Life On The Farm: Toronto Blue Jays (# 19)

Sorry for the delays, but we should be back to a daily (or close to it) schedule from here on out...

Graduated To Majors: Travis Snider (OF, # 1), Robert Ray (SP, # 15), Scott Richmond (SP, # 20), Dirk Hayhurst (RP, UR), Brett Cecil (SP, # 3), Brad Mills (SP, # 7), Ricky Romero (SP, # 8), Marc Rzepczynski (SP, # 9).

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 - J.P. Arencibia: C
AAA: .236-.284-.444, 466, 21-75, 26-114, 0-1
Quick Take: His lack of plate discipline finally caught up to him in AAA. Can he get better pitch recognition and maintain his power?

4 - Justin Jackson: SS
Hi A: .213-.321-.269, 249, 0-17, 39-87, 17-4
Quick Take: Toolsy SS needs to start showing signs of puttig it together, hitting .240 at Lo A last year and then still receiving a promotion to High A, with expected results.

5 - David Cooper: 1B
AA: .258-.340-.389, 473, 10-66, 59-92, 0-0
Quick Take: Thought to have been a reach as a 1st rounder, he dispelled those notions with a strong debut only to bring them up again.

6 - Kevin Ahrens: 3B
Hi A: .215-.282-.302, 377, 4-36, 37-76, 1-1
Quick Take: Another accelereated promotion guy, he atleast had a little more reason then Jackson to get promoted (.259 at Lo A), but the results were the same.

10 - Brad Emaus: 2B
AA: .253-.336-.376, 505, 10-67, 59-69, 10-3
Quick Take: Another bad season for a guy the team loved. Boy, this keeps looking worse...

AAA: Las Vegas 51's (PCL)
Breakout Hitter: Randy Ruiz (UL): .320-.392-.584, 462, 25-106, 47-99, 0-0
Disappointing Hitter: J.P. Arencibia (# 2): Line above.
Breakout Pitcher: Brad Mills (# 7): 14-14, 2-8, 4.06, 84.1-83-6-35-72
Disappointing Pitcher: David Purcey (UL): 24-24, 9-6, 4.46, 139.1-132-7-78-109
Quick Take: Ruiz catapulted himself into a possible favorite to start next year. Mills received his 1st big league promotion. Arencibia failed to seize a catching job that the Jays really wanted him to take. Purcey was supposed to be a rock in their rotation and instead was just average in AAA.

AA: New Hampshire Fisher Cats (EL)
Breakout Hitter: Brian Dopirak (UL): .308-.374-.576, 328, 19-68, 35-75, 1-3
Disappointing Hitter: Brian Jeroloman (# 12): .217-.330-.316, 364, 6-32, 62-120, 1-0
Breakout Pitcher: Marc Rzepczynski (# 9): 14-14, 7-5, 2.93, 76.2-80-1-36-88
Disappointing Pitcher: Brandon Magee (UR): 12-10, 4-5, 5.16, 52.1-55-3-21-22
Quick Take: Dopirak had a huge season as he worked his way into a promotion to AAA. It wasn't enough that Arencibia struggled, but Jeroloman, their other top catcher, struggled to do much at AA. Rzepczynski took his sinker from the left side to Toronto while Magee really battled to do much of anything at New Hampshire.

Hi A: Dunedin Blue Jays (FSL)
Breakout Hitter: Eric Thames (UR): .313-.386-.487, 195, 3-38, 21-40, 1-1
Disappointing Hitter: Justin Jackson (# 4): Line above.
Breakout Pitcher: Tim Collins (# 30): 40-0, 7-4, 2.37, 64.2-47-2-28-99
Disappointing Pitcher: Alan Farina (# 14): 27-2, 1-3, 6.51, 37.1-47-4-24-34
Quick Take: Thames showed well in trying to get back on the map after tearing his quad at Pepperdine and falling to the 7th round in 2008 and this was his pro (and full season) debut. Jackson really battled, just like every other touted prospect. Collins is making people look past his diminuitive size (5-7, 155) and to look at his numbers. Farina really battled.

Lo A: Lansing Lugnuts (ML)
Breakout Hitter: Johermyn Chavez (UR): .283-.346-.473, 509, 21-88, 40-137, 10-6
Disappointing Hitter: Kenny Wilson (# 21): .212-.306-.305, 321, 4-27, 35-99, 37-12
Breakout Pitcher: Frank Gailey (UL): 44-0, 3-2, 1.93, 65.1-48-2-23-60
Disappointing Pitcher: Chad Beck (UR): 20-20, 6-8, 5.94, 110.2-135-10-29-85
Quick Take: Chavez showed the most tools and some rawness of most hitters in the system. Gailey was a solid reliever this past season. Wilson struggled to put his tools into production. Beck really struggled in his first full-season.

