The much maligned son of former N.L. Cy Young Award winner Doug Drabek had a nice bounceback this spring after a 2008 season that was spent, in most part, rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. Drabek pitched in the Hawaiian Winter League going 1-1 with a 2.57 ERA and 14 K's in 16 IP. His 0.67 WHIP testifies to his enhanced control of the strike zone, a dilemma that has plagued him in the past. Drabek's stuff is much better than his father. A power pitcher, Kyle can hump his fastball up to 97 MPH with excellent late movement down in the strike zone. As good as his heater is, it is his high 70's power-spike curveball that looks to be his out pitch. He also has a changeup that shows enough promise to be an average offering at the major league level. Injuries and character issues are the main issues that stand in the way of Drabek becoming a top-flight pitcher. He has had problems in the past with under age alcohol abuse and has drawn criticism for his poise and demeanor on the mound. The Phillies are well stocked with quality arms in their system, which gives them plenty of time to mold their 21 year old fireballer into the frontline starter that they drafted him to be.
2009 Projection: Drabek is ticketed to start the '09 season with High-A Clearwater. The big thing to watch with Drabek is his ability to stay healthy for an entire campaign. The track record for pitchers who have undergone Tommy John surgery has gotten better over the past few years and Drabek's brief output has lent some optimism that he could and should make a full recovery. If he can maintain his control numbers and command his offspeed pitches, he has the stuff to become a dominant power pitcher at the major league level.
The Angels' former 8th round selection missed all of the 2008 season with an ankle injury after a largely successful 2007 at Low-A Cedar Rapids where he hit .260 with 18 HR 72 RBI and 29 doubles. Matthew Sweeney has as much power potential as anyone in the Angels' system not named Brandon Wood. His smooth left-handed swing generates easy power to all fields and has the potential to hit for a high average as well. He has natural loft to his swing and seems to make solid contact with balls in the strike zone. One area of his offensive game that will continually need work is his ability to effectively work deep into counts. He walked just 38 times versus 88 strikeouts in 2007 and should prove to be a more dangerous hitter if he can boost his walk totals by 25-30. Defensively, he is somewhat heavy footed, but has soft hands and good first step range to both his left and right. His arm is plenty strong to handle any throws from the hot corner, though his 28 errors in '07 indicate that he still needs to control it and make more strides toward consistently making the routine plays.
2009 Projection: Sweeney has gotten off to an excellent start at High-A Rancho Cucamonga, hitting .375 with 3 HR 11 RBI and 7 doubles in his first 11 games. The biggest thing to watch out of Matthew is his ability to play the '09 season in good health. He looks like he is completely healthy, but ankle injuries, like so many other maladies, tend to become chronic problems that have detrimental effects on promising careers. Also keep tabs on his defensive performance. If he continues to post sub-.900 fielding percentages, there is a distinct chance that he could shift to the other infield corner or to a corner outfield spot a la Ryan Braun. Over a full season, Sweeney is a 25-30 HR hitter and a potential middle of the lineup hitter at the major league level. The Angels have Brandon Wood ahead of Sweeney on the organization's 3B depth chart, but lots can happen within the next couple of seasons. Sweeney's bat should place him somewhere.
Hoffmann signed with the Dodgers in 2003 as and undrafted free agent after being drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes of the NHL. Last season, Hoffmann flashed an array of tools at AA Jacksonville, hitting .278 with 10 HR 71 RBI 28 SB and 64 runs scored. He has a big, strong frame that has the potential to hit 20 HR per season at the major league level. He is an extremely disciplined hitter at the plate as well. Last season, Hoffmann had a respectable 54 BB/73 K rate and was successful on 28 of his 37 SB attempts. Defensively, Jamie has decent range as a centerfielder, but his arm strength and his body size is more serviceable in right field. His seven errors in right field last season were due in large part to a powerful arm that, at times, can become inaccurate. At 24 years old, Hoffmann is not the youngest prospect at the AA level and he will need to progress quickly through AAA in order to maintain his allure as a low-cost sleeper prospect.
2009 Projection: Hoffmann is back at AA with the Dodgers' new affiliate, Carolina. He is off to an excellent start, hitting .333 with a HR, three RBI, three SB and 14 runs scored in his first 11 games. Additionally, he has walked 14 times versus 9 strikeouts. Expect Hoffmann to jump to AAA at some point this season, though his chances of cracking the Dodgers big league lineup in 2009 are remote, to say the least. One thing that could change this is if he can more effectively tap into his power potential. A 20 HR/20 SB season would do wonders for his resume by either making him a potential late season call up or, more likely, a possible trading chip within the next season.
