Life On The Farm: Washington Nationals (# 21)

Big league team being bad means the system can't be bad, right? RIGHT?

Graduated To Majors: Justin Maxwell (CF, # 11), Roger Bernadina (CF, # 18), Ian Desmond (SS, # 19), Alberto Gonzalez (SS, UR), Jordan Zimmerman (SP, # 1), Garrett Mock (SP, # 12), Shairon Martis (SP, # 13), Craig Stammen (SP, # 20), Marco Estrada (SP, # 21), Tyler Clippard (RP, UR), Ross Detwiler (SP, # 2), Mike Hinckley (RP, # 22)

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 - Chris Marrero: 1B
Hi A: .287-.360-.464, 414, 16-65, 42-97, 2-3
AA: .267-.345-.387, 75, 1-11, 8-18, 0-1
Quick Take: Worked his way to a promotion and showed he wasn't quite ready for AA for the end of this season.

4 - Michael Burgess: RF
Hi A: .235-.325-.410, 480, 19-71, 54-135, 12-8
Quick Take: The most disappointing season in their system. Likely a repeater of the level next season.

5 - Jack McGeary: LHP
SS: 13-13, 2-6, 4.24, 57.1-61-5-41-46
Lo A: 13-13, 0-6, 6.79, 55.2-58-4-45-44
Quick Take: Disaster, thy name is Jack McGeary's 2009 season.

6 - Derek Norris: C
Lo A: .286-.413-.513, 437, 23-84, 90-116, 6-3
Quick Take: The toast of the minors for awhile, can he still hit when every pitcher knows who he is?

7 - Destin Hood: LF
R: .330-.388-.614, 88, 3-24, 8-19, 3-0
SS: .246-.302-.333, 138, 2-24, 11-45, 2-1
Quick Take: Not a terrible season for a high school guy in his first full season. May start the year at Lo A next season.

8 - Adrian Nieto: C
R: .212-.327-.273, 132, 0-16, 20-30, 1-2
Quick Take: This, on the other hand, was a terrible season from a high school and will likely be back in either R or SS next season.

9 - J.P Ramirez: RF
SS: .264-.306-.407, 295, 4-39, 14-45, 6-9
Quick Take: Some struggles, but is another raw high schooler who at least got a lot of development at bats.

10 - Esmailyn Gonzalez (Now Carlos Alvarez): SS
R: .280-.423-.427, 232, 3-25, 49-30, 5-6
Quick Take: The center of an embarassing event that was one of many things that led to the removal of Jim Bowden, he actually put up solid numbers. Now, if only he was still 20 and not 23, there could have been something here...

AAA: Syracuse Chiefs (IL)
Breakout Hitter: Ian Desmond (# 19): .354-.428-.461, 178, 1-14, 20-32, 8-1
Disappointing Hitter: None (all these guys are AAA veterans, nothing unexpected)
Breakout Pitcher: J.D. Martin (UL): 16-15, 8-3, 2.66, 88-75-4-10-63
Disappointing Pitcher: Zechry Zinicola (UR): 26-0, 0-1, 7.56, 33.1-47-2-10-31
Quick Take: Desmond and Martin got their 1st looks of the bigs. The fact the Chiefs didn't have a disappointing hitter is a tough look at the organization, as that means no one of consequence was pretty much at AAA for a full season, meaning a dim future. Zinicola got a 2nd half promotion to AAA and fell on his face badly.

AA: Harrisburg Senators (EL)
Breakout Hitter: Ofilio Castro (UR): .296-.372-.395, 301, 4-36, 37-50, 0-4
Disappointing Hitter: Luke Montz (# 29): .182-.285-.323, 291, 9-35, 41-62
Breakout Pitcher: Drew Storen (UL): 10-0, 1-0, 0.00, 12.1-3-0-6-12
Disappointing Pitcher: Cory Van Allen (# 28): 31-16, 3-5, 5.07, 94-116, 13-31-69
Quick Take: Castro is a 26 year old 3B who finally had a solid season, so take that with a grain of salt. Storen, on the other hand, is a 2009 draftee who may do the impossible and beat Strasburg to Washington. Montz went from big league debut last season to struggling in AA while Van Allen battled balls hit hard in play all season.

Hi A: Potomac Nationals (CL)
Breakout Hitter: Chris Marrero (# 3): Line above.
Disappointing Hitter: Michael Burgess (# 4): Line above.
Breakout Pitcher: Brad Meyers (UR): 15-14, 6-2, 1.43, 88.1-71-1-21-65
Disappointing Pitcher: Colton Willems (# 26): 6-6, 1-4, 7.40, 20.2-27-3-7-12
Quick Take: Marrero propelled himself to AA, while Meyer's projectability finally came to fruition, as I saw him in Lo A last year and graded him as an organizational guy. Burgess struggled very, very badly while Willems has been a disappointment since entering pro ball as a 1st round pick.

