Potential Trade Partners Thread

[Greg Pappas]

At the suggestion of a poster (bird watcher), I'll combine what was to be a roughly 15 part series, into one thread, rather than 15 seperate ones.

This is a scouting & prospect report for potential trade partners in all of baseball, focusing on the contenders.

So far I've added the Yankees/Red-Sox/Indians/Tigers/Twins/Angels/Mariners/A's/Mets/Braves/Phillies/Brewers/Cubs/Dodgers and the newly added San Diego Padres AND Arizona Diamondbacks.

This is the first in a series.

New York Yankees; The Yankees may be getting desperate, as they are falling farther off in the hunt for a playoff birth. They need another stabilizing force in their starting pitching staff to go with Clemens/Pettitte/Wang/Mussina. Philip Hughes is a great prospect, but will not return for at least a few more weeks.

The Yanks have glaring holes at both 1B and CF with Damon’s health issues. Bedard, Millar, and Patterson (mainly for defensive reasons), among others could interest the Yankees.

I don’t see any current Major Leaguers on the Yankees roster that would realistically be targets for the O’s in return for their guys. So… here is a brief rundown of their best prospects not named Hughes. Most info from Baseball America.

Jose Tabata - OF - R/R - 5’ 11 160 - Born: Aug. 12, 1988 in Anzonategui, Venez.

Some hitters just seem to be born with the innate ability to get the fat part of the bat to the ball quickly, consistently and with power. That's Tabata. He has the bat speed to catch up to good fastballs and drive any pitch to any part of the park. His other tools are at least average, as he has flashed plus speed and arm strength. His coaches praise his ability to compete and rise to the occasion.

Currently Tabata is at the Yank’s High A affiliate and hitting .309 with a .383 OBP/.380 SLG%/.763 OPS at 18 years old.

Joba Chamberlain - RHP - 6’ 3 225 - Born: Sep. 23, 1985

When the Yankees drafted him 41st overall in the 2006 draft, Joba became the highest-drafted Native American ever. Chamberlain throws four pitches for strikes, and his fastball is his go-to pitch. It sat at 94-97 mph during the Hawaii Winter Baseball season, and he throws it for quality strikes. His slider at times has depth and tilt and can be above-average, while his curveball and changeup are also solid. Chamberlain has the best combination of power and polish among 2006 Yankees draftees and will move quickly if healthy.

Currently Chamberlain is at the Yank’s AA affiliate in Trenton, after dominating High A earlier this season. His current numbers in 21.2 innings (4 starts) at AA are; 3.32 ERA, 4.15 BB/9, 14.96 SO/9, his WHIP is 1.20 and the league is hitting .208 off him.


Ian Kennedy - RHP – 6’ 0 190 – Born: Dec. 19, 1984

Kennedy was the Yankee’s 1st round pick in 2006 out of USC. He has excellent command, particularly for a young pitcher, thanks to his consistent delivery. His command helps his average stuff play up. He spots his fastball, which sits in the upper 80s and touches 92 mph when he's right, and throws a sinking changeup from the same arm slot and with similar arm speed. Even when he's not at his best, Kennedy keeps the ball down and doesn't give up many homers. He's savvy and intelligent and pitches with a plan.

Currently Kennedy (like Chamberlain) is pitching at AA Trenton after dominating at High A.. His current numbers in 26 innings (5 starts) at AA are; 2.77 ERA, 2.77 BB/9, 10.38 SO/9, his WHIP is 1.04 and the league is hitting .202 off him.

**Coming next: Boston Red Sox**

[Greg Pappas]

Part Two in a series.

Boston Red Sox; The Sox are playing well and have a big lead in the AL East. The Red Sox feature an all right-handed starting corps, with Beckett, Schilling (on the DL currently), Matsuzaka, Wakefield and Tavarez. A proven, young vet like Bedard would solidify their staff and help balance the rotation, providing an often dominant lefty to combat the competition.

The ‘Sawx’ just brought up prized CF prospect Jacoby Ellsbury, so they have only one glaring hole offensively, and that would be at short. Julio Lugo, while providing speed, has been a major disappointment with the bat and with their 2B Dustin Pedroia able to man SS, the Red Sox could upgrade at 2B or SS. Ellsbury may also struggle with the bat, so having two spots that hurt with the stick may be too much for even the Red Sox to overcome. Bedard, Roberts, and maybe Payton may interest Boston, among other O’s players.

Like the Yanks, I don’t see any current Major Leaguers on Boston’s roster that would realistically be targets for the O’s in return for their guys. So… here is a brief rundown of their best prospects. Most info from Baseball America.

Clay Buchholz – RHP – 6’ 3 190 – Born: Aug 14, 1984

Buchholz was named Boston's minor league pitcher of the year in 2006, his first full pro season and just his second as a full-time pitcher. Energized by a late-season promotion to high Class A Wilmington, Buchholz dominated and pitched at 95-97 mph during the playoffs. His fastball sat at 90-93 for most of the season, and while it's a plus pitch, at times it's only his fourth-best offering. When he gets ahead in the count, he buries hitters with his secondary pitches. He has the best curveball in the system, a 12-to-6 hammer, and he also can throw a hard slider. Some scouts think his changeup is his best offering.

Buchholz is a possible No. 1 starter. Boston will bring him along conservatively, so he'll probably open 2007 at the club's new high Class A Lancaster affiliate, but he has the stuff to rush through the minors.

Currently Buchholz is pitching at AA Portland, and has been great. His current numbers in 80.1 innings (14 starts) at AA are; 1.79 ERA, 2.13 BB/9, 12.44 SO/9, his WHIP is 0.90 and the league is hitting .187 off him. Personally, he is my favorite pitching prospect still in the minors.

Michael Bowden - RHP - 6’ 3 215 - Born: Sep. 9, 1986

Chosen five picks after Clay Buchholz in the 2005 draft, Bowden pitched with him at two Class A stops in 2006 and showed a similar build, athleticism and stuff. He's not as spectacular as Buchholz, but Bowden has more natural feel for pitching and had an impressive first full season, all two years younger than Buchholz.

Bowden sets hitters up and puts them away with his fastball-curveball combination. His two-plane curve is his best pitch, though his low-90s fastball isn't far behind, and he has the best command in the system. Working from a high arm slot, he throws everything downhill. He's very mature for his age. Boston has handled Bowden carefully because of his youth but envisions him becoming a workhorse No. 2 or 3 starter in time. He'll spend most of 2007 in high Class A and has a big league ETA of mid-2009.

Currently Bowden is struggling at AA Portland, after a dominant stint in High A Lancaster. His current numbers in 40 innings (8 starts) at AA are; 4.95 ERA, 4.05 BB/9, 6.53 SO/9, his WHIP is 1.55 and the league is hitting .272 off him. Not bad for a 19 year old.

Lars Anderson - 1B - L/L - 6’ 5 190 – Born: Sep. 25, 1987

A personal favorite of mine and a player I would have targeted in last year’s draft, Anderson fell to the 18th round over signability issues. Surprise, surprise, he signed with the Red Sox for $825,000.

Anderson doesn't just have tape-measure power, but he generates it with ease. One scout compared him to Carlos Delgado for his ability to flip the barrel at the ball and have it explode off his bat. There's plenty of room for more strength on his 6-foot-5, 190-pound frame, and for a big power hitter he has a short swing and a very good approach. He sees the ball well and uses the opposite field already. He's a solid athlete. He has to put in some time on his defense, though Anderson has the hands and footwork to become at least an average first baseman. Once he fills out, he'll be a below-average runner but shouldn't be a base-clogger. Anderson could make his pro debut in low Class A Greenville as a 19-year-old. The Sox can't wait to see what he does in game action, and he could be hitting in the middle of their order as early as the end of 2009.

Currently Anderson is playing for Low A Greenville and hitting .319 with a .405 OBP/.498 SLG%/.903 OPS.

In part three of the series I’ll move onto the AL Central and the Detroit Tigers.

[Greg Pappas]

Part Three in a series.

Detroit Tigers; The Tigers again are a force to be reckoned with, trailing the Indians by 1.5 games as the All-star game approaches. Detroit has a potentially outstanding starting staff, featuring Bonderman, Rogers, Verlander and rookie Andrew Miller.

The Tigers have only one glaring hole offensively, and that would be at 1B, with Sean Casey and occasionally Marcus Thames manning the spot. Unfortunately the Orioles don’t seem to match up well with Detroit, as we don’t have a true upgrade to offer them at 1B. While a long shot certainly, Roberts, and maybe Payton may interest Detroit, among other O’s players. While Polanco is hitting for a high average at 2B, he offers little else offensively. Roberts could bring a new energy to the Tigers lineup, adding to an already good offensive team.

With the Tigers, any focus for a return would come from their farm system, as I’d expect they’d keep their nucleus and fine collection of power relievers. So here is a brief rundown of some of their best prospects. Though I’ll list Cameron Maybin, it’s highly unlikely Detroit deals him, as Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski declared, “I wouldn’t trade Cameron Maybin straight up for Alfonso Soriano. That’s how much we like him.”

Most info from Baseball America.

Cameron Maybin - OF -6’ 4 205 - Born: April 4, 1987

Maybin has all the tools and, all the more impressive, those tools are well developed at his young age. Managers rated him the MWL's best and fastest baserunner and its most exciting player, and he also drew votes as the top hitting prospect and best defensive outfielder. Though he was considered somewhat raw and played in a tough hitter's park, Maybin hit .304 in his debut, showing more ability to make adjustments and awareness of the strike zone than expected. He has exceptional bat speed and raw power, so he'll be a home run threat as well. Seven of his nine longballs came in the season's last two months. He runs extremely well, both on the bases and in center field, and he succeeded on 27 of his 34 steal attempts. Maybin has a strong arm, and though he should have no difficulty staying in center, he also profiles well for right field. His overall ability has drawn comparisons to that of Mike Cameron and Torii Hunter. Maybin can be an elite player, with the potential to hit somewhere at the top or in the middle of the order.

