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.

Brewers Extras

1) Tim Dillard: FB, SL, CU
7/31: 23 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Dillard is a 6-4, 225 pound righty. The 26 year old has a big frame that can add a little more muscle to the lower body, but is an athletic, built frame. He came from a high 3/4 release with solid mechanics. He has a little cocking action with his plant leg as he drives down where he almost touches his heel of that leg to his other leg. His arm action also appears to be a little long as he appears to take the ball towards the second basemen as opposed to 2nd base, which can put extra pressure on his shoulder. His fastball has good run in on righties and good sink, but can be extremely inconsistent including flattening out into a straight fastball. His slider is a 2-7 pitch with solid average bite. His change has some fade from lefties and a little sink. I like his arm, but I would overhaul his repetoire. I would teach him a cutter, which has rescued many sinkerballers that lack a true out pitch. If I am an NL team with a good defense, I take a chance on him.

6th: FB (89-93), SL (84-87), CU (83-86)

2) David Riske: FB, Split, CB
4/9: 25 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Riske is a 6-2, 190 pound righty. The 32 year old has a medium frame that can add a little more muscle to his lower half, but not much. He came from an over the top release working predominately from the stretch that was pretty clean. His curve is a 12-6 offering with average depth. His fastball has some run in on righties and some sink. His split has solid dive. His reputation says he can still be a middle reliever. His stuff and injury history tells me that he is done.

7th: FB (86-89), Split (74-79), CB (69-73)

Chart Observations: 9/24 BOS @ KC

1) Anthony Lerew: 108 pitches. FB, CB, SL, CU. 4 strikes swinging. 2 Changeups, Fastball, Slider.

• Lerew is a 6-3, 220 pound righty. The 26 year old has a medium frame that appears to be maxed out. He came from a high 3/4 release with a real quick wind-up that had no real red flags. Very fast worker that gets the ball and gets back on the rubber. His fastball has some run in on righties and some sink. His change has good fade from lefties and some sink that he will throw to righties and is his best off-speed offering. He will throw it in 2-0 counts. His slider is a 2-7 offering with a hint of bite. His curve is a 1-7 offering with below average depth. Has a shot at being a middle reliever with his sinker, but that is about it.

1st: FB (90-95), CU (83-84), SL (81)

2nd: FB (90-94), CU (81-84), SL (79-80)

3rd: FB (91-95), CU (82-85), SL (79-81) - SL (Gonzalez), CU (Gonzalez)

4th: FB (89-94), CU (80-83), SL (76-79) - FB (Ortiz)

5th: FB (87-94), CU (79-84), SL (78), CB (73) - CU (Bay)

2) Clay Buchholz: 109 pitches. FB, CU, CB, SL. 12 strikes swinging. 7 Changeups, 3 Sliders, Fastball, Curveball.

• Buchholz came from an over the top release and showed a 4-seam fastball with a little run in on righties, a change with some fade from lefties and good sink, a 2-seam fastball with good run in on righties and a little sink, a 2-7 slider with okay bite that actually looked more like a cutter and a 12-6 curve with above average depth. Has he scrapped the slider in place of a cutter?

1st: FB (93-97), CU (81-83), CB (75-78), SL (87-88) - CU (Callaspo)

2nd: FB (94-98), CU (82-83), CB (78), SL (89-92) - FB (Olivo), 2 SL (Olivo, Gordon), 2 CU (Olivo, Gordon)

3rd: FB (95-97), CU (81-83), CB (78-80), SL (88-91) - SL (Maier), CB (Betancourt)

4th: FB (94-97), CU (82-84), SL (88-89) - 2 CU (Butler, Jacobs)

5th: FB (94-98), CU (80-81), CB (78-81), SL (88-89)

6th: FB (91-97), CU (83-84), CB (78-79), SL (88-90) - 2 CU (Jacobs - 2)

7th: FB (94-97), CU (82-83), CB (78-80), SL (88)

3) Yasuhiko Yabuta: 56 pitches. FB, CU, Split, SL. 5 strikes swinging. 5 Changeups.

• Yabuta came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties, a split with good dive, a straight change with a little fade from lefties that he will throw to righties and in 3-1 and 3-2 counts and a 2-7 slider with a hint of movement.

