Posted on 29 January 2009
H/W: 6-2 200 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 12/18/85
The former Lamar Cardinal split time between Low-A Lexington and HIgh-A Salem to hit .246 with 22 HR 71 RBI 14 SB and 81 runs scored. Drafted in the 5th round in '07, DeLome was widely considered one of the top overall athletes in the draft. With a compact left-handed swing, DeLome demonstrated that he can hit for above average power, but his high strikeout totals (128 in 129 games) may well impact his ability to hit for a decent batting average at the major league level. Collin has very good speed that plays well on the basepaths and at any outfield position, though he needs considerable work at making good reads and taking proper routes on flyballs. Despite his struggles, Collin DeLome has some tremendous athletic tools that a drastically thinned out Houston Astros organization will work dilligently to shape into MLB-quality skills.
2009 Projection: DeLome should start the '09 season in Houston's new High-A affiliate Lancaster. This California League ballpark may be they most hitter friendly environment in all of minor league baseball. With that in mind, DeLome should be able to put up some big power numbers in this league. Don't get seduced by these numbers! Rather, watch the BB/K ratio. If it improves there is reason to believe that DeLome can develop into a solid MLB player, and if it doesn't, even the gaudiest of Lancaster-induced numbers could prove to ring hollow once DeLome advances. The 'Stros have had a rough time in recent years in developing young OF talent (Josh Flores, Eli Iorg, Jordan Parraz, Mitch Einertson). Hopefully DeLome will avoid this scrap heap and take a developmental path similar to Hunter Pence.
Key Collin DeLome Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Prospects
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/819
- 2008 Donruss Threads Letterman Patch Auto #/240
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Posted on 05 December 2008
H/W: 6-2 185 lb. B/T: L/L DOB: 9/8/90
Philadelphia's affinity with young, athletic OF's continued with the selection of Collier in the 1st round of the '08 draft. Collier has wiry strength that is thought to develop above average power in future seasons, though it did not manifest itself in his brief GCL stint. Collier did hit well, though, batting .271 with 19 RBI and 5 SB in 37 games. Collier also demonstrated solid plate disicpline earning a 17 BB/28 K ratio. Collier has average arm strength, but enough speed to play CF, though he mainly played RF in high school and during his first minor league season. The biggest question mark with Collier right now is his rawness. He has intriguing tools and quite a bit of strength, but he is quite unrefined in all aspects of his game at this time.
2009 Projection: The Phillies have the luxury of taking their time in developing Collier given the depth of quality OF in their organization. From a physical standpoint, there is much to like about him, but projectability does not always lend itself to productivity. Expect Collier to begin the '09 season at extended spring training before heading to Mahoning Valley in June. Keep an eye on the development of his power numbers (not only HR, but his doubles and triples as well). If he can develop more power without giving ground to his BB/K ratio, Collier's stock will rise considerably.
Key Zach Collier Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto
- 2008 Donruss Threads By the Letter Auto #/280
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/217
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Posted on 13 November 2008
H/W: 6-1 215 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 1/1/85
LaPorta got off to a red hot start last season as the centerpiece of AA Huntsville's star-studded lineup. LaPorta belted 20 HR in just 84 games while hitting .288. LaPorta then was traded to the Cleveland Indians in the C.C. Sabathia trade where he struggled in a brief stint before playing in Beijing for the bronze medal winning U.S. Olympic Baseball Team. LaPorta has light tower power that could translate into 30-40 HR per season at the major league level. He has a keen eye at the plate and works counts well. Numerous coaches and players have given him credit for having an unparalleled work ethic as well. Defensively and athletically, LaPorta is Read the full story
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Posted on 10 November 2008
H/W: 6-5 220 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 9/12/89
Freeman's 2008 season may have been the best of any prospect in the Braves' system. As an 18 year old, Freeman dominated the talented pitchers South Atlantic League batting .316 with 18 HR and 95 RBI. Freeman seemed to get better as the season went on, hitting .349 after the All-Star break with 10 HR. With a massive frame and long arms, Freeman produces easy power to all fields. However, he is not a one-dimensional masher, as he combined to hit 33 doubles and 7 triples while earning a .384 OBP due to a solid 48 BB/84 K ratio. Freeman has a knack for manufacturing runs i Read the full story
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Posted on 09 November 2008
H/W: 6-5 230 lb. B/T: B/R DOB: 5/21/86
Matt Wieters had a special 2008 season earning the honor of Baseball America's MInor League Player of the Year. Wieters decimated pitching at both High-A Frederick and AA Bowie, hitting .355 with 27 HR 91 RBI and 89 runs scored in 130 games. Wieters has prolific power from both sides of the plate and his plate discipline (82 BB/76 K) is impeccable. Defensively, many scouts have said that he possesses the best package of skills in baseball. His leadership and game calling instincts are unparalleled as well. If there is any chink in Wieter's catching gear it is his lack of speed and the inherent injury risks attributed to over sized catchers (a la Joe Mauer). To Wieters' credit, his speed will not be a detrimental factor and he has had a clean bill of health throughout his baseball career.
2009 Projection: Wieters is ready to take over full time catching duties in Baltimore, but don't be surprised to see the Orioles send him to AAA Rochester to start the season. Ramon Hernandez is not a formidable roadblock for Wieters and he may be dealt at some point in '09. The O's would be prudent to wait until June to bring Wieters up, as this would ensure that they would not lose a year of free agent eligibility. Whether it is sooner or later, Wieters will be the most remarkable young catcher of this generation.
2009 Update: As predicted, Wieters began the season at AAA Norfolk and is slated to earn his promotion to Baltimore on May 30th. During his stint at Norfolk, the switch-hitting Wieters hit .305 with 5 HR and 30 RBI. With the emergence of Adam Jones and Nolan Reimold and the consistently fine production of Brian Roberts, Nick Markakis, and Aubrey Huff, the Orioles have several talented offensive players to serve as protection for the Georgia Tech alum. This is a team that is poised to make a strong second half showing in the A.L. East and Wieters will be one of the young stars leading the charge.
Key Matt Wieters Baseball Cards
- 2005 Upper Deck Team USA Matt Wieters Auto #/475
- 2007 Donruss Elite Extra Matt Wieters Auto #/799
- 2007 Donruss Elite Extra Edition Matt Wieters Collegiate Patch Auto #/250
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H/W: 6-2 200 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 12/18/85
