Posted on 18 March 2009
H/W: 6-1 200 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 12/21/83
It was a tale of two seasons for the former Texas Longhorn. Teagarden was truly terrible during his minor league stops at AA Frisco and AAA Oklahoma City, hitting just .211 with 9 HR 22 RBI and 82 K's in 73 games. This performance was good enough to earn him a shot with the Rangers and he responded by tearing the cover off of the ball, hitting .319 with 6 HR 17 RBI and 5 doubles in just 47 AB. Teagarden has widely been recognized as a top-tier defensive catcher with good pop from the right side, He has excellent leadership skills and has made good progress in calling games behind the dish. His plate discipline has waned from its 2007 levels, but he is an intelligent hitter who has the ability to work deep into counts and recognize offspeed pitches. Injuries are a nagging concern for Taylor. He had Tommy John surgery following his '06 season at Texas and missed some time in '08 with shoulder soreness. Aside from those concerns, Teagarden is a throwback catcher with the defensive skills and powerful bat that is an asset to any organization.
2009 Projection: Teagarden looks to be the backup to Jarrod Saltalamacchia this season. There were some murmurs during the offseason that either Teagarden or Salty would be sent to the Red Sox in a deal, but nothing materialized. This is something worth watching, however, as both Taylor and Jarrod are too talented to be backup backstops. Teagarden continues to drive the ball well this spring, but his ability to maintain a good batting average is a mild concern. The Rangers did not make the necessary additions to their pitching staff to become a serious postseason contender this season, but if they can stay in contention in the A.L. West, either Saltalamacchia, Teagarden or slugging savant Max Ramirez could be included in a deal at some point this season.
Key Taylor Teagarden Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Bowman Signs of the Future Auto
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2008 Bowman Sterling Auto
- 2008 Donruss Threads Auto #/475
- 2008 Topps Red Hot Rookie Redemption #18
VN:F [1.9.13_1145]
Link To This Page
1.
Click inside the codebox2.
Right-Click then Copy3.
Paste the HTML code into your webpage Popularity: 12% [?]
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
VN:F [1.9.13_1145]
Link To This Page
1.
Click inside the codebox2.
Right-Click then Copy3.
Paste the HTML code into your webpage Popularity: 14% [?]
Posted on 06 March 2009
H/W: 6-3 215 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 3/28/85
Tabbed by many as the Yankees' closer of the future, the former Arizona Wildcat did his part to confirm that honored distinction by breezing through three separate minor league stops from High-A Tampa to AAA Scranton-Wilkes Barre. Melancon went 8-1 with a 2.27 ERA and 22 BB/89 K in 95 IP. His fastball sits at 92-95 MPH and his hammer-like curveball is quite effective at inducing groundball outs (1.54/FO in '08). Melancon has an intensely competitive demeanor on the mound which goes a long way towards intimidating hitters. He is a hard worker on and off the field and has all of the intangibles to be a highly successful closer. Team officials have been concerned about Melancon's strenuous delivery and continue to tinker with it to take some of the effort and stress out of it in order to diminish his risk of injuries in the future. Mariano Rivera is on the finishing rounds of his legendary career and Melancon is the top candidate to fill a very big pair of shoes.
2009 Projection: While Melancon seems to be ready for a definitive role in the Yankees' bullpen, it is more likely that he will be back at AAA to await his opportunity. The Yankees seem to be well stocked with good power arms in their bullpen, but a solid spring turned in by Melancon should open some eyes for opportunities later in the season. His predecessor, Super Mariano, shows no signs of slowing down and the Yankees have him under contract through the 2010 season. That should give Melancon plenty of time to nestle into a regular relief role with New York, increasing his odds of being the closer for the Bronx Bombers in 2011.
Key Mark Melancon Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto
- 2008 Bowman Sterling Auto
- 2008 Donruss Elite Collegiate Patches Auto #/240
- 2008 Donruss Threads Diamond Kings
VN:F [1.9.13_1145]
Link To This Page
1.
