Posted on 01 April 2009
H/W: 5-11 245 lb. B/T: S/R DOB: 8/11/86
The switch hitting former catcher broke out in a big way in 2008, tormenting pitchers at both High-A San Jose and AA Connecticut for a .350 BA with 20 HR 96 RBI, 90 runs scored and 38 doubles in just 112 games. Sandoval earned a promotion to San Francisco where he didn't miss a beat, hitting .345 with 3 HR 24 RBI and 10 doubles in 145 AB. Sandoval has a lightning-quick bat that produces easy power from both sides of the plate. He makes excellent contact, but doesn't work counts as effectively as someone with his potent bat should. Last season Sandoval combined to walk just 35 times in nearly 600 AB. Defensively, the rotund Sandoval is quite mobile at both infield corner positions, earning just one error in 179 chances. He has excellent arm strength and soft hands ideal for the hot corner.
2009 Projection: All signs point to Sandoval having a huge first full season as a major leaguer. He has hit almost .450 this spring with excellent XBH power and solid plate discipline. The main concern with Sandoval going forward will be his weight, as heavier set players have increased difficulties staying healthy over the course of a 162 game season. His bat, though, is for real and has all the look and functionality of a switch-hitting Edgar Martinez. The Giants are an organization filled with younger talent waiting to blossom. Sandoval will be one of the parties leading the charge very soon.
Key Pablo Sandoval Baseball Cards:
- 2006 Bowman Chrome Prospects
- 2006 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/849
- 2008 Topps Red Hot Rookie REDEMPTION
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft
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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: 6-1 200 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 12/21/83
It was a tale of two seasons for the former Texas Longhorn. Teagarden was truly terrible during his minor league stops at AA Frisco and AAA Oklahoma City, hitting just .211 with 9 HR 22 RBI and 82 K's in 73 games. This performance was good enough to earn him a shot with the Rangers and he responded by tearing the cover off of the ball, hitting .319 with 6 HR 17 RBI and 5 doubles in just 47 AB. Teagarden has widely been recognized as a top-tier defensive catcher with good pop from the right side, He has excellent leadership skills and has made good progress in calling games behind the dish. His plate discipline has waned from its 2007 levels, but he is an intelligent hitter who has the ability to work deep into counts and recognize offspeed pitches. Injuries are a nagging concern for Taylor. He had Tommy John surgery following his '06 season at Texas and missed some time in '08 with shoulder soreness. Aside from those concerns, Teagarden is a throwback catcher with the defensive skills and powerful bat that is an asset to any organization.
2009 Projection: Teagarden looks to be the backup to Jarrod Saltalamacchia this season. There were some murmurs during the offseason that either Teagarden or Salty would be sent to the Red Sox in a deal, but nothing materialized. This is something worth watching, however, as both Taylor and Jarrod are too talented to be backup backstops. Teagarden continues to drive the ball well this spring, but his ability to maintain a good batting average is a mild concern. The Rangers did not make the necessary additions to their pitching staff to become a serious postseason contender this season, but if they can stay in contention in the A.L. West, either Saltalamacchia, Teagarden or slugging savant Max Ramirez could be included in a deal at some point this season.
Key Taylor Teagarden Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Bowman Signs of the Future Auto
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2008 Bowman Sterling Auto
- 2008 Donruss Threads Auto #/475
- 2008 Topps Red Hot Rookie Redemption #18
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Posted on 11 March 2009
H/W: 5-10 180 lb. B/T: L/L DOB: 8/24/83
Brett Gardner got a chance to prove that he was ready to step into the role of leadoff hitter for the Yankees during a 42 game audition. Unfortunately for Gardner, it didn't go very well. He struggled mightily, hitting a paltry .228 with 0 HR 16 RBI and 13 SB in 127 AB. This came on the heels of an immensely successful AAA campaign where he hit .296 with 37 SB and 11 triples in 94 games. Gardner has game changing speed and could steal 40-50 bases per season at the major league level. He is an immensely disciplined hitter who plays at full tilt at the plate and in the field. His power production has been marginal throughout his career as he is more content to slap balls through holes and in gaps for extra bases, but his early returns during spring training has already resulted in 3 HR in just 7 games. Defensively, his excellent speed makes him a very good CF, though his arm is more appropriate in LF. Gardner has all the makings of a solid top of the order hitter but, as expected, the competition in Yankee Stadium is unrelenting. Gardner currently has the inside track at the starting spot and he should perform much at a much better clip than last year's numbers.
2009 Projection: Brett will be in the opening day lineup for the Yankees and has all the makings of a fan favorite. Melky Caberera has all but exhausted his opportunities to start, but his presence, as well as the anticipation for top prospect Austin Jackson, should provide consistent pressure on Gardner to perform. The power uptick he has demonstrated this spring has been a pleasant surprise, but his power ceiling should be in the 8-12 HR range. Keep an eye out for his first MLB autos, as they will likely be quite popular. Until then, his 2005 Bowman Chrome Draft cards are the best (and most valuable) cards on the market.
Key Brett Gardner Baseball Cards:
- 2005 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2008 Bowman Sterling
- 2008 Topps Heritage
- 2008 Topps Chrome Update
- 2008 eTopps
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Posted on 08 February 2009
H/W: 6-6 230 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 12/21/83
The Rangers sent their former 1st round pick to the Philadelpia Phillies for one of their former 1st rounders Greg Golson. Mayberry's minor league development has been slower than expected, but there are still some physical tools present that tantalize and frustrate those who watch him play. His statuesque build is quite athletic, evoking comparisons to Hall of Famer Dave Winfield and All-Star Jermaine Dye. His long swing generates big time power that could surpass 30 HR per season at the major league level. As he has built bulk, his speed has diminished somewhat, but he can still steal the occasional base and should be able to have enough range to stick as a corner outfielder. His arm is accurate and strong, making RF seem like a suitable destination. There are several irritants in Mayberry's game too. He has poor plate discipline (34 BB/106 K) and, while he has worked on shortening his swing, his long arms leaves several holes that advanced pitchers can exploit. He will never hit for a high average and, due to his size, he should continue to lose speed and athleticism as he ages.
2009 Projection: Mayberry did need a change in scenerio, but Philadelphia seems to be a bad fit for him. The world champs signed Raul Ibanez and Jason Werth to multi-year contracts in the off season and the cluster of highly talented OF prospects led by Michael Taylor and Dominic Brown have considerably greater upsides than the junior Mayberry. Chances are that Philly sends him to AAA Ottawa to start the season and, if things go well, he will get a look as a bench player at some point in '09. As the season progresses, don't be surprised to see Mayberry get packaged up in a deal to bring more veteran depth to the Phillies in their quest for a series repeat. This may be what John Jr. needs to revive his once-promising major league career.
Key John Mayberry Jr. Baseball Cards:
- 2005 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto
- 2005 Bowman Sterling Auto
- 2005 Bowman Heritage Auto
- 2005 Topps Chrome Update
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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 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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