Lo A: Hagerstown Suns (SAL)
Breakout Hitter: Derek Norris (# 6): Line above.
Disappointing Hitter: Stephen Englund (UR): .109-.182-.139, 101, 0-5, 9-48, 1-1
Breakout Pitcher: Marcos Frias (UR): 25-23, 9-5, 2.91, 126.2-124-6-30-112
Disappointing Pitcher: Jack McGeary (# 5): Line above.
Quick Take: Norris appears to be one of the better hitters in the minors while Frias took a big step forward and showed swing and miss stuff with good control. Englund's hitting earned him a chance at getting to pitch. McGeary is still young enough to reach his vast ceiling, but he needs to start showing some proof that he can do it.

TK's Early 2010 Top 10 Prospects
1) Stephen Strasburg: RHP
Seriously, do I need to explain myself?
2) Derek Norris: C
The Matt Wieters for that other team in the D.C. area?
3) Drew Storen: RHP
Could see him in the bigs next June if they don't convert him to starting.
4) Brad Meyers: RHP
You know, Josh Johnson of the Marlins used to be an 88 mile per hour fastball, all projectability guy too...
5) Chris Marrero: 1B
Dropped more due to the breakout season and influx of talent then his season.
6) Marcos Frias: RHP
Breakout season, can he follow up with this same level of performance?
7) Danny Espinosa: SS
Futures Game alum looks to keep building and improving.
8) Tom Milone: LHP
22 year old lefty out of USC went 12-5, 2.91 in 27 appearances (25 starts) with 36 walks and 106 strikeouts in 151.1 innings.
9) Michael Burgess: RF
Bounceback season anyone?
10) Destin Hood: LF
High schooler looks to continue to build on his debut.

Dropped From Top 10: McGeary (# 5), Nieto (# 8), Ramirez (# 9), Gonzalez/Alvarez (# 10)

Final Overview: Don't look now, but this system has some impact talent, though not much depth. Strasburg is said to be the greatest prospect ever, but names like Ben McDonald and Todd Van Poppel come to mind in that same vein with the Alex Rodriguez and the Josh Beckett of the awesome prospect list. If guys like Burgess and some of their other guys had strong seasons, they would be in much better shape. The loss of # 1 prospect Jordan Zimmermann to TJS after showing great potential in his rookie season is also a huge blow. This is likely now a middle of the pack farm system. But remember this about the Nats, they are one of the ultimate tools organization and love projectability, so a lot of their guys are going to be more tools then production and will ultimately have more higher ranked busts then others.

Life On The Farm: Minnesota Twins (# 22)

The system where baby pitchers come out of the womb throwing strikes.

Graduated To Majors: Matt Tolbert (2B, # 22), Jose Morales (C, UR), Anthony Swarzak (SP, # 6), Kevin Mulvey (SP, # 8, now with Diamondbacks), Jeff Manship (SP, # 11), Phillip Humber (SP, # 26), Armando Gabino (Swing, UR), Brian Duensing (SP, # 16), Jose Mijares (RP, # 4)

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 - Aaron Hicks: CF
Lo A: .251-.353-.382, 251, 4-29, 40-55, 10-8
Quick Take: Disappointing debut to full season ball for the 2008 1st round pick.

2 - Ben Revere: CF
Hi A: .311-.372-.369, 466, 2-48, 40-34, 45-17
Quick Take: Continues to just hit and run, will he ever have much power?

3 - Wilson Ramos: C
R: .316-.316-.947, 19, 3-6, 0-0, 0-0
AA: .317-.341-.454, 205, 4-29, 6-23, 0-0
Quick Take: Catcher looks to be ready to be on a crash for the roadblock of the century (aka Joe Mauer) by the end of next season.

5 - Danny Valencia: 3B
AA: .284-.373-.482, 218, 7-29, 31-40, 0-2
AAA: .290-.309-.457, 269, 7-41, 8-37, 0-2
Quick Take: Showed well in 1st exposure to AAA minus the plate discipline aspect.

7 - Shooter Hunt: SP
R: 7-5, 0-4, 7.80, 15-9-0-23-8
Lo A: 7-5, 0-1, 10.70, 17.2-15-1-33-18
Quick Take: "Refined" college starter has lost all semblance of control upon entry into pro ball.

9 - Carlos Gutierrez: SP
Hi A: 11-10, 2-3, 1.32, 54.2-37-1-22-33
AA: 22-6, 1-3, 6.19, 52.1-62-6-24-32
Quick Take: Trying to build up his innings to develop him as a starter, this former college reliever made some strides in getting to AA.

10 - Angel Morales: RF
Lo A: .266-.329-.455, 376, 13-62, 30-104, 19-6
Quick Take: Toolsy player shows plently of tools and also a lot of rawness.

AAA: Rochester Red Wings (IL)
Breakout Hitter: Jose Morales (UR): .336-.413-.436, 211, 2-26, 28-27, 1-3
Disappointing Hitter: Drew Butera (UR): .211-.268-.292. 298, 2-25, 22-49, 0-1
Breakout Pitcher: Armando Gabino (UR): 38-7, 6-4, 2.94, 98-80-7-24-64
Disappointing Pitcher: Tim Lahey (UR): 41-0, 2-3, 5.72, 56.2-70-6-21-44
Quick Take: Morales and Gabino worked their ways to the big leagues this season. Butera was the emergency option in case of an injury to Mauer, but quickly lost his job to Morales while Lahey had a hugely disappointing season for a reliever in the weaker of the 2 AAA leagues.

