Posted on 21 March 2009
H/W: 6-2 220 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 5/10/86
It seems as if the former 2004 3rd rounder has been toiling in the Seattle Mariners farm system forever, but the fact remains that Tuiasosopo will be just 22 years old on opening day. A former top quarterback recruit at the University of Washington, Tuiasosopo is athletic and very strong. He began his career as a raw project and has slowly begun to develop his skills. He is remarkably agile in the field and should be an above average defensive 3B. His bat is showing signs of life as well. Until recently, he had worked on being a better contact hitter, allowing balls to travel deeper into the zone before inside-outing them to the opposite field, but he showed an increase in power production over the second half of the '08 season at AAA Tacoma and has drove the ball with authority during his spring training outings this season. Plate discipline continues to be an issue that Matt needs to refine. Last season he walked 49 times while striking out 120 times between Tacoma and Seattle. His work ethic and makeup, however, continue to be catalysts that fuel his rapid improvement and when blended with his strength and athleticism, they should propel him to much greater accomplishments in the years to come.
2009 Projection: Tui has opened some eyes within the organization this spring. The M's are at a crossroads as Adrian Beltre's impending free agency and near certain departure from the team looms large. There is talent at the lower levels in the form of Jharmidy DeJesus, Mario Martinez and, perhaps, Carlos Triunfel, but there is no one other than Matt Tuiasosopo to fill Beltre's shoes for the next couple of seasons. This is a big year for Matt to make the developmental jump from prospect to major league player. Beltre's presence in the middle of the M's lineup and his Gold Glove at the hot corner should force Tuiasosopo back to Tacoma for more everyday work. Watch the power numbers and plate discipline. If Tui can continue his hot hitting, a mid-season trade of Beltre will become a greater reality.
Key Matt Tuiasosopo Baseball Cards:
- 2004 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2004 Bowman Sterling Bat/Auto
- 2004 Topps Chrome Update
- 2004 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/473
- 2004 SP Prospects Auto #/600
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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 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 09 March 2009
H/W: 6-0 195 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 8/6/85
This former 2004 2nd round pick emerged over the second half of the season at High-A Myrtle Beach batting .255 with 19 HR 67 RBI and 56 runs scored in 88 games. Campbell is a compact, power packed hitter who has a fluid but compact right handed swing that could generate 20-25 HR per season at the major league level. He makes contact with just about everything that he hits, lowering his K rates and he made strides in improving his walk totals (50 BB/57 K). Defensively, Campbell is an agile, sure handed fielder with a strong arm built for the hot corner. The big problem...and it is a big one, is a continued track record of insubordination that has led to a couple of substantial team-induced suspensions over the past two seasons. Campbell has been described as someone who marches to the beat of his own drum, defying requests by the Braves organization to adhere to a specific rehab program following his shoulder injury in '07. It has also been well documented that Campbell's effort is often inconsistent. At times, he plays with a great deal of energy and grit, while other times he appears lackadasical and unfocused. This has manifested itself in his plate discipline as well. He makes good contact with pitches in the zone, but often gets himself out trying to pull pitches out of the strike zone.
2009 Projection: Campbell has all of the physical talent to be a perennial all-star talent. However, his intangible skills severely inhibit his abililty to be a productive major league player. Will he get things straightened out? That is the million dollar question and one that will loom large in 2009. Expect him to begin the season at AA Mississippi where his strike zone judgement will be put to the test. His offensive potential is so tantalizingly potent that it is hard to ignore him as a viable prospect, but his myriad of character-compromising indiscretions make him a difficult guy to put much stock in. If he does get it figured out and decides to tow the company line, Campbell can rise up prospect charts once again, but the opportunities are decreasing for Eric and the patience of the Braves is wearing thin.
Key Eric Campbell Baseball Cards:
- 2004 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2004 Bowman Heritage
- 2004 SP Prospects Auto #/400
- 2004 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/240
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Posted on 06 March 2009
H/W: 6-1 200 lb. B/T: S/R DOB: 8/16/82
The understated Angels infielder continued to put up excellent numbers at AAA Salt Lake City, hitting .335 with 15 HR 88 RBI 45 doubles and 92 runs scored. Sandoval has a line drive bat that produces gap power and high rates of contact. He has decent speed, but ran a lot less last season than in years past. Defensively, Sandoval is quite versatile spending time at 1B, 2B, 3B and even the OF last season. He is sure handed and plays with a great deal of intelligence. He is not flashy, but he can adequately fill a variety of roles. The rub on Sandoval is his age, at 26 years old, he is rapidly losing status as a prospect and needs to step into an MLB role sometime soon.
