The Blog Will Live On!

The Blog will live on, but will undergo a change in the type of data available.

This blog will now focus primarily on minor league reports for the upcoming baseball season. I have subscribed to MILB.TV, so I will break down 3 or 4 game series as they become available.

This blog will no longer have any major league breakdowns, though I am still working at BIS. My major league breakdowns will now be done through Excel and some other means and I will no longer be writing observations on this blog.

Look for this blog to return in mid to late April.

Dominican Winter League Breakdown

The DWL is currently in its final series, so I will keep an eye on it and see if any new players crop up that I want to watch (unlikely), and if there are, they will be included in the minors June wrap up.

The DWL is an offensive league and an older league, so there wasn't a ton to look at, but here is what I saw:

Hitters

Constanza, Jose: Age 26, Cleveland Indians Organization

The OF put up solid numbers, though he only played at AA at the age of 25. Solid hitter, but was a hitter that I got a feel that he was up there trying to force a walk rather then trying to get a hit. This is a guy that will never hit for much power at all, but is a plus runner. He profiles as a 4th OF who is limited to LF or CF due to a below average arm and he won't offer much with the bat. Not much of an upside to him, but he will likely get a few major league at bats at some point.

Francisco, Juan: Age 22, Cincinnati Reds Organization

Francisco can mash. He can also get into slumps. Another guy who swings at whatever is there, he reminds me of Pablo Sandoval, though he is just a left handed stick. They are built very similarly, profile similarly offensively and have/had defensive question marks in regards to 3B. As it relates to Francisco, he is a pull heavy hitter who is beginning to have the shift put on for him (or are at least heavily shading that way). He is a big swinger who takes the swing hard in case you hit it approach and has the strikeout number to prove it. He can jam himself at times also. He will hit for power and I think he will hit for a solid enough average. Defensively, I think he can stay at the hot corner, but has the arm (plus) to try the OF and see if that fits (since 1B is not an option with Votto coming up and Alonso behind him)

Lake, Junior: Age 19, Chicago Cubs Organization

Hi, I ooze tools. He is everything you look for in a prospect. He has all 5 tools, though they are still extremely raw. Offensively, he has a pull heavy approach and the pitch recognition of a 19 year old. If I was a hitting coach, I would love to have him and be able to refine what he does (though not as much as a prospect that is a little lower on this list). Has some things within his swing that he needs to refine (such as a longer trigger that creates a hitch, shortening his swing, etc.) but the raw tools are there for success. Defensively, he plays an above average shortstop with a good first steop on balls to his right and an above average arm with good footwork turning the double play. Needs to not stab at the ball with the backhand and just receive it, but he profiles very well as an All-Star shortstop (granted, is at least 3 years away) and a good defensive one. If Starlin Castro forces him off short, he should have more then enough bat to handle 2B and enough to handle 3B.

Peguero, Francisco: Age 21, San Francisco Giants Organization

If you thought Lake was raw, Peguero is even rawer. He has more tools then an Acme Toolbox, but is still learning to translate them. He has one of the worst stances and swings I have seen and he will need a lot of work to refine them. He is a pull heavy hitter who triggers too early and struggles to recognize off-speed stuff. He pounds the ball in the ground, which doesn't allow his average power to play, but does allow his plus speed (3.80, 4.01 to 1st... as a righty) to play. Defensively, hear he has an above average arm, but does put his plus speed to use with solid routes and a good 1st step. Still has a ton of questions to answer, but this is a guy to watch and he could be a future Vladimir Guerrero if absolutely everything falls right. I am not that optimistic.

Pitchers

Del Rosario, Enerio: Age 25, Cincinnati Reds Organization

Del Rosario was a recent addition to the Reds 40 man roster so they wouldn't lose him in the Rule V draft and that was a good decision. Saw him 3 separate times and he operates with a fastball at 86-88 and a slider at 80-82. He comes from a 3/4 arm angle and his fastball has good run in on righties and good sink that is very difficult for hitters to elevate, making him an ideal candidate to be a situational reliever. His slider is serviceable enough, but isn't an out pitch and he won't put up big strikeout numbers. A mini version of Darren O'Day, he should be a solid reliever for the Reds and wouldn't be surprised if he broke camp with the team in April.

Pena, Tony: Age 28, San Francisco Giants Organization

After playing SS failed due to his inability to hit, he was converted to pitching by the Royals and posted some intriguing numbers. He signed as a minor league free agent with the Giants for this upcoming season. He was a guy I was excited to see, but he didn't pitch like your typical convert. He doesn't feature a big fastball, instead sitting at 87-89 with a sinker that can elicit groundballs and he threw a raw change at 79. His mechanics (even working only from the stretch) still need a lot of work and he is a lot of arm in his delivery. You hope he may add velocity focusing on pitching everyday, but he profiles as no better then a solid middle reliever, and one that will require more work then a normal pitcher.

Oneli Perez: Age 26, St. Louis Cardinals Organization

Perez intrigued me by putting up some pretty solid numbers for AAA Memphis this year, but he is what he is. He is not an overwhelming pitcher and is a guy who should be able to get AAA hitters out fairly consistently, but just lacks the stuff to do it in the majors. He was 89-91 with his fastball, a sinker variety and was 77-80 with his slider, which is average but can't be an out pitch. You will see him in the major leagues a couple more times.

Juan Perez: Age 31, Los Angeles Dodgers Organization (LHP)

The oldest guy I looked at, he put up some nice strikeout numbers at AAA Gwinnett and signed as a minor league free agent with the Dodgers. I only saw him once (and he only threw 1 fastball at 86), but he looks like he is just AAA depth. He also threw a curve at 75-77 that was a sweeping pitch with above average tilt and was a true swing and miss offering, but he doesn't have the FB velocity to not have major league hitters sit on it.

Rosa, Carlos: Age 24, Kansas City Royals Organization

Rosa is a guy I have always liked and wanted to see how he looked as a starter. I am still holding out hope, but his start I watched wasn't good (only lasted 2 innings) and struggled to throw strikes with his fastball out of the windup. For the outing, he showed a fastball at 90-94 with good movement and inconsistent command, a slider at 86-88 that was tight but didn't have great movement, a below average curve at 78 and a change at 84-86 that was usable. Is a major league arm, but he probably does profile better as a reliever, though if I am KC I make him prove it by starting him a few times this coming season.

Severino, Atahualpa: Age 25, Washington Nationals Organization (LHP)

His first name is quite the treat. Anyways, Severino is a 5-9, 170 pound lefty reliever who doesn't have much growth left. The first 2 games I saw, he was 88-90 with his fastball and 77-80 with his slider. His last outing I saw, he sat at 90-92 (had read reports he touched 94) and showed a slider at 79. His slider is more of a slurve, but it should be enough to get out lefties and righties if his velocity stays at 90-92. Solid reliever prospect who probably profiles as a 2nd lefty in a pen and one better suited to face lefties (in the DWL, he was used as a LOOGY, facing only the occasional right handed bat)

Valdez, Jose: Age 26, Houston Astros Organization

Valdez signed as a minor league free agent after coming out of the Yankees organization (and putting up some solid strikeout numbers). The 6-4 Valdez needs to be locked in a weight room for a while, as he is just 185 pounds and is built like a stringbean. However, the one thing that is known about him is he has a big arm, sitting at 93-94 with his fastball and touching 95 and showing a slurve that I classified as a curveball at 79-83. His fastball is major league ready and is a worthwhile risk by the Astros to see if they can tighten his off-speed pitch into something major league ready.

Venezuelan Winter League Breakdown

Had 2 games available to break down on ESPN 360 (with a ton of Dominican Winter League games, so there will be a post on that in some time) and so here is a brief summary (keep in mind, I still only watch guys that pique my interest):

C Wilson Ramos (Minnesota Twins): Age 22
Ramos is a very highly touted catching prospect and prospect overall. Ranked the # 2 prospect by Baseball America entering the upcoming season, he likely slots somewhere in the middle of the Top 50. Ramos has "light tower" power, especially to his pull side and his power output in the VWL was no fluke. He is very smooth defensively with an above average arm that he is fairly accurate with. No doubt in my mind he can hit 25-30 homers and be an above average defender.

However, he is a guy that sabermetrics may not like. This is a guy who employs the Vladimir Guerrero approach. He put up solid numbers in a half season at AA, but it will be interesting to see what happens when more advanced pitchers face him. In the 1 game I saw, it could be a slider off the plate, a fastball in or a curveball, he was swinging at it on the 1st pitch. He has better tools then another free swinger with a good pedigree coming up (Francouer), but I still have those same questions.

With that said, I still view him as a sometime all star and an everyday catcher.

Ezequiel Carrera (Seattle Mariners)
The 22 year old had a great year at AA (.337-.441-.416) and showed his ability. It has surprised me that he hasn't yet been ranked in the top 30 for either the Mets or Mariners. He is a true speedster who I had a 65 or a 70 runner on the 20-80 scale. He is a slap hitter who will never hit for much power, but can work the count and is a good contact hitter who shouldn't strike out much. Defensively, he uses his speed well and has a slightly above average 1st step with a slightly below average arm, so he is limited to CF or LF.

He should start next season in AAA and be primed for a starting job the year after, though Franklin Gutierrez is a big time blocker in CF, so he may need to settle at being a 4th OF.

Pitchers (ESPN360 had a radar gun for those telecasts, so awesome)

Eduardo Sanchez (St. Louis Cardinals)
This guy was unlisted on the Baseball America St. Louis page (not even a depth guy), but let me give you this guys numbers this past season:

Hi A Palm Beach: 19 G, 25 IP, 12 H, 5 BB, 26 K
AA Spingfield: 41 G, 50 IP, 32 H, 20 BB, 56 K

Did I mention that he pitched last season at the age of 20? The 21 year old will likely start next year at AAA and has a great chance to be in the St. Louis bullpen by June. He showed a fastball at 90-92 (though I have read reports where it can sit in the mid 90's) and a devastating, lights out 76-78 slider that even if the FB is only 90-92, he can be a solid set-up guy. He also showed a change at 81, but that is a distant 3rd pitch.

Needless to say, he is now Baseball America's 6th best prospect in the St. Louis organization entering this season.

Yohan Pino (Cleveland Indians) Age 26
One of many that will be competing for a starting job with Cleveland, Pino operates with a fastball at 86-89, a slider at 78-82, a curve at 71-74 and a change at 73-75. I believe this is right, but Pino is the unabashed champion at throwing back-up sliders and he was a little difficult to distinguish between sliders and changeups. His fastball has some good late movement and he has good command of the pitch, but is still a below average offering due to velocity. His 2 breaking pitches are both average and his change is okay. He is a guy with a very small margin of error and I don't see him having prolonged success in the majors.

