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 10 February 2009
H/W: 6-1 190 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 6/18/85
This University of Mississippi alum produced a rock solid stat line at AA Carolina this past season hitting .298 with 7 HR 74 RBI 34 SB and 84 runs scored. Coghlan is a highly polished player in just about every aspect of the game. His short, inside-out swing peppers line drives to all fields with the occasional gap power. He is a throw back player that gives a maximum effort both on an off of the field. He grinds out at bats and is a tough man to strikeout (67 BB/65 K in '08) which, when paired with his quickness, makes him a potent top of the order hitter. Defensively, Coghlan has decent range and an average arm which should fit well at 2B.
2009 Projection: Dan Uggla is still the Marlins' second baseman...for now. The 2008 All-Star was shopped around in the offseason and could be a hot commodity at the trading deadline in July. This should give Coghlan ample time to complete his development at AAA before making his debut with the Fish at some point late in the season. His pedal to the metal style of play and all around skill set should make him a fixture atop Florida's lineup and in the hearts of Marlins fans for years to come.
Key Chris Coghlan Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Prospects
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft Futures Game Jersey
- 2007 Bowman's Best Auto
- 2007 Bowman Heritage
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Posted on 17 January 2009
H/W: 6-0 195 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 6/13/86
Lucroy split his 2008 season between Low-A West Virginia and High-A Brevard County hitting .301 with 20 HR 77 RBI 28 doubles and 78 runs scored. A 3rd round pick in '07, this Louisiana-Lafayette alum is a complete hitter that drives the ball well to all fields and has a good feel for the strike zone (58 BB/84 K). Prior to being drafted, there was a good deal of skepticism about Lucroy's abilities behind the plate. The concerns were related to his lack of arm strength and accuracy. Actions speak louder than words, however, as Lucroy nabbed 45% of potential base stealers last year and earned a solid .989 fielding %. In addition, his game calling skills and leadership intangibles are highly regarded within the Brewers' system. Angel Salome's sterling AA season has placed him at the top of the organization's depth chart, but Lucroy is closing the gap....quickly.
2009 Projection: Like Salome last season, Lucroy will get his shot at AA Huntsville. The key for Lucroy this season is to keep doing what he did all of last season, that is hit for average and power, and play great defense. If he can do this with regularity, a move to AAA Nashville may happen at some point in '09. The Brewers are going to give Salome a shot to be the opening day catcher in spring training. While he is more athletic than Lucroy, his is less polished as a hitter and defender. Odds are that this job will be Lucroy's at some point in 2010.
Key Jonathan Lucroy Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2007 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/500
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Posted on 11 January 2009
H/W: 5-11 170 lb. B/T: L/L DOB: 8/10/90
The Houston Astros used their 2nd round pick of the '08 draft to select this 1st team All-American OF out of Atlanta. Austin was widely regarded as the speediest player in the draft and an elite prep football player. Despite his small frame, Jay belted 15 HR and 52 RBI during his senior season. Things didn't go so well during his debut professional season at Greenville where he hit an anemic .198 with just 6 XBH and 14 SB in 24 attempts. Offensively, Austin is extremely raw with sub-par plate discipline (19 BB/69 K) and several mechanical flaws in his swing. Austin has some extreme defensive upside, as his world class speed and strong throwing arm plays well at any OF position. The Astros farm system has been ravaged in recent years by trades, losses of draft picks, and dubious draft selections. The upside for Austin is extremely high, but he will need to overcome several developmental obstacles if he wishes to separate himself from the rest of the underachieving pack.
2009 Projection: Austin, despite his slow start, will likely get a taste of Low-A ball. The Astros are hoping an offseason of hard work and good instruction will help to iron out some of the technical deficiencies in Austin's game. Don't be shocked if the Astros send him back to extended spring training if Jay struggles in the early going. Given his considerable upside, Austin will be handled with care and thoroughness. Look at the BB/K rates early on as well as the XBH. If he can make improvements in these numbers, Austin could quickly vault the glut of mediocre OF prospects (Eli Iorg, Collin DeLome, Mitch Einertson, Jordan Parraz, etc..). That, however, is by no means a foregone conclusion.
Key Jay Austin Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Playoff Prime Cuts Auto #/249
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/249
- 2008 Razor Signature Series Auto #/1499
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft
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Posted on 09 January 2009
H/W: 6-5 210 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 10/9/89
Some prognosticators felt that Melville was the top prep pitcher available in the 2008 draft, however, high bonus demands and a seemingly rock solid commitment to North Carolina helped to drop the young righthander to the 4th round where the Royals happily shelled out $1.25 million for his services. Melville has two plus pitches, a fastball that ranges between 91-93 MPH and a knuckle-curve that, at times is outstanding. With his long, broad frame, Melville should become stronger and add velocity to his fastball. Melville is a confident player who pitches with poise, though he struggles with the command of his off speed pitches at times.
The Royals have done a great job stocking their farm system with elite talent over the last couple of years. By signing Tim Melville they have added yet another talented young prospect into the mix. Melville has the potential to be a frontline starter at some point down the road for his new, and rapidly improving, franchise.
2009 Projection: The Royals will likely send Melville to extended spring training before designating him to short season Idaho Falls. Pay attention to whether or not Melville is able to dominate hitters at the lower levels. He should be able to rack up a good number of K's, but his ability to control the strike zone with his off speed pitches will ultimately determine how quickly he progresses through the Royals system. The Royals have a growing number of intriguing arms in their system and, while Melville is a bit behind the rest of them, he may end up being the best of the bunch.
Key Tim Melville Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Razor Signature Series Auto #/699
- 2008 Razor Exclusive Auto
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Posted on 24 December 2008
H/W: 6-2 190 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 10/10/89
The Marlins added to their stockpile of 5-tool outfielders with the selection of Galloway in the 8th round of the '08 draft. Isaac had a fine debut with the Marlins' GCL affiliate, hitting .286 with a HR 23 RBI 4 SB and 29 runs scored in 48 games. Galloway has a long and athletic frame that is projected to add above average power down the road. He makes good contact at the plate and has above average speed that should play well on the basepaths and in the outfield. His arm is very strong and would play well in RF. Galloway is a nice find in the 8th round, but he still needs considerable work with his pitch recognition and plate discipline. He garnered a lowly 4 BB/33 K ratio in the GCL, which will need to improve at higher levels. Also, though he is fast, Galloway does not move fluidly, which lead some scouts to believe that he will lose speed down the road as he builds his body.
2009 Projection: The Marlins may decide to send Galloway to extended spring training for more work before shuttling him to their short season Low-A team in Jamestown. They also may decide to challenge him by allowing him to play at full season Greensboro. Either way, the key to watch with Galloway is the development of his plate discipline and power output. The Marlins are chocked full of talented OF prospects with the likes of Cameron Maybin, Mike Stanton, John Raynor, Scott Cousins and Gregory Burns. For Galloway to progress, he needs to boost his power numbers and refine each of his 5-tools.
Key Isaac Galloway Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2008 Bowman Draft AFLAC Auto
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/1099
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