Posted on 26 April 2009
H/W: 6-3 220 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 8/20/84
Hoffmann signed with the Dodgers in 2003 as and undrafted free agent after being drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes of the NHL. Last season, Hoffmann flashed an array of tools at AA Jacksonville, hitting .278 with 10 HR 71 RBI 28 SB and 64 runs scored. He has a big, strong frame that has the potential to hit 20 HR per season at the major league level. He is an extremely disciplined hitter at the plate as well. Last season, Hoffmann had a respectable 54 BB/73 K rate and was successful on 28 of his 37 SB attempts. Defensively, Jamie has decent range as a centerfielder, but his arm strength and his body size is more serviceable in right field. His seven errors in right field last season were due in large part to a powerful arm that, at times, can become inaccurate. At 24 years old, Hoffmann is not the youngest prospect at the AA level and he will need to progress quickly through AAA in order to maintain his allure as a low-cost sleeper prospect.
2009 Projection: Hoffmann is back at AA with the Dodgers' new affiliate, Carolina. He is off to an excellent start, hitting .333 with a HR, three RBI, three SB and 14 runs scored in his first 11 games. Additionally, he has walked 14 times versus 9 strikeouts. Expect Hoffmann to jump to AAA at some point this season, though his chances of cracking the Dodgers big league lineup in 2009 are remote, to say the least. One thing that could change this is if he can more effectively tap into his power potential. A 20 HR/20 SB season would do wonders for his resume by either making him a potential late season call up or, more likely, a possible trading chip within the next season.
Key Baseball Cards:
- 2006 Bowman Chrome Prospects
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Posted on 26 April 2009
H/W: 6-0 195 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 2/25/85
Like stew in a crock pot, the former 2003 draft pick has taken a long time to develop. Last season, Paul played at AAA Las Vegas posting some of the best numbers of his career, hitting .316 with 9 HR 68 RBI 17 SB 28 doubles and 82 runs scored. Paul is an extraordinary athlete with decent pop and excellent speed that plays well in the outfield and on the basepaths. Paul has always struggled with his plate discipline, but last season's 43 BB/96 K ratio is an improvement over his 100+ K seasons from years past. He continued to impress this spring by hitting .308 with 13 RBI and a 9 BB/9K ratio. The Dodgers are well set in their outfield with Manny Ramirez, Andre Ethier, and Matt Kemp. It will take a trade or injury for the 23 year old prospect to get a fair shot at his major league debut in 2009.
2009 Projection: Paul is destined to stay in AAA until an opportunity opens up for him. He should put ups stellar numbers in his second season in the PCL, as evidenced by his red hot start (.476 9 RBI 6 SB and 20 hits in 12 games). The increased plate discipline is an extremely positive sign, giving some reason to believe that he has the potential to be a top of the order hitter. Keep an eye on his power numbers, as there is reason to believe that he can be a threat to hit 10-15 HR at the major league level. Given his excellent speed and ability on the basepaths he is a threat to steal 25-30 bases per year while scoring 85-100 runs. Several people have overlooked Paul as he has moved at a glacial pace since his superb professional debut in 2003. Regardless, he is still just 23 years old and a change of scenery could drastically alter the currently stagnant course of his professional carer.
Key Xavier Paul Baseball Cards:
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Posted on 11 April 2009
H/W: 5-11 195 lb. B/T: S/R DOB: 4/23/85
The Marlins acquired the young infielder as the centerpiece of a trade that sent highly talented right hander Scott Olsen and outfielder Josh Willingham to the Washington Nationals this past winter. Bonifacio struggled last season with the Diamondbacks and Nationals hitting .240 with 0 HR 16 RBI and 7 SB in 190 AB, but his numbers in spring training fell more in line with his minor league track record as he hit .279 with 13 RBI 14 runs scored and 5 SB in 24 games. Bonifacio has elite speed that he uses as a weapon on the basepaths and allows him great range in the field. He is adept with the glove and his arm strength is strong enough to place him at 3B. One area of his game that needs to improve is approach at the plate. Bonifacio has below average power, yet his swing is not conducive to playing a small game. He has struck out more than 100 times in four of the last five seasons and struggles to draw walks on a consistent basis.
2009 Projection: Bonifacio earned the starting gig as Florida's third baseman and responded with a 4-5 day which included an inside-the-park homerun, four runs scored, and three stolen bases. Bonifacio has the type of game similar to a Chone Figgins as an atypical, slap-hitting speedster who can play a variety of infield positions and generate runs once he is on the basepaths. His challenge for the Marlins is to become a player that can get on base more than 35% of the time, acting as a catalyst for Florida's powerful middle of the lineup.
