PIT @ CHC: Game 2

1) Carlos Zambrano: FB, Split, SL, CB, Cut. 117 pitches. 9 strikes swinging. 5 Fastballs, 2 Sliders, Splitter, Cutter.

• Zambrano came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with good run in on righties and some sink, a sweeping 2-7 slider with good bite, a cutter with some cut. a 12-6 curve with average depth and a splitter with good dive.

1st: FB (89-94), Split (84-86), SL (80-81), Cut (90-92) - 3 FB (LaRoche, Jones, Milledge), 2 SL (LaRoche - 2), Cut (Jones)

2nd: FB (87-93), Split (81), SL (77), Cut (87-90)

3rd: FB (88-91), Split (81-82), SL (75-79) - FB (LaRoche), Split (Young)

4th: FB (86-91), Split (81-85), SL (78) - FB (Karstens)

5th: FB (90-92), Split (81-84), CB (73)

6th: FB (88-93), Split (84), SL (79-81)

2) Jeff Karstens: FB, SL, CB, CU. 61 pitches. 2 strikes swinging. Fastball, Slider.

• Karstens came from an over the top release and showed a 12-6 curve with good sharpness and slightly above average depth, a fastball with some run in on righties and some sink, a 2-7 slider with good bite and a change with some fade from lefties that he will throw to righties. His curve can float at times.

1st: FB (88-90), SL (76-79), CB (70-72), CU (79-80)

2nd: FB (87-90), SL (76-78), CB (72) - SL (Baker)

3rd: FB (86-89), SL (75), CB (70-72), CU (77-79) - FB (Lee)

4th: FB (85-87), SL (76), CB (71), CU (79)

5th: FB (85-86), CB (70), CU (78)

3) Donald Veal: FB, SL, CB, CU. 18 pitches. 1 strike swinging. Fastball

• Veal came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with some run in on lefties and some sink and a 11-5 curve with slightly above average depth.

6th: FB (90-93), CB (75-79) - FB (Lee)

4) Steven Jackson: FB, SL, CU. 3 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Jackson came from a high 3/4 release and showed a change with some fade from lefties and some sink that he will throw to righties and a fastball with some run in on righties and some sink.

6th: FB (89), CU (80-81)

5) Justin Berg: FB, SL, CU. 6 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Berg came from a high 3/4 release and showed a 2-7 slider with solid bite and a fastball with some run in on righties and some sink.

7th: FB (89-91), SL (83-84)

6) John Grabow: FB, SL, CU. 23 pitches. 1 strike swinging. Fastball.

• Grabow came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some run in on lefties and some sink, a change with good fade from righties and some sink and a 11-5 slider with solid bite.

7th: FB (87-90), CU (77-82), SL (82-83) - FB (Milledge)

7) Jesse Chavez: FB, SL, CU. 15 pitches. 2 strikes swinging. Fastball, Slider.

• Chavez came from an over the top release and showed a straight 4-seam fastball, a 2-7 slider with good bite and a change with some fade from lefties and some sink.

7th: FB (92-93), SL (81-83), CU (85-87) - FB (Baker), SL (Johnson)

8) Esmailin Caridad: FB, CB, CU. 11 pitches. 2 strikes swinging. 2 Curveballs.

• Caridad came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with a little run in on righties, a straight change with a little sink and a sweeping 1-7 curve with average depth.

8th: FB (91-94), CB (76-78), CU (89) - 2 CB (McCutchen, LaRoche)

9) Virgil Vasquez: FB, Cut, CB, CU. 2 strikes swinging. Fastball, Cutter.

• Vasquez came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties, a cutter with above average cut, a 12-6 curve with average depth and a

8th: FB (88-91), Cut (84-86), CB (72) - FB (Hill), Cut (Hill)

9th: FB (88-91), Cut (85-87), CB (72-73)

10) Carlos Marmol: FB, SL. 21 pitches. 1 strike swinging. Slider.

• Marmol came from a 3/4 release and showed a fastball with good run in on righties and a 2-7 slider with good bite.

9th: FB (92-95), SL (82-85) - SL (Vazquez)

Pirates Extras: 9/14

1) Daniel McCutchen: 84 pitches. FB, Split, SL, CB. 4 strikes swinging. 2 Sliders, Fastball, Splitter.

• McCutchen is a 6-2, 215 pound righty. The 26 year old has a medium frame that appears to be maxed out with a little room to add more muscle. He came from a high 3/4 release with pretty clean drop and drive mechanics. Max effort delivery. His fastball has a little run in on righties, but is fairly straight. His splitter has average dive and is his go-to offspeed offering. His slider is a 2-7 with average bite, but it is an early bite so the hitters can see it early. Profiles better as a reliever then a starter due to his max effort delivery, but lack of a strong off-speed pitch will hurt him in pen.

1st: FB (91-93), Split (81-84) - Split (Kemp)

2nd: FB (91-93), Split (81-83), SL (82-85) - FB (Furcal), SL (Garland)

3rd: FB (90-92), Split (83-85), SL (84)

4th: FB (89-92), Split (82), SL (82-83) - SL (Garland)

5th: FB (89-91), Split (81-82), SL (80)

2) Phil Dumatrait: 9 pitches. FB, SL, CU, CB. 0 strikes swinging.

• Dumatrait is a 6-2, 200 pound lefty. The 28 year old has a medium frame that can add a little more muscle to the lower body. He came from an over the top release with fairly clean mechanics. His fastball has a little run in on lefties and a touch of sink. His slider is a 2-7 offering with good bite that is a little slurvy. His change has good diving action. Should be a solid left hander in a bullpen for someone.

6th: FB (91-93), SL (79-80), CU (81)

3) Denny Bautista: 25 pitches. FB, CB, CU. 0 strikes swinging.

• Bautista is a 6-5, 195 pound righty. The 29 year old has a big frame that can add a ton of muscle and looks the same that it has for years. He came from a high 3/4 release with mechanics that kind of cut his arm off and flies his front shoulder open. His fastball has some natural run in on righties due to his arm slot. His curveball is a sharp 12-6 that can break off the table, but that he has little command of. Average depth. Should be a solid middle reliever, but been saying that for years about him.

8th: FB (92-96), CB (81-82) -

9/30: CHW @ CLE

1) Fausto Carmona: FB, SL, CU. 103 pitches. 5 strikes swinging. 3 Changeups, 2 Sliders.

• Carmona came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with good run in on righties and good sink that flashes above average run, a change with good fade from lefties and good sink that he will throw to righties and a 2-7 slider with good bite. No real out pitch. Gets ahead 0-2 and then struggles to find a pitch to put them away. Has a tendency to hang his slider.

1st: FB (92-96), SL (86-87), CU (88)

2nd: FB (93-95), SL (86-88)

3rd: FB (92-95), SL (86-87), CU (85-89)

4th: FB (92-95), SL (85-87), CU (86-88) - CU (Rios), SL (Nix)

5th: FB (92-94), SL (86), CU (86-88) - 2 CU (Podsednik, Beckham)

6th: FB (93-94), CU (86-87)

7th: FB (91-93), SL (84-86), CU (85-88) - SL (Nix)

2) Carlos Torres: FB, Cut, CB, CU. 108 pitches. 4 strikes swinging. 2 Cutters, Fastball, Curveball.

• Torres came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with some a little cut and a little sink, a cutter with solid cut, a sharp 12-6 curve with slightly above average depth and a change with some fade from lefties and some sink. Really battles his command every outing I see of him.

1st: FB (90-94), Cut (86-90), CB (83), CU (80) - CB (Cabrera)

2nd: FB (89-93), Cut (84-88), CB (76-82) - FB (Crowe)

3rd: FB (90-91), Cut (87-88), CU (79-80) - Cut (Peralta)

4th: FB (89-95), Cut (87-90), CU (79-81)

5th: FB (87-92), Cut (82)

6th: FB (87-93), Cut (84-85), CB (80-81) - Cut (Crowe)

3) Randy Williams: FB, Cut, CB, CU. 24 pitches. 3 strikes swinging. Cutter, Curveball, Changeup.

• Williams came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with a little run in on lefties, a cutter with some cut, a sweeping 11-5 curve with average depth and a change with some fade from righties and a little sink.

7th: FB (89-94), Cut (86-87), CB (74-77), CU (79) - Cut (Choo), CB (Choo)

8th: FB (88-93), Cut (84-88), CB (75), CU (78) - CU (LaPorta)

4) Chris Perez: FB, SL, CB. 28 pitches. 2 strikes swinging. Fastball, Slider

• Perez came from a 3/4 release and showed a fastball with a little run in on righties and a sharp 2-7 slider with average bite.

8th: FB (93-95), SL (82-84)

9th: FB (93-95), SL (81-84) - FB (Castro), SL (Castro)

• Tyler Flowers (for frame and other data, please refer to U.S. roster for Futures Team). Swing can get long at times, but should be an above average power hitter. 4.6 to 1st. Will let the ball hit him to get on base and won't be getting out of the way. Left game after getting hit by a pitch.
• Brent Lillibridge: 4.1, 4.2 to 1st
• Lou Marson: 1.9 on Lillibridge CS.

Chart Observations: 9/29 MIL @ COL

1) Jason Marquis: 85 pitches. (FB, SL, CU, Cut, CB). 4 strikes swinging. 2 Sliders, Fastball, Cutter.

• Marquis came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with good run in on righties and some sink, a change with some fade from lefties and some sink, a 2-7 slider with good bite, a cutter with some cut and some sink and a

1st: FB (90-92), SL (86), CU (84) - SL (Hart)

2nd: FB (90-92), SL (86), Cut (87) - FB (Cameron), SL (Cameron), Cut (Kendall)

3rd: FB (89-93), SL (86-87), Cut (86-87)

4th: FB (90-91), SL (85-86), CU (81)

5th: FB (88-92), CU (86)

6th: FB (89-91)

2) Chris Narveson: 73 pitches. (FB, CB, CU, Cut). 2 strikes swinging. 2 Curveballs.

• Narveson came from an over the top release and showed a pretty straight 4-seam fastball, a change with good fade from righties and some sink, a 11-5 curve with average depth and a cutter with a little cut.

1st: FB (90-91), CB (73-75), CU (79-81)

2nd: FB (90), CB (74-75), CU (81-83), Cut (88) - CB (Barmes)

3rd: FB (89-90), CB (73-74), Cut (86-88)

4th: FB (88-91), CB (74), CU (83)

5th: FB (88-92), CB (71-75), Cut (88) - CB (Marquis)

6th: FB (90), CU (80), CB (74)

3) Todd Coffey: 24 pitches. (FB, SL, Split). 1 strike swinging. Slider.

• Coffey came from a high 3/4 release and showed a 2-7 slider with good bite and a fastball with some run in on righties and some sink.

6th: FB (91-95), SL (79-82) - SL (Barmes)

4) Matt Daley: 9 pitches. (FB, CB, CU). 1 strike swinging. Fastball.

• Daley came from a sidearm release and showed a fastball with good run in on righties and a little sink, a 2-7 slider with above average bite and a change with some fade from lefties and some sink.

7th: FB (89-91), SL (76-78), CU (83) - FB (Counsell)

5) Carlos Villanueva: 28 pitches. (FB, SL, CU, CB). 5 strikes swinging. 3 Sliders, 2 Changeups.

• Villanueva came from an over the top release and showed a change with above average sink and some fade from lefties that he will throw 3-1, a fastball with good run in on righties and some sink, a 12-6 curve with slightly above average depth and a 2-7 slider with good bite.

7th: FB (86-90), SL (80-83), CU (79-84), CB (74-76) - 2 CU (Helton, Stewart)

8th: FB (87-89), SL (80-83), CU (83), CB (74-76) - 3 SL (Torrealba - 2, Smith)

6) Rafael Betancourt: 14 pitches. (FB, SL, CU). 5 strikes swinging. 3 Fastballs, 2 Sliders.

• Betancourt came from an over the top release and showed a pretty straight 4-seam fastball that flashed a little cut and a sharp 2-7 slider with good bite.