AA: New Britain Rock Cats (EL)
Breakout Hitter: Wilson Ramos (# 3): Line above.
Disappointing Hitter: Matt Moses (UL): .224-.274-.353, 252, 7-43, 18-52, 4-5
Breakout Pitcher: Jeff Manship (# 11): 13-13, 6-4, 4.28, 75.2-72-2-20-45
Disappointing Pitcher: Deolis Guerra (# 20): 12-11, 6-3, 5.17, 62.2-62-4-17-49
Quick Take: Ramos has put himself on the fast track to Minnesota. Manship propelled himself from AA to making starts in a pennant race. Moses was a former 1st round pick who is dangerously close to getting release. Guerra has been a huge disappointment since coming over from the Mets in the Santana deal, but is slowly putting together sigsn of putting it all together.

Hi A: Fort Myers Miracle (FSL)
Breakout Hitter: Ben Revere (# 2): Line above.
Disappointing Hitter: Deibinson Romero (# 21): .222-.308-.314, 424, 5-56, 51-103, 3-1
Breakout Pitcher: David Bromberg (# 19): 27-26, 13-4, 2.70, 153.1-125-6-63-148
Disappointing Pitcher: Henry Arias (UL): 44-1, 4-5, 5.19, 69.1-72-7-36-55
Quick Take: Revere wasn't really a "breakout", but he was the best of a weak crop of hitters. That weak crop was led by Romero, who suffered a real bad year and will need a bounceback year to remain in the team's plans. Bromberg broke through well, but is one of the rare Twins that is still trying to learn to harness his stuff. Arias is here because some one had to be, as Fort Myers had stellar pitching.

Lo A: Beloit Snappers (ML)
Breakout Hitter: Ramon Santana (UL): .296-.384-.453, 371, 9-60, 50-94, 8-9
Disappointing Hitter: Aaron Hicks (# 1): Line above.
Breakout Pitcher: Joe Testa (UL): 25-1, 0-2, 2.56, 45.2-26-1-23-63
Disappointing Pitcher: Shooter Hunt (# 7): Line above.
Quick Take: Santana came out of nowhere to put up a solid season and he was the best of another weak crop of hitters. Hicks strong pro debut last season led to increased expectations for his full season debut, which he failed to match. Testa got a midseason promotion to Hi A and pitched even better (22 games, 5-0, 1.22, 18 walks, 53 K's in 37 IP). Hunt is searching for his command.

TK's Early 2010 Top 10 Prospects:
1) Wilson Ramos: C
Ramos is the best of the bunch for the Twins, who plays a position with a heck of a roadblock (similar to Ryan Howard vs. Jim Thome back in the day)
2) Ben Revere: CF
Speedy CF looks to try and pass AA test.
3) Kyle Gibson: RHP
2009 1st rounder looks to show he should have been worth a Top 10 pick.
4) Aaron Hicks: CF
Still toolsy, will look to learn from his struggles.
5) David Bromberg: RHP
One of the few Twins prospects who played above their expectations, can he continue to do it?
6) Anthony Slama: RHP
Reliever looks major league ready (81 IP, 112 K's, 40 BB's at AA and AAA)
7) Danny Valencia: 3B
Will be contending for a job in spring training.
8) Carlos Gutierrez: RHP
Will he start or close?
9) Ryan Mullins: LHP
6-6 lefty posted a 4.03 ERA at AA with 36 walks against 133 strikeouts in 145 innings.
10) Tyler Robertson: LHP
Another tall lefty (6-5) who posted a 3.39 ERA at Hi A with 103 K's against 51 walks in 143 innings.

Dropped From Top 10: Hunt (# 7)

Final Overview: Wow, this system has been depleted. Known for their good pitching, more of the same is coming through the pipelines, led by 2009 draftee Gibson, a sure Top 10 pick until he developed arm problems and fell to the Twins at 22. The lack of impact bats is disturbing and the lack of bats period is really, really disturbing. They had better find a way to resign Mauer and Morneau b/c their replacements haven't yet entered the organization. Ramos projects to be a solid average or slightly above average catcher. This system has gotten worse and will likely be in the late 20's next year.

Chart Observations: 10/2 COL @ LAD

1) Randy Wolf: 91 pitches. FB, CB, SL, CU. 2 strikes swinging. 2 Fastballs.

• Wolf came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with a little run in on lefties, a sweeping 11-5 slider with good bite, a big breaking 12-6 curve with above average depth and a change with some fade from righties and a little sink that he will throw 3-2.

