Posted on 25 March 2009
H/W: 6-2 190 lb. B/T: L/L DOB: 12/18/89
The Rangers decided to add to their 1B depth with the selection on the Californian prep slugger in the 5th round of the '08 draft. Clark Murphy performed quite well in his first professional action with the Rangers' Arizona Rookie League affiliate, hitting .358 with a HR 21 RBI and 7 doubles in 25 games. Murphy has a rock solid frame and fluid left-handed swing that has already demonstrated good power with wooden bats. His hands move quickly through the ball and he exhibits solid plate discipline (12 BB/19 K in 25 games). Though he is now fully recovered from his quad injury, Murphy still exhibits below average foot speed which should limit his defensive abilities to 1B as a pro. He has exhibited above average footwork and agility around the bag. His arm is more than strong enough for the position as he was an outfielder as a prep player. There are still some mechanical glitches to iron out in his swing. He has a little hitch that occasionally throws off his timing and affects his ability to make consistent contact. This should be something that is completely rectified, allowing for him to more effectively stay back on balls and tap into his considerable raw power.
2009 Projection: Murphy should start at full season Low-A Hickory with future All-Star 1B Justin Smoak beginning at High-A Bakersfield. The thing to watch in Murphy is his power numbers. The odds are good that he will increase his HR output this season, but will it come at the expense of his BB/K ratio? Murphy is stuck in an offensively loaded farm system with exceptional depth at the 1B and OF positions. Expect the Rangers to bring Murphy along at a prudent pace. If he continues to produce good offensive numbers, there is a good chance that he could be a valuable commodity when the Rangers start looking to add to their pitching depth. Given Texas' rapidly improving odds as a playoff contender, this could happen sooner rather than later.
Key Clark Murphy Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket Auto
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra TOTC Auto #/644
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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: 6-4 220 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 9/29/86
The former 2007 1st rounder had a solid season at AA Midland going 9-6 with a 3.51 ERA and 120 K's in 136 IP. The biggest asset in James Simmons' skill set is his impeccable command. Simmons surrendered just 32 bases on balls last season and allowed just 37 walks in 270 IP during his career at UC Riverside. James' best pitch is his low 90's fastball, which he locates well in all quadrants of the strike zone. He also has a slider, curve and change that are less effective offerings. Simmons tends to pitch to contact quite often and doesn't have dominant enough stuff to put away hitters at times. AA hitters batted .282 against Simmons last year and he induced a less than desirable GO/FO ratio of 0.92. The Athletics are keeping him as a starter right now, but his lack of a breaking pitch and ability to add velocity as a reliever may eventually shift him to the bullpen.
2009 Projection: Simmons is slated to pitch at AAA Sacramento this year with a possibility of earning some MLB innings at some point later in the summer. The A's are flush with better arms in their system (Trevor Cahill, Brett Anderson, Vin Mazzaro, Michel Inoa, Gio Gonzalez) than Simmons', yet he could wriggle his way into the back end of the rotation as soon as next season. The PCL is a difficult place for pitchers, especially flyball pitchers. Watch to see if James can employ better movement on his offspeed pitches and induce more ground ball outs. If he can, he should be able to progress as a starter, and if he doesn't he may find himself eventually relegated to the role of middle reliever.
Key James Simmons Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto
- 2007 Bowman Sterling Auto
- 2007 Donruss Elite Auto #/624
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Posted on 09 March 2009
H/W: 6-1 180 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 11/24/89
The Twins selected the young Puerto Rican OF in the 3rd round of the 2007 draft. After a mediocre '07 season with the Twins' GCL affiliate, Angel Morales came back in '08 and put up big numbers at short season Low-A Elizabethton hitting .301 with 15 HR 28 RBI 7 SB and 33 runs scored in just 183 AB. Morales has fast hands and a powerful swing that exerts excellent torque on balls in the strike zone. His athleticism plays well in every aspect of his game as he is an above average runner and solid OF. The big question mark in his game, at this point is the infamous plate discipline numbers. Last season Morales walked 26 times but punched out 74 times in 56 games. He gets overly aggressive with pitches outside the zone and has difficulty altering his approach against offspeed pitches. Also, there has been some concern that his breakout numbers could be partially inflated by the home park that he played in, as many Elizabethton players put up excellent numbers last year. Morales batted .333 at home and .275 on the road, but his power numbers were almost identical 8 HR at home vs. 7 on the road). There is a great deal to like about Morales, but much of it is raw and merely projectible at this point.