Currently Maybin is playing for High A Lakeland and in 264 AB’s is hitting .303 with a .397 OBP/.466 SLG%/.863 OPS and has stolen 23 bases.

Jair Jurrjens - RHP - 6’ 1 190 - Born: Jan. 29, 1986

Jurrjens, from Curacao, ended 2006 with a much higher profile than he had at the beginning of the year. He pitched in the World Baseball Classic, reached Double-A at age 20 and was part of the Nationals’ initial trade request during Alfonso Soriano talks. Jurrjens also was involved in an automobile accident, which caused him to go almost two weeks between starts in late July.

The Tigers thought Jurrjens might make a No. 4 starter coming into 2006, but they've revised their hopes upward. He works in the low 90s with the ability to add and subtract from his fastball, which has good life and reaches 97 mph. He has terrific control, especially considering his age. His curveball and changeup improved throughout the season, and now grade out as at least average..

Currently Jurrjens (21) is pitching at AA Erie. His current numbers in 73.2 innings (13 starts) at AA are; 3.54 ERA, 2.81 BB/9, 6.60 SO/9, his WHIP is 1.37 and the league is hitting .272 off him.


In part four of the series I’ll feature the Cleveland Indians.

[Sports Guy]

No way the Tigers trade value to get BRob. It isn't a big need for them.

If they make any trades, it will be for a first baseman and/or BP help(they got Capellan from the Brew Crew today).

[Greg Pappas]

No way the Tigers trade value to get BRob. It isn't a big need for them.

If they make any trades, it will be for a first baseman and/or BP help(they got Capellan from the Brew Crew today).

Agreed, hence the 'longshot' being emphasized. I am listing all the contenders, but just don't see Detroit as a viable trade option.

[Sports Guy]

Agreed, hence the 'longshot' being emphasized. I am listing all the contenders, but just don't see Detroit as a viable trade option.

They need BP help...I would offer Bradford for Larish.

[Tomkingsize]

Pitching is the name of the game, especially come playoff time.

They dealt Maroth. Robertson is okay, nothing great. Kenny Rogers isn't getting any younger.

Bonderman and Verlander are, of course, solid.

If Detroit wants the series this year, it would be in their best interest to deal for Bedard.

That means the O's ask for (and get), Maybin. Detroit already has Granderson to build around in the outfield. They can worry about replacing Ordonez and Sheffield later.

If I'm McPhail and see the opportunity to get a position player the calibre of Maybin, I make the move faster than you can snap your fingers.

[Sports Guy]

Pitching is the name of the game, especially come playoff time.

They dealt Maroth. Robertson is okay, nothing great. Kenny Rogers isn't getting any younger.

Bonderman and Verlander are, of course, solid.

If Detroit wants the series this year, it would be in their best interest to deal for Bedard.

That means the O's ask for (and get), Maybin. Detroit already has Granderson to build around in the outfield. They can worry about replacing Ordonez and Sheffield later.

If I'm McPhail and see the opportunity to get a position player the calibre of Maybin, I make the move faster than you can snap your fingers.

Are you saying Maybin straight up for Bedard?

[Tomkingsize]

No, of course not.

Let Detroit toss in Robertson. I know they won't part with Miller.

I could see Robertson, Rodney, and Maybin for Bedard and a second player.

I'd like to see what Mazzone could do with Nate Robertson.

[Sports Guy]

No, of course not.

Let Detroit toss in Robertson. I know they won't part with Miller.

I could see Robertson, Rodney, and Maybin for Bedard and a second player.

I'd like to see what Mazzone could do with Nate Robertson.

Robertson isn't that good.

[Greg Pappas]

They need BP help...I would offer Bradford for Larish.

Larish has never fulfilled the promise he once had in college. He is hitting for power with 15 home runs and 63 ribbies at AA, but his average is merely .238.
At 24 years old, I'd prefer to look elsewhere for a 1B prospect.

[Sports Guy]

Larish has never fulfilled the promise he once had in college. He is hitting for power with 15 home runs and 63 ribbies at AA, but his average is merely .238.
At 24 years old, I'd prefer to look elsewhere for a 1B prospect.
But he has a high OBP and a solid defensive player.

He also has a ton of doubles.

I would prefer another first base prospect as well but he is attainable and is a good return for Bradford.

[Greg Pappas]

But he has a high OBP and a solid defensive player.

He also has a ton of doubles.

I would prefer another first base prospect as well but he is attainable and is a good return for Bradford.

I guess we'll agree to disagree on Larish. :)

[BoysofArbutus]

Both the Yanks and the Red Sox should be considered long shot trade partners because while we dealt Javy to Boston last year, he was on his last legs and it wasn't earth shattering.

Sending Bedard or someone of consequence within the division is something PA would never allow, nor would I think MacPhail would be high on.

Bedard should be the prime piece they look to move. A left handed power pitcher would demand top prospect value to any contender. I wouldn't go as far to say he's a malcontent, but he isn't a clubhouse leader either.

Maybe revisiting the Angels as a trade partner would be a possibility, since they have prospects and would be interested with Colon struggling. The Mets may also be interested. They would love to add some more pitching depth to their rotation.

As far as talent to bring back, I don't care what position they play, as long as they can stroke it. There isn't a position on the field that the Orioles couldn't do to upgrade offensively. Maybe staying away from catcher if they sign Weiters, and second base if they extend Roberts long term. Otherwise, Mora, Tejada, Patterson, Gibbons, Millar all are on the downside of their careers and/or could be replaced.

[Greg Pappas]

Both the Yanks and the Red Sox should be considered long shot trade partners because while we dealt Javy to Boston last year, he was on his last legs and it wasn't earth shattering.

Sending Bedard or someone of consequence within the division is something PA would never allow, nor would I think MacPhail would be high on.

Bedard should be the prime piece they look to move. A left handed power pitcher would demand top prospect value to any contender. I wouldn't go as far to say he's a malcontent, but he isn't a clubhouse leader either.

Maybe revisiting the Angels as a trade partner would be a possibility, since they have prospects and would be interested with Colon struggling. The Mets may also be interested. They would love to add some more pitching depth to their rotation.

As far as talent to bring back, I don't care what position they play, as long as they can stroke it. There isn't a position on the field that the Orioles couldn't do to upgrade offensively. Maybe staying away from catcher if they sign Weiters, and second base if they extend Roberts long term. Otherwise, Mora, Tejada, Patterson, Gibbons, Millar all are on the downside of their careers and/or could be replaced.

While I agree that with all things being equal, it's best to trade outside your division, when an offer comes from within that trumps any outside offer, you should take it.

As far as the Angels and Mets and such, I'll soon be covering these teams as well, and agree that they have a lot of players that could match up with our needs well.

[Bosibus]

Thank you Greg, I enjoy reading all of your posts. Very informative.

[Greg Pappas]

Thank you Greg, I enjoy reading all of your posts. Very informative.

Thank you for saying so, although much of the credit should go to Baseball America for their reviews of the prospects. I'm working on the Indians next and should follow that up with the Twins.

[Greg Pappas]

Part Four in a series.

Cleveland Indians; The Indians are playing very well, with a slight lead over Detroit as the All-star game approaches. However, I don’t believe that Cleveland can go far with the starting staff they currently employ; C.C. Sabathia, rookie Fausto Carmona, Cliff Lee, veteran Paul Byrd and Jake Westbrook. The Indians are in need of a good starter or two to continue their run at the playoffs.

The Indians have only one glaring hole offensively, and that would be in RF, with newcomer Trot Nixon playing poorly. Bedard, Roberts, and perhaps Payton may interest Cleveland, among other O’s players. The Indians traded for 2B Josh Barfield this offseason, but the 24 year old has struggled is his switch to the AL, hitting .260 with 2 HR , 37 RBI, 8 SB and a line of .281/.343/.624. While it’s unlikely that Cleveland would look to change 2B already, Roberts would bring a lot to the table at the top of the Indians lineup, adding to an already good offensive team. Bedard would be a great addition no matter who he’d be dealt to, and Payton might be an alternative to Nixon at this juncture.

With Cleveland (as with many teams), any focus for a return would come from their farm system, unless we traded them Roberts, as Barfield would then likely become an Oriole. So here is a brief rundown of some of their best prospects. While listing Adam Miller, the Indians are very unlikely to deal him.

Most info from Baseball America.


Adam Miller - RHP - 6’ 4 195 - Born: Nov. 26, 1984

Miller has blossomed into a potential frontline starter by becoming a more complete pitcher. The velocity on his four-seam fastball returned to 93-95 mph and he hit 98 in his final four starts, including the EL playoffs. He has added a two-seamer to change speeds on his fastball more effectively, and his changeup has emerged as a go-to pitch with good depth and late bite. But Miller's best pitch remains his slider. It's back to where it was in 2004, with tilt, devastating late break and power. He throws his slider at 87-88 mph. Miller finally has come to grips with the fact that velocity isn't everything, and his ability to consistently command his offspeed stuff has him back on the fast track again. The further Miller gets away from injury, the stronger he's become. His delivery is free and easy, so there's no reason his health should be an issue down the road. He has excellent makeup, and he learned more about attacking lefthanders this season from Akron pitching coach Scott Radinsky. Miller dominated lefties, as they hit just .198 against him with twice as many groundouts as flyouts.

Though his changeup grew leaps and bounds in 2006, Miller still is learning when and how to use it. His mechanics with the pitch are solid, but he still tends to want to blow hitters away with his fastball or slider. He also can do a better job of locating it. While Miller works quickly to home plate, he still needs to refine his pickoff move to hold runners on base more effectively. He sometimes rushes his delivery, leading to erratic command of his fastball up in the zone. Intimidating on the mound, he can let his emotions get the better of him at times in pressure situations.