TK's Early 2010 Top 10 Prospects:
1) Luis Perez: LHP
Lefty starter struck out 112 in 162.1 innings at AA at the age of 24 and he is the best available of their remaining prospects.
2) Chad Jenkins: RHP
Pitcher from Kennesaw is lone 2009 signee of their 4 Top 100 picks.
3) J.P Arencibia: C
Will try to prove '09 was a fluke.
4) Eric Thames: LF
True sleeper looks to continue his rapid ascent through the system.
5) Justin Jackson: SS
Will try to prove '09 was a fluke.
6) Scott Campbell: 2B
Bat control 2Bmen hit .269-.373-.374 with 28 walks and 26 strikeout in 182 at bats and got a promotion to AAA...
7) Kevin Ahrens: 3B
Will try to prove '09 was a fluke.
8) Tyler Pastornicky: SS
Had a solid '09 season at 2 levels (.267-.330-.340, 57 stolen bases) at Lo and Hi A.
9) David Cooper: 1B
Will try to prove '09 was a fluke.
10) Brian Jeroloman: C
Will try to prove '09 was a fluke.

Dropped From Top 10: Emaus (# 10)

Final Overview: This couldn't have been a worse season for Toronto. Incredible. Ricciardi probably went in to ownership's office and was asked if the system was ready to provide something soon. And he couldn't answer them. This is a tough job that is tougher due to the lack of talent in the system. A late 20's system.

Padres Extras

1) Walter Silva: FB, SL, CB, CU.
4/8: 95 pitches. 7 strikes swinging. 4 Sliders, 2 Fastballs, Changeup.

• Silva is a 6-1, 190 pound righty. The 32 year old has a medium frame that appears to be maxed out. He has a thick lower half that is almost too thick. He came from an over the top release with clean, quiet mechanics. His fastball has some run in on righties and a little sink. His change is a straight change with not much movement in either way, though it does look like a fastball out of his hand. His curve is a big breaking 12-6 with average depth. His slider is a 2-7 offering with some bite. 4-A pitcher at best.

1st: FB (89-91), SL (82-85), CU (81-83), CB (77-78)

2nd: FB (89-91), SL (82-87), CU (81-82), CB (74-77) - FB (Billingsley), 2 SL (Kemp, Billingsley)

3rd: FB (88-91), SL (84), CU (80-81), CB (72-77) - SL (Martin), CU (Ramirez)

4th: FB (88-91), SL (82-86), CU (81), CB (73-76) - SL (Furcal)

5th: FB (88-89), SL (81-85), CU (79) - FB (Ramirez)

2) Eulogio De La Cruz: FB, SL, CU.
4/8: 14 pitches. 1 strike swinging. Changeup.

• Cruz is a 5-10, 215 pound righty. The 25 year old has a small frame that is maxed out with a thick, muscular lower half. He came from an over the top release in a max effort delivery that includes his shoulder flying open. His fastball is a straight 4-seamer. His change is a straight change with a little late fade from lefties and a little late sink that he will throw to righties and as his out pitch. Has a plus fastball, but it is so straight and he really needs to gain some command of it to have a chance to be a middle reliever.

9th: FB (92-96), CU (86) - CU (Martin)

3) Shawn Hill: FB, CU, SL, CB.
4/10: 69 pitches. FB (86-91), SL (75-77), CU (79-82), CB (74-79)

• Hill is a 6-2, 225 pound righty. The 28 year old has a medium frame that appears to be maxed out. He has a strong athletic build with a strongly built lower half. He came from a 3/4 release with a little cocking action in his arm. His motion is a little high effort, but shouldn't be too terrible. He breaks his hands a little high, adding some more stress to his shoulder. His fastball has good run in on righties and some sink. His slider is a sweeping 2-7 offering with good bite. His change has some fade from lefties and some sink that looks like a fastball out of his hand.

1st: FB (89-91), SL (78), CU (80-82) - FB (Renteria), CU (Lewis)

2nd: FB (86-90), SL (75-77), CU (80-82)

3rd: FB (87-90), SL (76), CU (80) - CU (Lewis)

4th: FB (88-89), SL (76-79), CU (79) - SL (Sandoval)

5th: FB (86-89), SL (74-77), CU (80) - FB (Schierholtz), CU (Schierholtz)

6th: FB (86-88), SL (75), CU (79-80)

4) Duaner Sanchez: FB, CU, SL, CB.
4/10: 15 pitches. 1 strikes swinging. Fastball.