Click inside the codebox2.
Right-Click then Copy3.
Paste the HTML code into your webpage Popularity: 18% [?]
Posted on 06 March 2009
H/W: 6-1 200 lb. B/T: S/R DOB: 8/16/82
The understated Angels infielder continued to put up excellent numbers at AAA Salt Lake City, hitting .335 with 15 HR 88 RBI 45 doubles and 92 runs scored. Sandoval has a line drive bat that produces gap power and high rates of contact. He has decent speed, but ran a lot less last season than in years past. Defensively, Sandoval is quite versatile spending time at 1B, 2B, 3B and even the OF last season. He is sure handed and plays with a great deal of intelligence. He is not flashy, but he can adequately fill a variety of roles. The rub on Sandoval is his age, at 26 years old, he is rapidly losing status as a prospect and needs to step into an MLB role sometime soon.
2009 Projection: Spring training will be a critical time for Sandoval to wriggle his way onto the Angels' 25 man roster. He has demonstrated all he needs to at the minor league level and, at 26 years old, is entering the prime productive years of his career. Monitor his progress this spring as well as rumblings within the Angels organization as to the 2009 role for Sandoval. He has the makings of a highly productive utility player who can admirably fill a variety of roles and is ready to produce right away. He should get more of a chance at some point in 2009.
Key Freddy Sandoval Baseball Cards:
- 2004 SP Prospects Auto #/400
- 2006 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2009 Topps
- 2009 Upper Deck
VN:F [1.9.13_1145]
Link To This Page
1.
Click inside the codebox2.
Right-Click then Copy3.
Paste the HTML code into your webpage Popularity: 11% [?]
Posted on 05 March 2009
H/W: 6-2 200 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 3/11/88
The 20 year old Dominican struggled mightily at full season Low-A Great Lakes hitting just .178 with 1 HR and 16 RBI in 185 AB. The Dodgers promptly sent him back down to short season Ogden where he acclimated himself much better, batting .267 with 12 HR 50 RBI and 20 doubles in 247 AB. Baez has prolific power that emanates from his smooth right handed swing and accelerated bat speed. He profiles as an agile and sure handed defensive player, though his defensive numbers took a large step back after his demotion (20 errors in 196 chances). Baez has a howitzer for an arm, but still struggles to make accurate throws. The main cause for his early season struggles at the plate is due almost exclusively to his raw plate discipline. Baez walked 17 times while whiffing 45 times and his discipline declined after his demotion (18 BB/69 K). There are some good tools that the Dodgers have to work with in this youngster and their history of refining raw international talents lends optimism to Baez's future going forward. However, there is a great deal of work that needs to be done to propel this young player to a more noteworthy status as as top prospect.
2009 Projection: Pedro will give Great Lakes another try this season in hopes that he has a more patient and disciplined approach at the plate. If he is able to work counts more effectively, Baez should be able to make some significants strides this season. This will be important for him as the Dodgers have a couple of other fine 3B prospects (Josh Bell, Austin Gallagher, and even Blake DeWitt) that will compete for the right to play the hot corner at Chavez Ravine in future seasons.
Key Pedro Baez Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Prospects
- 2008 Playoff Contenders Auto
VN:F [1.9.13_1145]
Link To This Page
1.
Click inside the codebox2.
Right-Click then Copy3.
Paste the HTML code into your webpage Popularity: 11% [?]
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
VN:F [1.9.13_1145]
Link To This Page
1.
Click inside the codebox2.
Right-Click then Copy3.
Paste the HTML code into your webpage Popularity: 11% [?]