There isn't much left for Miller to prove in the minors, and it's only a matter of time before he makes an impact in the major leagues.

Currently Miller (22) is pitching at AAA Buffalo. His current numbers in 47 innings (8 starts) at AAA are; 2.30 ERA, 2.87 BB/9, 7.85 SO/9, his WHIP is 1.11 and the league is hitting .216 off him.

Chuck Lofgren - LHP - 6’ 3 205 - Born: Jan. 29, 1985

He emerged as one of the top lefthanders in the minors in 2006, tying for the minor league lead in wins and ranking second in the Carolina League in both ERA and strikeouts.

Lofgren has more velocity than most lefthanders with a fastball that sits at 89-93 mph and tops out at 95. His changeup serves as an out pitch, because he throws it with good arm action and can locate it to both sides of the plate. He also features a spike curveball in the mid-70s, and he has added a slider that has good depth. He has outstanding mound presence.

Lofgren only started using the slider at midseason, so he needs to continue to develop it. While his delivery is clean with a quick, easy arm action, he rushes at times in his lower half and needs to keep his hips from opening up too early to stay on a direct line to home plate. This flaw at times costs him control.

Currently Lofgren (22) is pitching at AAA Buffalo, after 15 starts in AA. His current numbers in 87.1 innings (16 starts) between both stops are; 4.74 ERA, 4.02 BB/9, 9.38 SO/9, his WHIP is 1.51 and the league is hitting .272 off him.

Brian Barton - OF -6’ 3 187 - Born: April 25, 1982

In his second year as a pro, Barton made adjustments that allowed him to take more advantage of his natural power and speed. He got the load in his swing started earlier and worked hard to recognize offspeed pitches. His good instincts on the bases allow him to read pitchers, and he succeeded on 41 of 49 steal attempts. His plus speed also plays well in center field. Not only is he intelligent, he's mentally tough.

Barton has trouble with balls in on his hands and his swing gets too long at times. He struggled against lefthanders after being promoted to Double-A, hitting just .219. Indians officials tried to move him back off the plate so he could better control the inner half. At 25, he's older than most prospects who haven't gotten past Double-A.

Barton's power/speed combination makes him a potentially elite talent despite his age.

Currently Barton is playing for AA Akron and in 271 AB’s is hitting .303 with a .415 OBP/.435 SLG%/.851 OPS and is 16/22 in stolen bases.

In part five of the series I’ll feature the Minnesota Twins.

[isestrex]

I don't see the Indians being interested in trying to obtain Roberts but I do agree they would be wise to pursue Bedard. If the Indians had Sabathia and Bedard as a one/two punch, they would use one punch to win the AL pennant and the other to win the World Series.

Bedard in Cleveland makes too much sense to ignore, and if we can get the goods for him in return then I say pounce on it. However, right now I'm a little worried we wouldn't be able to get enough in return...

[Greg Pappas]

I don't see the Indians being interested in trying to obtain Roberts but I do agree they would be wise to pursue Bedard. If the Indians had Sabathia and Bedard as a one/two punch, they would use one punch to win the AL pennant and the other to win the World Series.

Bedard in Cleveland makes too much sense to ignore, and if we can get the goods for him in return then I say pounce on it. However, right now I'm a little worried we wouldn't be able to get enough in return...

Yeah, a Bedard to Cleveland package would be tough for Cleveland to put together, as Miller seems nearly untouchable. I just don't see a match w/out Miller.

[Greg Pappas]

Part Five in a series.

Minnesota Twins; The Twins are 7.5 games back of Cleveland at the halfway point to the 2007 season. That puts them in 3rd place, as Detroit is right on the Indians heels. Still in the lower half of team salaries, the Twins may have the most expensive team in their history, with a team salary well over 70 million dollars. They have 5 outstanding players, in pitchers Johan Santana and closer Joe Nathan, catcher Joe Mauer, first baseman Justin Morneau, and center fielder Torii Hunter.

Minnesota employs a risky starting staff behind Santana, with 4 right-handers who are still trying to become established, in young vets Carlos Silva and Scott Baker, 2nd year man Boof Bonser, and sporadic rookie Kevin Slowey. Promising left-hander Francisco Liriano was lost to surgery for the entire 2007 season, but the Twins are hopeful that he’ll return to form sometime next season. The Twins do appear to have help on the way in AAA star prospect RHP Matt Garza.

It’s evident to me that the twins are in desperate need of a starter if they wish to make the playoffs this season, but it’s unlikely that they would look to the Orioles in any starter based trade talks. They cannot afford Bedard, although Cabrera could interest them. They have a fine bullpen, but another lefty in the pen may be helpful.

Offensively the Twins have a few holes that are obvious; SS Jason Bartlett, while streaky and able to swipe a base, is still trying to establish his self as their regular. His numbers have been poor thus far, with a .257 BA, 2 HR, 21 RBI, 16 SB and the following line-- .340 OBP/.345 SLG%/.685 OPS. A good defender, the Twins may hope to carry him until he figures it out with the bat. Third baseman Nick Punto mans third base, with veteran Jeff Cirillo chipping in. Punto is among the worst starters in the league. While a great guy, hustler and solid defender, his bat is simply atrocious. I’ll spare you the bulk of the #’s, but give you one; .573 OPS. Their DH spot is also in sad hands.

Though unlikely, Mora could be a target, if he would waive his NTC and the Orioles would eat a chunk of his salary. Again, unlikely.

The following players are the cream of the Twins’ crop, sans Blackburn. =)

Most info from Baseball America.


Matt Garza - RHP - 6’ 4 185 - Born: Nov. 26, 1983

The Twins took Garza 25th overall in 2005 and signed him for $1.35 million, and he paid immediate dividends. He finished his debut by excelling at low Class A Beloit and totaled 76 pro innings, putting him at 183 for the year including college. He was just getting warmed up for 2006, when he was the most dominant pitcher in the minors. Starting the year at high Class A Fort Myers and continuing to deal at Double-A New Britain and Triple-A Rochester, Garza was leading the minors in strikeouts when he was promoted to the big leagues in early August. He pitched 186 innings overall between the majors and minors and tired late, when the Twins left him off their postseason roster in favor of fellow rookie Glen Perkins.

Garza has evolved from a two-pitch power arm as a college freshman to a guy with a quality four-pitch repertoire. Yet he's still all about the fastball. While his heater usually sits at 90-94 mph, Garza showed the ability to dial it up to 97-98 at times in 2006, including late in games. It's his out pitch and has enough life that he trusts it in any count. He refined his delivery slightly, and his improved fastball command was another reason he dominated minor leaguers. Garza also throws a curveball, slider and changeup. Both the curve and the slider are above-average pitches at times, and he throws both with power, particularly his low-80s slider. His changeup grades out as solid-average and he spots it well against left-handers, who hit just two home runs against him all year. He has a smooth delivery that he repeats well, along with plenty of mound presence.

With his slender build, Garza appeared to wear down while facing his first full pro season and facing big league hitters. When he tired, his mechanics broke down and his command suffered. Right-handers teed off on his fastball when he nibbled in the majors, tagging him for a 1.014 OPS, but Garza just needs to trust his stuff more and maintain his strength. His curveball and slider can get more consistent.

Currently Garza (23) is pitching at AAA Rochester. His current numbers in 92 innings (16 starts) at AAA are; 3.62 ERA, 3.03 BB/9, 9.29 SO/9, his WHIP is 1.35 and the league is hitting .260 off him.

Glen Perkins - LHP – 5’ 11 200 - Born: Mar. 2, 1983

A Minnesota native, Perkins starred for the hometown Golden Gophers for two years before the Twins took him 22nd overall in 2004. He finished the 2006 season with a September callup, pitching so well out of the bullpen that he beat out Matt Garza for a spot on the playoff roster.

Perkins has above-average stuff and throws strikes. His fastball took a small jump in 2006, regularly sitting at 92-93 mph and touching 95. It has been his strikeout pitch for much of his career. His curveball is a put-away pitch, and he can add and subtract velocity from it. He long has shown a good feel for a solid-average changeup.

While Perkins has matured, he still sometimes lets mistakes in the field get to him. He was more focused the higher up the ladder he pitched. Staying in top shape has been difficult for him, but he generally has succeeded

Currently Perkins (24) is on the DL after pitching out of the pen. His current numbers in 23.2 innings; 3.80 ERA, 4.56 BB/9, 6.08 SO/9, his WHIP is 1.35 and the league is hitting .247 off him.

Nick Blackburn - RHP -6’ 4 250 - Born: Feb. 24, 1982

This is not a typo… Blackburn has thrown 41.2 innings without allowing an earned run! Sometimes you just find ‘it’ later than others, and such may be the case with 25 year old Blackburn.

Nick is a Texas native who was a 29th round pick in the 2001 draft out of Seminole State Junior College. Nick has been a solid starter in the system moving all the way from Ft. Myers to pitching a few games in AAA in 2005. Last season, he pitched well for New Britain, making 19 starts in 30 appearances with a 7-8 record with a 4.42 era in 132.1 innings with 81 strikeouts and 37 walks.

Because of all the top prospects who began this season in the Red Wing rotation, Blackburn began this season back at New Britain where he had an excellent 3-1 record with a 3.08 era in 8 games (7 starts). In 38.0 innings he had 18 strikeouts and 7 walks before getting the call to join the Red Wings in mid-May. While Blackburn’s inclusion on this list of best prospects deserves scrutiny, as he is likely their 15-20th best prospect, I couldn't’t resist.

Currently Blackburn (25) is pitching for AAA Rochester after a stint at AA. His current numbers in 95.1 innings, covering both stops; 2.17 ERA, 1.13 BB/9, 4.34 SO/9, his WHIP is 1.01 and the league is hitting .230 off him.

In part six of the series I’ll feature the LA Angels.

[isestrex]

Tejada on the Twins would make a lot of sense... but they would probably have to include active players such as Michael Cuddyer and one of the aforementioned prospects.

