Life On The Farm: St. Louis Cardinals (# 8)

After falling in the NLDS, was it all worth it?

Graduated To Majors: Nick Stavinoha (OF, UR), Colby Rasmus (OF, # 1), Shane Robinson (OF, # 28), David Freese (3B, # 9), Tyler Greene (SS, # 16), Jarrett Hoffpauir (2B, UR), Matt Pagnozzi (C, UR), Jess Todd (RP, # 4, now with Indians), Clayton Mortensen (SP, # 6, now with A's), Mitch Boggs (SP, # 14), P.J. Walters (RP, # 17), Chris Perez (RP, # 3, now with Indians), Jason Motte (RP, # 8), Luke Gregerson (RP, # 29, now with Padres)

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 - Brett Wallace: 3B
AA: .281-.403-.438, 128, 5-16, 18-34, 0-0
AAA (St. Louis): .293-.346-.423, 222, 6-19, 15-42, 0-1
AAA (Oakland): .302-.365-.505, 182, 9-28, 14-40, 1-1
Quick Take: The prizze of the Matt Holliday deal hit for more power then with St. Louis.

5 - Bryan Anderson: C
R: .313-.450-.500, 16, 1-2, 4-4, 1-0
AAA: .245-.293-.399, 163, 4-11, 10-42, 1-0
Quick Take: Struggled offensively in his 2nd crack at AAA.

7 - Daryl Jones: CF
AA: .279-.360-.378, 294, 3-29, 33-65, 7-4
Quick Take: Got to go to the Futures Game, but didn't have a great season.

10 - Pete Kozma: SS
Hi A: .315-.381-.384, 73, 0-8, 8-16, 1-0
AA: .216-.288-.312, 407, 6-37, 42-88, 4-2
Quick Take: Will try to master AA next year, as his custom is to typically struggle after a promotion only to start hitting when he begins the year there.

AAA: Memphis Redbirds (PCL)
Breakout Hitter: Allen Craig (# 26): .322-.374-.547, 472, 26-83, 37-92, 3-0
Disappointing Hitter: Bryan Anderson (# 5): Line above.
Breakout Pitcher: Blake Hawksworth (UL): 12-12. 5-4, 3.58, 73-61-3-20-57
Disappointing Pitcher: Adam Ottavino (# 22): 27-27, 7-12, 4.75, 144-141-12-82-119
Quick Take: Craig deserved a promotion to St. Louis, but didn't get it for whatever reason. Hawksworth got a promotion to St. Louis and looked to make himself into an integral part of the bullpen. Anderson struggled in his 2nd taste of AAA while Ottavino showed little command and will need to show something more next year.

AA: Springfield Cardinals (TL)
Breakout Hitter: Daniel Descalso (UR): .323-.396-.531, 288, 8-51, 31-41, 0-1
Disappointing Hitter: Arnoldi Cruz (# 27): .220-.281-.366, 404, 10-48, 34-85, 1-0
Breakout Pitcher: Lance Lynn (# 15): 22-22. 11-4, 2.92, 126.1-117-5-51-98
Disappointing Pitcher: Francisco Samuel (# 21): 52-0, 3-4, 5.66, 47.2-36-2-46-59
Quick Take: Descalso got a midseason promotion to AAA, where he had some struggles. Lynn broke out and narrowly beat out Trey Hearne (UL) for this honor. Cruz really didn't hit in his first taste at AA. Samuel got to go to the Futures Game, but struggled when he returned to Springfield.

Hi A: Palm Beach Cardinals (FSL)
Breakout Hitter: Shane Peterson (UR): .298-.367-.428, 285, 6-39, 21-52, 10-1
Disappointing Hitter: Jermaine Curtis (UR): .197-.301-.229, 314, 1-24, 34-52, 7-4
Breakout Pitcher: Nick Additon (# 30): 19-15, 4-3, 3.06, 79.1-69-1-37-66
Disappointing Pitcher: Brian Broderick (UL): 21-19, 9-7, 4.61, 109.1-136-4-17-64
Quick Take: Peterson was part of the Holliday trade. Additon was very good after looking good in 3 starts at High A to end last year. Curtis showed on base ability, but little else. Broderick showed a lot of pitching to contact with little strikeouts and that will likely will not be a good enough equation as he moves up the ladder.

Lo A: Quad Cities River Bandits (ML)
Breakout Hitter: Charlie Cutler (UL): .351-.410-.455, 242, 4-44, 24-25, 1-1
Disappointing Hitter: Niko Vasquez (# 18): .197-.295-.250, 208, 1-14, 28-58, 2-2
Breakout Pitcher: Matt Frevert (UL): 28-0. 2-1, 1.78, 35.1-25-2-10-44
Disappointing Pitcher: Gary Daley (UL): 32-10, 4-3, 6.93, 76.2-89-7-51-72
Quick Take: Cutler got a midseason promotion to High A, where he hit right around league average. Frevert showed a good strikeout rate for a reliever. Vasquez really struggled and got a demotion down to short-season. Daley showed a solid strikeout rate, but little else.

TK's Early 2010 Top 10 Prospects:
1) Shelby Miller: RHP
19th overall pick had a brief pro debut in Low A.
2) Lance Lynn: RHP
Sinkerballer may make debut next season.
3) Robert Stock: C
2nd rounder his .322-.386-.550 in R ball and got a brief look in Low A, where he will start next year.
4) Daryl Jones: CF
Toolsy outfielder needs to work his tools into more production.
5) Jaime Garcia: LHP
Bouncing back from an injury and should return to St. Louis next year.
6) Jon Jay: LF
Appears ready to be at least a 4th OF (.281-.338-.394, 505, 10-54, 34-64, 20-8)
7) Bryan Anderson: C
Will look to return to schedule and debut next year.
8) Nick Additon: LHP
Lefty looks ready for AA.
9) Pete Kozma: SS
Kozma is on a similar prospect trajectory to Tyler Greene.
10) Adam Reifer: RHP
Relief prospect showed good strikeout potential, but struggled in many other areas.

Dropped From Top 10: None

Final Overview: This system has gotten much weaker due to defections to the majors and trades. The 2009 draft yielded two very talented players in Miller, one of the top prep righties available, and Stock, a catcher who has always been highly touted even when at USC is at worst a major league prospect as a pitcher. This is another system that tends to produce everyday players that weren't highly touted, but this system will truly be tested and in need of some breakout players. An early to mid twenties system now.

Life On The Farm: Baltimore Orioles (# 9)

A lot of graduations to the majors, is the system still stacked?

Graduated To Majors: Lou Montanez (OF, # 29), Nolan Reimold (OF, # 5), Justin Turner (2B, # 27), Matt Wieters (C, # 1), Chris Tillman (SP, # 2), Jason Berken (SP, # 17), Brad Bergesen (SP, # 18), Kam Mickolio (RP, # 10), David Hernandez (SP, # 16), Bob McCrory (RP, # 22), Brian Matusz (SP, # 3)

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

4 - Jake Arrieta: RHP
AA: 11-11, 6-3, 2.59, 59-45-4-23-70
AAA: 17-17, 5-8, 3.93, 91.2-97-9-33-78
Quick Take: Has continued his march to Baltimore and will likely be contending for a rotation spot in spring training.

6 - Brandon Erbe: RHP
SS: 4-4, 0-1, 4.61, 13.2-13-3-2-11
AA: 14-14, 5-3, 2.34, 73-44-5-35-62
Quick Take: Got a late start in the season due to an arm injury, but pitched very well when he returned.

7 - Bill Rowell: 3B
Hi A: .225-.284-.336, 423, 9-39, 35-122, 3-2
Quick Take: The former first round pick is looking like he desperately needs a change of organization.

8 - Troy Patton: LHP
AA: 11-11, 6-2, 1.99, 63.1-50-4-18-47
AAA: 9-9, 1-3, 6.45, 44.2-62-12-14-26
Quick Take: Excelled in AA before struggling after mid season promotion to AAA.

9 - Brandon Snyder: 1B
AA: .343-.421-.597, 201, 10-45, 27-45, 0-1
AAA: .248-.316-.355, 262, 2-43, 24-64, 3-1
Quick Take: Will battle with Michael Aubrey to contend for a big league job.

AAA: Norfolk Tides (IL)
Breakout Hitter: Nolan Reimold (# 5): .394-.485-.743, 109, 9-27, 18-25, 6-1
Disappointing Hitter: Carlos Rojas (UR): .179-.239-.211, 223, 0-13, 18-30, 2-3
Breakout Pitcher: Chris Tillman (# 2): 18-18, 8-6, 2.70, 96.2-85-5-26-99
Disappointing Pitcher: Radhames Liz (UL): 17-6, 0-3, 5.68, 44.1-56-2-12-37
Quick Take: Reimold got into Baltimore and made himself into a possible ROY candidate while Tillman accelerated his development into being a strong rotation option for Baltimore next season. Rojas struggled badly even after a demotion to AA. Liz just failed to capitalize on his chances and is going to battle this coming season to not fall into organizational player status.

AA: Bowie Baysox (EL)
Breakout Hitter: Brandon Snyder (# 9): Line above.
Disappointing Hitter: Mike Costanzo (UR): .201-.292-.314, 204, 3-29, 27-58, 0-2
Breakout Pitcher: Troy Patton (# 8): 11-11, 6-2, 1.99, 63.1-50-4-18-47
Disappointing Pitcher: Ryan Rodriguez (UL): 26-2, 1-2, 7.16, 44-59-4-23-28
Quick Take: Snyder got a midseason promotion to AAA and struggled, just like Patton. Costanzo just hasn't hit since entering the Orioles organization as part of the big return for Tejada. Rodriguez struggled badly after throwing 14 shutout innings at High A.

Hi A: Frederick Keys (CL)
Breakout Hitter: Robbie Widlansky (UR): .340-.395-.506, 326, 7-59, 29-48, 5-1
Disappointing Hitter: Bill Rowell (# 7): Line above.
Breakout Pitcher: Brian Matusz (# 3): 11-11, 4-2, 2.16, 66.2-56-5-21-75
Disappointing Pitcher: Chorye Spoone (# 11): 4-4, 0-2, 9.42, 14.1-17-3-14-12
Quick Take: Widlansky had a big year and will now try to prove it was for real in AA. Matusz jumped all the way from Frederick to Baltimore. Rowell is in desperate need of a change of scenery. Spoone was rehabbing from an injury, but was highly disappointing in his brief return.

Lo A: Delmarva Shorebirds (SAL)
Breakout Hitter: Ronny Welty (UR): .290-.373-.425, 431, 10-67, 46-120, 13-5
Disappointing Hitter: Tyler Kolodny (UR): .226-.332-.372, 363, 9-42, 42-97, 10-4
Breakout Pitcher: Cole McCurry (UR): 26-25, 6-9, 2.71, 139.1-118-8-46-145
Disappointing Pitcher: Colin Allen (UL): 12-2, 0-3, 7.04, 23-31-4-16-22
Quick Take: Welty had a solid full-season debut where he showed all 5 tools at times. McCurry is another lefty apparently ready to add to the organization's surplus. Kolodny battled all year in his pro debut while Allen was one of the few Shorebirds pitchers who struggled.