1st: FB (89-93), CB (67-69), SL (79-80), CU (79-81) - FB (Spilborghs)

2nd: FB (89-91), CB (66-67), SL (80-81)

3rd: FB (88-91), CB (66-67), SL (77-82), CU (78-79) - FB (Spilborghs)

4th: FB (86-89), CB (67-68), SL (80-81), CU (77)

5th: FB (87-90), CB (68), SL (82), CU (79)

2) Ubaldo Jimenez: 115 pitches. FB, SL, CU, CB. 14 strikes swinging. 5 Changeups, 3 Fastballs, 3 Curveballs, 3 Sliders.

• Jimenez 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 changeup thrown with a splitter grip that has slightly above average diving action that he will throw in 2-0 and 3-2 counts and a hard 2-7 slider with good bite.

1st: FB (93-100), CB (80)

2nd: FB (97-100), SL (88-92), CU (89-90)

3rd: FB (93-100), SL (88-91), CU (88-90), CB (81) - 2 FB (Hudson, Kemp), 2 SL (Ethier, Kemp), CU (Ethier), CB (Ramirez)

4th: FB (94-98), SL (87-89), CU (86-88), CB (80-81) - 3 CU (Loney, Hudson - 2), CB (Hudson), FB (Blake)

5th: FB (95-97), SL (87-89), CU (86-89), CB (77) - SL (Pierre), CU (Ramirez)

6th: FB (96-99), SL (84-89), CU (86-89), CB (76-79) - CB (Blake)

3) Ramon Troncoso: 20 pitches. FB, CB, CU.

• Troncoso came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with good run in on righties and some sink and a sharp 12-6 curve with average depth.

6th: FB (92-94), CB (78-80)

4) Scott Elbert: 2 pitches. FB, SL, CU. 0 strikes swinging.

• Elbert is a 6-1, 215 pound lefty. The 24 year old has a medium frame that is maxed out. He came from a high 3/4 release with a classic drop and drive delivery. His fastball is a straight 4-seam. His slider moves more like a cutter and has some bite. Strong arm, but needs to refine his command.

7th: FB (95), SL (91)

5) Ronald Belisario: 17 pitches. FB, SL, CU. 2 strikes swinging. 2 Fastballs.

• Belisario came from a 3/4 release and showed a hard sinker with good run in on righties and some sink and a 3-8 slider with some bite.

7th: FB (95-97), SL (86-91) - 2 FB (Atkins, Spilborghs)

6) Matt Daley: 28 pitches. FB, CB, CU. 0 strikes swinging.

• Daley came from a sidearm 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 good sink and some fade from lefties.

7th: FB (89-91), SL (76-80), CU (81-82)

7) Joe Beimel: 2 pitches. FB, CB, CU. 0 strikes swinging.

• Beimel came from a high 3/4 release and showed a pretty straight 4-seam fastball and a flat 2-7 curve with average depth.

7th: FB (88), CB (74)

8) Rafael Betancourt: 18 pitches. FB, SL, CU. 4 strikes swinging. 4 Fastballs.

• Betancourt came from an over the top release and showed a straight 4-seam fastball and a 1-7 slider with good bite.

7th: FB (93-94), SL (81-83) - 2 FB (Ramirez, Kemp)

8th: FB (92-93), SL (83) - 2 FB (Blake - 2)

9) George Sherrill: 14 pitches. FB, SL, CU. 1 strike swinging. Slider.

• Sherrill 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 and some sink.

8th: FB (88-91), SL (74-76) - SL (McCoy)

10) Huston Street: 17 pitches. FB, SL, CU. 1 strike swinging. Changeup

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

8th: SL (83)

9th: FB (91-93), SL (83-85), CU (83)

11) Jonathan Broxton: 17 pitches. FB, SL, CU. 3 strikes swinging. 3 Fastballs.

• Broxton came from an over the top release and showed a straight fastball and a hard 2-7 slider with good bite.

9th: FB (97-100), SL (91) - 3 FB (Tulowitzki - 2, Stewart)

Chart Observations: 10/3 SF @ SD

1) Barry Zito: 85 pitches. FB, SL, CB, CU. 8 strikes swinging. 5 Sliders, 2 Curveballs, Changeup.

• Zito is a 6-4, 215 pound lefty. The 31 year old has a big frame that is still skinny and can still add weight if he so desires. He came from a high 3/4 release with his typical mechanics and they are pretty clean. His fastball has a little run in on lefties and some sink. His slider is a 11-5 offering with okay bite. His change has good fade from righties and above average sink. His curve is a big breaking 11-5 with above average depth, but isn't as good as it used to be, though it shows flashes of that old curveball. Left the game after taking an Adrian Gonzalez liner off his throwing arm. Solid # 4 starter.

1st: FB (86-89), SL (80), CB (73-75), CU (73-76) - SL (Venable)

2nd: FB (85-88), CB (71-74), CU (72) - CB (Blanco), CU (Correia)

3rd: FB (85-87), SL (80-81), CB (71-73), CU (76) - SL (A. Gonzalez)

4th: FB (86-87), SL (77-80), CB (72-74) - SL (Venable)

5th: FB (86-88), SL (78-81), CB (74-75), CU (75-76) - SL (Cabrera), CB (Blanco)

6th: FB (86-88), SL (78-81), CB (74-75) - SL (Gonzalez)

2) Kevin Correia: 92 pitches. FB, SL, CB, CU, Cut. 4 strikes swinging. 3 Fastballs, Curveball.