5th: FB (94), CU (84), Split (78-80) - CU (Reddick)

6th: FB (91-95), CU (81-87), Split (74-78), SL (86) - 2 CU (Ellsbury, Bay)

7th: FB (92-94), CU (83-87), Split (72-74), SL (85-86) - 2 CU (Kotchman - 2)

4) Kyle Farnsworth: 35 pitches. FB, Cut, SL, CU. 5 strikes swinging. 4 Fastballs, Slider.

• Farnsworth came from a high 3/4 release and showed a straight 4-seam fastball, a 2-seam fastball with good run in on righties and a little sink, a cutter with some cut and a 2-7 slider with solid bite.

8th: FB (93-100), Cut (90), SL (85-87) - 4 FB (Bay - 2, Woodward, Kotchman), SL (Ortiz)

5) Ramon Ramirez: 20 pitches. FB, SL, CU. 0 strikes swinging.

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

7th: FB (92-95)

8th: FB (94-95), SL (89-90), CU (89-91)

6) Takashi Saito: 28 pitches. FB, SL, CB, Split. 3 strikes swinging. 3 Fastballs.

• Saito came from a 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties and some sink, a 3-8 slider with good bite and a 1-7 curve with slightly above average depth.

8th: FB (91-95), SL (82-85), CB (78)

9th: FB (88-94), SL (81-83) - 3 FB (Hernandez - 2, Anderson)

7) Jamey Wright: 30 pitches. FB, CB, Cut, CU. 1 strike swinging. Cutter.

• Wright came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties and some sink, a 11-5 curve with above average depth, a cutter with some cut and a split with some dive.

9th: FB (90-94), CB (80-81), Cut (86-90), Split (86) - Cut (Reddick)

Life On The Farm: Houston Astros (# 30)

The team with back-to-back # 30 ranks by BA, can't get any worse right?

Graduated To Majors: Edwin Maysonet (UTIL, Unranked or UR), Tommy Manzella (SS, # 11), Chris Johnson (3B, # 5), Bud Norris (SP, # 2), Felipe Paulino (SP, # 7), Drew Sutton (2B, # 8, traded to Reds to complete Jeff Keppinger trade), Sammy Gervacio (RHP, # 19)

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

1 - Jason Castro: C
Hi A: .309-.399-.517, 207, 7-44, 30-41, 1-1
AA: .293-.362-.385, 239, 3-29, 25-35, 2-1
Quick Take: Did not disappoint and continues on a crash course for Houston around the All Star Break next season.

3 - Ross Seaton: SP
Lo A: 24-24, 8-10, 3.29, 136.2-136-11-39-88
Quick Take: Not a terrible debut, but for a guy regarded as the 3rd best prospect in the organization, he did not put up strong K numbers.

4 - Brian Bogusevic: CF
AAA: .271-.342-.365, 520, 6-53, 53-118, 22-3
Quick Take: 4th OF appears to be his best bet with his strikeout numbers, though his basestealing numbers say he may be able to carve a niche.

6 - Jordan Lyles: SP
Lo A: 26-26, 7-11, 3.17, 144.2-134-5-38-167
Quick Take: Huge step forward and he looks like he should be the # 1 or # 2 prospect with Castro next season. No real pock marks on his line from this season. And, oh yea, he doesn't turn 20 until October 19th.

9 - Collin DeLome: LF/RF
AA: .255-.323-.465, 467, 20-61, 37-141, 15-8
Quick Take: Intriguing power (18 doubles, 20 homers) and speed (10 triples, 15 stolen bases) with no idea how to use either (141 strikeouts, 8 caught stealings). This was his age 23 season.

10 - Jay Austin: CF
Lo A: .267-.320-.360, 397, 1-33, 31-78, 23-23
Quick Take: Disappointment in first full season, but just 20 in August, so he will likely be repeating. Intriguing speed.

AAA: Round Rock Express (PCL)
Breakout Hitter: Tommy Manzella (# 11): .289-.339-.417, 530, 9-56, 40-99, 12-3
Disappointing Hitter: Brian Bogusevic (# 4): Line above.
Breakout Pitcher: Bud Norris (# 2): 19-19, 4-9, 2.63, 120-104-6-53-112
Disappointing Pitcher: Jose Capellan (former Braves/Brewers): 30-14, 2-10, 7.07, 98-133-12-49-74
Quick Take: Manzella and Norris took necessary steps to warrant promotions to the bigs. Bogusevic put up subpar power numbers and looks like a 4th OF. Capellan was a worthwhile risk taht appears to have blown up in their face.