TK's Early 2010 Top 10 Prospects:
1) Zach Britton: LHP
The lefty sinkerballer had a strong year at High A (25-24, 9-6, 2.70, 140-123-6-55-131)
2) Jake Arrieta: RHP
Righty will contend for a rotation spot in spring training.
3) Brandon Erbe: RHP
Another righty that may contend for a rotation spot.
4) Troy Patton: LHP
Another strong arm that will contend for a rotation spot.
5) Matt Hobgood: RHP
Didn't show much in his pro debut at R (8-8, 1-2, 4.72, 26.2-32-0-8-16), but was 5th overall pick this year.
6) Josh Bell: 3B/1B
Doubt he stays at third, but his switch hitting power bat will play anywhere.
7) Steve Johnson: RHP
Went 3-2, 2.84 in 7 starts and 37 strikeouts in 38 innings at AA Bowie after coming over in the trade.
8) Caleb Joseph: C
Young catcher hit .284-.337-.450 in 380 at bats with 12 homers and 26 walks against 64 strikeouts.
9) Mychal Givens: SS
Toolsy 2nd round pick will make pro debut next year, likely in R ball.
10) Brandon Snyder: 1B
Will contend for a starting spot this spring training.

Dropped From Top 10: Rowell (# 7)

Final Overview: Even after a rash of defections, they have some very close to the majors pitching. Loaded with both lefty and righty starters and even have another catcher, this system is stocked in some of the hard to find commodities in baseball. This system will be thinned much more next year, but right now it is still a top 10 system.

Life On The Farm: Milwaukee Brewers (# 10)

And so begins the pre-season Top 10...

Graduated To Majors: Mat Gamel (3B, # 2), Alcides Escobar (SS, # 1), Hernan Iribarren (2B, UR), Carlos Corporan (C, UR), Mark DiFelice (RP, UR), Josh Butler (RP, UR), Tim Dillard (RP, # 30), Mitch Stetter (RP, UR)

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

3 - Brett Lawrie - 2B
Lo A: .274-.348-.454, 372, 13-65, 41-70, 19-11
AA: .269-.283-.308, 52, 0-0, 0-14, 0-2
Quick Take: Big-time late season promotion to AA and wasn't quite ready and conversion to 2B from C weakens his status a little bit.

4 - Jeremy Jeffress - RHP
AA: 8-8, 1-3, 7.57, 27.1-26-1-33-34
Hi A: 6-5, 2-1, 2.18, 33-16-2-22-36
Quick Take: Suspended after testing positive for another drug of abuse, one more is a lifetime suspension...

5 - Angel Salome - C
AAA: .286-.334-.413, 283, 6-44, 22-55, 0-0
Quick Take: Probably deserved a September call-up, but no real power and his size (5-7) will always cause scouts to wonder if he can catch a full-season.

6 - Lorenzo Cain - CF
R: .444-.455-.556, 9, 0-1, 1-0, 0-0
Lo A: .192-.311-.269, 52, 0-3, 9-15, 0-0
AA: .214-.277-.338, 145, 4-15, 10-35, 3-3
Quick Take: Lost season after missing most of it after hurting his knee.

7 - Cutter Dykstra - 2B
Lo A: .212-.310-.303, 99, 1-7, 12-27, 4-2
R: .244-.332-.349, 209, 5-26, 27-50, 14-4
Quick Take: Will get another shot at Low A next season after converting from OF to 2B.

8 - Taylor Green - 3B
Lo A: .400-.538-.600, 20, 1-5, 4-4, 0-0
AA: .258-.330-.356, 306, 5-43, 33-37, 0-2
Quick Take: For a guy whose bat has to carry him, this was a setback season.

9 - Cole Gillespie - LF
Hi A: .349-.431-.605, 43, 1-9, 7-11, 4-0
AAA (Brewers): .242-.332-.424, 236, 7-27, 31-56, 6-5
AAA (D'Backs): .304-.418-.514, 138, 5-27, 27-31, 8-0
Quick Take: Appeared to be reinvigorated by being traded to Arizona as part of the return for Felipe Lopez.

10 - Jonathan Lucroy - C
AA: .267-.380-.418, 419, 9-66, 78-66, 1-1
Quick Take: Showed great on base skills in his first crack at AA and may have passed Salome on the organizational depth chart.

AAA: Nashville Sounds (PCL)
Breakout Hitter: Jason Bourgeois (UL): .316-.354-.401, 424, 2-41, 22-40, 36-7
Disappointing Hitter: Brendan Katin (UR): .244-.305-.499, 459, 24-92, 35-164, 2-0
Breakout Pitcher: Chris Smith (UL): 28-0, 2-0, 1.27, 42.2-31-3-6-49
Disappointing Pitcher: Lindsay Gulin (UR): 27-24, 7-10, 4.78, 139.1-127-9-77-97
Quick Take: Bourgeois got a look in the big leagues after a very strong season. Smith made himself into an important cog of the Brewer bullpen. Katin showed power and an extremely high tendency to swing and miss without the walks. Gulin, if he showed any command, would have had a chance to prove himself this year after all the troubles the Brewers had in the rotation.

AA: Huntsville Stars (SL)
Breakout Hitter: Drew Anderson (UL): .301-.376-.452, 389, 10-57, 45-77, 9-5
Disappointing Hitter: Freddy Parejo (UR): .229-.274-.310, 258, 2-23, 16-49, 3-2
Breakout Pitcher: Chris Cody (UR): 10-10, 5-1, 2.30, 58.2-42-5-10-48
Disappointing Pitcher: Jeremy Jeffress (# 4): Line above.
Quick Take: Anderson, a 27 year old outfielder, was the best of a weak group of prospects at AA offensively. Cody got a midseason promotioin to AAA, where he was league average. Parejo struggled badly while Jeffress was suspended all year.

Hi A: Brevard County Manatees (FSL)
Breakout Hitter: Logan Schafer (# 29): .313-.369-.446, 457, 6-58, 38-53, 16-8
Disappointing Hitter: Brent Brewer (# 17): .222-.288-.287, 356, 1-29, 33-109, 19-7
Breakout Pitcher: Amaury Rivas (# 26): 26-23, 13-7, 2.98, 133-109, 11-43-123
Disappointing Pitcher: Alexandre Periard (# 13): 9-9, 3-2, 5.23, 31-37-1-13-22
Quick Take: Schafer had a strong season with this being an aggressive placement for his full-season debut. Rivas barely ranked ahead of Evan Anundsen (UR) for this honor. Brewer had an all around bad season and will likely be repeating. Periard started the season late due to a shoulder injury and never got in the groove.

Lo A: Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (ML)
Breakout Hitter: Brett Lawrie (# 3): Line above.
Disappointing Hitter: Michael Marseco (UR): .189-.241-.248, 322, 0-26, 22-54, 9-5
Breakout Pitcher: Cody Scarpetta (# 15): 26-18, 4-11, 3.43, 105-83-5-55-116
Disappointing Pitcher: Cody Adams (# 28): 16-12, 3-6, 5.93, 57.2-74-3-33-37
Quick Take: Lawrie got a brief look at AA and likely starts next year at High A. Scarpetta's record sucked, but his hits allowed and strikeout numbers were above average. Marseco will get a 2nd chance at his full-season debut next year while Adams battled all year.

TK's Early 2010 Top 10 Prospects:
1) Zach Braddock: LHP
Didn't start his year due to injury, but in splitting time between Hi A and AA, struck out 62 in 40.1 IP with 7 walks and 28 hits allowed.
2) Brett Lawrie: 2B
Will start season at High A with a chance to move quickly.
3) Eric Arnett: RHP
26th overall pick had some command issues in R ball (34.2 IP, 21 BB, 35 K)
4) Jonathan Lucroy: C
Has a chance to make major league debut next year.
5) Jeremy Jeffress: RHP
Stuff is big league stuff. Head is juvenile hall or prison.
6) Lorenzo Cain: CF
Can he bounce back from the knee injury to get back on track?
7) Amaury Rivas: RHP
Big year, can he continue to replicate the success?
8) Caleb Gindl: LF
Showed a 5-tool game at Hi A (.277-.363-.459, 394, 17-71, 57-92, 18-4)
9) Evan Anundsen: RHP
Breakout year at Hi A and will now try to pass the AA test.
10) Kentrail Davis: CF
Supplemental 1st rounder will make pro debut next year.

Dropped From Top 10: Salome (# 5), Dykstra (# 7), Green (# 8)

Final Overview: This system has taken a big step back. Braddock is by far the weakest # 1 I have chosen and Lowrie isn't too much stronger as a # 2. There is more depth in this system then quite a few of the other recent ones, but these guys are so far away that some are bound to fail due to attrition. Salome was hard to leave off the Top 10, but the lack of a September call-up with an aging catcher has to say something on how they value him. The loss of Jack Z is a big loss to any team, as he was the best scouting director in the majors. A mid to late teens system that is in desparate need of some breakout seasons next year.

Life On The Farm: Kansas City Royals (# 11)

Disappointing year in majors, what about the minors?

Graduated To Majors: Mitch Maier (OF, # 23), Carlos Rosa (SP, # 8), Dusty Hughes (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 - Mike Moustakas: 3B
Hi A: .250-.297-.421, 492, 16-86, 32-90, 10-6
Quick Take: Needs to find some plate discipline eventually.

2 - Eric Hosmer: 1B
Lo A: .254-.352-.382, 280, 5-49, 44-68, 3-2
Hi A: .206-.280-.299, 97, 1-10, 9-22, 0-0
Quick Take: Mid-season promotion to High A was surprising.

3 - Daniel Cortes: RHP
AA: 26-25, 7-11, 4.33, 135-128-7-85-112
Quick Take: Dealt to Seattle due to some off-field issues, but on the field he needs to discover some command.

4 - Mike Montgomery: LHP
Lo A: 12-12, 2-3, 2.17, 58-42-1-24-52
Hi A: 9-9, 4-1, 2.25, 52-38-0-12-46
Quick Take: Continues on a rapid ascent to KC and may start next year at AA.

5 - Tim Melville: RHP
Lo A: 21-21, 7-7, 3.79, 97.1-89-10-43-96
Quick Take: Strong pro debut and the fact he was a HS draftee who debuted in Low A and threw well is a good sign.

6 - Danny Duffy: LHP
Lo A: 24-24, 9-3, 2.98, 126.2-108-6-41-125
Quick Take: Strong season earned him chance to pitch in Futures Game.

7 - Danny Gutierrez: RHP
Hi A: 8-4, 1-0, 1.65, 27.1-17-0-7-25
AA: 1-1, 0-0, 3.60, 5-3-1-0-3
Quick Take: Dealt to Texas for catcher Manny Pina and left fielder Tim Smith.

9 - Kila Ka'aihue: 1B
AAA: .252-.392-.433, 441, 17-57, 102-85, 0-1
Quick Take: He is what he is, an on base machine that just doesn't have the power for a 1B and not much defense.

10 - Blake Wood: RHP
R: 3-2, 0-1, 0.00, 4-4-0-1-4
AA: 17-13, 2-8, 5.83, 78.2-92-8-28-49
Quick Take: Struggled in over a half season at AA this year and then struggled again this year.