The Marlins acquired the young infielder as the centerpiece of a trade that sent highly talented right hander Scott Olsen and outfielder Josh Willingham to the Washington Nationals this past winter. Bonifacio struggled last season with the Diamondbacks and Nationals hitting .240 with 0 HR 16 RBI and 7 SB in 190 AB, but his numbers in spring training fell more in line with his minor league track record as he hit .279 with 13 RBI 14 runs scored and 5 SB in 24 games. Bonifacio has elite speed that he uses as a weapon on the basepaths and allows him great range in the field. He is adept with the glove and his arm strength is strong enough to place him at 3B. One area of his game that needs to improve is approach at the plate. Bonifacio has below average power, yet his swing is not conducive to playing a small game. He has struck out more than 100 times in four of the last five seasons and struggles to draw walks on a consistent basis.
2009 Projection: Bonifacio earned the starting gig as Florida's third baseman and responded with a 4-5 day which included an inside-the-park homerun, four runs scored, and three stolen bases. Bonifacio has the type of game similar to a Chone Figgins as an atypical, slap-hitting speedster who can play a variety of infield positions and generate runs once he is on the basepaths. His challenge for the Marlins is to become a player that can get on base more than 35% of the time, acting as a catalyst for Florida's powerful middle of the lineup.
If good things come in small packages, then the Angels will be quite pleased with their 3rd round pick from the '08 draft. Gomez played in four games with the Angels' Arizona Rookie League affiliate managing just two hits in 15 AB. Despite his demure build, Gomez has a sharp, line drive bat that can power balls to the gaps for doubles and the occasional long ball. He plays the game with savviness and grit that exceeds the range of his skills. He has a strong arm and soft hands that fit well at shortstop, though there is some conjecture that his fringe-average range could fit better at second base. Gomez has gotten pull-happy at times, seemingly to compensate for his slight build, but there is enough projection in his body to believe that he will develop more strength, perhaps alleviating his compulsion to overswing from time to time.
2009 Projection:Limited exposure and limited success should force Gomez to start his '09 season at extended spring training before heading out to Orem in June. Keep an eye on the development of Gomez's offensive game. Has the ability to hit for a high average with 5-10 HR power, but it may take a while for it to develop. If he can stick at SS, his chances of reaching the major leagues with the Angels is a bit better as the road ahead of him is not quite as congested. Long term, he will need to build some more strength to become a serious consideration as an MLB regular. It could happen, but the league is full of SS prospects with much higher upsides.
Key Rolando Gomez Baseball Cards:
2008 Donruss Elite Extra #/544
2008 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket SP Auto #/113
Considered to be the centerpiece to the now ill-advised Erik Bedard trade, Adam Jones gave Orioles fans a glimpse of the immense talent that he possesses. Jones batted .270 with 9 HR 57 RBI 10 SB and 61 runs scored for the O's last season and solidified the outfield defense with his excellent range and arm strength in centerfield. Jones has sinewy strength and excellent bat speed that should transform into 20-25 HR power in the very near future. His speed is also top notch, although, he has historically not fully used it as a weapon on the basepaths. The major question mark at this time is directly related to his discipline at the plate. Last season, Jones had a dismal 23 BB/108 K ratio and had trouble with handling offspeed pitches. This spring has brought forth some positive signs in his development as he has batted .350 with 3 HR 5 RBI 7 SB and a 3 BB/10 K ratio in 19 games.
2009 Projection: Adam Jones is primed for better numbers this season from behind the plate and his high SB totals in the spring shows that he intends to be more aggressive on the basepaths as well. The BB/K ratio is the key component to his overall offensive success. By boosting his walk rate and diminishing his K rate a little bit, Jones can threaten to cross the .300 threshold. Brian Roberts is Baltimore's leadoff hitter, but Jones should make a dangerous #2 hitter in that solid Oriole lineup. With excellent pitching prospects down on the farm and a young offense to build around, the Camden Yard boys should be a rising threat in the A.L. East within the next couple of seasons.
