this is not a well constructed "article", I'm writing it this way to emphasize the view point of a diverse group of fans.  As mentioned before the biggest disappointment for me was the fact he offered no apology to the Magic.  I would have liked to hear him say something like, I am sorry for my actions the other night, I would like to offer congratulations to the Dwight Howard and the Magic, they deserved to win, they are a great team, they work hard, etc.  But, LeBron is all about LeBron!  He is the above the league, forget about finals, it's all about LeBron, his future, he's a winner, right? 

This whole situation reminds me of an MTV moment - oh yes, again.  During The Duel - Real World, Road Rules Challenge, Kina, loses a tough physical challenge.  It was a long endurance challenge and after a long time, her body finally gave in, and she lost.  In the post challenge talking head, she whined, "My body couldn't do it, I could do it, but my stupid body wouldn't let me".  LeBron is so dillusional to think that he is a winner and always a winner.  He has to learn to lose and lose graciously.  He should offer the Magic his apology and congrats.  LeBron is probably the most physically gifted athlete to ever grace the NBA, he is at the top of the league, and he hasn't even reached his prime.  It would be a shame if he began to be recognized as an ungracious player and a sore loser.  I realize, LeBron is still young and will mature, but as the face of the league, he has to grow at a much faster rate than other players. 

What are your thoughts?  Remember MLB Draft, let me know!  Please forgive me for the Real World plug. 

Astros’ Organizational Player’s of the Month: April

With the semester ending I am going to try and get on here more often.  As a reminder I have top prospect lists for all NL teams, and some of the AL East, since the season has started I am not sure what to do with the rest.  I may just release them without much analysis though, and obviously some would be outdated.  I am looking forward to the MLB draft in June, and I will come out with a mock a draft, just not for another month.  I only create one mock draft each year because once I make an impression on a pick; I tend to stick with it, like Zach Wheeler going to the Astros at number 21.  Anyways, while I am meditating on blog ideas here is a new feature that I plan to become a once monthly feature: Astros’ Organizational Player’s of the Month.  Feel free to post your thoughts in the comments section, discuss players you feel I missed on, and any blog ideas you have would be appreciated.  Thanks for reading. 

Round Rock Express AAA

Pitcher of the Month : Bud Norris RHP

Probably the easiest decision I am going to make here.  Had Felipe Paulino not made three starts with the Astros he would have battled Norris for this spot but, to our enamored joy, Paulino has thrived in Houston, and has stayed on the roster.  Norris made four starts in April, pitching a total of twenty-three and two thirds innings.  Despite the lack of a win – his record was 0-2 – Norris pitched well posting an ERA of 2.28, and striking out an organizational leading (I am almost positive about that) 25 batters.  I had Norris listed as Houston’s top pitching prospect heading into the season, and he is proving thus far he deserves a shot in the majors but, Paulino’s success will likely prevent Norris from starting for Houston anytime soon, though it will certainly happen before the end of the season. 

Others considered: Felipe Paulino RHP

Hitter of the Month : Mark Saccomanno 3B/1B

Unlike its counterpart, this was a difficult decision.  I would like to award these superlatives to actual prospects, rather than career minor leaguers but, in this case I felt pressed to give the hardware to Saccamanno, who was clearly the best hitter for the Express last month.  He hit .282/.305/.500/.805, with 4 homeruns.  He acted as the team’s catalyst knocking in 20 runs, and scoring 10 of his own.  I would like to announce that I am creating a new stat category, points, which acts the same as in hockey, it consists of a hitter’s runs (goals) and rbis (assists).  Sacco scored 30 “points” in April which is more than double the total of the two guys I also considered here… combined.  Perhaps most impressive in April was Sacco’s strikeout numbers, only four k’s in 78 at-bats.  I realize his on-base numbers are not stellar but, Mark was far and away the best power hitter on a team that was typically deprived of offense.  Now, I would like to address the issue of the term “career minor leaguer”.  That’s what Saccomanno is, face it, he’s 29, and will never be a capable defender at third, I give you, the right-handed hitting Mike Lamb .  Now, I will secede that Saccamanno could make a terrific bench player, like Lamb did but, management does not seem willing to try it at the expense of veterans like Geoff Blum , Jason Smith , or Darin Erstad .  I would like to offer Saccamanno a slightly belated birthday, his was Thursday, and congratulate him on sharing his birthday with a certain blogger we know (that’s me).   Now I have written a very full paragraph which is much more than I ever intended. 

Others considered: Yordanny Ramirez OF and J.R. Towles C

Corpus Christi Hooks

Pitcher of the Month : Chad Walger

Lexington has arms, Lancaster has bats, and Round Rock as arms, Corpus Christi has bats.  That is my current philosophy on Houston’s minor league affiliates .  Corpus Christi does not have pitching, thus Walger, who started one game, while appearing in six others, for a total of seventeen and one third innings.  His ERA was a respectable 3.63, and he ended the month with a 1-2 record.  He also had the third highest strikeout total on the team with 13 (the leader was Polin Trinidad who had 17 strikouts and only one walk). 

Others considered: Polin Trinidad LHP and Brad James RHP

Hitter of the Month : James Van Ostrand OF/1B/DH

First I’ll tell you who I eliminated. Andrew Locke OF is 25 in the Texas League , not impressed, especially when there are real prospects also in contention.  Mitch Einertson OF, my favorite prospect prior to the 2008 draft, Einertson missed some games early in the season while the lineup was being worked out but, has since excelled.  He finished the month with a .950 OPS, and hit an XBH % close to 50% (so a hit of his went for extra bases 50% of the time), he also hit for a high OBP .373, which is what impressed me.  Colin DeLome scored 34 points, hit seven homeruns, stole three bases, and hit for an OPS over .900, had DeLome not struck out (16) four more times than he walked (4) he would have been the guy.  I didn’t like giving Van Ostrand the prize, he’s getting old for a prospect, and doesn’t have a position but, I can’t deny a 1.253 OPS, right?  He also scored five more points (25) than Einertson in the same number of at-bats.  Van Ostrand also hit nine XBH (extra-base-hits) and finished the month with an OBP over .500, ‘nough said.  However, as an added treat here is how I would currently rank these four as prospects. 