AA: Corpus Christi Hoooks (TEX)
Breakout Hitter: Drew Locke (Unlisted): .338-.389-.531, 503, 20-109, 46-84, 2-2
Disappointing Hitter: Josh Flores (# 16): .239-.307-.344, 163, 1-10, 14-34, 9-2
Breakout Pitcher: Polin Trinidad (# 24): 13-12, 7-5, 2.94, 82.2-87-7-10-53
Disappointing Pitcher: Brad James (# 15): 23-21, 2-10, 6.69, 107.2-127-10-62-55
Quick Take: Locke, a 25 year old 1B, put up huge numbers after coming over in the minor league portion of the Rule 5 draft from the Dodgers in his first taste of AA. Trinidad worked into a promotion to AAA for the 2nd half of the year. James had an all around miserable season and will likely be falling out of the Top 30.

Hi A: Lancaster JetHawks (CAL)
Breakout Hitter: Koby Clemens (UR): .345-.419-.636, 423, 22-121, 51-110, 4-1
Disappointing Hitter: Craig Corrado (UR): .247-.275-.326, 417, 2-36, 15-79, 14-10
Breakout Pitcher: Chia-Jen Lo (# 12): 12-0, 1-0, 1.78, 25.1-10-1-13-36
Disappointing Pitcher: Chris Hicks (# 18): 26-26, 9-11, 6.12, 129.1-180-22-39-103
Quick Take: Clemens had his year in a hitter's paradise. Corrado was the choice for disappointing hitter as he got a ton of at bats for the level, meaning the Astros think they have something there. Lo got out of dodge quickly while Hicks is the default choice just due to ERA, as pitchers should not be judged for how they throw here.

Lo A: Lexington Legends (SAL)
Breakout Hitter: Brian Pellegrini (UR): .288-.394-.573, 351, 27-74, 58-102, 10-4
Disappointing Hitter: Federico Hernandez (# 20): .231-.268-.329, 347, 6-35, 17-65, 1-0
Breakout Pitcher: Jordan Lyles: Line above
Disappointing Pitcher: None
Quick Take: Pellegrini repeated, got promoted and slumped at Lancaster. Hernandez didn't show much with the bat in his 1st exposure to full season ball. Lyles was phenomenal.

TK's Early 2010 Top 10 Prospects:
1) Jordan Lyles: RHP
Has the making of an ace
2) Jason Castro: C
Has a shot to be an everyday catcher in the bigs, as soon as next year
3) Chia-Jen Lo: RHP
Another guy who could be making an appearance next year as a reliever
4) Jiovanni Mier: SS
Really impressed after being drafted in the 1st round this past year
5) Tanner Bushue: RHP
2nd round pick has a high upside.
6) Ross Seaton: RHP
Solid exposure to full season ball, can he build on it?
7) Polin Trinidad: LHP
Best lefty in a weak system should be ready in June
8) Jon Gaston: LF
Age 22 season, 31 doubles, 15 triples, 20 homers, 71 walks, 14 steals the good. Entire season at Lancaster, 164 strikeouts the bad.
9) Jay Austin: CF
Still extremely toolsy. Not much to choose from anymore.
10) Drew Locke: 1B
Huge season, can he continue to build towards something more or was this a fluke?

Dropped from Top 10 (not due to going to majors): Bogusevic (# 4), DeLome (#9)

Final Overview: Still a weak system. If Lyles, Seaton and company can survive Lancaster with their confidence still intact, the Astros may have something there. The system has quite a dearth of middle infielders and they are hoping Mier can reverse that. Their problem isn't the Top 5. It's the guys after that.

Life On The Farm - New Feature

This will be the beginning of a new feature that I hope to have for you daily.