8th: FB (92-95), SL (83-85) - 3 FB (Hart - 2, Fielder), 2 SL (Hart, Braun)

7) Claudio Vargas: 34 pitches. (FB, SL, CU). 4 strikes swinging. 2 Fastballs, 2 Changeups.

• Vargas came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with a little cutting action, a 2-7 slider with solid bite and a change with good fade from lefties and some sink that he will throw to righties.

9th: FB (90-93), SL (83), CU (83) - 2 FB (Spilborghs - 2), CU (Helton)

10th: FB (90-94), CU (82-83) - CU (Stewart)

8) Huston Street: 17 pitches. (FB, SL, CU). 2 strikes swinging. 2 Sliders.

• Street came from a 3/4 release and showed a fastball with good run in on righties and some sink, a 2-7 slider with some bite and a change with some fade from lefties and some sink.

9th: FB (91-94), SL (83-85), CU (83-84) - 2 SL (McGehee, Cameron)

9) Jose Contreras: 6 pitches. (FB, SL, Split, CU). 0 strikes swinging.

• Contreras came from a 3/4 release and showed a fastball with good run in on righties and a hard 2-7 slider.

10th: FB (95-96), SL (91)

10) Joe Beimel: 1 pitch. (FB, CB, CU). 0 strikes swinging.

• Beimel came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some run in on lefties.

10th: FB (89)

11) Matt Belisle: 10 pitches. (FB, SL, CB, CU). 0 strikes swinging.

• Belisle came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties, a 12-6 curve with slightly above average depth and a 2-7 slider with some bite.

11th: FB (91-96), SL (87), CB (76)

12) Dave Weathers: 18 pitches. (FB, SL, CU). 2 strikes swinging. Fastball, Changeup.

• Weathers came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with good run in on righties and a little sink, a change with some fade from lefties and a 2-7 slider with some bite.

11th: FB (87-90), SL (83-84), CU (82) - FB (Hawpe), CU (Hawpe)

9/29: HOU @ PHI

1) J.A. Happ: 119 pitches. (FB, Cut, CU, CB). 11 strikes swinging. 7 Fastballs, 2 Cutters, 2 Changeups.

• Happ came from an over the top release and showed a pretty straight 4-seam fastball, a straight change that looks like a fastball out of his hand that he will throw in 2-0., 3-0 and 3-1 counts, a cutter with good downward action to it and a 11-5 curve with average depth.

1st: FB (89-92), Cut (81-83), CU (80-81) - FB (Matsui), Cut (Berkman)

2nd: FB (89-91), Cut (84-85), CU (78-81), CB (74) - 2 FB (Pence - 2), Cut (Michaels)

3rd: FB (87-89), Cut (81-83), CU (79-80), CB (72)

4th: FB (88-92), Cut (81-83), CU (79-81) - CU (Michaels)

5th: FB (87-91), Cut (81-83), CU (79-81) - 2 FB (Matsui, Keppinger)

6th: FB (88-91), Cut (80), CU (79-80) - 2 FB (Johnson, Matsui), CU (Johnson)

2) Wilton Lopez: 57 pitches. (FB, SL, CU). 3 strikes swinging. 3 Fastballs.

• Lopez came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties and some sink, a change with some fade from lefties and some sink and a 2-7 with a little bite.

1st: FB (90-94), CU (83-84)

2nd: FB (90-95), CU (85) - 3 FB (Howard - 2, Ibanez)

3rd: FB (90-93), CU (83-84)

4th: FB (89-93), CU (82-85), SL (83-84)

3) Wesley Wright: 27 pitches. (FB, SL, CB). 2 strikes swinging. 2 Fastballs.

• Wright came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some run in on lefties, a 11-5 slider with good bite and a sharp 11-5 curve with slightly below average depth.

4th: FB (91)

5th: FB (90-93), SL (84-86), CB (81-82) - 2 FB (Howard, Werth)

4) Chad Paronto: 19 pitches. (FB, SL, CU). 0 strikes swinging.

• Paronto is a 6-5, 285 pound righty. The 34 year old righty has a big frame that is maxed out with quite a bit of bad weight and he has a gut. He probably needs to get his weight down to about 270. He came from a high 3/4 release working predominately from the stretch with solid mechanics. His fastball has some run in on righties and some sink. His slider is a 2-7 with a hint of bite. His change has some fade from lefties and a little sink. 4-A pitcher at best. Left the game with an apparent knee injury.

6th: FB (87-90), SL (83)

7th: FB (89-91), SL (81-85), CU (83)

5) Jamie Moyer: 24 pitches. (FB, CU, Cut, CB). 0 strikes swinging.

• Moyer came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some run in on lefties and some sink, a change with some late fade from righties and some sink and a cutter with good cut. Left the game with an apparent groin injury.

6th: FB (83-84), CU (77)

7th: FB (79-84), CU (74-77), Cut (77-82)

6) Jeff Fulchino: 7 pitches. (FB, SL, Split). 1 strike swinging. Splitter.

• Fulchino came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with a little run in on righties and a splitter with some dive.

7th: FB (94-95), Split (85-87) - Split (Ibanez)

7) Ryan Madson: 27 pitches. (FB, CU, Cut). 1 strike swinging. Fastball.

• Madson came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties and some sink, a cutter with some cut and a change with good fade from lefties and good sink that he will throw to righties.

8th: FB (95-97)

9th: FB (94-97), Cut (90), CU (83) - FB (Lee)

8) Sam Gervacio: 14 pitches. (FB, SL, CU). 1 strike swinging. Slider.

• Gervacio came from a 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties, a 3-8 slider with good bite and a straight change with a touch of fade from lefties.

9th: FB (89-92), SL (83-86), CU (84) - SL (Bako)

Life On The Farm: Los Angeles Dodgers (# 23)

Is there more coming from this vaunted system?

Graduated To Majors: Xavier Paul (OF, # 16), Jamie Hoffmann (OF, # 22), A.J. Ellis (C, UR), James McDonald (SP, # 2), Ramon Troncoso (RP, # 12), Travis Schlichting (RP, # 14), Scott Elbert (SP, # 5), Brent Leach (RP, # 21), Victor Garate (RP, # 24, now with Nationals).

The Rest Of The Top 10 (with quick commentary)
Hitters: BA-OBP-SLG, AB, HR-RBI, BB-K, SB-CS
Pitchers: G-GS, W-L, ERA, IP-H-HR-BB-K

1 - Andrew Lambo: LF
AA: .256-.311-.407, 492, 11-61, 39-95, 4-3
Quick Take: Disappointing season, but did skip High A this season.

3 - Ethan Martin: SP
Lo A: 27-19, 6-8, 3.87, 100-85-4-61-120
Quick Take: Above average strikeout numbers for the high school draftee who is being pushed aggressively, as this was his pro debut in a full season league.

4 - Josh Lindblom: SP
AA: 14-11, 3-5, 4.71, 57.1-55-4-14-46
AAA: 20-3, 3-0, 2.54, 39-34-3-12-36
Quick Take: Showed he may be ready next season around June as a reliever, a little longer as a starter.

6 - Ivan DeJesus Jr.: SS
R: .200-.308-.300, 10, 0-3, 1-6, 0-0
Quick Take: Broken leg in spring training results in lost season.

7 - Devaris Gordon: SS
Lo A: .301-.362-.394, 538, 3-35, 43-90, 73-25
Quick Take: The above is the reason he was their most sought after player at the trading deadline.

8 - Josh Bell: 3B
AA: .297-.378-.518, 448, 20-76, 61-98, 3-5
Quick Take: Takes his act to the Orioles system. He will hit, the question is whether he is a 3B or not.

9 - Chris Withrow: SP
Hi A: 19-16, 6-6, 4.69, 86.1-80-3-45-105
AA: 6-6, 2-2, 3.95, 27.1-24-2-12-26
Quick Take: Another strikeout guy who had a pretty strong season and actually got his walks under control at AA. Sample size or small mechanical adjustment?

10 - Nate Eovaldi: SP
Lo A: 26-16, 3-5, 3.27, 96.1-95-2-41-71
Quick Take: Solid season for the full-season debut and innings limit taken into consideration.

AAA: Albuquerque Isotopes (PCL)
Breakout Hitter: A.J. Ellis (UR): .314-.438-.375, 283, 0-39, 64-44, 2-2
Disappointing Hitter: Blake DeWitt (UL): .256-.349-.426, 352, 7-47, 48-44, 2-2
Breakout Pitcher: Travis Schlichting (# 14): 13-0, 1-0, 1.42, 12.2-8-0-8-7
Disappointing Pitcher: Miguel Pinango (UR): 11-11, 2-5, 7.55, 53.2-73-8-18-30
Quick Take: Ellis and Schlichting parlayed seasons to play in the bigs at some point this season. The fact that DeWitt even played in AAA this season is a disappointment to some, but his numbers are a disappointment to all. Pinango was signed from the Mexican League and quickly proved why he was there in the first place.

AA: Chattanooga Lookouts (SL)
Breakout Hitter: James Tomlin (UR): .315-.401-.411, 387, 2-34, 54-73, 12-10
Disappointing Hitter: Russell Mitchell (UR): .241-.298-.406, 456, 13-63, 36-84, 4-1
Breakout Pitcher: Victor Garate (# 24): 46-0, 0-1, 2.08, 52-36-1-23-56
Disappointing Pitcher: James Adkins (# 26): 27-26, 6-10, 4.48, 138.2-144-8-72-81
Quick Take: Tomlin finally began to put his tools to good use and looks like a future 4th OF at worst. Garate pitched well enough that the Dodgers were able to get a return of Ronnie Belliard for him. Mitchell really struggled to put much together while Adkins apparently showed below average command of below average stuff judging by his K/BB ratio.

Hi A: Inland Empire 66ers (CAL)
Breakout Hitter: Trayvon Robinson (UR): .306-.375-.500, 470, 15-54, 50-125, 43-18
Disappointing Hitter: Preston Mattingly (UR): .238-.396-.350, 454, 8-36, 35-150, 24-13
Breakout Pitcher: Steve Johnson (# 15): 18-16, 8-4, 3.82, 96.2-94-14-42-102
Disappointing Pitcher: Josh Wall (# 29): 23-22, 5-8, 5.98, 111.1-135-9-51-77
Quick Take: Robinson put his tools together and now just needs to work on reducing his strikeouts. Johnson joins Bell in the Orioles system and looks to build on his breakout season. Mattingly has been a disappointment since entering the pro ranks. Wall struggled to do much of anything.

Lo A: Great Lakes Loons (ML)
Breakout Hitter: Devaris Gordon (# 7): Line above.
Disappointing Hitter: Austin Gallagher (# 11): .257-.319-.345, 226, 3-30, 21-43, 1-1
Breakout Pitcher: Josh Walter (UL): 32-17, 10-4, 3.27, 110-92-10-49-113
Disappointing Pitcher: Justin Miller (# 20): 21-21, 5-7, 4.70, 115-125-7-46-66
Quick Take: Gordon is one of the top prospects in the game while Walter came out of nowhere to strikeout right around 1 an inning. Gallagher's season ended with a shoulder injury while Miller's line was bad, but not as bad as what he did at Hi A (0-7, 8.13 in 7 starts).

TK's Early 2010 Top 10 Prospects:
1) Dee Gordon: SS
Oozes tools and has production to match.
2) Ethan Martin: RHP
Did nothing to dim his star this past season.
3) Chris Withrow: RHP
Good strikeout rates, can he control the walks?
4) Josh Lindblom: RHP
Convert to relief discounts him a little in my eyes
5) Aaron Miller: LHP
Supplemental 1st round lefty struck out 38 in 30 innings at Low A in debut.
6) Andrew Lambo: LF
Needs a bounce back season, but the tools are there.
7) Kyle Russell: RF
Former Texas OF hit .272 with 26 homers, 72 walks and a 20/22 on steals. He also struck out 180 times in 481 at bats.
8) Nate Eovaldi: RHP
Another of their strikeout arms that they are carefully monitoring with big upside.
9) Ivan DeJesus Jr.: SS
Can he bounce back from a broken leg and be at full strength?
10) Tim Sexton: RHP
Righthander accumulated 100 strikeouts against 34 walks in 157 innings with a frame with a lot of room for projection (6-6, 185)

Dropped From Top 10: None

Final Overview: While strong at the top, this organization still lacks some system depth, but it is returning to its old ways. Gordon looks like a true blue chip guy and both Withrow and Martin have shown flashes of being front of the rotation starters. Not having a pick until the supplemental round limited their ability to restock (though they have appeared to hit on Miller) and the loss of Bell, Johnson and Garate through trades has left this system weaker. Probably still in the 20's in regards to system strength.

