Posted on 02 December 2008
H/W: 6-7 205 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 9/24/91
The A's, in an uncharacteristic move, broke the bank by inking the 16 year old Inoa to a $4.25 million signing bonus. Inoa was the top international talent in 2008 and he projects to be an elite pitching talent as he develops. Inoa features a 91-94 MPH fastball that reaches 96 on occasion, though his athletic (no pun intended) 6-7 frame projects that he should add even more velocity, some believe he will hit triple digits, as his body matures. Mechanically, he has a clean and fluid delivery despite his lack of formal coaching. Inoa also features a curveball and splitter that has been described as being "nasty". Inoa shows good command of all of his pitches and he has been lauded for exceptionally high makeup and work ethic. There haven't been many detractors to Inoa's future abilities as he is widely being tabbed as a future superstar. Like any young prospect, especially pitchers, Michel will be challenged to match his skills against professional hitters. Players of Inoa's considerable talent and hype have an inevitable proclivity to not meet expectations. Though, with Inoa, it seems like there is enough there physically and mentally to indicate that he will be a special player A's GM guru Billy Beane has 4.25 million reasons to believe so as well.
2009 Projection: The A's will likely take their time with Inoa during his first couple of seasons. Expect him to pitch at extended spring training before joining one of the A's short season affiliates in the Arizona League or the Vancouver Canadians of the Northwest League. Either way, all eyes will be on Michel Inoa in '09 and his cards will be one of the hotter commodities.
Key Michel Inoa Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/1199
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto Redemption
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Posted on 24 November 2008
H/W: 6-4 175 lb. B/T: B/R DOB: 3/12/86
Fowler experienced the finest season of his blossoming career by hitting .335 with 9 HR 64 RBI 20 SB and 94 runs scored in just 108 games at AA Tulsa. Fowler took one month off to go play for Team USA in Beijing and, when he returned, he was promoted to the Rockies for his MLB debut. Fowler struggled in 26 late season AB's scratching out just four singles and scoring three runs. Fowler's athleticism is quite similar to Florida Marlins top prospect Cameron Maybin. While he is not as powerful as Maybin, his long and lean frame has sinewy strength and his 49 XBH lends credence to the belief that he should develop 15-20 HR power as he matures. Fowler's speed serves him quite well on the basepaths and in the OF, though his average arm will probably limit him to CF or LF as a pro. Fowler controls the strike zone very well for someone his age and his ability to grind out AB's would make him an excellent top of the order hitter. There is not much to dislike about Fowler's skill set. He has had injury struggles in the past and he needs to build strength, but all of the other tools are in place for Fowler to be a 5-tool top of the order hitter who should be a strong candidate for the 2009 N.L. R.O.Y. award.
2009 Projection: Fowler was given the winter to rest and prepare for spring training. He is the front runner of a talented field of Colorado Rockies prospects that will be looking to fill the OF vacancies left by Matt Holliday and Willy Taveras. Fowler seems to be the ideal candidate to fill Tavaras' spot leaving the floatilla of Carlos Gonzalez, Seth Smith, Ryan Spilborghs, and Eric Young Jr. to battle for LF playing time.
Key Dexter Fowler Baseball Cards:
- 2004 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/623
- 2006 Bowman Chrome Prospects
- 2006 Bowman Sterling
- 2006 Bowman Originals
- 2006 Bowman Heritage Auto
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