Chart Observations: 9/23 SD @ COL

1) Jason Marquis: 98 pitches. FB, SL, CU, Cut, CB. 7 strikes swinging. 4 Sliders, 3 Cutters,

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

1st: FB (88-91)

2nd: FB (87-91), SL (83-85), Cut (87-88), CU (80) - 2 Cut (Cabrera - 2)

3rd: FB (88-89), CU (82)

4th: FB (89), SL (84), Cut (85), CU (82) - 2 SL (Hundley, Gwynn), Cut (Hundley)

5th: FB (88-92), SL (84-87), Cut (87-89), CU (81-82) - 2 SL (Eckstein, Hundley)

2) Tim Stauffer: 101 pitches. FB, SL, CB, CU. 6 strikes swinging. 3 Fastballs, 2 Cutters, Curveball.

• Stauffer came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with good run in on righties and some sink, a cutter with good cut and some sink, a 12-6 curve with slightly above average depth and a circle change with some fade from lefties and some sink that he will throw to righties and in 3-1 counts.

1st: FB (87-91), Cut (84-86), CB (75-76), CU (80) - FB (Hawpe), Cut (Hawpe)

2nd: FB (88-93), Cut (85-88), CB (77-79), CU (79) - CB (Smith)

3rd: FB (90-92), Cut (86-87), CB (75-78)

4th: FB (91-92), Cut (85-87), CB (75) - FB (Hawpe), Cut (Hawpe)

5th: FB (88-91), Cut (83-85), CB (73-76), CU (78) - FB (Barmes)

3) Matt Herges: 16 pitches. FB, CU, CB. 2 strikes swinging. 2 Changeups.

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

5th: FB (88-89), CU (80), CB (75) - 2 CU (Hundley, Stauffer)

4) Ryan Webb: 27 pitches. FB, SL, CU. 0 strikes swinging.

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

5th: FB (94-95), SL (86-89)

6th: FB (94-96), SL (86-89), CU (84)

5) Jhoulys Chacin: 12 pitches. FB, CU, CB. 1 strike swinging. Fastball.

• Chacin came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with good cutting action and good sink, a 12-6 curve with average depth and a change with good fade from lefties and good sink that he will throw to righties.

6th: FB (91-92), CU (83-87), CB (80-81) - FB (A. Gonzalez)

6) Joel Peralta: 18 pitches. FB, Split, CB, SL. 2 strikes swinging. 2 Curveballs.

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

7th: FB (90-91), Split (80-83), CB (76-78) - 2 CB (Salazar, Headley)

7) Joe Thatcher: 14 pitches. FB, SL, CU. 2 strikes swinging. Fastball, Slider.

• Thatcher came from a sidearm release and showed a fastball that has some cut action and a 9-4 slider with good bite.

6th: FB (86-88), SL (76-77) - FB (Smith), SL (Smith)

7th: FB (87-88), SL (77-78)

8) Mike Adams: 30 pitches. FB, CU, CB, Cut. 4 strikes swinging. 2 Fastballs, 2 Cutters.

• Adams came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties and some sink, a 1-7 curve with average depth that he calls a slurve, a cutter with good cut and a change with good fade from lefties and some sink.

7th: FB (93-94), CB (79), Cut (88-89) - FB (Hawpe)

8th: FB (88-93), CB (78), Cut (86-89), CU (84) - FB (Spilborghs), 2 Cut (Stewart - 2)

9) Randy Flores: 16 pitches. FB, SL, CB. 1 strike swinging. Curveball.

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

8th: FB (89-90), SL (80-83), CB (72-76) - CB (Cabrera)

10) Matt Daley: 2 pitches. FB, CB, CU. 0 strikes swinging.

• Daley came from a sidearm release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties and some sink.

8th: FB (87-89)

11) Joe Beimel: 8 pitches. FB, CB, CU. 2 strikes swinging. Fastball, Curveball.

• Beimel came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some tail in on righties, a sweeping 11-5 curve with average depth and a straight change with some sink. He will drop down and throw fastballs from a sidearm release.

9th: FB (84-90), CB (73-74), CU (79) - FB (Headley), CB (Venable)

12) Heath Bell: 17 pitches. FB, CB, CU. 0 strikes swinging.

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

9th: FB (92-95), CB (80-81)

Chart Observations: 9/23 MIN @ CHW

1) Mark Buehrle: 57 pitches. FB, Cut, CU, CB, SL. 4 strikes swinging. 3 Fastballs, Cutter.