Life On The Farm: Seattle Mariners (# 24)

Jack Z proved his worth on the major league team. Now he begins to prove himself in the minors.

Graduated To Majors: Michael Saunders (OF, # 2), Matt Tuiasosopo (3B, # 15), Tug Hulett (2B, UR, now in Royals system), Adam Moore (C, # 6), Rob Johnson (C, # 13), Mike Carp (1B, # 17), Shawn Kelley, (RP, # 14), Sean White (RP, UR)

The Rest of The Top 10 (with quick commentary)
Hitters: BA-OBP-SLG, AB, HR-RBI, BB-K, SB-CS
Pitchers: G-GS, W-L, ERA, IP-H-HR-BB-K

1 - Greg Halman: CF
R: .182-.308-.364, 11, 0-2, 2-8, 0-0
AA: .210-.278-.420, 457, 25-72, 29-183, 9-7
Quick Take: Disaster of a season. Showed no average ability, no plate discipline and he showed he doesn't know how to utilize his speed on the bases. Likely repeating AA next year.

3 - Phillippe Aumont: RP
Hi A: 29-0, 1-2, 3.24, 33.1-24-3-12-35
AA: 15-0, 1-4, 5.09, 17.2-21-1-11-24
Quick Take: Earned himself a midseason promotion to AA, where he had some struggles, but maintained his strikeout rate which is a good sign.

4 - Carlos Triunfel: SS
R: .250-.250-.313, 16, 0-4, 0-2, 1-0
AA: .231-.286-.269, 26, 0-4, 1-2, 0-0
Quick Take: Ends up being a lost season for him due to injury. Will look to bounce back next season.

5 - Juan Ramirez: SP
Hi A: 28-27, 8-10, 5.19, 142.1-154-18-53-111
Quick Take: Disappointing season, as he struggled some at Hi A. Also the lowest his strikeout rate has ever been in his career.

7 - Mario Martinez: 3B
SS: .305-.336-.434, 302, 3-33, 11-59, 4-0
Lo A: .214-.264-.314, 229, 2-24, 11-51, 1-0
Quick Take: Earned himself a mid-season demotion to short season, where he showed well again.

8 - Jharmidy DeJesus: 1B
R: .249-.340-.385, 169, 4-24, 14-43, 0-2
Quick Take: Was moved from 3rd to 1st for this season and should be ready for Low A next year.

9 - Dennis Raben: LF
DNP
Quick Take: Missed the season due to an apparanent knee injury.

10 - Michael Pineda: SP
R: 2-2, 0-0, 0.00, 3-2-0-0-4
Hi A: 10-8, 4-2, 2.84, 44.1-29-3-6-48
Quick Take: Played really well once in High A and looks like he may be ready for AA next year. Went down to injury twice with apparent tightness in his right elbow.

AAA: Tacoma Rainiers (PCL)
Breakout Hitter: Michael Saunders (# 2): .310-.378-.544, 248, 13-32, 25-48, 6-3
Disappointing Hitter: Mike Wilson (UR): .164-.260-.295, 146, 5-18, 15-50, 1-0
Breakout Pitcher: Doug Fister (UL): 22-17, 6-4, 3.89, 106.1-132-10-11-79
Disappointing Pitcher: Gaby Hernandez (# 21): 26-26, 10-9, 5.23, 146.1-158-16-48-98
Quick Take: Saunders and Fister parlayed strong seasons into solid major league debuts. Wilson really struggled and found himself back in AA. Hernandez has yet to return to the form he showed with the Marlins.

AA: West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx (SL)
Breakout Hitter: Ezequiel Carrera (UR): .337-.441-.416, 329, 2-38, 59-62, 27-13
Disappointing Hitter: Greg Halman (# 1): Line above
Breakout Pitcher: Anthony Varvaro (UR): 36-0, 4-3, 2.67, 54-29-1-44-63
Disappointing Pitcher: Josh Fields (UL due to not signing): 31-0, 2-2, 6.48, 33.1-33-2-22-36
Quick Take: Carrera had a very good season and may be on course for a major league debut late next season. Varvaro showed himself solid except for a lack of control. Halman had a setback season while Fields really battled in his first full season.

Hi A: High Desert Mavericks (CL)
Breakout Hitter: Alex Liddi (UR): .345-.411-.594, 493, 23-104, 53-122, 10-6
Dissapointing Hitter: May be impossible to disappoint at High Desert
Breakout Pitcher: Donnie Hume (UR): 28-27, 17-5, 4.81, 151.2-165-15-53-117
Disappointing Pitcher: Nathan Adcock (# 24): 21-19, 5-7, 5.29, 102-102-10-54-71
Quick Take: Liddi came from out of nowhere to take advantage of the hitting environment. Hume took all his turns and got 17 wins, which means he should still have his confidence. Adcock takes his struggles at High Desert to the Pirates organization as part of the return on the Jack Wilson trade.

Lo A: Clinton LumberKings (ML)
Breakout Hitter: Scott Savastano (UL): .300-.390-.403, 414, 6-53, 56-75, 12-1
Disappointing Hitter: Mario Martinez (# 7): Line above.
Breakout Pitcher: Kenn Kasparek (UL): 26-26, 10-6, 2.41, 141.2-126-5-32-134
Disappointing Pitcher: Maikel Cleto (# 16): 8-8, 0-3, 5.33, 25.1-35-4-11-24
Quick Take: Savastano had a strong debut season in his full-season debut. Kasparek, a 12th rounder in 2008, took a huge step forward. Martinez regained his ability with a demotion to short season. Cleto hit the DL with back issues.

TK's Early 2010 Top 10 Prospects:
1) Dustin Ackley: CF
# 2 overall pick will be making his debut in the Arizona Fall League.
2) Alex Liddi: 3B
Was the season a mirage or is this the true Liddi?
3) Michael Pineda: SP
Now looks like one of the better arms in the system, barring another injury.
4) Tyson Gillies: CF
One of the true breakout players in the system, the Futures Game alum looks to continue his progress in AA next season.
5) Phillippe Aumont: RP
Now developing as a reliever, where he can be a true closer.
6) Carlos Triunfel: 2B
Looks to have a strong bounceback season.
7) Gabriel Noriega: SS
19 year old hit .311-.360-.456 at Rookie ball and should make his full season debut next season.
8) Kenn Kasparek: SP
Breakthrough season, can he maintain a level of confidence at High Desert.
9) Will Franklin: SS
Other first rounder hit .333-.354-.476 split between Rookie and Short Season and will likely start at Rookie ball next season.
10) Greg Halman: CF
Desperately in need of a bounce back season, but still one of the most talented hitters in the organization.

Dropped From Top 10: Ramirez (# 5), Martinez (# 7), DeJesus (# 8), Raben (# 9)

Final Overview: Just a ton of injuries to pitchers, lack of production from hitters and a combination of both from others. Jack Z was the architect behind quite a few players that have led Milwaukee to their current run and now will try to replicate that behind Dustin Ackley. If some of these guys have bounceback seasons, their system will be in the Top 10. However, right now they are middle of the pack, which is actually a step up from coming into the season despite all the setbacks within the organization.

Life On The Farm: Los Angeles Angels (# 25)

Yep, it's a twofer to make up for yesterday where a rash of things to do caused me a lack of time to do this.

Graduated To Majors: Chris Pettit (OF, # 17), Terry Evans (OF, UR), Bobby Wilson (C, # 13), Nick Adenhart (SP, # 1), Sean O'Sullivan (SP, # 5), Anthony Ortega (SP, # 9), Kevin Jepsen (RP, # 6), Rafael Rodriguez (RP, # 15), Daniel Davidson (RP, UR)

The Rest of The Top 10 (with quick commentary)
Hitters: BA-OBP-SLG, AB, HR-RBI, BB-K, SB-CS
Pitchers: G-GS, W-L, ERA, IP-H-HR-BB-K

2 - Jordan Walden: SP
AA: 13-13, 1-5, 5.25, 60-72-4-29-57
Quick Take: Went on the DL with elbow inflammation to end what was a slightly disappointing season.

3 - Peter Bourjos: CF
AA: .281-.354-.423, 437, 6-51, 49-77, 32-12
Quick Take: The speedster continues on a path to Anaheim. Some have called him the fasteste runner in all the minor leagues.

4 - Trevor Reckling: SP
Hi A: 3-3, 1-2, 0.95, 19-9-2-3-16
AA: 23-23, 8-7, 2.93, 135.1-118-4-75-106
Quick Take: High # of walks is disconcerting, but the strikeout numbers appear to be there for the Futures Game alum.

7 - Hank Conger: C
AA: .295-.369-.424, 458, 11-68, 55-68, 4-2
Quick Take: Has put up the same line at essentially each of the full season leagues with one big difference this season, he went from 14 walks to 55.

8 - Mark Trumbo: 1B
AA: .291-.333-.452, 533, 15-88, 37-100, 6-3
Quick Take: Good numbers, but can he start controlling the strike zone a little better?

10 - Mason Tobin: SP
Hi A: 3-0, 0-0, 0.00, 2.2-2-0-2-2
Quick Take: Went down to a shoulder problem in 2008 and made 3 appearance before going down again with shoulder soreness.

AAA: Salt Lake Bees (PCL)
Breakout Hitter: Chris Pettit (# 17): .323-.385-.485, 371, 8-59, 31-62, 18-2
Disappointing Hitter: Matt Brown (# 25): .245-.333-.415, 388, 13-69, 45-92, 5-5
Breakout Pitcher: Rafael Rodriguez (# 15): 22-0, 1-0, 1.85, 34-27-3-10-23
Disappointing Pitcher: Anthony Ortega (# 9): 4-4, 2-1, 9.64, 18.2-30-5-6-5
Quick Take: Pettit and Rodriguez earned their 1st big league promotions. Brown struggled in many facets of the game. Ortega went from the bigs to AAA to somewhere currently unknown.

AA: Arkansas Travelers (TL)
Breakout Hitter: Mark Trumbo (# 8): Line above.
Disappointing Hitter: Hainley Statia (# 30): .243-.308-.317-375, 1-43, 34-34, 13-3
Breakout Pitcher: Trevor Reckling (# 4): Line above.
Disappointing Pitcher: Jordan Walden (# 2): Line above.
Quick Take: Trumbo and Reckling justified their high rankings. Statia has continued to struggle with the bat. Walden will hope everything turns up okay on his arm.

Hi A: Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (CL)
Breakout Hitter: Matt Sweeney (# 18): 299-.379-.517, 211, 9-44, 26-37, 2-0
Disappointing Hitter: Clay Fuller (# 16): .232-.341-.350, 452, 9-48, 71-127, 30-8
Breakout Pitcher: Alex Torres (# 24): 21-19, 10-3, 2.74, 121.1-93-4-63-124
Disappointing Pitcher: Robert Fish (# 20): 16-13, 1-6, 6.39, 69-94-12-28-54
Quick Take: Think the Rays scouted this team? Both Sweeney and Torres will take their act to Tampa as part of the return for Scott Kazmir. Fuller had an all around bad season except for the 71 walks and 30 steals. Fish really battled and didn't win much.

