Posted on 13 November 2010
H/W: 6-0 210 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 7/20/82
The former Michigan Wolverine had his best season as a pro last year between AA Tennessee and AAA Iowa, batting .287 with 31 HR 105 RBI 39 doubles and 93 runs scored. Determined to earn a ticket back to Wrigley longer than his 14 AB stint in 2007, Fox worked hard in the off season and put together an impressive spring in which he hit .350 with 4 HR and 16 RBI. Former teammate Micah Hoffpauir won a final roster spot, however, and Jake Fox was sent back to Iowa. Since that time, he has hit .432 with 11 HR 29 RBI and 21 runs scored in his first 18 games, pushing the envelope for another call up. Though he has the power to hit 25-30 HR at the major league level, Fox still struggles from time to time with his plate disicpline. He crushes fastballs, but often has a difficult time grinding out AB's once he himself into breaking ball counts. Defensively, Fox was a subpar catcher which prompted his move to a corner OF spot where he is...subpar. He is an adaquate first baseman, however, and would be an excellent candidate to DH for an American League club in the future.
2009 Projection: His hot start pretty much guarantees that he will get a call up at some point this spring or early summer. Cubbies free agent acquisition Milton Bradley is off to a miserable start and his checkered health history makes him a prime candidate for a DL stint at some point this season. Enter Jake Fox. Fox has the power capability to put up numbers in bunches but his below average plate discipline and defensive capabilities will likely have detrimental effects on his ability to sustain big numbers throughout an entire major league season. I bought a bevy of baseball card hobby boxes here of products bearing his key rookie cards because I feel so strongly about him. At 26, his career path is somewhat similar to Oakland A's slugger Jack Cust who spent several seasons as a minor league slugger before breaking out with in the Bay area as a one dimensional HR magnet.
Key Jake Fox Baseball Cards:
- 2003 UD Prospect Premieres Auto
- 2007 Bowman Sterling
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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 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 26 April 2009
H/W: 6-2 200 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 1/21/87
The Giants selected the former UCLA Bruin in the 4th round of the 2008 draft. After a junior season that saw him hit .302 with 7 HR 51 RBI and 11 SB, he has turned up his production a notch as a member of the San Jose Giants by hitting .395 with 3 HR 8 RBI and 10 runs scored in his first 12 games. Crawford has good size and strength for a shortstop with excellent pull power and above average speed. He had some problems with getting pull happy as a collegiate player, and he is currently averaging about a strikeout per game with San Jose. Defensively, Crawford has decent range and good arm strength, though there are some concerns that he has apexed physically and may lose a step or two in the next few seasons. Last season's struggles with the Bruins seemed to affect his confidence on both offense and defense, but his quick start this season serves as evidence that he has put that behind him and is allowing his natural abilities to dictate his performance. He is a heady player who competes well and carries a cerebral approach to all aspects of his game.
2009 Projection: Crawford should play most or all of the season at High-A San Jose alongside mega-talents like Buster Posey, Angel Villalona, Madison Bumgarner, Tim Alderson, Connor Gillaspie, and Nick Noonan. Crawford has enough talent and polish to be a starting shortstop at the major league level within the next two seasons, but there is still some work to do. His strikeout rate is too high and he has yet to show an ability to put up a respectable BB/K ratio since he first set foot on UCLA's campus. The grind of a major league season has multiple periods of highs and lows and there has already been criticism of his ability to play with a high level of confidence during slumping periods. If he can move beyond this, he is a 15-20 HR hitter with double digit steal potential. Currently, Emmanuel Burriss is the only viable SS prospect ahead of him on San Francisco's organizational depth chart and current Giants SS Edgar Renteria really has just two or three more productive seasons left. Crawford is someone to watch in an organization that is rapidly becoming one of baseball's best and brightest.
Key Brandon Crawford Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2008 Razor Signature Series Auto #/699
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/719
- 2008 Donruss Prime Cuts Auto #/249
- 2008 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket SP Auto
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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: 5-7 145 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 6/18/89
If good things come in small packages, then the Angels will be quite pleased with their 3rd round pick from the '08 draft. Gomez played in four games with the Angels' Arizona Rookie League affiliate managing just two hits in 15 AB. Despite his demure build, Gomez has a sharp, line drive bat that can power balls to the gaps for doubles and the occasional long ball. He plays the game with savviness and grit that exceeds the range of his skills. He has a strong arm and soft hands that fit well at shortstop, though there is some conjecture that his fringe-average range could fit better at second base. Gomez has gotten pull-happy at times, seemingly to compensate for his slight build, but there is enough projection in his body to believe that he will develop more strength, perhaps alleviating his compulsion to overswing from time to time.