Others Considered: Locke, Einertson and DeLome

Lancaster Jethawks

Pitcher of the Month : Chia-Jen Lo RHP

The 22 year old Taiwanese import has been dealing thus far; he has pitched fourteen and two thirds innings, all in relief, allowing only one earned run, for an ERA of 0.61.   He has struck out 24 batters, while allowing only a .102 batting average against.  I still have not seen a scouting report on him (so, if you see one, please refer me to it) but, so far he’s looked like a top prospect. 

Others considered: Chris Hicks RHP

Hitter of the Month : Jack (J.B.) Shuck OF

This was another very close race, with five guys considered.  Shuck ended up being my guy despite a lack of power, hitting zero homeruns and only four extra base hits last month.  He did, however, hit a .354 batting average, with a .411 on-base percentage; he also stole six bases and walked as many times as he struck out (8).  Shuck was the everyday leadoff hitter for the Jethawks scoring eighteen points, all but five of which were runs scored. 

Others Considered: T.J. Steele OF, Jason Castro C, Jon Gaston OF, Brian Pellegrini OF

Steele would have been the guy I selected (he led the team in OPS), had he totaled more than twelve at-bats after missing the first couple weeks of the season.  Pellegrini is kind of old for A ball, and despite hitting seven homeruns and scoring 28 points, hit only a .227 batting average, and struck out 23 times.  Gaston’s OPS was just shy of .900 and he hit five homeruns last month but, ultimately it was not enough to edge out Shuck, since Gaston’s batting average was .235 and he struck out 20 times, seven more times than he walked.  Castro, Houston’s top prospect and 2008 first round pick, was tied for the most total bases on the team with 38; he also hit .278 for the month, though that number fluctuated from game-to-game anywhere from over .300 to less than .250.  Castro hit three homeruns, nine extra bases and scored 21 points but, despite his overall numbers fell short of Shuck due to his 3:1 K to BB ratio (15 strikeouts to 4 walks).  Quite frankly I expected more plate discipline from the guy. 

Lexington Legends

Co Pitchers of the Month : Brad Dydalewicz LHP, Henry Villar RHP, Ross Seaton RHP

Like I said previously, Lexington is all about the arms.  Dydalewicz has maintained an ERA of 0.00 over 17 IP; he has struck out only 8 while walking 7, thus the “Co” status.  I am not sure where Henry Villar came from but, the 20 year old from the DR has grabbed my attention, striking out 26 batters, walking only 4, in 15.1 innings.  Seaton won three games in April, while posting an ERA of 1.14 over 23.2 innings, while striking out 15.  All three of these pitchers have offered something different to what is a terrific pitching staff in Lexington so; I felt it was fitting to include all three. 

Hitter of the Month : Albert Cartwright 2B

.328 batting average/.400 on-base percentage/.522 slugging percentage/.922 OPS, 24 points, 10 extra base hits, 37 total bases, 3 stolen bases.  Even with a K:BB ration greater than 2 to 1, Cartwright is one of the (very) few bright spots in the Lexington lineup. 

Others Considered: Ebert Rosario 3B

 

 

Boston Red Sox: Top 15 Prospects

Yes, welcome back to the top 15 prospects series.  I have been looking into the 2009 amateur draft, and got motivated to get back on the prospect series.  I would like to note that all of my rankings were made many months ago.  So, if players have since left the organization, i.e. the rule 5 draft, I may not be on the ups of that.  The ages of some players may also be a year off, as I did this late last year, and do not wish to look up the birthdates of a couple hundred players.  However, I will do my best.  I also have no idea how most of the players are doing this spring.  This series is a continuation of the prospect series I started last October.  So, it is each team’s top prospects, following the 2008 season, if you get what I mean by my wording.  The series is targeted more towards casual fans, than hardcore prospect followers.  I also value experience experienced, low upside prospects.  MLL = minor league level last season – A+ is a high A team, A- is a low A team, A (no +/-) means the prospect played at both high A and low A levels last season, “a” is short season A league, and R is rookie league.  Something else of note, that you will notice, is that I like to stay pretty objective and “professional” when writing capsules but, will break out of character, and display my own thoughts, and personality as well, especially when in parentheses.  Enjoy, and please comment your thoughts. 

15. Che-Hsuan Lin Age: 20 MLL: A-

Lin won out this spot amongst some tough competition, guys like Oscar Tejada, Anthony Rizzo, Felix DuBront, and Chris Carter will not be found on this list.  Anyways, Lin’s greatest strengths are on defense, as he possesses the glove, range, and strong arm of a big league centerfielder.  Lin has good speed, and is capable of stealing a bag or thirty three, which is how many he stole in 2008.  Lin has struggled with his bat, he hit .249 with a .359 SLG%, his on base percentage however, was a respectable .342, thanks to good plate discipline.  Lin wins out the last spot on this list, because of his excellent defensive ability, and, even though his offense wasn’t great, it was still better than Oscar Tejada’s.  I also like Lin’s advanced plate discipline, and speed, and he has time to develop more power, his 27% XBH% needs to get hiked up a bit.  It’s too early to tell if Lin can be a starter, or defensive specialist backup, that will depend on the growth of his bat. 

14. Kyle Weiland RHSP Age: 22 MLL: a

Weiland was a closer in college but, the Red Sox have decided to stretch him out as a starter.  The transition to starter has gone well, as Weiland pitched a total of 90 pitches between college and the minors.  In 60 minor league innings he posted a 1.50 ERA and struck out 68 batters.  Weiland’s fastball reaches 95 mph; it has downward movement causing groundballs.  The other two pitches are a slider with a slurvy movement, and a solid changeup.  It will be interesting to see how many innings Weiland will be able to throw in his first season as a starter.  Weiland has the tools to become a starter in the big leagues, and he is good thus far, results wise. 

13. Yamacio Navarro SS Age: 21 MLL: A

Navarro is the second of four international prospects on this list.  He showed good hitting ability in 2008, with a .304 batting average and .359 on base percentage.  He added a good SLG% of .447, and hit 11 homeruns.  However, Navarro’s XBH% was a low 29%.  With more experience Navarro should develop average power, and possibly better than average contact skills.  One part of his offensive game that needs his work is his plate discipline, as he struck out 103 times, with a K: BB ratio of over 2:1 (103 Ks to 41 BBs).  Navarro has average speed but, giving him the ability to steal a few.  Navarro is defensively sound, with adequate range for short, and an above average to plus arm.  Navarro also has some versatility, with the ability, and experience to play second and third as well.  Navarro’s ceiling is an above average shortstop on offense, and average or better defensively, I believe his floor is as a big league utility player, and good bat off the bench.  This season will be big for Navarro as he faces the AA test. 

