Posted on 21 March 2009
H/W: 6-2 170 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 12/14/88
Michael Main pitched like a 1st rounder last season, combining to go 3-3 with a 2.76 ERA and 13 BB/65 K per 58.2 IP between Texas' Arizona Rookie League affiliate and full season Low-A Clinton. A nationally renowned two way player as a high schooler, Main is a very good athlete who features a 92-94 MPH fastball and high 70's power curve to strike out hitters in bunches. His changeup is a bit raw at this time and his curveball can be inconsistent at times. Main tends to be a flyball pitcher, which is a dangerous proposition when the Ballpark in Arlington is your future home. That said, he commands his fastball very well and attacks hitters with great confidence. His frame is strong for its size and should project to build some more bulk as he matures. This should help him to add stamina and, perhaps, a couple of digits to the velocity to his already plus fastball.
2009 Projection: The Rangers are overflowing with top quality arms in their farm system with Neftali Feliz, Derek Holland, Martin Perez, Blake Beavan, Kasey Kiker, and Neil Ramirez. Main fits right in the middle of that list, but his curveball and changeup need to develop more consistency or else he could find himself being developed as a power reliever. Keep an eye on this as he pitches at High-A Bakersfield this year. The California League is a difficult one for young pitchers, especially young flyball pitchers. If he can develop some more depth to his offspeed offerings, he should be able to avoid some of the attrition that seems to be awaiting him. If not, he could struggle with this promotion and find himself back at Clinton. Long term, his highly valuable arm will play in the major leagues in some capacity.
Key Michael Main Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto
- 2007 Bowman Sterling Auto
- 2007 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/794
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft AFLAC Auto
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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 17 January 2009
H/W: 6-0 195 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 6/13/86
Lucroy split his 2008 season between Low-A West Virginia and High-A Brevard County hitting .301 with 20 HR 77 RBI 28 doubles and 78 runs scored. A 3rd round pick in '07, this Louisiana-Lafayette alum is a complete hitter that drives the ball well to all fields and has a good feel for the strike zone (58 BB/84 K). Prior to being drafted, there was a good deal of skepticism about Lucroy's abilities behind the plate. The concerns were related to his lack of arm strength and accuracy. Actions speak louder than words, however, as Lucroy nabbed 45% of potential base stealers last year and earned a solid .989 fielding %. In addition, his game calling skills and leadership intangibles are highly regarded within the Brewers' system. Angel Salome's sterling AA season has placed him at the top of the organization's depth chart, but Lucroy is closing the gap....quickly.
2009 Projection: Like Salome last season, Lucroy will get his shot at AA Huntsville. The key for Lucroy this season is to keep doing what he did all of last season, that is hit for average and power, and play great defense. If he can do this with regularity, a move to AAA Nashville may happen at some point in '09. The Brewers are going to give Salome a shot to be the opening day catcher in spring training. While he is more athletic than Lucroy, his is less polished as a hitter and defender. Odds are that this job will be Lucroy's at some point in 2010.
Key Jonathan Lucroy Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2007 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/500
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Posted on 12 January 2009
H/W: 6-0 205 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 8/10/87
Seemingly every franchise has to have its high-upside offensive catching prospect nowadays and, for the Minnesota Twins, Wilson Ramos is it. Putting on 15 lb. of muscle in the off season enabled the young Venezuelan to have his best season to date hitting .288 with 13 HR 78 RBI and 23 doubles. Ramos has above average bat speed and a level swing plane that allows for him to hit with power to the gaps. He is a good athlete whose mobility behind the plate and strong arm makes him a superior defensive catcher as well. Ramos has the potential to hit for a high average, but his plate disicpline (37 BB/103 K) threatens to severely hamper him against more advanced pitching. The Twins are optimistic that he can improve in that area and, with franchise player Joe Mauer calling the signals for the Twins, Ramos has ample time to refine his tools.
2009 Projection: The next stop for the young Venezuelan receiver is AA New Britian where he should be challenged. The BB/K rate is the big thing to watch from him. If he can convert 15-20 of his K's into walks, he should be able to maintain a .280-.290 average. If he continues to struggle, that average could dip into the .250-.260 range, severely hampering his status as a potential top catching prospect.
Key Wilson Ramos Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Donruss Threads Auto #/999
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/745
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Posted on 29 December 2008
H/W: 6-1 195 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 10/20/86
The Mets took the University of South Carolina shortstop with the 22nd pick in the '08 draft after he had a breakout season with the Gamecocks hitting .359 with 18 HR 57 RBI and 76 runs scored in just 63 games. Havens has a strong athletic body and excellent bat speed that drives the ball to the gaps with enough power to hit 12-18 HR at the big league level. In college, Havens demonstrated spectacular plate discipline (58 BB/44 K), but his brief stint with short season Brooklyn rendered less positive results (11 BB/ 27 K in 23 games). Defensively, Havens has good instincts, soft hands, and a strong enough arm to play 3B, which may come in handy as his below average foot speed limits his range and may force Reese to find a new infield position down the road.