2009 Projection:Limited exposure and limited success should force Gomez to start his '09 season at extended spring training before heading out to Orem in June. Keep an eye on the development of Gomez's offensive game. Has the ability to hit for a high average with 5-10 HR power, but it may take a while for it to develop. If he can stick at SS, his chances of reaching the major leagues with the Angels is a bit better as the road ahead of him is not quite as congested. Long term, he will need to build some more strength to become a serious consideration as an MLB regular. It could happen, but the league is full of SS prospects with much higher upsides.
Key Rolando Gomez Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra #/544
- 2008 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket SP Auto #/113
- 2008 Playoff Prime Cuts Auto #/249
- 2008 Razor Signature Series Auto #/699
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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 05 April 2009
H/W: 6-6 235 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 3/22/85
The Red Sox used Masterson as both a starter and reliever last season and he performed admirably in both roles. In 36 outings, the tall righthander went 6-5 with a 3.16 ERA and 40 BB/68 K in 88 IP. The San Diego State alum features a heavy 92-94 MPH fastball that he throws from a 3/4 arm slot with a great deal of leverage. In addition to his fastball, he has a promising slider that has good lateral movement, but sometimes gets left up in the zone when he drops his arm slot. His changeup has some promise to be effective too, but it lags behind his other two offerings. Hitters have a difficult time generating much pop off of his fastball, but his slider is still hittable and his command numbers will need to improve. The presence of Jonathan Papelbon at the end of Boston's bullpen may eventually push Masterson into the rotation. Whether he is throwing every 5th day or every other day, he is a highly valued piece to the future prosperity of the Red Sox.
2009 Projection: The acquisitions of Brad Penny and John Smoltz has relegated Masterson to the 7th or 8th inning job once again. His control has been excellent this spring as he has walked just two hitters in 12.2 IP. Keep an eye on this as the major league season goes on. His ability to command the strike zone should allow for him to use his sinker much more effectively as an out pitch. Also monitor the health of Boston's rotation. If one of their horses goes down, Masterson will be the first name called to step into a rotation spot. Once he gets in, he may be too good to supplant.
Key Justin Masterson Baseball Cards:
- 2006 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2008 Finest RC Redemption #6
- 2008 Stadium Club Auto
- 2008 Topps Red Hot Rookie
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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 30 March 2009
H/W: 6-0 190 lb. B/T: S/R DOB: 1/17/85
Emmanuel Burriss missed a considerable amount of time last season with a left oblique injury that nagged him throughout the first part of the season. Regardless, he was able to log in about 240 AB in his first major league season producing a solid 283 BA with 1 HR 18 RBI and 13 SB. Burriss has fleet feet that wreak havoc on the basepaths as testified by the 103 SB he logged in his two previous minor league seasons. A contact hitter, Burriss works counts efficiently and is almost impossible to strike out. He is an excellent bunter and hits line drives to all fields with little to no power. Defensively, Burriss has the ability to play both SS and 2B or the OF in a pinch. He needs to continue to shore up his glove work and arm accuracy in order to stick as a starter.
2009 Projection: Burriss has looked sharp this spring hitting .397. The Giants are locked in at SS with the off season signing of Edgar Renteria, and Kevin Frandsen is the early favorite to receive most of the playing time at 2B. However, Burriss is a serviceable utility guy who should get a considerable amount of playing time at either position throughout the season. He has a strong frame that could add a little more XBH pop as he matures. That would do nothing but help his chances to receive more playing time. In a full season, Burriss is a threat to steal 35-40 bases while hitting for a high average and excellent OBP.