2009 Projection: Spring training will be a critical time for Sandoval to wriggle his way onto the Angels' 25 man roster. He has demonstrated all he needs to at the minor league level and, at 26 years old, is entering the prime productive years of his career. Monitor his progress this spring as well as rumblings within the Angels organization as to the 2009 role for Sandoval. He has the makings of a highly productive utility player who can admirably fill a variety of roles and is ready to produce right away. He should get more of a chance at some point in 2009.
Key Freddy Sandoval Baseball Cards:
- 2004 SP Prospects Auto #/400
- 2006 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2009 Topps
- 2009 Upper Deck
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Posted on 08 February 2009
H/W: 6-3 190 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 1/16/86
2008 was a disappointing year for the Rays' top infield prospect as Brignac batted just .250 with 9 HR 43 RBI and 26 doubles at AAA Durham. Things were even tougher for Reid in his brief MLB action, going hitless in 10 AB's with 5 K's. Regardless of his struggles, there are many physical elements to Brignac's game that are quite intriguing. He has a long, athletic body that still projects to produce above average power numbers. Defensively, Brignac has show remarkable improvement from his struggles in previous seasons to the point that his glove, range, and arm collectively make him one of the best fielding shortstops in the minor leagues. Unfortunately, his BB/K ratio regressed significantly last season as Reid managed only 25 BB/98 K's, and his numbers took a tumultuous dive after the All-Star break (.188 2 HR 5 RBI 4 BB/24 K) perhaps due to a lapse of confidence brought on by his inauspicious MLB stint. The Rays are still enamored by the possibility of Brignac and Evan Longoria anchoring the left side of their infield for the next several years, but his '08 travails provide sufficient evidence that more time and patience is needed.
2009 Projection: Jason Bartlett's second half hot streak and fine postseason play should make the Rays feel comfortable with letting Brignac have another shot at AAA Durham. Brignac's offensive numbers have been sliding a bit over the last couple of years and this season is key for his continued development as a top infield prospect. Watch to see if he can resurrect his power numbers and improve upon his dismal BB/K ratio. He should earn another shot with the Rays at some point in '08...hopefully with better results.
Key Reid Brignac Baseball Cards:
- 2004 SP Prospects Auto #/400
- 2004 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2004 Bowman Sterling
- 2004 Bowman Heritage
- 2004 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/522
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Posted on 03 January 2009
H/W: 6-2 235 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 2/12/86
The big 2004 5th rounder rocketed up the White Sox organizational depth chart with a big season between High-A Winston-Salem and AA Birmingham. Allen batted .278 with 29 HR 75 RBI 17 SB and 87 runs scored while substantially increasing his OBP and SLG from his 2007 numbers. After the departure of Chris Carter, Brandon Allen has become the premier power hitter and 1B in the White Sox farm system. Surprisingly athletic for his size, Allen should be able to reach double digits in stolen bases each season and his quickness gives him good first step range at 1B. HIs glove still needs work, however, and there have been concerns from those within the organization that he may eventually end up as a DH at the major league level. Allen was more effective in drawing walks this past season and his strikeout rate remained fairly constant, but the Sox would like to see him continue to work on handling off speed pitches as well as balls down in the zone.
2009 Projection: 2008 was a big power breakthrough for Allen and his performance after his promotion to Birmingham lends credence to the notion that he may begin the season at AAA Charlotte. The White Sox have secured Paul Konerko and his powerful bat through the 2010 season, which gives them some time to evaluate Allen's progress. If Allen continues to mash the ball and cuts back on his K's, he immediately becomes a potential late season call up for the Sox and Konerko becomes a potential trading chip. The exodus of Nick Swisher and Javier Vazquez, shows that Chicago is determined to cut back on spending while acquiring younger talent. This bodes well for Allen's not too distant future.