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

1st: FB (91-94), SL (86-87), CB (77)

2nd: FB (91-93), SL (85-87), CB (77-78), Cut (88-89) - FB (Rowand)

3rd: FB (89-93), SL (87), CB (76-79), Cut (86-89) - CB (Torres)

4th: FB (91-93), SL (85-87), CB (76-77), Cut (90) - FB (Uribe)

5th: FB (90-92), SL (86), CB (76-77), Cut (87)

6th: FB (91-92), SL (85-88), CB (76-77) - FB (Velez)

7th: FB (90-93), SL (85-86), CB (75), Cut (89), CU (85)

3) Brandon Medders: 5 pitches. Cut, CB, FB, SL, CU. 0 strikes swinging.

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

6th: Cut (90), FB (90), CB (69-70)

4) Ryan Webb: 23 pitches. FB, SL, CU. 2 strikes swinging. 2 Sliders.

• Webb came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with good run in on righties and a little sink and a 1-7 slider with some bite. He has a pretty violent head jerk.

7th: FB (95-98), SL (85-89) - 2 SL (Lewis, Sandoval)

5) Daniel Runzler: 26 pitches. FB, SL, CB, CU. 4 strikes swinging. 2 Fastballs, 2 Sliders.

• Runzler is a 6-4, 230 pound lefty. The 24 year old has a big frame that is maxed out with a strong lower half. Big, strong kid. He came from a 3/4 release working predominately from the stretch. He brings the ball back in his arm action similar to that of Brad Kilby, but doesn't look too bad. High effort delivery. His fastball has a little late run in on lefties. His slider is a sharp 11-5 with good bite. He has back of the bullpen potential and was impressive despite allowing a home run to Blanco (the first run he allowed in his career, I believe about 10 innings).

7th: FB (94-97), SL (82-85) - 2 FB (Venable, Blanco), 2 SL (Venable, E. Gonzalez)

6) Aaron Poreda: 6 pitches. FB, SL, CU. 0 strikes swinging.

• Poreda came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with good sink and some run in on lefties.

8th: FB (93-95)

7) Sergio Romo: 10 pitches. FB, SL, CU. 1 strike swinging. Slider.

• Romo came from a 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties, a sweeping 2-7 slider with good bite and a change with some fade from lefties and good sink. Appeared to injury his ankle during warmups and tried to pitch through it. Could have, but the Giants played it safe and pulled him.

8th: FB (89-91), SL (77-79), CU (83) - SL (A. Gonzalez)

8) Jeremy Affeldt: 11 pitches. FB, CB, CU. 3 strikes swinging. 2 Curveballs, Fastball.

• Affeldt came from a high 3/4 release and showed a pretty straight 4-seamer and a sweeping 11-5 curve with average depth.

8th: FB (93)

9th: FB (93-95), CB (78-81) - 2 CB (Venable, Blanco), FB (Blanco)

9) Ernesto Frieri: 13 pitches. FB, CB. 1 strike swinging. Fastball.

• Frieri is a 6-2, 200 pound righty. The 24 year old has a medium frame that appears to be able to add a little more muscle to about 210. Athletic build that can get a little bigger in the lower half. He came from an over the top release working predominately from the stretch. He has a cocking arm action at the bottom of his arm circle where he straightens his arm out and re-accelerates through to pitch. He also has a fairly violent head jerk. His fastball is a straight 4-seam. His curve is a sweeping 1-7 with average depth. He should be a solid middle reliever with the chance to grow into a set-up man if he refines his command. His command is average right now, but a lot of his strikes in this game were down the middle as opposed to on the corners.

9th: FB (94-95), CB (78-79) - FB (Torres)

• Buster Posey is a 6-1, 205 pound righty. The 22 year old righty hitter/thrower has a medium frame that can add a little more muscle, but is close to maxed out. He has a slightly open, crouched stance with his hands held in a generic position just behind his head with a little bat wiggle. Similar stance to Michael Young, but a little more crouched. His trigger is a leg kick and a cocking of the bat that has a lot of action to it, that I think will leave him a little more prone to slumps. His actions are good behind the plate, but he doesn't cover his throwing hand, leaving it exposed to possible foul tips and other things catchers need to worry about. Athletic behind the plate and is quick to get out of his crouch for little squibbers in front of the plate. Appears to be an average or slightly above average arm.

Rest of Pirates Extras (Plus Edwin Moreno)

1) Craig Hansen: FB, SL, CU.
4/7: 37 pitches. 3 strikes swinging. 3 Sliders.

• Hansen is a 6-6, 225 pound righty. The 25 year old has a big frame that can add a little more muscle everywhere. He came from a 3/4 release working predominately from the stretch. His mechanics were pretty clean. His fastball has some cutting action in on righties. His slider is a sweeping 2-7 with good bite. Solid reliever who can battle his command. If he refines his command, he should be a solid middle guy.