• Sanchez is a 6-2, 210 pound righty. The 29 year old has a medium frame that is maxed out. He came from a high 3/4 release in a max effort delivery and showed a fastball with some run in on righties and some sink. His change has good fade from lefties and some sink. His curve is a 12-6 with slightly above average depth. Seems like he still has the stuff to be a solid middle reliever.

8th: FB (88-92), CU (78-81), CB (78) - FB (Sandoval)

5) Arturo Lopez: FB, SL, CU.
5/4: 11 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Lopez is a 5-10, 165 pound lefty. The 26 year old has a small frame that can add a little more muscle. Strongly built with a solid lower half. He came from a high 3/4 release in a max effort delivery with limbs flying everywhere. His fastball has some run in on lefties. His change has some fade from righties and a little sink. Has a chance to be a LOOGY, but needs to continue to develop his command.

9th: FB (90-91), CU (82)

DET @ MIN (Win To Get In)

What an incredible game. So topsy and turvy...


1) Scott Baker: FB, SL, CB, CU. 91 pitches. 6 strikes swinging. 4 Fastballs, 2 Sliders.

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

1st: FB (90-93), SL (84-86) - FB (Ordonez)

2nd: FB (91-93), SL (84-85), CU (84)

3rd: FB (91-94), SL (82-87), CB (80) - 2 FB (Guillen - 2), SL (Cabrera)

4th: FB (90-92), SL (84-86) - FB (Inge)

5th: FB (92-93), SL (82-86), CU (83-84), CB (80)

6th: FB (92), SL (85) - SL (Cabrera)

7th: FB (90-93), SL (86)

2) Rick Porcello: FB, SL, CU. 92 pitches. 12 strikes swinging. 10 Fastballs, Changeup, Slider.

• Porcello came from a high 3/4 release and showed a sinker with good run in on righties and good sink, a straight 4-seam fastball with a little extra giddy-up at the end, a 2-7 slider with slightly above average bite and a change with some fade from righties and some sink.

1st: FB (88-94), SL (80), CU (82)

2nd: FB (90-95), SL (80), CU (82) - 2 FB (Young, Morales), CU (Morales)

3rd: FB (88-95), SL (82), CU (81-83) - 2 FB (Punto, Kubel)

4th: FB (88-95), SL (85) - 5 FB (Cuddyer, Young, Morales - 3), SL (Cuddyer)

5th: FB (87-92), CU (79)

6th: FB (89-93), SL (85), CU (80) - FB (Mauer)

3) Zach Miner: FB, SL, CU, CB. 23 pitches. 2 strikes swinging. 2 Sliders.

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

6th: FB (92-93), SL (83), CU (80-81)

7th: FB (92-94), SL (83-85), CU (79-83) - 2 SL (Span - 2)

4) Jon Rauch: FB, CB, Cut, SL, CU. 4 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Rauch came from an over the top release and showed a cutter with good cut and some sink and a pretty straight 4-seam fastball that has a little run in on righties

7th: FB (90-91), Cut (85)

5) Jose Mijares: FB, SL, CU. 7 pitches. 1 strike swinging. Fastball.

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

7th: FB (90-93), SL (81) - FB (Granderson)

6) Matt Guerrier: FB, SL, CB, CU. 22 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Guerrier came from an over the top release and showed a fastball wtih good run in on righties and good sink, a sharp 11-5 curve with slightly above average depth and a 2-7 slider with above average bite.

7th: FB (91-93)

8th: FB (90-92), SL (85-86), CB (80)

7) Fu Te Ni: FB, SL, CU. 4 pitches. 1 strike swinging. Slider.

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

7th: FB (89), SL (75-76) - SL (Kubel)

8) Brandon Lyon: FB, Cut, CB, CU.

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

7th: Cut (87), CB (76) - CB (Cuddyer)

8th: FB (91-94), Cut (89) - 2 Cut (Tolbert - 2)

9th: FB (91-94), Cut (88-89), CB (77) - Cut (Punto)

9) Joe Nathan: FB, SL, CB, CU. 21 pitches. 3 strikes swinging. 3 Fastballs.

• Nathan came from an over the top release and showed a straight 4-fastball with a little cutting action, a sharp 2-7 slider with above average bite, a 2-seamer with good run in on righties and some sink and a sharp 12-6 curve with above average depth.