Key Brandon Allen Baseball Cards:
- 2004 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2004 SP Prospects Auto #/400
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Posted on 23 November 2008
H/W: 6-5 220 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 9/7/85
Davis had a very fine year that was overshadowed by the likes of David Price and Jeremy Hellickson. Davis pitched at both AA Montgomery and AAA Durham compiling a 13-8 record with a 3.47 ERA and 136 K's in 160 IP. Davis has a lively 92-94 MPH fastball that he can bump up to 96 on occasion. His curveball has a sharp 11-5 break to it and he uses his cutter to bore in on the hands of right handed hitters. Davis has a tough demeanor on the mound and his tall and well-built frame is capable of handling 200 inning workloads at the major league level. Davis needs to continue to pound away at the strike zon with his fastballs. He has a tendency to get too fine with his offspeed offerings which got him trouble with his control while he was at Montgomery. He seemed to work things out, though, at Durham where he held hitters to a .205 BA.
2009 Projection: Davis is ready to pitch at the major league level, but there is no room in the young and highly talented Rays lineup. Davis may get a look as a late inning reliever at some point for Tampa Bay, or he may be dangled as trade bait at some point during the season. Expect Davis to start at Durham as the Rays are loaded with a glut of young spectacular pitching prospects. Watch to see if the Rays move both Edwin Jackson and Andy Sonnenstine at some point this season. If both are moved, a vacancy will open up in Tampa's rotation, a spot that Davis is ready to fill. Once he does, the values of his 2004 SP Prospects and Bowman Chrome Draft cards will experience added market attention.
Key Wade Davis Baseball Cards:
- 2004 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2004 SP Prospects Auto #/600
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Posted on 17 November 2008
H/W: 6-5 230 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 6/24/86
Calamitous, injury riddled, disappointing; these are just a few words that could describe Phil Hughes' anticipated foray into Yankee lore. Hughes was miserable in April compiling a 0-4 record with a 9.00 ERA and a 2.18 WHIP in 22 IP. Hughes then missed a considerable amount of the season recovering from a stress fracture in his rib. After a lengthy minor league rehab, Hughes returned to the Yankees and pitched well in a couple of September outings and his Arizona Fall League season, while it has had its ups and downs, has shown that Hughes is once again healthy. Hughes still has dynamite stuff His fastball can still hit 95 MPH and his curveball, slider and change are all potentially solid pitches. Some time and patience will be needed for the 22 year old hurler to regain his confidence and refine his control.
2009 Projection: Expect the Yankees to be cautious in bringing Hughes back. Given that he has thrown in the Arizona Fall League, it would make sense for Hughes to start the season at AA or AAA. The Yankees will be addressing the holes in their starting rotation with high priced free agent acquisitions, which should allow for Hughes to slowly work his way back into the New York spotlight. Skeptical and risk averse collectors have shied away from Hughes' various '04 rookie cards, but the market for his Bowman Chrome Draft and Donruss Elite Extra autographs could heat up again after a few successful outings.
Key Phil Hughes Baseball Cards:
- 2004 Bowman Chrome Draft Phil Hughes Auto
- 2004 Donruss Elite Extra Phil Hughes Auto #/1,485
- 2004 SP Prospects Phil Hughes Auto #/400
- 2004 Topps Chrome Update Phil Hughes
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Posted on 15 November 2008
H/W: 6-4 220 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 1/16/86
Trumbo bounced back well this year after being written off by many as being a mediocre prospect. Trumbo batted .281 with 32 HR 93 RBI and 35 doubles between High-A Rancho Cucamonga and AA Arkansas. Trumbo's HR tally nearly equalled his combined total from the past three seasons. Trumbo has good loft on his swing that can launch balls out of all parts of the ballpark and his approach at the plate has improved over past seasons. Trumbo has a thick 6-4 220 lb. build that still could add bulk as he ages. This does not bode well for his athleticism as he is already viewed as below average in quickness and range. The Angels sent Trumbo to the Arizona Fall League Read the full story
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Posted on 14 November 2008
H/W: 6-1 195 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 7/26/86
Marson had a very successful campaign at AA Reading, hitting .314 with 5 HR and 46 RBI. Marson also was part of bronze medal-winning Team USA in the Beijing Olympics, hitting .312 in limited action. In his major league debut, Marson went 2-4 with his first major league HR 2 RBI and 2 runs scored. There is a lot to like about Marson's game. He has a short and solid line drive stroke that should produce 10-15 HR power at the MLB level while hitting for a high average. His plate discipline is very advanced for his age, testified by a respectable 68 BB/70 K ratio this season. Defensively, he has great instincts Read the full story
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H/W: 6-2 220 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 5/10/86
