Posted on 03 February 2009
H/W: 6-2 165 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 4/4/90
The Mets' affinity for young, toolsy international position players prompted the Mets to select this Puerto Rico Baseball Academy grad in the 2nd round this past season. Rodriguez played for the Mets' GCL affiliate and struggled mightily, hitting just .193 with 1 HR 20 RBI and a 10 BB/27 K ratio. Rodriguez has an athletic frame that projects to add more bulk as he matures. His bat speed is good right now, but is projected to be excellent and a source of future power production. Rodriguez is a good outfielder right now with vast CF range and a plus-plus arm, but as he gains size, he will likely be shifted to RF. Like many young international hitters, Rodriguez is a very aggressive hitter with a rudimentary knowledge of the strike zone. The Mets will assuredly take their time in shaping his tools in to productive skills
2009 Projection: Don't be surprised to see Rodriguez spend time at extended spring training before joining one of the Mets' short-season clubs (likely Brooklyn). The looming specter of J-Rod's plate discipline is the proverbial fly in his developmental ointment. Another thing to watch is his body size, as Rodriguez is just 18 years old and not finished growing. With increased weight comes higher Home Run totals, and with more Home Runs comes increased attention from fans and collectors. As it stands right now, Rodriguez's Bowman Sterling autographs are low-cost, high-reward investments going into the 2009 season.
Key Javier Rodriguez Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Bowman Sterling Auto
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Posted on 29 December 2008
H/W: 6-2 180 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 8/28/89
If 2008 was an indicator of what should be expected of this young 3B, Florida Marlins fans have plenty of reasons to be excited. In 88 games at Low-A Greensboro, Dominguez batted .296 with 18 HR 70 RBI and 59 runs scored. Prior to the '07 draft, several scouts felt that Dominguez's best strengths rested in his Gold Glove caliber defensive abilities at the hot corner, drawing comparisons to Ryan Zimmerman and Mike Lowell. The offense, however, has come along quicker than anticipated as Dominguez uses his strong, athletic frame to drive balls with excellent pull power and good contact skills. As Matt's frame fills out, he should develop more power and less footspeed, which is fringe average already. Going forward, Dominguez still has some mechanical issues to iron out at the plate as he is culpable to pitches on the outer part of the plate and his plate discipline (23 BB/68 K) is still a work in progress. Regardless, Dominguez remains an elite 3B prospect with an even higher ceiling than what was projected when the Marlins selected him in '07.
2009 Projection: High-A Jupiter will be the likely destination for Dominguez this next season with a promotion to AA Jacksonville a distinct possibility if Matt continues his success. It is still unclear whether Dominguez will be a 15-20 HR guy or 25-30 HR player. If last season's August results (.333 10 HR 33 RBI) are any indication, then it would seem that the latter may even be a conservative estimate. The biggest key for Dominguez is to continue to replicate this performance against better pitching. Keep an eye on his BB/K ratio as that will be an indicator of whether or not he has addressed his culpabilities at the plate. His doubles totals might also shed some light on how he is handling pitches on the outer portion of the plate. In an organization that has historically had very good 3B, Matt Dominguez is the next to come along. Given his blend of defense, power, and athleticism, he could become great.
Key Matt Dominguez Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto
- 2007 Bowman Sterling Auto
- 2007 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/769
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Posted on 19 December 2008
H/W: 6-4 225 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 2/3/86
Duda has a statuesque build, but thus far has been unable to harness his natural strength into tangible power production on the diamond. He has a natural line drive swing and he has a firm grasp of the strike zone, though he strikes out more than what is acceptable from someone who hit just 11 HR. Defensively, Duda has average skills at 1B and can also play in the OF corners if needed. He is not a threat on the basepaths, as testified by his 2 SB in 9 attempts. Long term, if he can discover how to generate more loft from his swing, Duda can realize a power increase similar to what Marlins OF prospect Bryan Petersen accomplished this year. If he doesn't, his chance to develop into a major league player dims significantly.