8th: FB (94-95), SL (87-89), CB (83) - FB (Laird)

9th: FB (92-95), SL (87) - 2 FB (Granderson, Polanco)

10) Fernando Rodney: FB, CU, SL. 40 pitches. 3 Changeups, Fastball.

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

9th: FB (94-95)

10th: FB (94-99), CU (84-85) - 2 CU (Tolbert, Harris)

11th: FB (94-96), CU (81-84)

12th: FB (94-95), CU (82-84) - FB (Gomez), CU (Cuddyer)

11) Jesse Crain: FB, SL, CB. 16 pitches. 4 strikes swinging. 2 Fastballs, 2 Sliders.

• Crain came from an over the top release and showed a sharp 2-7 slider with good bite and a straight 4-seam fastball

10th: FB (95-96), SL (87-91) - FB (Raburn), SL (Inge)

11th: FB (95), SL (90) - FB (Everett), SL (Everett)

12) Ron Mahay: FB, SL, CU. 4 pitches. 1 strike swinging. Slider.

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

11th: FB (91), SL (81-83)

13) Bob Keppel: FB, SL, CU, CB. 29 pitches. 3 strikes swinging. 2 Fastballs, Slider.

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

11th: FB (94-95), SL (87-89) - SL (Polanco)

12th: FB (92-96), SL (87-88) - 2 FB (Cabrera, Laird)

NYY @ TB

1) Wade Davis: 98 pitches. FB, CB, SL, CU. 7 strikes swinging. 5 Fastballs, Curveball, Changeup.

• Davis is a 6-5, 220 pound righty. The 24 year old righty has a big frame that can add a little more muscle to the lower body. He came from an over the top release with very clean and quiet mechanics. His fastball is a straight 4-seam. His cutter has some cut and some sink. His 2-seam that he will mix in has some run in on righties and a little sink. His change has some fade from lefties and a little sink that he can still fight the command of. He will throw it to righties. His curve is a 11-5 offering with average depth that can be a little slurvy. He will also mix in a big 12-6 breaker with above average depth as a get-me over pitch.

1st: FB (90-94), Cut (83-88), CB (79), CU (83)

2nd: FB (90-93), Cut (84), CB (73-78), CU (83-87) - CB (Molina)

3rd: FB (90-93), Cut (84), CB (74), CU (80) - 2 FB (Teixeira - 2)

4th: FB (88-93), CB (75-79), CU (81-85)

5th: FB (89-93), CB (77-79), CU (82-85) - 2 FB (Molina, Jeter), CU (Cabrera)

6th: FB (88-92), CB (77), CU (82) - FB (Teixeira)

2) A.J. Burnett: 84 pitches. FB, CB, CU.

• Burnett came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with good run in on righties and some sink, a sharp, power 12-6 curve with slightly above average depth and a change with good fade from lefties and some sink.

1st: FB (92-94), CB (80), CU (87)

2nd: FB (92-93), CB (81)

3rd: FB (92-95), CB (79-83) - CB (Zobrist)

4th: FB (91-94), CB (80-82), CU (86) - FB (Kapler), CB (Burrell)

5th: FB (92-95), CB (79-84) - CB (Aybar)

3) David Robertson: 14 pitches. FB, CB, CU. 0 strikes swinging.

• Robertson came from an over the top release and showed a straight 4-seam fastball and a sharp 12-6 curve with above average depth.

6th: FB (91-93), CB (80)

4) Andy Sonnanstine: 27 pitches. Cut, FB, SL, CB, CU.

• Sonnanstine came from an over the top release and showed a cutter with some cut, a 12-6 curve with slightly above average depth and a change with some fade from lefties and some sink.

6th: Cut (85-88), CB (74-76), CU (79)

5) Dale Thayer: 33 pitches. FB, SL, CU. 2 strikes swinging. 2 Fastballs.

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

7th: FB (91-93), SL (81-82) - 2 FB (Swisher, Cano)

8th: FB (90-93), SL (80-82)

6) Joba Chamberlain: 7 pitches. FB, SL, CB, CU.

• Chamberlain came from an over the top release and showed a straight 4-seam fastball and a sharp 2-7 slider with good bite.

7th: FB (92-96), SL (88) - FB (Perez), SL (Perez)

7) Phil Coke: 9 pitches. FB, SL, CU. 1 strike swinging. Fastball.

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

8th: FB (90-92), SL (79-80). FB (Riggans)

8) Phil Hughes: 7 pitches. FB, CB, Cut, CU.