• Buehrle came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some run in on lefties and good sink, a change with good fade from righties and good sink that he will throw 3-2, a cutter with good cut and some sink and a 11-5 curve with above average depth.

1st: FB (78-80), Cut (76), CU (73-74), CB (66) - Cut (Mauer)

2nd: FB (79-84), Cut (75-80), CU (76-77) - FB (Harris)

3rd: FB (80-85), Cut (81-83), CU (76-78), CB (71) - 2 FB (Gomez, Kubel)

4th: FB (83-84), Cut (80-83), CU (76)

2) Brian Duensing: 86 pitches. FB, SL, CU, CB. 2 strikes swinging. Fastball, Curveball.

• Duensing came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties and some sink, a 11-5 curve with above average depth, a change wtih some fade from righties and some sink that he will throw 3-1 and a 11-5 slider with good bite.

1st: FB (90-93), CB (70)

2nd: FB (90-93), SL (83-84), CU (84)

3rd: FB (89-93), CB (71-72), SL (82-83), CU (84) - FB (Beckham)

4th: FB (90-93), CB (71-74), SL (81-83), CU (84-85)

5th: FB (90-92), CB (72-74), SL (82), CU (84)

6th: FB (90-93), CB (72-73), SL (82-84), CU (84-85) - CB (Konerko)

3) Carlos Torres: 67 pitches. FB, Cut, CB, CU. 3 strikes swinging. 2 Cutters, Fastball.

• Torres came from an over the top release and showed a 2-7 cutter with above average cut and flashes some biting action that makes it look like a slider that he can add and subtract from, a sharp 12-6 curve with slightly above average depth, a fastball with a little cut to it

4th: Cut (84-92), FB (90-93), CB (79-81)

5th: Cut (86-90), FB (90-93), CB (80)

6th: Cut (85-87), FB (87-92), CB (78-80) - FB (Punto)

7th: Cut (83-88), FB (89-94) - 2 Cut (Cuddyer, Young)

4) Tony Pena: 20 pitches. FB, SL, CU. 2 strikes swinging. 2 Sliders.

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

7th: SL (88-89) - SL (Gomez)

8th: FB (93-95), SL (86-90), CU (83-85) - SL (Cuddyer)

5) Bob Keppel: 33 pitches. FB, SL, CB, CU. 2 strikes swinging. 2 Fastballs.

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

6th: FB (92-95)

7th: FB (91-95), SL (87), CB (81) - 2 FB (Beckham - 2)

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

6) Jesse Crain: 4 pitches. FB, SL, CB, CU. 0 strikes swinging.

• Crain came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with good run in on righties and some sink and a sharp 2-7 slider with above average bite.

8th: FB (93-95), SL (87)

7) Jose Mijares: 6 pitches. FB, SL, CU. 0 strikes swinging.

• Mijares came from a high 3/4 release and showed a straight 4-seam fastball and a sweeping 11-5 slider with good bite.

8th: FB (93), SL (81-82)

8) Matt Thornton: 14 pitches. FB, SL, CU, Cut. 1 strike swinging. Fastball.

• Thornton came from an over the top release and showed a straight 4-seam fastball and a 11-5 slider with good bite

9th: FB (94-98), SL (84) - FB (Young)

9) Joe Nathan: 21 pitches. FB, SL, CB, CU. 4 strikes swinging. 2 Fastballs, 2 Sliders.

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

9th: FB (92-94), SL (87-89), CB (81) - 2 FB (Pierzynski, Ramirez), 2 SL (Beckham, Ramirez)

Chart Observations: 9/22 CHC @ MIL

1) Dave Bush: 52 pitches. FB, CB, Cut, CU, SL. 3 strikes swinging. Cutter, Curveball, Slider.

• Bush is a 6-2, 205 pound righty. The 29 year old has a medium frame that can add a little more muscle, but is pretty much maxed out. He came from a 3/4 release with fairly clean mechanics. His fastball has good run in on righties and some sink. His curve is a big breaking 12-6 with above average depth. His change has some fade from lefties and some sink that he will throw to righties and in 3-2 counts. His slider is a 2-7 offering with some bite. His cutter has some cut. Solid # 5 starter, but that is about it.