12. Bryan Price RHSP Age: 22 MLL: a

Price was a supplemental first round pick in the 2008 draft.  Like Weiland, he was a reliever in college but, the Red Sox will try to stretch him into a starter for the time being.  Price’s repertoire includes five pitches.  He throws his fastball in the low-mid 90s, and was able to reach high 90s in relief; his 2-seamer is thrown in the high 80s to low 90s.  Price’s second plus pitch is a slider, he throws in the mid 80s. The other two pitches are his changeup and a curveball that shows some promise.  Price commands his pitches well for the most part.  In 40 innings last summer Price recorded an ERA of 3.83, striking out 43 batters.  Price certainly has the stuff to become a starter in the big leagues but, it is too early to get specific; a number three starter is certainly a possibility, especially if his curveball becomes a plus pitch.  Again, like Weiland, Price’s durability over the course of a full season (starting) is something to watch out for. 

11. George Kottaras C Age: 25 MLL: AAA

First of all, it seems that Kottaras has the backup catcher position under wraps for the Red Sox.  That being said he is a very solid catching prospect (and soon to be rookie).  Kottaras’ best tool is his above average power.  He hit 22 homeruns in 2008, he added a good .457 SLG%, and very good 42% XBH%.  Kottaras also boasts pretty good plate discipline walking 64 times last season.  Kottaras has been all over with his batting average over the years, and last season he hit .243, however, because of his ability to take walks, Kottaras did not have a problem getting on base, his on base percentage was .348, not a great number but, it will not hurt the team when he’s batting sixth or lower.  He also strikes out quite a bit, 110 times in 2008 but, again, I am not worried too much about his ability to get on base, especially with his power.  Kottaras can struggle on defense, although he does a great job blocking pitches, and he has a hard time throwing runners out.  Kottaras does have experience catching knucklers, which certainly helped him when the backup/Wakefield catcher job.  Kottaras may not have the highest of upsides but, I am very high on him.  If he can manage on defense, and hit for a solid average, I think Kottaras can be an average offensively minded catcher, with above average power.  I do not think his downside is any less than a decent backup, and bat off the bench. 

10. Stolmy Pimentel RHSP Age 19 MLL: a

At only nineteen Pimentel put up solid numbers in the New York – Penn league.  He pitched 63 innings with an ERA of 3.14 ERA, striking out 61 batters.  He has good command and movement with his fastball but, he has only average velocity (88-92 mph).  Pimentel has a good feel for his changeup, and throws it in the 78 to 82 range.  His curveball has 12-6 movement, and has the chance to be a plus pitch, its average right now.  Although it’s early in his career, and Pimentel will likely play his first full season this year, he could be a middle of the rotation starter. 

9. Michael Almanzar 3B Age: 18 MLL: A-/R

Athletic and toolsy with limited playing experience; Almanzar must be a high upside Latin American player.  Almanzar saw moderate success in rookie league last season before struggling in the South Atlantic League, in all he hit .262, with a .306 OBP, and .376 SLG%.  Almanzar added a lousy 28% XBH%, and had a SO to BB ratio of 4:1.  Summed up, he is raw offensively and defensively for that matter.  Lucky for Almanzar and the Red Sox, he has all the tools and projection to be a very good player.  His power grades as above average, as does his arm, while everything else seems to be average, except for below average speed.  I am going to wait till he plays a full season before I say anything about just how good he can be.

8. Ryan Westmoreland OF Age: 18 MLL: NA

Westmoreland is not the type of player I usually rank high but, scouting reports are too high in his case.  Ryan had labrum surgery late last year, and will likely be out till the summer.  Still all his tools grade as potentially above average, including a plus arm.  Westmoreland will have no problem being a top centerfielder on defense, and also possesses good plate discipline for his age.  It’s tough to say anything else before he plays a game professionally, depending on his success in a shortened season he could jump into the top five though. 

7. Ryan Kalish OF Age: 20 MLL: A

I actually had Kalish sixth until I wrote the blurb on Casey Kelly, I convinced myself to bump him ahead of Kalish… I must be a good persuader.  Anyways, Kalish had mixed success in 2008, he hit .273, with a .365 OBP, and only a .363 SLG%.  Kalish’s poor power numbers showed up across the board, as he hit only five homeruns over the course of the season, and hit just a 24% XBH%.  Kalish did display good plate discipline, he had a K: BB of 1.5 to 1 (99 SOs to 61 BBs).  Kalish also has above average speed, and stole 19 SBs last season.  He is a good defender in center and has great range, and an average to above average arm.  Kalish has tremendous upside as a top of the lineup batter.  More power could come, as Kalish is still only 20.  He will likely play most of the season in AA.

6. Casey Kelly RHP/SS Age: 19 MLL: a

Kelly was Boston’s first round pick last June.  Coming into the draft he was highly touted as both a pitcher and shortstop.  He played shortstop in short season A ball after signing but, Kelly will start the 2009 season as a pitcher.  After Kelly pitches 100 innings he will return to the field as a shortstop.  This new development makes Kelly a very interesting prospect.  He could become a good shortstop with power, or a starting pitcher with a better than average pitches.  After signing, Kelly hit .215 with only a .255 OBP, he showed good power, hitting a 49% XBH%.  His plate discipline was bad however; he struck out 42 times in 130 at-bats, while walking only 6 times.  Kelly is very athletic, possessing plus range and a plus arm.  He should develop into an at least average defensive shortstop but, he may grow too big for the position, he is already 6-3/6-4 and 205ish.  He has good power but, he has to work on making contact and his plate discipline.  On the mound Kelly throws an average fastball in the 88 to 92 mph range, and the pitch has good sink.  His fastball velocity should rise as he focuses on pitching, he has plenty of projection.  His curveball is a 12-6er and is an above average pitch; his changeup is average at least right now.  As stated before Kelly has a high upside as either a shortstop or pitcher, and the Red Sox are going to look into both options for now, we’ll see how he is doing at both positions at the end of the year. 