2009 Projection: Angel Morales will be gearing up for his first full season of baseball at Low-A Beloit. This should provide a good challenge for him to prove that his breakout season is authentic. Watch the K numbers this year. Last season's average of nearly 1.5 per game will not be acceptable at higher levels, making that .300 BA an outlier. The Twins will be working with Morales to get him to keep his hips closed and hands back longer, this should help him see the ball for just a bit longer and utilize the entire field when he hits. Morales has quick enough hands that he should be able to make this transition without negatively affecting his power numbers.
Key Angel Morales Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Playoff Contenders Auto
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Posted on 06 March 2009
H/W: 6-0 185 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 8/26/86
The young Venezuelan's skills took a significant leap forward last season at AA Frisco where he batted .295 with 4 HR 65 RBI 54 SB and 82 runs scored. Andrus is an elite SS prospect with a line drive bat and speed that could net him 40-50 SB per season at the major league level. He has not developed much XBH pop yet, but he is projected to become a 10-15 HR hitter as he matures. His plate discipline continues to be an area that needs work. Last season Andrus earned a 38 BB/91 K ratio which, while not agredious, is still a bit lopsided for a top of the order hitter. Defensively, he is a dynamic player with excellent range, a cannon arm, and a penchant for making dazzling plays. Conversely, Andrus committed 32 errors last season with many of them being on more routine plays. Those within the Rangers' organization rave about his intangibles. He is a dilligent worker who is driven to excel and his makeup is uncanny for someone of his age. He strives to be a leader on the field and in the clubhouse in the mold of his favorite player, Derek Jeter. The Rangers can only hope that their young shortstop can follow the same career path.
2009 Projection: The Rangers made big news when they informed All-Star and Gold Glove SS Michael Young that he would be moving to 3B to make room for Andrus at the start of the '09 season. This bold maneuver speaks volumes of the favor that Elvis has curried within the organization in a short amount of time. While his future is bright, don't be surprised to see Andrus struggle out ot the gate. He is just 20 years old, has not had an AB above AA and still has some raw spots in both his offensive and defensive game.
Key Elvis Andrus Baseball Cards:
- 2006 Bowman Chrome Prospects
- 2006 Bowman Sterling
- 2006 Bowman Heritage
- 2006 Bowman Originals
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2008 Bowman Sterling Auto
- 2008 Donruss Threads Auto #/465
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Posted on 06 March 2009
H/W: 6-3 215 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 3/28/85
Tabbed by many as the Yankees' closer of the future, the former Arizona Wildcat did his part to confirm that honored distinction by breezing through three separate minor league stops from High-A Tampa to AAA Scranton-Wilkes Barre. Melancon went 8-1 with a 2.27 ERA and 22 BB/89 K in 95 IP. His fastball sits at 92-95 MPH and his hammer-like curveball is quite effective at inducing groundball outs (1.54/FO in '08). Melancon has an intensely competitive demeanor on the mound which goes a long way towards intimidating hitters. He is a hard worker on and off the field and has all of the intangibles to be a highly successful closer. Team officials have been concerned about Melancon's strenuous delivery and continue to tinker with it to take some of the effort and stress out of it in order to diminish his risk of injuries in the future. Mariano Rivera is on the finishing rounds of his legendary career and Melancon is the top candidate to fill a very big pair of shoes.