1st: FB (87-89), CB (67-69), Cut (83), CU (81-82), SL (80-82) - Cut (Baker), CB (Baker), SL (Soto)

2nd: FB (87-89), CB (68-70), Cut (83-85), CU (79-82), SL (81)

2) Randy Wells: 89 pitches. FB, SL, CU. 8 strikes swinging. 6 Sliders, 2 Fastballs.

• Wells came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties and a little sink, a change with good fade from lefties and some sink that he will throw to righties and a 2-7 slider with average bite.

1st: FB (89-92), CU (84-85)

2nd: FB (89-92), CU (84-86), SL (84-87) - 3 SL (Cameron, C.Smith - 2)

3rd: FB (90-93), CU (84-86), SL (85-88) - SL (Fielder)

4th: FB (89-94), SL (85-87) - FB (Gamel), SL (Escobar)

5th: FB (89-93), CU (84-86), SL (86) - FB (Fielder), SL (Fielder)

6th: FB (90-91), SL (81-87)

3) Chris Smith: 42 pitches. FB, CU, SL, CB. 3 strikes swinging. Fastball, Slider, Changeup.

• Smith came from an over the top release and showed a 2-7 slider with good bite that he will throw 3-2, a fastball wtih some run in on righties, a change with good fade from lefties and good sink that he will throw to righties and a

2nd: FB (87-90), CU (73-75), SL (78-79) - SL (Ramirez)

3rd: FB (89-91), CU (75-76), SL (77-79) - CU (Colvin)

4th: FB (89-91), CU (74), SL (77-78) - FB (Theriot)

4) Mike Burns: 28 pitches. FB, SL, CB, Split. 2 strikes swinging. 2 Fastballs.

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

5th: FB (89-91), SL (79-82), CB (70) - 2 FB (Fox, Baker)

6th: FB (88-90), SL (81-82), CB (70-71), Split (80-81)

5) Todd Coffey: 15 pitches. FB, SL, Split. 5 strikes swinging. 4 Sliders, Fastball.

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

7th: FB (94-97), SL (84-87) - FB (Fox), 4 SL (Lee, Fox - 2, Baker)

6) Sean Marshall: 19 pitches. FB, SL, CB, Cut, CU. 0 strikes swinging.

• Marshall came from a high 3/4 release and showed a cutter with good cut, a big breaking 11-5 curve with above average depth, a fastball with a little tail in on righties and a 11-5 slider with good bite.

7th: FB (92-93), SL (85-87), CB (75-78), Cut (87-92)

7) Claudio Vargas: 15 pitches. FB, SL, CU. 0 strikes swinging.

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

8th: FB (92-93), SL (83-84)

9th: FB (91-92)

8) Esmailin Caridad: 16 pitches. FB, CB, CU. 0 strikes swinging.

• Caridad came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties and a 1-7 curve with slightly above average depth

8th: FB (94-97), CB (76-79)

9) John Axford: 5 pitches. FB, CB, SL, CU. 0 strikes swinging.

• Axford came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties and some sink and a 1-7 slider with above average bite.

9th: FB (94-95), SL (84-85)

10) John Grabow: 16 pitches. FB, CU, SL. 0 strikes swinging.

• Grabow came from a high 3/4 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 good bite.

9th: FB (91-94), CU (84), SL (85-86)

Tyler Colvin is a plus defender in center and can cover a lot of ground.

Chart Observations: 9/22 SD @ COL

1) Jorge De La Rosa: 63 pitches. (FB, CU, SL, CB). 6 strikes swinging. 4 Changeups, Curveball, Slider.

• De La Rosa came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some late run in on lefties, a 11-5 curve with above average depth, a change with some fade from righties and good sink that he will throw in 3-2 counts and a sharp 11-5 slider with solid bite.

1st: FB (91-97), CU (85-87), SL (89), CB (74-77) - 2 CU (Salazar, E. Gonzalez), CB (Cabrera)

2nd: FB (90-95), CU (86-87), SL (86), CB (78) - 2 CU (Cabrera - 2), SL (Gwynn)

3rd: FB (88-96), CU (85-87), SL (85)

2) Edward Mujica: 66 pitches. (FB, SL, Split). 6 strikes swinging. 4 Splitters, 2 Sliders.

