Posted on 24 November 2008
H/W: 6-3 195 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 3/1/88
Cahill had an immensely successful 2008 season pitching at both High-A Stockton and AA Midland earning an 11-5 record with a 2.61 ERA and 136 K's in 124.2 IP. Cahill limited hitters to a lowly .179 BA and his 2.43 GO/FO ratio was one of the best in the minor leagues. Cahill is not a flame thrower, though his fastball, sitting at 90-92 MPH, has excellent sink and late movement. He throws a hard breaking curve ball that has the makings of a strikeout pitch at the major league level. Cahill walked 50 hitters in 124.2 IP which is not terrible, but shows that he still needs to work on throwing strikes with his offspeed pitches. He has a tendency to bury his pitches in the dirt instead of offering them in the strike zone which, of course, is much better than leaving them up in the zone. There's not much to dislike about Cahill's abilities. At the ripe age of 21, he is Oakland's brightest pitching prospect in a fully stocked system.
2009 Projection: Since Cahill did not play fall or winter baseball, he will likely get a long look by the A's in spring training before heading to AAA Sacramento to start the season. The A's have many good arms in their rotation, though there are no truly elite pitchers in their rotation. Cahill has the makings of a very good #2 starter and he should be first in line for a rotation spot should one of Oakland's starters land on the DL. Cahill has just one major autograph, 2007 Bowman Chrome, out right now which should see a noticable bump in value when he makes his major league debut.
Key Trevor Cahill Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Auto
- 2007 Bowman Heritage
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Posted on 24 November 2008
H/W: 6-4 200 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 6/25/85
The Red Sox scrapped the idea of developing Bard as a starting pitcher in 2008 and the results were quite positive. Bard split time between Low-A Greenville and AA Portland compiling a 5-1 record with a 1.51 ERA 7 saves and 107 K's in just 77.2 IP. Bard held opposing hitters to a measly .158 BA while inducing a sterling GO/FO ratio of 2.18. Bard features an electric fastball that regularly and effortlessly sits at 96-98 MPH with heavy sink. He developed a slider this season which replaced his sloppy curveball. The slider sits in the mid-80's and has the potential to be a nasty strikeout pitch. Additionally, he throws a circle change that is still a long way from his other two offerings. Bard's makeup is still a bit raw. He has a tendency to struggle with his confidence at times, especially with runners on base.
2009 Projection: Bard is being groomed to be the next closer of the Boston Red Sox. His stuff is as good as Papelbon's (perhaps better), but his makeup and demeanor are quite a bit behind. Bard should get some innings under his belt in spring training. If he continues to dominate, expect him to start the 2009 season with AAA Pawtucket. If he struggles with his control, a move back to AA Portland would make more sense. the Red Sox has the luxury of being able to be patient with Bard, as the bullpen of Papelbon, Hideki Okajima and Justin Masterson is quite effective. Watch to see what the Sox decide to do with Masterson next season. If they place him in the rotation, there could be a spot for Bard to snag as a late inning reliever. His true value will come, though, when he starts closing games in Beantown.
Key Daniel Bard Baseball Cards:
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2004 SP Prospects Team USA Jersey
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2004 UD Team USA Jersey Auto #/275
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2007 Bowman Sterling Auto
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2008 Bowman Chrome Auto
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Posted on 22 November 2008
H/W: 6-3 210 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 4/1/85
Murphy was a well-travelled man this season playing at four different levels including a highly successful debut with the New York Mets. Murphy batted .313 with 2 HR 17 RBI and 24 runs scored in 49 games. After the regular season, Murphy then went to the Arizona Fall League where he tore the cover off of the ball, hitting nearly .400 with 2 HR 18 RBI and 13 BB/7 K's. Murphy has a silky-smooth stroke from the left side that generates 15-20 HR power while hitting for a high batting average. Murphy has very good plate discipline and he doesn't strike out often. Defensively, Murphy has a strong arm, but his footwork and range may limit him to 1B or a corner OF spot at the major league level. Murphy has been playing 2B in Arizona as an experiment, but his lack of range may not allow him to stick at that position.
