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
Posted on 05 March 2009
H/W: 6-7 245 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 6/27/89
The Royals' 3rd rounder was exactly as advertised in his professional debut with K.C.'s Arizona League affiliate going 0-5 with a 9.00 ERA and a caustic 29 BB/39 K ratio in 27 IP. Equipped with a fastball that reaches 96 MPH, the mammoth-sized right hander pitches downhill toward hitters forcing ground ball outs at a copious 2.60/FO rate. His nasty 12-6 curveball has the potential to be an elite strikeout pitch, but his third pitch, a changeup, is in its infant stages of development. Sample has emerged healthy from a 2006 Tommy John surgery, but he has been in a perpetual struggle to harness control over his plus offerings. He walked hitters at an alarming 9.7/9 IP rate and surrendered a .270 BAA in his 10 outings last season. Despite his struggles with command, Sample seems to have a good amount of poise on the mound even with runners on base. The Royals knew that they were drafting a project player in Sample, and seem comfortable with taking time to slowly bring him along as a starter.
2009 Projection: Sample is not ready for full season ball yet. Expect him to get some serious TLC with the Royals instructional staff at extended spring training before heading to Idaho Falls in June. It goes without saying that contol is the thing to monitor in Sample's game. If and when it improves, Sample has the ability to be a dominant pitcher. Expect his numbers to improve significantly this season, and watch to see if he can keep up his excellent K/9 IP ratio and GO/FO numbers.
Key Tyler Sample Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2008 Playoff Contenders Auto
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/619
- 2008 Leaf Limited Auto
Posted on 05 March 2009
H/W: 5-11 175 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 6/3/88
The son of long time Detroit Tiger OF Chet Lemon had a fine season at High-A Bakersfield hitting .295 with 8 HR 47 RBI 12 SB and 80 runs scored. Lemon is a good all around athlete with a quick left handed swing that generates good extra base pop for a player of his stature. Last season Lemon smacked 30 doubles which may indicate that a slight uptick of power could develop, perhaps to double digits. Marcus made significant strides in improving his plate discipline, working pitchers for a respectible 46 BB/69 K's. Lemon has above average speed, but he doesn't use it as well as he should on the basepaths. Over the past two seasons, Lemon has been successful on just 24 of 46 SB attempts. Defensively, Lemon is a substandard SS, committing 43 errors last season, but those that have watched him play 2B think that he can become a solid defender there. The one area of Lemon's game that outshines the other is his remarkable makeup and maturity. Lemon is an intelligent player who works to improve upon his shortcomings.
2009 Projection: Marcus will be challenged to continue his fine progression at AA Frisco. The numbers that Lemon put up at Bakersfield could have been artificially swollen by the friendly skies of the California League. Monitor his ability to maintain his solid plate discipline and power numbers. If he can do so, his chances of evolving into a major league starter will increase. At this point in time, it appears that Lemon is best suited as a solid MLB utility players - especially given the fact that he is playing in a system that boasts some talent at the middle infield positions.
Key Marcus Lemon Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/199
- 2008 Playoff Contenders Auto
Posted on 05 March 2009
H/W: 5-11 175 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 2/26/89
Drafted in the 3rd round last year, Vasquez signed early and immediately put up some solid numbers at short season Low-A Johnson City, batting .317 with 4 HR 25 RBI 8 SB and 42 runs scored in 55 games. His fine performance earned him a promotion to Low-A Quad Cities where he promptly struggled, managing just 5 hits in 39 AB. Vasquez has power that belies his demure build. He generates tremendous torque with his quick right-handed swing that prompts some scouts to speculate that he can become a 20-25 HR hitter at the major league level. He has shown the ability to take a walk and work deep into counts, but his K rate is too high (69 K in 66 games) for someone with his average power numbers. Defensively, Vasquez has below average speed, but his sure hands and strong accurate arm mitigate errors and should allow for him to stay at the position throughout his development.
2009 Projection: Vasquez should get another shot at Quad Cities and should put up better numbers. Monitor the power progress and also his ability to mitigate his K totals. If he doesn't, he will see a precipitous drop in his batting average numbers. The Redbirds have slick fielding Pete Kozma tabbed as their SS of the future which could mean that Vasquez may need to move to 3B down the road. His arm and good instincts would make him a good fit, but the power would need to progress to a more acceptable level in order to ensure his long term viability at that position.