Fernando Hernandez (Oakland Athletics)
A minor league free agent signing, the 25 year old Hernandez operates with a fastball at 89-90, a slider at 79-81 and a curveball at 71-76. Your classic 3-pitch reliever, he is good AAA depth who will likely make 1 or 2 more major league cameos before his days are done.

Joseph Ortiz (Texas Rangers)
The now 19 year old Ortiz is a 5-7, 175 pound lefty. He struggled in a brief introduction to full season ball and will likely get another chance this coming season. He operates with a fastball at 87-90, a sweeping curve at 71 and a change at 79. To me, he profiles as nothing better then a 2nd lefty in a pen and he could have a chance to be a solid LOOGY.

Clevelan Santeliz (Chicago White Sox)
Ahhhh, the whole stats lying thing. The 23 year old posted an ERA of .96 at AA Birmingham in 40 appearances, but had a WHIP of 1.38. He has good stuff, but he doesn't have .96 ERA stuff. He operates with fastball that sat at 92-93 and touched 94 and 95 once and a slider at 83-87. I see him as a solid middle reliever, as he does have some command questions.

Rafael Cova (San Francisco Giants)
An interesting story, this is what he did in minor league ball last year (he was hurt):

AZL Giants: 4 G, 4 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 8 K
Hi A San Jose: 12 G, 11 IP, 5 H, 12 BB, 19 K

Obviously, he has strike out stuff. The question for me on him was his age, as he is 27. He apparently signed as a minor league free agent after not pitching since 2006 (used to be a Mets prospect). This may turn out to be one heck of a find if he can stay healthy. Cova featured a fastball at 93-94 and a downer 1-7 slider at 82-85 that could be a strikeout pitch. One to watch, as he has to be put on the fast track due to his age.

Danny Rondon (Minnesota Twins)
The 22 year old is a non prospect to me. The reliever operated with a fastball at 86-88 that touched 89 and 90 and showed a slider at 82 that is still a ways away.

Carlos Alvarez (Florida Marlins)
One of the older guys I looked at, the 25 year old disappointed me. He has a delivery and arm angle that would make him tough on lefties and showed a fastball at 86 and a sweeping curve at 74-75. Just 5-9, he is likely destined to be AAA filler and get a few looks in the majors.

The Minors: April

I have stuck to a list of around 300 some players breaking down the AAA video. Most of the AAA video is fairly good with a CF camera allowing you to see pitch movement and how a hitters aligns. Any velocities I find on here are thanks to Durham, who hooked up their stadium gun to their "telecast" and that is useful.

Stumbled upon some video from Lexington (Low A, South Atlantic League) which has a pretty good rotation of Jordan Lyles, Ross Seaton, Robert Bono, Kyle Greenwalt and Brad D(more on him below). This would have been amazing, except for the fact they use more camera angles then the Yankees use money. They very rarely use their CF angle, instead opting for an angle behind home plate (about useless) or zooming in on the pitcher/hitter. They are about the most frustrating video to watch and most of the time I stop, but I have found some things that are useful.

This will likely be the only time I post on these guys (though I won't stop watching). My plan was to now jump to June games and break those down (and hopefully get some All-Star Games) and then jump again to September to see how they react. The hope is to find these guys when they are locked in and struggling.

I determined these players that I followed (keep in mind some of them haven't yet debuted in AAA) by name value (guys like Stephen Head and Jon Jay have always stuck out to me), stats (guys like Brian Dopirak and Kila Ka'aihue have put up solid numbers) and personal preference (Some guys I want to see that casual fans have no interest in, such as Drew O'Neil, a high school teammate or Josh Kroeger, who has always intrigued me for some reason)

If you have questions on anyone not mentioned, feel free to make a comment. More then likely I have watched them.

If you disagree, please voice your concerns, as this way I can look for that in June and September.

Here is the 1-month breakdown on what I have seen:

Atlanta Braves:
None. They don't have too many guys on my list to evaluate. The Rome-Lexington series has also been impossible to evaluate through video. Saw brief glimpses of Tim Gustafson, who profiles as a reliever to me. Of guys not on their team during the season, I think they took good risks on Brent Clevlen (formerly a Tiger) and Eric Duncan (formerly a Yankee) as minor league free agents. Clevlen didn't show the defensive ability that Baseball America says he has (the hardest thing to evaluate on video is an IF or OF's first step), but he does show the power and shows spurts where he is squaring pitches up consistently. Duncan, the former 1st round pick of the Yankees, still shows good tools and I think he profiles solidly as a bench bat in the NL, as he will not hit for the power needed for a corner infielder. He isn't yet ready and needs more refinement, but I think the change in scenery will do him well and after watching him hit and seeing his swing mechanics, surprised he hasn't hit for average. Todd Redmond pitched against Durham and showed a pitcher whose mechanics deemed a move to the bullpen but whose stuff deemed staying in the rotation. He worked at 86-89 with a 2-seamer and touched 90, 91 and 92 once. His curve was a power curve that really throws you off because it was 76-82. His change was 77-81 and his split was 76-77 with the split serving as his out pitch to lefties. Mariano Gomez compiled good numbers at AAA Gwinnett, but didn't get a call-up and doesn't really have a role as a lefty who works with a fastball at 88-91 and no real breaking pitch to speak of.

Baltimore Orioles:
Norfolk has a couple hitters that I took the time to look at. Justin Turner showed well in a brief September call-up, but to me profiles as a solid utility infielder who can play SS. I don't know how we will continue to hit for average from his current set-up, as it is fairly active. Also feel like he should hit for a little more power then he has shone. And for anyone holding out hope that Mike Costanzo will come through and make his acquisition a success, good luck. Long swing with no real pitch recognition ability and can't hit a breaking pitch from a lefty.

Chicago Cubs:
Have just begun breaking down Chris Robinson.

Chicago White Sox:
Kannapolis played Lexington for a 4-game set and they gave me enough to know that I don't like Jorge Castillo or Jordan Cheatham and think they max out in AA or lower. Tyler Kuhn is an intriguing bat who looks like he should provide some gap power and is a guy I can't break down through video, as his ? mark is position and where he profiles. Good looking line drive oriented stick. The big names on Kannapolis (according to Baseball America) are Eduardo Escobar and Jon Gilmore. Failed to get a decent feel for either one of these guys in this time, but Escobar seems like he is far away while Gilmore should begin his ascent to Chicago and has the potential to be a middle of the order bat. On the pitching side, saw a few guys that may have a future in a big league bullpen in Nate Jones, who looked like he threw a fairly hard fastball but nothing else, and Drew O'Neil, who profiles as a sidearming ROOGY to force groundballs, though he needs to refine his command. 22 year old Stephen Sauer also looked good out of the pen and the White Sox are now attempting to develop him as a starter apparently. I believe the scouting report when he was drafted that he was working at 88-91 and showed a 12-6 downer curve that was a swing and miss offering and a cutter/slider hybrid that was more of a show pitch. His change looked fairly refined as well.

Cincinnati Reds:
Chris Valaika was the Reds 4th best prospect entering the season. That was WAY too high and I fail to understand what Baseball America saw. Valaika is a useful guy, but he is way too mechanical to stay at SS with a below average arm and needs to be a 2Bmen or a utility guy. His bat looks okay, though he struggled to put up numbers. Wilkin Castillo's best hope is to be a super utility guy, as he showed he can catch and play some OF (and could probably learn 2B), but he isn't very good at any of the positions and his bat isn't good enough that you have to find a spot for him. Have tried to watch Sam LeCure twice, but twice the video hasn't worked which has been extremely disappointing.

Cleveland Indians:
The Indians had a trio of guys I wanted to look at. The top name on my list was Jordan Brown who had a strong year statistically in AAA, but never got a look when the Indians were trying out everyone and their mother. After watching him, you can understand why. I believe he is a perfect comparable with Oscar Salazar. He will hit in the majors, but not enough to hold down a corner outfield or 1B position. More of an average hitter, I see him as a good fit on a NL bench where he can pinch hit and other things (just like Salazar). Wes Hodges may be ready for a big league cameo next year, though he will be a little rough in regards to defense due to his throwing mechanics and his swing implies he should hit for more power then he has shown thus far. Stephen Head is a name that has shone out to me since his days at Ole Miss and it appears both myself and the Indians have misevaluated him and he is a non-prospect. Not an Indian during the April season, Jason Donald profiles to me as a utility infielder. Unlike Baseball America, I think he could stay at SS if he had to, but isn't going to beat out Asdrubal. Luis Valbuena is also a better option to Donald in my opinion. Donald shows like he should be able to hit for average and power and I think this season was a fluke and he should have a strong bounceback campaign at AAA next season. Mitch Talbot (Rays) should be able to fill one of the holes in the Indians rotation. Comes from an over the top with quiet, repeatable mechanics and showed a 2-seamer with some run in on righties and some sink (though the movement can be inconsistent), a change with good fade from lefties and some sink that he can throw for strikes, a tight 2-7 slider with good late cut action and a 12-6 downer curve with good tilt and slightly above average depth. Primarily FB-CB and can throw all his off-speed stuff for strikes and profiles as a back of the rotation starter.

Detroit Tigers:
This is a team that will need to rely on some of their younger guys to step up and 2 have made a favorable impression on me. Wilkin Ramirez is extremely questionable defensively and may get lost in LF in Comerica. However, this guy will hit if given the chance (for both power and average) and will be an asset in the batting order, though he can get pull heavy at times and will go through spurts where he swings at everything. The other was the man they had acquired from the Yankees, Austin Jackson. He showed me enough to think he will be able to stick in CF (though some of his routes will be interesting) and I think his stick can play in the majors this coming season, though not necessarily that well. He still shows a problem recognizing (and laying off) the slider down and away and can get overaggressive and pull heavy at times. I think his power bat will return however (though Comerica will make it look it hasn't). Will Rhymes and Brent Dlugach profile as utility guys at best and neither will hit much in the big leagues.

