Posted on 18 May 2009
H/W: 6-1 185 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 1/14/87
The Padres drafted the former Arkansas Razorback as the third of seven consecutive offensive player selected in the '08 draft. Forsythe was limited to just 12 games late last summer with the Padres' short season affiliates, but the club felt confident that his polish shown in college would allow for him to transition smoothly to High-A ball. It indeed has as Forsythe hit .320 with 3 HR 11 RBI and 25 runs scored through his first 29 games. Extremely disciplined at the plate, Forsythe has a fluid right-handed swing that drives the ball well to the gaps with good XBH power and the occasional homerun. He makes good contact with the ball and has a good game plan during each plate appearance. Normally a third baseman, Forsythe is also skilled enough to play just about any position in the field adeptly, making him an excellent utility player. Though he is not a speed guy, Logan runs the bases with a good deal of intelligence and determination, allowing him to manufacture runs in many different ways.
2009 Update: As stated before, Forsythe seems to be handling the challenge of High-A ball well in his first full professional season. He is currently batting in the #5 hole for Lake Elsinore and has collected 11 XBH and 27 BB in his first 29 games. Forsythe is someone who's value may not always be recognized statistically as he does so many little things well. He should, though, be a solid #2 or #6 hitter at the major league level who hits 10-15 HR per season while posting an OB% that rivals .400. The Padres are building something special within their organization as they have drafted a ton of high-discipline, mid-ceiling players that should be solid role players as professionals and Logan Forsythe fits right in with that philosophy. With Kevin Kouzmanoff manning the hot corner for the next few seasons, there is no immediate need to rush Forsythe's development. He should play most or all of the season at High-A with an MLB ETA of 2011. By that time, it will be about time for the Friars to decide what to do with Kouzmanoff's upcoming free agent contract. With no other big time third basemen in the system, Forsythe has a genuine opportunity to be groomed as San Diego's next keeper of the hot corner.
Key Logan Forsythe Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Donruss Playoff Contenders Auto SP #/262
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/162
- 2008 Razor Signature Series Auto #/1499
- 2008 Razor Lettermen Auto #/20
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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 30 March 2009
H/W: 6-0 190 lb. B/T: S/R DOB: 1/17/85
Emmanuel Burriss missed a considerable amount of time last season with a left oblique injury that nagged him throughout the first part of the season. Regardless, he was able to log in about 240 AB in his first major league season producing a solid 283 BA with 1 HR 18 RBI and 13 SB. Burriss has fleet feet that wreak havoc on the basepaths as testified by the 103 SB he logged in his two previous minor league seasons. A contact hitter, Burriss works counts efficiently and is almost impossible to strike out. He is an excellent bunter and hits line drives to all fields with little to no power. Defensively, Burriss has the ability to play both SS and 2B or the OF in a pinch. He needs to continue to shore up his glove work and arm accuracy in order to stick as a starter.
2009 Projection: Burriss has looked sharp this spring hitting .397. The Giants are locked in at SS with the off season signing of Edgar Renteria, and Kevin Frandsen is the early favorite to receive most of the playing time at 2B. However, Burriss is a serviceable utility guy who should get a considerable amount of playing time at either position throughout the season. He has a strong frame that could add a little more XBH pop as he matures. That would do nothing but help his chances to receive more playing time. In a full season, Burriss is a threat to steal 35-40 bases while hitting for a high average and excellent OBP.