AAA: Omaha Royals (PCL)
Breakout Hitter: Cory Aldridge (UL): .316-.361-.582, 354, 22-71, 24-86, 0-1
Disappointing Hitter: Mario Lisson (UR): .236-.282-.410, 339, 12-43, 19-89, 7-4
Breakout Pitcher: Luke Hochevar (UL): 8-8, 5-1, 1.50, 48-41-2-12-36
Disappointing Pitcher: Brandon Duckworth (UL): 20-19, 3-6, 5.31, 105-105-12-37-67
Quick Take: Older team that reflects the past struggles of the previous regime. Aldridge is an older guy who looks like he should have merited a call-up. Hochevar appears ready to become a major league starter and be consistent. Lisson struggled in AAA and was one of many to do so. Duckworth was supposed to be the 1st call-up and got passed by guys like Bruce Chen, Lenny DiNardo and Dusty Hughes.

AA: Northwest Arkansas Naturals (TL)
Breakout Hitter: David Lough (# 15): .331-.371-.517, 236, 9-31, 12-30, 13-4
Disappointing Hitter: Joe Dickerson (# 24): .230-.338-.317, 126, 0-13, 18-19, 5-1
Breakout Pitcher: Chris Hayes (UR): 18-0, 3-0, 0.98, 36.2-33-1-6-17
Disappointing Pitcher: Blake Wood (# 10): Line above.
Quick Take: Lough hit a ton at both levels and has a chance to be in Kansas City by the middle of next year. Hayes got a midseason promotion to AAA, where he had struggled. Dickerson had a lost season. Wood has battled to do much at AA in his 1 plus years there.

Hi A: Wilmington Blue Rocks (CL)
Breakout Hitter: Jeff Bianchi (UR): .300-.360-.427, 220, 4-28, 20-47, 12-2
Disappointing Hitter: Ryan Eigsti (UL): .201-.306-.278, 324, 3-35, 42-95, 4-2
Breakout Pitcher: Brandon Sisk (UR): 45-0, 2-3, 1.92, 61-30-2-18-78
Disappointing Pitcher: Alex Caldera (UR): 27-27, 5-10, 4.77, 137.1-141-12-53-105
Quick Take: Bianchi joined Lough with a promotion to AA and also played very well. Sisk showed a lot of strikeout potential as a lefty reliever. Eigsti got a lot of at bats and didn't do much. Caldera was the worst of a pretty solid crop of pitchers at Wilmington.

Lo A: Burlington Bees (ML)
Breakout Hitter: Nick Van Stratten (UL): .318-.393-.447, 255, 1-38, 28-32, 15-6
Disappointing Hitter: Jose Bonilla (# 26): .217-.281-.311, 351, 5-36, 29-92, 6-4
Breakout Pitcher: Tim Melville (# 5): Line above.
Disappointing Pitcher: Sam Runion (# 28): 28-28, 5-11, 6.60, 135-193-17-45-62
Quick Take: Van Stratten came out of nowhere to post a pretty solid line while Melville showed he should have been a 1st rounder last year. Bonilla didn't do much offensively in his full-season debut while Runion failed in his 2nd attempt at Low A.

TK's Early 2010 Top 10 Prospects:
1) Danny Duffy: LHP
Duffy is the best, in my opinion, of the other 3 potential stud starters.
2) Mike Montgomery: LHP
Should be a crime to have 2 lefty starters with these ceilings.
3) Tim Melville: RHP
Showed he was worth the hype of being top prep pitcher available last year.
4) Eric Hosmer: 1B
Interesting full-season debut and looks to translate his tools into production.
5) Mike Moustakas: 3B
He is getting close to needing a breakout season to prove his tools can be production.
6) Tyler Sample: RHP
6-7 righty will be making full-season debut next year.
7) David Lough: CF
Closest hitting prospect to majors may make debut next year.
8) Aaron Crow: RHP
Has the layoff affected his stuff?
9) Wil Myers: C
3rd round catcher hit .426-.488-.735 at Rookie ball.
10) Salvador Perez: C
Will be making his full-season debut next year and showed some good offensive tools.

Dropped From Top 10: Ka'aihue (# 9), Wood (# 10)

Final Overview: The top 5 prospects are guys that may be Top 50 prospects period. The others are guys that are tough to tell their upsides due to them being so far away. While Dayton Moore has shown an inability to assemble an offense (and to apparently teach plate discipline to his younger hitters) has assembled a very good farm system. The main question is whether Duffy, Montgomery and Melville can be their version of Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz. Still likely a Top 10 system.

Life On The Farm: Philadelphia Phillies (# 12)

Made the trek back to GA last night and this morning, so that is the reason for none yesterday.

Graduated To Majors: John Mayberry (RF, # 24), Lou Marson (C, # 3, now with CLE), Carlos Carrasco (SP, # 2, now with CLE), Drew Carpenter (SP, # 22), J.A. Happ (SP, # 9), Antonio Bastardo (SP, # 11), Sergio Escalona (RP, # 27)

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 - Domonic Brown: RF
R: .500-.583-.900, 10, 0-0, 1-1, 0-1
Hi A: .303-.386-.517, 238, 11-44, 34-48, 15-8
AA: .279-.346-.456, 147, 3-20, 14-37, 8-1
Quick Take: Showed all 5 tools at some point and has projectability to match.

4 - Jason Donald: SS
R: .231-.286-.346, 26, 0-1, 2-5, 1-0
AAA (PHI): .236-.297-.332, 208, 1-16, 14-53, 6-0
AAA (CLE): .257-.350-.400, 35, 1-1, 3-11, 1-0
Quick Take: Will try to make up for lost season in Indians organization.

5 - Kyle Drabek: RHP
Hi A: 10-9, 4-1, 2.48, 61.2-49-0-19-74
AA: 15-14, 8-2, 3.64, 96.1-92-9-31-76
Quick Take: Breakout year caused him to be talk of many rumors, but is staying with Phils.

6 - Michael Taylor: LF
AA: .333-.408-.569, 318, 15-65, 35-51, 18-4
AAA: .282-.359-.491, 110, 5-19, 13-19, 3-1
Quick Take: Finally put his vast tools into production.

7 - Travis D'Arnaud: C
Lo A: .255-.319-.419, 482, 13-71, 41-75, 8-4
Quick Take: Struggled in his full season debut.

8 - Zach Collier: CF
Lo A: .218-.275-.319, 298, 0-32, 23-80, 13-7
SS: .226-.280-.336, 137, 1-13, 9-42, 7-0
Quick Take: 2008 HS draftee was placed aggressively and failed.

10 - Jason Knapp: RHP
Lo A: 21-21, 2-7, 4.18, 97-73-3-47-123
Quick Take: #'s were solid, discomfort in shoulder after trade wasn't.

AAA: Lehigh Valley IronPigs (IL)
Breakout Hitter: Lou Marson (# 3): .294-.382-.370, 211, 1-24, 30-40, 3-1
Disappointing Hitter: Jason Donald (# 4): Line above.
Breakout Pitcher: Drew Carpenter (# 22): 25-24, 11-6, 3.35, 156-162-18-47-120
Disappointing Pitcher: Carlos Carrasco (# 2): 20-20, 6-9, 5.18, 114.2-118-14-38-112
Quick Take: Marson, Donald and Carrasco all took their games to Cleveland as part of the Cliff Lee trade and Carpenter propelled himself into a start against the Nationals earlier this year.

AA: Reading Phillies (EL)
Breakout Hitter: Michael Taylor (# 6): Line above.
Disappointing Hitter: Brad Harman (UR): .201-.271-.310, 422, 5-41, 39-119, 0-2
Breakout Pitcher: Sergio Escalona (# 27): 32-0, 2-1, 1.77, 40.2-31-1-14-38
Disappointing Pitcher: Vance Worley (# 16): 27-27, 7-12, 5.34, 153.1-163-17-49-100
Quick Take: Taylor finally had his tools equal production this year while Escalona got to pitch in the Phillies pen for the stretch run. Harman just hasn't hit since reaching AA while Worley had a disappointing AA debut.

Hi A: Clearwater Threshers (FSL)
Breakout Hitter: Domonic Brown (# 1): Line above.
Disappointing Hitter: Mike Durant (UR): .211-.312-.365, 375, 12-37, 51-142, 0-3
Breakout Pitcher: Kyle Drabek (# 5): Line above.
Disappointing Pitcher: Julian Sampson (# 12): 17-15, 3-9, 7.36, 69.2-93-10-27-37
Quick Take: Brown and Drabek both got promotions to Reading, where they played well. Durant and Sampson saw their prospect statuses take a hit after struggling badly.

Lo A: Lakewood BlueClaws (SAL)
Breakout Hitter: Harold Garcia (UR): .291-.350-.414, 8-55, 29-100, 42-12
Disappointing Hitter: Travis Mattair (# 21): .236-.326-.333, 450, 3-39, 54-131, 12-2
Breakout Pitcher: Jason Knapp (# 10): Line above.
Disappointing Pitcher: Ryan Bergh (UL): 45-0, 3-6, 5.05, 71.1-83-4-21-51
Quick Take: Garcia showed a lot of tools and some rawness in his full season debut while Knapp takes his big K numbers to Cleveland. Mattair didn't do much in his full season debut and neither did Bergh.

TK's Early 2010 Top 10 Prospects:
1) Domonic Brown: RF
Only Heyward profiles better as a corner OF in players I have seen.
2) Kyle Drabek: RHP
Has he put his troublesome past behind him?
3) Michael Taylor: LF
Should battle for job in spring training, if there is a job to be had...
4) Trevor May: RHP
2008 4th rounder from HS made full season debut and shined (15-15, 4-1, 2.56, 77.1-58-3-43-95)
5) Jarred Cosart: RHP
Another '08 HS draftee will likely make full season debut next year after going 2-2, 2.22 with 25 K's in 24 IP's at R.
6) Joe Savery: LHP
Pitchability lefty just kept winning this year.
7) Anthony Gose: CF
Stole 76 bases, about all the good.
8) Zach Collier: LF
Needs to rebound from a bad season.
9) Freddy Galvis: SS
19 year old made it to AA. Wasn't quite ready, but made it there nonetheless.
10) Anthony Hewitt: 3B/OF
Has more tools then a Home Depot and is a project, but that end result is very tantalizing.

Dropped From Top 10: D'Arnaud (# 7)

Final Overview: A system in a little bit of transition, the Top 3 guys are as good as anyone in the minors. The next 2 had solid breakout years and project well, but everyone after that isn't exciting either because they are all projection (Hewitt, Gose, Galvis, Collier) or their end package just isn't that scintillating (Savery). The nucleus is there to continue to add to their titles and this is a system that is probably right about the same (early teens) as last year on the strength of their top guys.

Life On The Farm: Boston Red Sox (# 13)

It's a friggin nation man!

Graduated To Majors: Josh Reddick (OF, # 5), Aaron Bates (1B, UR), Jeff Bailey (1B, UR), Dusty Brown (C, UR), Michael Bowden (SP, # 2), Junichi Tazawa (SP, # 7), Daniel Bard (RP, # 4), Hunter Jones (RP, UR), Dustin Richardson (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 - Lars Anderson: 1B
AA: .233-.328-.345, 447, 9-51, 63-114, 2-0
Quick Take: He is human after all and has finally experienced a setback.

3- Nick Hagadone: LHP
Lo A: 15-15, 0-3, 2.49, 39.2-21-0-19-53
Hi A: 2-2, 0-0, 5.06, 5.1-5-0-5-6
Quick Take: Takes his act to Cleveland as part of the return for Victor Martinez.