Florida Marlins:
The Marlins have a toolsy OF who is trying to get a chance to prove himself at the big league level. No, I am not referring to Maybin, but rather Jai Miller. Miller is a true 5 tool guy, but he is still very raw. He flashes ability in all 5 phases of the game and then will turn around the next game and strike out 4 times and look bad everytime at the plate. He needs to refine his approach (very pull oriented) and learn to go the other way and develop a better plan at the plate. Gaby Sanchez to me is a placeholder for Logan Morrison and doesn't profile to do much, as he doesn't show much power and seems to swap between being over aggressive and too patient. The pitcher they got from the Astros, Robert Bono, is an athletic guy who looked like he was operating with a high 80's to low 90's sinker with some raw offspeed offerings and solid command. I must have seen one of the few quality outings as a starter from Brett Sinkbeil. He looked like he threw gas with a heavy fastball that forced a lot of groundouts. He was locating that pitch as well as his above average 2-7 slider, which he buried or threw for a strike in any count. His change was more of a show pitch and really hasn't developed. Likely a future set-up guy, if his command is like what I saw (plan on watching some bullpen appearances to see how he looks). Ryan Tucker showed about the cleanest mechanics I think I have seen and he went down to an arm injury. He showed a hard fastball, though it was fairly straight, a tight 2-7 slider that could be sweeping but was inconsistent break-wise and a change that actually is close to being usable. Was lobbying to be a reliever to try and make the team out of the spring and got an arm injury out of getting to start in AAA. Interesting to see how he bounces back. Chris Schroder (A's) could be a usable cog for them out of the pen in the way Brendan Donnelly was last year and showed a pretty straight 4-seamer, a cutter, a sweeping 3-8 slider and a change. James Houser (Rays) is a worthwhile gamble, but he showed a fastball at 82-86 that touched 87, 88 and 89, a good 12-6 curve at 70-73, a solid change at 74-78 and a Jamie Moyer like cutter at 77-80.

Houston Astros:
Not yet seen their AAA team, but they have another Michael Bourn coming through the system in Jay Austin, an 18 year old playing full season ball. I graded him out as a 55, which is an everyday starter who will make a few all-star teams. He is extremely fast (though he has a little too much loft to his swing at this stage for my taste) and he uses it well on the bases, where he is aggressive and in the field where he is a plus defender. While his stats weren't overwhelming, any time an 18 year old holds his own in a fullseason league is news. Obviously needs to improve his pitch recognition ability and further refining his skills, but he has a bright future. Federico Hernandez is a guy who is much more valuable then his stats indicate. He shows tremendous feel for the game as a young catcher and does a tremendous job controlling a game and working with a staff. However, his bat is very raw. He is a switch hitter, so it bodes well for his chances to be a solid back-up catcher in 3 or 4 years. Brandon Barnes made it to AA after starting the season at Lexington and profiles as a solid average 4th OF. Ebert Rosario has all the tools in the world and has a ton of projection left, but at 22 it is getting tougher for the Astros to wait to turn his tools into production. The Astros have some pitching coming, though it is a couple of years away at best. Jordan Lyles is the real deal and profiles as a # 2 starter in the majors. He looked like he was throwing 90-96, though it did straighten out on him on occasion and didn't have great movement to begin with. His change needed further refinement, as he appeared to slow his arm down, but his curve is a 12-6 pitch with above average depth and good tilt that he just needs to learn how to bury, as he can already throw it for strikes to set up his high fastball. Very clean delivery and generates easy velocity. Had Ross Seaton twice thus far and video hasn't cooperated either time, but he shows a nice and easy delivery (though he can get a little bouncy) with a good moving fastball from what I have gathered. The other pitcher that really excites me is 19 year old Brad Dydalewicz. He reminds me of Marc Rzepczynski (and not just because spelling both their names wins you a medal). He is a quality athlete who comes from a 3/4 release, though his delivery has some effort to it being a rock and fire delivery with a fast tempo. His fastball is a true sinker from a lefty and had good sink, though he had inconsistent command of this pitch. His curve was a power, sweeping 11-5 pitch that served as his out pitch and he flashes the ability to throw it for strikes or bury it, but wasn't consistent. His slider and change are behind his other 2 pitches, but flash the ability to be major league average. Is an emotional guy on the mound who has a great pickoff/balk move. Ceiling of a middle of the rotation starter, though apparently the Astros wanted to develop him as a Billy Wagner type (nowhere near that velocity) and just started him to get him innings. Bet that has changed. The scary part for NL Central teams is that Lyles is 18 and Dydalewicz and Seaton are just 19 (but they are young pitchers, so anything can happen)

Kansas City Royals:
None. Hoping to get an Omaha game to see Ka'aihue and end a debate...

Los Angeles Dodgers:
Albuquerque is the 1 AAA angle where nothing can be done to evaluate.

Los Angeles Angels:
None.

New York Mets:
Apparently the Mets rushed another young infielder who goes by the name Jose Coronado. He is intriguing with a lot of tools, but he is likely to be ruined. Shows good plate discipline as a switch hitting shortstop, but his defense is very inconsistent. A guy who could use a full season at High A or AA to refine some things before getting a look in AAA. Before going down with a torn labrum, Dillon Gee showed a good package at being a back of the rotation starter. Featuring a high 3/4 release from a clean delivery and the command to throw any pitch in any count, he was very impressive in a start against Pawtucket. He worked quickly with a fastball with some run in on righties and some sink, though he could nibble too much with it and that flashed above average run sink and good run in on righties and a change with good fade from lefties and some sink he would throw in any count (and was his preferred pitch in 3-2 counts) and loved throwing it in hitter's counts. He operates with those 2 pitches the 1st time through the order primarily and then mixes in a 2-7 slider with average bite that he could start off the plate to be a swing and miss pitch or throw a flatter one for strikes and a 12-6 downer curve with average depth and okay tilt that he would throw for strikes or bury. Interesting to see how he comes back. Eddie Kunz features a devastating sinker, but little command of the pitch and 2 raw off-speed offerings (a straight change with little cation and tight 2-7 slider that he can only throw as an out pitch and that he liked to throw on the hands of lefties). Is rawer then you would expect of a former 1st round pick in AAA.

New York Yankees:
Of the guys still there, Kevin Russo profiles as a useful utility guy with good speed and J. Brent Cox still resembles the guy he replaced at Texas (Huston Street) with an average fastball that he could command and an above average 2-7 slider that he could bury for strikeouts or throw it for a quality strike and he profiles as a solid middle reliever, though the number of sliders he throws has taken a toll on his arm, already having Tommy John Surgery once.

Oakland Athletics:
On this A's team, the guy I had the toughest time reading resides. Before I get to him, let me quickly touch on 2 other guys: Jeff Baisley has great tools and I love his set-up at the plate, but his tools just haven't translated into production and is entering a make or break season. Anthony Recker is a guy I am a big fan of. I think he profiles as a starting catcher if all goes well. However, I want to see if he has made an adjustment, as he was triggering too late and thus was either behind on fastballs or driving everything the other way. Good looking stick with a little rawness still to knock out of him defensively. Sean Doolittle is a guy I keep trying to think about what he could be. He is a rhythm hitter with swing mechanics very similar to that of Chone Figgins. He has a plus arm and is an average runner. I keep going back and forth between a 4th OF and a starting RF, but I have decided on a starting RF with a good average and 10-15 homers, similar to Ryan Sweeney with lesser defense. Marcus McBeth (Red Sox) is a worthwhile signing as a possible relief option, as he shows a diabolical plus changeup, but a slider that is more of the get me over variety and a sinker with some movement. Would like him better on a NL team in a big park (like San Diego). Jared Lansford was one of the first high school pitchers the A's took (or atleast him and Craig Italiano got the pub like they were), but he barely profiles as a major league reliever, featuring a sinker and a slider (with neither pitch major league ready). James Simmons was renowned as amongst the most major league ready of the pitchers available when he was drafted in the 1st round and still looks that way. Always going to be a back of the rotation guy, he pounds the zone (primarily gloveside corner) with a fastball that has a little movement, a 2-7 slider he is more comfortable throwing for strikes then burying, a change with good late action, though it can just float to the plate at time and a 12-6 curve with good downward action and above average depth. Fast worker who commands all his pitches well, but lacks a true out pitch. Chad Reineke is an organizational soldier who's only fit in a big league bullpen would be as the blowout guy. Scott Patterson (Padres) profiles as a solid middle reliever who features a straight 4-seamer and a hammer 12-6 curve that flashes above average tilt to go with an average changeup. Has some definite injury questions, as he has quite the bizarre delivery.

Philadelphia Phillies:
None that are currently on the team.

Pittsburgh Pirates:
There is a lot of talk about a guy being available who teams should jump on and his name is Neil Walker. He is blocked by Andy LaRoche now and Pedro Alvarez in the future, but he is talented enough to be at least a platoon player next season. He is an above average defender who can make every play necessary and then some at third base. He shows flashes with the stick and the one bugaboo on him (plate discipline) was non existent early in the season, as he worked counts and consistently got himself into hitter's counts. Shelby Ford had a lost season and still profiles as a utility man, though one who needs to really adjust his approach at the plate. Erik Kratz profiles as your ideal back-up catcher, as he is a good catch and throw guy and shows enough offensively where he won't hurt you in the lineup and can offer some production. I prefer Kratz to Jaramillo and Diaz. Yoslan Herrera got a lot of hype when he signed out of Cuba, but didn't look to break 84 with his fastball, making his solid curve and splitter very hittable and cement the fact he likely won't pitch in the majors again. Justin Thomas (Mariners) was signed to try and win one of the lefty bullpen spots and he has an outside chance at it, featuring an above average slider he can spot (though throws too much) and an average fastball. In West Virginia, the Pirates had a trio of youngsters, led by AFL alum Chase D'Arnaud. He played SS here and he may be good enough to stick there. He is either a 2B or SS down the road and is still a talented prospect. Robbie Grossman was one of their bonus babies, but this 18 year old is further away then Jay Austin. He is a plus runner, but is raw in every other area. He has a below average arm that will limit him to LF or CF and he doesn't hit for the power to carry a corner. Even further away is 20 year old Quincy Latimore, who is another speedster with similar question marks but has a worse approach at the plate and resembles an athlete trying to play baseball as opposed to a baseball player who is an athlete.

San Diego Padres:
Chad Huffman profiles as a 4th OF and one who is not a good fit for PETCO, as he is your classic old ballplayer. Can get overaggressive at the plate at times and struggle to recognize breaking pitches. Have my concerns that his power #'s are PCL inflated, but shows above average bat speed and is a slightly above average runner. Mike Ekstrom got some big league time last season and still profiles to me as a solid middle reliever. Gabe DeHoyos is a butterball shaped reliever who looked to be throwing hard and had an absolute hammer curve that he relies on to be his out pitch, but struggles to throw it for strikes. Cesar Ramos still profiles to me better as a back of the rotation starter (especially in PETCO) then as a reliever.