Key Emmanuel Burriss Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto
- 2007 Bowman's Best Auto
- 2008 Topps
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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
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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 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 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
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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
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Posted on 27 February 2009
H/W: 6-1 195 B/T: R/R DOB: 3/31/87
The Angels' 2005 10th round selection broke out in a big way in 2008 by hitting .295 with 9 HR 51 RBI 50 SB and 83 runs scored at High-A Rancho Cucamonga. Bourjos, the son of former San Francisco Giants prospect and current Milwaukee Brewers scout Chris Bourjos, has game changing speed and emerging power that could produce double digit HR and 30-40 SB per season atop an MLB lineup. Some scouts questioned Bourjos' ability to hit as he had several mechanical ticks in his approach at the plate, but he seems to have put some of those to rest. He is an excellent defender in CF with an arm that is strong and accurate. He uses his speed well on the basepaths succeeding on 50 of 60 SB attempts and hitting for a combined 39 doubles and triples. The looming black mark in his game remains his plate discipline which, while obscured by his other fine numbers, still remains a noteworthy risk to his development as a top of the order hitter. Bourjos earned just 19 walks against 96 strikeouts due in large part to his overagressiveness towards off speed pitches. This, if not rectified could largely impact his ability to be productive against more advanced pitching. At just 21 years old, however, there is plenty of reason to believe that Bourjos can improve upon those numbers and have the promising career that his dad never had.
2009 Projection: The next destination for Peter Bourjos is AA Arkansas. This will be an excellent litmus test for the current state of his development. The speed part of his game will always be there, but the promising power numbers he displayed in '08 are not a sure thing going forward. Rancho Cucamonga and the rest of the California League has a reputation of being a league that considerably inflates offensive numbers (especially power). Add that with the possibility that Bourjos employs a more cautious and less aggressive approach at the plate and the potential for a regression in the power numbers becomes a distinct possibility. Fortunately for Peter, he is in a system that is quite thin in OF prospects, making his path to the major leagues a little brighter. The Angels have Torii Hunter locked up through 2012 which should provide for more than enough time to allow Bourjos to develop at a prudent pace.
Key Peter Bourjos Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto
- 2007 Bowman Heritage
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Posted on 24 February 2009
H/W: 6-4 225 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 11/16/83
Daeges' numbers dropped off in a big way from his breakout 2007 season but, after a slow start, he rebounded to have a solid season at AA Portland hitting .307 with 6 HR 63 RBI 34 doubles and 63 runs scored in 108 games. Daeges has a refined approach at the plate with good power to the alleys and an enhanced knowledge of the strike zone that allows him to prolong at bats and draw walks a la Kevin Youkilis. Daeges has excellent size and strength but seems to take a more line drive friendly approach to the plate despite his ability to drive the ball for more power. He is a fringe average defensive player who works hard but remains a risk to lose athleticism as he continues to age. Age is another factor for Daeges who will be 25 before playing his first game at AAA. Opportunities will need to open up soon for the Creighton alum before he becomes too old to be regarded as a prospect.
2009 Projection: Daeges is destined for AAA Pawtuckett in a quest to regain some of his power that he aptly displayed as a member of the Lancaster Jethawks in 2007. Playing in Boston's richly talented farm system is both a blessing and a curse for Zach. On the plus side, he has the fortune of being a member of an organization that effectively develops their talent into effective MLB players, but the BoSox also have a distinct abilty to scout, draft, and sign top tier talent. The system is full of talented players who are both younger and more talented than Daeges. Shifting to 1B or DH doesn't bode well for Daeges either as those positions boast good talent as well. That leaves two options. Play hard and hope for a trade or sigh and join the masses of AAAA "what could they have beens".
Key Zach Daeges Baseball Cards:
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Posted on 21 February 2009
H/W: 6-2 205 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 5/15/87
Adams' numbers experienced a slight dip in 2008, but the Yankees liked the Virginia alum enough to select him in the 3rd round. Adams performed decently at short season Low-A Staten Island, hitting .257 with 4 HR 31 RBI and 45 runs scored. Adams is a hard nosed and intelligent player who makes the most of his average tools on both offense and defense. He didn't hit for much power in college, yet his thick frame and the fact that Virginia's home park is one of the toughest hitters park in Division-I baseball gives optimism that more should come. Adams is a savvy and agressive baserunner who is always looking to take extra bases to get himself into scoring position. He showed advanced plate discipline having earned a respectible 32 BB/57 K last season. The rub on players like Adams is that his lack of projectivity or standout tools limits his potential ceiling. He will work tirelessly to scratch his way to Yankee Stadium, but he will always have to look over his shoulder to fend off younger, more talented prospects.