6 - Casey Kelly: RHP
Lo A: 9-9, 6-1, 1.12, 48.1-32-0-9-39
Hi A: 8-8, 1-4, 3.09, 46.2-33-4-7-35
Quick Take: Only list his pitching stats because this is his future and he had a very strong season.

8 - Ryan Westmoreland: CF
SS: .296-.401-.484, 223, 7-35, 38-49, 19-0
Quick Take: 19 year old appears ready for full season ball next year.

9 - Michael Almanzar: 3B
Lo A: .207-.261-.293, 188, 3-17, 9-53, 0-0
SS: .230-.288-.302, 222, 1-29, 16-52, 1-2
Quick Take: Sent down as he continues to struggle to hit at the Low A level, though he hasn't yet turned 19.

10 - Yamaico Navarro: SS
SS: .238-.304-.286, 21, 0-2, 2-3, 0-2
Hi A: .319-.373-.543, 94, 4-17, 6-12, 2-2
AA: .185-.270-.304, 135, 2-11, 14-28, 5-1
Quick Take: Passed his test at High A before struggling badly in his first exposure to AA.

AAA: Pawtucket Red Sox (IL)
Breakout Hitter: Chris Carter (UR): .294-.358-.465, 428, 16-61, 42-63, 0-0
Dissapointing Hitter: Paul McAnulty (UL): .233-.331-.402, 326, 11-48, 45-83, 0-1
Breakout Pitcher: Clay Buchholz (UL): 17-16, 7-2, 2.36, 99-67-7-30-89
Disappointing Pitcher: Charlie Zink (UR): 27-23, 6-15, 5.59, 135.1-134-10-93-47
Quick Take: Carter takes his act to the Mets as part of the return for Billy Wagner. Buchholz regained his mojo enough to be a playoff starter. McAnulty was supposed to be a solid emergency lefty for the major league team, but instead ended up in Colorado Springs. Zink's knuckle keeps dancing away from him.

AA: Portland Sea Dogs (EL)
Breakout Hitter: Daniel Nava (UR): .364-.479-.568, 118, 4-23, 25-12, 0-0
Disappointing Hitter: Lars Anderson (# 1): Line above.
Breakout Pitcher: Junichi Tazawa (# 7): 18-18, 9-5, 2.57, 98-80-8-26-88
Disappointing Pitcher: Ryne Lawson (UR): 23-23, 3-12, 5.93, 115.1-124-10-57-57
Quick Take: Nava, a 26 year old OF, had a breakout season at of nowhere finishing in Portland after he hit .339-.434-.495 at Hi A prior to the promotion. Tazawa made a jump to the bigs. Anderson battled his swing at AA while Lawson struggled to do much at AA.

Hi A: Salem Red Sox (CL)
Breakout Hitter: Ryan Kalish (# 13): .304-.434-.513, 115, 5-21, 26-20, 7-3
Disappointing Hitter: Jered Stanley (UR): .211-.337-.270, 152, 0-11, 26-51, 1-1
Breakout Pitcher: Eammon Portice (UL): 25-25, 8-8, 4.35, 128.1-128-12-36-141
Disappointing Pitcher: Jose Capellan (UL): 29-16, 6-4, 6.34, 93.2-122-14-65-63
Quick Take: Kalish finally tapped into his power potential and got a quick promotion to AA. Portice stayed healthy and maintained his K rate. Stanley really struggled at both A's this year. Capellan had a setback filled season.

Lo A: Greenville Drive (SAL)
Breakout Hitter: Tim Federowicz (UR): .345-.393-.562, 226, 10-34, 15-42, 1-0
Disappointing Hitter: Jeremy Hazelbaker (UL): .167-.280-.233, 150, 1-9, 23-58, 11-2
Breakout Pitcher: Fabian Williamson (UR): 28-12, 10-5, 2.42, 108-71-3-53-104
Disappointing Pitcher: None notable.
Quick Take: Federowicz had a strong half year here before struggling upon a promotion. Williamson came out of nowhere to put up a strong season. Hazelbaker showed he wasn't quite ready for the big time.

TK's Early 2010 Top 10 Prospects:
1) Casey Kelly: RHP
Very special arm that pitched in Futures Game.
2) Lars Anderson: 1B
Everyone gets one bad season, right?
3) Ryan Westmoreland: CF
Will get a chance to show just how a good a prospect he is next year.
4) Ryan Kalish: RF
Power finally came around and a very complete offensive player.
5) Yamaico Navarro: SS
Reminds me of Yunel Escobar.
6) Alex Wilson: RHP
2nd rounder had a .50 ERA in SS in 13 starts (36 IP, 7 BB, 33 K)
7) Reymond Fuentes: CF
Debatable 1st rounder had decent debut (.290-.331-.379 at R)
8) Derrik Gibson: SS
Solid season at SS (.290-.395-.380) and will likely get chance to prove worth in Greenville next year.
9) Che-Hsuan Lin: CF
Last year's Futures Game MVP, appears to be on track to be starting CF.
10) Stolmy Pimentel: SP
Solid full season debut for the 19 year old (10-7, 3.82, 117.2-135-12-29-103)

Dropped From Top 10: Almanzar (# 9)

Final Overview: This system has taken a hit. A lot of their top prospects received promotions and a lot of their midlevel guys were involved in deals in attempts to win a championship now. There is still quite a bit upside here, but likely an early twenties to mid twenties farm system.

Life On The Farm: Cincinnati Reds (# 14)

Is the future bright?

Graduated To Majors: Drew Stubbs (CF, # 3), Chris Dickerson (CF, # 12), Adam Rosales (3B, # 29), Paul Janish (UR, SS), Juan Francisco (1B, # 8), Ryan Hanigan (C, # 16), Craig Tatum (C, # 18), Ramon Ramirez (SP, # 17), Josh Roenicke (RP, # 14, now with Blue Jays), Carlos Fisher (RP, # 24), Robert Manuel (RP, # 27, now with Mariners), Matt Maloney (SP, # 18), Pedro Viola (RP, # 25), Danny Ray Herrera (RP, UR)

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 - Yonder Alonso: 1B
R: .133-.278-.133, 15, 0-0, 3-1, 0-0
Hi A: .303-.383-.497, 175, 7-38, 24-30, 0-1
AA: .295-.372-.457, 105, 2-14, 14-15, 1-0
Quick Take: Showed a strong all around offensive game in first full season.

2 - Todd Frazier: ?
AA: .291-.352-.484, 446, 14-68, 42-66, 7-8
AAA: .302-.362-.476, 63, 2-9, 6-12, 2-0
Quick Take: Looked good in brief AAA debut, now they just need to settle on a position for him.

4 - Chris Valaika: SS
AAA: .235-.271-.344, 366, 6-36, 16-76, 1-0
Quick Take: Needs to have a bounce back year next year to not get lost behind Janish.

5 - Yorman Rodriguez: CF
R (GCL): .274-.347-.321, 84, 0-2, 10-23, 5-0
R (PIO): .219-.259-.344, 183, 3-17, 9-61, 5-2
Quick Take: 17 year old still is all developmental.

6 - Kyle Lotzkar: RHP
Lo A: 10-10, 2-3, 3.58, 37.2-29-2-24-50
Quick Take: Was working his way back from a stress fracture in his elbow.

7 - Neftali Soto: 3B
Hi A: .248-.282-.362, 505, 11-57, 23-95, 1-3
Quick Take: Rough year for the 20 year old.

9 - Juan Duran: RF
R: .177-.218-.268, 164, 0-17, 8-52, 0-0
Quick Take: Good thing he just turned 18.

10 - Devin Mesoraco: C
Hi A: .228-.311-.381, 312, 8-37, 35-76, 0-1
Quick Take: Another rough season, as Mesoraco hasn't yet hit since entering pro ball, but continues to get promoted.

AAA: Louisville Bats (IL)
Breakout Hitter: Adam Rosales (# 29): .349-.408-.596, 109, 5-20, 12-15, 4-0
Disappointing Hitter: Chris Valaika (# 4): Line above.
Breakout Pitcher: Matt Maloney (# 18): 22-22, 9-9, 3.08, 143-143-11-24-125
Disappointing Pitcher: Daryl Thompson (# 11): 8-6, 1-2, 6.59, 28.2-34-3-7-8
Quick Take: Rosales and Maloney made the jumps to the big clubs. Valaika is in danger of falling behind Janish on the organizational depth chart. Thompson continues to try and find the stuff he had in the Nats system.

AA: Carolina Mudcats (SL)
Breakout Hitter: Chris Heisey (# 22): .348-.427-.577, 267, 13-40, 33-33, 13-1
Disappointing Hitter: Logan Parker (UR): .221-.312-.334, 389, 6-46, 51-95, 5-6
Breakout Pitcher: Travis Wood (UR): 19-19, 9-3, 1.21, 119-78-2-37-103
Disappointing Pitcher: Jerry Gil (UL): 24-4, 3-4, 8.21, 49.1-51-9-48-30
Quick Take: Heisey went to the Futures Game based off his strong 1st half. Wood has leapt back onto the prospect charts after posting a 1.77 ERA at AA and AAA with solid strikeout numbers for a lefty. Parker struggled this past year while Gil suffered a setback in trying to return to the big leagues as a pitcher.

Hi A: Sarasota Reds (FSL)
Breakout Hitter: Yonder Alonso (# 1): Line above.
Disappointing Hitter: Jason Louwsma (UL): .193-.230-.285, 347, 4-27, 18-68, 1-1
Breakout Pitcher: Jeremy Horst (UR): 23-23, 6-13, 3.25, 133-136-15-41-101
Disappointing Pitcher: Jerry Gil (UL): 12-10, 3-7, 7.74, 47.2-66-7-29-30
Quick Take: Alonso did nothing to dimish his status while Horst, a lefty, showed a solid enough mix to suggest he can pitch in the majors. Louwsma wasn't touted, but if you hit .190 with over 300 at bats, you are going to take that honor. Yep, Gil struggled badly at 2 different levels.

Lo A: Dayton Dragons (ML)
Breakout Hitter: Alex Oliveras (UL): .307-.317-.443, 140, 2-17, 2-31, 5-2
Disappointing Hitter: None notable.
Breakout Pitcher: Matt Fairel (UR): 19-19, 8-5, 2.93, 110.2-98-9-37-107
Disappointing Pitcher: Oscar Castro (UL): 25-16, 2-5, 7.56, 89.1-120-15-38-48
Quick Take: Oliveras was the best of a rather undistinguishable offense, though his plate discipline issues will get him if he doesn't adjust (just 20). Fairel showed well in his first pro season and may be a steal as a 35th rounder. Castro struggled to do much of anything.

TK's Early 2010 Top 10 Prospects:
1) Yonder Alonso: 1B
One of the better prospects in the game.
2) Chris Heisey: LF/RF
Can he continue to capitalize on his breakout season.
3) Jeff Frazier: UTIL
Bat will play, will versatility be blessing in disguise?
4) Travis Wood: LHP
Will compete for a rotation spot in spring training.
5) Kyle Lotzkar: RHP
If healthy, one of the better arms in the minors.
6) Mike Leake: RHP
8th overall pick will make pro debut next year.
7) Juan Carlos Sulbaran: RHP
Didn't dazzle this year, but his upside and experience on the international scene will pay huge dividends eventually.
8) Brad Boxberger: RHP
Supplemental 1st rounder will make pro debut next year.
9) Yorman Rodriguez: CF
Ton of upside, ton of development time.
10) Matt Fairel: LHP
Showed well in full season debut, can he continue his ascent?

