Posted on 26 April 2009
H/W: 6-3 215 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 4/4/88
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.
Key Matthew Sweeney Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Prospects
- 2007 Bowman Heritage
- 2007 Donruss Elite Extra #/500
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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 25 March 2009
H/W: 5-11 205 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 4/24/86
Shipped over from the Diamondbacks in the Dan Haren trade, Cunningham is precisely the type of player that A's GM Billy Beane loves. He pounded pitching at both AA Midland and AAA Sacramento to the tune of a .329 BA with 17 HR 66 RBI 15 SB and 86 runs scored. He recorded another 80 AB with Oakland, hitting .250 with a HR and 14 RBI. With excellent hand-eye coordination and a compact right handed swing, Aaron generates decent pop that should produce 10-15 HR per season at the major league level. His speed is above average and he uses it savvily in the outfield and on the basepaths, where he should average double digit stolen base numbers. Cunningham has shown solid plate discipline throughout his minor league career, though these numbers have eroded somewhat as he has advanced. At 23 years old, there is not too much room for further projection in Cunningham's game, though he has given enough reason to believe that he can be a fairly productive regular at the major league level.
2009 Projection: The trade for Matt Holliday has muddied the waters in Oakland's outfield scenerio. Aaron has had a solid showing this spring and has earned some serious consideration for a major role in either RF or CF. So have, however, Travis Buck, Ryan Sweeney, Rajai Davis, and Chris Denorfia. Being the youngest of this crop, it seems quite likely that Cunningham will be ticketed for AAA at the start of the '09 season, where he will stay until room is made for him by way of injury, non-performance, or trade. Cunningham has some upside as a future MLB regular, but the odds of him becoming one of those "lost in the shuffle" guys increases with every minor league AB.
Key Aaron Cunningham Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Prospects
- 2007 Bowman Heritage
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Auto
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra
- 2008 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket Auto
- 2009 Topps
- 2009 UD Spectrum Auto
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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 09 March 2009
H/W: 6-2 215 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 6/30/86
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.
Key Mike Carp Baseball Cards:
- 2004 SP Prospects Auto #/400
- 2007 Bowman Chrome
- 2007 Bowman's Best
- 2007 Bowman Heritage
- 2008 Bowman Sterling Jersey Auto
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Posted on 09 March 2009
H/W: 6-0 195 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 8/6/85
This former 2004 2nd round pick emerged over the second half of the season at High-A Myrtle Beach batting .255 with 19 HR 67 RBI and 56 runs scored in 88 games. Campbell is a compact, power packed hitter who has a fluid but compact right handed swing that could generate 20-25 HR per season at the major league level. He makes contact with just about everything that he hits, lowering his K rates and he made strides in improving his walk totals (50 BB/57 K). Defensively, Campbell is an agile, sure handed fielder with a strong arm built for the hot corner. The big problem...and it is a big one, is a continued track record of insubordination that has led to a couple of substantial team-induced suspensions over the past two seasons. Campbell has been described as someone who marches to the beat of his own drum, defying requests by the Braves organization to adhere to a specific rehab program following his shoulder injury in '07. It has also been well documented that Campbell's effort is often inconsistent. At times, he plays with a great deal of energy and grit, while other times he appears lackadasical and unfocused. This has manifested itself in his plate discipline as well. He makes good contact with pitches in the zone, but often gets himself out trying to pull pitches out of the strike zone.
2009 Projection: Campbell has all of the physical talent to be a perennial all-star talent. However, his intangible skills severely inhibit his abililty to be a productive major league player. Will he get things straightened out? That is the million dollar question and one that will loom large in 2009. Expect him to begin the season at AA Mississippi where his strike zone judgement will be put to the test. His offensive potential is so tantalizingly potent that it is hard to ignore him as a viable prospect, but his myriad of character-compromising indiscretions make him a difficult guy to put much stock in. If he does get it figured out and decides to tow the company line, Campbell can rise up prospect charts once again, but the opportunities are decreasing for Eric and the patience of the Braves is wearing thin.