Lo A: Cedar Rapids Kernels (ML)
Breakout Hitter: Alexia Amarista (UR): .319-.390-.468, 477, 4-49, 50-61, 38-20
Disappointing Hitter: Anel De Los Santos (UR): .212-.243-.297, 273, 5-31, 8-95, 5-0
Breakout Pitcher: Ryan Chaffee (# 21): 23-23, 8-8, 4.33, 116.1-84-6-65-121
Disappointing Pitcher: Manuarys Correa (# 19): 28-28, 8-10, 4.47, 163-176-16-43-69
Quick Take: Amarista is still raw, but showed what could be a very tantalizing final package. De Los Santos had 8 walks all season against 95 strikeouts, typically an issue. Chaffee narrowly outpitched fellow prospects Chatwood (# 11) and Smith (# 12) for this honor. Correa put up disappointing HR and K numbers.

TK's Early 2010 Top 10 Prospects:
1) Trevor Reckling: LHP
Lefty looks to continue his meteoric rise. Only question is can he find some command?
2) Hank Conger: C
Beginning to look like a force to be reckoned with offensively.
3) Peter Bourjos: CF
Speedster looks to try and be ready if/when the Angels need another OF.
4) Randal Grichuk: CF
1st of their 1st rounders hit .321-.350-.549 in 237 at bats at rookie ball. At the age of 18.
5) Mike Trout: CF
The other one wasn't outdone, hitting .360-.418-.506 in 164 at bats at rookie ball. At the age of 18. And he got a brief taste of Low A.
6) Jordan Walden: SP
If he can recover from his arm, he can put last season behind him very quickly.
7) Mark Trumbo: 1B
Blocked by Kendry Morales, he aims to force the Angels to make room for him.
8) Tyler Chatwood: RHP
Solid strikeout numbers in his first taste of full-season ball.
9) Ryan Chaffee: RHP
Another solid season from a young arm looking to continue it in his 2nd season of full-season ball.
10) Garrett Richards: RHP
21 year old supplemental 1st rounder dominated rookie ball (8 starts, 3-1, 1.53. 4 walks against 30 strikeouts in 35.1 innings)

Dropped From Top 10: Tobin (# 10)

Final Overview: Following the devastating loss of Nick Adenhart, the Angels were forced to tap their reserves much quicker then they had wanted. What was a weak farm system at the beginning of the season is beginning to look like it's ready to churn out another group of strong pitchers, led by Reckling. The center field position also appears to look pretty good down the road. I think this is a middle of the pack farm system, even without Sweeney and Torres.

Life On The Farm: Arizona Diamondbacks (# 26)

A bad season in the majors, did it translate through the minors?


Graduated To Majors: Gerardo Parra (OF, # 2), Trent Oeltjen (OF, UR), Rusty Ryal (2B, UR), Josh Whitesell (1B, # 19), Billy Buckner (SP, # 8), Esmerling Vasquez (RP, UR), Leo Rosales (RP, UR), Daniel Schelereth (RP, # 3), Clay Zavada (RP, # 23)


The Rest Of The Top 10 (with quick commentary)
Hitters: BA-OBP-SLG, AB, HR-RBI, BB-K, SB-CS
Pitchers: G-GS, W-L, ERA, IP-H-HR-BB-K


1 - Jarrod Parker: SP
Hi A: 4-4, 1-0, 0.95, 19-12-0-4-21
AA: 16-16, 4-6, 3.68, 78.1-82-2-34-74
Quick Take: Did nothing to diminish his star, but it may be diminishing anyways. He was shut down with elbow soreness in August, never a good sign.


4 - Mark Hallberg: SS
AA: .255-.323.-.321, 455, 2-42, 39-43, 14-4
Quick Take: Ouch. For a guy who most don't think will stay at SS and whose only plus tool is his bat, he is in desparate need of a bounce back season.


5 - Wade Miley: SP
Lo A: 21-21, 5-9, 4.12, 113.2-127-8-29-91
Hi A: 3-3, 1-1, 4.80, 15-18-0-4-11
Quick Take: Solid, unspectacular debut to full season ball. Solid numbers for a left hander and will likely be at Hi A next season.


6 - Kevin Eichhorn: SP
R: 10-0, 0-2, 3.38, 16-13-1-9-25
Quick Take: Young high school draftee from last season put up some solid numbers at rookie ball and looks to debut in full season next year.


7 - Cesar Valdez: SP
AAA: 19-18, 7-6, 4.78, 96-103-16-30-60
Quick Take: Lack of strikeouts really hurts in the PCL and looks to be someone who should be auditioning for a job with the big club. Lack of strikeouts a concern.


9 - Collin Cowgill: LF
Hi A: .277-.373-.445, 220, 6-36, 29-49, 11-4
Quick Take: Decent season, but lack of a real plus tool offensively looks like a 4th OF.


10 - Reynaldo Navarro: SS
Lo A: .262-.308-.339, 451, 0-46, 27-85, 12-4
Quick Take: Lack of plate discipline and power are a huge question mark for this 19 year old, though he is just that, 19.

AAA: Reno Aces (PCL)
Breakout Hitter: John Hester (UL): .329-.376-.537, 9-66, 22-64, 13-3
Disappointing Hitter: None (Reno had pretty good offensive season)
Breakout Pitcher: Leo Rosales (UR): 17-0, 2-1, 1.40, 19.1-12-1-8-12
Disappointing Pitcher: Hector Ambriz (UR): 23-22, 9-9, 5.57, 127.2-164-12-40-103
Quick Take: Hester came out of nowhere to put up that season and make his big league debut. Rosales appeared to take steps towards being a reliable middle reliever, while Ambriz struggled amongst a former who's who of D'Back prospects who had some difficulty at Reno.

AA: Mobile BayBears (SL)
Breakout Hitter: Gerardo Parra (# 2); .361-.469-.491, 108, 3-12, 22-13, 7-4
Disappointing Hitter: James Skelton (# 27): .182-.341-.238, 214, 0-16, 52-40, 9-3
Breakout Pitcher: Bryan Augenstein (UL): 9-9, 5-0, 0.99, 45.2-27-0-8-36
Disappointing Pitcher: Matt Torra (UR): 28-28, 10-13, 4.00, 180-193-24-28-116
Quick Take: Parra and Augenstein translated strong opening months into a big league appearance. Skelton cost the team Brooks Brown (# 28) and proceeded to walk and not hit. Torra, a former 1st round pick, showed good raw numbers, but his peripherals are not indicative of major league success.

Hi A: Visalia Rawhide (Seriously, Rawhide?) (CL)
Breakout Hitter: Konrad Schmidt (UL): .304-.359-.443, 411, 9-50, 30-75, 0-3
Disappointing Hitter: Ed Easley (# 29): .225-.322-.302, 378, 3-38, 48-86, 0-1
Breakout Pitcher: Leyson Septimo (# 26): 26-0, 2-1, 3.52, 38.1-29-1-26-44
Disappointing Pitcher: Trevor Harden (# 13): 17-17, 2-9, 4.43, 91.1-114-11-23-63
Quick Take: Schmidt is a 24 year old catcher, so don't read too much into his performance. Easley has disappointed since being a supplemental 1st rounder. Septimo worked a strong first half into a Futures Game appearance and a promotion to AA, where he was hammered. Harden didn't pitch like a future major leaguer.

Lo A: South Bend Silver Hawks (ML)
Breakout Hitter: Brendan Duffy (UL): .308-.414-.393, 201, 0-15, 25-42, 17-8
Disappointing Hitter: Isaias Asencio (# 24): .211-.266-.340, 332, 5-32, 17-101, 6-3
Breakout Pitcher: Ryan Cook (UL): 25-25, 11-11, 3.66, 142.2-140-5-44-103
Disappointing Pitcher: Brett Moorhouse (UR): 25-25, 5-14, 4.52, 131.1-148-9-42-84
Quick Take: Duffy parlayed his work into a 2nd half promotion to Hi A, where he was solid. Asencio looked like a raw OF getting his first experience in full season ball. Cook was solid and this was the best pitching performance. Moorhouse struggled to generate swings and misses.

TK's Early 2010 Top 10 Prospects:
1) Jarrod Parker: SP
The only real beacon of hope for an impact player right now, one of the better prospects in baseball, if the arm checks out.
2) Robert Borchering: 3B
One of the top prep hitters available, the 1st round pick struggled a little in his debut (.241 at R)
3) A.J. Pollock: CF
The other 1st rounder hit .271-.319-.376 in 255 at bats at Low A.
4) Barry Enright: SP
Ranked 11th a year ago, one of the few that didn't hit many snags (10-9, 3.98 in 27 starts at AA)
5) Wade Miley: SP
Still left handed and the numbers were solid.
6) Kevin Eichhorn: SP
Strong numbers at rookie ball, can he continue those strikeout numbers?
7) Mike Belfiore: SP
Lefty supplemental pick struck out 55 in 58 innings at Rookie ball.
8) Marc Krauss: LF
2nd rounder hit .304-.377-.478 in 115 at bats at Lo A.
9) Pedro Ciriaco: SS
Hit .296-.319-367 in AA with 38 stolen bases in 469 at bats.
10) Ollie Linton: CF
Hit .295-.394-.399 at Hi A in 491 at bats with 28 steals and 104 strikeouts (but 65 walks). Can he work past his 5-8 size?

Dropped From Top 10: Hallberg (# 4), Valdez (# 7), Cowgill (# 9)

Final Overview: Wow. Once known as one of the best systems in baseball, a rash of defections has led to a watered down version featuring one true high upside player in Parker minus the 2009 draftees. Having 5 1st rounders (2 1st, 3 supplemental) has allowed them to attempt to restock the system. However, the fact so many have now qualified in the D'Backs Top 10 I have put together is a bad sign. I believe this is currently the worst farm system in the majors.

The Best Fielders?

As part of the conclusion of this job, we have to assign who we believe the Top 10 fielders are at each position. To be eligible, a player had to play 500 or more total innings at a position. For your viewing pleasure, I will include my rankings here:

Catchers:
1) Joe Mauer
2) Yadier Molina
3) Gerald Laird
4) Rob Johnson
5) Russell Martin
6) Jeff Mathis
7) Kurt Suzuki
8) Ryan Hanigan
9) Koyie Hill
10) Jason Varitek

Why Mauer The Best: Mauer caught 25 % of base stealers and had a catcher ERA of 4.23, which qualifies him as the 3rd best game caller. He also saved 5 runs from the catcher position, tying him for 3rd, and was one of the better ones blocking balls. The total package.

1st Basemen:
1) Albert Pujols
2) Travis Ishikawa
3) Casey Kotchman
4) Adrian Gonzalez
5) Lyle Overbay
6) Derrek Lee
7) James Loney
8) Kevin Youkilis
9) Daniel Murphy
10) Mark Teixeira

Why Pujols The Best: He was 2nd in runs saved, accumulated a plus 12 in GFP's in our enhanced fielding metric and is underrated for his ability to scoop balls.

2nd Basemen:
1) Aaron Hill
2) Ian Kinsler
3) Ben Zobrist
4) Dustin Pedroia
5) Chase Utley
6) Mark Ellis
7) Howie Kendrick
8) Jamey Carroll
9) Clint Barmes
10) Maicer Izturis

Why Hill The Best: He was the best on his range in groundballs, turning 25 balls the average 2Bmen doesn't get to into outs. He was plus 22 on his enhanced scoring to lead all 2Bmen as well.

3rd Basemen
1) Chone Figgins
2) Ryan Zimmerman
3) Scott Rolen
4) Adrian Beltre
5) Evan Longoria
6) Jack Hannahan
7) Kevin Kouzmanoff
8) Joe Crede
9) Brandon Inge
10) Aramis Ramirez

Why Figgins The Best: I fully expected to write Ryan Zimmerman's name there, but Figgins is +38 in our enhanced fielding (Zimm is + 31) and Figgins was the best at fielding groudballs (+39)

Shortstops
1) Elvis Andrus
2) Jack Wilson
3) Troy Tulowitzki
4) Brendan Ryan
5) Paul Janish
6) Marco Scutaro
7) Jason Bartlett
8) Stephen Drew
9) Yunel Escobar
10) Adam Everett

Why Andrus The Best: He was the flashiest guy I saw all year and flashed the best range for the best defensive team in the majors.