Seattle Mariners:
Mike Carp was in line to be the Mariners 1Bmen until the Casey Kotchman acquisition. Likely a good thing, as I don't feel Carp is quite ready yet. He isn't a great defender, which makes you wonder if he may be trade bait with the new vision in Seattle. He isn't a big power bat, but is more of a guy that will hit for a high average. He is at his best when he is using all fields and just lining the ball gap to gap, though he will get to times where he gets pull oriented. Gaby Hernandez came from a high 3/4 release in a clean delivery and features a 2-seamer with some movement, a straight 4-seamer (tends to miss up with both fastballs, bad idea), a slurvy 1-7 curve with below average depth but good tilt that he can bury or throw for a FAT strike that should get hammered, a change that looks like a fastball out of his hand and some fade and then a cutter with good cut and some sink that he relied on too much. The 2nd and 3rd times through the order, he used the cutter as his primary fastball and also tended to miss up with it. Jesus Delgado is still a minor league free agent as of this writing, but I would take a chance on him if he was healthy. He came from a max effort delivery with a cocking action and a violent head jerk, but looked like he was throwing gas (though it was also dead straight) to go with a power 12-7 curve that is a true out pitch that he could also throw for strikes. His change is also a quality offering that he needs to throw more. His command is iffy and his body type isn't great, but he is worth a minor league contract.

St. Louis Cardinals:
Allen Craig is one of those guys stats guys look at and wonder why he isn't up in the majors. After watching him hit, he is ready from an offensive standpoint. His problem is that he has a quirky release at 3B when, coupled with a slightly below average arm, means he can't play 3B full time and isn't a much better fit in LF. May just be a professional hitter type. A couple guys I do like are Jon Jay and Bryan Anderson. Anderson seems to have fallen under the radar and behind guys like Posey and Jason Castro when discussing catchers, but he needs to be in the same discussion. Similarily built like Posey, he is an athletic catcher who will need to answer questions on whether he can catch for a full season. His bat is close to ready, though it can be slow at times. More of a gap to gap hitter who will hit the occasional home run to RF. Jay profiles similarily and is a guy (like Head) that I have liked since he was in college, which for him was Miami. His set-up and trigger is similar to that of Cliff Floyd with the hand movement, but he is more of a gap to gap hitter with good speed who can spot play in CF for you. Matt Scherer featured an average fastball and a good splitter, but doesn't profile as anything more then organizational depth.

Tampa Bay Rays:
Maybe it's because I used to work for one of their minor league affiliates, but more guys piqued my early interest here. Reid Brignac has the tools to eventually be a starting SS, though he will need to refine his offensive approach and make better in game adjustments. He profiles with 15-20 homer power and above average defense, but will struggle to hit for average until he makes those adjustments. John Jaso still profiles to me as a solid utility player who can catch on occasion. He has improved himself defensively and is a useful hitter who will draw walks and hit some doubles, but can't catch full time. Justin Ruggiano is a 5-tool guy who has never met a breaking pitch he couldn't recognize, but he shows himself well enough you keep hoping that 1 year the light will turn on. The Rays also had 2 guys who won't make much of an impact in the majors that I scouted: Elliot Johnson, who profiles as a guy who can play everywhere and hit like he is worrying about where he is going to play next and Chris Nowak, who hit a 400 foot bomb when I saw him live at Montgomery, but doesn't have the bat to carry a corner infield position as a starter and is another guy who has some struggles recognizing breaking pitches and/or catching up to a good fastball. Bowling Green had some guys I really wanted to watch, but the camera angles were terrible. This includes Matt Moore (mechanics looked interesting), Tim Beckham (line drive swing, but really doesn't have the body type of a SS) and Jake Jefferies (who has a stat line sabermetrics love but is rough defensively)

Texas Rangers:
Max Ramirez has been a guy I have always loved and this was the 1st year he really didn't hit. I still believe in his bat and he is refining his ability catching, but I think he may have to be a 1Bmen. Greg Golson is all tools with zero refinement or ability to hit an offspeed pitch. Joaquin Arias and German Duran are utility infielders at best, with myself preferring Duran because he is faster with a lower maintenance swing.

Toronto Blue Jays:
Jarrett Hoffpauir (Cardinals) was claimed off waivers in November, but profiles as nothing more then a utility infielder and one who will not provide much with the bat at that.

My Player Development Philosophy

As I get closer to possibly getting a job with a major league team, figured I would share my personal philosophy on what I would do if I were ever in that position (and this is definitely open to transitioning as I gain more knowledge of the process with a job in the industry). Plus, nothing like putting this together to help you think.

I. Affiliate Locations

Ideally, the two closest locations to the major league teams are the Low A and the AAA positions. My personal preference (obviously the MLB team matters in this) is to not have my high A team in the Cal League or my AAA team in the Pacific Coast League due to the fact that these are overwhelming hitters environments and I don't want to risk losing my pitcher's confidence.

The reasoning behind my Low A team being one of the closest to the MLB team is that these are many guys first taste of full season ball. With that being said, that would be the place I travel to most often to try and get a better gauge myself of whether these players are slumping or need to be sent down to short season ball to get a quick refresher/confidence boost. The AAA team needs to be close so the players can arrive to play for the big league team as soon as possible.

II. Hiring Coaches

Believe that your coaches in High A and lower need to have a background as a teacher. Whether this is as a high school or college coach or previous experience coaching youngsters at this age, I feel that people with these types of backgrounds are better able to connect with these younger kids. These coaches need to understand how to teach fundamentals and teach them how to handle themselves throughout a season. These are also the coaches that I would allow to make wholesale changes if they see fit (after being approved by myself and staff of course) and dramatically rework a pitcher's windup for example.

Believe that AA and AAA coaches must have major league player experience. I feel that once a prospect reaches this stage of his career, he has a chance at the majors. I thus want our coaches to be able to speak from experience about what you will see at the major league level and the little tweaks that need to take place for that player to be successful.

This criteria is mainly for my initial hirings of the position. I believe promotion from within is very important, as we will have a very detailed hitting and pitching system (installed by the major league hitting and pitching coach with input from our staff) and will teach everything the same way. This prevents people from hearing from 100 different people (at least from within the organization) and should speed the learning process for these players.

All coaches will also be responsible for scouting the opposing team and sending reports back to us on guys they liked (not in depth reports, just reports saying we should check out this guy and then we can have a scout follow him)

III. Promotion/Demotion

I believe a player determines how fast he moves through the organization (at least until the AAA-Major jump). With that being said, players will get promoted in season when they put up numbers deserving a promotion or are recommended to get promoted by the current coaching staff (or both). Ideally, a prospect gets 1 midseason promotion. I believe this is hugely important due to the fact that if a prospect is on a hot streak and keeps switching leagues, no scouting reports catch up to him. I want my prospects to deal with slumps and other things so that we as an organization can see how they adjust. Anyone can hit well for a full season through 3 levels if they never face the same team or pitcher twice. Obviously, if we are in contention, we will weigh the pros and cons before accelerating someone's timetable to help us.

In regards to demotions, they will come primarily from input on the coaching staff. The number 1 thing we want to do is to ensure our players do not lose confidence. In a game of failure, confidence is what separates the 0-10 streak from devolving into a 1-30 streak. The staff will be responsible for keeping in tuned with how a player is feeling mentally and to make sure we don't lose him. Obviously, getting demoted hurts a player's confidence, so that is another option that must be weighed. But, getting demoted and then hitting .310 or pitching to a tune of a 2.50 ERA can do wonders for confidence.

Repeating a level is something that is never desired, but I feel players must show they have performed well at a level and are ready to advance to the next rung on the ladder. The players that repeat a level will also be subjected to getting a midseason promotion a little quicker then other players who are experiencing their 1st season at a level (except AA and AAA). It is also important to keep a players confidence by not having them spend 2 full seasons at a level unless they are under 20 at Low A.

IV. Evaluation

We will evaluate our prospects through mostly our scouting staff breaking down video and seeing if the areas we are looking for improvement are actually being improved. We will send each staff a list of what areas we want each player to improve and it is their responsibility to handle that. Some guys may be as easy as changing their hand placement offensively or working with them on handling the double play or tightening a breaking pitch. Some guys may be as difficult as overhauling a hitter's set-up or a pitcher's windup. We will then use video as a means of assessing this and hope to see a difference from the April video to the September video.

As it relates to what degree of coaching input/scouting and stats go into it, this is how I forsee it:

Short Season: 95 % scout, 5 % stat
Low A: 95 % scout, 5 % stat
High A: 95 % scout, 5 % stat
AA: 70 % scout, 30 % stat
AAA: 90 % stat, 10 % scout

My personal belief (unless I am proven something else) is that stats are too unpredictable at the lower levels. You are dealing with young players working on improving aspects of their game and still growing. Hitting 30 homers at Low A doesn't mean your a star and hitting 5 at Low A doesn't mean your not going to be a power hitter. I am a process rather then an end result guy as it relates to these players. I don't care if you hit .215 as long as you have executed the changes we have seen and thus now have a full off season to cement those changes and hopefully take a big step forward. Once you get to AA, everyone is talented. Thus, stats can begin to paint a clearer picture, as this is the 1st level where every hitter should be able to hit a breaking ball and every pitcher can throw one for a strike. Once you get to AAA, that is mainly performance based to be similar to the majors. You must perform to stay at AAA.

That is a very rough draft of my ideas in regards to a player development philosophy and I look forward to growing these items as I gain experience.

Happy New Year

Happy new year to all.

In my efforts to attempt to find video, I have tracked down MILB.TV, which I have decided to sign up for. This gives me access to a ton of minor league game videos (appears to be all AAA, but am hoping as I get further into it that there will be some other levels including all star games.

I have already compiled a list of AAA players "of interest" to me and that I want to breakdown (136 hitters, 178 pitchers) and I hope to be able to watch all their games and report back.

Check back towards the end of the month, when I hope to be enough of the way down compiling my reports that I can provide some sort of writeup. My main goal is to give writeups based on teams, but I am going to try and watch every game they have for each day.

AFL Rising Stars Game Breakdown

Below is my breakdown on the Rising Stars Game. As with my Futures Game reports, I watched the game (175 minutes by the way, WITHOUT commercials) once focusing on the hitters and once focusing on the pitchers. This was a pain in the butt (can't rewind or fast forward) and it locked up on me last night in the 8th inning, so I had to start the video and wait over 2 hours to get to the points where I was.


I have grouped these by my personal preference (based off this game and other times I have seen some of these players) into positional rankings (based on where I think they will end up, NOT where they are playing now so a guy could be a SS now, but I see him as a 3B, so he is ranked as a 3B).


