Posted on 26 April 2009
H/W: 6-0 185 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 12/8/87
The much maligned son of former N.L. Cy Young Award winner Doug Drabek had a nice bounceback this spring after a 2008 season that was spent, in most part, rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. Drabek pitched in the Hawaiian Winter League going 1-1 with a 2.57 ERA and 14 K's in 16 IP. His 0.67 WHIP testifies to his enhanced control of the strike zone, a dilemma that has plagued him in the past. Drabek's stuff is much better than his father. A power pitcher, Kyle can hump his fastball up to 97 MPH with excellent late movement down in the strike zone. As good as his heater is, it is his high 70's power-spike curveball that looks to be his out pitch. He also has a changeup that shows enough promise to be an average offering at the major league level. Injuries and character issues are the main issues that stand in the way of Drabek becoming a top-flight pitcher. He has had problems in the past with under age alcohol abuse and has drawn criticism for his poise and demeanor on the mound. The Phillies are well stocked with quality arms in their system, which gives them plenty of time to mold their 21 year old fireballer into the frontline starter that they drafted him to be.
2009 Projection: Drabek is ticketed to start the '09 season with High-A Clearwater. The big thing to watch with Drabek is his ability to stay healthy for an entire campaign. The track record for pitchers who have undergone Tommy John surgery has gotten better over the past few years and Drabek's brief output has lent some optimism that he could and should make a full recovery. If he can maintain his control numbers and command his offspeed pitches, he has the stuff to become a dominant power pitcher at the major league level.
Key Kyle Drabek Baseball Cards
- 2006 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2006 Bowman Sterling Auto
- 2007 Bowman Prospects Auto
- 2008 Bowman Draft Signs of the Future Auto
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Posted on 19 December 2008
H/W: 6-2 215 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 4/8/87
The Cuban-born University of Miami first baseman had a monster season in 2008 hitting .370 with 24 HR 70 RBI and 80 runs scored. Given that he didn't sign until the deadline, Yonder did not accrue many minor league AB's, but his stint in the pitcher-friendly Hawaiian Winter League rendered positive results, as he hit .304 with 4 HR 21 RBI and a 20 BB/23 K ratio in 29 games. Alonso has above average power that should translate to 25-30 HR per season in Cincinnati. He hits the ball to all fields and is very effective at working counts and drawing walks. Alonso has a thick barrel-chested build that he worked hard to tighten up before his final season with Miami. Defensively, Alonso is limited to 1B and his array of skills at that position are average at best. Though he has very good power to centerfield and leftfield, Alonso needs to continue to pull balls on the inner half of the plate instead of using an inside-out swing to spray them the other way. Once he does, his power numbers should increase significantly.
2009 Projection: Yonder's offensive polish and ticking MLB contract ensures that the Reds will promote him aggressively through their system. Expect Alonso to start at High-A Sarasota with a promotion to AA Carolina at some point in the season. The Reds are pretty set with Joey Votto at 1B, but given Alonso's offensive potential and limited defensive abilities, the Reds may decide to shift Votto to LF in the future.
Key Yonder Alonso Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Razor Auto #/699
- 2008 Razor Exclusive Auto
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Posted on 02 December 2008
H/W: 6-3 215 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 2/12/86
Frazier enjoyed another successful season splitting time between Low-A Dayton and High-A Billings. Todd combined to hit .291 with 19 HR 74 RBI 12 SB and 87 runs scored. Frazier has an athletic and powerful frame that should easily translate to 20-25 HR power at the major league level. Frazier is a tireless worker who strives to conquer any challenges presented to him. Defensively, Frazier is likely too big to play SS and the organization's log jam at 3B has prompted the Reds to give him time at 1B and OF in addition to SS and 3B. Frazier needs to continue to progress in his approach at the plate as he can be strike out prone. The Reds have worked with him to quiet his hands and simplify his swing.
2009 Projection: Frazier played well in the Hawaiian Winter League and looks fully ready to have a big season at AA Carolina. The Reds have several good 3B in their system (Juan Francisco, Neftali Soto), but Frazier is at the top of the organization's depth chart. Watch to see where he gets a majority of his playing time and also pay attention to his BB/K ratio. If he is able to make improvements in this area, his batting average should be able to hover around .300. Given his power potential, Frazier's 2007 autographed cards could be hot buys this spring.
Key Todd Frazier Baseball Cards
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto Redemption
- 2007 Bowman Sterling Auto
- 2007 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/774
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Posted on 10 November 2008
H/W: 6-1 205 lb. B/T: L/L DOB: 3/28/88
Kalish played at both Low-A Greenville and High-A Lancaster this season hitting .273 with 5 HR 46 RBI and 19 SB in 114 games. Kalish has good bat speed that produces line drives but not much loft right now, though it is thought that he should develop 15-20 HR power in the future. Kalish had a respectable 61 BB/99 K ratio as a leadoff hitter and his above average speed serves him well on the basepaths and as a centerfielder. Defensively, Kalish has good CF range and an average arm. Kalish needs to cut back on his strikeout numbers and increase his power output next season in order to ascend to elite prospect status. His blend of competitiveness Read the full story
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The much maligned son of former N.L. Cy Young Award winner Doug Drabek had a nice bounceback this spring after a 2008 season that was spent, in most part, rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. Drabek pitched in the Hawaiian Winter League going 1-1 with a 2.57 ERA and 14 K's in 16 IP. His 0.67 WHIP testifies to his enhanced control of the strike zone, a dilemma that has plagued him in the past. Drabek's stuff is much better than his father. A power pitcher, Kyle can hump his fastball up to 97 MPH with excellent late movement down in the strike zone. As good as his heater is, it is his high 70's power-spike curveball that looks to be his out pitch. He also has a changeup that shows enough promise to be an average offering at the major league level. Injuries and character issues are the main issues that stand in the way of Drabek becoming a top-flight pitcher. He has had problems in the past with under age alcohol abuse and has drawn criticism for his poise and demeanor on the mound. The Phillies are well stocked with quality arms in their system, which gives them plenty of time to mold their 21 year old fireballer into the frontline starter that they drafted him to be.