Key Emilio Bonifacio Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Donruss Threads Auto #/1874
- 2008 Upper Deck Premier Auto #/99
- 2008 Upper Deck Piece of History Auto #/499
- 2008 Upper Deck Spectrum Auto
- 2008 SPX Auto
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Posted on 06 April 2009
H/W: 6-4 205 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 4/4/87
The Florida Marlins opted for a more cautious approach in developing their immensely talented outfielder than his previous employer, the Detroit Tigers. Cameron Maybin spent virtually the entire 2008 season at AA Carolina hitting .277 with 13 HR 49 RBI 21 SB and 73 runs scored in 108 games. His solid play earned him a September callup where he went 16-32 with 9 runs scored and 4 SB. Maybin's physical attributes are off the charts. He can put on a show in batting practice, launching 500 ft. HR's and has foot speed that rivals anyone in minor league baseball. Defensively, Maybin has the speed of a center fielder and the cannon arm of a right fielder. He made some strides with his plate discipline last season, earning 63 walks, but his 132 strikeouts were too high given his mediocre power numbers. Maybin has not quite figured out how to consistently translate his pregame power into game time production as he often opts to slap balls to the opposite field or beat out groundballs with his fleet feet. The Marlins are not too concerned at this time with that and do believe that the 22 year old will eventually become the 30-30 player that scouts have tabbed him to be.
2009 Projection: Strong spring numbers (.317 1 HR 7 RBI 15 runs scored) have earned him the starting nod in CF on opening day. The Marlins would like Maybin to continue to develop his top of the order skills, working counts and making consistent contact, rather than focusing on the power element of his game. He and 3B Emiliano Bonifacio should both get some time atop Florida's potent lineup. Keep an eye on his plate discipline as the season progresses, if he can continue to draw walks and limit his strikeout totals, he should gradually nudge Bonifacio out of the leadoff spot for good.
Key Cameron Maybin Baseball Cards:
- 2006 Bowman Prospects Auto
- 2006 Bowman Chrome
- 2006 Bowman Sterling Auto
- 2006 Bowman Heritage Auto
- 2006 Bowman Chrome Draft
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Posted on 01 April 2009
H/W: 6-2 205 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 9/25/87
The former Long Beach State hurler was selected in the 3rd round of the '08 draft by the Phillies and immediately improved on his mediocre collegiate stats with an excellent showing at Low-A Lakeland where he went 3-2 with a 2.66 ERA and 7 BB/53 K in 61 IP. Worley is built solidly with a lively low-90's fastball, and a solid change and curveball show some promise as average MLB pitches, though they are still in their developmental stages. Worley was very effective at commanding his pitches down in the strike zone, resulting in a high number of ground ball outs (1.64/FO). He goes right after hitters and seems to be poised and efficient on the mound. He had some shoulder soreness during his 2007 season, but showed no signs of tiring last year despite his 170+ inning work load.
2009 Projection: Worley has shown enough polish to be promoted to High-A Clearwater for the 2009 season. The Florida State League tends to be slightly favorable to pitchers and, given his high ground ball rate, it is quite conceivable that Worley could have an immensely successful season. Keep an eye on Worley's K rate this year. He struck out about 8 hitters per 9 IP and if he can keep that rate constant or improve upon it, he could vault into the upper echelons of Philadelphia's vastly improved pitching prospect chart. Ultimately, Worley profiles to be a solid mid-rotation starting pitcher within the next three seasons.
Key Vance Worley Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Razor Lettermen Auto Patch #/20
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/219
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Posted on 01 April 2009
H/W: 5-11 210 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 3/28/86
The Blue Jays' 11th round selection from the 2007 draft rediscovered his power that seemingly eluded him in his final two seasons at Tulsa. Playing solely at High-A Dunedin, Emaus batted .302 with 12 HR 71 RBI 12 SB and 87 runs scored and 34 doubles. He continued his hitting ways in the Hawaiian Winter League, hitting .333 with 2 HR 12 RBI and a sterling 17 BB/7 K ratio in 26 games. Emaus has a swing that matches his body frame--compact and powerful. He has an excellent eye at the plate, earning a 60 BB/56 K ratio last season, while effectively driving the ball from foul line to foul line. He has fringe average speed, but he uses it well on the basepaths. Defensively, Emaus has substandard range as a middle infielder and will likely need to shift to a corner infield spot in the future. He has played some third base, but the results have been less than adequate at this point as he racked up 4 errors in 47 chances last season.