Below is the link to the video of the Rising Stars Game. If you would like, feel free to watch it and relay your thoughts, even if you differ from me on it. I love to hear what other people see when breaking down the same game tape. Also, if anyone knows where to find other game tapes (such as the AFL Championship Game), please let me know.


http://mlbnetwork.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=7126311


So, without further ado:

TK's Arizona Fall League Rising Stars Game Positional Breakdown

Catchers

1) Buster Posey

Age: 22

Org: San Francisco Giants

Quick Report: Smaller frame than normally see from a catcher with a smaller lower half. Still room for projection. Has a professional approach at the plate and is more of a gap to gap hitter. Ideal 2 hole hitter who exhibits above average bat control and has slightly above average speed, especially when compared to other catchers. Good actions defensively, but didn't see his arm, as no one attempted to steal.

Weaknesses: Can have some difficulties recognizing changeups. Power is a concern.

Overall Eval: Above average catcher. Should be a .300 hitter with 10-15 homers and defensively should be in the 2nd tier of catchers. Ideal fit for the Giants ballpark.

TK's Baseball Blog Ranking In Org: UR due to prior service time.

Correct Ranking: Y. If he was ranked, I would value him as the top prospect in San Francisco's system.

Comparable Player: Jason Kendall in his prime.

MLB ETA: 2010 starter out of spring training.

2) Jason Castro

Age: 22

Org: Houston Astros

Quick Report: Big frame with some projection still to it. Athletic build. Profiles as a 6 or 7 hole hitter in a good lineup. Solid swing that has pull power. Defensively, slightly above average arm with good footwork behind the plate and good actions. Accuracy is also slightly above average.

Weaknesses: Shows some struggles in catching up to good fastballs. Can get into some slumps.

Overall Eval: League average to slightly above league average offensive catcher. .270-.280 average with 15-20 homers. Good fit for the Astros park and should inflate his HR numbers a little.

TKBB RO: # 2

Correct Ranking: Y. He is the player I thought he was and this was my 2nd time watching him.

Comparable Player: A.J. Pierzynski with less average ability but a little more power.

MLB ETA: 2010 starter out of spring training

3) Hank Conger

Age: 21

Org: Los Angeles Angels

Quick Report: Big, strong guy with a frame that is maxed out. Switch hitter who only hit left handed in this game. From the left side, he has a lot of movement in his swing, meaning he will be prone to slumps. He has a good looking swing that features above average pull power and features good loft to it. Defensively, has good actions around the plate and blocks balls well. Slightly above average arm with accuracy that can be inconsistent.

Weaknesses: Ability to stay healthy. Can he hit for average?

Overall Eval: I see an offensive minded backup catcher. Has good power and good defensively, but just has too many holes in his swing right now for pitchers to exploit.

TKBB RO: # 2

Correct Ranking: N. After watching him play, I feel like a more appropriate ranking for him would be in the 7-10 range.

Comparable Player: Ryan Doumit with less athleticism. If he doesn't catch, 1B is his only other option.

MLB ETA: September 2010

4) Matt McBride

Age: 24

Org: Cleveland Indians

Quick Report: Frame looks smaller then his listed weight and needs to hit the weight room some more. Almost built like a stringbean. Swing looks good with above average pull power. Dead pull hitter at this point and doesn't have the ability to go the other way. Doesn't have a defined plan at the plate. Defensively, good defensive catcher with above average arm.

Weaknesses: Offensive package.

Overall Eval: If he makes it, it will be on the strength of his defense. Profiles as a back-up catcher who can run into a pitch every 2 weeks for homers.

TKBB RO: UR

Correct Ranking: Y. Probably around the late twenties, early thirties as a prospect in the organization and is behind Carlos Santana and Lou Marson (prefer Marson to McBride).

Comparable Player: Kelly Shoppach with less average and on base ability.

MLB ETA: September 2010

First Basemen

1) Yonder Alonso

Age: 22

Org: Cincinnati Reds

Quick Report: Maxed out frame that has a strong, built lower half. Tremendous offensive package featuring a beautiful left handed swing that squares everything up. Was one of the few lefty sticks in this game who appeared to be comfortable in the box against left handed pitching. Swing has some loft to it and is very quick to the ball. Is a slightly below average runner and is a below average defender that you hope will develop into an average defender. Struggled to scoop balls and didn't show much mobility at the position.

Weaknesses: Defense.

Overall Eval: The best pure hitter in this game. Expect him to win a batting title or two. Should hit .315-.330 consistently and show 20-25 home run power in normal parks and should be a 30 homer guy in Cinci. Likely a below average defender however.

TKBB RO: # 1

Correct Ranking: Y. He has also moved up in my personal evaluation of the top prospects in baseball and rank him the top hitter I have seen (Heyward, Stanton and some others are better overall prospects)

Comparable Player: Adrian Gonzalez without the defense

MLB ETA: Is major league ready now. When he debuts depends on what happens with Joey Votto. If I need a 1Bmen, I call the Reds and try to get one of these guys.

2) Josh Bell

Age: 22

Org: Baltimore Orioles

Quick Report: Big frame that appears to have a little bad weight to it as well. Looks much more comfortable batting LH, whereas RH he appears to work in phases of his swing with different stages to it. As a lefty stick, shows an ability to hit for average and power, but it can get long at times and get around the ball. Is almost dead pull from the left side (and right side). As a righty stick, he projects to hit for good power, but is close to an all or nothing hitter with the dropping of the hands and everything. Is currently a 3B, but I have seen him twice (3 games) and he has demonstrated a bad 1st step and slow reactions each time I have seen him. As he ages, he is more likely to keep adding weight then taking it off, so I feel he will make the transition to 1st base at some point.

Weaknesses: Defense. Ability to hit for average.

Overall Eval: Should provide major league average to slightly above average production at 1st base. Profiles to be a .270 or .280 hitter at his best with 25-30 homers. His work ethic will determine just how good a fielder he becomes. Impact bat.

TKBB RO: # 6.

Correct Ranking: N. Probably is a little higher. He grew on me a little and projected him to hit for more power after watching this game. Likely a 3-5 range guy.

Comparable Player: Tony Clark (color commentator did a great job) had it right, he is very comparable to Bobby Bonilla.

MLB ETA: Midseason 2010

3) Brandon Snyder

Age: 22

Org: Baltimore Orioles

Quick Report: Maxed out, athletic frame with a strong base. Swing is quick through the zone and profiles to hit for a good average, but likely only doubles power. He is a very disciplined hitter who understands how to work at bats. Has some issues with pitch recognition and the ability to catch up to plus fastballs. Defensively, made a nice diving play to his left and actually profiles as an average to slightly above average 1st basemen as he continues to get used to the position.

Weaknesses: Pitch recognition. Ability to hit for enough power to play 1st base.

Overall Eval: League average 1st basemen who will hit .275-.285 with 15-20 homers.

TKBB RO: # 10

Correct Ranking: Y. Bell projects to be a better impact bat, but Snyder is the more well-rounded player and is major league ready.

Comparable Player: Steve Pearce. They are basically identical to me.

MLB ETA: May-June 2010

4) Ike Davis

Age: 22

Org: New York Mets

Quick Report: Big frame that has a ton of room for projection and almost looks more like a swingman in basketball. Has a somewhat thick lower half. Unique stance with a longer trigger and has a hitch in his swing when he brings his hands down to start his swing. Not comfortable against lefty pitching. Solid swing that is built more for line drives then power and is a solid, patient hitter who keeps his weight back well and appears to recognize pitches well. Didn't see much of him defensively. Some guys you can get a decent enough feel for after 1 game and others you want to see more. Davis is a guy I need to see more to get a better idea.

Weaknesses: Longer swing. Lefty pitching.

Overall Eval: Might hit for power, might not. Might hit for average, might not. Zero feel. If a gun was to my head, I would say he will hit .275-.285 with 10-15 homers. Could be a decent fit for Citi Field.

TKBB RO: # 3

Correct Ranking: Y. Sure, why not? I need to get a better feel for him.

Comparable Player: Ummmm, how about James Loney minus the defense?

MLB ETA: Middle of 2010.

5) Brandon Allen

Age: 23

Org: Arizona Diamondbacks

Quick Report: Didn't spend as much time breaking his down as he had major league service time and was broken down more in depth in prior postings. He does feature above average power to center and right field, but is more of a mistake hitter. If the ball isn't where he expects it, he is in trouble. Longer swing. Average defender.

Weaknesses: Ability to hit for average. Pitch recognition.

Overall Eval: Bench bat who will provide good power.

TKBB RO: UR due to prior service time.

Correct Ranking: Y.

Comparable Player: Hank Blalock with less athleticism and a little less pop.

MLB ETA: Already there.

Second Basemen

1) Jemile Weeks

Age: 22

Org: Oakland Athletics

Quick Report: Switch hitter with a small frame that has the room for a little more projection. From the right side, he shows a quick swing with above average bat speed. From the left side, he shows good bat speed and some pull power. Solid plan at the plate, though he can get over aggressive at times. Is likely a 60-65 runner who gets to top speed quickly. Base stealer who shows the ability to get good jumps and he trusts his speed and is very aggressive. Defensively, looked a little raw, but showed good actions.

Weaknesses: Ability to stay healthy. Defense.

Overall Eval: See him as an above average 2Bmen who profiles as a leadoff hitter and should hit .300 consistently. He should also be able to hit 10-15 homers as he continues to develop his frame and steal 25-35 bases a year.

TKBB RO: # 6.

Correct Ranking: N. Saw him at the Futures Game and didn't get a great feel for him. Feel more comfortable now and feel like injuries are the only thing stopping him from his potential. Likely a 2-5 prospect ranking.

Comparable Player: Brian Roberts with a little less power but a little more speed.

MLB ETA: Midseason 2011

2) Lance Zawadzki

Age: 24

Org: San Diego Padres

Quick Report: Switch hitter that is close to being maxed out. Good athlete who shows good change of direction ability. From the left side, shows a good line drive swing that can pull his front shoulder on occasion. Hits for more average from the left side. From the right side, has a little more power and has better loft in his swing. Grows on you the more you watch him. Looks like a gamer who hustles and allows his tools to play up. Looks like an above average runner. Defensively, shows good range to his left and is average at turning the double play, but does have some difficulty making the throw consistently. Profiles to be a slightly above average defender.

Weaknesses: Consistent contact. How much power?

Overall Eval: See him as a strong 2-hole hitter who should hit .280-.290 with 15-20 homers and slightly above average defense.

TKBB RO: UR

Correct Ranking: N. This guy is a gamer who is likely in the 8-10 range for prospects in that organization.

Comparable Player: Maicer Izturis

MLB ETA: Midseason 2010.