The Florida Marlins opted for a more cautious approach in developing their immensely talented outfielder than his previous employer, the Detroit Tigers. Cameron Maybin spent virtually the entire 2008 season at AA Carolina hitting .277 with 13 HR 49 RBI 21 SB and 73 runs scored in 108 games. His solid play earned him a September callup where he went 16-32 with 9 runs scored and 4 SB. Maybin's physical attributes are off the charts. He can put on a show in batting practice, launching 500 ft. HR's and has foot speed that rivals anyone in minor league baseball. Defensively, Maybin has the speed of a center fielder and the cannon arm of a right fielder. He made some strides with his plate discipline last season, earning 63 walks, but his 132 strikeouts were too high given his mediocre power numbers. Maybin has not quite figured out how to consistently translate his pregame power into game time production as he often opts to slap balls to the opposite field or beat out groundballs with his fleet feet. The Marlins are not too concerned at this time with that and do believe that the 22 year old will eventually become the 30-30 player that scouts have tabbed him to be.
2009 Projection: Strong spring numbers (.317 1 HR 7 RBI 15 runs scored) have earned him the starting nod in CF on opening day. The Marlins would like Maybin to continue to develop his top of the order skills, working counts and making consistent contact, rather than focusing on the power element of his game. He and 3B Emiliano Bonifacio should both get some time atop Florida's potent lineup. Keep an eye on his plate discipline as the season progresses, if he can continue to draw walks and limit his strikeout totals, he should gradually nudge Bonifacio out of the leadoff spot for good.
The former Long Beach State hurler was selected in the 3rd round of the '08 draft by the Phillies and immediately improved on his mediocre collegiate stats with an excellent showing at Low-A Lakeland where he went 3-2 with a 2.66 ERA and 7 BB/53 K in 61 IP. Worley is built solidly with a lively low-90's fastball, and a solid change and curveball show some promise as average MLB pitches, though they are still in their developmental stages. Worley was very effective at commanding his pitches down in the strike zone, resulting in a high number of ground ball outs (1.64/FO). He goes right after hitters and seems to be poised and efficient on the mound. He had some shoulder soreness during his 2007 season, but showed no signs of tiring last year despite his 170+ inning work load.
2009 Projection: Worley has shown enough polish to be promoted to High-A Clearwater for the 2009 season. The Florida State League tends to be slightly favorable to pitchers and, given his high ground ball rate, it is quite conceivable that Worley could have an immensely successful season. Keep an eye on Worley's K rate this year. He struck out about 8 hitters per 9 IP and if he can keep that rate constant or improve upon it, he could vault into the upper echelons of Philadelphia's vastly improved pitching prospect chart. Ultimately, Worley profiles to be a solid mid-rotation starting pitcher within the next three seasons.
The switch hitting former catcher broke out in a big way in 2008, tormenting pitchers at both High-A San Jose and AA Connecticut for a .350 BA with 20 HR 96 RBI, 90 runs scored and 38 doubles in just 112 games. Sandoval earned a promotion to San Francisco where he didn't miss a beat, hitting .345 with 3 HR 24 RBI and 10 doubles in 145 AB. Sandoval has a lightning-quick bat that produces easy power from both sides of the plate. He makes excellent contact, but doesn't work counts as effectively as someone with his potent bat should. Last season Sandoval combined to walk just 35 times in nearly 600 AB. Defensively, the rotund Sandoval is quite mobile at both infield corner positions, earning just one error in 179 chances. He has excellent arm strength and soft hands ideal for the hot corner.
2009 Projection: All signs point to Sandoval having a huge first full season as a major leaguer. He has hit almost .450 this spring with excellent XBH power and solid plate discipline. The main concern with Sandoval going forward will be his weight, as heavier set players have increased difficulties staying healthy over the course of a 162 game season. His bat, though, is for real and has all the look and functionality of a switch-hitting Edgar Martinez. The Giants are an organization filled with younger talent waiting to blossom. Sandoval will be one of the parties leading the charge very soon.
The Blue Jays' 11th round selection from the 2007 draft rediscovered his power that seemingly eluded him in his final two seasons at Tulsa. Playing solely at High-A Dunedin, Emaus batted .302 with 12 HR 71 RBI 12 SB and 87 runs scored and 34 doubles. He continued his hitting ways in the Hawaiian Winter League, hitting .333 with 2 HR 12 RBI and a sterling 17 BB/7 K ratio in 26 games. Emaus has a swing that matches his body frame--compact and powerful. He has an excellent eye at the plate, earning a 60 BB/56 K ratio last season, while effectively driving the ball from foul line to foul line. He has fringe average speed, but he uses it well on the basepaths. Defensively, Emaus has substandard range as a middle infielder and will likely need to shift to a corner infield spot in the future. He has played some third base, but the results have been less than adequate at this point as he racked up 4 errors in 47 chances last season.