Key RC's:
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Prospects
- 2008 Donruss Threads Gold RC #/250
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Posted on 04 December 2008
H/W: 6-1 195 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 4/27/89
Hewitt's stock rose considerably prior to the 2008 draft as scouts witnessed his exciting assortment of tools. Hewitt was drafted 24th overall by the Phillies and signed quickly. Philadelphia sent him to their GCL affiliate where he struggled in 33 games hitting just .195 with 1 HR 17 RBI 2 SB and a raw 7 BB/55 K ratio. Hewitt has as much athleticism as anyone in the draft and his strength shows promise of future power development as he matures and refines his skills. Defensively, Hewitt has some good tools but they profile better in the OF than at SS. His good range and strong arm should play well in CF. The biggest caveat with Hewitt is his extreme rawness. He played ball in the northeast against lesser competition. Hewitt lacks the plate discipline and overall fluidity to his game that found in other 1st round prospects. This makes Hewitt a classic example of a high risk, high upside prospect that could either catch fire or flame out in future seasons.
2009 Projection: The Phillies have a glut of athletic and projectible OF talents in their system. This allows them to take their time developing Hewitt into an MLB player. Hewitt should spend time at extended spring training before joining the Phillies at short season Williamsport in June. Keep an eye on his BB/K numbers and his extra base hits. Also watch to see if the Phillies try to develop him as a SS. With the depth of OF talent in Philiadelphia's farm system, Hewitt's ability to stay at SS will increase the odds of him progressing to Philadelphia. Regardless of his position, he is a long way from Citizen's Bank Ballpark.
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Posted on 02 December 2008
H/W: 6-3 215 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 2/12/86
Frazier enjoyed another successful season splitting time between Low-A Dayton and High-A Billings. Todd combined to hit .291 with 19 HR 74 RBI 12 SB and 87 runs scored. Frazier has an athletic and powerful frame that should easily translate to 20-25 HR power at the major league level. Frazier is a tireless worker who strives to conquer any challenges presented to him. Defensively, Frazier is likely too big to play SS and the organization's log jam at 3B has prompted the Reds to give him time at 1B and OF in addition to SS and 3B. Frazier needs to continue to progress in his approach at the plate as he can be strike out prone. The Reds have worked with him to quiet his hands and simplify his swing.
2009 Projection: Frazier played well in the Hawaiian Winter League and looks fully ready to have a big season at AA Carolina. The Reds have several good 3B in their system (Juan Francisco, Neftali Soto), but Frazier is at the top of the organization's depth chart. Watch to see where he gets a majority of his playing time and also pay attention to his BB/K ratio. If he is able to make improvements in this area, his batting average should be able to hover around .300. Given his power potential, Frazier's 2007 autographed cards could be hot buys this spring.
Key Todd Frazier Baseball Cards
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto Redemption
- 2007 Bowman Sterling Auto
- 2007 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/774
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Posted on 02 December 2008
H/W: 6-4 245 lb. B/T: L/L DOB: 12/16/87
Where did the power go? Weglarz had a solid season hitting .272 as a 20 year old in High-A Kinston, though he only produced 10 HR and 41 RBI in 106 games. Weglarz has a tall, thick frame that produces good leverage and natural power from the left side of the plate. Weglarz has highly advanced plate discipline, earning 71 BB/77 K's, but his willingness to take a walk often gives him a two-strike approach at the plate which, while good for making contact, often saps him of the tremendous pull power that he is capable of. Defensively, Weglarz is below average and as he continues to age, he will likely be relegated to 1B or, worse, DH. Weglarz has the power potential to hit 30-35 HR at the big league level once he learns to effectively use his massive strength.
2009 Projection: This is a pivotal season for Weglarz. He will likely play at AA, and the Indians would be well suited to leave him there for the entire season. The Tribe would like to see him be able to stick as a LF, as either Wes Hodges or Beau Mills will play 1B for them in the future. Weglarz is an intriguing prospect to keep an eye on in '09. Watch to see if he can get his power back on track and, if so, will it come at the expense of his plate discipline? If he is able to increase his power and keep his BB/K totals intact, Weglarz is a solid under-the-radar buy. Especially given the fact that he doesn't have many cards in circulation.