Dropped From Top 10: Valaika (# 4), Soto (# 7), Duran (# 9), Mesoraco (# 10)

Final Overview: Hmmm. They have some of the better top tier talent in their top 5, but then everyone else is either boom or bust or not quite proven. This system is improving, though I was surprised this was the # 14 system in the big leagues at the start of the year. I think BA may have bought too much hype from some of those young Dominican OF's. On the way up, but their ranking will likely fall to the late teens or early twenties.

Chart Observations: GM 3 PHI @ COL

1) Jason Hammel: 75 pitches. FB, CB, SL, CU. 9 strikes swinging. 4 Curveballs, 2 Fastballs, 2 Sliders, Changeup.

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

1st: FB (92-94), CB (78-79), SL (85), CU (85) - FB (Victorino), CU (Rollins), CB (Howard)

2nd: FB (91-93), CB (77-79), SL (83-84) - SL (Feliz), CB (Feliz)

3rd: FB (92-93), CB (77-79), CU (85) - CB (Rollins)

4th: FB (90-93), CB (77-79), SL (84-86), CU (83) - FB (Ibanez), CB (Ibanez), SL (Feliz)

2) J.A. Happ: 76 pitches. FB, Cut, CU, CB. 7 strikes swinging. 3 Fastballs, 3 Changeups, Cutter.

• Happ came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with a little run in on righties and showed a little sink, a straight change with some sink and some fade from lefties, a cutter with solid cut and a

1st: FB (88-93), Cut (83-86), CU (80-83) - FB (Torrealba), Cut (Atkins)

2nd: FB (89-93), Cut (81-85), CU (81-82) - 2 CU (Fowler - 2)

3rd: FB (89-92), Cut (82-84), CU (81-83) - 2 FB (Torrealba, Spilborghs), CU (Spilborghs)

3) Joe Blanton: 34 pitches. FB, CU, SL, CB. 3 strikes swinging. Fastball, Slider, Changeup.

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

4th: FB (87-90), SL (83-85), CU (80-81) - FB (Fowler), CU (Gonzalez)

5th: FB (87-89)

6th: FB (88-90), SL (82-84), CU (79-81) - SL (Spilborghs)

4) Matt Belisle: 19 pitches. FB, SL, CB, CU. 2 strikes swinging. 2 Curveballs.

• Belisle came from a high 3/4 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.

4th: FB (91-92), CB (73) - CB (Dobbs)

5th: FB (90-94), CB (74-76), SL (88) - CB (Rollins)

5) 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.

5th: FB (87)

6) Jose Contreras: 29 pitches. FB, SL, Split, CU.

• Contreras came from an over the top release and showed a 2-7 slider with good bite, a drop down fastball with some run in on righties and some sink, a splitter with above average dive that can look like a curveball.

6th: FB (93-96), SL (86-88), Split (78-81) - FB (Werth), SL (Werth)

7) Scott Eyre: 8 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 and a straight change with some sink.

6th: FB (90-91)

7th: FB (90-91), CU (79-80)

8) Franklin Morales: 6 pitches. FB, CB, CU.

• Morales came from a high 3/4 release and showed a straight 4-seam fastball, a straight change with some sink and a 11-5 curve with slightly above average depth.

7th: FB (94-96), CB (74), CU (82)

9) Ryan Madson: 16 pitches. FB, CU, Cut.

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

7th: FB (94-97), CU (82-84), Cut (90) - 2 FB (Helton, Tulowitzki), Cut (Helton), CU (Torrealba)

10) Rafael Betancourt: 24 pitches. FB, SL, CU. 3 strikes swinging. 3 Fastballs.

• Betancourt came from an over the top release and showed a sharp 2-7 slider with above average bite, a fastball with some cut action and a change with some sink.

8th: FB (91-93), SL (81-84), CU (87) - 3 FB (Werth - 2, Stairs)

11) Chad Durbin: 10 pitches. FB, Cut, CU, CB, SL. 1 strike swinging. Cutter.

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

8th: FB (89-92), Cut (87-88) - Cut (Spilborghs)

12) Huston Street: 19 pitches. FB, SL, CU. 1 strike swinging. Changeup.

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

9th: FB (89-93), SL (82-84), CU (82-83) - CU (Rollins)

13) Brad Lidge: 20 pitches. FB, SL, CU.

• Lidge came from an over the top release and showed a 2-7 slider with above average bite and a straight 4-seam fastball.

9th:

GM 3: NYY (2) @ MIN (0)

1) Andy Pettite: FB, CB, Cut, CU. 81 pitches. 12 strikes swinging. 7 Cutters, 4 Fastballs, Curveball.

• Pettite came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with some run in on lefties and good sink, a 11-5 curve with slightly above average depth, a cutter with good cut and some sink and a

1st: FB (89-92), CB (77), Cut (86)

2nd: FB (90-91), Cut (85-86) - Cut (Kubel)

3rd: FB (90-91), CB (76-77), Cut (85-88) - 2 Cut (Morales, Harris), FB (Harris)

4th: FB (90), CB (75-78), Cut (83-87) - 2 Cut (Span, Mauer), FB (Cabrera)

5th: FB (90), CB (76-77), Cut (83-87) - CB (Cuddyer)

6th: FB (90-91), CB (76-77), Cut (85-87) - 2 FB (Cuddyer - 2)

7th: FB (89-90), Cut (84-86) - 2 Cut (Kubel - 2)

2) Carl Pavano: FB, SL, CU. 95 pitches. 13 strikes swinging. 7 Changeups, 3 Fastballs, 3 Sliders.

• Pavano 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 some fade from lefties and good sink.

1st: FB (90-92), SL (83-86), CU (82-85) - 2 CU (Damon - 2)

2nd: FB (91-93), SL (83-85), CU (82-84) - 2 FB (Matsui - 2), SL (Rodriguez)

3rd: FB (91-93), SL (82-85), CU (81-83) - FB (Swisher), SL (Cano), CU (Swisher)

4th: FB (89-93), SL (83-84), CU (81-84) - SL (Damon)

5th: FB (89-92), SL (80), CU (82)

6th: FB (89-92), SL (86), CU (80-85) - 2 CU (Swisher, Damon)

7th: FB (90-92), SL (84-86), CU (81-82) - 2 CU (Matsui - 2)

3) Joba Chamberlain: FB, SL, CU, CB. 17 pitches. 2 strikes swinging. Fastball, Slider.

• Chamberlain came from an over the top release and showed a 2-7 slider with good bite, a 1-7 curve with average depth that looks like a slower slider and a fastball with some run in on righties.

7th: FB (94-96), SL (87-90), CB (82) - FB (Morales), SL (Morales)

4) Matt Guerrier: FB, SL, CB, CU. 11 pitches. 1 strike swinging. Curveball.

• Guerrier came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties, a 2-7 slider with good bite and a 12-6 curve with above average depth.

8th: FB (90-91), SL (83-86), CB (79) - CB (Cabrera)

5) Phil Hughes: FB, SL, CB, CU. 14 pitches. 2 strikes swinging. 2 Fastballs.

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

8th: FB (93-95), SL (88-89) - 2 FB (Punto, Cabrera)

6) Mariano Rivera: FB, Cut. 18 pitches. 1 strike swinging. Cutter

• Rivera came from an over the top release and showed a cutter with good cut.

8th: Cut (89-91)

9th: Cut (90-93) - Cut (Young)

7) Ron Mahay: FB, CU, SL. 14 pitches. 1 strike swinging. Fastball.

• Mahay came from a high 3/4 release and showed a straight 4-seam fastball, a change with some fade from righties and some some sink that he will throw to lefties and a 11-5 slider with good bite.

9th: FB (90-91), CU (83-84), SL (81) - FB (Damon)

8) Jon Rauch: FB, Cut, SL, CB, CU. 6 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

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

9th: FB (91-93), Cut (87), CB (73)

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

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

9th: FB (92), SL (78-80)

10) Joe Nathan: FB, SL, CB, CU. 14 pitches. 3 strikes swinging. 2 Sliders, Fastball.

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

9th: FB (93-95), SL (86-88), CB (80-82) - 2 SL (Posada, Cabrera), FB (Swisher)

Life On The Farm: New York Yankees (# 15)

The best farm system money can buy.... right?

Graduated To Majors: Brett Gardner (OF, # 13), Ramiro Pena (SS, UR), Juan Miranda (1B, # 20), Francisco Cervelli (C, # 21), Alfredo Aceves (Swing, # 7), Eric Hacker (RP, UR, now with Pirates), Mark Melancon (RP, # 9), David Robertson (RP, # 15), Anthony Claggett (RP, # 26, now with Pirates), Steven Jackson (RP, # 29, now with Pirates), Phil Coke (RP, # 8), Mike Dunn (RP, # 16)

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 - Austin Jackson: CF
AAA: .300-.354-.405, 504, 4-65, 40-123, 24-4
Quick Take: Solid season, but the high # of strikeouts vs. not much power isn't a good tradeoff.

2 - Jesus Montero: C
Hi A: .356-.406-.583, 180, 8-37, 14-26, 0-0
AA: .317-.370-.539, 167, 9-33, 14-21, 0-0
Quick Take: Only an injury could stop one of the best offensive prospects in the game.

3 - Andrew Brackman: RHP
Lo A: 29-19, 2-12, 5.91, 106.2-106-8-76-103
Quick Take: Rough debut, but the Yankees knew he would be a project.

4 - Austin Romine: C
Hi A: .276-.322-.441, 442, 13-72, 29-78, 11-5
Quick Take: Solid all-around season from the Yankees best catching prospect, as Montero will be a first basemen.

5 - Dellin Betances: RHP
Hi A: 11-11, 2-5, 5.48, 44.1-48-2-27-44
Quick Take: Raw arm needed innings to learn how to command his stuff, but went down due to Tommy John Surgery in August.

6 - Zach McAllister: RHP
AA: 22-22, 7-5, 2.33, 121-98-4-33-96
Quick Take: Strong, if under the radar, season and may be ready for the Bronx next year.

10 - Brad Suttle: 3B
Lo A: .271-.348-.456, 377, 11-44, 45-93, 2-1
Quick Take: Surprisingly began back at Low A and put up a decent, if unspectacular, season.

AAA: Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (IL)
Breakout Hitter: Juan Miranda (# 20): .290-.369-.498, 438, 19-82, 55-101, 1-0
Disappointing Hitter: Eric Duncan (UL): .204-.242-.285, 323, 4-24, 16-69, 1-0
Breakout Pitcher: Zach Kroenke (UL): 36-2, 7-1, 1.99, 72.1-54-4-30-55
Disappointing Pitcher: J. Brent Cox (UR): 12-1, 0-1, 7.08, 20.1-29-2-9-11
Quick Take: Miranda had a strong all around season in getting a September call-up. Kroenke has put himself on the radar for a bi league call up, though the ERA does look a little fluky. Duncan, a former 1st round pick and touted prospect, has likely disappointed the Yankees for the last time. Cox really struggled at AAA and then didn't do much more at AA.