[Greg Pappas]

Tejada on the Twins would make a lot of sense... but they would probably have to include active players such as Michael Cuddyer and one of the aforementioned prospects.

I just don't see the Twins having an interest in Miggy, especially after his injury and with his power now in question.

Mora may make some sense, but his salary and NTC could be roadblocks.

[Greg Pappas]

Part Six in a series.

LA/Anaheim Angels; The Angels (along with Cleveland) are a loss behind the Red Sox for the best record in baseball.

The Angels starting staff is decent, but in need of one more solid starter. Staff ace John Lackey is among the best pitchers in the league and the re-emergence of perennially injured Kelvim Escobar gives them a solid one-two punch. Number three starter Bartolo Colon set the world on fire early this season before injury and inconsistency plagued him, sending him spiraling to his current horrible numbers. Ervin Santana is an enigma, continuing a bizarre ritual of pitching exceedingly better at home in comparison to his horrific road starts. The fifth man, former #1 pick Jered Weaver is establishing himself as a bona fide starter in this league. The Angels sport one of the best pens in the league and need little help there.

Overall a left-handed starter like Eric Bedard’s or perhaps Mark Buehrle, would be a great pick up for the Angels, who feature an all right-handed staff, and one with noticeable holes at #3 and #4.

The Angels have little power throughout their lineup and are currently 24th in the entire league in HR’s hit. Fortunately, they manage to score runs sufficiently, as they are 6th in the league in scoring. They have good team speed and are hitting .287 and are 7th in OBP at .344. It would seem to me that picking up a power bat before the deadline would bode well for them. Third base is likely a spot they’d look to upgrade, perhaps allowing Chone Figgins to DH on days he’s not filling in somewhere.

Bedard and perhaps Millar could interest the Angels, among other O’s.

The following players are the Angel’s top prospects.

Most info from Baseball America.


Brandon Wood – 3B/SS - 6’ 3 185 - Born: Mar. 2, 1985

Once atop the leagues overall best prospects list, Wood has been surpassed by a handful of players in the eyes of scouts around baseball. He is manning 3B in AAA this season after switching from SS. What’s important to remember about Wood is that he is still only 22 years old.

Wood contended for Minor League Player of the Year honors in 2005, slamming 58 homers between the minors, the Arizona Fall League and Team USA. He led the minors in doubles (53), homers (an Angels minor league record 43), total bases (370) and extra-base hits (101). Wood proved it was no fluke in 2006, topping the Double-A Texas League with 71 extra-base hits and again coming through for Team USA. At the Olympic qualifying tournament in Cuba, he crushed an eighth-inning tiebreaking homer off closer Pedro Luis Lazo for the first win by a U.S. pro team against Cuba since Ben Sheets shut down the Cubans to win Olympic gold in 2000.

Wood's bat speed, power and fundamentally sound defensive package have prompted comparisons to Cal Ripken. He profiles as a middle-of-the-order run producer and perennial all-star. Wood has an aggressive approach with a leveraged swing that produces well above-average power to all fields. Whether or not he'll remain at shortstop is predicated on the Angels' needs, but he's a solid defender capable of playing shortstop everyday in the big leagues. His range is average, his hands are soft and his arm is a plus. He's adept at making accurate throws on the run and shows proper footwork turning double plays. His defensive skills would play well at third base, his most likely destination if he moves, and he definitely has the bat to profile at the hot corner. Wood is lauded for his instincts in all phases of the game, as well as his makeup. He's an average runner.

Wood ranked among the TL leaders in several offensive categories, including finishing first in strikeouts with the highest total of his career. His uppercut swing path won't allow him to make contact often enough to contend for batting titles, and he could post modest averages his first few years in the majors. Wood could reduce his empty swings by fine-tuning his approach. He occasionally tries to do too much with pitcher's pitches, when letting them go by or simply putting them in play would be more effective. Like many young power hitters, Wood will chase balls above his hands and occasionally pulls off pitches on the outer half. When behind in the count, he could shorten his swing.

Currently Wood (22) is playing at AAA Salt Lake and in 290 AB’s is hitting .262 with a .339 OBP/.486 SLG%/.826 OPS and is 8/9 in stolen bases.

Nick Adenhart - RHP – 6’ 4 190 - Born: Aug. 24, 1986

The one that got away… this still annoys me.

A Maryland prep phenom and considered the top pitching prospect among the High School Class of 2004, Adenhart suffered a serious injury and had Tommy John surgery before the draft. The Angels wound up taking him in the 14th round and despite not knowing how he would respond to the surgery, signed him for 1st round $.

Though he was just 19 and pitching for the first time above Rookie ball, Adenhart reinforced sentiment that he has made a full recovery from Tommy John surgery. He was on track to be one of the first prep pitchers drafted in 2004 before blowing out his elbow, then signed for $710,000 after the Angels took a 14th-round flier on him. He ranked as the best pitching prospect in the low Class A Midwest League in 2006, when he also earned an invitation to the Futures Game and a spot on the U.S. Olympic qualifying team.

Adenhart has above-average command of three plus pitches. His fastball has life at 93-95 mph and comes out of his hand easily. His deceptive 81-84 mph circle changeup is ahead of his breaking ball, though his 75-76 mph curveball has tight spin with 11-to-5 shape. He's aggressive, works ahead in the count and pitches to both sides of the plate.

Adenhart tends to overthrow his curve, leading to inconsistent control of the pitch. His delivery is generally smooth, though his lead leg is stiff and he could do a better job of maintaining his high-three-quarters release point.

Adenhart profiles as a future No. 2 starter. Provided he remains healthy, there's no reason to believe he won't reach his ceiling.

Currently Adenhart (20) is pitching for AA Arkansas. His numbers in 88.2 innings; 3.55 ERA, 3.96 BB/9, 6.29 SO/9, his WHIP is 1.48 and the league is hitting .275 off him.

Eric Aybar - SS -5’ 10 170 - Born: Jan. 14, 1984

The once-promising career of Aybar has seemingly stalled with his poor performance in Anaheim this season.

Aybar made his major league debut last May and was used primarily as a defensive replacement before returning to Triple-A. His first major league hit came against the Dodgers, who were playing his brother Willie at third base. Erick was included in trade offers for Miguel Tejada and Carlos Lee in July, which distracted him and may have precipitated his lackluster finish.

Much is made of Aybar's free-swinging approach at the plate, but he makes consistent hard contact and is a confident, efficient hitter. He has above-average bat speed, handles the bat well enough to play every day and could wind up batting second in a contending lineup. His glove, arm and speed are also plus tools. He has true shortstop actions with above-average range and outstanding instincts, all of which underscore his penchant for making the electrifying play.

Aybar doesn't profile as a leadoff man because he doesn't work deep counts or walk very often. He's no power threat, though he can drive balls from gap to gap and should produce 8-10 homers annually. He's careless at times in the field and on the bases. A switch-hitter, he batted just .247 righthanded in Triple-A as he's more comfortable and centers the ball more regularly from the left side.

Since he signed, Aybar's big league ETA has been 2007. Orlando Cabrera still has two years remaining on his contract, and with Aybar not hitting when given chances to play, Cabrera has little to fear.

Aybar (23) has spent this entire season in the bigs and in 157 sporadic AB’s is hitting an atrocious .236 with a .280 OBP/.268 SLG%/.547 OPS and is 2/6 in stolen bases.

In part seven of the series I’ll feature the Seattle Mariners.

[Greg Pappas]

Part Seven in a series.

Seattle Mariners; The Mariners currently sit 3.5 games back of the Angels in the AL West and 1.5 games behind Detroit in the wild card race..

The Mariners seem to be the opposite of the Orioles, as they among the most fortunate teams in the league, as evidenced by their run differential of plus four. They are 11 games over .500 and have scored merely 4 more runs than the opposition… odd. When looking at the M’s starting staff, you have to wonder how they are winning. Second year phenom and the second coming in Seattle, Felix Hernandez, was off to a hot start before suffering an elbow injury earlier this season. Since then he has been pretty awful, sans a start or two. Veteran lefty Jarrod Washburn has been hot and cold, but has performed fairly well overall. After these two… lookout. Number 3 starter Miguel Batista has pitched like a decent 5th starter, while Jeff Weaver and Ryan Feierabend have simply been atrocious.

Their closer is among the best in baseball, in JJ Putz, but they could use additional bullpen help to make a true run at the playoffs.

Offensively the M’s are a middle-of-the-pack team. Ichiro is playing great as usual, and his outfield mates are solid in Guillen and Ibanez. Kenji Johjima is a very solid catcher, but their infield could use some help. 1B Sexson (.726 OPS), 2B Lopez (.717 OPS), SS Betancourt (.679 OPS) and dud 3B Beltre (.751) leave a whole lot to be desired. Under-utilized 1B Ben Broussard has played well when given time, but starting DH Jose Vidro is sadly out of place (.709 OPS).

The Mariners desperately require a good starter and better yet, two, and their bullpen could use a Chad Bradford type. Could the M’s have interest in Bedard? Bradford? The O’s and M’s seem like decent trade partners, so we shall see. While highly doubtful, Adam Jones, their star CF prospect should be a target in any potential deal of Bedard to Seattle.

The following players are the Mariner’s top prospects. Note: They all play in the hitter friendly PCL.

Most info from Baseball America.


Adam Jones - CF - R/R - 6’ 2 200 - Born: Aug. 1, 1985

After spending his first three minor league season at shortstop, Jones has drawn Mike Cameron comparisons since switching to CF. He's an excellent athlete who has gotten both stronger and quicker since turning pro. He has increased his power output each year and still has room to add another 20 pounds to his frame. He's an above-average runner, albeit more of a long strider who's more effective taking an extra base rather than stealing one. The Mariners believe he can become a consistent 20-20 man like Cameron, and that might be a conservative estimate of Jones' power. He also has the tools to emulate Cameron and become a Gold Glove outfielder. Jones tracks balls very well, covers plenty of ground and has one of the strongest center-field arms in the game. He recorded five assists in 26 major league games. If needed Jones also could return to shortstop and become at least a solid-average defender there. He has shown a strong work ethic and the ability to adapt to tougher competition throughout his pro career.

