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 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
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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 21 February 2009
H/W: 6-1 210 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 1/14/88
The former 2nd rounder from the 2006 draft quietly had an excellent season in the shadow of top prospect Mike Moustakas, hitting .242 with 17 HR 58 RBI 40 SB and 79 runs scored at Low-A Burlington. Taylor is an incredible athlete with a rock solid frame that should project to hit for more power as it matures. His elite speed makes him a dangerous weapon on the basepaths and could serve him well if he shifts to the outfield in the future. There is plenty of room to believe that Taylor's low batting average was an aberration as his highly advanced plate discipline (81 BB/97 K) defies his BA struggles. The main culpability for Taylor right now is finding a place to play defensively. He continued to struggle defensively at 3B prompting the Royals to shift him to the other side of the diamond for part of the season. He certainly has enough athleticism and arm strength to make the move to the outfield and, considering the multitude of talented infielders in K.C.'s system, it may be the best move for Jason Taylor in the long run.
2009 Projection: Taylor should move up to High-A Wilmington along with Moustakas. The batting average should improve quite a bit this season as his other peripherals indicate that his '08 batting average may be the result of bad luck. Keep an eye on how his power carries forward against more advanced pitching. Taylor is impressively strong and there is more power projection left in his 20 year old body. Ultimately, he will likely move to the OF and his combination of speed, power, and plate discipline could well make him a top-tier leadoff candidate for the Royals within the next couple of seasons.
Key Jason Taylor Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Prospects
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Posted on 31 January 2009
H/W: 5-11 210 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 4/20/86
Todd pitched well at three levels in 2008 combining to go 8-6 with a 2.88 ERA and a very respectable 42 BB/136 K in 153 IP. The former Arkansas Razorback has a fastball that sits in the low 90's with good movement that bores in on right-handed batters. Additionally, his slider has wicked downward movement and could be used as a strikeout pitch. He's got good control of his two primary pitches and has the abilty to sink his fastball to induce groundball outs (1.41 GO/FO in '08). Todd proved to be quite durable last season but his stocky size and mediocre third pitch may land him in the bullpen as a major leaguer. He is a fiery competitor and the move to the bullpen would allow for him to add some velocity to his fastball. The Cardinals seem intent to work him as a starter and he has responded well to every challenge put before him over the past two seasons.
2009 Projection: Todd will begin the '09 season with AAA Memphis where he struggled a bit with his control late last season. Watch the K rates that he puts up against AAA hitters as it will be an indicator of what kind of velocity he is throwing with this season. Todd has a sturdily built frame, but many undersized pitchers tend to eventually buckle under heavy workloads. The Cardinals are reportedly using highly touted prospect Chris Perez as their closer this season. If things don't take well for him or there are some injuries in the Cardinals bullpen, it is conceivable that Todd will get called up to St. Louis to work in a long relief/spot starter role.
Key Jess Todd Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/394
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Prospects
- 2008 Donruss Threads Diamond Kings #/250
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Posted on 28 January 2009
H/W: 6-4 195 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 8/18/88
The Braves' 2006 1st round pick continued to mash the ball at full season Low-A Rome hitting .252 with 26 HR 89 RBI and 62 runs scored. Johnson has a long, projectible frame that promises to add more bulk as he ages. His big lefthanded swing generates awesome torque that lofts the ball out of any part of the ballpark. The downside of a big swing is the proclivity to have exploitable holes and Johnson's hack is no exception. Last season, Cody struck out an alarming 177 times in 127 games while drawing just 40 walks. Defensively, Johnson has made some positive strides as an outfielder, though he should be strictly limited to LF as a pro. The Braves knew when they drafted Cody that he was going to be a long-term project, but they are pleased by the early returns on their investment. In time, Johnson could develop into a prolific power hitter in the mold of Adam Dunn or a cataclysmic bust a la Rick Elder.
2009 Projection: Cody will start the '09 season at High-A Myrtle Beach, which should provide a good challenge for him. Of course, the numbers to watch are the K's. Johnson will always rack up big strikeout numbers, but the hope for him is to limit them to a level that is closer to a one per game average. If he can turn 20-30 of his K's into walks, Johnson has the potential to be a .270-.280 hitter with 30+ HR potential at the major league level. It seems a bit irrational to call 2009 a make or break season for Cody, especially since he will be just 20 years old for most of it, but the amount of outfield depth in Atlanta's farm system could rapidly pass him by if he continues to struggle.