• Mujica came from a high 3/4 release and showed a splitter with good dive, a fastball with some run in on righties and a 2-7 slider with solid bite.

1st: FB (89-93), SL (81-84), Split (82-88) - 2 Split (Tulowitzki - 2)

2nd: FB (91-93), Split (84-89) - 2 Split (De La Rosa, Smith)

3rd: FB (90-92), SL (81-82), Split (84-86) - 2 SL (Belisle - 2)

3) Matt Belisle: 33 pitches. (FB, SL, CB, CU). 3 strikes swinging. 2 Fastballs, Curveball.

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

3rd: FB (90-91), CU (85)

4th: FB (91-92), CB (77), SL (86)

5th: FB (91-94), CU (86), SL (86-89) - FB (Salazar)

6th: FB (91-95), CB (77-78), SL (87) - FB (E. Gonzalez), CB (Blanco)

4) Cesar Ramos: 39 pitches. (FB, CB, SL, CU). 3 strikes swinging. 2 Fastballs, Slider.

• Ramos is a 6-2, 205 pound lefty. The 25 year old has a medium frame that can add a little more muscle in his lower half, but is pretty close to maxed out. Strong, athletic build. He came from a high 3/4 release. His fastball has good run in on lefties and a little sink. His slider is a 11-5 offering with average bite. His curve is a 11-5 pitch with below average depth that is pretty flat. His change is straight and looks like a fastball out of his hand. 4-A guy, one without the stuff to be a starter or the dominant out pitch to be a reliever. Safer bet is a # 5 starter.

3rd: FB (90-91), SL (81-82), CB (72) - SL (Smith)

4th: FB (89-93), SL (83-84), CB (74), CU (83-84)

5th: FB (89-93), SL (84), CB (73) - 2 FB (Barmes, Smith)

5) Luis Perdomo: 38 pitches. (FB, SL, CU, CB). 2 strikes swinging. Fastball, Slider.

• Perdomo came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with good run in on righties with good sink that has good tilt, a 2-7 slider with okay bite and a straight change with a little sink.

6th: FB (93-95), SL (84-88), CU (89) - SL (Torrealba)

7th: FB (91-93), SL (87-89), CU (87) - FB (Barmes)

6) Randy Flores: 7 pitches. (FB, SL, CB). 0 strikes swinging.

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

6th: FB (88-90), SL (82-83)

7) Aaron Poreda: 27 pitches. (FB, SL, CU). 3 strikes swinging. 3 Fastballs.

• Poreda came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some cut and a 11-5 slider with some bite that he will throw 3-2.

7th: FB (89-93), SL (78) - FB (Fowler)

8th: FB (86-92), SL (74-78) - 2 FB (Hawpe - 2)

8) Huston Street: 8 pitches. (FB, SL, CU). 1 strike swinging. Slider.

• Street came from a 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 slider with good bite.

7th: FB (91-93), SL (83-85), CU (83) - SL (Eckstein)

9) Joe Beimel: 4 pitches. (FB, CB, CU). 0 strikes swinging.

• Beimel came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some run in on lefties and some sink and a sweeping 11-5 curve with below average depth.

7th: FB (85-88), CB (73)

10) Greg Burke: 18 pitches. (FB, SL, Split). 1 strike swinging. Slider.

• Burke came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with good run in on righties and good sink, a 2-7 slider with good bite and a split with some dive.

8th: FB (88-91), SL (81), Split (86) - SL (Torrealba)

11) Juan Rincon: 23 pitches. (FB, SL, CU). 1 strike swinging. Slider.

• Rincon came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties and some sink and a 2-7 slider with good bite

9th: FB (90-95), SL (85-88) - SL (Blanco)

12) Franklin Morales: 18 pitches. (FB, CB, CU). 0 strikes swinging.

• Morales came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some run in on lefties and a 11-5 curve with slightly above average depth.

9th: FB (93-95), CB (73-74)

13) Matt Daley: 10 pitches. (FB, CB, CU). 1 strike swinging. Slider.

• Daley came from a sidearm release and showed 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 and some sink.

8th: FB (87-90), SL (75-77), CU (81) - SL (Headley)