Posted on 27 January 2009
H/W: 6-5 170 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 7/25/88
This promising young Venezuelan's season was cut short in mid-May when he shattered his ankle sliding into home plate. Prior to the injury, Martinez was hitting .306 with 2 HR 18 RBI and 7 SB at Low-A Kannapolis. Surgery and rehab kept him out for the remainder of the season, but all reports show that he should be ready to begin the 2009 season. Martinez has a long, athletic frame that has evoked comparisons to a young Juan Gonzalez. Like Juan-Gone, Martinez has immense power potential evidenced by his jaw-dropping BP moonshots. Unlike some young hitters, Jose has a good approach at the plate drawing some walks and limiting his strikeouts. He is a complete hitter who uses all fields and his plus speed is well used on the basepaths and in the field. Currently, he has the range to play CF, though his strong arm and thickening frame will likely move him to RF in the future. The tools are there for Martinez to be a special player, but it still remains to be seen if the horrific injury to his ankle will be a thing of the past or a lingering detractor to his development.
2009 Projection: J-Mart will likely be headed back to Kannapolis to finish what he started, and if things go well for him, he could be promoted to High-A Winston Salem at some point in the season. Of course, the rub with him is his health His ankle injury was a serious one and the effects that it could have on his speed is not yet known. Also, it is only a matter of time before that skinny frame of his starts to pack on some muscle. Keep tabs on his reported weight as he enters the season as extra weight should result in greater power numbers. His bat is good enough right now to hit for a solid average but if he stays healthy and adds to his HR totals, Jose Martinez will be a name that many more collectors know.
Key Jose Martinez Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Prospects
VN:F [1.9.13_1145]
Link To This Page
1.
Click inside the codebox2.
Right-Click then Copy3.
Paste the HTML code into your webpage Popularity: 11% [?]
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
VN:F [1.9.13_1145]
Link To This Page
1.
Click inside the codebox2.
Right-Click then Copy3.
Paste the HTML code into your webpage Popularity: 9% [?]
Posted on 16 December 2008
H/W: 6-1 170 lb. B/T: L/L DOB: 11/1/89
Of all the pieces sent to the Rangers in the ill-fated Eric Gagne trade, the loss of this young prospect may cause the most pain to the Boston Red Sox. Beltre passed the test of his first full season of professional baseball with flying colors, hitting .283 with 8 HR 47 RBI 31 SB and 87 runs scored at Low-A Clinton. The assortment of tools that Beltre boasts are drool-worthy. His lean frame has wiry, quick twitch strength reminiscent of Chicago Cubs OF Alfsonso Soriano and his plus-plus speed makes him an impact player on the basepaths and in CF. Defensively, Beltre has elite CF range and an arm that can play well at RF. Beltre made some positive strides in boosting his batting average by 40 points and cutting back his high strikeout rate, but his 15 BB/105 K ratio shows that he is still culpable to jumping at pitches out of the strike zone which serves as a potentially detrimental factor to his development at more advanced levels. Given Beltre's youth and physical tools, there is much optimism that he can effectively address these issues in the next couple of seasons.
2009 Projection: Bakersfield is the next logical destination for the young Rangers blue-chipper and, given the hitter-friendly conditions of the California League, it would be reasonable to expect Beltre to put up an impressive stat line. The Rangers have the luxury to be patient with Beltre's development as their system and current major league roster is chocked full of talented outfielders. The BB/K ratio is the big thing to watch from Beltre this season. Also, his 35 combined doubles and triples from last season shows that double digit HR power is on the way.
Key Engel Beltre Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Prospects
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Auto
- 2008 Donruss Threads Auto #/465
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra
VN:F [1.9.13_1145]
Link To This Page
1.
Click inside the codebox2.
Right-Click then Copy3.
Paste the HTML code into your webpage Popularity: 7% [?]