Key Cody Johnson Baseball Cards:
- 2006 Bowman Originals
- 2006 Bowman Chrome Draft AFLAC Redemption
- 2006 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto
- 2006 Bowman Sterling Auto
- 2007 Bowman Prospects Auto
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Posted on 02 December 2008
H/W: 6-5 200 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 12/27/88
Porcello's first professional season was a resounding success giving Tigers team officials a bit of relief after signing him to a $7 million MLB deal topped with a $3.5 million signing bonus. Porcello pitched the entire season at High-A Lakeland where he compiled an 8-6 record with a 2.66 ERA and an appealing 2.48 GO/FO ratio. Porcello features four MLB-quality pitches including a 92-94 MPH fastball with heavy sink and late movement. He can bump it up to the 96-97 MPH range when needed. His curve has a sharp 12-6 break and his changeup is evolving into a MLB plus pitch. What's more is that Porcello has a good idea how to use them effectively in game settings. Porcello has impeccable control, surrendering just 33 BB and 7 HR in 125 IP to advanced Florida State League hitters. His delivery is clean, balanced and technically sound which should help him to stay healthy, and his long, projectible frame shows promise of building more strength and stamina. Despite his considerable tools and attributes, it was odd to see a low strikeout rate from Porcello. He struck out just 73 hitters in 125 IP. Additionally, Porcello became quite hittable with runners on base, as his ERA jumped from 0.68 w/bases empty to 4.88 w/runners aboard. Both of these could be attested to the fact that Porcello pitched in a highly talented and advanced league at a young age. Rick Porcello is one of baseball's elite young pitchers and his future as Detroit's frontline starter will happen soon.
2009 Projection: Porcello signed a major league contract, which means that barring any unforeseen setbacks the Tigers will aggressively promote him through their system. There are several prognosticators that believe he will wear a Tigers uniform at some point in 2009. A more prudent projection would place him at AA Erie in April with a move to AAA Toledo happening at some point in the middle of the season. If all goes well, he may get some September innings with the big club and a spot in the 2010 rotation seems quite likely. Porcello's first year autographs in the 2008 Donruss Threads and Donruss Elite Extra autos are very popular on eBay right now and should grow in value as Porcello develops into the Tigers' future ace.
Key Rick Porcello Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Donruss Threads Diamond Kings Auto #/500
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/???
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Posted on 24 November 2008
H/W: 6-4 225 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 3/6/86
If you remove the month of June (0-3 5.03 ERA .325 BAA) from Arrieta's season, he would have been one of the top pitchers in MILB. Arrieta still finished his first professional season with a solid 6-5 record with a 2.87 ERA and 120 K/113.1 IP before heading to compete for Team USA in Beijing. Arrieta dominated in his one start going 6 two-hit innings while striking out 7 for the win. Arrieta features a 91-94 MPH fastball with decent movement and his slider is a nasty strikeout pitch. Arrieta has a tall, well-built frame that should be durable as a #2 or #3 inning-eating starter. Orioles officials have been concerned about Arrieta's mechanics in the past as his inability to follow through on pitches often left balls up in the zone. Arrieta seems to be working on this, though his walk rate at 4.06/9 IP is still a bit high and could cause him to be more hittable against advanced hitters.
2009 Projection: Arrieta should spend much of this season at AA Bowie. This stands to be a huge indicator of just how good Arrieta truly is. Watch to see if his walk rates come down and if he can continue to keep his velocity. If so, his 2007 Donruss Elite Auto could see some positive growth.
Key Jake Arrieta Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/949
- 2008 Bowman Chrome
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Posted on 18 November 2008
H/W: 6-1 185 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 4/8/87
Hellickson pitched at two levels including a dominant early season stint at High-A Vero Beach where he went 7-1 with a 2.00 ERA and a Greg Maddux-like 5 BB/83 K in 76.2 IP. Hellickson struggled initially at AA Montgomery losing in 4 of his first 5 outings before going on a hot streak where he struck out at least 5 hitters in each of his last 10 starts. Hellickson has a 92-94 MPH fastball and a big breaking curve ball that keeps hitters off balance. His control is the best in the Rays' system and his delivery is clean and consistent. Hellickson threw 152 innings this year which should put to rest questions about his durability. He does still need to keep his fastball down as he allowed 22 HR this year and a .292 BA against AA hitters.
2009 Projection: Hellickson will likely begin the '09 season at AA Montgomery again in hopes that he gets off to the same hot start that he did at Vero Beach last season. If all goes well, he should get a promotion to AAA. Much like fellow prospect Wade Davis, Hellickson may find himself having to wait for an oppportunity to pitch in the talented Rays rotation. When he does, Hellickson has all the makings of a #1 or #2 starter.
Key Jeremy Hellickson Baseball Cards:
- 2006 Bowman Chrome Prospects
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Posted on 15 November 2008
H/W: 6-0 195 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 3/2/85
A look at Norris' numbers would indicate that he had a mediocre season for AA Corpus Christi, but the bulk of his unsuccessful outings came prior to him being shelved in late May with elbow soreness. Upon his return, Norris pitched much better pumping in his fastball at 93-95 MPH and improving the bite Read the full story
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Posted on 03 November 2008
H/W: 6-1 205 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 4/9/86
Peterson forced his way into the Marlins' outfield picture with a superb three-stop performance in '08. Peterson has a solid and athletic frame and a line drive swing that produced more leverage and power than he mustered in his entire career at Cal-Irvine which produced only 5 HR. This leap is noteworthy especially since his power increase had no effects on his base stealing acumen. Peterson is an above average Read the full story
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H/W: 6-2 185 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 8/1/85
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