Posted on 18 May 2009
H/W: 6-4 210 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 5/9/86
The Padres continued to add to their treasure trove of highly disciplined collegiate hitters by selecting this University of Kentucky alum in the 3rd round of the '08 draft. Carroll has a power hitter's build but is more of a gap to gap hitter whose power should top out at 15-20 HR per season. After adding 20 lbs. of muscle to his long frame, Carroll had an immensely successful senior season with the Wildcats that saw him hit .419 with 19 HR 83 RBI and 69 runs scored. Carroll then signed quickly with the Padres and then split time his time between short season Eugene and Low-A Fort Wayne, hitting .278 with 8 HR 47 RBI and 46 runs scored in 64 games. Carroll employs a disciplined approach at the plate, working deep into counts, drawing walks or driving balls in all parts of the strike zone. Defense was a concern area prior to Carroll's senior season as he was profiled to be a below average first baseman, but he seems to have added some athleticism with his gain in strength and has shown an aptitude to play either corner OF position as well as 1B.
2009 Projection: Carroll's start to the '09 season has been excellent as he is hitting .320 with 20 RBI 9 SB and 9 doubles through his first 29 games. Additionally, he has earned a respectable 22 BB/20 K ratio and has become Fort Wayne's #3 hitter in the lineup. At 22 years old, he is a bit old for this level and, given his early success, it seems that a promotion to High-A Lake Elsinore will happen at some point this season. One thing to take notice of is his lack of power output to date. Prior to his senior season, several scouts were concerned that it would not manifest itself at the wooden bat level and those concerns seem to be coming to fruition at this point. Keep an eye on these numbers as the season progresses. It is difficult to ascertain at this time where Carroll fits into the organization's plans. With so many talented outfielders like Kellen Kulbacki, Jaff Decker, Cedric Hunter, Luis Durango, Chad Huffman, Blake Tekotte and Yefri Carvajal, Carroll has considerable obstacles to overcome in order to win a shot at a full time position with the Padres. Assuredly, there will be some maneuvering done in the future as the team looks to pursue some pitching within the next season or two. Each transaction involving members of the fore-mentioned parties will be effective in shuffling the organization's depth chart and future plans.
Key Sawyer Carrol Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/543
- 2008 Razor Signature Series Auto #/699
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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: 6-3 220 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: 6-2 200 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: 5-11 195 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 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: 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 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 17 March 2009
H/W: 6-1 185 lb. B/T: L/L DOB: 2/24/89
The young Mission Viejo native had an intriguing debut season at Low-A Ogden. Watt went 9-4 with a 4.35 ERA and a 21 BB/79 K rate in 80.2 IP. Despite the good K rate and solid control, hitters batted .281 against him but also hit a high number of ground balls (1.68/FO). In examining his final 10 starts, the contradiction becomes clearer. As Watts' control improved (10 BB in 64 IP), he became more hittable, allowing 74 hits in that span. Watt has good command of his 89-92 MPH fastball and mixes in a curveball that features a nice 12-6 break that has been described as "knee buckling". Watt has an athletic frame and deceptive delivery that allows for his ball to appear to have more velocity. Padres officials have been quite pleased with the progress of his changeup and there is optimism that this can be an effective third pitch for him. Watt battled a tired arm late last season as he threw several 6+ innings starts.
2009 Projection: Moving to the Padres could prove to be very beneficial to Watt's future. The Dodgers are much more well equipped with high quality young arms, which increased the likelihood that Watt would get caught in the shuffle. He should begin the year at Low-A Fort Wayne. Keep an eye on the BAA numbers and his K/9 IP. He has exhibited good control and seems to pitch to contact. With a better defense behind him, it is conceivable that he could allow less hits, but it could also have an effect on his ability to dominate hitters too. Long term, the Padres don't have a lot of flashy LHP prospects, if Watt is able to squeeze an extra tick or two out of his heater, he could stand out from the rest of the Friars' soft-tossing southpaws.
Key Michael Watt Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Auto
- 2008 Bowman Sterling Auto
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Posted on 14 March 2009
H/W: 6-3 195 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 4/1/89
2008 was a lost season for the former 1st rounder as a sore elbow caused for the Dodgers to cautiously shelve Withrow until August. Upon his return, the young righty struggled with his command walking 6 hitters in 4 innings. Regardless of the injury, there is quite a bit to like in Withrow. His fastball sits between 91-94 MPH and he has excellent command of both his curveball and changeup. He throws each pitch with clean mechanics and lively arm action, giving the ball excellent movement and late life. His frame is strong and projectible, and scouts have raved about his athleticism. Additionally, he has shown a high acumen for pitching as his father was a standout pitcher for the University of Texas and spent time in the Chicago White Sox organization. All reports have Withrow ready for the start of the 2009 season, most likely at Low-A Great Lakes.