Key Nick Weglarz Baseball Cards:
- 2005 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2008 Donruss Threads Auto #/999
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Posted on 02 December 2008
H/W: 6-2 190 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 9/6/85
Iorg shook off some rust in '08 after spending the better part of the previous two years serving on a Mormon mission in Portugal. The Tigers challenged Iorg by placing him at High-A Lakeland where he hit .251 with 10 HR 47 RBI and 22 SB in 99 games. Iorg is a 5-tool player who should hit for a solid average and develop 15-20 HR at the major league level. Iorg has above average speed that he utilizes well on the basepaths and his quick first step gives him plus range at shortstop. Iorg is a hard worker and his major league bloodlines gives him a solid makeup and baseball IQ. The major weaknesses in Iorg's game is his lack of plate discipline which saw Iorg punch out 111 times while earning just 35 walks. Much of that may have been due to his rustiness from a long layoff, but it bears watching for 2009. The Tigers are quite high on Cale's ability to be their SS of the future.
2009 Projection: The Tigers will likely move Cale to AA Erie for the 2009 season as the everyday SS. Expect better numbers across the board from Iorg this season though the Eastern League is a difficult league for hitters. If Iorg can sharpen his plate discipline, he could wind up being a solid #2 hitter with good gap power in a MLB lineup. His 2007 Donruss Elite Extra autos are limited to just 397 copies and, at $5-6 each, are solid prognosticative values.
Key Cale Iorg Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/397
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Auto
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Posted on 24 November 2008
H/W: 6-2 205 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 12/25/88
By examining the stats, it is easy to sum up Hamilton's 2008 season. The former supplemental 1st round pick was challenged by the Tigers as he began the season at full season Low-A West Michigan where he struggled mightily with his control and confidence. Once the short season Gulf League began, Hamilton was sent there to work out his issues and he became an entirely different pitcher. Stuffwise, Hamilton has lots to be optimistic about. His fastball sits at 90-93 MPH, though it could a couple of notches as he matures and his nasty 80-82 MPH curveball is thought to be the best offspeed pitch in the entire Tigers system. Combined with an average changeup, Hamilton has the stuff to be a solid #2 pitcher down the road. His frame looks to be durable and strong enough to handle a 200 inning work load and his mechanics are said to be smooth and clean. Command of his pitches and poise are the major areas that Hamilton needs to work on in order to fulfill his potential.
2009 Projection: Hamilton will likely get another crack at full season Western Michigan in 2009. Expect him to build on his successful GCL campaign and keep an eye on his BB/K numbers. The Tigers would be best served to take their time with Hamilton, resisting the temptation to develop him at the same speed as future ace Rick Porcello. In the long run, this move could pay considerable dividends reviving values of his 2008 Donruss Threads autographs.
Key Brandon Hamilton Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2008 Donruss Threads Gold Auto #/972
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Posted on 21 November 2008
H/W: 6-2 205 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 11/23/86
Snyder has progressed well after struggling with injuries and plate discipline woes early in his professional career. This season Snyder played at High-A Frederick hitting .315 with 13 HR 80 RBI and 33 doubles. Snyder really heated up after the All-Star break hitting .357 with 9 HR and 36 RBI in 53 games. Snyder has good bat speed and emerging opposite field power. His 33 doubles demonstrates that more HR power will develop as he builds onto his solid 6-2 205 lb. frame. Snyder is a good athlete who was drafted as a catcher but should be an above average 1B in the field. One area that Snyder will need to continue to address is his approach at the plate where he garnered a 29 BB/83 K ratio. A 100% increase in his walk totals and HR production would vault him into the elite class of 1B prospects. While that seems like a tall expectation, Snyder's raw hitting ability could easily produce those numbers within the next season or two.