5. Nick Hagadone LHSP Age: 22 MLL: A-

Hagadone was the Red Sox’ first pick in 2007, he was a college reliever (most of the time) but, the Red Sox have made him starter, although it would not be surprising if Hagadone ended up as a reliever before establishing a career in the majors.  Before moving on, I should mention that Hagadone underwent Tommy John surgery last June but, his recovering has been going well, and he hopes to be pitching in games by June or May.  He throws his fastball in the low-mid 90s with good movement.  He also throws an above average to plus power slider in the low 80s, and a getting to average changeup in the low 80s.  Hagadone’s stuff translates to him being a number two or three starter, and he has had success on the mound, when healthy.  However, there is still talk of Hagadone becoming a reliever (how do you crack a rotation already consisting of Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, and Dice K with Clay Buchholz and Justin Masterson floating around, not mentioning Michael Bowden?), and we have yet to see how Hagadone returns from injury. 

4. Daniel Bard RHRP Age: 23 MLL: AA/A-

Bard pitched in 78 innings in 2008, all in relief; he struck out 107 batters in that time, recording an ERA of 1.51.  As you can tell from the numbers, Bard is a very special reliever, which will give Boston two of those as early as this summer.  Bard throws his fastball in the mid to high 90s, reaching triple digits; the pitch has a lot of movement on it.  He also throws a plus slider, which has almost sluve-like movement, there’s a curveball and changeup in his repertoire as well but, Bard doesn’t have to throw those two pitches in relief.  As I said, Bard will be a special reliever; it just may not be as a closer, because Papelbon is there. 

3. Josh Reddick OF Age: 21 MLL: AA/A

Reddick is a guy a like, his scouting reports are solid, and his stats back them up beautifully.  In 2008 he hit .311 with a .356 OBP.  His power was great, and can be found in three places: he hit a .544 SLG%, 23 homeruns, and a solid XBH% of 36%.  Reddick lacks plate discipline, his SO: BB rate was about 2.5 SOs to BB.  Reddick has good speed, and used it to steal 14 bases last year.  He is an above average outfielder with the ability to play center or a corner, and he possesses a plus arm.  Unlike many centerfield prospects, Reddick’s value would not dissipate with a permanent move to right field, as he has above average power.  Reddick has the ability to become an above average outfielder in the majors but, not an elite outfielder. 

2. Michael Bowden RHSP Age: 22 MLL: AAA/AA

Bowden throws his fastball in the low 90s.  He also throws an above average hard 12-6 curve in the mid 70s, and an above average circle change in the low 80s.  He complements his stuff with excellent control of all three pitches.  In the minors last year he pitched 144 innings, posting a 2.62 ERA, and striking out 130 batters.  He also had success in stints in Boston.  Bowden is major league ready but, there isn’t a place for him in the big league rotation, which means Michael is either on his way to the bullpen, like Justin Masterson, bouncing back-and-forth between AAA and the majors regardless of his performance, like Clay Buchholz, or headed out of the organization.  Bowden would likely develop into a mid rotation starter if given a chance, and could be a low-end number two starter.

1. Lars Anderson 1B Age: 21 MLL: AA/A+

There is some debate as to whether Anderson is just an above average first basemen, or if he is an All Star at the position.  I tend to agree with the latter.  In 2008 he hit .317, with a .417 OBP, and .517 SLG%.  He also hit 18 homeruns, and an XBH% of 37%.  Like most power hitters Anderson does strike out a lot, 107 times in 2008 but, he also drew a lot walks, 75.  Anderson’s hitting numbers are all there, and his power should even rise, as he continues to gain experience.  Anderson is at least average defensively, and works hard at improving, he is fairly athletic for a first basemen.  I see Anderson as a .300BA/.400BP guy, with 30 homerun potential.  Now seems as a good a time as any to say that a hitter usually does not peak until 27, which is well known for those of you who play fantasy baseball.  So, when I say Anderson has 30 homerun potential, he likely will not reach that number for awhile, even if he plays in the majors everyday next year at 22. 

Final Thoughts:   The Red Sox’ list has two good things going for it, check that, three: 1. they have great talent at the top in Anderson and Bowden 2.They have a very deep list; all fifteen prospects are quality prospects 3. Their list is littered with diversity.  They have a solid prospect covering each position, a good mix of pitchers and hitters, and they also have a good mix of near ready prospects, and high upside guys who are a long way from the majors.  The biggest strength of Red Sox’ group of ‘top prospects’ is their diversity and pitching.  The Red Sox already have Josh Beckett, Jon Lester and Dice K as locks in their rotation for the foreseeable future, not including Clay Buchholz (who would rank second after Lars Anderson if he still qualified for this list), and currently the Red Sox have Brad Penny, John Smoltz, and Tim Wakefield for at least a year, possibly two.  Bowden is ready to start in the majors, Justin Masterson would be a solid starter, and Hagadone, Price, Weiland, and Pimentel (not including the versatile Casey Kelly) are well on their way to becoming starting options in the next 2-3 years.  The Red Sox also will have two of the best relievers in baseball in Papelbon and Bard.  Let’s speculate the entire pitching staff for the end of the 2011 season, five-man-rotation: Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, Dice K, Buchholz, Bowden, and Justin Masterson, the seven in the bullpen: Papelbon, Bard, Hideki Okajima, Nick Hagadone, Bryan Price, Kyle Weiland, and Junichi Tazawa (who I did not include on my list, he is a good enough prospect but, when I created the list way back when, I didn’t know much about him, and decided to stick with what I know).  I want to know how the Yankees (or anyone else) expect(s) to hit against a pitching staff like that. 

Next Up: The Yankees

 

 

Baltimore Orioles: Top 15 Prospects

Yes, welcome back to the top 15 prospects series.  I have been looking into the 2009 amateur draft, and got motivated to get back on the prospect series.  I would like to note that all of my rankings were made many months ago.  So, if players have since left the organization, i.e. the rule 5 draft, I may not be on the ups of that.  The ages of some players may also be a year off, as I did this late last year, and do not wish to look up the birthdates of a couple hundred players.  However, I will do my best.  I also have no idea how most of the players are doing this spring.  This series is a continuation of the prospect series I started last October.  So, it is each team’s top prospects, following the 2008 season, if you get what I mean by my wording.  The series is targeted more towards casual fans, than hardcore prospect followers.  I also value experience experienced, low upside prospects.  MLL = minor league level last season – A+ is a high A team, A- is a low A team, A (no +/-) means the prospect played at both high A and low A levels last season, “a” is short season A league, and R is rookie league.  Something else of note, that you will notice, is that I like to stay pretty objective and “professional” when writing capsules but, will break out of character, and display my own thoughts, and personality as well, especially when in parentheses.  Enjoy, and please comment your thoughts. 