Key Emmanuel Burriss Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto
- 2007 Bowman's Best Auto
- 2008 Topps
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Posted on 30 March 2009
H/W: 6-3 190 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 8/16/84
It's been a tumultuous, up and down ride for Boston's former #1 ranked prospect. Buchholz entered the 2008 season as a front runner for the A.L. Rookie of the Year award only to struggle with his control going 2-9 with a 6.75 ERA and 41 BB/72 K in 76 IP. Following the '08 season, the Red Sox sent Clay to get some extra work in the Arizona Fall League and he responded fairly well with a 3.86 ERA in 21 IP, but still struggled with his control (9 BB/17 K). This spring has been a different story. Buchholz has been simply dominant over 20 IP allowing just one run while putting up a sterling 3 BB/15 K ratio. There is no doubt that his stuff is electric. A mid-90's fastball, mid-70's changeup and big 12-6 curveball all rank as MLB-plus pitches and his slider has shown promise as well. Clay struggled last season establishing his fastball early in counts and fell in love with his off speed pitches too much. As a result, he forced himself into a bunch of fastball counts and when failing to locate them down in the zone, became quite hittable. There is plenty of reasons, though, to believe that the 24 year old righty will straighten things out and give Fenway's faithful reason to believe that the pitcher they saw dazzle the world on September 1, 2007 was, and is, the real deal.
2009 Projection: Despite his spring numbers, Clay is headed for Pawtucket to start the 2009 season. He has nothing left to prove there, but the offseason additions of Brad Penny and John Smoltz currently serve as impediments to his progress. There has been some conjecture around the league that a trade may occur bringing Texas Rangers starting catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia to Boston. That move was scrapped when the Red Sox signed Josh Bard. Now that Bard has been released and Jason Varitek's backups George Kottaras and Dusty Brown are far from surefire major leaguers, there is a chance that talks will resume. A change of scenery may be just what the Texas native needs. Keep an eye on the trade rumors and also the health of the Red Sox rotation. John Smoltz is on the shelf until at least May and both Brad Penny and Josh Beckett missed time last season with injuries. Buchholz will pitch in the major leagues in 2009, it's just a question of when and where.
Key Clay Buchholz Baseball Cards:
- 2005 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2005 Bowman Sterling
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2008 Topps Chrome Auto
- 2008 Stadium Club Auto
- 2008 Topps Heritage
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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 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 24 March 2009
H/W: 6-5 190 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 8/16/86
A pop culture icon in Japan, 22 year old Yu Darvish has already begun to make waves in the U.S. following a dazzling performance in the World Baseball Classic which saw him strike out 20 hitters in 12 innings and earn the win for Team Japan in the championship game against Team Korea. Last season for the Nippon Ham Fighters, Darvish went 16-4 with a 1.88 ERA and 208 K's in 200 IP. Reports of Darvish's fastball velocity varies from 91-97 MPH, but it is unanimously known that the pitch has exceptional movement and he commands it well. Even better is his slider which has been rumored to hit 91 MPH with a wicked two plane break. Though he is a media sensation (he's even posed nude in a Japanese magazine), Darvish is reported to be an intense competitor, excellent teammate and hard worker. Darvish is not eligible to be a free agent for another 5 seasons, though he does have the ability to request the Nippon Ham Fighters to make him available to be purchased by an MLB team. Interested parties engage in a silent auction to pay Nippon Ham for the right to negotiate a contract with Darvish. This situation happened with Daisuke Matsuzaka who then signed with the Boston Red Sox after they posted a $51.1 million fee to the Seibu Lions for his services.
2009 Projection: His stock has risen considerably in a short period of time, but the economic climate may make it difficult for even the deepest MLB pocket books to open as widely as they did for Dice-K. That should leave Darvish to continue to pitch in Japan until things change. However, the odds are long that he will leave Japan as a free agent. Whether it be this season or a couple down the road, the bidding process will be feverish for Darvish. Once Yu leaves Japan, expect the Scott Boras-muddled contract negotiations to be as unpleasant as a glimpse at his photo spread.
Key Yu Darvish Baseball Cards:
- 2005 BBM RC Edition
- 2009 eTopps
- 2009 Bowman WBC Redemption
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Posted on 21 March 2009
H/W: 6-2 220 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 5/10/86
It seems as if the former 2004 3rd rounder has been toiling in the Seattle Mariners farm system forever, but the fact remains that Tuiasosopo will be just 22 years old on opening day. A former top quarterback recruit at the University of Washington, Tuiasosopo is athletic and very strong. He began his career as a raw project and has slowly begun to develop his skills. He is remarkably agile in the field and should be an above average defensive 3B. His bat is showing signs of life as well. Until recently, he had worked on being a better contact hitter, allowing balls to travel deeper into the zone before inside-outing them to the opposite field, but he showed an increase in power production over the second half of the '08 season at AAA Tacoma and has drove the ball with authority during his spring training outings this season. Plate discipline continues to be an issue that Matt needs to refine. Last season he walked 49 times while striking out 120 times between Tacoma and Seattle. His work ethic and makeup, however, continue to be catalysts that fuel his rapid improvement and when blended with his strength and athleticism, they should propel him to much greater accomplishments in the years to come.