Key Eric Campbell Baseball Cards:
- 2004 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2004 Bowman Heritage
- 2004 SP Prospects Auto #/400
- 2004 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/240
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Posted on 06 March 2009
H/W: 6-0 185 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 8/26/86
The young Venezuelan's skills took a significant leap forward last season at AA Frisco where he batted .295 with 4 HR 65 RBI 54 SB and 82 runs scored. Andrus is an elite SS prospect with a line drive bat and speed that could net him 40-50 SB per season at the major league level. He has not developed much XBH pop yet, but he is projected to become a 10-15 HR hitter as he matures. His plate discipline continues to be an area that needs work. Last season Andrus earned a 38 BB/91 K ratio which, while not agredious, is still a bit lopsided for a top of the order hitter. Defensively, he is a dynamic player with excellent range, a cannon arm, and a penchant for making dazzling plays. Conversely, Andrus committed 32 errors last season with many of them being on more routine plays. Those within the Rangers' organization rave about his intangibles. He is a dilligent worker who is driven to excel and his makeup is uncanny for someone of his age. He strives to be a leader on the field and in the clubhouse in the mold of his favorite player, Derek Jeter. The Rangers can only hope that their young shortstop can follow the same career path.
2009 Projection: The Rangers made big news when they informed All-Star and Gold Glove SS Michael Young that he would be moving to 3B to make room for Andrus at the start of the '09 season. This bold maneuver speaks volumes of the favor that Elvis has curried within the organization in a short amount of time. While his future is bright, don't be surprised to see Andrus struggle out ot the gate. He is just 20 years old, has not had an AB above AA and still has some raw spots in both his offensive and defensive game.
Key Elvis Andrus Baseball Cards:
- 2006 Bowman Chrome Prospects
- 2006 Bowman Sterling
- 2006 Bowman Heritage
- 2006 Bowman Originals
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2008 Bowman Sterling Auto
- 2008 Donruss Threads Auto #/465
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Posted on 02 March 2009
H/W: 6-2 180 lb. B/T: L/L DOB: 11/20/87
After a sterling 2007 debut, Jeff Locke's 2008 campaign left much to be desired. Pitching the entire season at full season Low-A Rome, Locke compiled a 5-12 record with a 4.06 ERA and 38 BB/113 K's in 139.2 IP. His low 90's fastball has excellent movement and late life down in the zone which helps him to force ground ball outs (1.59 GO/FO) and limit home runs. Complimenting the fastball is a power curveball and fading changeup. Both of these pitches have the potential to be plus offerings and Locke has a good feel commanding them in the strike zone. Locke has a competitive demeanor and is not afraid to challenge hitters with his stuff. There are some mechanical glitches in his delivery and some refining that must be done with some of the game's more subtle nuances, but the Braves organization remains quite optimistic that the 21 year old southpaw will be able to address these successfully in the ensuing seasons.
2009 Projection: So which version of Locke do we buy into? The 2007 model that dominated hitters at short season Danville or the 2008 Rome model that struggled at times with his consistency? Judging from his pure stuff and command numbers, it seems reasonable that he will rebound to put up solid numbers at High-A Myrtle Beach. Watch to see if his strikeout totals increase this coming year, as they were down by more than 3 per 9 innings. His ability to dominate hitters with his stuff will give an indicator of whether he fits the bill as a top of the rotation starter or mid-rotation inning eater.
Key Jeff Locke Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Prospects
- 2007 Bowman Heritage Auto
- 2008 Bowman Sterling Auto
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Posted on 27 February 2009
H/W: 6-1 195 B/T: R/R DOB: 3/31/87
The Angels' 2005 10th round selection broke out in a big way in 2008 by hitting .295 with 9 HR 51 RBI 50 SB and 83 runs scored at High-A Rancho Cucamonga. Bourjos, the son of former San Francisco Giants prospect and current Milwaukee Brewers scout Chris Bourjos, has game changing speed and emerging power that could produce double digit HR and 30-40 SB per season atop an MLB lineup. Some scouts questioned Bourjos' ability to hit as he had several mechanical ticks in his approach at the plate, but he seems to have put some of those to rest. He is an excellent defender in CF with an arm that is strong and accurate. He uses his speed well on the basepaths succeeding on 50 of 60 SB attempts and hitting for a combined 39 doubles and triples. The looming black mark in his game remains his plate discipline which, while obscured by his other fine numbers, still remains a noteworthy risk to his development as a top of the order hitter. Bourjos earned just 19 walks against 96 strikeouts due in large part to his overagressiveness towards off speed pitches. This, if not rectified could largely impact his ability to be productive against more advanced pitching. At just 21 years old, however, there is plenty of reason to believe that Bourjos can improve upon those numbers and have the promising career that his dad never had.