2009 Projection: Emaus has turned heads in Blue Jays camp this spring, hitting .333 with 4 HR. He will likely start the '09 season at AA New Hampshire with a solid shot at earning a promotion to AAA Syracuse at some point during the season. There is some good offensive upside to this overachiever's game and he has been giving every indication that he can sustain this production at any level. Keep an eye on the defensive numbers from Emaus and his power numbers as well. He has below average power for a corner infielder at this point, but there is hope that he can be a high-average, 20 HR hitter at the major league level in the not too distant future. The Jays are pretty well set with Aaron Hill manning the 2B helm for the next few seasons, but the oft-injured Scott Rolen becomes a free agent after the 2010 season. That should provide ample time for Emaus to evolve into a quality MLB third baseman.
Emmanuel Burriss missed a considerable amount of time last season with a left oblique injury that nagged him throughout the first part of the season. Regardless, he was able to log in about 240 AB in his first major league season producing a solid 283 BA with 1 HR 18 RBI and 13 SB. Burriss has fleet feet that wreak havoc on the basepaths as testified by the 103 SB he logged in his two previous minor league seasons. A contact hitter, Burriss works counts efficiently and is almost impossible to strike out. He is an excellent bunter and hits line drives to all fields with little to no power. Defensively, Burriss has the ability to play both SS and 2B or the OF in a pinch. He needs to continue to shore up his glove work and arm accuracy in order to stick as a starter.
2009 Projection: Burriss has looked sharp this spring hitting .397. The Giants are locked in at SS with the off season signing of Edgar Renteria, and Kevin Frandsen is the early favorite to receive most of the playing time at 2B. However, Burriss is a serviceable utility guy who should get a considerable amount of playing time at either position throughout the season. He has a strong frame that could add a little more XBH pop as he matures. That would do nothing but help his chances to receive more playing time. In a full season, Burriss is a threat to steal 35-40 bases while hitting for a high average and excellent OBP.
The future #1 pick has enjoyed a meteoric ascent to superstardom over the past year. Strasburg's dominated collegiate hitters last season pitching to an 8-3 record with a 1.57 ERA and a stunning 16 BB/133 K in just 97.1 IP. For his efforts, Strasburg was awarded a roster spot on the US Olympic Team where he rapidly became their ace, pitching to a 1-1 record with a 1.64 ERA. Strasburg's stuff is legendary. A fastball that regularly crosses the 100 MPH threshold and has been clocked as high as 103 MPH. Unlike many high velocity fastballs, Strasburg's moves like a cutter at times, which is virtually unheard of for balls thrown at that velocity. Accompanying that heat is a filthy slider that has a two plane break and sits between 88-90 MPH. Not far behind is his rapidly developing changeup that, as it stands now, is an MLB average pitch. Contrary to many young flamethrowers, Strasburg has pinpoint control and a highly developed sense of how to pitch. He was an honor student in high school and has worked dilligently to get his once soft body into the peak condition that it is now. His heightened work ethic is the determining factor to his meteoric ascent from pudgy underachiever to best pitching prospect, perhaps, of all time.
2009 Projection: Strasburg has not let up an ounce this season, as he is 4-0 with a 1.57 ERA and a record shattering 19.4 K/9 IP. There is no doubt that he is the #1 prospect of the 2009 draft, but Scott Boras has already sunk his meaty claws into him and is rumored to be seeking an MLB deal in excess of $50 million and a $15 million signing bonus. Those demands alone may cause for him to slip from the top spot as the spectre of other elite flame throwers like Mark Prior, Matt Anderson, Joel Zumaya, and Mark Wohlers could evoke fear into some cost-conscious clubs. However, all indicators point to Strasburg being a major league ready, top of the rotation superstar who will anchor a rotation in Cy Young fashion for years to come.
The Rangers decided to add to their 1B depth with the selection on the Californian prep slugger in the 5th round of the '08 draft. Clark Murphy performed quite well in his first professional action with the Rangers' Arizona Rookie League affiliate, hitting .358 with a HR 21 RBI and 7 doubles in 25 games. Murphy has a rock solid frame and fluid left-handed swing that has already demonstrated good power with wooden bats. His hands move quickly through the ball and he exhibits solid plate discipline (12 BB/19 K in 25 games). Though he is now fully recovered from his quad injury, Murphy still exhibits below average foot speed which should limit his defensive abilities to 1B as a pro. He has exhibited above average footwork and agility around the bag. His arm is more than strong enough for the position as he was an outfielder as a prep player. There are still some mechanical glitches to iron out in his swing. He has a little hitch that occasionally throws off his timing and affects his ability to make consistent contact. This should be something that is completely rectified, allowing for him to more effectively stay back on balls and tap into his considerable raw power.