AA: Trenton Thunder (EL)
Breakout Hitter: Jesus Montero (# 2): Line above.
Disappointing Hitter: Justin Snyder (UR): .195-.279-.263, 262, 3-29, 29-49, 1-2
Breakout Pitcher: Josh Schmidt (UL): 46-5, 8-4, 1.61, 83.2-57-2-38-96
Disappointing Pitcher: Alan Horne (# 25): 5-4, 0-3, 11.15, 15.1-25-3-16-13
Quick Take: Montero accepted his place amongst the game's best prospects. Schmidt, a 26 year old righty, had his light apparently flicker on in a strong season that came out of nowhere. Snyder really struggled in his first attempt at AA. Horne really battled at 3 different levels this past season and enters a make or break season for his prospect status.

Hi A: Tampa Yankees (FSL)
Breakout Hitter: Jesus Montero (# 2): Line above.
Disappointing Hitter: Seth Fortenberry (UR): .175-.265-.328, 189, 6-27, 20-58, 3-0
Breakout Pitcher: Lance Pendleton (UL): 20-18, 11-5, 2.58, 104.2-101-1-31-87
Disappointing Pitcher: Dellin Betances (# 5): Line above.
Quick Take: Hate putting the same breakout hitter at 2 levels, but Montero deserved it. Pendleton's time under the radar has likely passed with a 2nd strong season. Fortenberry didn't hit at Hi A or AA (.160-.259-.256 in 125 at bats) in a setback season. Betances's season wasn't necessarily a disappointment, but the fact he is out for most if not of all next season is incredibly dissappointing.

Lo A: Charleston Riverdogs (SAL)
Breakout Hitter: Dan Brewer (UR): .323-.429-.473, 201, 2-25, 33-49, 9-5
Disappointing Hitter: Carmen Angelini (# 28): .197-.255-.258, 132, 1-8, 8-32, 6-1
Breakout Pitcher: Manny Banuelos (# 14): 25-19, 9-5, 2.67, 108-88-4-28-104
Disappointing Pitcher: Andrew Brackman (# 3): Line above.
Quick Take: Brewer had a strong full season debut and even received a promotion to Hi A at midseason. Banuelos was strong all season in his full season debut and may get on the fast track. Angelini struggled at Low A, then struggled even more after a demotion to SS (.190-.253-.270 in 200 at bats). Brackman's season was a disappointment, but not a surprise in 1st season back after TJS.

TK's Early 2010 Top 10 Prospects:
1) Jesus Montero: 1B
Amongst the best in all of baseball.
2) Austin Jackson: CF
Needs to reduce his strikeouts.
3) Austin Romine: C
One of the better all around catching prospects in baseball.
4) Zach McAllister: RHP
Likely will debut at some point next season.
5) Andrew Brackman: RHP
2nd year back from TJS is when control returns, so next season will be the telling one for Brackman.
6) Manny Banuelos: LHP
Lefty may have jumped on fast track to possible 2011 debut.
7) Arodys Vizcaino: RHP
19 years young in November, will likely make his full season debut after strong season at SS (10-10, 2-4, 2.13, 42.1-34-2-15-52)
8) D.J. Mitchell: RHP
22 year old had strong season at both A levels (25-24, 12-7, 2.63, 140.1-124-2-44-125)
9) Slade Heathcott: CF
Toolsy high school OF was 29th overall pick this June.
10) Jeremy Bleich: LHP
Lefty got a midseason promotion to AA and got pounded after solid work at High A.

Dropped From Top 10: Betances (# 5), Suttle (# 10)

Final Overview: The money the Yankees have spent, more notably internationally then draft-wise, has begun to pay dividends. This system has more depth then it has seen since the Yankees golden era in the late 90's and early 2000's. Montero is the best of the bunch and is a Top 5 prospect as a 1st basemen. Loaded with pitching, some of these will inevitably fall off due to injury or losing the feel for a pitch, but they have many more big arms then most other organizations. A top 10 farm system in my eyes.

The Final Extras... (Ba Ba Bum)

1) Josh Towers: FB, SL, CU, CB
9/12: 31 pitches. 2 strikes swinging. 2 Fastballs.

• Towers is a 6-1, 185 pound righty. The 32 year old has a medium frame that can still add quite a bit more muscle to it and has the build of a high school defensive back. He came from a high 3/4 release with clean mechanics. His fastball has some run in on righties and some sink. His curve is a 11-5 with slightly below average depth. His change is a straight change that looks like a fastball out of his hand. His slider is a 2-7 offering with good bite. 4-A arm that just doesn't have the stuff to be a consistent big league pitcher.

8th: FB (83-87), SL (82), CU (78-79), CB (72)

9th: FB (85-88), SL (80-83), CB (75) - 2 FB (Aubrey, Markakis)

2) Vladimir Nunez: FB, SL, CU.

9/18: 30 pitches. 3 strikes swinging. Fastball, Slider, Changeup.

• Nunez is a 6-4, 240 pound righty. The 34 year old has a big frame that appears to be maxed out, but doesn't appear to be as big as his listed 240, more around 220. Lean frame, almost like he lost some weight. He came from a high 3/4 release with clean mechanics. His slider is a 2-7 offering with average depth. His fastball has a little late run in on righties. His change has some fade from lefties and some sink. 4-A arm, again.

9th: FB (90-92), SL (79-82), CU (82-85) - FB (Bako), SL (Bako), CU (Stairs)

3) Ian Kennedy: FB, SL, CU.

9/23: 28 pitches. 3 strikes swinging. 2 Cutters, Fastball.

• Kennedy is a 6-0, 195 pound righty. The 24 year old has a small frame that can add a little more muscle to about 205. He came from an over the top release with very clean mechanics. His fastball has a little run in on righties, but is fairly straight. His cutter has good cut and some sink. His curve is a 12-6 offering with average depth. His change is a straight change that has a little fade from lefties and a little sink that he will throw in 3-2 counts though he doesn't have good control of it. The cutter is a good pitch for him to have in place of his slider. In the NL, he would profile as a # 3 starter, but in the AL East, he is a # 5 at best. I doubt he can be successful pitching in the Yankees bandbox.

8th: FB (90-93), Cut (85-88), CB (78), CU (81) - 2 Cut (Aybar - 2), FB (Izturis)

4) Eric Hacker: FB, CB, SL.

9/29: 14 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Hacker is a 6-1, 210 pound righty. The 26 year old has a medium frame that can get up to about 215 if he wants. Normal, athletic build with a solid lower half. He came from a high 3/4 release with pretty clean drop and drive mechanics. His curve is a 11-5 pitch with slightly above average depth. His fastball is a sinker with some run in on righties and some sink. His slider is a 2-7 offering with above average bite and is his go-to offspeed pitch. He could turn into a groundball forcing middle reliever, but he needs to refine his fastball command.

9th: FB (88-90), CB (73-74), SL (83-84)

5) Henry Rodriguez: FB, SL, CU

9/30: 24 pitches. 5 strikes swinging. 5 Fastballs.

• Rodriguez is a 6-0, 210 pound righty. The 22 year old has a small frame that looks a little smaller then his listed 210 pounds and is likely closer to 200. He can add quite a bit more muscle to his lower half, as he has a more of a defensive back build. He came from an over the top release working predominately from the stretch with pretty clean mechanics, though he does have a fairly violent head jerk and a little whipping action after release. His fastball is a straight, explosive, very easy velocity generating 4-seam. His slider is a sharp 2-7 with some bite. Has a tendency to leave the fastball up around the belt and can battle his command with the heater. Him and Bailey will form a very scary back end of the bullpen in a couple years after he tightens his slider and develops his fastball command a little more. Definitely a reliever long-term though.

7th: FB (98-100), SL (88) - 3 FB (Beltre - 2, Moore)

8th: FB (97-100), SL (86) - 2 FB (Wilson - 2)

NL West Extras

1) Brandon Webb: FB, CU, CB, Cut.
4/6: 77 pitches. 3 strikes swinging. 2 Fastballs, Changeup.

• Webb is a 6-2, 230 pound righty. The 30 year old has a medium frame that is maxed out. Strong build with a built lower half. He came from a high 3/4 release with a long arm action that almost wraps around his entire body. Lands hard on his front leg. His fastball is a sinker with above average run in on righties and above average sink. His change has good fade from lefties and above average sink that he will throw to righties. His curve is a 11-5 offering with average depth. Still has top of the rotation stuff, but will he still after all his arm issues?

1st: FB (83-89), CU (77-78), CB (74-75) - FB (Helton)

2nd: FB (83-88), CU (78-79), CB (75) - FB (Hawpe)

3rd: FB (82-88), CU (76-78), CB (69-75) - CU (Atkins)

4th: FB (83-86), CB (70-71)

2) Doug Slaten: FB, SL, CU.

4/6: 10 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Slaten is a 6-5, 215 pound lefty. The 29 year old has a big frame that can get up to at least 225 pounds. Can add a lot more muscle to his lower half, which is more of a WR build then a pitcher's build. He came from a high 3/4 release with some herky jerky in his delivery with limbs going everywhere. His fastball has some late run in on lefties and a little late sink. His slider is a sweeping 11-5 with slightly above average depth. Best case is LOOGY, but doesn't quite have the command yet. If it clicks, can be an average lefty.

5th: FB (89-92), SL (79-81)

3) Glendon Rusch: FB, SL, CB, CU.

4/6: 42 pitches. 3 strikes swinging. 2 Curveballs, Fastball.

• Rusch is a 6-1, 225 pound lefty. The 34 year old has a medium frame that is maxed out with a strong athletic build. He came from an over the top release with clean mechanics. His slider is a 11-5 offering with average depth. His fastball has some run in on lefties. His curve is a 11-5 offering with average depth. His change is straight with a little late fade from righties. Since released and looking for work, he may be done.

3rd: FB (87-90), SL (81-82), CB (72-74) - FB (Webb), CB (Webb)

4th: FB (88-91), SL (80), CB (74-75), CU (82)

5th: FB (88-90), CB (73-77) - CB (Byrnes)

4) Ryan Speier: FB, SL, CU.

4/6: 23 pitches. 3 strikes swinging. 2 Sliders, Fastball.

• Speier is a 6-7, 210 pound righty. The 30 year old has a big frame that can add a lot more muscle, as he has a long and lean frame. He came from a 3/4 release with solid mechanics, though his arm action puts some extra pressure on his elbow. His fastball has some run in on righties and some sink. His slider is a 2-7 offering with slightly above average bite. His change has some fade from lefties and some sink that he will throw to righties. Has the stuff to be a decent middle reliever, can he stay healthy?

5th: FB (89), SL (82-83), CU (83) - SL (Snyder)

6th: FB (88-89), SL (82-83), CU (81) - FB (Lopez), SL (Young)

5) Alex Hinshaw: FB, CB, SL

4/10: 16 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Hinshaw is a 6-4, 190 pound lefty. The 27 year old has a big frame that can add a lot more muscle, especially in his lower half. Athletic build. He came from a 3/4, almost high 3/4 release with a classic drop and drive delivery. His fastball had a little run in on lefties, but was pretty straight. His curve is a 11-5 with slightly above average depth that has nice movement to it. His slider is a sharp 11-5 with some bite. Has some potential, but needs to refine his slider and command to capitalize on it.

7th: FB (91-92), CB (71-72), SL (83)

6) Tom Gordon: FB, Cut, CB.