2009 Projection: Murphy showed enough in his stint with the Mets to earn thorough consideration for a spot in their lineup. The knock on Murphy is that his power production is not enough to play 1B or a corner OF spot. If Murphy can stick at 2B, his value increases considerably as he will be one of the better hitting 2B in the N.L. However, expect Murphy to make the move to 1B or OF. Regardless, he will be a solid #2 or #6 hitter for some years to come.
Key Daniel Murphy Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Prospects
- 2007 Bowman Heritage
- 2008 Finest Redemption
- 2008 E-Topps
- 2008 Topps Red Hot Rookie Redemption
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Posted on 21 November 2008
H/W: 6-6 225 lb. B/T: L/L DOB: 8/26/85
You would be hard pressed to find a prospect that had a better 2008 season than David Price. Price made his debut after missing the first month of the season with elbow soreness. When he returned, Price rocketed through three levels of the Tampa Bay Rays system winning his first 11 decisions before losing in his debut at AAA Durham. Price then earned a September call up where he was dominant in 14 innings, holding hitters to a .176 BA. Price's dominance continued during the playoffs where Rays manager Joe Madden used him strictly in relief. Price pitched 5 games during the post season going 1-0 with a championship clinching save in Game 7 against the Boston Red Sox.
Price has a wicked mid-90's fastball that he throws with a three-quarters arm slot that is difficult for left handed hitters to pick up. His slider is a plus-plus strikeouts pitch that has a wide sweeping break similar to Randy Johnson's. Price also has a third plus pitch, a changeup that has a heavy fade late in the strike zone. In addition to his arsenal of top notch pitches, Price is a tough competitor with good makeup and a real feel for pitching. He adds and subtracts velocities to his pitches effectively. One area of work for Price will be to become more consistent with locating his pitches, especially his fastball. Price struggled a bit with his control at AAA and at times during the playoffs, though with his considerable talent, this should not be a long term concern.
2009 Projection: Price is a shoe-in for a spot in the middle of Tampa Bay's 2009 rotation. He will almost certainly be one of the front runners for the A.L. Rookie of the Year. The Rays should be vying for another post season berth and Price's contributions in that talented young rotation will be integral. Expect the values of his 2007 Bowman Sterling and Donruss Elite Extra autographs to remain strong throughout the season.
Key David Price Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft David Price
- 2007 Bowman Sterling David Price Auto
- 2007 Donruss Elite Extra David Price Auto #/500
- 2008 Bowman Chrome David Price Auto
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Posted on 17 November 2008
H/W: 6-5 230 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 6/24/86
Calamitous, injury riddled, disappointing; these are just a few words that could describe Phil Hughes' anticipated foray into Yankee lore. Hughes was miserable in April compiling a 0-4 record with a 9.00 ERA and a 2.18 WHIP in 22 IP. Hughes then missed a considerable amount of the season recovering from a stress fracture in his rib. After a lengthy minor league rehab, Hughes returned to the Yankees and pitched well in a couple of September outings and his Arizona Fall League season, while it has had its ups and downs, has shown that Hughes is once again healthy. Hughes still has dynamite stuff His fastball can still hit 95 MPH and his curveball, slider and change are all potentially solid pitches. Some time and patience will be needed for the 22 year old hurler to regain his confidence and refine his control.
2009 Projection: Expect the Yankees to be cautious in bringing Hughes back. Given that he has thrown in the Arizona Fall League, it would make sense for Hughes to start the season at AA or AAA. The Yankees will be addressing the holes in their starting rotation with high priced free agent acquisitions, which should allow for Hughes to slowly work his way back into the New York spotlight. Skeptical and risk averse collectors have shied away from Hughes' various '04 rookie cards, but the market for his Bowman Chrome Draft and Donruss Elite Extra autographs could heat up again after a few successful outings.