Posted on 05 December 2008
H/W: 6-1 200 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 10/4/88
Chisenhall lasted until the end of the 1st round and signed quickly for slot money and was sent to short season Low-A Mahoning Valley where he hit .290 with 5 HR 45 RBI and 7 SB in 276 AB. Chisenhall has a sweet swing from the left side that produces line drives to all fields and profiles to be plus power as he develops. He demonstrated good plate discipline as well walking 24 times versus just 32 K's. Chisenhall is a good athlete with average speed and a strong arm, though his limited range should move him over to 3B in the near future. Chisenhall's make up is a little bit of a concern. He was kicked off the South Carolina Gamecocks' team after being arrested for burglary and grand larceny charges. He admitted that it was a stupid mistake and has not have any legal troubles since then.
2009 Projection: Chisenhall will play his first full season of pro ball at Low-A Lake County in '09. Chisenhall demonstrated some decent power potential with his 5 HR and 20 doubles. Let's see if he can continue his solid batting average while adding to his power totals.
Key Lonnie Chisenhall Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto
VN:F [1.9.13_1145]
Link To This Page
1.
Click inside the codebox2.
Right-Click then Copy3.
Paste the HTML code into your webpage Popularity: 7% [?]
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
VN:F [1.9.13_1145]
Link To This Page
1.
Click inside the codebox2.
Right-Click then Copy3.
Paste the HTML code into your webpage Popularity: 9% [?]
Posted on 02 December 2008
H/W: 6-7 205 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 9/24/91
The A's, in an uncharacteristic move, broke the bank by inking the 16 year old Inoa to a $4.25 million signing bonus. Inoa was the top international talent in 2008 and he projects to be an elite pitching talent as he develops. Inoa features a 91-94 MPH fastball that reaches 96 on occasion, though his athletic (no pun intended) 6-7 frame projects that he should add even more velocity, some believe he will hit triple digits, as his body matures. Mechanically, he has a clean and fluid delivery despite his lack of formal coaching. Inoa also features a curveball and splitter that has been described as being "nasty". Inoa shows good command of all of his pitches and he has been lauded for exceptionally high makeup and work ethic. There haven't been many detractors to Inoa's future abilities as he is widely being tabbed as a future superstar. Like any young prospect, especially pitchers, Michel will be challenged to match his skills against professional hitters. Players of Inoa's considerable talent and hype have an inevitable proclivity to not meet expectations. Though, with Inoa, it seems like there is enough there physically and mentally to indicate that he will be a special player A's GM guru Billy Beane has 4.25 million reasons to believe so as well.
2009 Projection: The A's will likely take their time with Inoa during his first couple of seasons. Expect him to pitch at extended spring training before joining one of the A's short season affiliates in the Arizona League or the Vancouver Canadians of the Northwest League. Either way, all eyes will be on Michel Inoa in '09 and his cards will be one of the hotter commodities.
Key Michel Inoa Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/1199
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto Redemption
VN:F [1.9.13_1145]
Link To This Page
1.
Click inside the codebox2.
Right-Click then Copy3.
Paste the HTML code into your webpage Popularity: 8% [?]
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
VN:F [1.9.13_1145]
Link To This Page
1.
Click inside the codebox2.
Right-Click then Copy3.
Paste the HTML code into your webpage Popularity: 9% [?]
It was a tale of two seasons for the former Texas Longhorn. Teagarden was truly terrible during his minor league stops at AA Frisco and AAA Oklahoma City, hitting just .211 with 9 HR 22 RBI and 82 K's in 73 games. This performance was good enough to earn him a shot with the Rangers and he responded by tearing the cover off of the ball, hitting .319 with 6 HR 17 RBI and 5 doubles in just 47 AB. Teagarden has widely been recognized as a top-tier defensive catcher with good pop from the right side, He has excellent leadership skills and has made good progress in calling games behind the dish. His plate discipline has waned from its 2007 levels, but he is an intelligent hitter who has the ability to work deep into counts and recognize offspeed pitches. Injuries are a nagging concern for Taylor. He had Tommy John surgery following his '06 season at Texas and missed some time in '08 with shoulder soreness. Aside from those concerns, Teagarden is a throwback catcher with the defensive skills and powerful bat that is an asset to any organization.