4/28: 9 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Gordon is a 5-10, 200 pound righty. The 42 year old has a small frame that won't be changing anytime soon. He came from an over the top release with pretty clean mechanics. His fastball has some frun in on righties and some sink. His curve is a sharp 12-6 with above average depth. His cutter has some cut and a little sink that can just hang at times. Probably could have another year left if necessary.

9th: FB (91-92), CB (82-83), Cut (86-87)

7) Osiris Matos: FB, SL, CU.

4/28: 17 pitches. 3 strikes swinging. Fastball, Changeup, Slider.

• Matos is a 6-1, 200 pound righty. The 25 year old has a medium frame that appears to be maxed out with a strong lower half. He came from an over the top release working predominately from the stretch with clean mechanics. His fastball is a fairly straight 4-seam. His slider is almost cutter like, but is too slow to be a cutter. It's a 2-7 pitch with marginal depth. His change is straight with not much action. 4-A guy.

8th: FB (89-91), SL (77-82), CU (80-81) - FB (Furcal), CU (Furcal), SL (Billingsley)

8) Esmil Rogers: FB, CB, CU.

9/12: 80 pitches. 3 strikes swinging. 2 Changeups, Fastball.

• Rogers is a 6-1, 150 pound righty. The 24 year old has a small frame that can add some more muscle and get up to about 165 at least. He came from an over the top release with a long arm action. If he played football, he would need to redshirt before he could get onto the field due to a lack of muscle everywhere. A lot of moving parts in his delivery and breaks his hands very high, adding stress to his shoulder. His fastball is a straight 4-seam. His curve is a sharp 12-6 with average depth. His change is straight with not much movement at all. He can battle his command, which isn't a surprise for a young pitcher. I think he ends up in the bullpen, where his plus fastball and power curve can be more of a weapon.

1st: FB (94-96), CB (79-83), CU (86-87)

2nd: FB (92-95), CB (79-80), CU (84-86)

3rd: FB (92-94), CB (78-79), CU (85) - CU (Gonzalez)

4th: FB (92-95), CB (76-81), CU (84) - FB (Venable), CU (Venable)

GM 2: BOS (0) @ LAA (1)

1) Jered Weaver: FB, SL, CB, CU. 111 pitches. 11 strikes swinging. 4 Changeups, 3 Fastballs, 2 Sliders, 2 Curveballs.

• Weaver came from an over the top release and showed a straight 4-seam fastball that can flash a little cut, a big breaking 12-6 curve with above average depth that he will throw in 2-0 counts, a 2-seam fastball with some run in on righties, a 2-7 slider with slightly above average bite and a change with good fade from lefties and some sink that looks like a fastball out of his hand that he will throw in 3-2 counts and to righties.

1st: FB (90-94), CB (70-74)

2nd: FB (90-92), CB (70-72), SL (79) - SL (Bay)

3rd: FB (89-93), CB (67), SL (77-79), CU (80)

4th: FB (89-93), CB (70-71), SL (77-80), CU (78-80) - FB (Ortiz), CB (Ortiz), CU (Ortiz)

5th: FB (88-92), CB (69-71), SL (77-79), CU (79-80) - 2 FB (Gonzalez - 2), CB (Drew), CU (Drew)

6th: FB (89-93), CB (69), SL (78-79), CU (80) - SL (Ellsbury), CU (Pedroia)

7th: FB (88-93), CB (71), SL (78-79), CU (78-81) - CU (Bay)

8th: FB (89-90), CB (68), CU (78)

2) Josh Beckett: FB, CB, CU, Cut. 103 pitches. 5 strikes swinging. 2 Fastballs, 2 Curveballs, Changeup.

• Beckett came from an over the top release and showed a straight 4-seam fastball, a change with good fade from lefties and some sink that he will throw in 3-2 counts and to righties, a 2-seam fastball with some run in on righties and a little sink, a power 12-6 curve with above average depth and a cutter with some cut.

1st: FB (95-96), CU (89-90)

2nd: FB (95-96), CU (88-90), CB (77)

3rd: FB (93-95), CU (87-88), CB (75-77), Cut (89) - 2 FB (Aybar, Napoli)

4th: FB (92-95), CB (76-78) - 2 CB (Rivera, Morales)

5th: FB (93-95), CU (88-89), CB (78) - CU (Aybar)

6th: FB (94-95), CU (89-90), CB (79)

7th: FB (92-94), CU (89-90), CB (75-79)

3) Billy Wagner: FB, SL, CU. 8 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

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

7th: FB (95-97)

8th: FB (94-95)

4) Darren Oliver: FB, SL, CU. 8 pitches. 1 strike swinging. Slider.

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

8th: FB (90-92), SL (78-80) - SL (Lowrie)

5) Kevin Jepsen: FB, Cut, CB, CU. 11 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

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

8th: FB (97-98), Cut (89-92)

9th: FB (97-98)

6) Jonathan Papelbon: FB, SL, Split. 6 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Papelbon came from a 3/4 release and showed a fastball with good run in on righties.

8th: FB (94-96)

7) Brian Fuentes: FB, SL, CU. 12 pitches. 1 strike swinging. Fastball.

• Fuentes came from a 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some run in on lefties and some sink and a straight change with a little late sink.

9th: FB (90-92), CU (74) - FB (Bay)

Life On The Farm: Chicago White Sox (# 16)

No pun intended.

Graduated To Majors: Gordan Beckham (SS, # 1), Brent Lillibridge (SS, # 8), Chris Getz (2B, # 9), Jayson Nix (2B, # 26), Brandon Allen (1B, # 6, now with Diamondbacks), Tyler Flowers (C, # 4), Jhonny Nunez (SP, # 16), Dan Hudson (SP, # 24), Lance Broadway (SP, # 28), Jack Egbert (SP, UR), Carlos Torres (RP, # 25), Adam Russell (RP, # 27, now with Padres), Aaron Poreda (SP, # 3), Clayton Richard (SP, # 5), Wes Whisler (SP, 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 - Dayan Viciedo: 3B
AA: .281-.318-.393, 499, 12-78, 23-87, 5-2
Quick Take: Solid season with such an aggressive assignment for the 20 year old Cuban defectee.

7 - Jordan Danks: CF
Hi A: .322-.409-.525, 118, 3-21, 18-32, 5-1
AA: .239-.333-.354, 280, 6-19, 36-73, 6-3
Quick Take: Danks is making everyone forget about his disappointing years at Texas.

10 - John Shelby: OF
AA: .243-.324-.403, 424, 10-49, 49-77, 30-8
Quick Take: Disappointing season as Shelby's struggles in plate discipline improved, but nothing else did.

AAA: Charlotte Knights (IL)
Breakout Hitter: Miguel Negron (UR): .279-.324-.365, 384, 4-38, 26-62, 14-13
Disappointing Hitter: Donny Lucy (UR): .216-.259-.307, 153, 2-10, 10-38, 2-2
Breakout Pitcher: Carlos Torres (# 26): 23-20, 10-4, 2.39, 128-96-4-56-130
Disappointing Pitcher: Jeff Marquez (# 20): 11-11, 2-8, 9.85, 45.2-72-12-22-27
Quick Take: Negron has at least put himself into a picture of being a 4th OF. Torres capitalized on his strong season by making his major league debut. Lucy was expected to be serviceable depth at C while Marquez was hyped quite a bit when acquired.

AA: Birmingham Barons (SL)
Breakout Hitter: Tyler Flowers (# 4): .309-.452-.560, 243, 13-43, 57-75, 3-0
Disappointing Hitter: John Shelby (# 10): Line above.
Breakout Pitcher: John Ely (# 11): 27-27, 14-2, 2.82, 156.1-140-9-50-125
Disappointing Pitcher: None
Quick Take: Flowers surged into the major leagues. Shelby just battled all season long. Ely looks like he may be ready for action next season in the show, as no one really struggled at AA on the pitching side.

Hi A: Winston-Salem Dash (CL)
Breakout Hitter: Brent Morel (# 17): .281-.335-.453, 481, 16-79, 38-66, 25-9
Disappointing Hitter: Greg Paiml (UR): .238-.295-.323, 508, 4-46, 34-152, 10-9
Breakout Pitcher: Dexter Carter (# 23): 27-27, 11-7, 4.36, 154.2-149-21-43-119
Disappointing Pitcher: Levi Maxwell (UR): 27-16, 5-14, 4.54, 101-109-11-43-48
Quick Take: Morel continues to show an intriguing, if somewhat raw, package for a 3B. Carter takes his act to San Diego as part of the Peavy trade. Paiml battled all year despite getting 500 at bats. Maxwell showed little ability to generate swings and misses.

Lo A: Kannapolis Intimidators (SAL)
Breakout Hitter: Justin Greene (UR): .303-.394-.444, 284, 7-24, 30-66, 16-7
Disappointing Hitter: Sergio Morales (UR): .237-.309-.360, 325, 6-38, 26-99, 18-2
Breakout Pitcher: Dan Remenowsky (UL): 54-0, 7-3, 1.99, 63.1-40-3-16-109
Disappointing Pitcher: Garrett Johnson (UR): 17-7, 4-4, 6.70, 47-63-5-12-42
Quick Take: Greene looks to jump into the Top 30 next year with a strong full season debut. Remenowsky had an eye popping season. Morales strugged while Johnson had a bad, if unlucky, season.

TK's Early 2010 Top 10 Prospects:
1) Dayan Viciedo: 3B
Cuban defectee looks to continue his quick rise to Chicago
2) Jordan Danks: CF
Toolsy OF will be at AA next season as he continue his quick rise.
3) Jared Mitchell: CF
Toolsy of all toolsy, 2009 1st round pick had solid debut at Kannapolis (.296-.417-.435)
4) John Ely: RHP
Starter may be ready to battle for a rotation spot in spring training.
5) Santos Rodriguez: LHP
Lefty will make full season debut next year after going 2-0, 1.33 in 27 innings at R (with 42 K's)
6) Brent Morel: 3B
Will be at AA next season to show just how far away he is from majors.
7) Jose Martinez: RF
21 year old had solid (.306-.359-.382 in 144 AB) full season debut at Low A.
8) C.J. Retherford: 3B
.297-.340-.473 line at AA means he may compete for a job in spring training.
9) Kyle Bellamy: RHP
5th round pick this year struck out 32 (against 2 walks) in 22 innings at R and Low A.
10) Clevelan Santeliz: RHP
The conversion to the pen appeared to take (56.1 IP, 35 BB, 52 K, 0.96 ERA)

Dropped From Top 10: Shelby (# 10)

Final Overview: System has gotten weaker, as most of it's impact talent has reached the majors. Talent is spread throughout the organization, but most appears to be at the AA and AAA levels for next season. Likely in the mid 20's.

Life On The Farm: New York Mets (# 17)

Lost season in the bigs, how about in the minors?

Graduated To Majors: Fernando Martinez (OF, # 1), Nick Evans (1B, # 9), Josh Thole (C, # 23), Tobi Stoner (SP, # 19), Bobby Parnell (Swing, # 5), Darren O'Day (RP, # 27, now with Rangers), Jon Niese (SP, # 3)

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 - Wilmer Flores: SS
Lo A: .264-.305-.332, 488, 3-36, 22-72, 3-3
Quick Take: Not bad when you consider his age (just 18 in August), but was it too aggressive?

4 - Brad Holt: RHP
Hi A: 9-9, 4-1, 3.12, 43.1-34-5-13-54
AA: 11-11, 3-6, 6.21, 58-58-9-23-45
Quick Take: Had a good half-season and hopefully learned from his 1st AA experience.