2009 Projection: Murphy should start at full season Low-A Hickory with future All-Star 1B Justin Smoak beginning at High-A Bakersfield. The thing to watch in Murphy is his power numbers. The odds are good that he will increase his HR output this season, but will it come at the expense of his BB/K ratio? Murphy is stuck in an offensively loaded farm system with exceptional depth at the 1B and OF positions. Expect the Rangers to bring Murphy along at a prudent pace. If he continues to produce good offensive numbers, there is a good chance that he could be a valuable commodity when the Rangers start looking to add to their pitching depth. Given Texas' rapidly improving odds as a playoff contender, this could happen sooner rather than later.
The young Mission Viejo native had an intriguing debut season at Low-A Ogden. Watt went 9-4 with a 4.35 ERA and a 21 BB/79 K rate in 80.2 IP. Despite the good K rate and solid control, hitters batted .281 against him but also hit a high number of ground balls (1.68/FO). In examining his final 10 starts, the contradiction becomes clearer. As Watts' control improved (10 BB in 64 IP), he became more hittable, allowing 74 hits in that span. Watt has good command of his 89-92 MPH fastball and mixes in a curveball that features a nice 12-6 break that has been described as "knee buckling". Watt has an athletic frame and deceptive delivery that allows for his ball to appear to have more velocity. Padres officials have been quite pleased with the progress of his changeup and there is optimism that this can be an effective third pitch for him. Watt battled a tired arm late last season as he threw several 6+ innings starts.
2009 Projection: Moving to the Padres could prove to be very beneficial to Watt's future. The Dodgers are much more well equipped with high quality young arms, which increased the likelihood that Watt would get caught in the shuffle. He should begin the year at Low-A Fort Wayne. Keep an eye on the BAA numbers and his K/9 IP. He has exhibited good control and seems to pitch to contact. With a better defense behind him, it is conceivable that he could allow less hits, but it could also have an effect on his ability to dominate hitters too. Long term, the Padres don't have a lot of flashy LHP prospects, if Watt is able to squeeze an extra tick or two out of his heater, he could stand out from the rest of the Friars' soft-tossing southpaws.
2008 was a lost season for the former 1st rounder as a sore elbow caused for the Dodgers to cautiously shelve Withrow until August. Upon his return, the young righty struggled with his command walking 6 hitters in 4 innings. Regardless of the injury, there is quite a bit to like in Withrow. His fastball sits between 91-94 MPH and he has excellent command of both his curveball and changeup. He throws each pitch with clean mechanics and lively arm action, giving the ball excellent movement and late life. His frame is strong and projectible, and scouts have raved about his athleticism. Additionally, he has shown a high acumen for pitching as his father was a standout pitcher for the University of Texas and spent time in the Chicago White Sox organization. All reports have Withrow ready for the start of the 2009 season, most likely at Low-A Great Lakes.
2009 Projection: Surely the Dodgers will handle Withrow's development with extreme caution. His athleticism and good mechanics should allow for him to move beyond this early setback, but his health will undoubtedly be the key thing to focus on this season. There are some other fine arms in the Dodgers' organization (Ethan Martin, Josh Lindblom, Nate Eovaldi) that may get more attention this season, but Withrow's upside is at least as good as any of them and, if healthy, he could be a nice sleeper investment for the long term.
Brett Gardner got a chance to prove that he was ready to step into the role of leadoff hitter for the Yankees during a 42 game audition. Unfortunately for Gardner, it didn't go very well. He struggled mightily, hitting a paltry .228 with 0 HR 16 RBI and 13 SB in 127 AB. This came on the heels of an immensely successful AAA campaign where he hit .296 with 37 SB and 11 triples in 94 games. Gardner has game changing speed and could steal 40-50 bases per season at the major league level. He is an immensely disciplined hitter who plays at full tilt at the plate and in the field. His power production has been marginal throughout his career as he is more content to slap balls through holes and in gaps for extra bases, but his early returns during spring training has already resulted in 3 HR in just 7 games. Defensively, his excellent speed makes him a very good CF, though his arm is more appropriate in LF. Gardner has all the makings of a solid top of the order hitter but, as expected, the competition in Yankee Stadium is unrelenting. Gardner currently has the inside track at the starting spot and he should perform much at a much better clip than last year's numbers.
