Posted on 19 December 2008
H/W: 6-4 225 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 2/3/86
Duda has a statuesque build, but thus far has been unable to harness his natural strength into tangible power production on the diamond. He has a natural line drive swing and he has a firm grasp of the strike zone, though he strikes out more than what is acceptable from someone who hit just 11 HR. Defensively, Duda has average skills at 1B and can also play in the OF corners if needed. He is not a threat on the basepaths, as testified by his 2 SB in 9 attempts. Long term, if he can discover how to generate more loft from his swing, Duda can realize a power increase similar to what Marlins OF prospect Bryan Petersen accomplished this year. If he doesn't, his chance to develop into a major league player dims significantly.
Key RC's:
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Prospects
- 2008 Donruss Threads Gold RC #/250
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Posted on 27 November 2008
H/W: 5-11 165 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 9/1/89
The Mets aggressively pushed Tejada this season and it showed. Tejada played the full season at High-A St. Lucie skipping a level. Not surprisingly, Tejada struggled to maintain his sterling BB/K ratio and SB numbers. Tejada's glove is ahead of his bat right now as he possesses above average range and arm strength to play SS at the MLB level. His baserunning speed is good, though his SB numbers decreased from 35 in '07 to just 8 this season. Tejada will never hit for much power, though his plate discipline is advanced for a player his age and could produce a solid average suitable for a top of the order hitter. Additionally, Tejada is a mentally tough "grinder" whose work ethic has been lauded by team officials.
2009 Projection: Tejeda was the victim of an overly zealous organization that tends to rush its prospects too quickly through their system. Expect Tejeda to repeat at St. Lucie with better results. Watch to see if he can develop a little bit more extra-base pop while increasing his average. Tejeda is very young still and has quite a way to go before realizing his projectible skills. Temper your expectations, but do keep an eye on his development.
Key Ruben Tejada Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Donruss Threads Auto #/999
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Posted on 24 November 2008
H/W: 6-4 175 lb. B/T: B/R DOB: 3/12/86
Fowler experienced the finest season of his blossoming career by hitting .335 with 9 HR 64 RBI 20 SB and 94 runs scored in just 108 games at AA Tulsa. Fowler took one month off to go play for Team USA in Beijing and, when he returned, he was promoted to the Rockies for his MLB debut. Fowler struggled in 26 late season AB's scratching out just four singles and scoring three runs. Fowler's athleticism is quite similar to Florida Marlins top prospect Cameron Maybin. While he is not as powerful as Maybin, his long and lean frame has sinewy strength and his 49 XBH lends credence to the belief that he should develop 15-20 HR power as he matures. Fowler's speed serves him quite well on the basepaths and in the OF, though his average arm will probably limit him to CF or LF as a pro. Fowler controls the strike zone very well for someone his age and his ability to grind out AB's would make him an excellent top of the order hitter. There is not much to dislike about Fowler's skill set. He has had injury struggles in the past and he needs to build strength, but all of the other tools are in place for Fowler to be a 5-tool top of the order hitter who should be a strong candidate for the 2009 N.L. R.O.Y. award.
2009 Projection: Fowler was given the winter to rest and prepare for spring training. He is the front runner of a talented field of Colorado Rockies prospects that will be looking to fill the OF vacancies left by Matt Holliday and Willy Taveras. Fowler seems to be the ideal candidate to fill Tavaras' spot leaving the floatilla of Carlos Gonzalez, Seth Smith, Ryan Spilborghs, and Eric Young Jr. to battle for LF playing time.
Key Dexter Fowler Baseball Cards:
- 2004 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/623
- 2006 Bowman Chrome Prospects
- 2006 Bowman Sterling
- 2006 Bowman Originals
- 2006 Bowman Heritage 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 22 November 2008
H/W: 6-1 185 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 2/1/87
Jackson took major strides this year to become the top prospect in the Yankees budding farm system. Spending the entire '08 season with AA Trenton, Jackson hit .285 with 9 HR 69 RBI and 19 SB. Jackson possesses an athletic 6-1 185 lb. frame that should produce more home runs as he matures and his 33 doubles this season shows promise for future power production. Defensively, he has all the tools necessary to be an above average CF at the major league level. Jackson has shown the ability to draw walks (56 in '08) though he still needs to improve his strike zone judgment as he often over swings, especially in deeper counts.
2009 Preview: Jackson is not ready for New York yet. Even though he will get a good amount of playing time in spring training, he will likely start AAA Scranton-Wilkes Barre in April. Keep an eye on the development of his plate discipline and HR power. If he takes a step back, the Yankees may decide to send him back to Trenton to work out the kinks. Jackson's target date for NY is 2010 as Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui's contracts are due to expire at the end of the '09 season. Don't be surprised if the Yankees decide to get Austin some Bronx AB's in September. While the market demand for his 2007 Donruss Elite Extra and 2008 Bowman Chrome autographs is high, Jackson's projectible ceiling and status as the Yankees' top prospect make his cards a can't miss addition to any collection.