Left Fielders
1) Carl Crawford
2) Nyjer Morgan
3) Laynce Nix
4) Juan Rivera
5) Josh Anderson
6) Scott Hairston
7) Seth Smith
8) David DeJesus
9) Jason Bay
10) Ben Francisco

Why Crawford The Best: Because he is and it isn't close in any category. That is what happens when a CF play LF.

Center Fielders
1) Carlos Gomez
2) Franklin Gutierrez
3) Michael Bourn
4) Matt Kemp
5) Andrew McCutchen
6) Brett Gardner
7) Chris Young
8) Tony Gwynn Jr.
9) Torii Hunter
10) Willy Taveras

Why Gomez The Best: His speed allows him to chase down balls that most don't get and his enhanced fielding (+ 17) likely would have been doubled if he got the playing time some of these other guys got.

Right Fielders
1) Hunter Pence
2) Ryan Church
3) Clete Thomas
4) Justin Upton
5) Jay Bruce
6) Shin-Soo Choo
7) Ichiro Suzuki
8) Ryan Sweeney
9) Jeff Francouer
10) Gabe Gross

Why Pence The Best: Ummm, he ended up grading out as the best range and best arm for any RF. Good enough for me.

Pitchers
1) Mark Buehrle
2) Jeremy Guthrie
3) John Danks
4) Josh Geer
5) Clayton Kershaw
6) Ross Ohlendorf
7) Nick Blackburn
8) Andy Pettite
9) Clayton Richard
10) Zach Duke

Why Buerhle The Best: Well, he had 4 pitcher caught stealing, 3 pick-offs and teams only attempted 7 stolen bases on him all year. If that isn't enough, he also led the pitcher enhance fielding by being + 8.

This is how I see it. Where do you find I am lacking? Have our enhanced fielding over rated some guys? Do you think someone else should be the best? Let's hear it.

Chart Observations: 9/27 OAK @ LAA

1) Joe Saunders: 89 pitches. (FB, CU, CB, SL). 4 strikes swinging. 3 Fastballs, Curveball.

• Saunders came from an over the top release and showed a straight 4-seam fastball, a 11-5 curve with average depth, a 2-seam fastball with some run in on lefties and some sink, a change with some fade from righties and some sink and a 11-5 slider with good bite.

1st: FB (90-92), CB (79) - FB (Garciaparra)

2nd: FB (88-93), CB (76), CU (81-83)

3rd: FB (88-92), CU (83), SL (81-84)

4th: FB (89-92), CB (76), CU (84)

5th: FB (89-92), CB (74-78), SL (81) - FB (Patterson)

6th: FB (89-91), CB (75-78), CU (83) - CB (Pennington)

7th: FB (88-93), CB (77-78), CU (81-83) - FB (Powell)

2) Edgar Gonzalez: 88 pitches. (FB, SL, CB, CU, Cut). 9 strikes swinging. 3 Fastballs, 2 Curveballs, 2 Cutters, Changeup, Slider.

• Gonzalez came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with good run in on righties and some sink, a cutter with some cut, a 2-7 slider with good bite, a 12-6 curve with slightly above average depth and a changeup with above average sink and a little fade from lefties that he will throw to righties.

1st: FB (84-93), Cut (82-89), SL (76-79), CB (74) - Cut (Izturis), SL (Hunter)

2nd: FB (87-88), Cut (84-85), CB (72-74), CU (77) - Cut (Figgins), CB (Napoli), CU (Napoli)

3rd: FB (88-92), Cut (81-88), SL (76-80), CB (70) - 2 FB (Hunter, Guerrero)

4th: FB (84-92), Cut (80-84), SL (78), CB (71-74), CU (72-75) - FB (Aybar), CB (Hunter)

5th: FB (90-94), SL (76-77), CB (73)

3) Jon Meloan: 16 pitches. (FB, CB, CU, Cut). 0 strikes swinging.

• Meloan is a 6-3, 225 pound righty. The 25 year old has a medium frame that is maxed out. Strong, athletic build. He came from an over the top release working predominately from the stretch with the only real red flag being that he breaks his hands high, placing added stress on his shoulder. He has a little rock back in his delivery. His fastball has some run in on righties. His cutter has some cut. His curve is a 12-6 offering with above average depth and it serves as his out pitch. Tweener that could be a decent middle reliever, though he needs to continue to refine his control.

6th: FB (90-92), CB (77-79), Cut (88-89)

4) Darren Oliver: 9 pitches. (FB, SL, CU). 0 strikes swinging.

• Oliver came from a high 3/4 release and showed a 11-5 slider with good bite and a fastball with some run in on lefties.

7th: FB (90-92), SL (79)

8th: FB (91), SL (78)

5) Jerry Blevins: 20 pitches. (FB, CB, Cut, CU). 1 strike swinging. Fastball.

• Blevins came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some run in on lefties and a little sink, a cutter with some cut and some sink, a 11-5 curve with slightly above average depth

7th: FB (92-94), CB (73), Cut (84-88) - FB (Hunter)

8th: FB (92-94), Cut (85-88)

6) Kevin Jepsen: 17 pitches. (FB, Cut, CB). 5 strikes swinging. 5 Cutters.

• Jepsen came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties and a cutter with good cut.

8th: FB (95-97), Cut (87-90) - 5 Cut (Garciaparra - 2, Kennedy, Cust - 2)

7) Brad Ziegler: 8 pitches. (FB, CU, SL). 0 strikes swinging.

• Ziegler came from a sidearm release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties and some sink and a 3-8 slider with good bite.

8th: FB (84-87), SL (74)

8) Brian Fuentes: 16 pitches. (FB, SL, CU). 1 strike swinging. Fastball.

• Fuentes came from a 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some run in on lefties and some sink and a change with good fade from righties and some sink.

9th: FB (90-91), CU (74-77) - FB (Powell)

STL @ COL

1) Kyle Lohse: FB, SL, CB, CU. 96 pitches. 10 strikes swinging. 5 Sliders, 4 Fastballs, Changeup.

• Lohse came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with good run in on righties and some sink, a 2-7 slider with some bite, a 12-6 curve with average depth and a change with good fade from lefties and some sink.

1st: FB (89-92), SL (84-87), CB (75-77), CU (82) - 2 FB (Tulowitzki, Hawpe), 2 SL (Tulowitzki, Torrealba)

2nd: FB (88-90), SL (82-83), CB (74) - FB (Stewart)

3rd: FB (89-91), CB (75-76), CU (82)

4th: FB (90-92), SL (82-86), CB (75-76), CU (83) - 3 SL (Torrealba - 2, Barmes), CU (Hawpe)

5th: FB (88-91), CB (74-76), CU (82-83) - FB (Hawpe)

2) Jorge De La Rosa: FB, SL, CB, CU. 96 pitches. 14 pitches. 8 Changeups, 4 Fastballs, 2 Sliders.

• De La Rosa came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some run in on lefties, a change with good fade from righties and some sink, a 11-5 curve with slightly above average depth and a sharp 11-5 slider with good bite.

1st: FB (89-94), CU (83) - CU (Ryan)

2nd: FB (93-96), CU (84-86), SL (86), CB (73) - 4 CU (Ludwick, Freese - 2, LaRue), FB (LaRue)

3rd: FB (91-96), CU (84-88), SL (86-89), CB (79) - 3 FB (Lohse, Ludwick, DeRosa), SL (Freese)

4th: FB (91-96), CU (84-87), SL (88) - SL (Pujols), CU (Lugo)

5th: FB (93-95), CU (84-86), SL (85-87), CB (75-76) - 3 CU (DeRosa, LaRue - 2)

3) Randy Flores: FB, CB, SL. 4 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Flores came from an over the top release and showed a sharp 11-5 slider with solid bite and a fastball with some run in on lefties.

6th: FB (90), SL (81-84)

4) Matt Belisle: FB, SL, CB, CU, Cut. 8 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Belisle came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties and a 12-6 curve with average depth.

6th: FB (90-93), CB (75)

5) Blake Hawksworth: FB, Cut, CB, CU. 20 pitches. 4 strikes swinging. 4 Fastballs.

• Hawksworth came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties and some sink, a change with some fade from lefties and some sink that he will throw to righties.

6th: FB (92-94), CU (83-85) - 4 FB (Stewart - 3, Barmes)

6) Matt Daley: FB, CB, CU. 13 pitches. 1 strike swinging. Fastball.

• Daley came from a sidearm release and showed a 2-7 slider with good bite and a fastball with good run in on righties and some sink.

7th: FB (90-92), SL (77-79) - FB (Ludwick)

7) Dennys Reyes: FB, SL, CU. 18 pitches. 3 strikes swinging. 2 Sliders, Fastball.

• Reyes came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with good run in on lefties and some sink and a 11-5 slider with solid bite.

7th: FB (89-92), SL (84-87) - 2 SL (Helton - 2), FB (Helton)

8) Huston Street: FB, SL, CU. 22 pitches. 5 strikes swinging. 3 Sliders, 2 Fastball.

• Street came from a 3/4 release and showed a 2-7 slider with good bite, a fastball with some run in on righties and some sink and a change with some fade from lefties and some sink.

8th: FB (90-91), SL (84), CU (82) - 2 SL (Rasmus - 2)

9th: FB (91-93), SL (82-83) - 2 FB (Schumaker, Ludwick), SL (Lugo)

9) Jason Motte: FB, SL, Split, CU, CB. 2 strikes swinging. 2 Fastballs.

• Motte came from an over the top release and showed a straight 4-seam fastball and a cutter with some cut.

8th: FB (92-97), Cut (87-91) - 2 FB (Torrealba - 2)

Chart Observations: 9/26: OAK @ LAA

1) Dana Eveland: 79 pitches. FB, SL, CU, CB, Cut. 4 strikes swinging. Fastball, Cutter, Curveball, Changeup.

• Eveland came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with some run in on lefties and some sink, a cutter with some cut and some sink, a 11-5 curve with slightly above average depth, a change with some fade from righties and some sink that he will throw 2-0 and a 11-5 slider with solid bite.

1st: FB (89-94), Cut (86-90), CB (79), CU (84-86) - Cut (Abreu), CU (Rivera)

2nd: FB (88-90), Cut (86), CB (78-79), CU (84), SL (84) - CB (Izturis)

3rd: FB (88-91), Cut (86-89), CB (77-79), SL (85-86) - FB (Hunter)

4th: FB (88-90), Cut (89), CB (77-79), CU (84-86), SL (83-86)

2) John Lackey: 92 pitches. FB, CB, SL, CU. 7 strikes swinging. 3 Fastballs, 3 Curveballs, Slider.

• Lackey came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with a little run in on righties and a little sink, a 2-7 slider with good bite, a 12-6 curve with above average depth

1st: FB (90-95), CB (78-82), SL (81-86) - FB (Lackey), SL (Lackey)

2nd: FB (89-92), CB (78-80), SL (83) - 2 CB (Davis, Kennedy)

3rd: FB (90-94), CB (79-80) - FB (Cust)

4th: FB (90-94), CB (78-82) - FB (Ellis), CB (Patterson)

5th: FB (89-93), CB (78-81), SL (84)

3) Brad Kilby: 38 pitches. FB, SL, CU. 5 strikes swinging. 3 Fastballs, Changeup, Slider.

• Kilby came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some run in on lefties and some sink, a change with some fade from lefties and some sink and a 11-5 slider with good late bite.

4th: FB (91-94), CU (82-83) - FB (Guerrero)

5th: FB (91-95), CU (83), SL (84) - 2 FB (Mathis - 2), CU (Mathis), SL (Kendrick)

4) Darren Oliver: 28 pitches. FB, SL, CU. 3 strikes swinging. Fastball, 2 Sliders.

• Oliver came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with good run in on lefties and a 11-5 slider with above average bite

6th: FB (90-92), SL (78-79) - FB (Davis), 2 SL (Pennington, Sweeney)

5) Brad Ziegler: 29 pitches. FB, SL, CU. 5 strikes swinging. 3 Sliders, 2 Changeups.

• Ziegler came from a submarine release and showed a fastball with good run in on righties and some sink, a change with good fade from lefties and solid sink and a 4-7 slider with solid bite.