3) Chase D'Arnaud

Age: 22

Org: Pittsburgh Pirates

Quick Report: Currently a 3Bmen, but his offensive profile points to a 2Bmen or utility role. Medium frame with a somewhat built lower half that has some more projection to it. Patient hitter with a good plan at the plate. He features a line drive swing with some loft to it. Is an all fields hitter who hits gap to gap. Defensively, is good at third with good reactions and a slightly above average arm.

Weaknesses: Power profile as 3Bmen.

Overall Eval: I see a .280-.300 hitter with 5-10 homers and a good OBP. Which is why I think he profiles better as a 2B then a 3B.

TKBB RO: UR

Correct Ranking: Y. As of right now, due to the questions about his eventual position in my eyes, he is a 15-20 ranked prospect.

Comparable Player: Jamey Carroll

MLB ETA: September 2011

Third Basemen

1) Mike Moustakas

Age: 21

Org: Kansas City Royals

Quick Report: Looks more like an old-time ballplayer then a current era ball player due to his frame. Medium frame with a thick lower half and a somewhat thick midsection with very large thighs and definitely has some bad weight. Swing is a beautiful line drive swing that stays on a good plane and is quick through the zone. When he pulls the ball, he clears his hips very well. Very, very aggressive hitter who will get himself out. No groundballs were hit to him, so I am unsure how he rates as a 3rd basemen, but I have to feel like he can't get too much bigger or he will end up at 1st base.

Weaknesses: Aggressiveness. Frame.

Overall Eval: I see a corner infielder (position TBD) who should hit for .280-.300 averages, but likely .320-.340 on base percentages. Profiles to be an above average power hitter with 20-25 home runs.

TKBB RO: # 5

Correct Ranking: Y. No doubting the natural tools, needs to start translating it. Improved physique would help.

Comparable Player: Hate to use the same comparable, but Bobby Bonilla is the best fit I can think of.

MLB ETA: Late 2011, Start of 2012.

2) Carlos Triunfel

Age: 19

Org: Seattle Mariners

Quick Report: Small frame that looks much bigger then his listed 175. Built body with a thick lower half that is surprisingly maxed out for a 19 year old. Very aggressive hitter who does tend to have his front shoulder fly open and getting out on his front foot, leading to him being pull heavy. Above average pull power with very strong wrists. Has the youthfulness inability to distinguish pitches. Defensively, has a slow transfer at short and has a tendency to hit his glove prior to fielding a ball. May have to try 2nd base as well.

Weaknesses: Youth. Stay healthy?

Overall Eval: I see a streaky hitter developing. I see a guy who should hit 25-30 home runs, but won't walk much and will hit .250 or .260.

TKBB RO: # 6

Correct Ranking: Y. As of right now, that is about right. A lot of potential, needs a lot of at bats.

Comparable Player: Adrian Beltre without the defense.

MLB ETA: 2012.

3) Carlos Rivero

Age: 21

Org: Cleveland Indians

Quick Report: Zero feel to this guy. Need to see him play 2 or 3 times to get a better idea. As it is now, he has a medium frame that can add maybe 5 more pounds of muscle. Strong lower half with an athletic build. Has a slight hitch in his swing, as he drops the bat in his trigger. His swing has some loft to it. No idea how he fields.

Weaknesses: Offensive package. Power?

Overall Eval: With a gun to my head right now, I would say he profiles as a future utility infielder.

TKBB RO: UR

Correct Ranking: Sure, why not?

Comparable Player: How about Mark Loretta?

MLB ETA: 2011

Shortstops

1) Jose Iglesias

Age: 19

Org: Boston Red Sox

Quick Report: Small frame that has room for projection. This was his first exposure to professional baseball. Stance is similar to that of Alex Rodriguez, meaning it is very quiet. Quick swing with above average bat speed that profiles to have some power to all fields. Can't catch up to plus fastballs right now. Very smooth defender who looks like he has been doing this for years.

Weaknesses: Offensive package due to youth.

Overall Eval: I see an All-Star. I see a guy who is at or close to that level with the glove right now and profiles to be, at worst, a .280-.290 hitter with 15-20 homers.

TKBB RO: UR due to not being signed at the time.

Correct Ranking: N. He is maybe the top prospect in their organization.

Comparable Player: Orlando Cabrera conservative side. Hanley Ramirez best case.

MLB ETA: Late 2011

2) Starlin Castro

Age: 19

Org: Chicago Cubs

Quick Report: Medium frame that has appeared to add some muscle since the Futures Game. Still has a ton of room for projection. Swing looks good, though he can leak his front shoulder and get out on his front foot at times. Above average, aggressive runner who trusts his speed and can make things happen. Has instincts you can't teach that show themselves the more you watch him. No grounders hit to him in this game.

Weaknesses: Youth. Consistent swing.

Overall Eval: I see an offensive package similar to Derek Jeter. A guy who will hit .280-.290 with 15-20 homers. Likely a better defender, but that is just because you can't get worse then Jeter.

TKBB RO: # 4

Correct Ranking: N. I would now say he is their top prospect in the organization.

Comparable Player: Derek Jeter (see overall eval)

MLB ETA: Mid 2011

3) Brandon Hicks

Age: 24

Org: Atlanta Braves

Quick Report: Medium frame that is maxed out. Stance is similar to that of Omar Infante. Has a hitch, where his bat changes planes from his stance to his trigger. Will never hit for much power and hitting for average is a question mark. Very smooth defender who has an above average 1st step and can make hard plays look easy. Just as good to his right as his left with above average hands.

Weaknesses: Offensive package.

Overall Eval: Utility infielder who just won't hit enough. Think Adam Everett with less offense. Yea, kind of rough. Is a good enough athlete where he should be able to learn 2nd and 3rd.

TKBB RO: UR

Correct Ranking: Y. I don't have much confidence in his stick.

Comparable Player: Josh Wilson

MLB ETA: Late 2011

Left Fielders

1) Chris Heisey

Age: 24

Org: Cincinnati Reds

Quick Report: Medium frame that actually still has room for some projection. Keeps the bat on a good plane and generates above average pull power with his swing. Professional hitter with a good plan at the plate and he appears to look for something in the fat part of the plate to drive. Slightly above average speed with a slightly above average arm.

Weaknesses: Honestly, haven't really noticed one. If nitpicking, can he hit a plus fastball?

Overall Eval: A cheap 5-tool OF. See a slightly above average starting left fielder who should hit .280-.290 with 20-25 homers. Playing in the bandbox that is Cinci, may be a 30 home run guy. Should also steal 15-20 bases.

TKBB RO: # 2

Correct Ranking: Y. He looks to be one heck of a player.

Comparable Player: Mini Jason Bay. Best case is grown up Jason Bay.

MLB ETA: 2010 starter out of spring training.

2) Grant Desme

Age: 23

Org: Oakland Athletics

Quick Report: Medium frame that still has a lot of projection to it. Sits dead red fastballs early in the count and can be beaten (and made to look silly) on early changeups. Will make adjustments, but will still revert to his aggressiveness. Guess hitter who at this stage will have difficulties with pitchers who mix speeds well. Slightly above average arm and slightly above average speed.

Weaknesses: Consistent contact. Pitch recognition.

Overall Eval: I need to see more of him and don't have a great feel, but I see a 4th OF who will only have slightly above average power in the majors. See a .240 hitter with 20-25 homers if he plays everyday.

TKBB RO: # 10

Correct Ranking: Y. I want to see if he can continue on his breakout season against better pitching.

Comparable Player: This year's Carlos Quentin. Best case is a Josh Willingham.

MLB ETA: Late 2011

3) Rene Tosoni

Age: 23

Org: Minnesota Twins

Quick Report: Seen him twice and have zero feel for him. Medium frame that has room for a lot of projection. Lefty hitter didn't look real comfortable against lefty pitching, but showed a good line drive oriented swing with some loft. Shows above average speed.

Weaknesses: Power.

Overall Eval: I see a line drive oriented, average hitting 4th OF who can spot play for you in CF. I project him to a .270-.280 average with little power (3-8 homers)

TKBB RO: UR

Correct Ranking: N. Probably is in the 8-12 range for prospects. Depends on the power that comes.

Comparable Player: Orlando Palmeiro

MLB ETA: Late 2011

Center Fielders

1) Dustin Ackley

Age: 21

Org: Seattle Mariners

Quick Report: Medium frame that has room for projection. Open stance and is a true professional hitter with a good plan at the plate and doesn't give away at bats. Is a grinder who fights in every at bat. Short, compact swing that is designed to spray line drives to all fields. Has above average speed and is a bit of a choppy runner in CF, but covers a lot of ground with an average arm that is kind of a slinger.

Weaknesses: Power.

Overall Eval: I see a major league ready hitter who should hit for a good average (.290-.310) with .400 on base percentages and some power (10-20 homers), but more doubles. Should also steal 25-35 bases. Ideal leadoff hitter.

TKBB RO: # 1

Correct Ranking: Y. Profiles so well.

Comparable Player: Darin Erstad in his prime.

MLB ETA: Is major league ready now. Will likely get a little seasoning due to Franklin Gutierrez's presence.

2) Daryl Jones

Age: 22

Org: St. Louis Cardinals

Quick Report: Small frame that is very close to being maxed out. Short, compact swing that appears to be a little pull heavy and has some loft to it, but too much loft for my liking as he has plus speed. Has average pull power. Seen him twice and haven't yet seen him in the field...

Weaknesses: Defense?

Overall Eval: I am divided on him (as I am on the 2 guys under him and like DJ, I have seen each of them twice or more) on if they are 4th OF's or starting CF's. I prefer Colby Rasmus to him and don't think he will provide enough production to be a corner outfielder. I think he is a .260-.270 hitter with 10-15 homers and 20-25 stolen bases getting everyday at bats.

TKBB RO: # 4

Correct Ranking: Y. He is an athlete who has a big ceiling if he can continue to develop it.

Comparable Player: Curtis Granderson with less power and less on base ability.

MLB ETA: Late 2010, Early 2011

3) Bryan Peterson

Age: 23

Org: Florida Marlins

Quick Report: Saw him play when I worked in the SAL for a 3-game series. Medium frame with a thick lower half that is maxed out. Has shortened his swing since I saw him and now is able to go to all fields. More of a line drive hitter who will run into some homers. Good pitch recognition and has an idea of what he is doing at the late. Good 2 strike hitter. Makes good reads on balls and get a good first step with above average speed. Hustler who has a dirty uni after every game.

Weaknesses: Power? Cutting down on strikeouts?

Overall Eval: Saw a 4th OF after watching him in the SAL. Now I can see a legimitate starting CF at times and a 4th OF at times. Honestly, see him playing too hard to be able to play everyday. Should hit for average (.280-.290) and some power (10-15 homers) as an everyday player.