2009 Projection: Surely the Dodgers will handle Withrow's development with extreme caution. His athleticism and good mechanics should allow for him to move beyond this early setback, but his health will undoubtedly be the key thing to focus on this season. There are some other fine arms in the Dodgers' organization (Ethan Martin, Josh Lindblom, Nate Eovaldi) that may get more attention this season, but Withrow's upside is at least as good as any of them and, if healthy, he could be a nice sleeper investment for the long term.
Key Chris Withrow Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2007 Bowman Sterling Auto
- 2007 Donruss Elite Extra TOTC Auto #/168
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Posted on 11 March 2009
H/W: 5-10 180 lb. B/T: L/L DOB: 8/24/83
Brett Gardner got a chance to prove that he was ready to step into the role of leadoff hitter for the Yankees during a 42 game audition. Unfortunately for Gardner, it didn't go very well. He struggled mightily, hitting a paltry .228 with 0 HR 16 RBI and 13 SB in 127 AB. This came on the heels of an immensely successful AAA campaign where he hit .296 with 37 SB and 11 triples in 94 games. Gardner has game changing speed and could steal 40-50 bases per season at the major league level. He is an immensely disciplined hitter who plays at full tilt at the plate and in the field. His power production has been marginal throughout his career as he is more content to slap balls through holes and in gaps for extra bases, but his early returns during spring training has already resulted in 3 HR in just 7 games. Defensively, his excellent speed makes him a very good CF, though his arm is more appropriate in LF. Gardner has all the makings of a solid top of the order hitter but, as expected, the competition in Yankee Stadium is unrelenting. Gardner currently has the inside track at the starting spot and he should perform much at a much better clip than last year's numbers.
2009 Projection: Brett will be in the opening day lineup for the Yankees and has all the makings of a fan favorite. Melky Caberera has all but exhausted his opportunities to start, but his presence, as well as the anticipation for top prospect Austin Jackson, should provide consistent pressure on Gardner to perform. The power uptick he has demonstrated this spring has been a pleasant surprise, but his power ceiling should be in the 8-12 HR range. Keep an eye out for his first MLB autos, as they will likely be quite popular. Until then, his 2005 Bowman Chrome Draft cards are the best (and most valuable) cards on the market.
Key Brett Gardner Baseball Cards:
- 2005 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2008 Bowman Sterling
- 2008 Topps Heritage
- 2008 Topps Chrome Update
- 2008 eTopps
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Posted on 11 March 2009
H/W: 6-4 220 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 9/29/86
The former 2007 1st rounder had a solid season at AA Midland going 9-6 with a 3.51 ERA and 120 K's in 136 IP. The biggest asset in James Simmons' skill set is his impeccable command. Simmons surrendered just 32 bases on balls last season and allowed just 37 walks in 270 IP during his career at UC Riverside. James' best pitch is his low 90's fastball, which he locates well in all quadrants of the strike zone. He also has a slider, curve and change that are less effective offerings. Simmons tends to pitch to contact quite often and doesn't have dominant enough stuff to put away hitters at times. AA hitters batted .282 against Simmons last year and he induced a less than desirable GO/FO ratio of 0.92. The Athletics are keeping him as a starter right now, but his lack of a breaking pitch and ability to add velocity as a reliever may eventually shift him to the bullpen.
2009 Projection: Simmons is slated to pitch at AAA Sacramento this year with a possibility of earning some MLB innings at some point later in the summer. The A's are flush with better arms in their system (Trevor Cahill, Brett Anderson, Vin Mazzaro, Michel Inoa, Gio Gonzalez) than Simmons', yet he could wriggle his way into the back end of the rotation as soon as next season. The PCL is a difficult place for pitchers, especially flyball pitchers. Watch to see if James can employ better movement on his offspeed pitches and induce more ground ball outs. If he can, he should be able to progress as a starter, and if he doesn't he may find himself eventually relegated to the role of middle reliever.