Jones sometimes can be too aggressive for his own good. Plate discipline never has been his strong suit, and the biggest difference between him and Cameron is that Cameron walks more frequently. Jones swings and misses enough that he may not hit for a high average and will pile up some strikeouts, though he's still young enough to make further adjustments. Breaking balls still give him trouble on occasion. Defensively, he can improve his routes, especially on balls hit over his heads. He made some errors early in 2006 because he made too many needless throws.

One of the youngest and best players from his 2003 draft class, Jones has the ability to become a much-needed building block for the Mariners.

Currently Jones (21) is raking at AAA Tacoma, and in 322 AB’s is hitting .314 with a .383 OBP/.584 SLG%/.967 OPS and is 5/11 in stolen bases.

Jeff Clement - C - L/R - 6’ 2 215 - Born: Aug. 21, 1983

The third overall pick in the 2005 draft, Clement signed for a Mariners draft-record $3.4 million. His first full pro season was interrupted for seven weeks when he needed May operations to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee and remove a bone chip from his left elbow. When he returned, Seattle promoted him to Triple-A, where he predictably struggled.

Power is Clement's calling card. He broke Drew Henson's national prep mark with 75 career homers, then hit 46 more in three years at Southern California, eight shy of Mark McGwire's school record. Clement shortened his swing in 2005 and should hit for a solid average as well. He has worked hard to improve as a catcher, and Seattle believes he'll become an average defender.

Scouts from outside the organization have less faith in Clement's athletic and catching ability, and he definitely needs to get better behind the plate. He has an average arm but doesn't always get his feet set, costing him strength and accuracy. He threw out just 26 percent of basestealers in 2006. He's a below-average runner.

Currently Clement (23) is playing at AAA Tacoma, and in 282 AB’s is hitting .273 with a .360 OBP/.518 SLG%/.878 OPS.

Wladimir Balentien- OF -6’ 2 190 - Born: Jul. 2, 1984

Balentien arrived in the United States by hitting a Rookie-level Arizona League-record 16 homers in 2004, and he has been crushing homers and striking out in bunches ever since. A member of the 2004 Dutch Olympic team, he won San Antonio's MVP award and the Texas League home run derby in 2006. He also smacked two doubles in the Futures Game.

Few players in the game can match Balentien's raw power. Though his approach remains simplistic, he made progress in 2006 with his plate discipline (more than doubling his career high in walks) and using the opposite field. Far from a one-dimensional slugger, he has average speed and a plus arm that managers rated the best among TL outfielders. A right fielder who can play some center, he led the league with 17 outfield assists.

Balentien's all-out, all-the-time approach limits his ability to make contact and hit for average. He'll chase any pitch he can reach, and he swings so hard that he'll pull his head off the ball. His stroke is long, he can be helpless against breaking stuff and he doesn't adjust when he falls behind in the count. He can get out of control in the field as well, topping TL outfielders with 11 errors.

Balentien's power is undeniable, but how usable it will be in the majors remains in question. The Mariners love his ceiling and will hope he can find a more balanced approach this year in Triple-A.

Balentien (23) is currently playing at AAA Tacoma and in 319 AB’s is hitting .323 with a .395 OBP/.589 SLG%/.984 OPS and is 13/16 in stolen bases.

In part eight of the series I’ll feature the Oakland A’s.

[Bosibus]

I think Seattle would be a wise trade partner, they need starting pitching bad and they have a change for the Wild Card or the West if LA totally bombs because of their bullpen and their bats. So, what kind of package do you think D-Cab or Bedard would get?

[Greg Pappas]

I think Seattle would be a wise trade partner, they need starting pitching bad and they have a change for the Wild Card or the West if LA totally bombs because of their bullpen and their bats. So, what kind of package do you think D-Cab or Bedard would get?

Naturally all of this is hypothetical chat, but IF the O's were inclined to deal Bedard or Cabrera to Seattle, there are numerous possibilities.

Bedard would merit a major return, while Cabrera a lesser. I don't think the M's would trade Adam Jones, so rookie RHP Brandon Morrow, C Jeff Clement and OF Wladimir Balentien could draw the most interest. Morrow, their #1 pick in '06, was a starter in college and is currently pitching out of the pen. He is very inconsistent as a 22 year old, but throws in the mid to upper nineties and shows signs of solid closer stuff. Balentien has the most potential in the M's system, besides Jones of course, and may also draw serious interest from the O's.

[crossfadecold]

I agree, the Mariners sound like good trade partners. Would they be interested in Millar?

[Greg Pappas]

I agree, the Mariners sound like good trade partners. Would they be interested in Millar?

I don't see the M's having interest in Millar at this time. They have too many options to need him. Sexson/Broussard are their current firstbaseman and Ibanez can play there as well. Clement, although a catcher at AAA can also play first.

[Bosibus]

Naturally all of this is hypothetical chat, but IF the O's were inclined to deal Bedard or Cabrera to Seattle, there are numerous possibilities.

Bedard would merit a major return, while Cabrera a lesser. I don't think the M's would trade Adam Jones, so rookie RHP Brandon Morrow, C Jeff Clement and OF Wladimir Balentien could draw the most interest. Morrow, their #1 pick in '06, was a starter in college and is currently pitching out of the pen. He is very inconsistent as a 22 year old, but throws in the mid to upper nineties and shows signs of solid closer stuff. Balentien has the most potential in the M's system, besides Jones of course, and may also draw serious interest from the O's.

Morrow has been inconsistent from the pen this year but at times, has looked like a #1 pick. I like that trade if Mazzone can see some potential. I think sometime this year he went 15-20 innings or so without giving up a run out of the bullpen. If we can achieve Morrow and a hitting prospect for D-Cab, I pull that trigger.

In any case though, the Mariners seem like a valuable option IF we were to trade.

[TGO]

This thread is nice work, Greg, but only includes some of the more front-line prospects. Here are a few older, not quite as esteemed guys I think we could target in a trade of one of our lesser parts (like a Trachsel or Shuey or Millar or Payton or Parrish or someone like that).

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Ryan%2520Mulhern&pos=1B&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=453892 (Cleveland)

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Ben%2520Francisco&pos=&sid=t422&t=p_pbp&pid=450204 (Cleveland)

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Ryan%2520Raburn&pos=&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=430605 (Detroit)

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Chris%2520Shelton&pos=&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=430828 (Detroit)

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Dan%2520Johnson&pos=&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=430681 (Oakland)

[Greg Pappas]

This thread is nice work, Greg, but only includes some of the more front-line prospects. Here are a few older, not quite as esteemed guys I think we could target in a trade of one of our lesser parts (like a Trachsel or Shuey or Millar or Payton or Parrish or someone like that).

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Ryan%2520Mulhern&pos=1B&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=453892 (Cleveland)

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Ben%2520Francisco&pos=&sid=t422&t=p_pbp&pid=450204 (Cleveland)

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Ryan%2520Raburn&pos=&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=430605 (Detroit)

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Chris%2520Shelton&pos=&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=430828 (Detroit)

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Dan%2520Johnson&pos=&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=430681 (Oakland)

Keep it coming, I appreciate these additional players being added to the discussion. :)

[Greg Pappas]

For anyone who wishes to add additional players/prospects to the chat, please do so! :)

The purpose of this thread is to stimulate discussion for potential trades among the contenders (the most likely partners), so any help in linking info or simply discussing other players not mentioned would be great. I have only a little bit of time to spend as it is, so I hope others like TGO can continue to bring more options to the table.

BTW, it's not too late to discuss the teams covered earlier in the thread, so Yankee/Red Sox/Angels, etc. players/prospects are all fair game.

Thanks all,

Greg

[markdublya]

This thread is nice work, Greg, but only includes some of the more front-line prospects. Here are a few older, not quite as esteemed guys I think we could target in a trade of one of our lesser parts (like a Trachsel or Shuey or Millar or Payton or Parrish or someone like that).

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Ryan%2520Mulhern&pos=1B&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=453892 (Cleveland)

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Ben%2520Francisco&pos=&sid=t422&t=p_pbp&pid=450204 (Cleveland)

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Ryan%2520Raburn&pos=&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=430605 (Detroit)

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Chris%2520Shelton&pos=&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=430828 (Detroit)

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Dan%2520Johnson&pos=&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=430681 (Oakland)

Is Rayburn an adequate defensive OF? He is KILLING IT for the Mud Hens. Thanks in advance.

[TGO]

Is Rayburn an adequate defensive OF? He is KILLING IT for the Mud Hens. Thanks in advance.

He has moved from 3B to 2B and now to the OF in his career, so my guess is that he is not a fantastic fielder. That is purely a guess, though. It could be that he asked to play more positions or was asked to play more positions to get to the big leagues. I personally have never seen him play.

It does look like he strikes out a lot but his walk totals are nice and he's good for about 15 steals a year at a good clip. All that with solid power makes him pretty intriguing. If the Tigers aren't going to give him another shot then I certainly would.

[Sports Guy]

Would you guys do a DCab/Adam Jones trade straight up?

[TGO]

Would you guys do a DCab/Adam Jones trade straight up?

Heck yes. No hesitation.

[Greg Pappas]

Is Rayburn an adequate defensive OF? He is KILLING IT for the Mud Hens. Thanks in advance.

I don't know if his defense is adequate or not. Perhaps TGO can come up with some info on that. Edit: I guess not. :D

Raburn is a fifth round pick of the Tigers in the 2001 Draft out of South Florida CC. He was a 3B and 2B until being switched to the OF this season. He was a highly thought of prospect a few years back and even had his "cup of coffee" in Detroit in 2004.