Key Phil Hughes Baseball Cards:
- 2004 Bowman Chrome Draft Phil Hughes Auto
- 2004 Donruss Elite Extra Phil Hughes Auto #/1,485
- 2004 SP Prospects Phil Hughes Auto #/400
- 2004 Topps Chrome Update Phil Hughes
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Posted on 16 November 2008
H/W: 6-2 190 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 12/19/87
Brewer struggled mightily out of the '08 gate even though he was repeating at West Virginia. Regardless, the Brew Crew promoted him to High-A Brevard County where he performed better, especially after the All-Star break. Brewer has an exciting blend of tools including athleticism, speed, and power potential that ranks well above average. His long and lean frame indicates that he can develop 15-20 HR power as he matures, and his speed will allow for him to steal 30-40 bags each year. The fly in Brewer's ointment revolves around his rawness at the plate. True, he cut his strikeouts back from 170 in '07 to 111 last season and his walk rate remained the same but he needs to continue to increase his competence in working counts and making contact with off speed pitches as he progresses.
2009 Projection: There is good reason to think that his power will develop based on the 30 doubles he smacked in pitcher-friendly leagues last season. Look for Milwaukee to have Brewer repeat at Brevard County to start the season, with a trip to Huntsville being a distinct mid to late season possibility. The Brewers have J.J. Hardy manning the helm at shortstop for the next few seasons which should be more than enough time for Brewer to develop into a Brewer. Keep a close eye on his BB/K ratio and also to see if he can increase his SLG%. Brewer's skill set and ceiling is similar to that of Tampa Bay Rays star B.J. Upton. If he can refine his skills, his 2008 Donruss Threads autographs will be a worthwhile investment.
Key Brent Brewer Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Prospects
- 2008 Donruss Threads Gold Auto #/470
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Posted on 15 November 2008
H/W: 6-4 220 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 1/16/86
Trumbo bounced back well this year after being written off by many as being a mediocre prospect. Trumbo batted .281 with 32 HR 93 RBI and 35 doubles between High-A Rancho Cucamonga and AA Arkansas. Trumbo's HR tally nearly equalled his combined total from the past three seasons. Trumbo has good loft on his swing that can launch balls out of all parts of the ballpark and his approach at the plate has improved over past seasons. Trumbo has a thick 6-4 220 lb. build that still could add bulk as he ages. This does not bode well for his athleticism as he is already viewed as below average in quickness and range. The Angels sent Trumbo to the Arizona Fall League Read the full story
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Posted on 15 November 2008
H/W: 5-11 245 lb. B/T: L/L DOB: 2/2/88
Travis Snider was as well traveled as any prospect this season, playing at four different stops during the 2008 season. The icing on the cake was his impressive September showing with the Toronto Blue Jays in which he hit .301 with 2 HR and 13 RBI in 24 games.
Snider's 5-11 245 lb. body is a power producing machine that has drives balls out of any part of the ballpark with ease. His bat speed and strength are eye popping and his competitive makeup is spectacular. As a defender, Snider is deceptively athletic and his strong arm will play well in RF. Like many young power hitters, Snider strikes out in bunches (154 times this season) though his plate discipline is improving as he sees more professional pitching. Snider's bulk may be a concern as he ages. He is physically maxed out and his athleticism may wane as he ages. Snider will need to keep refining his approach at the plate to avoid becoming a one-dimensional slugger like Matt Stairs or Rob Deer.
2009 Projection: Snider should find himself in Toronto's starting lineup on opening day as the team's LF. Many would project Snider to be one of the leading pre-season candidates for A.L. Rookie of the Year, which could provide added pressure on him to perform early. If Snider can steer clear of an early season slump he could put up some award winning numbers. Snider has a legitimate shot at putting up Evan Longoria type numbers, which could cause his already popular 2007 Bowman Sterling autographs to experience substantial growth.