Key James Simmons Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto
- 2007 Bowman Sterling Auto
- 2007 Donruss Elite Auto #/624
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Posted on 10 March 2009
H/W: 6-0 180 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 8/19/85
It took a while, but the M's finally signed their 1st round selection from the 2008 draft, Pitcher Joshua Fields. Last season, Fields made a strong case to the baseball world that he was the most dominant closer in college baseball earning 18 saves and striking out 63 hitters in just 37.1 IP for the Georgia Bulldogs en route to a trip to the College World Series. Fields has two dominating pitches, a 94-96 MPH heater and a devastating 12-6 curveball that could be the best in all of baseball very soon. Fields has the demeanor of a closer, he attacks hitters with his plus stuff and works quickly. He is loose-limbed and shows the durability to throw on back to back days. While his curve is nearly unhittable, his fastball is too straight and Fields has shown an inability to command it lower in the strike zone. Against the quick bats of the American League, this could be a major problem late in games, increasing his proneness to give up the gofer ball. Aside from that fact, Fields was widely regarded as the top closer in the '08 draft and one that is close to being MLB ready. In an organization like Seattle's that is welcome news.
2009 Projection: Don't be surprised to see the M's push Fields quickly. He could start at High-A High Desert or AA West Tennessee, but wherever he is, he is sure to move quickly. Last year, Fields averaged an insane 15.3 K's per 9 innings. While that trend is surely going to diminish somewhat, he should be able to average more than one per inning at each of his minor league stops. Watch the walk totals though, as Fields has been unable to average less than 5 walks per 9 innings in either of his collegiate seasons. Surrendering walks and being a flyball pitcher could prove disastrous down the road for this otherwise bright young closer. The M's don't have a surefire closer at this time as J.J. Putz now pitches on the East Coast. If no one steps forward this season, there could be a chance for Fields to do so at the end of the 2009 season.
Key Joshua Fields Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Razor Signature Series Auto #/1199
- 2008 Razor Exclusive Auto
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Posted on 09 March 2009
H/W: 6-2 215 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 6/30/86
Carp was a key addition to the trade that sent former All-Star J.J. Putz to the New York Mets. Carp rebounded from a lackluster 2007 season to become an Eastern League All-Star at AA Binghamton, hitting .299 with 17 HR 72 RBI 29 doubles and a sterling 79 BB/88 K ratio. His fluid left handed swing and evolving power potential evokes comparisons to Lyle Overbay and John Olerud. Defensively, Carp is a decent 1B and has spent some time in the outfield as well. Like Overbay and Olerud, he is a below average runner and fringe average athlete. He doesn't have the prolific power that other 1B prospects do, but his blend of patience and good line drive rates should prove to be valuable for a franchise that is in a rebuilding mode.
2009 Projection: Carp has looked very sharp in early spring training action with the Mariners, but the club seems set on giving Russell Branyan and Bryan LaHair the most playing time this season. This should land him at AAA Tacoma until roster room clears either via injury or roster expansion in September. Carp has the potential to hit for 20-25 HR per season and his LH bat is a nice fit at Safeco Field. Watch to see if he is able to replicate his numbers from last season. If so, he will figure prominently into the plans for the M's in 2010.
Key Mike Carp Baseball Cards:
- 2004 SP Prospects Auto #/400
- 2007 Bowman Chrome
- 2007 Bowman's Best
- 2007 Bowman Heritage
- 2008 Bowman Sterling Jersey Auto
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Posted on 06 March 2009
H/W: 6-0 185 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 8/26/86
The young Venezuelan's skills took a significant leap forward last season at AA Frisco where he batted .295 with 4 HR 65 RBI 54 SB and 82 runs scored. Andrus is an elite SS prospect with a line drive bat and speed that could net him 40-50 SB per season at the major league level. He has not developed much XBH pop yet, but he is projected to become a 10-15 HR hitter as he matures. His plate discipline continues to be an area that needs work. Last season Andrus earned a 38 BB/91 K ratio which, while not agredious, is still a bit lopsided for a top of the order hitter. Defensively, he is a dynamic player with excellent range, a cannon arm, and a penchant for making dazzling plays. Conversely, Andrus committed 32 errors last season with many of them being on more routine plays. Those within the Rangers' organization rave about his intangibles. He is a dilligent worker who is driven to excel and his makeup is uncanny for someone of his age. He strives to be a leader on the field and in the clubhouse in the mold of his favorite player, Derek Jeter. The Rangers can only hope that their young shortstop can follow the same career path.
2009 Projection: The Rangers made big news when they informed All-Star and Gold Glove SS Michael Young that he would be moving to 3B to make room for Andrus at the start of the '09 season. This bold maneuver speaks volumes of the favor that Elvis has curried within the organization in a short amount of time. While his future is bright, don't be surprised to see Andrus struggle out ot the gate. He is just 20 years old, has not had an AB above AA and still has some raw spots in both his offensive and defensive game.
Key Elvis Andrus Baseball Cards:
- 2006 Bowman Chrome Prospects
- 2006 Bowman Sterling
- 2006 Bowman Heritage
- 2006 Bowman Originals
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2008 Bowman Sterling Auto
- 2008 Donruss Threads Auto #/465
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