2009 Projection: Snyder has continued his fine hitting in the Arizona Fall League, batting .328 with 4 HR 10 RBI and 7 doubles in just 58 AB. He will likely start 2009 at AA Bowie and it will be critical for him to continue his torrid offensive production that he exhibited in the second half of the season. Current Orioles 1B Aubrey Huff is scheduled to become a free agent after the 2009 season. The Orioles would love to see Snyder develop into a solid replacement by next season. Don't be surprised to see Brandon get some September AB's at Camden Yards in '09.
Key Brandon Snyder Baseball Cards:
- 2005 Bowman Chrome Draft Brandon Snyder
- 2005 Bowman Sterling Brandon Snyder
- 2005 Topps Brandon Snyder Rookie Cup Auto
- 2006 Bowman Chrome Brandon Snyder Auto
- 2006 Bowman Sterling Brandon Snyder Auto
- 2006 Bowman Heritage Brandon Snyder Auto
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Posted on 18 November 2008
H/W: 6-1 185 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 4/8/87
Hellickson pitched at two levels including a dominant early season stint at High-A Vero Beach where he went 7-1 with a 2.00 ERA and a Greg Maddux-like 5 BB/83 K in 76.2 IP. Hellickson struggled initially at AA Montgomery losing in 4 of his first 5 outings before going on a hot streak where he struck out at least 5 hitters in each of his last 10 starts. Hellickson has a 92-94 MPH fastball and a big breaking curve ball that keeps hitters off balance. His control is the best in the Rays' system and his delivery is clean and consistent. Hellickson threw 152 innings this year which should put to rest questions about his durability. He does still need to keep his fastball down as he allowed 22 HR this year and a .292 BA against AA hitters.
2009 Projection: Hellickson will likely begin the '09 season at AA Montgomery again in hopes that he gets off to the same hot start that he did at Vero Beach last season. If all goes well, he should get a promotion to AAA. Much like fellow prospect Wade Davis, Hellickson may find himself having to wait for an oppportunity to pitch in the talented Rays rotation. When he does, Hellickson has all the makings of a #1 or #2 starter.
Key Jeremy Hellickson Baseball Cards:
- 2006 Bowman Chrome Prospects
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Posted on 17 November 2008
H/W: 5-9 165 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 5/3/88
Revere had a splendid season at Low-A Beloit, flirting with .400 for most of the summer before being shut down in mid-August with an ankle injury. Revere finished hitting .379 with 28 extra base hits and 44 SB in 57 attempts. Revere is one of the fastest players in the minor leagues whose line drive swing sprays the ball very well to all fields. Revere has impeccable hand-eye coordination which makes him very tough to strike out. Defensively, Revere's speed gives him above average CF range and his arm is average. Revere is lauded for his makeup and work ethic which has been characterized as being "elite". It is unclear of how much power Revere will develop as a pro as he hit only one HR this year. Additionally, while he is tough to strike out, Revere only Read the full story
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Posted on 16 November 2008
H/W: 6-2 185 lb. B/T: L/L DOB: 12/21/88
Intrigue abounds with this young prospect. Duffy has been nothing short of dominant since being drafted by the Royals in the 3rd round in 2007. He has a nice 90-93 MPH fastball that can reach 95 at times and could well add more velocity as he builds strength. Additionally, he has improved his power curveball and is no longer afraid to pitch inside to hitters. Duffy exhibited much better control this season walking 25 hitters in 86.1 IP.
Duffy does have some kinks in his delivery Read the full story
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Posted on 15 November 2008
H/W: 6-1 210 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 1/5/86
Arencibia is another fast track Blue Jays slugger who had an immensely successful '08 campaign with a .298 27 HR 105 RBI line that included 36 doubles between High-A Dunedin and AA New Hampshire. Arencibia is a powerfully built, aggressive hitter who has big time home run power to all fields. He is also a very good defender with a strong arm and solid mobility behind the dish. The big caveat in Arencibia's game is his Read the full story
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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 15 November 2008
H/W: 5-11 245 lb. B/T: L/L DOB: 2/2/88
Travis Snider was as well traveled as any prospect this season, playing at four different stops during the 2008 season. The icing on the cake was his impressive September showing with the Toronto Blue Jays in which he hit .301 with 2 HR and 13 RBI in 24 games.