15. (13). Matt Angle OF Age: 23 MLL: A-

My list is the only place you will find Angle, why?  Well, I like low ceiling established players, even if they are 23 playing in low A ball, ok, so, he’s not a great prospect but, I like him all the same, and who cares about the fifteen ranked prospect in a system with Matt Wieters in it.  Angle was drafted in 2007, the same draft that produced the aforementioned Wieters (why so much talk about Matt Wieters you ask, because he deserves it!  Josh, pull yourself together, and defend your reasoning for placing Angle on this list over someone like Kam Mickollo… a reliever).  Angle is a terrific fielder in center, rated as the best fielding outfielder in the system by BA (I hate mentioning BA in my posts).  Angle also flashed good offense hitting .287 with a .385 OBP (on base %), he also flashed great base running ability, stealing 37 bases.  Another plus to Angle’s season was his near 1:1 SO to BB (strikeout to walk) ratio (86 SO: 71 BB).  The downside, Angle does not have much power hitting a .379 slugging %, hitting only 4 homeruns in a full season, and hitting an XBH% (extra base hit percentage) of only 23%.  Still, you have to love Angle’s ability to get on base, and use his speed both on the base paths, and in the field.  Angle is a very capable backup outfielder, at least, and I think he could potentially be an adequate starter but, no one else seems to share that sentiment.

(14). Collin Allen RHSP Age: 22 MLL: R

Allen was drafted in the 22nd round of the 2007 draft (2007?  Just like Angle… and Wieters!).  Anyways, last I knew Allen was throwing his fastball in the 80s touching the low 90s.  His out pitch is his curveball, while he also throws a changeup.  His stuff, not overwhelming by any means however, I value a guy who knows how to pitch, and has proven that he knows how to pitch.  In 2008 he threw 62 innings in rookie league ball, posting an ERA of 2.31, and striking out 64 batters.  Those are nice numbers.  Allen was also a pretty good outfielder in (junior) college, he’s a good athlete – this means the ability to repeat his mechanics, and less of an injury risk, however, he does not have a projectable body, and his stuff will stay below average.  With the 11-15 slots I like to include guys you should keep an eye on moving forward, Allen is that type as he begins his first full season in 2009.  How is he better than Angle?

(13). Kenny Moreland RHSP Age: 22 MLL: A+/R

Here’s the skinny on Moreland, he throws his fastball in the high 80s/low 90s range, and has no projection at 5’11”.  However, he also throws a good curveball, with good command.  He has also shown results starting last season in the summer running rookie league, and reaching high A ball.  In seventy innings he posted a 3.10 ERA, and struck out 68 batters.  Moreland would not be on this list were it not for his control but, still he is very low upside.  So, how is he better than Angle?

12. Ryan Adams 2B Age: 21 MLL: A-

I do not understand why people do not like Adams.  In 2008 Adams hit .308 with a .367 OBP, the average is great, and the on base percentage is more than respectable for a 21 year old.  Adams also flashed good power for a second basemen, recording a SLG% of .462 and hitting 11 homeruns.  He also added an XBH% of 30%, which is a respectable number, and you would expect the power to continue to improve moving forward.  Adams also stole 12 bases.  There are two problems in Adams’ game 1. He strikes out to much, 109 SOs, to 36 BBs - that SO: BB rate is slightly worse than Bill Rowell’s and I am about to hammer Bill Rowell for his plate discipline.  In my defense, Rowell’s OBP is only .315, while Adams’ is .367 so; his lack of plate discipline does not hinder him as much.  2. That’s right I said two things.  Adams’ defense has become problematic, racking up errors last season, they were however, throwing errors, and he still has the hands and range to be a capable defender.  So, this also does not worry me.  Anyways, I think Adams can become a possibility at second base, especially with the Orioles’ lack of middle infield prospects. 

11. Zach Britton LHSP Age: 21 MLL: A-

*I apologize for the two scrubs I threw in at 13 and 14.  I like analyzing 15 prospects from each team, and those two were guys I threw in because of success at lower levels but, they both lack the ability to improve their below average stuff, and thus will probably not ever make it to the big leagues.  For all intents and purposes, I will refer to this list as a top 13 list, with Matt Angle moving up two spots to 13.  I can now list off much better prospects than the previous two: L.J. Hoes 2B, Xavier Avery OF, Chorye Spoone RHP, Pedro Beato but, I am not going to go rewrite the 13 and 14 prospects.  So, deal with the two guys who do not belong there. 

Britton was taken in the third round of the 2006 draft.  I want to point out, quickly how Britton was not a “can’t miss” high school prospect when he was drafted but, opted to sign anyway, instead of developing his game with Texas A&M.  This decision has proved to be a wise decision for Britton as he has been very consistent, and will play in AA at some point this season, and is probably on par stuff wise with the college pitchers who will be taken at the end of the first round.  Had Britton gone to college he would be eligible to be drafted this year (players attending a four-year college must wait till after their junior year to be drafted), and would likely start playing for minor league team in low A this summer.  Anyways, sorry for the tangent but, I wanted to illustrate, well, something, at the least this is a small lesson about the draft.  Back to Britton!  Britton throws his 2-seam fastball in the low 90s, and pairs it with a slider (he used to throw a power curve but, recently dumped it for the slider).  Due to those two pitches Britton does an excellent job of inducing ground balls.  Britton will probably have to improve his feel for his changeup to have the same success he’s had at higher levels.  In 147 innings in 2008 Britton posted an ERA of 3.12, he stuck out 114 (maybe a 6.98 strikeout/9 innings is not all that impressive in low A ball but, remember, he’s a groundball pitcher).  Britton has the capabilities and stuff to become a number four starter, maybe even a number three starter but, what are the chances Baltimore needs him to start? 