TKBB RO: UR

Correct Ranking: Y. I think he is in the 11-15 range of prospects.

Comparable Player: Chris Snelling before the injuries.

MLB ETA: Late 2010.

4) Casper Wells

Age: 24

Org: Detroit Tigers

Quick Report: Saw him play also at Erie. He has a medium frame that is maxed out and is almost built like a LB. His swing can get long and slow at times and can arm bar himself and limit his ability to pull inside fastballs. However, is a tremendously gifted hitter who can go where the ball is pitched and tends to hit the ball hard with power to all fields. Features an above average throwing arm, enabling him to play all 3 OF positions.

Weaknesses: Consistent contact?

Overall Eval: Really, Jones, Peterson and Wells are the same players projection wise to me. Decide to rank them with age as the differentiator. I worry about his ability to hit for average and can see him hitting anywhere from .240-.280 with solid power 10-20 homers and speed (15-25 steals).

TKBB RO: # 5.

Correct Ranking: Y. 5 tool guy who needs some more refinement, so those guys get rated higher.

Comparable Player: This year's version of Vernon Wells.

MLB ETA: Midseason 2010

Right Fielders

1) Domonic Brown
Age: 22

Org: Philadelphia Phillies

Quick Report: Didn't study him too much due to having previous posts with good reports on him. He still arm bars himself on inside fastballs, which concerns me. However, he shows an ability to hit the ball to all fields. He is extremely raw for a guy who played at AA last year. Defensively, his routes and reads require work, but he has above average speed and an above average arm.

Weaknesses: Refinement.

Overall Eval: Best projection is one of the all star OF who hits .290-.310 with 25-35 homers and at least 25 steals. I would say he has about a 50 % chance of reaching that ceiling.

TKBB RO: # 1

Correct Ranking: Y. Only Heyward profiles better amongst right fielders I have seen (have seen Mike Stanton play)

Comparable Player: Shin-Soo Choo

MLB ETA: Hope to not see him promoted until late 2011.

2) Jordan Danks

Age: 23

Org: Chicago White Sox

Quick Report: Another guy I think I like, but need to see more. Big guy that has a gangly build and has some room for projection. Is a better athlete then he looks. Has a short swing that is quick to the ball and generates power to all fields. Has some issues with pitch recognition and can look silly at times and does not look comfortable against lefties. Defensively, is an above average runner and has an above average throwing arm (brother is Sox pitcher John Danks) that he sometimes likes to show off by airmailing some throws. He can play CF at times.

Weaknesses: Consistent contact.

Overall Eval: I see a league average starting RF who hits .250-.270 with 20-25 homers and slightly above average defense. Playing in CHW, he may be able to be a high 20 home run guy.

TKBB RO: # 2.

Correct Ranking: N. I don't think he can be a full-time CF, which was the reasoning behind the high ranking. Likely more of a 5-8 ranked prospect.

Comparable Player: Josh Hamilton

MLB ETA: Midseason 2010

3) Jose Tabata

Age: 21

Org: Pittsburgh Pirates

Quick Report: Small athletic build that is maxed out and appears to have a little thickness to his lower half. Good looking swing that is straight to the ball. Has some issues with pitch recognition and at this stage of his career will struggle to hit pitchers with good offspeed stuff and command. Defensively, is a little too rough for me to project him as a center fielder (definitely not as good as McCutchen either) and doesn't get great bat reads. Has a slightly above average arm.

Weaknesses: Pitch recognition. Defense.

Overall Eval: I see a guy who getting on base may be an issue, but should be a .270-.280 hitter that can hit 10-15 homers and steal 20-30 bases. Whether that can carry a corner outfield spot depends on where that team receives its power. Can play CF occasionally.

TKBB RO: # 2

Correct Ranking: N. I made that ranking under the assumption he would play more CF and hit for more power. More of a 4-8 ranking.

Comparable Player: Lastings Milledge

MLB ETA: Midseason 2011

Starting Pitchers

1) Danny Gutierrez

Age: 22

Org: Texas Rangers

Build/Delivery: 6-1, 180. Medium frame that can get up to about 190. Athletic build. Very quiet, smooth delivery that generates easy velocity. Over the top release.

Fastball: 4-seamer that jumps out of his hand and has a little run in on righties and a little sink. Could spot it well on this day.

Curveball: 12-6 pitch with excellent depth and great tilt that is a true plus pitch. He can throw it for strikes or bury it.

Velocities: FB (94-96), CB (74-77)

Overall Eval: Profiles as a strong # 2 starter. Haven't seen the changeup, but he already has 2 plus pitches so he just needs it to be serviceable. The delivery gives me confidence that he can stay healthy and maintain a starter's workload. If starting doesn't work out, he can be an all star closer with his fastball/curveball combo.

2) Andrew Oliver (LHP)

Age: 21

Org: Detroit Tigers

Build/Delivery: 6-3, 210. Big frame with an athletic build and a strong lower half that still has a little more projection to it. Very quiet delivery with no real red flags and generates easy velocity. High 3/4 release.

Fastball: Explosive pitch that has a little run in on lefties and some sink. Has average to slightly above average command of the pitch now. Is his go-to offering.

Slider: 11-5 offering with good bite that shows potential. Has a tendency to leave it up and can't locate it yet. Break can be inconsistent.

Changeup: Is straight and looks like a fastball out of his hand. Still below average command and needs to develop it.

Velocities: FB (94-96), SL (83-85), CU (85)

Overall Eval: I think he should be developed as a starter, where he has the potential to be a # 2 starter (though it is all potential). His fastball is major league ready now, just needing to slightly refine his command. His slider and changeup are in development, but both show flashes of being something. If starting doesn't work out, he can be a Matt Thornton like reliever out of the pen.

3) Mike Minor (LHP)

Age: 21

Org: Atlanta Braves

Build/Delivery: 6-3, 200. Big frame that can get up to about 215 or 220. He has an athletic, strong build. He has a high 3/4, almost over the top release with quiet mechanics and good arm action.

Fastball: Throws both a 2-seamer and a 4-seamer. The 2-seamer has some run in on lefties and a little sink while his 4-seamer is straight with little additional velocity. He has solid command of the fastball, but can miss in the zone a little too often.

Changeup: Has some fade from righties and good sink. Is his go-to pitch and he will throw it in any count. Trusts it and has good location of it.

Slider: Is a sharp 2-7 offering that can almost look like a cutter with some bite. Control of the pitch can be erratic.

Curveball: Sharp 12-6 pitch with average depth that appears to be his strikeout pitch to righties with his change.

Velocities: FB (90-92), SL (83-85), CB (81), CU (82-84)

Overall Eval: Profiles as a middle of the rotation innings eater. Should be strong enough with a clean enough delivery to consistently make his starts. Will be a 4-pitch starter who will use primarily his slightly above average fastball and his above average change and then finish hitters with 1 of his 2 breaking pitches. Also may have an arm angle that will allow him to throw a cutter down the line.

4) Mike Leake

Age: 21

Org: Cincinnati Reds

Build/Delivery: 6-1, 190. Medium frame that can get up to about 210 if he so desires. He is an above average athlete. He has a rock back and forth delivery that has some effort to it and comes from a high 3/4 release. Good tempo in his delivery and he repeats it well despite a lot of action in it. Very fast worker who gets the ball and goes.

Fastball: 2-seamer that has good run in on righties and good sink. Has good command of the pitch and likes to spot it on the gloveside corner to righties.

Cutter: Has good cut that he likes to throw to the gloveside corner to righties as well. Very good pitch that he uses very well.

Slider: A tight 2-7 offering with above average bite and is his out pitch against righties. Is an above average offering right now. Has good command of it, but only appears to be able to bury it.

Curveball: 1-7 offering with average depth and the one he threw ended up in the left handed batter's box.

Changeup: Has some dive that he will throw to righties. Doesn't use it often and is more of a feel pitch for him.

Velocities: FB (90-91), Cut (89-90), SL (82-83), CB (80), CU (84)

Overall Eval: Profiles as a middle of the rotation starter who should be able to eat innings. There is a lot of effort in his delivery, which is a concern for the long haul, but he should be able to work through it due to his ability to repeat his delivery well. As a starter, he will be similar to Roy Halladay, except relying on a plus slider vs. a plus-plus curveball. He is a poor man's Halladay, one whose cutter and 2-seam aren't quite that good. He throws nothing straight and does a great job of changing speeds and keeping hitters off balance. If starting doesn't work out, he profiles well as a middle reliever who is primarily fastball-cutter.

5) Reidier Gonzalez

Age: 24

Org: Toronto Blue Jays

Build/Delivery: 5-9, 215. Small frame that is maxed out with a strong base. Quiet, smooth delivery from a high 3/4, almost over the top release. Looks like a bulldog on the mound and constantly attacks.

Fastball: 2-seamer that has good run in on righties and good sink that he can spot. Likes to get ahead with this pitch, but isn't quite good enough to get people out when they are sitting on it.

Changeup: Has some late fade from lefties and a little sink. Has solid command of the pitch and threw the only for a strike in a 0-1 count.

Curveball: 12-6 pitch with slightly above average depth and above average tilt that he can spot. Serves as his out pitch that he can throw for strikes or bury for strikeouts. Knee-buckler.

Velocities: FB (90-91), CB (77-80), CU (83)

Overall Eval: Profiles as a back of the rotation starter who will need a strong defense behind him. His fastball is right around average and his change is slightly above. His curveball is a difference maker though and he can really throw people off his stuff by throwing it. If he doesn't start, he can make a solid middle reliever who is primarily operating with an average fastball and plus curve.

6) Tommy Mendoza

Age: 22

Org: Los Angeles Angels

Build/Delivery: 6-2, 195. Medium frame that is very close to being maxed out and may be able to add another 5 pounds of muscle. Fast worker who gets the ball and goes. He breaks his glove hand high, adding some injury risk to him. Outside of that, his delivery is pretty clean. He came from an over the top release.

Fastball: Is a 2-seamer with some sink and some run in on righties. Has good command of the pitch usually, but struggled to locate it here.

Changeup: Good fade from lefties and good sink that looks like a fastball out of his hand and is an above average offering. Shows good command of this pitch.

Curveball: 12-6 offering with average depth. More of a show pitch then a pitch to get guys out.

Velocities: FB (88-91), CB (77), CU (80)

Overall Eval: # 5 starter at best. Slightly below average fastball and neither of his off-speed pitches does much for me. Would be a better fit in the NL then the AL.

Relief Pitchers

1) Tanner Scheppers

Age: 22

Org: Texas Rangers

Build/Delivery: 6-4, 170. Big frame that can add a ton of muscle everywhere and is a long and lanky kid. Comes from an over the top release. Fast worker with good tempo in his delivery, though he does pause at break to almost gather himself. He bounces slightly as he awaits to pitch.