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

8th: FB (93), CB (76)

9) Jeff Bennett: 7 pitches. FB, SL, CB, CU. 0 strikes swinging.

• Bennett 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 some bite.

9th: FB (90-92), SL (86)

10) Mariano Rivera: 11 pitches. Cut, FB. 0 strikes swinging.

• Rivera came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties and some sink and a cutter with above average cut.

9th: Cut (90-91), Cut (88-90)

Chart Observations: 10/4 FLA @ PHI

1) J.A. Happ: 39 pitches. FB, Cut, CU, CB.

• Happ came from an over the top release and showed a straight 4-seam fastball, a change with some fade from righties and some sink that he will throw to lefties that he will throw in 2-0 counts, a cutter with some cut and a 11-5 curve with slightly above average depth.

1st: FB (88-92), Cut (83-85), CU (79-82) - 2 FB (Coghlan, Carroll), CU (Paulino)

2nd: FB (89-93), Cut (85), CU (77-84), CB (80) - FB (Coghlan)

2) Josh Johnson: 85 pitches. FB, SL, CU. 4 strikes swinging. 2 Fastballs, 2 Sliders.

• Johnson 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 and a change with good fade from lefties and good sink that he will throw to rigthties.

1st: FB (90-96), SL (88), CU (89)

2nd: FB (92-97), SL (86-90), CU (88-89) - 2 SL (Stairs, Tracy)

3rd: FB (94-97), SL (88-89), CU (89) - FB (Kendrick)

4th: FB (93-97), SL (83-88), CU (88-89) - FB (Stairs)

5th: FB (92-95), SL (85), CU (87-88)

3) Kyle Kendrick: 48 pitches. FB, CU, SL. 3 strikes swinging. Fastball, Changeup, Cutter.

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

3rd: FB (90-92), CU (82-83), Cut (84-87) - FB (Maybin), CU (Maybin)

4th: FB (88-90), CU (84), Cut (84-85) - Cut (Uggla)

5th: FB (88-93), CU (82-86), Cut (83-87)

4) Clay Condrey: 7 pitches. FB, SL, Cut, CU. 0 strikes swinging.

• Condrey came from a high 3/4 release and showed a hard fastball with good run in on righties and some sink, a 1-7 slider with good bite and a cutter with some cut.

5th: FB (88-91), SL (83-85), Cut (86)

5) Tim Wood: 5 pitches. FB, SL, CU. 2 strikes swinging. 2 Changeups.

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

5th: FB (95), CU (90) - 2 CU (Werth - 2)

6) Brett Myers: 11 pitches. FB, CB, SL, CU, Split. 0 strikes swinging.

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

6th: FB (89-91), CB (77-80)

7) Sergio Escalona: 25 pitches. FB, CB, CU, Cut. 2 strikes swinging.

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

6th: FB (90-93), CB (78-80)

7th: FB (89-91), CU (84)

8) Burke Badenhop: 29 pitches. FB, SL, CU. 2 strikes swinging. 2 Sliders.

• Badenhop 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 righties and some sink and a sweeping 2-7 slider with good bite.

6th: FB (90), SL (78-83), CU (81-84) - SL (Francisco)

7th: FB (89-90), SL (79-81), CU (81-83) - SL (Bruntlett)

9) Jack Taschner: 12 pitches. FB, SL, CU. 1 strike swinging. Slider.

• Taschner 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 sweeping 9-4 slider with good bite.

8th: FB (89-91), SL (77-81), CU (82-83) - SL (Paulino)

10) Kiko Calero: 15 pitches. FB, SL, CU.

• Calero 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 and a hard 2-7 slider with above average bite.

8th: FB (83-88), SL (79-81), CU (80) - FB (Werth)

11) Scott Eyre: 18 pitches. FB, SL, CU. 0 strikes swinging.

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

9th: FB (88-91), SL (80-82), CU (79-82)

12) Renyel Pinto: 14 pitches. FB, SL, CU. 3 strikes swinging. 2 Fastballs, Slider.

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

9th: FB (92-95), SL (85), CU (84-85) - 2 FB (Tracy - 2), SL (Feliz)

13) Chad Durbin: 10 pitches. FB, Cut, CU, CB, SL. 0 strikes swinging.

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

10th: FB (90), Cut (86-88), CU (83), CB (76)

14) Dan Meyer: 20 pitches. FB, SL, CU, CB. 2 strikes swinging. Fastball, Cutter.

• Meyer came from an over the top release and shwoed a straight 4-seam fastball and a cutter with good cut.