2009 Projection: Brett will be in the opening day lineup for the Yankees and has all the makings of a fan favorite. Melky Caberera has all but exhausted his opportunities to start, but his presence, as well as the anticipation for top prospect Austin Jackson, should provide consistent pressure on Gardner to perform. The power uptick he has demonstrated this spring has been a pleasant surprise, but his power ceiling should be in the 8-12 HR range. Keep an eye out for his first MLB autos, as they will likely be quite popular. Until then, his 2005 Bowman Chrome Draft cards are the best (and most valuable) cards on the market.
Carp was a key addition to the trade that sent former All-Star J.J. Putz to the New York Mets. Carp rebounded from a lackluster 2007 season to become an Eastern League All-Star at AA Binghamton, hitting .299 with 17 HR 72 RBI 29 doubles and a sterling 79 BB/88 K ratio. His fluid left handed swing and evolving power potential evokes comparisons to Lyle Overbay and John Olerud. Defensively, Carp is a decent 1B and has spent some time in the outfield as well. Like Overbay and Olerud, he is a below average runner and fringe average athlete. He doesn't have the prolific power that other 1B prospects do, but his blend of patience and good line drive rates should prove to be valuable for a franchise that is in a rebuilding mode.
2009 Projection: Carp has looked very sharp in early spring training action with the Mariners, but the club seems set on giving Russell Branyan and Bryan LaHair the most playing time this season. This should land him at AAA Tacoma until roster room clears either via injury or roster expansion in September. Carp has the potential to hit for 20-25 HR per season and his LH bat is a nice fit at Safeco Field. Watch to see if he is able to replicate his numbers from last season. If so, he will figure prominently into the plans for the M's in 2010.
The Detroit Tigers saw projectibility and two MLB-plus pitches when they selected the Ole Miss University hurler in the 2nd round of the '08 draft. Promptly converted to a late inning reliever, Satterwhite threw 20.2 innings at two stops earning 3 saves, a 3.92 ERA and a 13 BB/24 K ratio. Satterwhite has an explosive 95 MPH fastball with excellent late movement that moves in on the hands of RH batters. His slider has high upside with a violent two plane break, but he has had trouble commanding it at times. He has dabbled with developing a changeup, but it really hasn't taken as of yet. Satterwhite has a tall, broad frame that still has quite a bit of projectibility left, which leads some to believe that he can tack on some additional ticks to the velocity of his fastball. His inconsistent delivery and loose mechanics causes him to miss up in the zone quite a bit which makes him hittable and marginalizes his ability to induce groundball outs. This could serve as a problem at higher levels. The Tigers are quite enamored with the closer potential of 1st rounder Ryan Perry, and given Satterwhite's young age, there is still some possibility that he could be developed as a starter in the future.
2009 Projection: Satterwhite will get a nice dose of full season ball at High-A Lakeland this season. The Tigers would like to see him get better command of his off-speed stuff and would like for him to utilize his frame to throw downhill on hitters. His control numbers are the obvious things to watch, but keep an eye on his FO/GO ratio as well. If he can bump that up over 1.00 (it was 0.57 last season), he can rapidly become a dominant reliever. Relief pitching has been a thorn in the side of the Tigers for the past few seasons, but there is high hopes that the combination of Satterwhite and Ryan Perry could help this club shorten games and put more wins on the scoreboard.
The much maligned son of former N.L. Cy Young Award winner Doug Drabek had a nice bounceback this spring after a 2008 season that was spent, in most part, rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. Drabek pitched in the Hawaiian Winter League going 1-1 with a 2.57 ERA and 14 K's in 16 IP. His 0.67 WHIP testifies to his enhanced control of the strike zone, a dilemma that has plagued him in the past. Drabek's stuff is much better than his father. A power pitcher, Kyle can hump his fastball up to 97 MPH with excellent late movement down in the strike zone. As good as his heater is, it is his high 70's power-spike curveball that looks to be his out pitch. He also has a changeup that shows enough promise to be an average offering at the major league level. Injuries and character issues are the main issues that stand in the way of Drabek becoming a top-flight pitcher. He has had problems in the past with under age alcohol abuse and has drawn criticism for his poise and demeanor on the mound. The Phillies are well stocked with quality arms in their system, which gives them plenty of time to mold their 21 year old fireballer into the frontline starter that they drafted him to be.