6th: FB (86-88), SL (72-74), CU (78) - 3 SL (Guerrero - 3), CU (Abreu)

7th: FB (85-89), SL (73-75), CU (77-78) - CU (Morales)

6) Jason Bulger: 22 pitches. FB, CB, CU. 3 strikes swinging. Fastball, Curveball, Changeup.

• Bulger came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties and some sink, a sharp 12-6 curve with average depth and a change with good fade from lefties and some sink.

7th: FB (92-96), CB (80-84), CU (86-88) - FB (Ellis), CB (Cust), CU (Cust)

7) Kevin Jepsen: 30 pitches. FB, Cut, CB. 1 strike swinging. Fastball.

• Jepsen came from an over the top release and showed a straight 4-seam fastball, a sharp 12-6 curve with slightly above average depth and a cutter that has evolved into a 2-7 slider with good bite.

8th: FB (95-100), Cut (88), CB (84-85) - FB (Davis)

8) Matt Palmer: 11 pitches. FB, Cut, CB, CU. 0 strikes swinging.

• Palmer came from an over the top release and showed a 12-6 curve with above average depth, a cutter with some cut and sink and a fastball with some run in on righties and some sink.

8th: FB (90-92), Cut (89), CB (77-78)

9) Craig Breslow: 31 pitches. FB, SL, CB, CU. 3 strikes swinging. 2 Fastballs, Slider.

• Breslow came from an over the top release and showed a sharp 11-5 slider with good bite, a fastball with some run in on righties and a straight change that kind of floated to the plate.

7th: FB (90-93), SL (84-85), CU (76) - FB (Matthews Jr.)

8th: FB (88-94), SL (84-88), CU (81) - FB (Hunter), SL (Guerrero)

10) Sean O'Sullivan: 20 pitches. FB, CB, CU. 3 strikes swinging. 2 Fastballs, Curveball.

• O'Sullivan came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties and good sink, a 12-6 curve with average depth and a change with some fade from lefties and some sink.

9th: FB (91-94), CB (80-83), CU (81) - 2 FB (Davis, Cust), CB (Davis)

11) Andrew Bailey: 20 pitches. FB, Cut, CB, CU. 1 strike swinging. Fastball.

• Bailey came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with a little natural cut, a 12-6 curve with above average depth and a cutter with above average cut and some sink

9th: FB (93-96), Cut (89), CB (78-79) - FB (Morales)

Life On The Farm: Chicago Cubs (# 27)

That playoff run that never materialized.... We have enough to try again.... Right?

Graduated To Majors: Sam Fuld (OF, UR), Tyler Colvin (CF, # 16), Micah Hoffpauir (1B/OF, # 12), Jake Fox (UTIL, # 24), Jeff Samardzija (SP, # 2), Mitch Atkins (SP, # 21), Esmailin Caridad (RP, # 22), Kevin Hart (SP, # 6, traded to Pirates)

The Rest Of The Top 10 (with quick commentary)
Hitters: BA-OBP-SLG, AB, HR-RBI, BB-K, SB-CS
Pitchers: G-GS, W-L, ERA, IP-H-HR-BB-K

1 - Josh Vitters: 3B
Lo A: .316-.351-.535, 269, 15-46, 7-42, 4-0
Hi A: .238-.260-.344, 189, 3-22, 5-23, 2-1
Quick Take: Solid at Lo A, strugged at Hi A. Biggest concern has to be the lack of walks (12 all season)

3 - Andrew Cashner: SP
Hi A: 12-12, 0-0, 1.50, 42-31-1-15-34
AA: 12-12, 3-4, 3.39, 58.1-45-0-27-41
Quick Take: 24 starts, 100 innings. Hard to tell what is there, but the lack of home runs allowed (1) is a promising sign if he needs to be converted back to a reliever, which he was at TCU.

4 - Dae Eun Rhee: SP
R: 3-2, 0-0, 7.71, 4.2-4-0-5-3
SS: 2-2, 0-1, 11.25, 4-8-2-1-4
Quick Take: Season in return from Tommy John surgery, so wait and evaluate what he does next year.

5 - Wellington Castillo: C
AA: .232-.275-.386, 319, 11-39, 15-71, 1-0
Quick Take: Hugely disappointing season with a lot of struggles in the plate discipline area.

7 - Starlin Castro: SS
Hi A: .299-.338-.388, 358, 3-35, 19-41, 22-11
AA: .288-.347-.396, 111, 0-14, 10-12, 6-0
Quick Take: Futures Game player, he had a strong breakthrough year, but not much power or plate discipline.

8 - Ryan Flaherty: SS
Lo A: .276-.344-.470, 485, 20-81, 50-98, 7-6
Quick Take: Interesting season, great power numbers for a SS, but some high K numbers and quite a few caught stealings.

9 - Jay Jackson: SP
Hi A: 7-7, 2-2, 1.41, 38.1-30-3-4-46
AA: 16-16, 5-5, 3.70, 82.2-73-7-39-77
AAA: 1-1, 1-0, 1.50, 6-5-1-3-4
Quick Take: Strong season saw him finish with a start at AAA. 127 strikeouts in 127 innings is a good sign.

10 - Hak-Ju Lee: SS
SS: .330-.399-.420, 264, 2-33, 31-50, 25-8
Quick Take: Strong state-side debut in his first season in the states. Intriguing speed and average combination.

AAA: Iowa Cubs (PCL)
Breakout Hitter: Jake Fox (# 24): .409-.495-.841, 164, 17-53, 21-31, 2-1
Disappointing Hitter: Steve Clevenger (# 11): .265-.309-.326, 230, 0-26, 15-31, 4-3
Breakout Pitcher: Jeff Stevens (UL): 42-0, 1-3, 2.03, 57.2-35-1-25-61
Disappointing Pitcher: Mitch Atkins (# 21): 27-27, 8-12, 6.58, 146.1-164-26-52-127
Quick Take: Fox and Stevens parlayed good seasons into playing in the bigs. Clevenger dominated AA for a month, then struggled badly for the rest of the season at AAA. Atkins got to the majors for the 1st time, but it wasn't because of what he did at Iowa.

AA: Tennessee Smokies (SL)
Breakout Hitter: Darwin Barney (# 19): .317-.368-.401, 252, 3-32, 23-33, 5-1
Disappointing Hitter: Tony Thomas (# 23): .251-.341-.389, 427, 11-41, 50-106, 13-13
Breakout Pitcher: Jay Jackson (# 9): Line above.
Disappointing Pitcher: None
Quick Take: Barney has translated what he did at Oregon State to the professionals and looks like he should be ready for a cup of coffee at some point next year. Jackson was strong and looks to start next season at AAA. Thomas had an extremely raw season and has a lot of things he needs to work on.

Hi A: Dayton Cubs (FSL)
Breakout Hitter: Brandon Guyer (# 13): .347-.407-.453, 265, 2-32, 24-34, 23-2
Disappointing Hitter: Jonathon Wyatt (UL): .232-.295-.278, 396, 2-33, 35-67, 9-5
Breakout Pitcher: Andrew Cashner (# 3): Line above.
Disappointing Pitcher: Dan McDaniel (UR): 30-16, 6-9, 4.78, 92.1-101-3-49-79
Quick Take: Guyer worked his way into a mid season promotion at AA and struggled. Cashner was promoted to AA as well for his work in the 1st half of the season. Wyatt got a lot of at bats and provided little production. McDaniel ends up being the posterchild for a staff that had no real pitcher jump out, but had a lot of mediocrity.

Lo A: Peoria Chiefs (ML)
Breakout Hitter: Josh Harrison (UR): .337-.377-.479, 303, 4-33, 16-25, 16-9
Disappointing Hitter: Junior Lake (# 14): .248-.277-.365, 463, 7-42, 18-138, 10-7
Breakout Pitcher: Chris Archer (UR): 27-26, 6-4, 2.81, 109-78-0-66-119
Disappointing Pitcher: Marcus Hatley (UL): 30-16, 6-6, 4.64, 95-103-10-41-64
Quick Take: Harrison will take his breakout season to the Pirates organization while Archer came ovefrom the Indians and had a strong season despite his high walk total. Lake battled a lack of discipline to a subpar season. Hatley struggled to do much in his full-season debut.

TK's Early 2010 Top 10 Prospects:
1) Josh Vitters: 3B
Weakest # 1 prospect out there. Hope to see continued growth out of him. More hype then results right now.
2) Andrew Cashner: SP
If he can get a bump in innings, it would be much easier to get a feel for him.
3) Jay Jackson: SP
One of the few Cubs to have a true "breakout" season looks to continue to build on it.
4) Starlin Castro: SS
Futures Game alum looks to try and make himself Jose Reyes and not Jose Castillo.
5) Brett Jackson: CF
2009 1st round pick has been frequently compared to J.D. Drew for his ability.
6) Darwin Barney: SS
Former CWS hero looks to try and make it to the bigs next season, possibly to fill a hole at 2B.
7) Ryan Flaherty: SS
Above average power shown in first full season, can he continue to use that as a calling card?
8) Hak-Ju Lee: SS
Hope to see him in full-season ball next year, which should clearly put where he stands and what is/isn't fluky.
9) Brandon Guyer: CF
Strong half season at Hi A was quickly forgotten once he went to AA. Can he adjust?
10) Blake Parker: RHP
Reliever made strong mark at AA and AAA (55 games, 77 strikeouts in 63 innings) and appears to be a contender for a bullpen spot next season.

Dropped From Top 10: Rhee (# 4), Castillo (# 5)

Final Overview: This may be the weakest system in baseball. An organization trying to gain a foothold in Korea (which features some of their more intriguing prospects) really is suffering with talent both at the top of the system and the depth below. They really need some breakout seasons next season, primarily from Vitters, Rhee, Cashner and Lee, as well as strong debuts from some of their 2009 draftees, especially Jackson. There is not much help coming for these Cubs.

CIN @ HOU

1) Justin Lehr: FB, Split, CB, Cut, SL

• Lehr came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties and some sink, a split with some dive, a 12-6 curve with slightly above average depth, a cutter with some cut and a 2-7 slider with some bite.

1st: FB (84-87), Split (81-82), CB (72-73)

2nd: FB (83-87), Split (81-84), CB (71-72), Cut (82-84), SL (78) - 2 Split (Blum, Paulino)

3rd: FB (83-87), Split (80), CB (69-74), Cut (83) - CB (Blum)

4th: FB (84-88), Split (79-81), CB (70), Cut (81)

5th: FB (84-87), Split (80-81), CB (70-71), Cut (80-81) - Split (Bourn)

2) Felipe Paulino: FB, SL, CU, CB. 92 pitches. 12 strikes swinging. 4 Fastballs, 3 Sliders, 3 Changeups, Curveball.

• Paulino came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with a little run in on righties, a 12-6 curve with average depth, a 2-7 slider with some bite and in 3-1 and 3-2 counts and a change with some fade from lefties and some sink.

1st: FB (96-97), SL (87-89), CB (75) - FB (Votto), SL (Phillips)

2nd: FB (93-97), SL (87-88), CU (83) - FB (Francisco), CU (Bruce)

3rd: FB (94-96), SL (87-88), CU (85-87) - FB (Bruce), 2 CU (Votto, Francisco)

4th: FB (91-96), SL (83-88), CB (74) - FB (Janish), SL (Lehr), CB (Janish)

5th: FB (92-96), SL (85-88), CU (85-87), CB (75-78) - 2 SL (Phillips, Miller)

3) Doug Brocail: FB, SL, CB, CU, Cut. 11 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Brocail came from an over the top release and showed a cutter with good cut, a fastball with some run in on righties, a 12-6 curve with average depth, a change with some fade from lefties and some sink and a 2-7 slider with solid bite.

6th: FB (89-91), SL (86), CB (77), CU (79), Cut (85-89)

4) Micah Owings: FB, SL, CU. 23 pitches. 1 strike swinging. Fastball.

• Owings came from a 3/4 release and showed a fastball with a little cutting action, a change with some fade from lefties and some sink and a 2-7 slider with some bite.