10th: FB (90-93), Cut (86-90) - FB (Dobbs), Cut (Hoover)

Life On The Farm: Colorado Rockies (# 20)

Surprise playoff team. Improved system?

Graduated To Majors: Seth Smith (OF, # 8), Dexter Fowler (OF, # 1), Eric Young Jr. (2B, # 18), Jhoulys Chacin (SP, # 2), Esmil Rogers (SP, # 7), Juan Morillo (RP, # 23, now with Twins), Steven Register (RP, UR, now with Phillies)

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 - Christian Friedrich: LHP
Lo A: 8-8, 3-3, 2.18, 45.1-35-2-15-66
Hi A: 14-14, 3-2, 2.54, 74.1-59-3-28-93
Quick Take: Why hasn't he gotten more hype? All he did was strike out 159 in 119.2 innings with just 43 walks. AND he's a lefty.

4 - Wilin Rosario: C
Hi A: .266-.297-.404, 203, 4-33, 10-55, 2-1
Quick Take: Disappointing season, but was an aggressive promotion, as this was his full-season debut, skipping over Low A.

5 - Hector Gomez: SS
Hi A: .266-.302-.411, 338, 7-46, 15-68, 9-4
Quick Take: Lost last season to injury, so good to see him back and returning to develop.

6 - Casey Weathers: RHP
DNP
Quick Take: Missed season due to injury rehabbing from ligament transplant surgery in arm.

9 - Michael McKenry: C
AA: .279-.376-.455, 358, 12-50, 54-69, 2-2
Quick Take: Showed pretty well in all phases of the game, especially in regards to the slash stats.

10 - Charlie Blackmon: CF
Hi A: .307-.370-.433, 550, 7-69, 39-83, 29-13
Quick Take: Another who made his full season debut at High A as opposed to Low A, he showed very well but also showed some rawness that needs to be developed.

AAA: Colorado Springs Sky Sox (PCL)
Breakout Hitter: Carlos Gonzalez (UL): .339-.418-.630, 10-59, 22-32, 6-3
Disappointing Hitter: Jonathan Herrera (# 27): .268-.353-.339, 381, 2-33, 49-51, 16-5
Breakout Pitcher: Brandon Hynick (# 22): 26-26, 10-9, 3.83, 155-153-17-48-92
Disappointing Pitcher: Greg Smith (UL): 7-7, 1-2, 7.28, 29.2-34-5-11-15
Quick Take: Gonzalez propelled himself into a key role with the Rockies in their playoff push. Hynick didn't get to the bigs yet, but has shown himself as a capable replacement if injuries happen next season. Herrera was the worst performer on the offensive side of the ball for the Sky Sox. Smith went from average major league starter with Oakland to bad starter in AAA.

AA: Tulsa Drillers (TL)
Breakout Hitter: Cole Garner (UR): .288-.342-.492, 396, 16-64, 23-78, 13-5
Disappointing Hitter: Anthony Jackson (UR): .220-.301-.294, 422, 4-34, 44-58, 27-5
Breakout Pitcher: Sam Deduno (UR): 24-24, 12-4, 2.57, 133-94-3-72-123
Disappointing Pitcher: Keith Weiser (UR): 27-27, 9-15, 5.23, 156.2-195-23-29-97
Quick Take: Garner showed a solid all around offensive season, though his plate discipline needs to improve. Deduno shows electric stuff and occasional command, but put up a very strong season. Jackson had an all around disappointing season at a position (CF) of strength in the organization. Weiser is a lefty who struggled to pitch around the swings and misses he couldn't generate.

Hi A: Modesto Nuts (CL)
Breakout Hitter: Charlie Blackmon (#10): Line above.
Disappointing Hitter: Brian Rike (UR): .196-.271-.361, 368, 11-59, 34-147, 4-3
Breakout Pitcher: Christian Friedrich (# 3): Line above.
Disappointing Pitcher: Kenny Durst (UR): 28-28, 4-13, 5.25, 152.2-163-13-59-95
Quick Take: Blackmon and Friedrich were the Rockies 1st and 2nd round picks respectively in the 2008 draft and they have appeared to hit on both. Rike's season was a lost cause and he has a lot of improvements ot make. Durst is another lefty still trying to learn how to pitch to soft contact and not hard contact.