10. Bill Rowell 3B Age: 20 MLL: A+

This guy is a great prospect.  Let me explain, Billy Rowell is a great prospect in the sense that he is a former number nine overall pick (2006) has struggled hitting, some injury problems early last season, has had some pride issues but, still has a boatload of potential (how much is a boatload, well, it’s a lot), and he is only 20 years old, and was the youngest everyday player in the Carolina, high A, league.  That being said, I have him pretty low on this list, which says two things 1. This system has more than a boatload of talent, and 2. I like to see results/I like established players.  Anyways, more specific to Rowell, he disappointed offensively in 2008 (maybe expected being so young for the level of competition he was facing).  He hit for only a .248 BA, and slugged for .368 – Rowell’s second best tool, his power potential.  I will continue writing about his power numbers, Rowell (I get sick of using a guy’s last name when referring to him, I need to give everyone a nickname) hit only 7 HRs in 375 at bats – 10-15 over the course of a full, healthy season – Billy R also hit an XBH% (extra base hit percentage, I use it a lot) of 33% which actually is not bad, especially given his slugging percentage.  Now the really bad part, Billy R struck out almost three times more than he walked (104 SOs to 36 BBs, yikes!).  Rowell is below average defensively, and does not project to be any better than average (if average).  Many believe he will need to move to first, which would 1. Waste his best tool, his arm, and 2. Lower the value of his bat, because although he does have above average power potential, he does not have thirty home run power, and will not hit for a high batting average.  So, it is best if Billy R stays at third.  If he cannot, and has to be moved, why not to a corner outfield position, there his arm would still play, and he is not a terrible athlete so, left field is a possibility (I mean, Manny does it, right?)  Billy R could be an above average third baseman at the big league level but, that is contingent on three things 1. The power comes 2. His plate discipline improves 3. He stays at third.  If not than Billy R could be an effective corner infield sub/pinch hitter/left side of a platoon/average-below average first basemen/corner infielder, you have to like the options (Remember when I said Billy R was a great prospect?  Well, look at how long his blurb is, that is how intriguing (yes, intriguing is the better word) he is).  

9. David Hernandez RHSP Age: 23 MLL: AA

David Hernandez is the Orioles’ sicth best pitching prospect, on this list, which speaks volumes as to how much of a boatload of talent this system has, particularly on the mound.  David Hernandez has been dominant the last couple of seasons.  In 2008 he led the Eastern League in strikeouts, with 166 in 141 innings; he posted a stellar 2.68 ERA.  David Hernandez throws an above average fastball into the mid 90s; he also throws an above average slider/slurve in the high 70s, low 80s.  Despite the great stats, and two above average pitches, many people, including myself have doubts about his future as a starter.  The reasons are threefold 1. His spotty command, even when D Hern is throwing his fastball. 2. His lack of a third pitch.  D Hern’s changeup is far below average.  3. The Orioles have five pitching prospects ahead of him, plus R Liz, and Guthrie, why would they want to waste D Hern in the minors when he could be an effective reliever right now?  Best case scenario, D Hern develops an average third pitch, shores up his fastball command, and becomes a number three starter, which would make for some excellent spring training battles!

8. Brandon Snyder 1B/3B Age: 22 MLL: A+

Snyder is currently a first baseman but, the thought of trying him at third has been tossed around.  His value, obviously, increases with a move to third.  Defensively he is solid at first though.  Why start talking about Snyder’s D, because it will not matter for the rest of this blurb, his game is his offense.  Bryder (this nickname thing is catchy) hit for a .315 average last season.  He, however, has the same problem as Adams, and Rowell, that is a K:BB ratio in the range of 3 to 1 and 2 to 1.  However, like Adams, Bryder still managed a respectable OBP of .357, not great, but respectable.  Snyder showed good power last season, and has a little more potential left in the tank, hitting a SLG% of .490 (compare it to Rowell’s .368, someone with similar power potential) in 2008.  Bryder added 13 homeruns, and an XBH% of 35%.  I like Snyder as an average big league first baseman, and above average third baseman (on offense) but, his outlook gets better if he increases his walks, and power.  As of now, Bryder is headed in the right direction. 

7. Brandon Erbe RHSP Age: 21 MLL: A+

Erbe threw 151 innings in 2008, posting a lackluster 4.30 ERA but, striking out 151 batters.  Erbe throws two fastballs, his 4-seamer is thrown in the low 90s but, can touch the mid 90s, while his 2-seamer is thrown a couple mph slower but, compensates that with heavy life.  He also throws a slider, which should be above average in the future.  I can almost assure you that either Erbe or D Hern will be moved to the bullpen soon.  The Orioles just have too many starting pitchers (too many starters?  There’s no such thing), and Erbe and D Hern have the power stuff that plays well in the bullpen, and lack effective third pitches.  If Erbe remains a starter he should continue to work on his changeup, and like D Hern, can become a third starter type. 

6. Troy Patton LHSP Age: 23 MLL: NA

Patton is the “gem” (tongue in cheek) of the Tejada trade with the Astros, and was injured all of last year.  However, he is back, and scouting reports are favorable.  Being a part of the Astros organization for so long makes Patton a personal favorite of mine.  He throws his fastball in the low 90s, and commands it everywhere in the strike zone.  He also throws a tight slider and changeup in the high 70s.  Patton can command all of his stuff, and has advanced pitchability.  I see as one of those crafty lefties, cough, Tom Glavine, cough, and is a number three starter type.  It may take him a little while to get the feel for pitching again though, following the injury. 

5. Nolan Reimold OF Age: 25 MLL: AA

Reimold is a guy I really like, despite the obvious flaw of being 25, and spending all of 2008 in AA.   There he hit .284 with a .367 OBP.  Unlike most of the position players on this list Reimold has good plate discipline, with a K: BB ratio of nearly 1 to1.  Reimold bolstered great power, hitting 25 homeruns, and a SLG% of .501, with an XBH% of 40%, all great numbers.  Reimold’s defense is his weakness, as he has bad instincts in the outfield.  However, Reimold has a plus arm, and is capable of serving as a centerfielder at times, although he will (and should) play everyday at a corner.  Reimold also has good athleticism, and can steal a few bags.  Reimold can be an above average corner outfielder everyday very soon. 

4. Jake Arrieta RHSP Age: 20 MLL: A+

Now comes, perhaps, the best set of pitching prospects, up first, Jake Arrieta.  Arrieta throws a mid 90s fastball with late life, however, he has trouble commanding it at times.  Arrieta’s second above average pitch is his slider; he also throws a big breaking curveball, and a changeup.  In 2008 Jake Arrieta threw 113 innings in the minors, posting a 2.87 ERA, with 120 strikeouts.  He also spent time playing for team USA in the Olympics.  Arrieta is a future top of the rotation starter but, first must refine his curve and changeup, as well as his fastball command.