2009 Projection: Adams should move to full season Low-A Charleston to start the season. Given his collegiate polish, there is a good chance that a promotion to Tampa will also be in the cards. Keep an eye out for the power progression. He has the potential to bang out 12-18 HR per season once he becomes more aggressive with balls inner part of the plate. Also, keep tabs on his K rate this year. He is a patient hitter, but sometimes this can serve as a detriment as pitchers will exploit them with fastballs early in the count and breaking pitches with two strikes. The Yankees organization is quite thin throughout their middle infield and the swirling trade rumors involving current 2B Robinson Cano should bode well for Adams' future opportunities.
Key David Adams Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Razor Exclusive Auto
- 2008 Razor Signature Series Auto #/1199
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Posted on 21 February 2009
H/W: 5-11 150 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 4/22/88
The son of 19 year MLB veteran Tom Gordon got off to a blazing start to his professional career, hitting .331 with 2 HR 27 RBI 18 SB and 45 runs scored in 60 games. World class speed is Gordon's best weapon, as his 6.35 time in the 60 yard dash makes him the fastest player in the L.A. Dodgers organization. Gordon slashes line drives through holes and down lines which, combined with his advanced bunting skills and plate discipline, makes him a game changing, top of the order hitter. Gordon's excellent speed allows for him to cover a wide range on the left side of the infield and his strong arm allows for him to make throws from deep in the hole. Gordon is built like his father, which means that he should never become a big power hitter, but there is some projectibilty in his sinewy frame for more XBH power to develop. The upside for Gordon to be an impact player is far from being reached. With his bloodlines, athleticism, and considerable makeup, Devaris is one of the more intriguing prospects to watch in 2009.
2009 Projection: The superb numbers that Gordon put up at Ogden earns him a promotion to Low-A Great Lakes to start the season. Ogden has served as a hitter friendly environment for several years and many a player has suffered markedly poorer numbers in seasons following. Gordon should buck that trend. His exceptional hand-eye coordination and blazing speed makes him averse to prolonged slumps. Watch the XBH numbers this season. Gordon will never be a double digit HR hitter, but his ability to drive more balls into the gaps will allow for him to get into scoring position more often. Also, expect the SB numbers to rise dramatically this season to be at or near the top of all of MILB in 2009. Gordon has the potential to be one of the best leadoff hitters in all of the minor leagues in '09 and beyond.
Key Devaris Strange-Gordon Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2008 Playoff Contenders Auto
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Posted on 21 February 2009
H/W: 5-11 240 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 3/10/89
The White Sox outbid both the Yankees and Red Sox for the services of the 19 year old Cuban Native Dayan Viciedo. Viciedo was a 17 year old when he joined the Cuban national team and his blend of jaw dropping power and the ability to hit for a high batting average prompted Chicago to offer him a 4-year $11 million Major League deal. Viciedo is reported to have much more offensive upside than fellow Cuban defector and White Sox infielder Alexei Ramirez. Viciedo is built like a bull and, despite his size, is more athletic than expected. However, his weight is a major concern as he first reported to the White Sox at nearly 270 lb. There are questions about how his size will affect his ability to play MLB quality defense at the hot corner. He will be given a long look at spring training by Guillen, who is a stickler for good defense on his clubs.
2009 Projection: The clock is ticking on Viciedo's freshly signed contract, which means that the White Sox are firm believers in his ability to rapidly acclimate himself to MLB baseball. Chicago currently has Josh Fields in the fold as their starting 3B, but his inability to fulfill the promise and accolades levied upon him in the earlier stages of his career could diminish opportunities if his struggles to hit MLB pitching continues. Viciedo will get a long look this spring and the possibility of him breaking camp with the White Sox is a distinct possibility. Last season Alexei Ramirez broke camp with the big club without ever playing a minor league game. Viciedo has the same potential, but nearly 8 years Ramirez's junior, it seems more likely that he will get some seasoning at the minor league level.