Lo A: Asheville Tourists (SAL)
Breakout Hitter: Mike Zuanich (UL): .362-.450-.616, 138, 7-34, 20-36, 1-1
Disappointing Hitter: Carlos Martinez (# 30): .197-.253-.244, 295, 0-19, 14-92, 12-6
Breakout Pitcher: Juan Nicasio (UL): 18-18, 9-3, 2.73, 112-111-6-23-115
Disappointing Pitcher: Robinson Fabian (UL): 24-12, 3-6, 6.24, 83.2-105-6-21-54
Quick Take: Zuanich was a 28th round pick in 2008 who got a midseason promotion here from SS after posting a .340-.476-.809 line in 47 at bats. Nicasio was a free agent signee from the Dominican who made his first appearance in full season ball and shined. Martinez struggled in every facet of the game while Fabian struggled to do much of anything on the mound.

TK's Early 2010 Top 10 Prospects
1) Tyler Matzek: LHP
Regarded as the top prep arm in the draft, the 11th overall pick will make his debut next season.
2) Christian Friedrich: LHP
Stud numbers and could be in Colorado for a cup of coffee next September.
3) Charlie Blackmon: CF
Toolsy OF will make the move to AA.
4) Michael McKenry: C
Talented catcher will make the move to AAA next season.
5) Rex Brothers: LHP
Supplement 1st rounder struck out 28 in 21 innings in pro debut split between SS and Low A.
6) Tim Wheeler: CF
Other first rounder struggled some in debut, but has the tools for future production.
7) Nolan Arenado: 3B
High Schooler 2nd round pick hit .300-.351-.404 at Rookie ball with 16 walks and 18 strikeouts in 203 at bats.
8) Wilin Rosario: C
Needs a little bit of a bounceback season and will likely repeat High A.
9) Darin Holcomb: 3B
Solid season (.271-.348-.411, 54 BB's vs. 50 K's) after being SAL MVP at Low A may repeat AA again after skipping High A.
10) Hector Gomez: SS
Year back from injury, will the true Gomez show himself?

Dropped From Top 10: Weathers (# 6)

Final Overview: This system is on the uptick and it is because of a renewed emphasis on the draft. The club spent big money to lure Matzek and then spent to land both Wheeler and Brothers, who were both projected to go higher then where they ended up. When supplemented with the breakout seasons of Friedrich and Blackmon, this system has some high impact talent moving through. While still lacking in depth, this system's strengths are in some of the toughest things to find, such as speedy CF's, left handed pitching and catching. I would say this is a slightly above average farm system overall, even with the defections and the loss of guys through trades to fortify the team for their current run.

SF @ SD

1) Cesar Ramos: FB, SL, CB, CU. 73 pitches. 9 strikes swinging. 3 Fastballs, 3 Curveballs, 2 Sliders, Changeup.

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

1st: FB (88-93), SL (84-85), CB (73), CU (82) - FB (Sandoval), CB (Garko), SL (Garko)

2nd: FB (90-92), SL (82-84), CB (72-75), CU (79) - 2 CB (Rowand, Whiteside)

3rd: FB (90-92), SL (82-84), CB (74-75), CU (80-84) - SL (Velez)

4th: FB (91-93), CB (72-73), CU (80-84) - FB (Sanchez), CU (Rohlinger)

5th: FB (89-91), SL (81), CB (72), CU (82-83) - FB (Torres)

2) Jonathan Sanchez: FB, SL, CU. 90 pitches. 9 strikes swinging. 3 Fastballs, 3 Sliders, 3 Changeups.

• Sanchez came from a 3/4 release and showed a fastball with good run in on lefties, a sweeping 11-5 slider with good bite and a change with good fade from righties with good sink that he will throw to lefties.

1st: FB (91-93), SL (81-83), CU (84) - SL (Eckstein), CU (Gonzalez)

2nd: FB (91-94), SL (76-84), CU (81-86) - 2 FB (Hundley - 2)

3rd: FB (91-93), SL (81)

4th: FB (91-94), SL (83-84), CU (87) - CU (Gonzalez)

5th: FB (91-92), SL (79-83), CU (83-86) - FB (Durango), CU (Salazar), SL (Hundley)

6th: FB (90-92), SL (79-85), CU (83-85) - SL (Gonzalez)

3) Adam Russell: FB, SL, CB, CU. 23 pitches. 5 strikes swinging. 4 Curveballs, Fastball.

• Russell came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties and some sink, a straight change with a little fade from lefties and a little sink, a 12-6 curve with average depth and a

5th: FB (93-96), CU (83)

6th: FB (93-96), CU (84), CB (81-85) - 4 CB (Ishikawa - 2, Rohlinger, Whiteside), FB (Rowand)

4) Brandon Medders: Cut, FB, CB, CU, SL. 14 pitches. 1 strike swinging. Slider.

