Posted on 11 April 2009
H/W 6-3 190 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 3/2/85
The former 2003 1st round pick had his best season since his infamous '05 season by hitting .296 with 31 HR 84 RBI and scoring 82 runs in just 395 at bats at AAA Salt Lake City. As good as Wood was at AAA, he was equally horrible as a major leaguer, batting a meager .200 with 5 HR and 13 RBI in 55 games. There is no denying that Wood has a power-loaded bat that can launch homeruns at a 30+ per season pace. His fast hands generates exceptional bat speed and the natural leverage of his swing produces fence-clearing loft to all fields. Wood still hasn't figured out major leagu pitching yet. He has a difficult time laying off of breaking balls out of the strike zone and often gets himself behind in the count early. Defensively, Wood made the switch to third base prior to the '08 season and his natural agility as a shortstop and his rifle arm has made him an excellent defender at the hot corner. His footspeed is slightly above average, and he is an intelligent baserunner who has the ability to nab double digits in steals during the early years of his career. As he matures, he will continue to be more of a middle of the order power hitter who, while not a liability on the basepaths, will not be a weapon either. The Angels are cautiously moving Wood forward into a future starting role with the organization.
2009 Projection: Wood had an outstanding spring training, hitting .322 with 4 HR 13 RBI 14 runs scored and a 5 BB/12 K ratio in 59 AB. Despite his strong spring, the healthy return of Chone Figgins and the outstanding play of Erick Aybar sent Brandon packing for another opening day with Salt Lake City. Keep an eye on his eye at the plate. If he can improve his BB/K ratio with Salt Lake City, there may just be a chance yet that he will figure things out at the big league level. Once he does, watch out!
Key Brandon Wood Baseball Cards:
- 2003 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto
- 2003 Bowman Heritage
- 2005 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2006 Bowman Chrome Auto
- 2006 Bowman Heritage Auto
- 2007 Bowman's Best Auto
- 2007 SP Authentic By The Letter Auto
- 2007 Sweet Spot Mini Helmet Auto
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Posted on 07 April 2009
H/W: 6-2 185 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 8/1/85
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.
Key Adam Jones Baseball Cards:
- 2003 Upper Deck Prospect Premieres
- 2006 Bowman Heritage
- 2006 Upper Deck Update SP
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Posted on 01 April 2009
H/W: 5-11 245 lb. B/T: S/R DOB: 8/11/86
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.
Key Pablo Sandoval Baseball Cards:
- 2006 Bowman Chrome Prospects
- 2006 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/849
- 2008 Topps Red Hot Rookie REDEMPTION
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft
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Posted on 25 March 2009
H/W: 6-2 190 lb. B/T: L/L DOB: 12/18/89
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.
Key Clark Murphy Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket Auto
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra TOTC Auto #/644
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Posted on 25 March 2009
H/W: 6-2 150 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 1/27/91
The Braves plunked down $850 K to sign the Colombian flame thrower as a 16 year old. Last season, Julio Teheran pitched at short season Low-A Danville earning a 1-2 record with a 6.60 ERA and 4 BB/17 K in 15 IP. Though he showed himself to be quite hittable in the early going (.301 BAA), Julio exhibited good control and induced groundball outs at a 1.27/FO rate. Teheran already has a fastball that sits comfortably between 93-95 MPH, though he can reach back and bump it up to 97 MPH. Complimenting his fastball is a low 80's changeup with deceptive fade and a powerful curveball that has a late bite to it. Scouts have marveled at how smooth and quick his arm action is, though he needs to clean up some of the mechanics in his delivery. His body has considerable projectibility and needs to build bulk and stamina to handle the rigors of a full season workload.
2009 Projection: Teheran should get his first taste of full season action at Low-A Rome. Compared to Seattle Mariners ace Felix Hernandez, Teheran is tabbed to move quickly through the system and, if all goes well, could reach High-A Myrtle Beach by the end of this season. It will be interesting to see if he can keep his control numbers and GO/FO ratio up with Rome. If so, the South Atlantic League tends to favor pitchers which could bode very well for Julio's numbers. The Braves are stocked with an assortment of fine young arms from both sides of the mound, but Teheran's rivals that of Tommy Hanson's as Atlanta's best.
Key Julio Teheran Baseball Cards:
- 2009 Bowman Chrome Prospects
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Posted on 11 March 2009
H/W: 5-10 180 lb. B/T: L/L DOB: 8/24/83
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.
Key Brett Gardner Baseball Cards:
- 2005 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2008 Bowman Sterling
- 2008 Topps Heritage
- 2008 Topps Chrome Update
- 2008 eTopps
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Posted on 24 February 2009
H/W: 6-4 225 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 11/16/83
Daeges' numbers dropped off in a big way from his breakout 2007 season but, after a slow start, he rebounded to have a solid season at AA Portland hitting .307 with 6 HR 63 RBI 34 doubles and 63 runs scored in 108 games. Daeges has a refined approach at the plate with good power to the alleys and an enhanced knowledge of the strike zone that allows him to prolong at bats and draw walks a la Kevin Youkilis. Daeges has excellent size and strength but seems to take a more line drive friendly approach to the plate despite his ability to drive the ball for more power. He is a fringe average defensive player who works hard but remains a risk to lose athleticism as he continues to age. Age is another factor for Daeges who will be 25 before playing his first game at AAA. Opportunities will need to open up soon for the Creighton alum before he becomes too old to be regarded as a prospect.