Key Travis Snider Baseball Cards:
- 2006 Bowman Chrome Draft Travis Snider
- 2007 Bowman Sterling Travis Snider Auto
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Posted on 15 November 2008
H/W: 6-4 245 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 1/24/86
Flowers had a solid season at High-A Myrtle Beach hitting .288 with 17 HR 88 RBI and a league-high 98 walks. Flowers has a massive frame that should produce 25-30 HR power at the major league level. If he sticks as a catcher, this would make him an All-Star, though it is quite possible that he will have to move to a corner infield position as Brian McCann is firmly entrenched as the leader of the Braves' battery. Flowers has enough athleticism to make the move to 1B or 3B and the move may be better for him in the long run as he has already had a knee surgery. One caveat to Flowers' game is his 50 game suspension for the use of PED's that he served at the beginning of the '07 season. Flowers, for his part, admitted to the mistake saying that he used bad judgment as a member of Chipola CC's baseball team. Braves officials seem to be satisfied with the progress that Flowers has made since the suspension.
2009 Projection: Flowers has absolutely hammered Arizona Fall League pitching to the tune of a .385 BA with a league leading 10 HR 18 RBI and 20 runs scored. Expect his '09 debut to be with AAA Gwinnett and, if he can continue to replicate his promising numbers, a trip to Atlanta is imminent. Flowers' first year autographs in the 2008 Donruss Threads set are immensely popular and should continue as he blossoms into a major league slugger.
Key Tyler Flowers Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Donruss Threads Auto #/999
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Posted on 15 November 2008
H/W: 6-2 190 lb. B/T: L/L DOB:1/22/85
Cousins spent the first part of the season battling injuries at High-A Jupiter. When he returned to action, he hit well (.304 9 HR 29 RBI 11 SB in 194 AB) before earning a late season promotion to Carolina where he hit .264 with a HR and 9 RBI. Cousins has a 5-tool skill set with a smooth left-handed swing that produces above average power, and his speed is well above average, though he is still learning how to read pitchers Cousins has great range and above average arm strength that could serve him well in either CF or RF. Moving forward, Cousins still needs Read the full story
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Posted on 15 November 2008
H/W: 5-7 195 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 10/11/85
Salome paced the Southern League this season with a .360 BA as he racked up 132 hits in just 98 games. The Brewers slugger exhibited solid power numbers as well, clubbing 13 HR 83 RBI and smacking 30 doubles. He is a converted catcher whose compact 5-7 200 lb. build evokes comparisons to future HOF'er Ivan Rodriguez. Salome is offensively ready to take over Milwaukee's battery yet his skills behind the plate are a bit raw. Salome has above average athleticism and a rocket arm but his receiving skills and accuracy are still quite raw.
Salome was suspended for the first 50 games of the 2007 season for using PED's, though, the Brewers are quite confident that this incident is behind him and the risk of it reoccurring is low.
2009 Projection: Salome should begin at AAA Nashville and await a mid to late season call up. Salome needs to develop defensively in order to push Jason Kendall out of a job. At just 23 years old, the Brewers do not need to rush him, but his bat is just too good and may push the issue soon. Salome has just one major card to date, the 2004 Bowman Chrome Draft. This card can see considerable demand if he wins a roster spot in Milwaukee.
Key Angel Salome Baseball Cards:
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Posted on 15 November 2008
H/W: 6-2 215 lb. B/T: L/L DOB: 8/25/87
Morrison made big strides with his plate approach this season hitting .332 with 13 HR 72 RBI and 38 doubles at High-A Jupiter. While his longball totals were nearly cut in half from last season, his walk and strikeout rates both improved. Morrison's employs a smooth left hand swing that can drive the ball to all parts of the ballpark prompting many baseball officials to believe that he can be a .300 hitter with 30+ HR power at the major league level. Morrison is an Read the full story
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Posted on 14 November 2008
H/W: 6-0 180 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 3/29/89
Oliveras was a 9th round selection in the 2007 draft out of Puerto Rico's baseball acadamy. The Reds are excited about his bat though it is early to tell just what it will produce at higher levels. From initial scouting, Oliveras has a line drive producing left-handed swing that could projectibly produce 15-20 HR power as he matures. Oliveras has average speed and profiles as a solid defensive LF. The Reds will likely take their time with Alexis, as his plate discipline and power are currently very raw and will take a long time to develop. Though he is projectible, he is far from a sure fire top prospect. Keep an discerning eye on his development.