2009 Projection: Havens will start the '09 season at Low-A Savannah with a move to High-A St. Lucie quite likely if he finds success in the early going. Havens needs to rediscover his plate discipline that he displayed last season at USC. If he can boost his BB/K ratio and keep his SLG% above .450, Havens should find himself on the fast track to New York. Also, the Mets are loaded with top-flight talents on the left side of the infield but, aside from Greg Veloz, there are not real 2B talents. Don't be surprised if the Mets decide to shift Havens over there in the future.
2008 Key Reese Havens Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Razor Signature Series Auto #/1199
- 2008 Razor Exclusive Auto
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Posted on 25 December 2008
H/W: 6-2 170 lb. B/T: S/R DOB: 10/2/89
The Twins' 1st round pick had an immensely successful debut with Minnesota's GCL affiliate hitting .318 with 4 HR 27 RBI 12 SB and 32 runs scored in just 45 games. Hicks has incredible athleticism and tools galore with above average power potential from both sides of the plate, top rate speed, and an arm that fired mid-90's fastballs as a high school pitcher. To the surprise of many MLB scouts, Hicks demonstrated advanced skills in plate discipline (28 BB/32 K) and base stealing savvy (12 SB in 14 attempts), once thought to be weaknesses in his game. Hicks has the ability to run down any ball in the OF gaps, though he still needs to work on taking more precise routes. The Twins couldn't be happier with the early returns from Hicks and the biggest challenge for him will be to replicate these numbers over a full season.
2009 Projection: Aaron has certainly earned a trip to full season Low-A Beloit. Watch to see if Hicks can continue to put up sterling BB/K ratios while increasing his power output. With Ben Revere excelling as the Twins' future CF, it will be important for Hicks to boost his power production to an acceptable level to be a RF. Of course, there is always the possibility the Minnesota would develop Hicks as their future CF, moving Revere over to LF. Either way, Hicks has the projectible strength and athleticism to hit 15-20 HR with a high average at the MLB level. Twins fans rejoice!
Key Aaron Hicks Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Razor Signature Series Auto #/699
- 2008 Razor Exclusive Auto
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Posted on 25 December 2008
H/W: 5-9 180 lb. B/T: S/R DOB: 1/26/87
In selecting this Miami Hurricane, the Oakland A's bucked their customary trend of drafting Moneyball-type players. Jemile, the younger brother of Milwaukee Brewer 2B Rickie Weeks, is a speedy, top of the lineup hitter with a slender frame and little pop. Weeks demonstrated his collegiate polish in his pro debut by hitting .297 with 1 HR 8 RBI 6 SB and a 19 BB/18 K ratio. Profiled orginally as a 2B, Jemile's skill set is more appropriate for CF where his stellar speed can be utilized and his stiff infield mechanics will not be exploited. Some scouts are concerned about Weeks' lack of strength, thinking that it will hamper his power output and, perhaps, make him more susceptible to injuries down the road. The A's, though, are excited about the potential for Weeks to become the top of the lineup catalyst that has eluded them in years past.
2009 Projection: Given that Weeks was jettisoned to full season Low-A Kane County after signing, he should continue to be challenged by the A's organization by beginning the '09 season with High-A Stockton in the California League. The biggest things to watch for out of Weeks is his ability to produce a high batting average, lots of runs scored and stolen bases this next season. If he can continue to work counts with the same effectiveness that he did at Kane County and increase his power output to 10-15 HR this season, Weeks should move very quickly through Oakland's system.
Key Jemile Weeks Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Razor Signature Series Auto #/699
- 2008 Razor Exclusive Auto
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Posted on 19 December 2008
H/W: 6-5 215 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 8/31/90
With a 2nd round pick and $590 K signing bonus, the Philadelphia Phillies were able to lure this tall right hander away from a scholarship at North Carolina. Knapp paid immediate dividends going 3-1 with the Phillies GCL affiliate with a 2.61 ERA and 12 BB/38 K in 31 IP. Armed with a fastball that sits between 94-97 MPH, Knapp has clean mechanics and a strong, projectible frame that should serve him well as a inning-eating starter. Scouts rave at his ability to use his leverage to throw the ball on a downhill plane, making his fastball heavier to hit. While he has a good feel for his offspeed pitches, there is still much room for refining and building arm strength to make them more effective. Knapp has shown early on that he can locate his fastball as he allowed just 1 HR in the Gulf Coast League last season. He is not afraid to go after hitters and has a good competitive demeanor on the mound.