6th: FB (89-92), SL (72), CU (75-77) - FB (Matsui)

7th: FB (88-90), CU (76-78)

5) Tim Byrdak: FB, SL, CU, CB. 13 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Byrdak came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with some run in on lefties, a change with some fade from righties and some sink and a 11-5 slider with some bite that he will throw 3-1.

7th: FB (88-92), SL (80-86), CU (81)

6) Danny Ray Herrera: FB, CU, SL, Cut. 6 pitches. 1 strike swinging. Cutter.

• Herrera came from an over the top release and showed a cutter with some cut, a 11-5 slider with good bite, a change with plus dive that is basically a screwball, a fastball with some run in on lefties and some sink.

7th: FB (86), CU (67), SL (74), Cut (81-83) - Cut (Bourn)

7) Sam Gervacio: FB, SL, CU. 13 pitches.

• Gervacio came from a 3/4 release and showed a fastball with good run in on righties and some sink, a change with good fade from lefties and some sink and a 3-8 slider with good bite.

8th: FB (90-93), SL (85-86), CU (83-84) - 3 FB (Miller - 2, Stubbs), 2 CU (Nix - 2)

8) Nick Masset: FB, Cut, Split, CB. 13 pitches.

• Masset came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties and a little sink, a cutter with some late cutting action,

8th: FB (96-97), Cut (90-92), Split (90) - 3 Cut (Lee - 2, Pence)

9) Jeff Fulchino: FB, SL, Split. 21 pitches. 6 strikes swinging.

• Fulchino came from a high 3/4 release with a 2-7 slider with a little bite, a fastball with a little run in on righties and a split with some dive.

9th: FB (92-95), SL (83-86), Split (85-86) - FB (Phillips, Bruce, Francisco), SL (Votto, Francisco), Split (Votto, Francisco)

10) Jared Burton: FB, Cut, SL, CU. 10 pitches. 1 strike swinging. Slider.

• Burton came from an over the top release and showed a cutter with some cut, a 2-7 slider with good bite and a fastball with some run in on righties.

9th: FB (88-89), Cut (91-93), SL (83) - SL (Matsui)

Reds Extras (Plus 2 Diamondbacks)

1) Edinson Volquez: FB, CU, CB, SL
5/10: 108 pitches. 16 strikes swinging. 9 Changeups, 6 Fastballs, Slider.

• Volquez is a 6-0, 210 pound righty. The 26 year old has a small frame that appears to be maxed out. He came from a high 3/4 release with a classic drop and drive delivery. He has a real long arm action, with the arm straightening out at the bottom of the arm circle and then bending again as he comes back up through the zone. His fastball has good run in on righties and good sink. His fastball is explosive and has some late giddy-up to it. His change has some fade from lefties and some sink that looks like a fastball out of his hand until its late break. His slider is a sharp 2-7 with good bite. His curve is a sharp 12-6 with average depth. Looks like an ace, but will need to come back from TJS with his stuff intact.

1st: FB (91-97), CU (81-82) - FB (Pujols), 3 CU (Ludwick, Duncan - 2)

2nd: FB (91-94), CU (78-80), SL (79), CB (74) - CU (Greene), SL (Greene)

3rd: FB (91-96), CU (79-81), SL (78-80) - 3 FB (Ludwick, Molina - 2), CU (Wainwright)

4th: FB (91-94), SL (78-79)

5th: FB (93-97), CU (82), SL (81), CB (76) - 2 CU (Ludwick, Duncan)

6th: FB (93-96), CU (80-81), SL (80), CB (76) - FB (Barden), CU (Molina)

7th: FB (92-96), CU (80-84), SL (80), CB (75) - FB (Schumaker), CU (Schumaker)

2) Bobby Korecky: FB, SL, CU

5/11: 49 pitches. 3 strikes swinging. Fastball, Slider, Changeup.

• Korecky is a 5-11, 185 pound righty. The 30 year old has a small frame that can add a little more muscle, but not much. He came from an over the top release working predominately from the stretch with pretty clean mechanics. His slider is a 2-7 offering with some bite. His fastball has some run in on righties and some sink. His change has some fade from lefties and some sink. 4-A pitcher that likely can't be a full-time reliever.

6th: FB (89-91), SL (79-81), CU (84-85) - FB (Bruce), CU (Hernandez)

7th: FB (89-91), SL (78-80), CU (84-86) - SL (Arroyo)

3) Mike Lincoln: FB, CB, Cut, SL, CU

5/11: 11 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Lincoln is a 6-2, 220 pound righty. The 34 year old has a medium frame that is maxed out. He came from an over the top release with clean mechanics. His fastball has some run in on righties and some sink. His curve is a big breaking 12-6 with above average depth. His cutter has a little cut. Solid middle reliever who should have another year or two left.

9th: FB (89-91), CB (75-77), Cut (88)

4) Johnny Cueto: FB, SL, CU

5/13: 100 pitches. 8 strikes swinging. 5 Fastballs, 2 Sliders, Changeup.

• Cueto is a 5-10, 200 pound righty. The 23 year old has a small frame that appears to be maxed out with a strong, athletic build. He came from an over the top release with pretty clean mechanics, though he does have a slight twist in his arm action. His fastball is a pretty straight 4-seam with a little late run in on righties. His slider is a 2-7 offering with good bite. His change has some fade from lefties and some sink. Solid pitcher who should be a fairly solid # 3 who will likely have a Cy Young consideration season on of the years.

1st: FB (90-94), SL (85-89) - SL (Upton)

2nd: FB (91-93), SL (85-88), CU (83)

3rd: FB (91-95), SL (88-89) - FB (Augenstein)

4th: FB (94-96), SL (86-90) - 3 FB (Upton - 2, Drew)

5th: FB (90-94), SL (84-88) - FB (Augenstein), SL (Augenstein)

6th: FB (93-96), SL (84-90), CU (83)

7th: FB (93-94), SL (84-89), CU (83-84) - CU (Ojeda)

5) Bryan Augenstein: FB, SL, CU

5/13: 95 pitches. 4 strikes swinging. 2 Fastballs, 2 Changeups.

• Augenstein is a 6-6, 230 pound righty. The 23 year old has a big frame that is maxed out. He came from a 3/4 release and showed a fastball with good run in on righties and solid sink. His mechanics were very clean. His change has good fade from lefties and some sink that he will throw to righties. His slider is a sweeping 9-4 with good bite. Like him better as a groundball forcing reliever who should be able to get more velocity and be more consistent with it.

1st: FB (85-92), SL (77-80), CU (80) - CU (Bruce)

2nd: FB (84-91), SL (75-79), CU (77-82) - FB (Hernandez), CU (Phillips)

3rd: FB (87-90), SL (72-77), CU (73-83)

4th: SL (75), CU (83)

5th: FB (86-87), SL (75-76), CU (80-82)

6th: FB (87-89), SL (75-78)

7th: FB (83-88), SL (75-79) - FB (Taveras)

Chart Observations: 9/25: ATL @ WAS

1) John Lannan: 122 pitches. FB, SL, CB, CU. 9 strikes swinging. 4 Sliders, 3 Fastballs, 2 Changeups.

• Lannan came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with some run in on lefties, a straight change with some sink that he will throw to lefties, a 11-5 slider with solid bite and a 12-6 curve with above average depth.

1st: FB (87-91), SL (81-84), CU (81-85) - 2 SL (McCann, LaRoche), CU (McLouth)

2nd: FB (87-91), SL (81), CU (80), CB (74-75)

3rd: FB (89-91), SL (81-83), CU (81-83), CB (73-75) - CU (Jones)

4th: FB (88-90), SL (79-81), CU (78-82) - FB (McLouth), SL (LaRoche)

5th: FB (87-91), SL (80), CU (82-84), CB (73) - FB (McCann)

6th: FB (88-92), SL (80-81), CU (81-85), CB (73) - FB (Diaz), SL (LaRoche)

7th: FB (89-91), SL (79-81), CU (80-83), CB (72)

2) Javier Vazquez: 104 pitches. FB, SL, CB, CU. 14 strikes swinging. 6 Fastballs, 4 Curveballs, 2 Sliders, 2 Changeups.

• Vazquez came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with good run in on righties and some sink, a 12-6 curve with slightly above average depth, a change with good fade from lefties and some sink that he will throw to righties and a 2-7 slider with good bite.

1st: FB (89-91), SL (86), CB (72-76), CU (80) - CB (Willingham), SL (Willingham)

2nd: FB (90-94), SL (79-85), CB (68-76), CU (81) - 2 FB (Bard, Maxwell)

3rd: FB (87-92), SL (83), CB (69), CU (78-83) - 2 CU (Lannan, Harris), CB (Harris)

4th: FB (90-93), SL (84-85), CB (69-76), CU (83) - FB (Zimmerman), CB (Orr)

5th: FB (89-92), SL (85), CB (73-74) - FB (Maxwell)

6th: FB (90-91), SL (83-84), CB (76)

7th: FB (90-91), SL (80-87), CB (73) - SL (Zimmerman)

8th: FB (90-92), SL (81-83), CB (70-73), CU (74-80) - FB (Maxwell), CB (Harris)

9th: FB (91-93), SL (84), CB (69-79) - FB (Desmond)

3) Jason Bergmann: 13 pitches. FB, SL, CB, CU. 0 strikes swinging.

• Bergmann came from a high 3/4 release and showed a 1-7 curve with slightly above average depth, a fastball with some run in on righties and a sharp 2-7 slider with some bite.

8th: FB (93-94), SL (87-88), CB (79-80)

4) Ron Villone: 4 pitches. FB. SL, CU. 0 strikes swinging.

• Villone came from an over the top release and showed a 11-5 slider with some bite and a fastball with some run in on lefties and some sink.

8th: FB (90-91), SL (80-81)

5) Saul Rivera: 8 pitches. FB, Cut, SL, CU. 0 strikes swinging.

• Rivera came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with good run in on righties and some sink and a cutter with some cut.

9th: FB (90-91), Cut (86-90)

Life On The Farm: San Diego Padres (# 29)

The future has to be brighter right?

Graduated To Majors: Will Venable (OF, # 7), Luis Durango (OF, UR), Drew Macias (OF, UR), Kyle Blanks (1B/OF, # 1), Mat Latos (SP, # 2), Josh Geer (SP, # 13), Cesar Carrillo (SP, # 20), Ernesto Frieri (RP, # 29), Wade Leblanc (SP, # 12), Mike Ekstrom (RP, UR), Wilton Lopez (RP, UR, now with Astros), Greg Burke (RP, UR), Cesar Ramos (SP/RP, UR), Joe Thatcher (RP, UR), Everth Cabrera (SS, # 24)

The Rest Of The Top 10 (with quick commentary)
Hitters: BA-OBP-SLG, AB, HR-RBI, BB-K, SB-CS
Pitchers: G-GS, W-L, ERA, IP-H-HR-BB-K

3 - Jaff Decker: RF
Lo A: .300-.438-.515, 357, 16-64, 82-91, 9-6
Quick Take: Overall, a pretty strong debut to full season ball. Showed a little of everything, especially plate discipline.

4 - Kellen Kulbacki: LF
AA: .201-.257-.254, 134, 0-11, 9-23, 2-1
Quick Take: Best summed up in one word: UGH. Season was ended due to needing shoulder surgery on his non-throwing shoulder and will be ready for spring training according to Grady Fuson. Lost season.

5 - Adys Portillo: SP
R: 13-12, 1-9, 5.13, 52.2-67-2-28-44
Quick Take: Just 17 (not 18 until December), this isn't anything too out of line with what would be expected. Would like to see more K's, but doesn't dim his star much, if at all.

6 - Cedric Hunter: CF
AA: .261-.294-.331, 541, 2-54, 25-43, 13-3
Quick Take: Yuck. For an athlete, he didn't steal much. And he didn't get on base. Rough season, but at least he put the ball in play... weakly.