2009 Projection: Oliveras will likely begin the '09 season at extended spring training with a short season stint at Billings likely. The plate discipline has to develop in order for Oliveras to progress. This season should give a better view of just what to expect out of him in the future.
Key Alexis Oliveras Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Donruss Threads Alexis Oliveras Gold Auto #/975
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Posted on 14 November 2008
H/W: 6-1 200 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 9/8/84
Donald has continued to be an under the radar, highly productive shortstop prospect. At AA Reading, Donald hit .307 with 14 HR 54 RBI and 11 SB before missing a month to play (and play well) for Team USA in Beijing. Donald has also had an impressive stint in the Arizona Fall League hitting .405 with 3 HR 13 RBI and 20 runs scored in 22 games. Donald has a high polish to his game with a compact swing that provides improving gap power and line drives to all fields. He has a good strike zone acumen which allows him to draw walks and limit strikeouts. His speed is a tick above average and he runs the bases well. Defensively, Donald has Read the full story
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Posted on 14 November 2008
H/W: 6-1 195 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 7/26/86
Marson had a very successful campaign at AA Reading, hitting .314 with 5 HR and 46 RBI. Marson also was part of bronze medal-winning Team USA in the Beijing Olympics, hitting .312 in limited action. In his major league debut, Marson went 2-4 with his first major league HR 2 RBI and 2 runs scored. There is a lot to like about Marson's game. He has a short and solid line drive stroke that should produce 10-15 HR power at the MLB level while hitting for a high average. His plate discipline is very advanced for his age, testified by a respectable 68 BB/70 K ratio this season. Defensively, he has great instincts Read the full story
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Posted on 13 November 2008
H/W: 6-2 185 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 10/10/88
Colina performed pretty well to the challenge of his first full season at Low-A Wisconsin. Given his age and long lean frame, it is conceivable to expect that Colina can add strength and power numbers as he matures. Colina has average speed though he doesn't use it as well as he can on the basepaths. He has a nice line drive swing and makes good contact, though he would be best served to work on extending counts and drawing more walks. Defensively, Colina has Read the full story
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Posted on 13 November 2008
H/W: 6-1 175 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 12/16/86
Escobar had a huge statistical season at AA Huntsville, hitting .328 with 8 HR 76 RBI 34 SB and 95 runs scored. Escobar's 2008 HR total exceeded his cumulative total that he accrued in nearly 1,600 professional AB's. Escobar has a quick bat with increasing gap power and developing plate discipline. Escobar is lightning fast on the basepaths stealing 34 bases in 42 tries. Defensively, Escobar has above average range and a strong arm that will play very well Read the full story
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Posted on 13 November 2008
H/W: 6-1 215 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 1/1/85
LaPorta got off to a red hot start last season as the centerpiece of AA Huntsville's star-studded lineup. LaPorta belted 20 HR in just 84 games while hitting .288. LaPorta then was traded to the Cleveland Indians in the C.C. Sabathia trade where he struggled in a brief stint before playing in Beijing for the bronze medal winning U.S. Olympic Baseball Team. LaPorta has light tower power that could translate into 30-40 HR per season at the major league level. He has a keen eye at the plate and works counts well. Numerous coaches and players have given him credit for having an unparalleled work ethic as well. Defensively and athletically, LaPorta is Read the full story
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H/W: 6-3 195 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 3/1/88