Key Dayan Viciedo Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Playoff Contenders SP Auto
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Posted on 18 February 2009
H/W: 6-0 175 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 9/7/87
Hernandez put up another solid season at High-A Myrtle Beach despite missing a month with a hamstring injury. The effects of that setback had a slightly detrimental effect on his numbers, but Gorkys still managed to hit .263 with 5 HR 42 RBI 20 SB and 75 runs in 100 games. When fully healthy, Hernandez has as much speed as anyone in the Braves' system and he uses it effectively on the bases. He seems to be discovering his decent power potential as well. Hernandez had 34 XBH in '08 and he has continued to improve his plate discipline, earning a 48 BB/79 K ratio. Defensively, the Braves are loaded with high upside outfielders, but no one in the system has as much top of the order potential as the 21 year old Venezuelan.
2009 Projection: Hernandez should be ready to return to his basestealing ways at AA Mississippi in April. Keep an eye on the stolen base totals, as his ability to wreak havoc on the basepaths is what sets him apart from other offensive talents in the Braves' system. Watch his power development as well. Hernandez has some power to the gap, and has some potential for growth left in his frame that could translate to double digit HR's down the road.
Key Gorkys Hernandez Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Prospects
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2007 Bowman Sterling
- 2008 Bowman Sterling Auto
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft
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Posted on 18 February 2009
H/W: 6-3 215 lb. B/T: S/R DOB: 9/10/85
The Pirates former catching prospect continued his acclimation to the hot corner and established career highs in HR and RBI totals. Walker spent the entire season at AAA Indianapolis hitting .242 with 16 HR 80 RBI 10 SB and a combined 32 doubles and triples. Walker is an above average athlete who is well built with projectible power from both sides of the plate. He continued to make strides defensively last season cutting his errors down from 27 to just 19. He shows good agility and has drawn rave reviews within the organization for his extraordinary makeup and work ethic. The big bugaboo with Neil continues to be his substandard plate discipline. Last season, Walker had a dismal OBP of just .280 due in large part to his unacceptible 29 BB/102 K ratio. The Pirates still remain quite bullish about Walker's potential and are reportedly giving him an opportunity to compete with Andy LaRoche this spring for the starting 3B spot. There is enough upside in Walker's skill set to believe that he could well succeed in that challenge.
2009 Projection: This spring will be huge for the former '04 1st rounder. At 23 years old, Neil Walker is fast approaching the time where his development should be almost complete. The biggest thing to watch, of course, is the plate discipline. This alone is the main determinant of Walker's future success. His ceiling remains quite high and opportunities within the Pirates system should abound. If he struggles this spring, expect him to be shipped back to AAA for more seasoning before being called up later in the season.
Key Neil Walker Baseball Cards:
- 2004 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto
- 2004 Bowman Sterling Auto
- 2004 Donruss Elite Extra #/1343
- 2004 Fleer Hot Prospects Auto
- 2004 SP Prospects Auto #/500
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Posted on 14 February 2009
H/W: 6-5 230 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 12/8/87
The monolithic righty took a bold leap forward as one of New York's top pitching prospects in '08 after going 14-9 with a 2.09 ERA and a stellar 21 BB/115 K ratio in 151 IP. McAllister throws a four seam and two seam fastball that reaches 93 MPH with heavy sink. His slider and change are potential plus pitches that he mixes quite well to induce groundball outs (1.48 GO/FO). His control has made impeccable improvements as Zach cut his walk rate to just 1.3 BB/9 IP. Zach has demonstrated himself to be very strong and durable at a young age, giving the Yankees reason to believe that there is room for him to increase velocity in the near future. Despite his laundry list of positive attributes, McAllister seems to pitch to contact more than he needs to, resulting in lower strikeout numbers and, while his BAA was a respectible .233, more disciplined hitters could have more success against him.