Key Niko Vasquez Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2008 Bowman Sterling
- 2008 Razor Signature Series Auto #/1499
- 2008 Playoff Contenders Auto
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra TOTC Auto #/494
Posted on 05 March 2009
H/W: 6-2 215 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 9/25/84
The former Oregon State Beaver continued to solidify himself as a lethal offensive weapon at the catching position hitting .285 with 8 HR 81 RBI 28 doubles and 13 SB at HIgh-A Lake Elsinore. Thick and very strong, Canham employs a quick and fluid left handed swing to drive balls with power to the alleys. His 66 BB/73 K ratio further confirms his highly polished approach at the plate and his ability to maintain a high rate of contact. Canham can run as well, swiping 13 bags in 14 tries, and he aggressively seeks to take the extra bag at every opportunity. Defensively, he is lauded for his leadership skills, but all other aspects of his game behind the plate are a work in progress. He threw out only 30 of 161 base stealers and allowed 21 passed balls. As a former third baseman, he is athletic behind the plate, but is still learning many of the nuances of the position.
2009 Projection: Canham's bat should allow for him to receive ample opportunities to develop defensively but, at age 24, he needs to do so soon. Mitch will start the '09 season at AA San Antonio and should play there for most, if not all, of the season. Keep an eye on his power numbers, there is room for growth and given his speed numbers, he could offer an intriguing blend of speed and power at the catching position reminiscent of L.A. Dodgers All-Star Russell Martin. Defensively, he is considerably behind Martin's excellence. This will be an area to monitor as well, especially in his PB numbers and ability to gun down base stealers with more frequency. If he cannot make significant strides this season, the Padres may be forced to examine other defensive options for him.
Key Mitch Canham Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2007 Bowman Sterling Auto
- 2007 Donruss Elite Extra Turn of the Century Auto #/209
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2008 Bowman Sterling
Posted on 03 March 2009
H/W: 6-4 215 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 3/11/86
The Oral Roberts alum increased his stock significantly with an excellent showing at Low-A Fort Wayne last season going 10-5 with a 3.33 ERA and 43 BB/150 K in 145 IP. Hefner controls his three pitches quite well, an 89-91 MPH fastball, a sweeping slider, and a heavy changeup that he uses effectively against LH hitters. Hefner pounds all quadrants of the strike zone with excellent command, though his stuff is not overpowering and, with the exception of his change, lacks the deceptive movement that he'll need to be effective against more advanced hitters. Hefner is a cerebral competitor who has a heightened concept of how to get hitters out and his competitive demeanor helps him get the most out of his stuff on the hill. There is some projectibility left in his tall, strong body that could continue his trend to add more velocity to his heater. That would serve him well as he progresses.
2009 Projection: Hefner got a brief glimpse of High-A ball with his one outing at Lake Elsinore. He will be pitching there quite a bit more this season. The California League should provide a good test for Hefner's progress as a pitching prospect. He has been working on a two seam fastball to incorporate more movement on his pitches. If he can effectively mix that with his heavy change, there is ample reason to believe that he will continue to have success in 2009. Watch his GO/FO ratio as it was under 1.00 last year. Also keep an eye on his ability to dominate hitters. His averaged more than a K/9 innings last season, but he will be hard pressed to continue that trend as he advances. Hefner has three solidly commandable pitches that should serve him well in the #3 or #4 spot in a MLB rotation someday.
Key Jeremy Hefner Baseball Cards:
Posted on 02 March 2009
H/W: 5-11 175 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 12/16/89
Chatwood dominated hitters in the Arizona Rookie League last season pitching to a 1-2 record with a 3.08 ERA and 48 K's in just 38 innings. Hitters mustered a paltry .195 BA against him and he was able to induce 2.35 GO/FO. As dominant as he was, his control was a major concern as Chatwood walked 4 or more batters in 7 of his 11 starts. An electric 92-94 MPH fastball thrown from a high arm angle allows for him to keep a good downard plane on the ball, making it heavier to hit. Complimenting his heater is a big breaking curveball that has all the makings of a strikeout pitch as Tyler is already able to command it and use good arm speed to deceive hitters. His changeup is a potential third pitch, but it is far away from the other ones. Mechanically, Chatwood has good arm action, but needs to continue to use his legs to drive more of his velocity. This will help him avoid injury and, perhaps add a tick or two to the velocity of his fastball.