2009 Projection: The next destination for Peter Bourjos is AA Arkansas. This will be an excellent litmus test for the current state of his development. The speed part of his game will always be there, but the promising power numbers he displayed in '08 are not a sure thing going forward. Rancho Cucamonga and the rest of the California League has a reputation of being a league that considerably inflates offensive numbers (especially power). Add that with the possibility that Bourjos employs a more cautious and less aggressive approach at the plate and the potential for a regression in the power numbers becomes a distinct possibility. Fortunately for Peter, he is in a system that is quite thin in OF prospects, making his path to the major leagues a little brighter. The Angels have Torii Hunter locked up through 2012 which should provide for more than enough time to allow Bourjos to develop at a prudent pace.
Key Peter Bourjos Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto
- 2007 Bowman Heritage
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Posted on 21 February 2009
H/W: 6-5 205 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 9/10/88
Despite a disappointing statistical 2008 season at High-A Frederick (.248 7 HR 50 RBI 24 doubles), there are some positive things to take out of Rowell's development. He cut his K rate down to less than one per game while boosting his walk totals from 31 in '07 to 36. The former AFLAC High School All-American also improved defensively, boosting his fielding percentage from .888 to .925. Rowell has big time power potential and a sweet left-handed swing that should hit for a good average as well. His bat speed is well above average and his competitive drive should compell him to make the necessary improvements in his approach at the plate to make the necessary improvements in his plate discipline. In light of his improvements, there is some concern about Rowell's ability to remain a third baseman. His size and footspeed may prove to be detrimental to his range and a future on the other infield corner seems to be a more likely destination. There is still a great deal of projectibility in this young 20 year old, and the Orioles have no doubt that it will manifest itself into on-field production very soon.
2009 Projection: Rowell's stint at Frederick was somewhat lackluster and, given his age, an encore appearance their to begin the season seems to be the most prudent short term option. Keep tabs on the power numbers from Mr. Rowell this season. If he can find translate that sweet swing into some long balls, a promotion to AA Bowie in the second half is not out of the question. The primary goal for both Billy Rowell and the Orioles, however, should be to put 2008 in the rear view mirror and start cultivating the abundance of potential that made Rowell a 2006 1st round pick. There are plenty of reasons to believe that will happen in 2009.
Key Billy Rowell Baseball Cards:
- 2005 Bowman Draft AFLAC Redemption
- 2006 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2006 Bowman Sterling Auto
- 2006 Bowman Heritage
- 2007 Bowman's Best Auto
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Posted on 14 February 2009
H/W: 6-5 230 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 12/8/87
The monolithic righty took a bold leap forward as one of New York's top pitching prospects in '08 after going 14-9 with a 2.09 ERA and a stellar 21 BB/115 K ratio in 151 IP. McAllister throws a four seam and two seam fastball that reaches 93 MPH with heavy sink. His slider and change are potential plus pitches that he mixes quite well to induce groundball outs (1.48 GO/FO). His control has made impeccable improvements as Zach cut his walk rate to just 1.3 BB/9 IP. Zach has demonstrated himself to be very strong and durable at a young age, giving the Yankees reason to believe that there is room for him to increase velocity in the near future. Despite his laundry list of positive attributes, McAllister seems to pitch to contact more than he needs to, resulting in lower strikeout numbers and, while his BAA was a respectible .233, more disciplined hitters could have more success against him.
2009 Projection: A trip to AA Trenton should provide a sound indicator of just how good McAllister's stuff is against advanced hitters. If he is able to boost his velocity by a few ticks while still maintaining similar amounts of control, McAllister will rapidly ascend not only to the upper echelon of pinstriped prospects, but to the top tier of young pitching prospects as well. The Yankees have a host of good arms in their system (Dellin Betances, Mark Melancon, Andrew Brackman, Jario Heredia), but McAllister has the potential to surpass them all and be a mainstay in the Bronx within the next two seasons.
Key Zach McAllister Baseball Cards:
- 2006 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto
- 2007 Bowman's Best
- 2007 Bowman Heritage
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra
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Posted on 10 February 2009
H/W: 6-0 185 lb. B/T: L/L DOB: 3/10/88
The 20 year old experienced a nice bounce back from a slightly disappointing '07 season by hitting .318 with 11 HR 84 RBI 33 doubles and 98 runs scored at High-A Lake Elsinore. Hunter has the makings of a future .300 hitter with a sweet left-handed stroke that peppers line drives all over the field and produces occasional power to the gaps. Employing excellent hand-eye coordination, Hunter is a tough man to strike out (42 BB/47 K) and if he continues to work deeper into counts, there is a good chance that he could bump up his walk totals. Hunter has average speed, but he uses it fairly well on the basepaths and in covering the gaps in CF. There was some conjecture in the past about a dip in Hunter's work ethic prior to his 2007 season. Some within the organization felt that his fine '06 pro debut may have went to his head a little bit, contributing to his performance dip at Low-A Fort Wayne. It seems that he has moved beyond these concerns, though, and his future as a #2 or #6 hitter in San Diego seems to be quite bright.