3. Brian Matusz LHSP Age: 21 MLL: Arizona Fall League

Missed the regular season after signing, Matusz did, however, throw 27 innings in the AFL, posting a 4.73 ERA and striking out a 31 batters.  Matusz was the number four overall pick last June.  He throws four above average pitches.  B Mat’s fastball falls in the low 90s reaching 94 on occasion, it has some natural sink to it.  Matusz also has some projection left so; do not be surprised if you see his fastball topping somewhere in the 95-96 range before he reaches the majors.  B Mat also throws a plus curveball and changeup, as well as a slider/cutter.  B Mat is a future number two starter, his stuff is not quite electric enough to be a number one starter but, he still possesses very good stuff with good command.  He should be called up to the big leagues late in the year, and could become a fixture in the bullpen to start 2010. 

2. Chris Tillman RHSP Age: 20 MLL: AA

There are those who think Matusz is the top prospect in the system, they would be wrong.  Tillman does have that “electric” stuff required of a number one starter.  He throws his fastball in the low 90s but, gets it up into the mid 90s much more often than Matusz, and his peak of 95/96 mph is higher than Matusz’, I also believe Tillman has more projection left.  Due to his height 6’5” C Till throws his fastball on a downward plane, a difficult angle to hit.  C Till’s best pitch is a plus (possibly plus-plus) 12-6 curveball he throws in the mid 70s, he also throws a changeup, which still needs work but, should be an average offering in time.  One thing Matusz has on C Till is command but, at age TWENTY (20 and in AA last season) Tillman has plenty of time to refine that area of his game.  Now, the real reason I think Tillman is a better prospect than Matusz, his results!  In 2008, C Till threw 136 innings posting a 3.18 ERA, while striking out 154 batters.  He did this all in AA, at the age of 20.  Tillman is the future ace of this team, how fast he develops his command will determine how fast he arrives there though. 

1. Matt Wieters C Age: 22 MLL: AA/A+

Finally, the best prospect in baseball, I and Georgia Tech give you, Matt Wieters.  In 2008 Wieters hit .355, with a .454 OBP, and .600 SLG%.  I’m going to give you a second to process that… He added 27 homeruns, an XBH% of 33%, and to top it all off, Wieters walked six more times (82) than he struck out (76).  What more could you ask for from a prospect on offense?  Defensively Wieters is a complete catcher, with plus or better: receiving skills, blocking ability, and arm behind the plate.  Wieters does not run well but, is a decent athlete anyway.  What does the future hold for Wieters?  Ten all star games, 30 home runs annually, many .300/.400/.500 seasons, multiple gold glove awards, possibly an MVP award, and of course zero playoff appearances… as an Oriole at least… sorry.   

Final Thoughts:  I feel bad for the Orioles.  Having to be in the same division as the Red Sox and Yankees but, now also the Rays and the Rays do not seem to be going anywhere, anytime soon.  Still, the Orioles have a solid core of players to build around in the majors: Nick Markakis, Adam Jones, Brian Roberts, and Wieters, along with the three stud starting pitchers.  However, even with that group – and the number five pick in June – I don’t think the Orioles are good enough to compete with the aforementioned three teams any time in the coming years.  Which is a shame, because the Orioles have been doing a great job of finding and developing young prospects, particularly young pitching.  Pitching is obviously the strength of the system; they have six guys who could become number three starters.  However, after Wieters and Reimold the Orioles are really lacking for position players.  Both Snyder and Rowell show some promise but, their values will suffer if they both end up at first base and both may end up as only average offensively as well.  The Orioles are severely lacking prospects in centerfield and at the middle infield positions, I would look for them to look at this area in the draft so, be on the lookout for Donovan Tate HS OF, and Dustin Ackley OF/1B UNC. 

 

 

 

I must say, I have been uninspired by the last several games from the Astros. The pitching has been shaky, and the offense has not been much better, and in some cases this past weekend, much, much worse. Luckily for Houston, and us fans, spring training is not about the wins and losses but, individual performances . At least that is my opinion; spring is about the position battles, the young players getting a chance to showcase their talents, and aging pitchers we never thought we would hear from again – Russ Ortiz . Anyways, here is the latest spring performance chart, which I believe is an update from the past two games. Also, the list has expanded to thirty, which is where it should stay, since pretty much everyone in camp has played now, and players have left for the WBC. Enjoy, discuss.

1. Russ Ortiz RHP PR : 2 +1

Russ Ortiz retakes the top spot after a second straight superb, scintillating, sensational outing (I love alliteration). He has pitched five inning this spring to the tune of two hits allowed, a [home]run, a walk, while striking out six batters. Conclusion: Ortiz has looks downright filthy!

2. Chris Johnson 3B PR: 1 -1

Johnson only slips because of Ortiz’ performance on the mound but, he added a hit, and a couple RBIs today. For the spring Johnson is four for eight with two extra base hits (a double and a homer), a strikeout, and he leads the team with five RBIs. This blog is a place for bandwagon, and I am encouraging you all to jump onto my ‘START CHRIS JOHNSON BANDWAGON’. It is the revolution that will make Houston a legitimate contender in 2009.

3. Reggie Abercrombie OF PR: 13 +10

Abercrombie is six for eleven with three extra base hits, and ten total bases. He has scored once, and driven in another two this spring. Abercrombie has however struck out three times and committed an error. Abercrombie is easily my early favorite for the fifth outfielder position but, something tells me management is still leaning towards Jason Michaels , who has not performed this spring – thus far.

4. Jason Smith INF PR : 10 +5

Smith continues to impress me both on offense and defense. He has yet to give up an error, and has gone four for seven, with two extra base hits, two runs, and a RBI.

5. Matt Kata INF PR: NR

Kata does not have an error at shortstop, and is three for four with a triple, homerun, two RBIs, and one strikeout.

6. Brandon Backe RHP PR : 3 -3

Backe already has one good outing this spring going two innings, allowing one hit, and striking out one batter. Tomorrow he will make his first start of the spring, and is looking to keep pace with Russ Ortiz as the top starting pitcher in Astros camp (how sad was that last sentence?). I am not sure whether the fifth rotation spot is best candidate wins, or, if the job is Backe’s to lose.

7. Miguel Tejada SS PR : 5 -2

Tejada has now joined the DR’s WBC team (along with A-Rod ) but, before he did Tejada put together another strong performance. Tejada went three for seven this spring with THREE extra base hits, and THREE runs scored. He has drove in two runs. Tejada seems to have things together this season which is a big plus for the Astros going into the season.