2009 Projection: Daeges is destined for AAA Pawtuckett in a quest to regain some of his power that he aptly displayed as a member of the Lancaster Jethawks in 2007. Playing in Boston's richly talented farm system is both a blessing and a curse for Zach. On the plus side, he has the fortune of being a member of an organization that effectively develops their talent into effective MLB players, but the BoSox also have a distinct abilty to scout, draft, and sign top tier talent. The system is full of talented players who are both younger and more talented than Daeges. Shifting to 1B or DH doesn't bode well for Daeges either as those positions boast good talent as well. That leaves two options. Play hard and hope for a trade or sigh and join the masses of AAAA "what could they have beens".
Key Zach Daeges Baseball Cards:
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Posted on 05 February 2009
H/W: 5-10 180 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 5/22/86
The former 2nd round pick out of Arizona State did all that he could to evoke comparisons to fellow Sun Devil alum Dustin Pedroia. In his first full professional season, Sogard batted .308 with 10 HR 87 RBI 16 SB and 97 runs scored. Built like a fire hydrant, Sogard is a high energy dirt magnet whose average skill set is greatly enhanced by his invigorating passion to win. Sogard has good offensive tools as his left handed swing is quick and surprisingly powerful. He is a clutch hitter with elite plate discipline (79 BB/63 K) and a knack for driving in runs. Sogard has average speed, but his high baseball I.Q. makes him a weapon on the basepaths and helps to put him in the right place to make plays defensively. Players like Sogard have a way of grinding out productive and prolonged MLB careers. Whether or not he becomes a star in the same vernacular as his Fenway counterpart remains to be seen and is worth a second look.
2009 Projection: Sogard will play at AA San Antonio in 2009. If Matt Antonelli can stick with San Diego there is reason to believe that Eric can jump to AAA Portland at some point. The main thing that Sogard needs to work on is his defense. His .973 fielding % in '08 was about 15-20 points lower than the Padres would like to see from him. Ultimately, his offensive potential trumps Antonelli's and the odds are that Sogard will be 2B in San Diego within the next two years.
Key Eric Sogard Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2007 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/500
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Posted on 17 January 2009
H/W: 6-2 210 lb. B/T: L/L DOB: 11/26/85
The former Oklahoma State star had a power packed '08 season hitting .266 with 30 HR 83 RBI 16 SB and 78 runs scored between Low-A Kane County and High-A Stockton. Brown is a stupendous athlete with awesome raw power and blazing speed on both the basepaths and in the outfield. His left-handed swing has considerable leverage and loft that can drive the ball out to any part of the ballpark. He is a solid CF with good instincts and range, but his cannon-like arm strength profiles better in RF. The chief liability in Brown's game right now is his dearth of discipline at the plate. Last season, Corey struck out a whopping 168 times in 134 games played. His struggles continued this fall in the Hawaiian Winter League where he accumulated another 33 in 28 games. Brown does get his fair share of walks (58 in '08) but his overagressiveness and pull-happy mentality will eat him alive at higher levels if he doesn't improve. The A's, though, are quite high on this young slugger and are willing to be patient with a player of Brown's high upside and 5-tool abilities.
2009 Projection: Brown should begin the '08 season with AA Midland, which should prove to be a make or break challenge for the 23 year old. Last season's tour of Kane County and Stockton afforded Corey the ability to play in hitter friendly environments against less experienced pitching. He will not have the same luxuries this year. Watch his BB/K ratio and batting average carefully. If he struggles early on, the A's may pop him back down to Stockton for some more work. There is a lot to like in Brown. He has the potential to be a 30 HR 20 SB guy at the major league level, but, if he doesn't change his approach at the plate, the specter of the strikeout threatens to relegate him to the Rob Deer and Pete Incaviglia annals of baseball lore.
Key Corey Brown Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto
- 2007 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/500
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Posted on 11 January 2009
H/W: 6-3 210 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 7/2/88
A devastating slide into homeplate ended the former first round pick's 2008 season in late June as he broke his fibula and tore ligaments in his right ankle. Up to that point, Marrero bat was just beginning to heat up after a slow start in April. Marrero ended up hitting .250 with 11 HR and 38 RBI in 70 games. When healthy, Marrero has a quick swing with good balance and leverage that produces light tower power that could translate to 30-40 HR potential in the major leagues. He has been lauded as being a hard worker and intelligent hitter who is always seeking to make adjustments. Marrero chased fewer pitches out of the zone last season, cutting back his strikeout rate, though he still needs to hone his ability to work counts and draw bases on balls. Marrero's slow foot speed and marginal athleticism forced the Nationals to shift him to 1B last season and, while it does not effectively utilize his strong arm, it seems to be an appropriate destination for him.
2009 Projection: The injury derailed Marrero's fast track progress, but don't be surprised to see him begin the '09 season with AA Harrisburg. Reports from Nationals camp regarding Marrero's recovery are quite positive and things seem to be all systems go for him this spring. Nevertheless, his health should be monitored closely as this was a major injury. Beyond that, take notice of how Washington decides to address their void at 1B. As it stands now, Nick Johnson is the opening day 1B, but there have been murmurs that the Nats would like to make an upgrade with a free agent who provides more power than Johnson. If they go that route, Marrero's path to the major leagues will be delayed. If not, he has an outside shot of being a September call up.
Key Chris Marrero Baseball Cards:
- 2006 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2006 Bowman Heritage
- 2007 Bowman's Best Auto
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Posted on 13 November 2008
H/W: 6-1 185 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 9/21/87
This season began with Jeffress serving a 50 game suspension which sidelined him until late June. Upon his return, Jeffress compiled a 4-6 record with a 4.08 ERA in 79.1 IP at High A Brevard County before earning a promotion to AA Huntsville that was less successful. Jeffress has an electric fastball that lights up the radar gun at 95-97 MPH and his curve and change have the makings of solid off speed pitches. Additionally, Jeffress is an exceptional athlete and good competitor. The off-field issues have kept Jeffress from realizing his incredible potential. Jeffress has two prior Read the full story
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H/W 6-3 190 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 3/2/85