2009 Projection: Hunter will play at AA San Antonio in '09. After a highly successful campaign at Lake Elsinore, it seems reasonable to expect a slight drop in his AA numbers. If he can continue to hover around the .300 mark and progress with his power potential, Hunter should figure more prominently into San Diego's 2010 plans. The Padres, however, have some other intriguing offensive options in the OF with the likes of Chase Headley, Kellen Kulbacki, Chad Huffman, and '08 draftee Jaff Decker. Cedric Hunter may not be able to match them homer for homer, but his several other skills should keep him in the mix.
Key Cedric Hunter Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Prospects
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto
- 2007 Bowman's Best Auto
- 2007 Bowman Heritage
- 2007 Bowman Sterling
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Posted on 10 February 2009
H/W: 6-1 190 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 6/18/85
This University of Mississippi alum produced a rock solid stat line at AA Carolina this past season hitting .298 with 7 HR 74 RBI 34 SB and 84 runs scored. Coghlan is a highly polished player in just about every aspect of the game. His short, inside-out swing peppers line drives to all fields with the occasional gap power. He is a throw back player that gives a maximum effort both on an off of the field. He grinds out at bats and is a tough man to strikeout (67 BB/65 K in '08) which, when paired with his quickness, makes him a potent top of the order hitter. Defensively, Coghlan has decent range and an average arm which should fit well at 2B.
2009 Projection: Dan Uggla is still the Marlins' second baseman...for now. The 2008 All-Star was shopped around in the offseason and could be a hot commodity at the trading deadline in July. This should give Coghlan ample time to complete his development at AAA before making his debut with the Fish at some point late in the season. His pedal to the metal style of play and all around skill set should make him a fixture atop Florida's lineup and in the hearts of Marlins fans for years to come.
Key Chris Coghlan Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Prospects
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft Futures Game Jersey
- 2007 Bowman's Best Auto
- 2007 Bowman Heritage
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Posted on 08 February 2009
H/W: 6-6 230 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 12/21/83
The Rangers sent their former 1st round pick to the Philadelpia Phillies for one of their former 1st rounders Greg Golson. Mayberry's minor league development has been slower than expected, but there are still some physical tools present that tantalize and frustrate those who watch him play. His statuesque build is quite athletic, evoking comparisons to Hall of Famer Dave Winfield and All-Star Jermaine Dye. His long swing generates big time power that could surpass 30 HR per season at the major league level. As he has built bulk, his speed has diminished somewhat, but he can still steal the occasional base and should be able to have enough range to stick as a corner outfielder. His arm is accurate and strong, making RF seem like a suitable destination. There are several irritants in Mayberry's game too. He has poor plate discipline (34 BB/106 K) and, while he has worked on shortening his swing, his long arms leaves several holes that advanced pitchers can exploit. He will never hit for a high average and, due to his size, he should continue to lose speed and athleticism as he ages.
2009 Projection: Mayberry did need a change in scenerio, but Philadelphia seems to be a bad fit for him. The world champs signed Raul Ibanez and Jason Werth to multi-year contracts in the off season and the cluster of highly talented OF prospects led by Michael Taylor and Dominic Brown have considerably greater upsides than the junior Mayberry. Chances are that Philly sends him to AAA Ottawa to start the season and, if things go well, he will get a look as a bench player at some point in '09. As the season progresses, don't be surprised to see Mayberry get packaged up in a deal to bring more veteran depth to the Phillies in their quest for a series repeat. This may be what John Jr. needs to revive his once-promising major league career.
Key John Mayberry Jr. Baseball Cards:
- 2005 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto
- 2005 Bowman Sterling Auto
- 2005 Bowman Heritage Auto
- 2005 Topps Chrome Update
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Posted on 23 January 2009
H/W: 6-4 205 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 11/19/86
Michael Saunders, a native of British Columbia, Canada, continued his rapid ascension through the Seattle Mariners' farm system by playing at both AA West Tennessee and AAA Tacoma (.277 11 HR 46 RBI 12 SB 22 doubles). Saunders has 5-tool potential and is widely regarded as one of the M's best organizational athletes. His left-handed swing generates good loft and speed that could develop into 20-25 HR power in the ensuing seasons. He has above average speed that he utilizes well in the outfield, but is still struggling to use effectively on the basepaths. Last season, Saunders took a step back in his plate discipline, earning only 39 BB/96 K. This may be due to the fact that he has been promoted quite aggressively (4 times in 2 years) and has yet to catch up to more advanced pitching. This held true at AAA where Saunders' average dipped to .242 and 30 K's in 24 games. The potential is there for Saunders to be an above average MLB outfielder, but the M's may need to gently apply the brakes to his rapid development.