8 - Allan Dykstra: 1B
Lo A: .226-.397-.375, 411, 11-60, 104-103, 1-2
Quick Take: Wow. Those bolded numbers are 104 walks and 103 strikeouts. Let that sink in for a second... Honestly, I don't think anyone knows what to make of what he did in Lo A.

9 - Matt Antonelli: 2B
AAA: .196-.300-.339, 189, 4-22, 26-30, 1-1
Quick Take: Remember when he was supposed to be the 2nd basemen of the future? He missed the first 6 weeks with a leg injury and this is apparently an injury that nagged him all year. Can he bounce back after 2 terrible seasons at AAA?

10 - James Darnell: 3B
Lo A: .329-.468-.518, 222, 7-38, 57-51, 5-5
Hi A: .294-.377-.553, 235, 13-43, 30-38, 3-1
Quick Take: Strong season. One that is strong enough that likely merits consideration to start 2010 in AA. Has a shot at a cup of coffee in September.

AAA: Portland Beavers (PCL)
Breakout Hitter: Kyle Blanks (# 1): .283-.393-.485, 233, 12-38, 39-63, 0-0
Disappointing Hitter: Matt Antonelli (# 9): Line above.
Breakout Pitcher: Mike Ekstrom (UR): 42-1, 4-2, 1.73, 62.1-44-2-16-43
Disappointing Pitcher: Will Inman (# 18): 12-12, 1-4, 6.71, 63-83-15-25-41
Quick Take: Blanks and Ekstrom worked their ways into promotions. Antonelli needs a bounce back season maybe more then anyone else in the minors. Inman was once a bright star in the Brewers organization, but has struggled to continue that momentum with the Padres.

AA: San Antonio Missions (TL)
Breakout Hitter: Luis Durango (UR): .281-.390-.309, 456, 0-25, 81-70, 44-17
Disappointing Hitter: Kellen Kulbacki (# 4): Line above.
Breakout Pitcher: Ernesto Frieri (# 29): 27-26, 10-9, 3.59, 140.1-125-13-62-118
Disappointing Pitcher: Chris Britton (UR): 10-0, 1-1, 10.80, 15-28-3-4-5
Quick Take: Durango and Frieri worked their ways into the bigs with breakout seasons out of pretty much nowhere. Kulbacki struggles are well documented above. Britton (formerly of the Orioles and Yankees) was thought to be a contender for the major league pen, instead he is now looking for a job after a brutal showing.

Hi A: Lake Elsinore Storm (CAL)
Breakout Hitter: Logan Forsythe (# 11): .322-.472-.504, 236, 8-30, 61-48, 6-2
Disappointing Hitter: Felix Carrasco (UL): .252-.344-.394, 416, 9-69, 54-132, 6-6
Breakout Pitcher: Wynn Pelzer (# 16): 27-27, 11-8, 3.94, 150.2-134-6-59-147
Disappointing Pitcher: Drew Miller (# 26): 27-26, 10-7, 6.10, 134.1-172-19-46-100
Quick Take: Forsythe earned a promotion to AA at midseason while Pelzer barely out pitched Jeremy Hefner (# 27) for the honor of breakout pitcher. Carrasco got a lot of AB's and didn't do much but strike out and draw walks. Miller is looking for a way out of that hitter's paradise.

Lo A: Fort Wayne TinCaps
Breakout Hitter: James Darnell (# 10): Line above.
Disappointing Hitter: Allan Dykstra (# 8): Line above.
Breakout Pitcher: Simon Castro (# 14): 28-27, 10-6, 3.33, 140.1-118-9-37-157
Disappointing Pitcher: Dexter Carter (# 23 for CHW): 6-6, 1-4, 12.86, 21-34-3-15-23
Quick Take: Darnell earned a promotoin to Hi A while Castro put up a true under the radar exceptional season with good strikeout numbers and a strong WHIP. Dykstra has one of the most bizarre lines I have ever seen, not a good thing from a former 1st round pick. Carter was abysmal for San Diego since being acquired, which has to cause a little bit of nervousness.

TK's Early 2010 Top 10 Prospects:
1) Donovan Tate: CF
He is the toolsy of all toolsy who has an upside similar to that of Carl Crawford (who also had a football scholarship available when drafted).
2) Jaff Decker: RF
Strong debut to full season ball, can he continue to build on it?
3) James Darnell: 3B
He had such a good season and looks like he could start next year in AA.
4) Simon Castro: RHP
Strong debut to full season ball and will look to continue to build on it.
5) Adys Portillo: RHP
Despite a rough season, his upside remains enormous.
6) Logan Forsythe: 3B
Kevin Kouzmanoff has 2 guys coming up who really want his job...
7) Nick Schmidt: LHP
Lefty dominated Lo A (4-0, 2.79 in 11 starts) and got shelled in Hi A (2-8, 7.88 in 13 starts).
8) Eric Sogard: 2B
.293-.370-.400 line with 58 walks against 47 strikeouts in AA may have him jump Antonelli.
9) Cedric Hunter: CF
Still toolsy, can he bounce back from an off season?
10) Allan Dykstra: 1B
Former 1st round pick, more by default then by performance.

Dropped From Top 10: Kulbacki (# 4), Antonelli (# 9)

Final Overview: After the Top 6, I had issues with guys to select. The Padres have a system most sabermetrics would love, with a ton of walks and a bunch of guys who may hit for power. The downside to this is they strike out. They strike out ALOT. Tate is a welcome addition in regards to athleticism. The Matt Bush # 1 overall selection still haunts this team and blowing a pick like that really does set a system back for awhile. I would say this is the 2nd worst farm system, but one with some upside if their hitters stop striking out and maintain their walk percentages.

Life On The Farm: Detroit Tigers (# 28)

3 Aces = Title? Hope so, b/c we sure don't have enough for Round 2.

Graduated To Majors: Wilkin Ramirez (OF, # 6), Clete Thomas (OF, # 21), Brent Dlugach (SS, UR), Jeff Larish (3B, # 5), Dusty Ryan (C, # 9), Alex Avila (C, # 20), Rick Porcello (SP, # 1), Ryan Perry (RP, # 2), Casey Fien (RP, # 11), Freddy Dolsi (RP, # 15), Alfredo Figaro (RP, # 16), Chris Lambert (SP, UR now member of Orioles), Eddie Bonine (SP, UR), Luke French (SP, UR now member of Mariners), Clay Rapada (RP, UR)

The Rest Of The Top 10 (with quick commentary)
Hitters: BA-OBP-SLG, AB, HR-RBI, BB-K, SB-CS
Pitchers: G-GS, W-L, ERA, IP-H-HR-BB-K

3 - Cale Iorg: SS
AA: .224-.275-.337, 492, 11-41, 32-149, 13-7
Quick Take: Hugely disappointing season, with huge strikeout totals and just an overall raw game that hasn't yet taken shape yet.

4 - Casey Crosby: SP
Lo A: 24-24, 10-4, 2.41, 104.2-70-3-48-117
Quick Take: The lefty took a big first step with a strong exposure to full season ball. Walk totals are a touch high, but strikeout and hit numbers offset them.

7 - Scott Sizemore: 2B
AA: .307-.402-.535, 228, 9-33, 35-45, 7-3
AAA: .308-.378-.473, 292, 8-33, 29-49, 14-1
Quick Take: Another Tiger who took a big step forward and should be major league ready at some point next season, maybe in April.

8 - Cody Satterwhite: RP
AA: 34-0, 4-6, 3.47, 49.1-46-5-27-52
Quick Take: Solid AA debut, looks to try and be ready for a midseason promotion next season to help the bullpen.

10 - Brett Jacobson: SP
Hi A: 42-0, 2-5, 4.13, 65.1-58-7-26-55
Quick Take: Dealt to the Orioles in the Aubrey Huff deal, the only player dealt from the Tigers looks to do better then his initial debut in their system (1-2, 6.30)

AAA: Toledo Mud Hens (IL)
Breakout Hitter: Don Kelly (UR): .331-.404-.465, 372, 6-40, 43-51, 27-4
Disappointing Hitter: Will Rhymes (# 30): .260-.324-.354, 404, 3-41, 36-58, 20-7
Breakout Pitcher: Luke French (UR): 13-13, 4-4, 2.98, 81.2-71-6-20-72
Disappointing Pitcher: Brooks Brown (# 28 for ARI): 20-18, 3-13, 4.71, 112.2-120-9-55-48
Quick Take: Kelly and French parlayed themselves into big league debuts. Rhymes didn't do anything to warrant inclusion in next year's Top 30. Brown fell flat on his face and lost all semblance of K numbers in AAA.

AA: Eric Seawolves (EL)
Breakout Hitter: Scott Sizemore (# 7): Line above.
Disappointing Hitter: Cale Iorg (# 3): Line above.
Breakout Pitcher: Zach Simons (# 28): 31-0, 1-2, 2.82, 51-39-1-21-50
Disappointing Pitcher: Jonah Nickerson (UR): 28-27, 8-12, 5.33, 165.1-217-23-44-75
Quick Take: Sizemore and Simons merited 2nd half promotions to AAA and Simons may already be more valuable then Jason Grilli. Iorg really struggled while Nickerson showed an ability to eat innings. Not well, but can eat them.

Hi A: Lakeland Flying Tigers (FSL)
Breakout Hitter: Michael Bertram (UL): .281-.327-.469, 292, 10-47, 20-54, 3-0
Disappointing Hitter: Justin Henry (UR): .256-.330-.308, 425, 0-43, 45-40, 22-7
Breakout Pitcher: Robbie Weinhardt (# 22): 22-0, 1-1, 0.85, 31.2-24-2-10-40
Disappointing Pitcher: Matt Hoffman (UR): 16-10, 3-7, 6.79, 62.1-79-9-21-32
Quick Take: Bertram and Weinhardt earned 2nd half promotions to AA. Henry showed a slap hitting mentality, but little positive results. Hoffman really struggled to generate swings and misses.

Lo A: West Michigan Whitecaps (ML)
Breakout Hitter: Brandon Douglas (# 23): .322-.384-.374, 329, 0-35, 29-33, 9-1
Disappointing Hitter: Brent Wyatt (UR): .242-.360-.335, 475, 3-53, 67-71, 23-9
Breakout Pitcher: Casey Crosby (# 4): Line above.
Disappointing Pitcher: Brandon Hamilton (# 26): 30-20, 5-5, 7.09, 99-112-11-61-71
Quick Take: Douglas may have surpassed both Danny Worth and Cale Iorg as the SS of the future while Crosby may be a Top 50 prospect period. Wyatt showed plate discipline, but not enough power to warrant pitchers to being scared of throwing him strikes. Hamilton struggled badly in his first exposure to full season ball.

TK's Early 2010 Top 10 Prospects:
1) Casey Crosby: LHP
Can he join Porcello in Detroit next season? Probably not, but he has the makings of a top of the rotation pitcher.
2) Jacob Turner: RHP
Top high school arm is said to be a small step down from Josh Beckett and Porcello.
3) Andrew Oliver: LHP
2nd round pick was the 21st best prospect according to BA and has a fastball at 92-94.
4) Scott Sizemore: 2B
Shows himself as a potential middle or top of the order bat at a middle position.
5) Casper Wells: CF
5 tool player is showing signs of putting it all together.
6) Cody Satterwhite: RHP
Strong relief prospect is nearly major league ready.
7) Ryan Strieby: 1B
Cabrera blocks him, but bat (.303-.427-.565, 19 HR's at AA) appears close to major league ready.
8) Zach Simons: RHP
Another relief prospect nearly ready.
9) Cale Iorg: SS
Tools still there, but production needs to take a big step up.
10) Brandon Douglas: SS
Like to see more power, but showing himself as a complete shortstop.

Dropped From Top 10: None

Final Overview: The Tigers are not a team in transition... yet. With most of their prospects in the upper levels, they may not be able to withstand another mass exodus to the majors. David Chadd's going over slot is noticeable both for its strong players they get early (Maybin, A. Miller, Porcello, Verlander) and the resulting lack of money to build system depth. Tigers tend to hit on their 1st round picks, will Turner continue that? Probably not the 2nd worst farm system, but not quite middle of the pack yet.