2009 Projection: Emaus has turned heads in Blue Jays camp this spring, hitting .333 with 4 HR. He will likely start the '09 season at AA New Hampshire with a solid shot at earning a promotion to AAA Syracuse at some point during the season. There is some good offensive upside to this overachiever's game and he has been giving every indication that he can sustain this production at any level. Keep an eye on the defensive numbers from Emaus and his power numbers as well. He has below average power for a corner infielder at this point, but there is hope that he can be a high-average, 20 HR hitter at the major league level in the not too distant future. The Jays are pretty well set with Aaron Hill manning the 2B helm for the next few seasons, but the oft-injured Scott Rolen becomes a free agent after the 2010 season. That should provide ample time for Emaus to evolve into a quality MLB third baseman.
Key Brad Emaus Baseball Cards:
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Posted on 21 February 2009
H/W: 5-11 150 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 4/22/88
The son of 19 year MLB veteran Tom Gordon got off to a blazing start to his professional career, hitting .331 with 2 HR 27 RBI 18 SB and 45 runs scored in 60 games. World class speed is Gordon's best weapon, as his 6.35 time in the 60 yard dash makes him the fastest player in the L.A. Dodgers organization. Gordon slashes line drives through holes and down lines which, combined with his advanced bunting skills and plate discipline, makes him a game changing, top of the order hitter. Gordon's excellent speed allows for him to cover a wide range on the left side of the infield and his strong arm allows for him to make throws from deep in the hole. Gordon is built like his father, which means that he should never become a big power hitter, but there is some projectibilty in his sinewy frame for more XBH power to develop. The upside for Gordon to be an impact player is far from being reached. With his bloodlines, athleticism, and considerable makeup, Devaris is one of the more intriguing prospects to watch in 2009.
2009 Projection: The superb numbers that Gordon put up at Ogden earns him a promotion to Low-A Great Lakes to start the season. Ogden has served as a hitter friendly environment for several years and many a player has suffered markedly poorer numbers in seasons following. Gordon should buck that trend. His exceptional hand-eye coordination and blazing speed makes him averse to prolonged slumps. Watch the XBH numbers this season. Gordon will never be a double digit HR hitter, but his ability to drive more balls into the gaps will allow for him to get into scoring position more often. Also, expect the SB numbers to rise dramatically this season to be at or near the top of all of MILB in 2009. Gordon has the potential to be one of the best leadoff hitters in all of the minor leagues in '09 and beyond.
Key Devaris Strange-Gordon Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2008 Playoff Contenders Auto
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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 18 February 2009
H/W: 6-3 215 lb. B/T: S/R DOB: 9/10/85
The Pirates former catching prospect continued his acclimation to the hot corner and established career highs in HR and RBI totals. Walker spent the entire season at AAA Indianapolis hitting .242 with 16 HR 80 RBI 10 SB and a combined 32 doubles and triples. Walker is an above average athlete who is well built with projectible power from both sides of the plate. He continued to make strides defensively last season cutting his errors down from 27 to just 19. He shows good agility and has drawn rave reviews within the organization for his extraordinary makeup and work ethic. The big bugaboo with Neil continues to be his substandard plate discipline. Last season, Walker had a dismal OBP of just .280 due in large part to his unacceptible 29 BB/102 K ratio. The Pirates still remain quite bullish about Walker's potential and are reportedly giving him an opportunity to compete with Andy LaRoche this spring for the starting 3B spot. There is enough upside in Walker's skill set to believe that he could well succeed in that challenge.
2009 Projection: This spring will be huge for the former '04 1st rounder. At 23 years old, Neil Walker is fast approaching the time where his development should be almost complete. The biggest thing to watch, of course, is the plate discipline. This alone is the main determinant of Walker's future success. His ceiling remains quite high and opportunities within the Pirates system should abound. If he struggles this spring, expect him to be shipped back to AAA for more seasoning before being called up later in the season.
Key Neil Walker Baseball Cards:
- 2004 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto
- 2004 Bowman Sterling Auto
- 2004 Donruss Elite Extra #/1343
- 2004 Fleer Hot Prospects Auto
- 2004 SP Prospects Auto #/500
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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 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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H/W: 6-3 220 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 8/20/84