2009 Projection: While he performed good enough to earn a full season nod at full season Low-A Lakewood, the World Champs may decide to hold Knapp back at their extended spring training camp to work more on his off speed pitches before sending him to short season Williamsport. If Knapp earns the nod to full season ball, keep a close eye on his performances. Knapp is an under the radar pitching prospect that has the body and stuff at a young age to be a frontline starter down the road.
Key Jason Knapp Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/999
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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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Posted on 03 December 2008
H/W: 6-5 205 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 11/8/89
Stanton made a big statement in '08 at Low-A Greensboro hitting .293 with 39 HR 97 RBI and 89 runs scored. Stanton has prolific power potential that could easily translate into 40 HR per season at the MLB level. Stanton's tall and strong frame evokes comparisons to Hall of Famer Dave Winfield. Similar to Winfield, Stanton is an extremely good athlete with a strong arm and long strides that cover large swathes of range in RF. Stanton has also shown that he is an intelligent hitter and his work ethic has been lauded by several within the organization. Like many young power hitters, Stanton strikes out in bunches (153 in '08) but his desire to improve and his overall talent should help him to mitigate these numbers as he progresses. Stanton has rapidly become one of baseball's elite OF talents, and he should pair nicely with Cameron Maybin in Miami for many years to come.
2009 Projection: Stanton should begin the season at High-A Jupiter with the potential to jump to AA Jacksonville. Stanton is an elite prospect who should move quickly through the Marlins' farm system. Watch to see how he addresses the challenges of being a fast track player. The power numbers will always be there for Stanton, but watch to see if he can maintain his batting average and decrease his K totals.
Key Michael Stanton Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto
- 2008 Donruss Threads Auto #/465
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Posted on 02 December 2008
H/W: 6-5 200 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 12/27/88
Porcello's first professional season was a resounding success giving Tigers team officials a bit of relief after signing him to a $7 million MLB deal topped with a $3.5 million signing bonus. Porcello pitched the entire season at High-A Lakeland where he compiled an 8-6 record with a 2.66 ERA and an appealing 2.48 GO/FO ratio. Porcello features four MLB-quality pitches including a 92-94 MPH fastball with heavy sink and late movement. He can bump it up to the 96-97 MPH range when needed. His curve has a sharp 12-6 break and his changeup is evolving into a MLB plus pitch. What's more is that Porcello has a good idea how to use them effectively in game settings. Porcello has impeccable control, surrendering just 33 BB and 7 HR in 125 IP to advanced Florida State League hitters. His delivery is clean, balanced and technically sound which should help him to stay healthy, and his long, projectible frame shows promise of building more strength and stamina. Despite his considerable tools and attributes, it was odd to see a low strikeout rate from Porcello. He struck out just 73 hitters in 125 IP. Additionally, Porcello became quite hittable with runners on base, as his ERA jumped from 0.68 w/bases empty to 4.88 w/runners aboard. Both of these could be attested to the fact that Porcello pitched in a highly talented and advanced league at a young age. Rick Porcello is one of baseball's elite young pitchers and his future as Detroit's frontline starter will happen soon.
2009 Projection: Porcello signed a major league contract, which means that barring any unforeseen setbacks the Tigers will aggressively promote him through their system. There are several prognosticators that believe he will wear a Tigers uniform at some point in 2009. A more prudent projection would place him at AA Erie in April with a move to AAA Toledo happening at some point in the middle of the season. If all goes well, he may get some September innings with the big club and a spot in the 2010 rotation seems quite likely. Porcello's first year autographs in the 2008 Donruss Threads and Donruss Elite Extra autos are very popular on eBay right now and should grow in value as Porcello develops into the Tigers' future ace.
Key Rick Porcello Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Donruss Threads Diamond Kings Auto #/500
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/???
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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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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 14 November 2008
H/W: 6-3 215 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 9/9 86
Bowden continued to ascend through Boston's farm system by pitching at three levels in '08, including his successful major league debut where he pitched 5 innings allowing 2 ER on 7 hits with 3 K's en route to his first MLB win. Bowden has three quality pitches including a low-90's fastball, big breaking curveball and fading changeup that all can be effective right now. Bowden has a solid and athletic frame that should handle a 200 inning workload easily. He is a bulldog on the mound who lives and breathes baseball. Bowden may run into Read the full story
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H/W: 6-2 170 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 12/14/88
