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
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
Posted on 18 March 2009
H/W: 6-6 200 lb. B/T: L/L DOB: 10/19/82
The Northwestern alum has had a slow road to the major leagues, but his third go around at AAA ball was his best as he went 8-7 with a 3.60 ERA and 151 K's in 138 IP. He also performed well during his 8 game stint with the Phillies, winning his only decision and striking out 26 in 31.2 IP. Happ has a good 91-93 MPH fastball with all of the movement that a customary southpaw offers. Like many lefties, he also has an excellent changeup with good fade and deception. Happ is a poised and confident pitcher that locates both his fastball and change quite well. His slider has some promise as well, but it is still a less effective offering than either of his other two pitches. One of the criticisms of J.A. was his his inability to work deep into games because of his lack of strength and stamina. Happ has a lanky and lean frame, but he doesn't throw downhill on hitters like he should. This leads to a high rate of fly ball outs which, in Citizen's Bank Ballpark, could be disastrous.
2009 Projection: Happ is in a battle with both Kyle Kendrick and top prospect Carlos Carrasco for the 5th spot in Philly's deep rotation. Kendrick has been rumored as having the inside track due to his experience, but Happ could land a role in the bullpen as a middle reliever and spot starter. He has nothing else to prove at the minor league level and, at age 26, his allure as a prospect is fading. This is a guy who would benefit greatly from a change of scenery. It is a wonder why he wasn't included in the deal that sent Joe Blanton from the A's to the Phillies last season. Billy Beane's penchant for LHP and the cavernous catacombs of McAfee Stadium would have made Happ an ideal Oakland Athletic. Keep an eye on his GO/FO rate. If he can take a little off of his changeup, he could induce more groundball outs and experience more success with the Phillies. Philadelphia would really like for Carrasco to fit into their rotation at some point in 2009 which could make Happ the eventual odd man out. If he his granted a change of scenery, his stock could rise as a #3 or 4 starter in a new organization. Other than that, there isn't much market demand for a not-so-young middle reliever/spot starter.
Key J.A. Happ Baseball Cards:
- 2004 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2004 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/1195
- 2004 SP Prospects Auto #/600
Posted on 08 February 2009
H/W: 6-6 230 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 12/21/83
The Rangers sent their former 1st round pick to the Philadelpia Phillies for one of their former 1st rounders Greg Golson. Mayberry's minor league development has been slower than expected, but there are still some physical tools present that tantalize and frustrate those who watch him play. His statuesque build is quite athletic, evoking comparisons to Hall of Famer Dave Winfield and All-Star Jermaine Dye. His long swing generates big time power that could surpass 30 HR per season at the major league level. As he has built bulk, his speed has diminished somewhat, but he can still steal the occasional base and should be able to have enough range to stick as a corner outfielder. His arm is accurate and strong, making RF seem like a suitable destination. There are several irritants in Mayberry's game too. He has poor plate discipline (34 BB/106 K) and, while he has worked on shortening his swing, his long arms leaves several holes that advanced pitchers can exploit. He will never hit for a high average and, due to his size, he should continue to lose speed and athleticism as he ages.
2009 Projection: Mayberry did need a change in scenerio, but Philadelphia seems to be a bad fit for him. The world champs signed Raul Ibanez and Jason Werth to multi-year contracts in the off season and the cluster of highly talented OF prospects led by Michael Taylor and Dominic Brown have considerably greater upsides than the junior Mayberry. Chances are that Philly sends him to AAA Ottawa to start the season and, if things go well, he will get a look as a bench player at some point in '09. As the season progresses, don't be surprised to see Mayberry get packaged up in a deal to bring more veteran depth to the Phillies in their quest for a series repeat. This may be what John Jr. needs to revive his once-promising major league career.
Key John Mayberry Jr. Baseball Cards:
- 2005 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto
- 2005 Bowman Sterling Auto
- 2005 Bowman Heritage Auto
- 2005 Topps Chrome Update
Posted on 23 January 2009
H/W: 6-3 215 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 3/21/87
Things really picked up for the World Champs' top pitching prospect once he arrived at AAA Lehigh Valley as he went 2-2 with a 1.72 ERA and 46 K's in 36.2 IP. He has continued his dominance in the Venezuelan Winter League earning a perfect 3-0 record with a 2.11 ERA and a 11 BB/45 K ratio in 47 IP. Carrasco's fastball sits between 90-94 MPH with good late movement and command on both sides of the plate, but his best pitch may be his changeup which ranks as the best in the system and is an effective out pitch. His curve has come a long way from being a mere "show me" pitch to becoming a valuable part of his repertoire. Carrasco has shown good durability as a pro and his sturdy frame should be able to handle the rigors of a 200 inning season with regularity and success.
2009 Projection: Carrasco has thrown a lot of innings this past year (198.1) which could mean that the Phillies will opt to use him sparingly early in the season. However, the race for the #5 spot in Philadelphia's rotation features the likes of Kyle Kendrick, Chan Ho Park, and Adam Eaton, all of which are far less talented than the 22 year old Venezuelan. Watch to see how this situation develops as spring progresses. If Carrasco doesn't earn an opening day roster spot, he will continue to toil at Lehigh Valley until a spot opens up for him. Once he arrives, he should be able to make positive contributions and the values of his cards should see a solid market boost. Carrasco has all the ability to become the perfect compliment to current ace Cole Hamels atop the rotation of the '08 World Champs.
Key Carlos Carrasco Baseball Cards:
- 2005 Bowman Chrome
- 2006 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2006 Bowman Draft Jersey
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2007 Bowman Draft Jersey
- 2008 Bowman Sterling Auto
- 2008 Donruss Threads Auto #/999
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.