2009 Projection: Saunders will undoubtedly be headed to AAA to start the season. This year's go around should provide better results for the 22 year old OF. Keep an eye on the plate discipline numbers as well as his power output. The Mariners are a team in transition with LF completely wide open and CF being manned by the unproven Franklin Gutierrez. Aside from Greg Halman, Saunders is the top OF talent in Seattle's farm system. If he can return to his 2007 form, he may get a shot to earn some AB's in Safeco come September.
Key Michael Saunders Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2007 Bowman's Best
- 2007 Bowman Sterling
- 2007 Bowman Heritage
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Posted on 17 January 2009
H/W: 5-11 175 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 10/11/84
Ramirez continued to blast minor league pitching last season batting .347 with 19 HR 57 RBI and 58 runs scored in just 81 games. His stellar bat earned him an opportunity with the Texas Rangers where he struggled a bit (.217 2 HR 9 RBI 6 BB/15 K in 46 AB). Ramirez can flat out hit with power that belies his slight frame and solid plate discipline. Throughout his career, Max has had a difficult time finding a position that he can play well. He was originally a third baseman in the Braves system before bouncing over to 1B, OF, and C in subsequent seasons. No matter where he plays, he is a liability in the field but his bat would make him a solid DH. Another concern is the fact that Ramirez's K rates have increased significantly in games that he has played above AA. Given the small sample size of AB's though, this shouldn't be a major concern at this point.
2009 Projection: Max-Ram blasted 15 HR and 53 RBI in the Venezuelan Winter League this off season giving optimism that he can be an effective power hitter in a Rangers jersey at some point this season. The departures of MIlton Bradley and Gerald Laird have opened up some opportunities for Arlington AB's, but the presence of Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Taylor Teagarden on the Rangers' roster mitigates the chances of Ramirez displaying his sub-par defense behind the plate. The likely destination for Ramirez is AAA Oklahoma where he can play every day. He should put up some big numbers at this level, perhaps drawing interest from other clubs looking for a young, high-upside bat into their lineup.
Key Max Ramirez Baseball Cards:
- 2006 Bowman Chrome Prospects
- 2006 Bowman Sterling
- 2006 Bowman Originals
- 2006 Bowman Heritage
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft Jsy
- 2008 Bowman Chrome
- 2008 Bowman Sterling
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/604
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Posted on 14 January 2009
H/W: 6-0 175 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 8/17/86
After shaking off the injury bug that bit him for the first two months of the season, the young Angels 2B prospect went on to tear the cover off of the ball over the final two months batting .297 with 16 HR 38 RBI and 54 runs scored in just 56 games. Mount was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2005 draft as a shortstop before being shifted to 2B following the 2006 season. Mount generates remarkable pop despite his small frame with a well leveraged lefty swing and quick wrists. He also has exceptional hand-eye coordination which allows him to make consistent hard contact and mitigate his strikeout totals. Despite stealing 10 bases last season, Mount is not quick on his feet, but his soft hands and good instincts should allow for him to be a fringe average defender at 2B. Naturally, the biggest issue with Mount is his health. He has fallen prey to a variety of nagging injuries over his first three years of his career. Most of these maladies have been with his quads and hamstrings which makes Ryan a high risk for a rapid drop in athleticism as he ages. Another area that the Angels would like to see him address is his pitch recognition and ability to work counts. While he doesn't strike out much, his 23 BB last season are too low for someone of his power potential.
2009 Projection: The Angels have preliminarily tabbed Mount to skip a level and begin the regular season at AAA Salt Lake City. That may be a tad aggressive for someone who has yet to complete a full season in good health. That will be the main thing to watch with Mount. If, and it is a BIG "if", he can avoid the DL, he could well find the pitching in the PCL to his liking, putting up good power numbers similar to his predecessor Sean Rodriguez. The Angels currently have their own injury aficionado Howie Kendrick manning the 4-hole with young Sean-Rod waiting in the wings. The chances are quite slim that Mount will receive any time with the big league club this season, but a solid effort at AAA could certainly increase his value as a trading chip come July.
Key Ryan Mount Baseball Cards:
- 2005 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2005 Bowman Sterling
- 2005 Bowman Heritage
- 2007 Bowman Sterling Auto
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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.