7th: FB (92-94), SL (82-85) - 2 SL (Thurston - 2)

8th: FB (90-92), SL (81-84) - SL (Ankiel)

2) Tyler Yates: FB, SL, CU.

4/24: 6 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Yates is a 6-4, 250 pound righty. The 32 year old has a big frame that appears to be maxed out. He came from a high 3/4 release working predominately from the stretch with fairly clean mechanics. High effort delivery. His fastball has some run in on righties and a little sink. His slider is a hard 2-7 with solid bite. Solid middle guy if he recovers from his injury.

8th: FB (95-96), SL (90)

3) Edwin Moreno: FB, CU, SL, Cut.

4/24: 23 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Moreno is a 6-1, 220 pound righty. The 29 year old has a medium frame that appears to be maxed out. He came from an over the top release with pretty clean mechanics, though he has a head jerk. His fastball has some run in on righties and a little sink. His change has good fade from lefties and some sink. His slider has a hint of 2-7 bite. Has a shot to be an okay middle reliever.

10th: FB (90-92), CU (83-84), SL (83-84)

11th: Technical Difficulties.

Chart Observations: 10/1: PHI @ HOU (First 8)

1) Cliff Lee: 89 pitches. FB, CU, Cut, CB, SL. 6 strikes swinging. 2 Fastballs, Slider, Cutter, Curveball, Changeup.

• Lee came from an over the top release and showed a straight 4-seam fastball, a 12-6 curve with above average depth, a straight change with some sink, a 11-5 slider with good bite and a cutter with good cut.

1st: FB (91-92), CU (84), Cut (86-87), CB (75-76)

2nd: FB (90-92), CU (84), Cut (86), CB (76), SL (79) - FB (Paulino), SL (Bourn)

3rd: FB (91), Cut (84), CB (74)

4th: FB (89-92), CU (83), Cut (83-86), CB (73-76)

5th: FB (91-93), Cut (86), CB (77) - FB (Paulino), Cut (Quintero), CB (Bourn)

6th: FB (89-93), CU (83-85), Cut (84-86), CB (74-75), CU (78) - CU (Pence)

2) Felipe Paulino: 110 pitches. FB, SL, CU, CB. 13 strikes swinging. 10 Sliders, 3 Curveballs, Fastball.

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

1st: FB (92-95), SL (85-87), CB (75-76) - CB (Howard)

2nd: FB (94-95), SL (86-88), CB (74-77) - 4 SL (Feliz - 3, Lee)

3rd: FB (93-96), SL (85-88), CB (75-79) - 2 SL (Francisco, Bruntlett), FB (Ibanez), CB (Cordero)

4th: FB (93-95), SL (87), CB (76)

5th: FB (92-96), SL (84-89), CB (75-76) - 4 SL (Francisco, Bruntlett - 2, Howard), CB (Howard)

3) Clay Condrey: 3 pitches. FB, SL, Cut, CU. 0 strikes swinging.

• Condrey 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.

6th: FB (89), SL (84-85)

4) Jeff Fulchino: 20 pitches. FB, SL, Split. 3 strikes swinging. 2 Splitters, Slider.

• Fulchino came from an over the top release and showed a 2-7 slider with solid bite, a straight 4-seam fastball and a splitter with good dive.

6th: FB (92-94), SL (80-86), Split (83-85) - 2 Split (Dobbs - 2), SL (Feliz)

5) Brett Myers: 18 pitches. FB, CB, SL, CU, Split. 2 strikes swinging. Curveball, Slider.

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

7th: FB (90-92), CB (78-80), SL (85-87), Split (85) - CB (Berkman), SL (Pence)

6) Wesley Wright: 26 pitches. FB, SL, CB, CU. 2 strikes swinging. Fastball, Curveball.

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

7th: FB (89-92), SL (82-85), CB (78-81), CU (85) - FB (Howard), CB (Rollins)

7) Tyler Walker: 8 pitches. FB, SL, CU. 2 strikes swinging. 2 Sliders.

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

8th: FB (89-92), SL (82-83) - 2 SL (Michaels - 2)

8) LaTroy Hawkins: 21 pitches. FB, SL, CB, CU. 3 strikes swinging. 2 Fastballs, Slider.

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

8th: FB (93-96), SL (89), CB (78) - 2 FB (Bako - 2), SL (Bruntlett)

9) Sergio Escalona: 7 pitches. FB, CB, CU, SL. 0 strikes swinging.

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

9th: FB (90-91), CB (78-80), Cut (86)

10) Jose Valverde: 20 pitches. FB, Split, SL. 0 strikes swinging.

• Valverde came from a high 3/4 release and showed a splitter with good dive, a fastball with some run in on righties.

9th: FB (93-95), Split (81-85)

Chart Observations: 9/30: TOR @ BOS

1) Tim Wakefield: 76 pitches. KNU, FB, CB. 7 strikes swinging. 6 Knuckleballs, Fastball.

