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
VN:F [1.9.13_1145]
Link To This Page
1.
Click inside the codebox2.
Right-Click then Copy3.
Paste the HTML code into your webpage Popularity: 22% [?]
Posted on 05 March 2009
H/W: 6-1 170 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 12/5/89
The native New Englander managed a solid showing after signing with the Red Sox, batting .305 with 9 RBI 14 SB and 15 runs scored in 27 games at Boston's GCL Rookie League Affiliate. He struggled considerably after a brief promotion to Low-A Lowell, going 3-35 with 11 K's. Gibson has an intriguing set of tools that offer considerable upside. He is athletically gifted and can adequately play a variety of infield positions as well as the outfield. Once a top-tier pitcher in high school, Gibson has a strong arm that profiles best at SS or 3B. He has been clocked at 6.4 seconds in the 60 yard dash and he uses his speed well in the field as well as the basepaths (16 for 16 in SB attempts). Gibson has a lively, athletic body that could develop more power potential as he matures and he has already shown a disciplined approach at the plate, earning a respectable 20 BB/29 K ratio in 41 pro games. The Red Sox are flush with talented young middle infield and outfield talents and it is hard to say exactly where Gibson will someday fit in. His versatility and overall athleticism, however, makes him one to watch in the ensuing seasons as a high upside sleeper.
2009 Projection: The Red Sox have no need to rush Derrik's development, which makes it quite likely that he will spend time at extended spring training before heading to Lowell again in June. Expect Gibson to fare better this go around, putting up good speed and plate discipline numbers. The XBH power will be an interesting factor to monitor. There is promise for his frame to build more strength to drive the ball with greater authority, but it is far from being a foregone conclusion. If he can exhibit better power numbers (i.e. 10-12 HR per season) he should be able to ascend quickly on this list and enter himself in the same conversation of other fine SS/3B prospects within Boston's fruitful system.
Key Derrik Gibson Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Razor Signature Series Auto #/1499
- 2008 Razor Exclusive Auto
VN:F [1.9.13_1145]
Link To This Page
1.
Click inside the codebox2.
Right-Click then Copy3.
Paste the HTML code into your webpage Popularity: 11% [?]
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
VN:F [1.9.13_1145]
Link To This Page
1.
Click inside the codebox2.
Right-Click then Copy3.
Paste the HTML code into your webpage Popularity: 12% [?]
Posted on 04 December 2008
The White Sox were delighted to see Beckham fall to them at the 8th slot in the first round. The former Georgia Bulldog signed quickly and performed well in a short stint at Low-A Kannapolis. Beckham then was sent to the Arizona Fall League where he absolutely tore the cover off of the ball, hitting .394 with 3 HR 13 RBI and 20 runs scored in just 18 games. Beckham’s greatest tool is his bat, which lashes line drives to all parts of the ballpark with surprising power. Beckham works counts extremely well and has a strong feel for the strike zone. Defensively, Beckham has solid range and a good arm that should be able to keep him at SS for the White Sox in the foreseeable future. While he does not have world class speed, Beckham runs the bases with a high level of energy and intelligence which should allow for him to steal 10-15 bases each season. Beckham doesn’t have too many holes in his game, though some believe that he will need to move to 2B as he ages. All in all, Beckham is as close to a surefire MLB star as they come and he is very close to being ready to showcase his talent in a White Sox uniform.
2009 Projection: Beckham’s performance in the AFL should allow for him to get an extended look during spring training before the Sox opt to send him to AA Winston-Salem. Expect Beckham to succeed at each level he plays and he is a pretty good bet to get some mid-late season AB’s in Chicago. Beckham has the potential to be a perennial All-Star for several years to come making his 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft and Donruss Elite Extra autographs extremely valuable purchases.
Key Gordon Beckham Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/710
- 2008 Donruss Threads Diamond Kings #/250
Great Deals on Gordon Beckham Baseball Cards & Memorabilia:
Great Deals on Chicago White Sox Fan Gear:
VN:F [1.9.13_1145]
Link To This Page
1.
Click inside the codebox2.
Right-Click then Copy3.
Paste the HTML code into your webpage Popularity: 10% [?]
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
VN:F [1.9.13_1145]
Link To This Page
1.
Click inside the codebox2.
Right-Click then Copy3.
Paste the HTML code into your webpage Popularity: 33% [?]
H/W: 6-0 180 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 8/19/85