2009 Projection: Tui has opened some eyes within the organization this spring. The M's are at a crossroads as Adrian Beltre's impending free agency and near certain departure from the team looms large. There is talent at the lower levels in the form of Jharmidy DeJesus, Mario Martinez and, perhaps, Carlos Triunfel, but there is no one other than Matt Tuiasosopo to fill Beltre's shoes for the next couple of seasons. This is a big year for Matt to make the developmental jump from prospect to major league player. Beltre's presence in the middle of the M's lineup and his Gold Glove at the hot corner should force Tuiasosopo back to Tacoma for more everyday work. Watch the power numbers and plate discipline. If Tui can continue his hot hitting, a mid-season trade of Beltre will become a greater reality.
Key Matt Tuiasosopo Baseball Cards:
- 2004 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2004 Bowman Sterling Bat/Auto
- 2004 Topps Chrome Update
- 2004 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/473
- 2004 SP Prospects Auto #/600
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Posted on 21 March 2009
H/W: 6-5 195 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 10/19/84
The transition from outfielder to pitcher has been a successful one for this former 2002 draft and follow pick. McDonald compiled a 7-4 record with a 3.26 ERA and 141 K's in 141 IP between AA Jacksonville and AAA Las Vegas before making his MLB debut. While his fastball sits at a respectable 89-92 MPH, it is the quality of his offspeed pitches that have determined his success. His curveball has 11-5 break and trails only Clayton Kershaw's as the best in the Dodgers organization, and his changeup has excellent late fade and deception. He has a good idea of how to pitch, locating his fastball well and altering his velocity with clean mechanics and consistent arm speed. One area of concern is his tendency to be a flyball pitcher. Last season, McDonald forced just 0.65 GO/FO and surrendered 15 HR. His good control helped to keep runners off of base, but he will have to continue to work on commanding his fastball down in the strike zone going forward.
2009 Projection: McDonald was impressive in the post season as a reliever for the Dodgers, and there is a good chance that he will be back in that role for the 2009 season. If the Dodgers opt to go with Jeff Weaver in that role, McDonald will be back in AAA to gather more innings and experience as a starter. Ultimately, his ceiling is as a mid-rotation starter (likely a #3 or 4) who can throw 150-180 innings each season and win 12-15 games. With the Dodgers' depth and options, both young and old, it may be difficult for him to fulfill that role with this organization.
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Posted on 21 March 2009
H/W: 6-5 210 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 9/15/83
Luke Hochevar, the #1 overall pick of the 2006 MLB Draft, completed his first full MLB season with the Royals going 6-12 with a 5.51 ERA and 47 BB/72 K in 121 IP. A stress fracture in his ribcage ended his season in the middle of August. Though his numbers were quite lackluster, Hochevar has an impressive arsenal of pitches led by a low 90's two seam fastball with heavy sink that induced 1.5 GO/FO with the Royals. He also throws a hard curve with a heavy late break that has the potential to be a strikeout pitch. His slider and changeup are merely "show me" pitches at this point and the command of them are still quite inconsistent. Hochevar worked hard in the offseason gaining nearly 20 lbs. that he hopes to hang on to throughout the '09 season. This should help enhance his durability and, perhaps bump his velocity a notch or two. Going forward, Hochevar needs to continue to clean up his mechanics on his delivery and sharpen the command of his slider and change. If he does so, he has an opportunity to be an excellent #2 or 3 starter.
2009 Projection: The Royals have a battle going on between Hochevar, Brian Bannister, and Horacio Ramirez for their final two rotation spots. Ramirez seems like a shoe-in given that he is a LHP. Hochevar's fine spring performance should give him the edge going into the season for the final spot. If Bannister wins the final rotation spot, Hochevar will likely fill the middle relief/spot starter role until things open up for him. Long term, the ground ball tendencies and five pitch arsenal make Luke a solid starting pitcher but, at 25 years old, he will need to make marked improvement in his mechanics and the effectiveness of his slider and change up if he wants to evolve into the frontline pitcher that the Royals drafted him to be.
Key Luke Hochevar Baseball Cards:
- 2006 Bowman Sterling Auto
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Auto
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2007 Bowman's Best Auto
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