• Wakefield came from an over the top release and showed a dancing knuckleball that he could control, a fastball with some run in on righties and some sink and a 1-7 curve with above average depth

1st: KNU (64-65), FB (72) - KNU (Overbay)

2nd: KNU (63-66), FB (70-71), CB (57-60) - KNU (Millar)

3rd: KNU (61-65), FB (70-72), CB (58) - 4 KNU (Barajas, Ruiz, Snider, Bautista), FB (Bautista)

2) Roy Halladay: 100 pitches. Cut, FB, CB, CU. 7 strikes swinging. 4 Curveballs, 3 Cutters.

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

1st: Cut (88-92), CB (78), CU (85) - Cut (Reddick), CB (Reddick)

2nd: FB (92-93), Cut (91), CB (78-79)

3rd: FB (91-93), Cut (89-92), CB (77-78) - Cut (Lowrie)

4th: FB (92-93), Cut (90-92), CB (75-78), CU (86) - CB (Ortiz)

5th: FB (91-92), Cut (90-91), CB (76)

6th: Cut (90-91), CB (77), CU (85) - Cut (Woodward)

7th: FB (92), Cut (90-91), CB (77-79), CU (83) - 2 CB (Ortiz, Kottaras)

8th: Cut (89-91), CB (78), CU (84)

9th: FB (91-93), Cut (90-91), CB (78-79), CU (84-87)

3) Fernando Cabrera: 28 pitches. FB, SL, CU, Split. 2 strikes swinging. 2 Sliders.

• Cabrera came from a high 3/4 release and showed a sweeping 2-7 slider with above average bite, a straight 4-seam fastball and a change with good diving action.

4th: FB (89-92), SL (81-82), CU (85) - SL (Barajas)

5th: FB (86-91), SL (79-81), CU (85) - SL (Ruiz)

4) Dustin Richardson: 18 pitches. FB, CB, CU. 0 strikes swinging,

• Richardson is a 6-6, 220 pound lefty. The 25 year old has a big frame that can add a little more muscle, but is close to maxed out. He came from an over the top release with some interesting mechanics that are definitely max effort. He has a very exaggerated opening of his shoulder and it looks like his arm is playing catch-up. He lands hard on his front leg and puts all his body weight on this landing leg, likely something that may end up causing injury to that leg. Also has a fairly violent head jerk. His fastball is a pretty straight 4-seam. His change has good fade from righties. His curve is a good looking 11-5 with good late break and slightly above average depth. Should be a solid lefty reliever for a long time, or at least as long that he is healthy.

5th: FB (91-93), CB (76), CU (80-82)

5) Manny Delcarmen: 19 pitches. FB, CB, CU. 1 strike swinging. Curveball.

• Delcarmen came from an over the top release and showed a 1-7 curve with slightly above average depth, a fastball with a little run in on righties and a change with some fade from lefties and a little sink. Stuff has taken a step back since the beginning of the season.

6th: FB (90-93), CB (73-75), CU (80) - CB (Ruiz)

7) Hunter Jones: 23 pitches. FB, SL, CU. 3 strikes swinging. 2 Sliders, Fastball.

• Jones came from an over the top release and showed a sweeping 11-5 slurve that was sharp with slightly below average depth and a straight 4-seam fastball that flashes a little cutter action.

7th: FB (86-89), SL (76-79) - FB (Wells), 2 SL (Wells - 2)

8) Hideki Okajima: 15 pitches. FB, CB, Split. 0 strikes swinging.

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

8th: FB (85-89), CB (76-77), Split (81-83)

Chart Observations: 9/30: HOU @ PHI

1) Pedro Martinez: 84 pitches. FB, CU, Cut, CB. 7 strikes swinging. 3 Curveballs, 2 Fastballs, 2 Changeups.

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

1st: FB (85-92), CU (77-79), Cut (80-83), CB (71) - 2 FB (Blum, Pence), CU (Pence)

2nd: FB (83-90), CU (75-78), Cut (80-84), CB (70-73) - 2 CB (Tejada, Berkman), CU (Bourn)

3rd: FB (84-88), CU (77), Cut (79-83), CB (69-75) - CB (Pence)

4th: FB (85-89), CU (79), Cut (77-79), CB (70)

2) Brian Moehler: 73 pitches. FB, Cut, CB, CU, SL. 2 strikes swinging. Changeup, Curveball.

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

1st: FB (87-89), CU (81) - CU (Utley)

2nd: FB (86-89), Cut (85-86), CB (78-79)

3rd: FB (87-89), CU (80), SL (81-82)

4th: FB (87-89), CU (79-81), Cut (85), CB (78-79), SL (81-83) - CB (Victorino)

5th: FB (86-88), CU (78), CB (76-79)

3) Kyle Kendrick: 53 pitches. FB, CU, SL. 5 strikes swinging. 3 Fastballs, Cutter, Changeup.

• Kendrick came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with good run in on righties and good sink, a cutter with some cut and some sink and a change with some fade from lefties and some sink.