6 - Jefry Marte: 3B
Lo A: .233-.279-.338, 485, 6-41, 25-117, 5-5
Quick Take: Another 18 (this one in June) year old who may have been pushed too quickly.

7 - Jenrry Mejia: RHP
Hi A: 9-9, 4-1, 1.97, 50.1-41-0-16-44
AA: 10-10, 0-5, 4.47, 44.1-44-2-23-47
Quick Take: Maintained a strong K rate and pitched in AA and will be 20 in 3 days.

8 - Reese Havens: SS
Hi A: .247-.361-.422, 360, 14-52, 55-73, 3-2
Quick Take: Rough season for the former 1st round pick.

10 - Eddie Kunz: RHP
AAA: 40-0, 4-5, 5.02, 61-54-8-31-38
Quick Take: K-rate disappeared when he was expected to be a cog in that major league bullpen.

AAA: Buffalo Bisons (IL)
Breakout Hitter: Fernando Martinez (# 1): .290-.337-.540, 176, 8-28, 11-33, 2-1
Disappointing Hitter: Jonathan Malo (UL): .186-.255-.225, 129, 0-3, 12-28, 2-0
Breakout Pitcher: Tobi Stoner (# 19): 16-16, 7-7, 3.96, 97.2-92-9-34-64
Disappointing Pitcher: Lance Broadway (UL): 16-14, 5-7, 6.27, 84.2-101-6-34-41
Quick Take: Martinez made his MLB debut and looked solid until going down with an injury, like every other Met. Stoner looked solid in his debut in the majors. Malo was the toast of spring training and then battled when the season began. Broadway disappointed since coming over from Chicago.

AA: Binghamton Mets (EL)
Breakout Hitter: Josh Thole (# 23): .328-.395-.422, 384, 1-46, 42-34, 8-4
Disappointing Hitter: Emmanuel Garcia (UR): .246-.305-.320, 491, 4-40, 39-113, 19-10
Breakout Pitcher: Tobi Stoner (# 19): 7-7, 2-2, 2.68, 47-28-5-13-28
Disappointing Pitcher: Mike Antonini (# 15): 25-20, 7-5, 5.32, 115-137-9-34-86
Quick Take: Thole accelerated up the organization depth chart and didn't look out of place in his debut. Stoner was about the only AA pitcher to exceed expectations. Garcia showed too raw of a game for a AA player. Antonini struggled in his first exposure to AA.

Hi A: St. Lucie Mets (FSL)
Breakout Hitter: Ike Davis (# 11): .288-.376-.486, 222, 7-28, 31-52, 0-2
Disappointing Hitter: Francisco Pena (# 21): .226-.260-.332, 389, 8-44, 15-78, 0-1
Breakout Pitcher: Scott Shaw (# 18): 26-26, 8-8, 3.73, 149.2-140-13-57-118
Disappointing Pitcher: Manny Alvarez (UR): 35-0, 4-3, 5.09, 46-58-4-24-32
Quick Take: Davis, a much maligned 1st rounder, made up for a poor debut with a strong follow-up season. Shaw pitched solid as he prepares for AA. Pena has yet to translate his raw tools into production. Alvarez was the worst, but the St. Lucie Mets had a lot of solid, unspectacular seasons.

Lo A: Savannah Sand Gnats (SAL)
Breakout Hitter: Jordany Valdespin (UL): .322-.366-.480, 152, 3-18, 11-32, 7-2
Disappointing Hitter: Jefry Marte (# 6): Line above.
Breakout Pitcher: Eric Beaulac (UL): 26-19, 7-7, 2.95, 116-110-6-41-133
Disappointing Pitcher: None
Quick Take: Valdespin came out of nowhere to produce a very strong batting line. Beaulac repeated and found a lot of success. Marte may have been pushed too quickly.

TK's Early 2010 Top 10 Prospects:
1) Jenrry Mejia: SP
The best of a really young group of prospects
2) Wilmer Flores: SS
Youngster looks to continue to learn how to play.
3) Ike Davis: 1B
1st rounder got back onto his development path.
4) Ruben Tejada: SS
20 year old SS (20 in September) hit .289-.351-.381 at AA.
5) Jefry Marte: 3B
Needs a definite refresher.
6) Cesar Puello: RF
Talented OF likely to make full season debut next year.
7) Zach Lutz: 3B
Returned from injury plagued year to earn a late season promotion to AA.
8) Brad Holt: RHP
Looks to beat AA the 2nd time around.
9) Lucas Duda: 1B
Solid (.281-.380-.428) year at AA, may make leap to AAA.
10) Steven Matz: LHP
Mets top pick (2nd round) set to make debut next season.

Dropped From Top 10: Havens (# 8), Kunz (# 10)

Final Overview: This system is so young and many of the players are pushed aggressively that it is hard to divulge the true talent level. Flores, Marte and Mejia are all advanced prospects that are finding it hard to get some success at different stages. This system is developing and likely has fallen back a little bit into the twenties, but they have some true impact talent coming up.

Life On The Farm: Pittsburgh Pirates (# 18)

Has a system added more prospects in-season in recent memory?

Graduated To Majors: Andrew McCutchen (OF, # 2), Neil Walker (3B, # 6), Luis Cruz (SS, UR), Brian Bixler (2B, # 27), Jason Jaramillo (C, # 28), Robinzon Diaz (C, UR), Daniel McCutchen (SP, # 9), Evan Meek (RP, # 22), Donald Veal (RP, # 26), Dave Davidson (RP, UR, now with Marlins).

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 - Pedro Alvarez: 3B
Hi A: .247-.342-.486, 243, 14-55, 37-70, 1-1
AA: .333-.419-.590, 222, 13-40, 34-59, 1-0
Quick Take: The rare prospect that actually played better at a higher level.

3 - Jose Tabata: OF
AA: .303-.370-.404, 228, 2-25, 20-25, 7-6
AAA: .276-.333-.410, 134, 3-10, 10-18, 4-2
Quick Take: He has continued on schedule to a possible major league cup of coffee next season.

4 - Brad Lincoln: RHP
AA: 13-13, 1-5, 2.28, 75-63-4-18-65
AAA: 12-12, 6-2, 4.70, 61.1-72-7-10-42
Quick Take: Solid full season as this former 1st round pick appears to be back at full strength.

5 - Bryan Morris: RHP
Hi A: 15-15, 4-9, 5.57, 72.2-86-2-34-32
Quick Take: Rough season and apparently had attitude problems to boot.

7 - Jeff Sues: RHP
AA: 40-0. 2-6, 4.46, 78.2-66-7-37-74
AAA: 8-0, 0-0, 6.00, 12-13-1-8-12
Quick Take: Power arm may be ready for the show next season.

8 - Shelby Ford: 2B
AA: .233-.325-.350, 103, 2-17, 12-18, 2-0
AAA: .188-.240-.279, 298, 4-27, 14-58, 8-1
Quick Take: Actually started year in AAA and finished in AA in lost season.

10 - Robbie Grossman: OF
Lo A: .264-.371-.353, 451, 5-40, 75-164, 35-12
Quick Take: A lot of tools and a lot of rawness on display.

AAA: Indianapolis Indians (IL)
Breakout Hitter: Garrett Jones (UL): .307-.348-.502, 277, 12-50, 18-47, 14-4
Disappointing Hitter: Shelby Ford (# 8): Line above.
Breakout Pitcher: Daniel McCutchen (# 9): 24-24, 13-6, 3.47, 142.2-145-10-29-110
Disappointing Pitcher: Jason Davis (UL): 35-7, 0-8, 6.06, 62.1-72-2-36-25
Quick Take: Jones took the Pirates by storm and contended for the ROY. McCutchen threw well enough in Pit to warrant a look, whether as a starter or reliever. Ford ended up back in AA while Davis appears that he will never regain the promise he showed when he was with the Indians.

AA: Altoona Curve (EL)
Breakout Hitter: Pedro Alvarez (# 1): Line above.
Disappointing Hitter: Jamie Romak (# 11): .175-.243-.303, 211, 5-24, 18-66, 1-0
Breakout Pitcher: Brad Lincoln (# 4): Line above.
Disappointing Pitcher: Tim Alderson (# 4 in SF): 7-7, 3-1, 4.66, 38.2-39-4-13-18
Quick Take: Alvarez looks primed to be a half season away. Lincoln will battle for a rotation spot in spring training. Romak ended up back in Hi A where he still struggled. Alderson had higher expectation from me, but that K rate is scary.

Hi A: Lynchburg Hillcats (CL)
Breakout Hitter: Chase D'Arnaud (# 17): .295-.402-.481, 4-26, 30-41, 14-5
Disappointing Hitter: Eddie Prasch (UR): .179-.301-.272, 151, 0-19, 22-40, 1-2
Breakout Pitcher: Matt McSwain (UR): 28-25, 11-8, 3.43, 144.1-162-3-23-64
Disappointing Pitcher: Bryan Morris (# 5): Line above.
Quick Take: D'Arnaud finished the season here after starting in Low A and showed an advanced offensive game for a SS. McSwain was the best of a subpar crop of pitchers. Prasch just hasn't hit since entering pro ball as a 3rd round pick. Morris had setbacks in every manner you could.

Lo A: West Virginia Power (SAL)
Breakout Hitter: Tony Sanchez (UR): .338-.457-.506, 77, 2-20, 11-17, 0-0
Disappointing Hitter: Andrew Walker (UR): .211-.333-.325, 114, 1-13, 20-28, 0-1
Breakout Pitcher: Rudy Owens (UL): 19-19, 10-1, 1.70, 100.2-71-8-15-91
Disappointing Pitcher: Duke Welker (UR): 31-15, 0-11, 5.79, 101-96-7-67-69
Quick Take: Sanchez was a questioned 1st round pick who just hit. Owens came out of nowhere to jump up prospect boards as a lefty. Walker was a repeater who didn't hit and has now been passed on the organization depth chart. Welker is another repeater who actually regressed from last year.

TK's Early 2010 Top 10 Prospects
1) Pedro Alvarez: 3B
Possibly the minors best hitter, likely to debut some point next season.
2) Jose Tabata: CF
4-tool player may join McCutchen in an extremely fast OF.
3) Rudy Owens: LHP
Time to prove it wasn't a fluke.
4) Brad Lincoln: RHP
Former 1st rounder, finally healthy, looks to make MLB debut next season.
5) Tony Sanchez: C
Much maligned 1st rounder looks like a future starting catcher.
6) Jarek Cunningham: 3B
Converted SS looks to debut in full season ball next season.
7) Starling Marte: OF
Dominican signee hit .312-.377-.439 in full-season debut at West Virginia.
8) Zach Von Rosenberg: RHP
6th round pick got over slot to sign with projectable (6'5" 205) body.
9) Trent Stevenson: RHP
7th round pick got over slot to sign with projectable (6'6", 175) body.
10) Robbie Grossman: CF
Talented CF looks to continue put the tools into production.

Dropped From Top 10: Morris (# 5), Sues (# 7), Ford (# 8)

Final Overview: A system that had been terrible looks to be on the right track. Choosing depth over quality, the Pirates have an enviable amount of projectability pitchers and toolsy OF's. As long as the coaching in the minor leagues improves the talent, they are in good shape to end that streak of losing seasons. A system on the upswing.