2009 Projection: A trip to AA Trenton should provide a sound indicator of just how good McAllister's stuff is against advanced hitters. If he is able to boost his velocity by a few ticks while still maintaining similar amounts of control, McAllister will rapidly ascend not only to the upper echelon of pinstriped prospects, but to the top tier of young pitching prospects as well. The Yankees have a host of good arms in their system (Dellin Betances, Mark Melancon, Andrew Brackman, Jario Heredia), but McAllister has the potential to surpass them all and be a mainstay in the Bronx within the next two seasons.
Key Zach McAllister Baseball Cards:
- 2006 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto
- 2007 Bowman's Best
- 2007 Bowman Heritage
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra
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Posted on 14 February 2009
H/W: 5-11 185 lb. B/T: L/L DOB: 6/24/89
The Rangers' 2nd round pick signed just before the deadline in August and has yet to throw a single professional pitch. Ross features a 92 MPH fastball that has lively movement and sharp control. His slider and changeup show some promise as well, but they are still in their developmental stages. Though small in stature, Ross is a big time competitor who employs a bulldog mentality each time he takes the mound. Ross is quite athletic and agile on the mound, but his smallish size could affect his stamina as a starter. Going forward, he needs to establish better command and movement from his two offspeed pitches and put on 10-15 lbs. of muscle in order to remain a starter.
2009 Projection: The Rangers have the luxury of taking their time with Robbie as their system is loaded with high upside arms. With that in mind, it seems most suitable for Ross to start the season at extended spring training before heading to short season Spokane in June. Texas is bubbling with young southpaws (Derek Holland, Neil Ramirez, Martin Perez, Kasey Kiker). Ross has time to develop, but the challenge to distinguish himself from the group is a daunting one. Watch to see how deep into starts he goes and how well he controls the strike zone at the lower levels. If he struggles to command his off speed stuff, he may find himself becoming a reliever down the line.
Key Robbie Ross Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Razor Exclusive Auto
- 2008 Razor Signature Series Auto #/1499
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Posted on 10 February 2009
H/W: 6-1 185 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 12/25/89
Pittsburgh Pirates GM Neal Huntington has to be extremely pleased with the early returns from this 17th round selection. Jarek Cunningham torched GCL pitching for a .316 BA with 5 HR 22 RBI and 11 doubles in just 43 games. Cunningham has a strong body frame that quite likely is not done growing. His swing is fluid with a trajectory that will produce a lot of flyballs. His arm strength at shortstop is above average, but he struggles with his footwork at times which leads to inaccurate throws at times. As of now, his range at shortstop is acceptible, but there is some concern that he will grow out of the shortstop position and be forced to move to third base in the future. Cunningham showed solid patience for someone his age, but he seems to have a looping swing that has some holes that could be exploited by more advanced pitchers. He hasn't had strikeout problems yet, but it could happen down the line. Cunningham is one to watch this next season as a sleeper prospect in '09, especially if he can stay at shortstop.
2009 Projection: The challenges of full season competition awaits Cunningham as he should be heading to Low-A Hickory. There are two big challenges for Cunningham to address this season. First, he must shorten his swing while still hitting the ball with authority. Watch the BB/K ratio and, of course, his XBH totals. Second, Jarek must be able to stick at SS. The Pirates already have two power hitting 3B prospects in Neil Walker and top '08 pick Pedro Alvarez. There are several shortstops scattered throughout the organization (Brian Bixler, Brian Friday, Chase D'Arnaud, Jordy Mercer), but Cunningham has more offensive upside than any of them. A strong showing with both the bat and the glove this season should separate him from the rest of the bunch.
Key Jarek Cunningham Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/719
- 2008 Playoff Contenders Auto
- 2008
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H/W: 6-1 185 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 1/14/87