8. Drew Sutton 2B PR: 8

I am a Sutton supporter (hmm a little alliteration), and even though he is unlikely to make the team out of camp, he should see action with the Astros sometime soon (with Kaz slated as the second basemen, that is a bit of a guarantee). Sutton is four for ten with a walk and a strikeout. He has scored two runs, and logged six total bases.

9. Wesley Wright LHP PR: 11 +2

Wesley Wright has become Houston’s go-to reliever this spring. He has now pitched three innings, in three different appearances allowing zero earned runs (but, allowing one unearned). Wright has allowed three hits.

10. Darin Erstad OF PR: NR

How is it that Erstad was previously unranked? Darin (the former Cornhusker punter and I are on a first-name basis) has gone five for ten this spring, scoring one run, while striking out twice, and walking once. His batting average is high, and he has the second most hits on the team (Abercrombie has six) but, his hits are not ‘timely’ hits.

11. Chad Paronto RHP PR: NR

Paronto has flown under my radar. He has pitched three scoreless innings, two of them today, while allowing two hits, and striking out two. It is a shame that there are not many (if any) jobs available in the ‘pen.

12. Jose Capellan RHP PR: NR

Jose is another guy who has flown under my radar (he is also another guy I am on a first name basis with). He has pitched two scoreless innings, giving up a hit, and striking out a batter.

13. Lance Berkman 1B PR: NR

Berkman is starting to come into form, batting two for five with an RBI, run, and two walks.

14. Hunter Pence OF PR: 6 -8

Pence is now two for eleven (not encouraging) with three walks (encouraging!), and four strikeouts (not so encouraging). I like Pence’s on-base improvement but, I have to see some improvement on the hitting side, and I would love to see some power, it is early though so, I am not worried yet. On a side note, I wish I was on a first name basis with Pence but, alas, I am not.

15. Jose Valverde RHP PR: NR

Jose was dominant in his inning today, pitching a scoreless inning, striking out two. For the spring he is has pitched 2 innings allowing two earned runs, a homerun but, striking out four batters.

16. Bud Norris RHP PR: 15 -1

Norris still has only pitched one inning, while striking out two batters.

17. Geoff Geary RHP PR : 17

Two innings pitched, and a hit.

18. Michael Bourn OF PR: 14 -4

Three hits in fourteen at-bats. Bourn has walked three times (like Pence, very encouraging), he has struck out twice, stolen two bases, collected two extra base hits, scored three runs, and driven in two runs. That stat line is littered and not just with adjectives… good spring thus far from Bourn.

19. LaTroy Hawkins RHP PR: NR

Hawkins has pitched one scoreless inning, striking out a batter. He was also named to the USA WBC team in place of Joe Nathan . Congratulations to Hawkins for being named in the same sentence as one of the best three closers in baseball.

20. John Gall 1B PR: NR

Were this list just about stats, Gall would be listed in the top ten but, he has zero chance of making the roster so, I feel that it would be a waste to list him earlier than this. He has however, put together a pretty impressive spring, though, hitting four for eight, and driving in three runs.

21. Samuel Gervacio PR : 18

One scoreless inning, giving up a walk but, striking out a batter.

22. Jason Castro C PR: NR

Congratulations to Jason Castro for collected his first hit with the Astros (too bad it does not really count, since it is spring training). Anyways, his hit on Sunday makes Castro the catcher with the highest batting average .

23. Brian Moehler RHP PR: NR

Two innings one earned run, two hits, and two strikeouts.
24. Tommy Manzella SS PR: NR

One for four, with a run scored, a walk, a strikeout, and unfortunately an error. Manzella is currently behind Smith and Kata as utility candidates.

25. Carlos Lee OF PR: 7 -18

Lee is only one for six but, has walked twice, with two runs. His one hit is a double, and he has struck out once.

26. J.R. Towles C PR: 12 -14

Towles is STILL the only starting catcher contender with a hit but, he is now one for five with a strikeout. I WANT TO SEE SOME OFFENSE OUT OF A STARTING CATCHER CONTENDER TODAY!

27. Felipe Paulino RHP PR: NR

I really like Paulino but, he was a little shaky in his first appearance of the spring. He pitched two innings giving up two hits, a walk, and a solo homerun – which is his only run allowed.

28. Mike Hampton RHP PR : 9 -21

I dropped Hampton last weekend, before his start, and I seem to be justified now after a bad outing on Monday. He pitched two innings allowing four earned runs . For the spring he has pitched four innings, giving up SIX hits, walking THREE batters, allowing FOUR earned runs, hitting a batter, while striking out four batters. I will say that I will not begin to get worried until the starting pitchers pitch two regular season starts worth of innings, which is someone between 10 and 15 innings, and no one is even close to that yet. However, this time next week I am going to begin to draw some real opinions from the numbers. Right now what we know is that Hampton has had one ok start, and one bad start, I am not satisfied.

29. Fernando Nieve RHP PR: NR

Nieve did hold the Mets scoreless in his two outings but, he also gave up three hits and two walks while striking out once. That is a WHIP of over 2.00. I may be looking into the five base runners.

30. Brian Bogusevic OF PR: NR

Two for seven, with a strikeout and an RBI, Bogusevic is not seriously involved in the fifth outfielder competition. All I want to see him do is play well against major league ready competition, and prepare for the AAA season. We will see Bogey later in the season but, for now, well, Abercrombie is playing too well. Keep the hitting up.

These five are in trouble :

1. Aaron Boone 3B/1B

Boone is the player on this list with the most to lose. His problem is twofold. One: Chris Johnson! Two: Boone has gone 0 for ten! Cooper here me, please, do not be afraid to start Johnson.

2. Clay Hensley RHP

Two thirds of an inning pitched, eight total runs. With Ortiz and Backe playing so well, I would think that Hensley will soon find himself on the outs of Astros camp.

3. Lou Palmisano C

Palmisano is the rule V pick, which means he has to do something to prove he deserves the catcher position over Quintero and Towles, and going 0 for five thus far does not help him. Luckily for him, neither of the other two catchers have been much better, which makes me say again, I NEED TO SEE OFFENSE FROM THE CATCHER TODAY!

4. Edwin Maysonet SS

Maysonet is 0 for four with an error, and two strikeouts.

5. Tim Byrdak LHP

His job is not guaranteed now that Wesley Wright is the top lefty in the ‘pen.

Yordanny Ramirez OF

Ramirez is 0 for 6 with two strikeouts, and is at the bottom of the fifth outfielder totem poll but, I cannot knock Ramirez after the ESPN top-ten play.