2009 Projection: While Melancon seems to be ready for a definitive role in the Yankees' bullpen, it is more likely that he will be back at AAA to await his opportunity. The Yankees seem to be well stocked with good power arms in their bullpen, but a solid spring turned in by Melancon should open some eyes for opportunities later in the season. His predecessor, Super Mariano, shows no signs of slowing down and the Yankees have him under contract through the 2010 season. That should give Melancon plenty of time to nestle into a regular relief role with New York, increasing his odds of being the closer for the Bronx Bombers in 2011.
Key Mark Melancon Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto
- 2008 Bowman Sterling Auto
- 2008 Donruss Elite Collegiate Patches Auto #/240
- 2008 Donruss Threads Diamond Kings
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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 05 March 2009
H/W: 6-2 200 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 3/11/88
The 20 year old Dominican struggled mightily at full season Low-A Great Lakes hitting just .178 with 1 HR and 16 RBI in 185 AB. The Dodgers promptly sent him back down to short season Ogden where he acclimated himself much better, batting .267 with 12 HR 50 RBI and 20 doubles in 247 AB. Baez has prolific power that emanates from his smooth right handed swing and accelerated bat speed. He profiles as an agile and sure handed defensive player, though his defensive numbers took a large step back after his demotion (20 errors in 196 chances). Baez has a howitzer for an arm, but still struggles to make accurate throws. The main cause for his early season struggles at the plate is due almost exclusively to his raw plate discipline. Baez walked 17 times while whiffing 45 times and his discipline declined after his demotion (18 BB/69 K). There are some good tools that the Dodgers have to work with in this youngster and their history of refining raw international talents lends optimism to Baez's future going forward. However, there is a great deal of work that needs to be done to propel this young player to a more noteworthy status as as top prospect.
2009 Projection: Pedro will give Great Lakes another try this season in hopes that he has a more patient and disciplined approach at the plate. If he is able to work counts more effectively, Baez should be able to make some significants strides this season. This will be important for him as the Dodgers have a couple of other fine 3B prospects (Josh Bell, Austin Gallagher, and even Blake DeWitt) that will compete for the right to play the hot corner at Chavez Ravine in future seasons.
Key Pedro Baez Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Prospects
- 2008 Playoff Contenders Auto
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Posted on 03 March 2009
H/W: 6-4 215 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 3/11/86
The Oral Roberts alum increased his stock significantly with an excellent showing at Low-A Fort Wayne last season going 10-5 with a 3.33 ERA and 43 BB/150 K in 145 IP. Hefner controls his three pitches quite well, an 89-91 MPH fastball, a sweeping slider, and a heavy changeup that he uses effectively against LH hitters. Hefner pounds all quadrants of the strike zone with excellent command, though his stuff is not overpowering and, with the exception of his change, lacks the deceptive movement that he'll need to be effective against more advanced hitters. Hefner is a cerebral competitor who has a heightened concept of how to get hitters out and his competitive demeanor helps him get the most out of his stuff on the hill. There is some projectibility left in his tall, strong body that could continue his trend to add more velocity to his heater. That would serve him well as he progresses.
2009 Projection: Hefner got a brief glimpse of High-A ball with his one outing at Lake Elsinore. He will be pitching there quite a bit more this season. The California League should provide a good test for Hefner's progress as a pitching prospect. He has been working on a two seam fastball to incorporate more movement on his pitches. If he can effectively mix that with his heavy change, there is ample reason to believe that he will continue to have success in 2009. Watch his GO/FO ratio as it was under 1.00 last year. Also keep an eye on his ability to dominate hitters. His averaged more than a K/9 innings last season, but he will be hard pressed to continue that trend as he advances. Hefner has three solidly commandable pitches that should serve him well in the #3 or #4 spot in a MLB rotation someday.