Fastball: Explosive 4-seamer that explodes out of his hand that he has solid command of.

Curveball: Power 12-6 with some depth that needs to be refined a little more. Command and break of the pitch are inconsistent.

Changeup: Straight with a little fade from lefties that needs to be developed and the only he threw sailed into the RH batter's box.

Velocities: FB (96-98), CB (83), CU (89)

Overall Eval: Dynamite, all-star closer. He operates with a plus-plus fastball that he has command of that can big league hitters out now. His off-speed offerings need to be refined slightly, but he is close to being big league ready. I think he only needs a couple months in the minors before making an impact in the majors.

2) Craig Kimbrel

Age: 21

Org: Atlanta Braves

Build/Delivery: 5-11, 205. Small frame that is maxed out with a thick, strong lower half. Classic drop and drive delivery that is pretty clean. Comes from a 3/4 release.

Fastball: Explosive 4-seam that is up in the zone is straight with extra oomph at the end and if down has some run in on righties. He can get too fine with it at times and almost needs to realize he can afford to miss in the middle of the plate once in awhile.

Slider: 2-7 offering with above average bite that just disappears. He can only throw it as a chase pitch and needs to come up with another pitch that he can throw for strikes.

Velocities: FB (95-97), SL (84-85)

Overall Eval: All-star closer. He is a little further away then Scheppers, as his command still needs some refinement. Once he figures out even a little more command, he will be ready to have a huge impact at the big league level. I think he will get about a month or two (likely enough to stop his arbitration clock) before getting his call-up.

3) Drew Storen

Age: 22

Org: Washington Nationals

Build/Delivery: 6-2, 180. Medium frame that can get up to about 205 if he so desires, as he has a ton of room to add more muscle everywhere. Athletic build. Classic drop and drive delivery. Has a pause after he takes his initial side stride to begin his motion. Max effort delivery with an over the top release.

Fastball: Has some run in on righties and some sink. Is an explosive pitch that gets right at hitters. Has slightly above average command of the pitch and locates it well.

Slider: Tight 2-7 with good bite. Can throw it for strikes or as an out pitch.

Curveball: Sharp 1-7 offering with good depth and tilt. Can throw it for strikes or as an out pitch.

Velocities: FB (95-96), SL (84-87), CB (82-84)

Overall Eval: All-star closer. These 3 guys are the cream of the crop of relief prospects imo. Storen is likely the most major league ready, but I don't think his pitches are as dominant as the other two. Similar to Joe Nathan in regards to his repetoire. Do not be surprised if he breaks camp with the team (and beats out Matt Capps to be the closer).

4) Michael Dunn (LH)

Age: 24 (not 27 as was repeatedly said on the telecast)

Org: Atlanta Braves

Build/Delivery: 6-1, 195. Medium frame that can add 5 or 10 pounds of muscle to his lower. Strong, athletic build. Came from a high 3/4 release with a somewhat violent head jerk, but a pretty smooth delivery (likely due to the fact he is a converted position player). High effort delivery.

Fastball: Straight 4-seam that explodes out of his hand that can catch too much of the plate occasionally.

Slider: Tight 11-5 offering with solid bite that is solid enough, though he doesn't yet have solid command of the pitch and it can be inconsistent.

Velocities: FB (95-96), SL (86-87)

Overall Eval: 1st lefty in a pen. He is a dominant pitcher who can get out both lefties and righties due to his plus fastball. Slider shows enough ability to get out lefties. Braves may have solidified their pen with this pickup.

5) Dustin Richardson (LH)

Age: 25

Org: Boston Red Sox

Build/Delivery: 6-6, 220. Big frame that can get up to 235-240 if he so desires. Long, lanky build that looks more like the body of a wing in basketball. Comes from a high 3/4 release that can be tough on lefties. Features a Jamie Moyer style leg kick and then gets good extension and explodes towards the plate. Has a very violent head jerk and almost over rotates his throwing shoulder.

Fastball: 4-seamer with a little late run in on lefties. Has solid, if inconsistent, command of the pitch.

Curveball: Slurvy 11-5 with slightly below average depth. He struggled with the pitch in this outing by not finishing it, as it ended up in the lefty batter's box and up. When thrown right, showed good tilt and downward action.

Changeup: Some fade from righties and a little sink. More of a show pitch then a pitch to get anyone out.

Velocities: FB (93-95), CB (77-80), CU (79)

Overall Eval: Profiles as the 1st lefty in a pen. Doesn't quite have the velocity of a Michael Dunn, but is close behind. He would likely be tougher on lefties then righties and needs to refine his curve and change. He should be in the big league by June.

6) Josh Fields

Age: 24

Org: Seattle Mariners

Build/Delivery: 6-0, 185. Small frame with a thin build that can add another 5 to 10 pounds of muscle. Good athlete. Came from an over the top release with a violent delivery where he juts out his front leg and lands hard on it.

Fastball: Explosive, dead straight 4-seam with a little extra oomph at the end. Doesn't finish the pitch well and tends to miss up. Has erratic command.

Curveball: Power 12-6 offering with inconsistent depth. At it's best, it has slightly above average depth and good tilt.

Velocities: FB (93-95), CB (80-81)

Overall Eval: League average set-up guy. Has great stuff, but it is so inconsistent and he isn't that young. Fastball is a better pitch then its velocity and movement indicate, but his command causes it to play down. The curve could be an unbelievable out pitch, but it is too inconsistent at this point. Likely will make it to Seattle at the age of 25 after another year of refinement in the minors at the minimum.

7) Javy Guerra

Age: 23

Org: Los Angeles Dodgers

Build/Delivery: 6-1, 195. Medium frame that looks much bigger then 195 and has the tiny looks of a gut. Works primarily from the stretch. Clean delivery with an over the top release.

Fastball: A little late run in on righties and flashes some sink. Command is very erratic and tends to battle it at times.

Changeup: Has some late fade from lefties and some sink that he will throw in 3-2 counts. Does not show very good command of this pitch, which made it even more bizarre as a 3-2 pitch.

Slider: Tight 2-7 pitch with some bite. Only threw 1, so hard to get a feel for it as an out pitch.

Velocities: FB (93-94), SL (88), CU (81-83)

Overall Eval: Solid set-up man. A little further along then Fields in regards to command, but his pure stuff isn't as good. He is likely 2 years away. Command needs some more refinement and will be the thing that separates him from set-up guy to middle reliever.

8) Andrew Johnston

Age: 25

Org: Colorado Rockies

Build/Delivery: 6-5, 205. Big frame that is long and lanky and can get up to at least 220 pounds if he so desires and is another guy who is built like a wing in basketball. Comes from a high 3/4 release with a fairly clean delivery, though he has a moderate head jerk and almost over rotates his throwing shoulder.

Fastball: Good run in on righties with above average sink that flashes as a plus sinker. Has good command of the pitch despite all the movement and is a perfect pitch for Coors.

Slider: 2-7 pitch with slightly above average bite. Is his out pitch by name only, as he hung it quite a bit and the break can be inconsistent.

Velocities: FB (91-93), SL (82-83)

Overall Eval: Your typical middle reliever who would be entrusted with anything from the 5th to 7th innings. Solid reliever who pitches to contact and relies on his defense to make plays. Slider needs to be refined, but he should be able to help Colorado this coming season at some points.

9) Matt Gorgen

Age: 22

Org: Tampa Bay Rays

Build/Delivery: 6-0, 210. Small frame that is maxed out. Is a big guy with a thick base. Has a rock and fire, high effort delivery where he lands hard on his front foot and has a tendency to fly open. Comes from an over the top release. Looks like a bulldog.

Fastball: 4-seamer that has some late run in on righties and a little late sink. Command can be inconsistent and when he loses it, he loses it up.

Changeup: Good fade from lefties and good sink that he can throw for a strike. Would like to see him throw this pitch more.

Curveball: Power 12-6 with above average depth.

Slider: Tight 2-7 offering with good bite.

Velocities: FB (91-93), SL (83), CB (78), CU (83)

Overall Eval: Solid middle reliever. Fastball is still a little straight, but he shows enough diversification with his pitches to be able to be different each time out. Would like to see him settle on either a slider or curve though (prefer the curve). Likely a couple years away from being a contributor.

10) Blake Parker

Age: 24

Org: Chicago Cubs

Build/Delivery: 6-3, 225. Big frame that appears to be maxed out. Thick, strong lower half. Works primarily from the stretch. Has a violent head jerk. Comes from a high 3/4 release.

Fastball: Has some run in on righties and some sink. Has inconsistent command of the pitch and almost appears to overthrow it at times.

Slider: Sharp 2-7 pitch with some bite. Does not have good command of this pitch.

Curveball: Loopy 1-7 pitch with solid depth that he will hang at times. When thrown right, shows average tilt with good downward action. Will throw it 3-2.

Changeup: Good fade from lefties and good sink that looks like a fastball out of his hand and is better then both breaking pitches. Doesn't have good command of this pitch.

Velocities: FB (92-94), SL (83-86), CB (80-83), CU (86-88)

Overall Eval: Best case is a 10th or 11th reliever, a low leverage innings reliever. Granted, he may have just had a bad day, but I didn't see the ingredients for a solid middle reliever in him. Would like to see him on a good day to get a even better feel.

11) Daniel Moskos (LH)

Age: 23

Org: Pittsburgh Pirates

Build/Delivery: 6-1, 210. Medium frame that is maxed out. Strong, athletic build that almost looks like a LB. He comes from a high 3/4 release. He has a classic hip turn delivery where he shows his butt to the hitter and looks like he is pretty tough on lefties.

Fastball: Throws a 4-seamer and 2-seamer. The 4-seam has some sink with a little more oomph while his 2-seamer has good sink and some run in on lefties. Does not have good command of this pitch and seems to have little idea where it is going.

Slider: Sweeping 11-5 offering with slightly above average bite. Is almost like a slurve and it has solid depth to it. Can appear to only throw the pitch belt high for strikes and didn't have confidence in burying it.

Changeup: Fairly non-descript pitch that did not do much. Was a straight change that screamed hit me.

Velocities: FB (89-92), SL (83), CU (84-85)

Overall Eval: And to think, they took him over Wieters. Moskos was said to have a lights out SL in college, but it has regressed. He profiles as a 2nd lefty in a pen who can only pitch to lefties. He has a ways to go to reach that ceiling however.

There you have it. Thank you for taking the time for reading this book. Feel free to leave comments/suggestions on different things you saw in breaking this down or if you would like me to elaborate on a player.