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

6th: FB (88-91), Cut (90-91), CB (69-70), SL (81-83) - SL (Kouzmanoff)

5) Luke Gregerson: FB, SL, CU. 20 pitches. 8 strikes swinging. 7 Sliders, Fastball.

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

7th: FB (90-91), SL (82-84), CU (77) - 7 SL (Uribe - 2, Torres - 2 , Velez, Winn - 2), FB (Uribe)

6) Randy Johnson: FB, SL, Split. 12 pitches. 3 strikes swinging. 3 Sliders.

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

7th: FB (87-88), SL (81-84) - 3 SL (Hundley - 2, Gonzalez)

7) Mike Adams: FB, CU, Cut, CB. 3 strikes swinging. 2 Fastballs, Cutter.

• Adams came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties and some sink, a cutter with good cut, a slurvy 1-7 curve with average depth and a change with good diving action.

8th: FB (94-96), Cut (89-90), CU (87), CB (80) - 2 FB (Ishikawa, Bowker), Cut (Rohlinger)

8) Jeremy Affeldt: FB, CB, CU. 21 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Affeldt 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 above average depth and a newly released cutter with some cut.

8th: FB (92-93), CB (78), Cut (86)

9th: FB (91-94), CB (79)

9) Heath Bell: FB, CB, CU. 17 pitches. 1 strike swinging. Fastball.

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

9th: FB (90-94), CB (78-81) - FB (Whiteside)

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

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

10th: FB (94), SL (86-88)

11) Joe Thatcher: FB, SL, CU. 9 pitches. 3 strikes swinging. 2 Sliders, Fastball.

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

10th: FB (86-88), SL (75-76) - FB (Ishikawa), 2 SL (Ishikawa, Aurilia)

12) Brian Wilson: FB, Cut, SL, CU. 12 pitches. 1 strike swinging. Fastball.

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

10th: FB (94-99), Cut (90-93) - FB (Headley)

• Luis Durango (for frame and other data, refer to 2009 Futures Game World Roster). Slightly above average arm that appears to be accurate.

CHW @ DET

If I could have picked 1 game to score today, this would have been it.

1) Justin Verlander: FB, CB, CU, SL. 120 pitches. 7 strikes swinging. 5 Fastballs, Curveball, Changeup.

• Verlander came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties and some sink, a sharp 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

1st: FB (93-96), CB (79)

2nd: FB (93-98), CB (77-80)

3rd: FB (94-97), CB (79-83)

4th: FB (95-98), CB (79-81), CU (86-87) - 2 FB (Beckham, Quentin)

5th: FB (95-98), CB (80-82), CU (85-86) - CU (Dye)

6th: FB (94-97), CB (78-81), CU (84) - FB (Castro)

7th: FB (94-97), CB (78-79) - CB (Nix)

8th: FB (94-98), CB (78-81), CU (83-84) - 2 FB (Ramirez, Castro)

2) John Danks: FB, Cut, CB, CU. 89 pitches. 3 strikes swinging. 2 Fastballs, Changeup.

• Danks 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, a change with good fade from lefties and some sink and a 11-5 curve with above average depth.

1st: FB (89-92), Cut (84-88), CU (81-83) - FB (Ordonez)

2nd: FB (88-90), Cut (85-86), CU (81-83), CB (74-78) - FB (Ordonez)

3rd: FB (90), Cut (84), CU (81-82), CB (76)

4th: FB (87-91), Cut (85-86), CU (81)

5th: FB (89-90), Cut (83-86), CU (80-82), CB (76) - CU (Ordonez)

3) Dan Hudson: FB, SL, CU

• Hudson came from a 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties and some sink, a 3-8 slider with okay bite and a change with some fade from lefties and some sink that he will throw 3-2 and to righties.

6th: FB (92-94), SL (82-85) - 3 SL (Everett - 2, Raburn)

7th: FB (91-94), SL (85), CU (82-85)

4) Fernando Rodney: FB, CU, SL. 14 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

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

8th: FB (94), CU (82)

9th: FB (93-96), CU (81-83)

5) Carlos Torres: FB, Cut, CB, CU. 15 pitches. 2 strikes swinging. 2 Cutters.

• Torres came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with a little cut action, a cutter with above average cut and a 12-6 curve with average depth.

8th: FB (86-92), Cut (85-89), CB (81) - 2 Cut (Raburn - 2)

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)