Key Jeremy Hefner Baseball Cards:
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Posted on 02 March 2009
H/W: 6-5 205 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 8/7/86
The White Sox were elated to see the lanky Longhorn fall to them in the 5th round of the 2008 draft. Immediately after signing, Danks was sent to full season Low-A Kanapolis where he batted .325 with 2 HR 7 RBI and 10 runs scored in 10 games. He continued to impress during his brief stint in the Arizona Fall League hitting .302 with a HR 7 RBI and 3 SB in 18 games. Long and lean, Danks has excellent athleticism and speed that serves him well in CF and on the bases. Coming out of high school, Danks was projected to develop into a power hitter, but that skill never manifested itself during his time with the University of Texas. Instead, he employs a short, quick stroke from the left side which produces hits to the gaps and the occasional long ball. Danks allows for the ball to travel deep into the strike zone which gives him a little more time to see a pitch. As a result, his plate discipline is quite advanced and he feels comfortable working deep into counts. There is quite a bit of projectibility left in his frame and with some adjustments to his swing, he could become more of a power hitter in the future.
2009 Projection: Danks' build and overall game is almost identical to Cincinnati Reds prospect and fellow Longhorn Drew Stubbs. The White Sox will probably send him to High-A Winston-Salem for the start of the '09 season and if things go well, a move to AA Birmingham is by no means out of the question. Watch to see how Danks' game evolves this season. He is a player that could develop as a tall, athletic top of the order player a la Dexter Fowler or he could tap into his power potential and become more of a mid-lineup player that hits 20+ HR per season. Either way, Jordan has an exciting batch of skills that should continue to bloom over the next couple of seasons as he works his way to meet up with his brother, John, in Chicago.
Key Jordan Danks Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/254
- 2008 Playoff Contenders Auto #/354
- 2008 Razor Signature Series Auto #/1499
- 2008 UD Team USA Jersey Auto
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft
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Posted on 26 February 2009
H/W: 6-4 200 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 11/26/84
In an all too disturbing trend, Adam Miller's 2008 season was limited to just 6 games due to nagging injuries in, of all places, his fingers. Miller tore a tendon in his finger that required surgery and months of rehab. This latest digital malady followed the strains in his tendons and, gulp, holes in his skin that plagued him throughout the 2007 season. When healthy, Miller deals some serious heat, sporting a fastball that touches 100 MPH on the radar gun. Complimenting that is a high 80's violent slider that has all the makings of a knockout pitch. Miller locates both plus pitches well to all parts of the zone. Miller's third pitch, a changeup, shows some promise, but his time away has kept him from refining his arm speed and slot for the pitch. The best bet scenario for Miller at this point seems to be as a late inning reliever, and eventually a closer. This would limit the amount of duress that he would put his arm and fingers through while making the best use of his two plus-plus pitches. The Indians have not ruled out the notion of eventually transitioning him back to starting games. Miller is just 24 years old and still full of potential to be an elite pitcher at either the front or back ends of games.
2009 Projection: Miller has kept his velocity up during his healthy Dominican Winter League stretch. The Indians signed Kerry Wood in the off season to fulfill the role of closer, but the door has been left wide open for Miller to nestle into the set up role and, eventually, the closer role. Undoubtedly, health is key for Miller's success. Fortunately, the injuries he suffered are not ones that put unnecessary mileage on his arm. If Adam struggles in the early going with his command, the Tribe may decide to send him to AAA Buffalo for some more work. He will be with the big club at some point this season and should delight the Jacobs Field masses with his own three digit version of "Radar Love"
Key Adam MIller Baseball Cards:
- 2003 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2003 UD Prospect Premieres
- 2007 Bowman's Best Auto
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Posted on 21 February 2009
H/W: 6-5 205 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 9/10/88
Despite a disappointing statistical 2008 season at High-A Frederick (.248 7 HR 50 RBI 24 doubles), there are some positive things to take out of Rowell's development. He cut his K rate down to less than one per game while boosting his walk totals from 31 in '07 to 36. The former AFLAC High School All-American also improved defensively, boosting his fielding percentage from .888 to .925. Rowell has big time power potential and a sweet left-handed swing that should hit for a good average as well. His bat speed is well above average and his competitive drive should compell him to make the necessary improvements in his approach at the plate to make the necessary improvements in his plate discipline. In light of his improvements, there is some concern about Rowell's ability to remain a third baseman. His size and footspeed may prove to be detrimental to his range and a future on the other infield corner seems to be a more likely destination. There is still a great deal of projectibility in this young 20 year old, and the Orioles have no doubt that it will manifest itself into on-field production very soon.