Key Austin Jackson Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/794
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Prospects
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Auto
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Posted on 21 November 2008
H/W: 6-4 205 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 4/4/87
From an initial glance at Maybin's 2008 totals, one would surmise that the Marlins' #1 prospect had a decent but not stellar showing. Playing nearly the entire season at AA Carolina, Maybin hit .277 with 13 HR 49 RBI and 21 SB. These numbers were sufficient enough to allow Maybin the opportunity to play an octet of September games where he blistered the ball, batting .500 with 2 RBI and 4 SB in 32 AB. Maybin is one of the most athletic prospects in baseball with a wiry strong frame that should develop plus power while keeping his plus-plus speed. Maybin has gradually improved his walk rates earning 63 last season. Defensively, Maybin can has the range, glove, and arm to be an impact player at any position. The biggest downside in his game right now is his high strikeout rates. Last season, Maybin punched out 132 times in 116 games. Much of this is due to being culpable to off-speed pitches and more polished MLB pitchers will exploit this heavily until he can make the proper adjustments. Also, Maybin's raw power (he's hit 500 ft. HR's) has yet to translate into gaudy power statistics. Some critics feel that he beats too many balls into the ground and doesn't effectively utilize the strength that he has to authoritatively drive the ball. Given that he will be just 22 at the start of the '09 season, he has ample time to develop this aspect of his game. All told, Maybin is one of the most intriguing and athletic prospects in baseball and the comparisons to great outfielders like Torii Hunter and Andre Dawson may come to fruition before Maybin reaches his full potential.
2009 Projection: Maybin's Marlins debut prompted the recent exodus of Josh Willingham. Maybin will be given every opportunity to lose the starting CF job this spring and few will think that he will not be there come opening day. Keep an eye on his BB/K rate through spring training as well as his extra base hits. If he struggles in these areas, the Fish may well send him to AAA for a brief fine tuning. Rest assured, his days as a minor leaguer are extremely limited, if not gone entirely. Maybin is a top 2009 N.L. R.O.Y. candidate.
Key Cameron Maybin Baseball Cards:
- 2005 Bowman Chrome AFLAC Redemption
- 2006 Bowman Prospects Auto
- 2006 Bowman Chrome Prospects
- 2006 Bowman Sterling Auto
- 2006 Bowman Heritage Auto
- 2007 Bowman Sterling 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: 6-1 210 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 1/5/86
Arencibia is another fast track Blue Jays slugger who had an immensely successful '08 campaign with a .298 27 HR 105 RBI line that included 36 doubles between High-A Dunedin and AA New Hampshire. Arencibia is a powerfully built, aggressive hitter who has big time home run power to all fields. He is also a very good defender with a strong arm and solid mobility behind the dish. The big caveat in Arencibia's game is his Read the full story
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Posted on 15 November 2008
H/W: 6-3 215 lb. B/T: L/L 2/18/84
Bogusevic was drafted as a pitcher in the 1st round of the 2005 draft A two way star at Tulane, the Astros decided to scrap Brian's mound future and start him exclusively as an OF. Bogusevic adapted very well hitting .371 with 3 HR 20 RBI and 8 SB in 42 games. Unlike many raw hitters, Bogusevic has an adept grasp of the strike zone. Last season he posted an impressive 16 BB/24 K ratio. Bogusevic has a muscular and athletic 6-3 215 lb. frame that shows promise to put up good power numbers and a high average. Bogusevic has Read the full story
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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 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: 6-3 190 lb. B/T: L/L DOB: 9/5/85
Colvin's torrid August numbers resurrected an otherwise dismal season at AA Tennessee (.256 14 HR 80 RBI 27 doubles and 11 triples). Positively, Colvin nearly tripled his walk total from 15 in '07 to 44 this season. Colvin, the former 1st round pick from Clemson possesses above average tools across the board and his left-handed swing evokes comparisons to Steve Finley and Shawn Green. Defensively, Colvin profiles best as a CF or LF with above average 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: 6-1 215 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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Posted on 13 November 2008
H/W: 5-11 19 5 lb. B/T: L/L DOB: 5/6/87
Parra performed pretty well over two levels in '08. Splitting time between High-A Visalia and AA Mobile, Parra hit .286 with 6 HR 52 RBI and 28 SB. Parra has a nice line drive swing that hits for a high average but doesn't provide much in the way of power. Parra has very good plate discipline and is a tough guy to strike out, though he needs to work on seeing more pitches if he wants to be a top of the order hitter. Defensively, Parra is a tweener whose range is not quite good enough for RF Read the full story
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