2009 Projection: Full season Low-A Cedar Rapids is the next stop for the Chatwood express. Expect him to carry forward the high GO/FO rate, but a repeat of 2.35 is highly unlikely. That would mean that the control numbers would need to drastically improve in order for Chatwood to avoid experiencing some major struggles in his development. The evolution of the changeup will be a key for his success in sticking as a starting pitcher. He has a small frame and two MLB plus pitches. If things don't work out for him as a starter, he could be a good option as a late inning reliever down the road.
Key Tyler Chatwood Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2008 Razor Signature Series #/1499
- 2008 Playoff Prime Cuts Auto #/187
- 2008 Playoff Contenders Auto
- 2008 Donruss Threads By The Letter Patch Auto #/240
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/257
Posted on 02 March 2009
H/W: 6-5 205 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 8/7/86
The White Sox were elated to see the lanky Longhorn fall to them in the 5th round of the 2008 draft. Immediately after signing, Danks was sent to full season Low-A Kanapolis where he batted .325 with 2 HR 7 RBI and 10 runs scored in 10 games. He continued to impress during his brief stint in the Arizona Fall League hitting .302 with a HR 7 RBI and 3 SB in 18 games. Long and lean, Danks has excellent athleticism and speed that serves him well in CF and on the bases. Coming out of high school, Danks was projected to develop into a power hitter, but that skill never manifested itself during his time with the University of Texas. Instead, he employs a short, quick stroke from the left side which produces hits to the gaps and the occasional long ball. Danks allows for the ball to travel deep into the strike zone which gives him a little more time to see a pitch. As a result, his plate discipline is quite advanced and he feels comfortable working deep into counts. There is quite a bit of projectibility left in his frame and with some adjustments to his swing, he could become more of a power hitter in the future.
2009 Projection: Danks' build and overall game is almost identical to Cincinnati Reds prospect and fellow Longhorn Drew Stubbs. The White Sox will probably send him to High-A Winston-Salem for the start of the '09 season and if things go well, a move to AA Birmingham is by no means out of the question. Watch to see how Danks' game evolves this season. He is a player that could develop as a tall, athletic top of the order player a la Dexter Fowler or he could tap into his power potential and become more of a mid-lineup player that hits 20+ HR per season. Either way, Jordan has an exciting batch of skills that should continue to bloom over the next couple of seasons as he works his way to meet up with his brother, John, in Chicago.
Key Jordan Danks Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/254
- 2008 Playoff Contenders Auto #/354
- 2008 Razor Signature Series Auto #/1499
- 2008 UD Team USA Jersey Auto
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft
Posted on 26 February 2009
H/W: 6-4 200 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 11/26/84
In an all too disturbing trend, Adam Miller's 2008 season was limited to just 6 games due to nagging injuries in, of all places, his fingers. Miller tore a tendon in his finger that required surgery and months of rehab. This latest digital malady followed the strains in his tendons and, gulp, holes in his skin that plagued him throughout the 2007 season. When healthy, Miller deals some serious heat, sporting a fastball that touches 100 MPH on the radar gun. Complimenting that is a high 80's violent slider that has all the makings of a knockout pitch. Miller locates both plus pitches well to all parts of the zone. Miller's third pitch, a changeup, shows some promise, but his time away has kept him from refining his arm speed and slot for the pitch. The best bet scenario for Miller at this point seems to be as a late inning reliever, and eventually a closer. This would limit the amount of duress that he would put his arm and fingers through while making the best use of his two plus-plus pitches. The Indians have not ruled out the notion of eventually transitioning him back to starting games. Miller is just 24 years old and still full of potential to be an elite pitcher at either the front or back ends of games.
2009 Projection: Miller has kept his velocity up during his healthy Dominican Winter League stretch. The Indians signed Kerry Wood in the off season to fulfill the role of closer, but the door has been left wide open for Miller to nestle into the set up role and, eventually, the closer role. Undoubtedly, health is key for Miller's success. Fortunately, the injuries he suffered are not ones that put unnecessary mileage on his arm. If Adam struggles in the early going with his command, the Tribe may decide to send him to AAA Buffalo for some more work. He will be with the big club at some point this season and should delight the Jacobs Field masses with his own three digit version of "Radar Love"
Key Adam MIller Baseball Cards:
- 2003 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2003 UD Prospect Premieres
- 2007 Bowman's Best Auto
H/W: 6-2 170 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 12/14/88