2009 Projection: Rowell's stint at Frederick was somewhat lackluster and, given his age, an encore appearance their to begin the season seems to be the most prudent short term option. Keep tabs on the power numbers from Mr. Rowell this season. If he can find translate that sweet swing into some long balls, a promotion to AA Bowie in the second half is not out of the question. The primary goal for both Billy Rowell and the Orioles, however, should be to put 2008 in the rear view mirror and start cultivating the abundance of potential that made Rowell a 2006 1st round pick. There are plenty of reasons to believe that will happen in 2009.
Key Billy Rowell Baseball Cards:
- 2005 Bowman Draft AFLAC Redemption
- 2006 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2006 Bowman Sterling Auto
- 2006 Bowman Heritage
- 2007 Bowman's Best Auto
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Posted on 16 December 2008
H/W: 5-11 175 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 10/10/86
The Pirates #1 prospect had another solid season in '08 batting .283 with 9 HR 50 RBI 34 SB and 75 runs scored at AAA-Indianapolis. It came as a surprise to everyone, including McCutchen, that he was not called up to the big league club in September. In addition to his outstanding athleticism, Andrew showed a marked improvement in his plate discipline, as testified by his 68 BB/87 K ratio. McCutchen has all of the tools to be an all-star centerfielder for years to come, yet the Bucs continue to stall his progress. Perhaps this has something to do with some questions about McCutchen's maturity, he is a supremely confident individual who plays the game with swagger and aggressiveness. This has often led to lapses in judgement on the basepaths and inconsistencies at the plate. Others feel that McCutchen's delayed MLB debut is purely a maneuver by the Pirates to delay the start of his arbitration eligibility clock.
2009 Projection: Rumor has it that both McCutchen and 3B prospect Neil Walker will begin the season back at Indianapolis to start the '09 season. The Bucs are quite pleased with the progress of current CF Nate McClouth, and are interested in seeing what last year's acquisition Brandon Moss has to offer. McCutchen has a history of taking very well to new challenges and it seems very reasonable to expect that he will come into spring training ready to force his way into the opening day lineup. Watch his power numbers as last season's showing was a little disappointing for someone with his quick bat and wiry strength. If he can bump up to the 15-20 HR range, McCutchen could develop into an elite leadoff hitter by 2010.
Key Andrew McCutchen Baseball Cards:
- 2005 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2005 Bowman Sterling Jersey/Auto
- 2005 Bowman Heritage Auto
- 2005 Topps Chrome Update Auto
- 2006 Bowman Originals Auto (various serial #'s)
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft
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The Rangers decided to add to their 1B depth with the selection on the Californian prep slugger in the 5th round of the '08 draft. Clark Murphy performed quite well in his first professional action with the Rangers' Arizona Rookie League affiliate, hitting .358 with a HR 21 RBI and 7 doubles in 25 games. Murphy has a rock solid frame and fluid left-handed swing that has already demonstrated good power with wooden bats. His hands move quickly through the ball and he exhibits solid plate discipline (12 BB/19 K in 25 games). Though he is now fully recovered from his quad injury, Murphy still exhibits below average foot speed which should limit his defensive abilities to 1B as a pro. He has exhibited above average footwork and agility around the bag. His arm is more than strong enough for the position as he was an outfielder as a prep player. There are still some mechanical glitches to iron out in his swing. He has a little hitch that occasionally throws off his timing and affects his ability to make consistent contact. This should be something that is completely rectified, allowing for him to more effectively stay back on balls and tap into his considerable raw power.