The Baseball Examiner ranked him as the 5th best overall 2B prospect in baseball in '05, and Baseballl America ranked him the Tigers 8th best prospect then as well.

Here is BA's take on Raburn before the '05 season;

Background: Raburn’s career was sidetracked in 2002 when he dislocated his hip falling off an all-terrain vehicle. He moved from third base to second in instructional league after 2003, then missed the first six weeks of the 2004 season after dislocating his left pinky in spring training. He recovered from the injury and a slow start to hit .381 in July and August and join the Tigers in September.

Strengths: Raburn hits the ball to all fields with authority and has elicited comparisons to Jeff Kent as an offensive-minded second baseman since he shifted from the hot corner. He was a poor defensive third baseman, but his hands are good and he has an average arm.

Weaknesses: Raburn is making progress at second base but must get more consistent on routine plays. He strikes out in bunches, and pitchers at higher levels may be able to exploit him. He has below-average speed and his maturity has been questioned at times.

..................................................

He is 6' 0 185, bats and throws right, and is now 26 years old. If his defense is any good in the outfield then he could make for an interesting utility type if he cannot make it as a starter. He may finally be coming into his own.

[Greg Pappas]

Would you guys do a DCab/Adam Jones trade straight up?

Yes, but the M's wouldn't even think about it, in my opinion.

[Sports Guy]

Yes, but the M's wouldn't even think about it, in my opinion.

I would tend to agree with you but i don't think it is a slam dunk either.

Rumors are that with Hargrove being gone, the chances went up alot that Ichiro stays in Seattle.

Now, they can of course move Jones or Ichiro out of CF but you do have to wonder if Jones is more available than he should be.

I know Olney thinks A Jones ends up in Seattle.

Who knows. It wouldn't shock me if they said yes to the deal but i agree, at this point, it is more unlikely than likely.

[Greg Pappas]

I would tend to agree with you but i don't think it is a slam dunk either.

Rumors are that with Hargrove being gone, the chances went up alot that Ichiro stays in Seattle.

Now, they can of course move Jones or Ichiro out of CF but you do have to wonder if Jones is more available than he should be.

I know Olney thinks A Jones ends up in Seattle.

Who knows. It wouldn't shock me if they said yes to the deal but i agree, at this point, it is more unlikely than likely.


Yeah, I tend to disagree with Olney's view of Anduw Jones going to Seattle after this season as a free agent. Beltre's contract is haunting them and with Jones playing poorly this year I think the M's will simply move Ichiro back to RF, Guillen to LF and Adam Jones will slide into CF. However, they may wish to reconsider their shortstop situation, because while Betancourt is a good defender, his hitting is quite lacking. Time will yell what happens with the M's CF/SS situation, but either way they see Adam as a focal point of their future lineup.

[TGO]

SG, you would make the deal, correct?

[TGO]

Yeah, I tend to disagree with Olney's view of Anduw Jones going to Seattle after this season as a free agent. Beltre's contract is haunting them and with Jones playing poorly this year I think the M's will simply move Ichiro back to RF, Guillen to LF and Adam Jones will slide into CF. However, they may wish to reconsider their shortstop situation, because while Betancourt is a good defender, his hitting is quite lacking. Time will yell what happens with the M's CF/SS situation, but either way they see Adam as a focal point of their future lineup.

I agree that I don't think they'll trade Jones, but they've done some dumb things under Bavasi's watch.

[Greg Pappas]

I agree that I don't think they'll trade Jones, but they've done some dumb things under Bavasi's watch.

If it were Bedard to the M's I could see some reasoning for it. Another point that has not been discussed is the potential arrival of Japanese free agent Fukudome. He is a corner outfielder and I bet the M's will be in on him hard. If he does sign with Seattle, that could keep Ichiro in CF and hypothetically make Jones available.

All speculation of course, but fun nonetheless. :)

[Sports Guy]

SG, you would make the deal, correct?

Yea i think i would but i also don't think it is a deal that CLEARLY favors the Orioles, which i think you and Greg are implying.

[mweb]

I would tend to agree with you but i don't think it is a slam dunk either.

Rumors are that with Hargrove being gone, the chances went up alot that Ichiro stays in Seattle.

Now, they can of course move Jones or Ichiro out of CF but you do have to wonder if Jones is more available than he should be.

I know Olney thinks A Jones ends up in Seattle.

Who knows. It wouldn't shock me if they said yes to the deal but i agree, at this point, it is more unlikely than likely.

Even after the departure of Hargrove, I've heard the work untouchable used with Jones. I don't see them doing that trade either.

BTW, I would call the Angels starting pitching better than decent Gregg. They have one of the best top 3's in baseball to go along with a recent Cy Young award winner and a talented young pitcher. Granted the last two are struggling, but I don't think their really going to be looking to upgrade the staff.

[clapdiddy]

How about we trade Cabrera and take the bad contract of Beltre off their hands along with Jones? We could move Mora to LF and Payton could then become the 4th outfielder. An outfield of Mora, Jones, Markakis wouldn't be half bad.

[Greg Pappas]

Even after the departure of Hargrove, I've heard the work untouchable used with Jones. I don't see them doing that trade either.

BTW, I would call the Angels starting pitching better than decent Gregg. They have one of the best top 3's in baseball to go along with a recent Cy Young award winner and a talented young pitcher. Granted the last two are struggling, but I don't think their really going to be looking to upgrade the staff.

Lackey is an ace, Escobar is settling down into more familiar territory after a great start and Weaver is coming into his own, but Colon and Santana have been awful. So overall I'll say they are a decent staff, one ace, one very good, one good up and comer, and two yikes! I highly doubt the Angels will go into the playoffs with this staff as is.

Edit: Another point of worry for the Angels is the health of both Colon and Escobar, ALWAYS a valid concern.

[mweb]

Lackey is an ace, Escobar is settling down into more familiar territory after a great start and Weaver is coming into his own, but Colon and Escobbar have been awful. So overall I'll say they are a decent staff, one ace, one very good, one good up and commer, and two yikes! I highly doubt the Angels will go into the playoffs with this staff as is.

Escobar is a very good #2, and Weaver is a very good #3. I wouldn't say Colon or Santana have been awful, although they have been poor, however, I would think they have confidence in them to improve. Plus they have Saunders if Santana doesn't improve.

A 4 man staff in the playoffs of Lackey, Escobar, Weaver, and Colon will probably be the second best playoff rotation in the AL behind the Red Sox.

[Greg Pappas]

Escobar is a very good #2, and Weaver is a very good #3. I wouldn't say Colon or Santana have been awful, although they have been poor, however, I would think they have confidence in them to improve. Plus they have Saunders if Santana doesn't improve.

A 4 man staff in the playoffs of Lackey, Escobar, Weaver, and Colon will probably be the second best playoff rotation in the AL behind the Red Sox.

If Escobar maintains his health and continues at his current pace, yes he is a very good #2. Counting on Jered Weaver to be a very good #3 the remainder of this year and playoffs is possible, but with teams hitting .273 off of him and his having a 1.47 WHIP doesn't bode well. He certainly can improve, granted.

If Colon's 5.79 ERA and 1.55 WHIP and Santana's 5.35/1.50 aren't awful, then we'll simply agree that it's quite bad. Colon's injury history along with Escobars must also factor into the equation when determining what their staff may look like at season's end.

I guess we'll agree to disagree here, but that's what this forum is all about. :)

[Greg Pappas]

A 4 man staff in the playoffs of Lackey, Escobar, Weaver, and Colon will probably be the second best playoff rotation in the AL behind the Red Sox.

Would you take them over Clemens/Pettitte/Wang/Hughes... oh wait, the Yanks likely won't make the playoffs. :D

It's debatable certainly, but the Tiger's Bonderman/Rogers/Verlander/Miller would be right there.

I think it's more of a commentary on how under-manned most staffs are in the AL, than a ringing endorsement for the Angels staff, hehehe.

[TGO]

Raburn might get the call up with Neifi Perez being suspended.

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/playerbreakingnews.asp?sport=MLB&id=3984&line=215703&spln=1

In other news, Carlos Gomez is out until September with a broken hand. Lastings Milledge is on a rehab assignment in AA Binghamton.

[Greg Pappas]

Part Eight in a series.

Oakland A’s; The A’s currently sit in 3rd place in the AL West, 8 games back of the Angels in the AL West and 6 games behind Detroit in the wild card race.

The A’s are built around pitching, and they feature four outstanding starters in righties Dan Haren, Rich Harden, Joe Blanton and Chad Gaudin.

Their closer (Houston Street) has been hurt a good part of the season and veteran lefty Alan Embree has been filling in admirably for Street while he’s been out. In my opinion the A’s could use a power arm out of the pen, preferably a right-hander.

Pitching hasn’t been the issue in Oakland, hitting has, or lack thereof. Offensively the A’s are among the worst in baseball. They’re second to last in the AL in runs scored, ahead of only the White Sox. The A’s have some good players in their lineup, but not any outstanding ones. The following players are in particular need of upgrading. OPS #’s in parentheses: CF Kotsay (.624), 2B Ellis (.751), SS Crosby (.632). Kotsay and Crosby were at one time considered staples in the A’s present and future.

Another facet that the A’s lack is speed. The A’s are again second to last in the AL, with a mere 34 swipes. It’s hard to manufacture runs when you can’t create extra opportunities to score by stealing bases. However, the A’s are outstanding at taking walks, trailing only Boston and Cleveland in all of baseball.

There are a few Oriole players that may draw interest from Oakland, and one in particular may surprise you; Brian Roberts. The A’s are a small market franchise and Roberts is reasonably affordable the next two years. Their 2B, Ellis, while adequate with a .267 BA, .340 OBP and .411 SLG%, offers little energy to their lineup. BRob in comparison offers a .323 BA, .405 OBP and .446 SLG% with the major added bonus that he is a prime leadoff man and has 26 SB's. He would bring a new dynamic to the A’s offense… speed.