5th: FB (89-93), Cut (85-86), CU (87) - 2 FB (Berkman, Blum)

6th: FB (91-93), Cut (85-87), CU (82-85) - Cut (Johnson)

7th: FB (89-93), Cut (82-85), CU (86) - FB (Lee), CU (Blum)

4) Wesley Wright: 3 pitches. FB, SL, CB, CU. 0 strikes swinging.

• Wright 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 average depth.

5th: FB (89-90), CB (81)

5) Sam Gervacio: 12 pitches. FB, SL, CU. 2 strikes swinging. Fastball, Changeup.

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

6th: FB (88-91), SL (84-88), CU (82-86) - FB (Kendrick), CU (Kendrick)

6) Tim Byrdak: 21 pitches. FB, SL, CU, CB. 1 strike swinging. Changeup.

• Byrdak came from an over the top release and showed a straight 4-seam fastball, a 11-5 slider with good bite and a change with some fade from righties and a little sink.

7th: FB (87-92), SL (78-84), CU (81-83) - CU (Howard)

7) Chad Durbin: 17 pitches. FB, Cut, CU, CB, SL. 1 strike swinging. Fastball.

• Durbin came from a 3/4 release and showed a cutter with good cut and some sink, a fastball with some run in on righties and some sink and a 12-6 curve with average depth.

8th: FB (88-91), Cut (86-91), CB (74-75) - FB (Matsui)

8) Jose Valverde: 17 pitches. FB, Split, SL. 1 strike swinging. Fastball.

• Valverde came from a 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties and a little sink and a split with good dive.

8th: FB (94-96), Split (84-88) - FB (Tracy)

9) Scott Eyre: 6 pitches. FB, SL, CU. 0 strikes swinging.

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

9th: FB (88-91), SL (82)

10) Brad Lidge: 1 pitch. FB, SL, CU. 0 strikes swinging.

• Lidge came from an over the top release and showed a straight 4-seam fastball.

9th: FB (94)

Chart Observations: 9/30: STL @ CIN

1) Bronson Arroyo: FB, SL, CB, CU, Cut. 111 pitches. 10 strikes swinging. 3 Fastballs, 3 Frisbee Sliders, 3 Changeups, Curveball.

• Arroyo came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with good run in on righties and some sink, a change with good fade from lefties and some sink that he will throw to righties, a 12-6 curve with slightly above average depth, a cutter with some cut and a 3-8 frisbee slider with some bite.

1st: FB (87-90), FSL (75-78), CB (69-74), CU (81) - FB (Schumaker)

2nd: FB (86-88), FSL (68-76) - FB (Rasmus)

3rd: FB (86-90), FSL (72-74), CB (65), CU (74)

4th: FB (86-89), FSL (69-73), CU (76-83), Cut (88) - 2 FSL (Rasmus - 2), CU (DeRosa)

5th: FB (87-88), FSL (74-75), CB (67-70), CU (81-83) - FSL (Ludwick)

6th: FB (88-89), FSL (68), CB (69), CU (81-83) - FB (Thurston), CU (Thurston)

7th: FB (87-88), FSL (74), CB (69), CU (79-83) - CU (Pujols), CB (Holliday)

8th: FB (88-89), FSL (72-75), CU (80-83)

9th: FB (88), FSL (69-72), CU (77-84)

2) John Smoltz: FB, SL, Split, CB, CU. 87 pitches. 10 strikes swinging. 5 Curveballs, 5 Sliders.

• Smoltz came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with a little run in on righties, a 2-7 slider with good bite, a 12-6 curve with average depth, a change with some fade from lefties and some sink and a

1st: FB (91), SL (82-85), CB (74-75) - SL (Janish), CB (Votto)

2nd: FB (89-91), SL (81-87), CB (75-77), CU (85) - 4 SL (Bruce, Hanigan - 2, Janish), CB (Nix)

3rd: FB (89-91), SL (83-86), CB (74-76) - 3 CB (Nix - 2, Arroyo)

4th: FB (88-90), CB (76), CU (82)

3) Dennys Reyes: FB, SL, CU. 12 pitches. 2 strikes swinging. Fastball, Changeup.

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

5th: FB (88-89), SL (82-83), CU (84) - FB (Arroyo), CU (Arroyo)

4) Josh Kinney: FB, SL, CB. 18 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Kinney came from a 3/4 release and showed a fastball with good run in on righties and some sink, a sharp 2-7 slider with solid bite

6th: FB (90-91), SL (81-84)

7th: FB (88-90), SL (82)

5) Brad Thompson: FB, CB, CU. 17 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Thompson came from a 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties and some sink and a 12-6 curve with average depth.

8th: FB (85-87), CB (75-77)

6) Nick Masset: FB, CB, Cut, Split. 18 pitches. 3 strikes swinging. 2 Cutters, Fastball.

• Masset came from an over the top release and showed a splitter with some dive, a 12-6 curve with slightly above average depth, a cutter with some cut and a straight 4-seam fastball.

9th: FB (94), CB (79-82), Cut (89-90), Split (87-89) - 2 Cut (Pujols - 2), FB (Ludwick)

Drew Stubbs: Consistently under 4.0 to 1st from the right side. Plus speed.

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.