Snider's 5-11 245 lb. body is a power producing machine that has drives balls out of any part of the ballpark with ease. His bat speed and strength are eye popping and his competitive makeup is spectacular. As a defender, Snider is deceptively athletic and his strong arm will play well in RF. Like many young power hitters, Snider strikes out in bunches (154 times this season) though his plate discipline is improving as he sees more professional pitching. Snider's bulk may be a concern as he ages. He is physically maxed out and his athleticism may wane as he ages. Snider will need to keep refining his approach at the plate to avoid becoming a one-dimensional slugger like Matt Stairs or Rob Deer.
2009 Projection: Snider should find himself in Toronto's starting lineup on opening day as the team's LF. Many would project Snider to be one of the leading pre-season candidates for A.L. Rookie of the Year, which could provide added pressure on him to perform early. If Snider can steer clear of an early season slump he could put up some award winning numbers. Snider has a legitimate shot at putting up Evan Longoria type numbers, which could cause his already popular 2007 Bowman Sterling autographs to experience substantial growth.
Key Travis Snider Baseball Cards:
- 2006 Bowman Chrome Draft Travis Snider
- 2007 Bowman Sterling Travis Snider Auto
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Posted on 15 November 2008
H/W: 6-3 210 lb. B/T: L/L DOB: 3/19/88
The Dodgers just couldn't wait to usher in the Clayton Kershaw era as they promoted him from AA Jacksonville to make his major league debut on May 25th. Kershaw, just two months removed from his 20th birthday was outstanding, pitching 6 innings and allowing just 2 runs on 5 hits while striking out 7. Kershaw struggled with his control this season walking 52 in 107 IP, but he seemed to get better as the season progressed, winning 5 of his last 7 decisions. Kershaw's stuff is nothing short of legendary. He features a 95-97 MPH fastball and his curveball may be one of baseball's best...ever. Kershaw is a tough competitor and has a top notch Read the full story
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Posted on 15 November 2008
H/W: 6-4 245 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 1/24/86
Flowers had a solid season at High-A Myrtle Beach hitting .288 with 17 HR 88 RBI and a league-high 98 walks. Flowers has a massive frame that should produce 25-30 HR power at the major league level. If he sticks as a catcher, this would make him an All-Star, though it is quite possible that he will have to move to a corner infield position as Brian McCann is firmly entrenched as the leader of the Braves' battery. Flowers has enough athleticism to make the move to 1B or 3B and the move may be better for him in the long run as he has already had a knee surgery. One caveat to Flowers' game is his 50 game suspension for the use of PED's that he served at the beginning of the '07 season. Flowers, for his part, admitted to the mistake saying that he used bad judgment as a member of Chipola CC's baseball team. Braves officials seem to be satisfied with the progress that Flowers has made since the suspension.
2009 Projection: Flowers has absolutely hammered Arizona Fall League pitching to the tune of a .385 BA with a league leading 10 HR 18 RBI and 20 runs scored. Expect his '09 debut to be with AAA Gwinnett and, if he can continue to replicate his promising numbers, a trip to Atlanta is imminent. Flowers' first year autographs in the 2008 Donruss Threads set are immensely popular and should continue as he blossoms into a major league slugger.
Key Tyler Flowers Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Donruss Threads Auto #/999
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Posted on 15 November 2008
H/W: 6-2 190 lb. B/T: L/L DOB:1/22/85
Cousins spent the first part of the season battling injuries at High-A Jupiter. When he returned to action, he hit well (.304 9 HR 29 RBI 11 SB in 194 AB) before earning a late season promotion to Carolina where he hit .264 with a HR and 9 RBI. Cousins has a 5-tool skill set with a smooth left-handed swing that produces above average power, and his speed is well above average, though he is still learning how to read pitchers Cousins has great range and above average arm strength that could serve him well in either CF or RF. Moving forward, Cousins still needs Read the full story
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H/W: 6-2 165 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 4/4/90