The following players are the A’s top prospects. I’m not including RF Travis Buck and Catcher Kurt Suzuki, both up w/ the big club, as they are regarded as future staples (there is that word again).

Most info from Baseball America.


Daric Barton – 1B/DH - L/R - 6’ 0 205 - Born: Aug. 16, 1985

Acquired from the Cardinals in the Mark Mulder trade in December 2004, Barton established himself as the A's top prospect and played in the Futures Game in 2005. In 2006, however, his progress halted when he broke his left elbow in a first-base collision with Tony Womack in Triple-A. Barton returned to the Rookie-level Arizona League briefly in August, then played full-time in the Dominican League.

Oakland general manager Billy Beane called Barton the best hitter in the minors when he traded for him, and he remains the system's best pure hitter. He has a textbook swing, fluid and short with a bit of loft, hinting at future power. His exceptional plate discipline allowed him to control the strike zone at Triple-A as a 20-year-old, and he's advanced enough to know to use the whole field.

Even those who believe in Barton's power grade it as average at best, and if he doesn't develop that kind of pop he'll be a less-than-intimidating threat for a first baseman. To keep hitting for average and to make himself an average defender at first base, he'll have to work harder on staying in shape. His thickening lower half could leave him well-below-average as a runner.

Currently Barton (21) is playing at AAA Sacremento, and in 309 AB’s is hitting .324 with a .411 OBP/.482 SLG%/.893 OPS.


Landon Powell - C - S/R - 6’ 3 230 - Born: Mar. 19, 1982

Former 2004 #1 pick (24 overall) Landon Powell was once considered a potential star. A good defender and switch hitter with solid offensive skills had given the A’s hope for a solid all-around catcher when they drafted him. Unfortunately a knee injury and subsequent surgery in February ’05 curtailed his promising career.

His star had lost its luster since his return but the 25 year old has worked hard to come back strong. Not even listed on their top prospects list he has given his skeptics reason to reconsider, with a breakout season at AA Midland. In 219 AB’s

Currently Powell (25) is playing at AAA Sacremento, after spending the majority of his time at AA Midland and his combined #’s are as follows… in 236 AB’s he is hitting .292 with a .385 OBP/.525 SLG%/.910 OPS.

Edit: Unfortunately I just discovered that Powell again will undergo knee surgery and end his season… that is a real shame.

In part nine of the series I’ll move to the NL and feature the NY Mets.

[isestrex]

Well, we have the lefties in Burres, Olson, Loewen and Bedard. Perhaps we could come up with a swap of budding arms to even out the starting rotation...

Though, for some reason, I doubt many GM's think along those lines...

[mweb]

Ellis had a .906 OPS last month.

[Greg Pappas]

Ellis had a .906 OPS last month.

I'm not sure what this means. I'll guess at your meaning and assume you think that he is playing well now and will not be considered as a spot to be upgraded. A career OPS of .747 is right in line with his OPS this year (.751).

If you meant something else, sorry for guessing.

[mweb]

I'm not sure what this means. I'll guess at your meaning and assume you think that he is playing well now and will not be considered as a spot to be upgraded. A career OPS of .747 is right in line with his OPS this year (.751).

If you meant something else, sorry for guessing.

Just saying that he's been playing well, so they probably aren't desperate to upgrade at 2nd. That doesn't mean they wouldn't be interested in Brob though.

Plus, I'm not sure they'll be much of buyers this year.

[Greg Pappas]

Well, we have the lefties in Burres, Olson, Loewen and Bedard. Perhaps we could come up with a swap of budding arms to even out the starting rotation...

Though, for some reason, I doubt many GM's think along those lines...

We can only try, in an educated way, to imagine what goes on in the minds of GM's. I imagine that most GM's prefer to have at least one lefty in their starting five, as it gives the opposition a different look and also can be a serious matchup issue for certain contenders come playoff time.
As you say however, it's doubtful that swapping is done very often for the sole purpose of flipping a righty for a lefty.

It's certainly possible that this may have happened in baseball storied history. Anyone knowing of such a trade, let us know. :)

[Greg Pappas]

Just saying that he's been playing well, so they probably aren't desperate to upgrade at 2nd. That doesn't mean they wouldn't be interested in Brob though.

Plus, I'm not sure they'll be much of buyers this year.

With Harden back and with the A's traditionally playing well in the 2nd half, it may be time to pull the trigger come July 31, as long as they are within 5 games of being a playoff team.

As I always say, "Time will tell, and it'll be a lot of fun getting there."

[Greg Pappas]

Raburn might get the call up with Neifi Perez being suspended.

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/playerbreakingnews.asp?sport=MLB&id=3984&line=215703&spln=1

In other news, Carlos Gomez is out until September with a broken hand. Lastings Milledge is on a rehab assignment in AA Binghamton.

This is a bit interesting, as the Mets are up next in the series. Gomez and Milledge have been at the heart of many trade discussions.

[Greg Pappas]

Part Nine in a series.

N.Y. Mets; The Mets currently sit two games ahead of the Braves and 4.5 games up on the Phillies.

The Mets have been picked by many experts to make the World Series this year. The Mets have played poorly leading into the All-Star game however and it’s apparent to me that they are in need of a couple parts to truly have a shot to win it all. Beginning with the Met’s starting staff, they’ve had four very solid starters in Tom Glavine, Orlando Hernandez, Oliver Perez, and former Oriole John Maine. Jorge Sosa has performed well as their fifth guy, but he along with Perez are currently on the DL. Pedro Martinez has missed the entire season but may return sometime in August, and although he is unlikely to recapture his previous dominant form he may still help them down the stretch. With the DL claiming two starters, rookie Mike Pelfrey is up, and as is often the case with youngsters, he’s struggled to the tune of a 6.10 ERA and 1.67 WHIP in eight starts.

Their closer, Billy Wagner, is still among the best in baseball, but they could use a strong left-hander out of the pen.

Offensively the Met’s are very good and are lead by SS Jose Reyes, 3B David Wright, and CF Carlos Beltran. Veteran 1B Carlos Delgado seems back to his old form after early season struggles, giving the Mets four superstar players. However, while the Mets boast a fearsome foursome, they are less than great in the other four spots. Catcher Paul Lo Duca’s defensive liabilities are a matter of great contention in New York and there are rumors that an upgrade at the backstop position is coming by the trade deadline. Would the Mets have an interest in Ramon Hernandez? Perhaps. Second base is also a weakness, with veteran Jose Valentin struggling mightily with a paltry .685 OPS and no stolen bases. The rumor machine is rampant on the N.Y. forums as concerns the Met’s targeting of 2B Brian Roberts. This has been, to me, one of the clear cut potential landing spots for BRob should the Orioles decide to retool for the future (wise, but unlikely). The corner outfield positions have been a sore spot for the Mets with veteran Moises Alou hurt and on the DL, veteran Shawn Green is just so-so, and youngsters are filling in with poor results.

So, the way I see it at this juncture, the Mets are solid in the starting staff but could use a lefty such as Jaime Walker. Offensively the Mets could use a dynamic 2B like Brian Roberts and perhaps a corner outfielder to reinforce the positions.

The following players are the Met’s top prospects.

Most info from Baseball America.


Mike Pelfrey - RHP - 6’ 7 210 - Born: Jan. 14, 1984

There are few pitchers in the minors whose fastball can rival Pelfrey's. His two-seamer sits at 92-95 mph with fierce sink and late life and rates as a 70 on the 20-80 scouting scale. He throws it effortlessly from a 6-foot-7 frame on a steep downhill plane with great extension and solid command. He also has a four-seamer for extra velocity higher in the zone. Though Pelfrey barely needed to use a changeup as an amateur, he already has a good feel for it and it's his No. 2 pitch. He fiddled with his grip in 2006 and improved his command of the pitch. He fields his position well and has a good pickoff move, though the Mets would like to see him get faster to the plate from the stretch.

A lack of a reliable breaking ball is the biggest thing holding Pelfrey back. He has thrown both a curveball and a slider but now favors the slider, which is better suited for his power arm. He throws it at 84-87 mph with some depth, and he can reduce the break on it to give it more of a cutter look against lefthanders. He has yet to learn how to command his slider consistently, and it probably always will be his third-best pitch. Though his mechanics are clean, he tends to over-rotate his lower half in his windup, which hurts his ability to locate his pitches.

Currently Pelfrey (23) is up with the Mets and is pitching poorly in eight starts . His numbers in 36.2 innings (7 starts) at AAA are; 3.44 ERA, 2.95 BB/9, 7.12 SO/9, his WHIP is 1.36 and the league was hitting .268 off him.

Lastings Milledge - OF - R/R - 6’ 1 185 - Born: Apr. 5, 1985

Lastings Milledge is a supremely gifted ball-player, with a lightning quick bat and good all-around athletic ability. The term five-tool talent is tossed around a bit too often, in my opinion, but among the players that has been dubbed that, Milledge fits the bill. He has been on the door step for the last two seasons to crack the Mets lineup, but failed in a brief trial and has been injured for most of this season.

From a character standpoint, there have been some concerns, with the most notable being his musical career seeming to be more important to him, and the less than desirable ‘I’m-all-that’ attitude. Perhaps it’s just me, but I believe that Milledge is a superstar in the making, and one that plays hard and works hard when playing. I see him being a future All-Star outfielder (CF) and one that a team can help build around. He’s potentially that good.

Milledge is back at it in the minors, trying to make it back to N.Y. and is hitting .333 with a 882 OPS in merely 69 AB’s.

Carlos Gomez - OF -6’ 2 175 - Born: Dec. 4, 1985

The Mets decided to let Gomez skip high Class A because they were so impressed with the way he responded to instruction and made adjustments during spring training. He started the season slow and spent some time in extended spring straining when a back injury sidelined him in May. Roving hitting instructor Lamar Johnson got him to relax the upper half in his swing, and Gomez batted .323 the rest of the way.

Gomez' arm and speed both rate as a 70 on the 20-80 scouting scale. He's an above-average center fielder and he refined his base-stealing technique to where he had 41 swipes in 50 attempts in 2006. His lightning-quick bat and natural swing path allow him to make consistent hard contact. His arm gives him yet another plus tool.

Much of his game is still raw. Gomez is too aggressive at the plate and needs to improve his situational hitting. He has plus raw power that has yet to show up in game action. His flashy style has irked some his opponents, but the Mets don't see it as a problem and think it will diminish as he matures.

Gomez (21) has split time between AAA and the Mets and is out with a broken hand until September. At AAA, and in 319 AB’s, Gomez has hit .286 with a .363 OBP/.414 SLG%/.777 OPS and has been 17/21 in stolen bases. With the Mets, and in 108 AB’s, Gomez has hit .250 with a .303 OBP/.333 SLG%/.636 OPS and has been 9/11 in stolen bases.

In part ten of the series I’ll feature the Atlanta Braves.

[UMDTerrapins]

Pelfrey is a great prospect. But I want to focus on positional prospects if I'm the O's. I am stuck on Adam Jones. If it were as easy as DCab for Jones I'd pull the trigger happily. I wonder if they would be interested in Tejada....could be a decent trade partner, except their system doesn't seem very deep. Jones has the potential to explode into an elite hitter.....imagine having him and Markakis for 4-5 years. I'd rather have Jones alone than Santana/Aybar.

[Greg Pappas]

Pelfrey is a great prospect. But I want to focus on positional prospects if I'm the O's. I am stuck on Adam Jones. If it were as easy as DCab for Jones I'd pull the trigger happily. I wonder if they would be interested in Tejada....could be a decent trade partner, except their system doesn't seem very deep. Jones has the potential to explode into an elite hitter.....imagine having him and Markakis for 4-5 years. I'd rather have Jones alone than Santana/Aybar.

Agreed, I would rather have an elite prospect than two pretty good ones.

It's unlikely that Justin Upton or Adam Jones or Jay Bruce or Cameron Maybin etc. would be available, as their potential for superstardom is great. But if a team were open to it and the cost was Cabrera + Reimold, I would be giddy about a deal. (Pinch me.) :D

[UMDTerrapins]

But if a team were open to it and the cost was Cabrera + Reimold, I would be giddy about a deal. (Pinch me.) :D

Amen! I actually think that's a reasonable offer for a team in their position. The Ichiro contract extension could theoretically make them more willing to move Jones....possibly?????

By the way...great work on this thread! That's a BIG investment of your time, and really good research.

[phattybeers]

Mariners just called up Jones to play right field as both parts of his game will be an improvement, I would doubt they would part with him!

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playernews.aspx?sport=MLB


Adam Jones-OF- Mariners Jul. 11 - 3:20 am et


The Mariners are reportedly calling up Adam Jones for Thursday's game and installing him as their new right fielder.
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer is running with it, so now we'll go with it, too. According to the report on ProspectInsider.com, the Mariners will shift Jose Guillen to left field and Raul Ibanez to DH, making Jose Vidro one incredibly expensive bench player. If the Mariners were willing to do that, they should have just made Ben Broussard their left-handed DH months ago. Still, this would qualify as progress. Jones has a chance to be a significant upgrade on offense, and he'd certainly improve the defense.

[Greg Pappas]

Amen! I actually think that's a reasonable offer for a team in their position. The Ichiro contract extension could theoretically make them more willing to move Jones....possibly?????

By the way...great work on this thread! That's a BIG investment of your time, and really good research.

Thanks a lot. :)

I'd be hard pressed to imagine a scenario wherein the Mariners deal Adam Jones. He is a budding superstar, and those only come around every so often. Of course Seattle has had their fair share and then some. :D

[TGO]

Thanks a lot. :)

I'd be hard pressed to imagine a scenario wherein the Mariners deal Adam Jones. He is a budding superstar, and those only come around every so often. Of course Seattle has had their fair share and then some. :D

Yep, they still have Wladimir Balentien waiting in the wings, too. He has drawn comparisons to Vladimir Guerrero for more than just the name. Will swing at anything and hit a lot of it, good power, and a strong but wild arm. Seattle doesn't draft pitchers all that well but they do a good job with hitters and they go hard after a lot of undrafted free agents in the Caribbean (Balentien is out of Curacao, home of Andruw Jones). Wish the O's had been signing guys like this recently.

[Greg Pappas]

Mariners just called up Jones to play right field as both parts of his game will be an improvement, I would doubt they would part with him!
http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playernews.aspx?sport=MLB

Agreed, highly doubtful. However it remains my wish for management to procure an outstanding positional prospect.

My stance has been and remains that this franchise is in a position to rebuild/retool fairly quickly and should set their sights on 2009-10.

[Greg Pappas]

Yep, they still have Wladimir Balentien waiting in the wings, too. He has drawn comparisons to Vladimir Guerrero for more than just the name. Will swing at anything and hit a lot of it, good power, and a strong but wild arm. Seattle doesn't draft pitchers all that well but they do a good job with hitters and they go hard after a lot of undrafted free agents in the Caribbean (Balentien is out of Curacao, home of Andruw Jones). Wish the O's had been signing guys like this recently.

Hopefully MacPhail quickly recognizes that we may be better served with a larger and better bank-rolled international scouting department.

Balentien's name is not mentioned often, but I think he is one of those players that we should scout vociferously and target as a potentially high reward acquisition. We need talent like his in our system. I'd imagine that he'd be better than what we are currently employing in LF right now. A deal with Seattle seems among the more realistic in my estimation for the very reasons you pointed out.

When these reports are finished, I will be reviewing my personal choices as best prospects overall and players that I believe that we should be targeting with the caveat that it would be fairly realistic to acquire them. That'll be a lot of fun.

Great post TGO.

[Sports Guy]

I would tend to agree with you but i don't think it is a slam dunk either.

Rumors are that with Hargrove being gone, the chances went up alot that Ichiro stays in Seattle.

Now, they can of course move Jones or Ichiro out of CF but you do have to wonder if Jones is more available than he should be.

I know Olney thinks A Jones ends up in Seattle.

Who knows. It wouldn't shock me if they said yes to the deal but i agree, at this point, it is more unlikely than likely.


So, is Jones now available????

[clapdiddy]

So, is Jones now available????

Welcome back, SG!

Man, you were sure giving those guys on that "other" board a tough time. I can't say I blame you, though! ;)

I'll bet Jones will be playing another position. I thought I read that they were going to put him in LF and move Ibanez to DH.

[Sports Guy]

Welcome back, SG!

Man, you were sure giving those guys on that "other" board a tough time. I can't say I blame you, though! ;)

I'll bet Jones will be playing another position. I thought I read that they were going to put him in LF and move Ibanez to DH.

Its not the Hangout, that's for sure.

And thanks.

[Greg Pappas]

I don't believe the M's would part with Adam Jones, but corner outfielder Wladimir Balentien may be the player we could acquire from Seattle, for pitching most likely. We should be able to work something out, pending our scouts opinion of Balentien.

[Sports Guy]

I don't believe the M's would part with Adam Jones, but corner outfielder Wladimir Balentien may be the player we could acquire from Seattle for pitching, most likely. We should be able to work something out, pending our scouts opinion of Balentien.
Do you make this trade?:

Weaver, Sexson, Jones, Betancourt, Morrow for Tejada and DCab?

[Greg Pappas]

Do you make this trade?:

Weaver, Sexson, Jones, Betancourt, Morrow for Tejada and DCab?

I would but I cannot fathom that the M's would. Weaver and Sexson would be dumps, but Morrow, Betancourt and Jones are likely considered key parts of Seattle's future. Although Betancourt has struggled with the bat, I still think they look at him as their future SS. So unless Seattle is mortaging their future to win now I'd say no.

[Sports Guy]

I would but I cannot fathom that the M's would. Weaver and Sexson would be dumps, but Morrow, Betancourt and Jones are likely considered key parts of Seattle's future. Although Betancourt has struggled with the bat, I still think they look at him as their future SS. So unless Seattle is mortaging their future to win now I'd say no.

Well, they better win with the resigning of Ichiro.

They have a ton of money tied into a few players the next few years.

DCab and Tejada represents big upgrades and they have them for a while.

Sexson and Weaver are dumps....My hope is Weaver pitches well enough in the second half where we can get a draft pick....Same with Sexson next year.

I really don't even want Betancourt but would assume he would have to be in the deal.

I don't know, i think it is an interesting trade for Seattle...They are very quietly hanging with Anaheim.

I guess it all comes down to how much they want to dump the salaries.

I guess we may have to include a guy like Millar as well.

[davearm]

Do you make this trade?:

Weaver, Sexson, Jones, Betancourt, Morrow for Tejada and DCab?
An offer of Tejada and Cabrera would've looked phenomenal a little while ago... say, 2004.

But here in 2007, that's an absolutely horrible deal for Seattle.

Time to face the music and see that for now at least, Tejada is a defensively challenged, injured, singles hitter with a $13M/yr contract and a me-first attitude.

Meanwhile Cabrera is a league average starter with potential still not realized after 4 years in the bigs.

[Greg Pappas]

"I'd like a large popcorn and a large sprite." (Greg says as he kicks back in his theatre seating to witness the fireworks...) :eek: :D

Edit: Wait!!!!! I changed my mind... No thread stealing! ;)

[Greg Pappas]

Davearm, in my opinion you undervalue Tejada and DCab just a bit, and SG maybe overvalues them a bit, but either way, that deal wouldn't go down.

There are many options at the trade deadline, but truthfully I expect little to happen.

I would not sell low on Tejada as it is. His value went from super two years ago to ehhhh today. Someone may be interested in him, but I'd prefer at this juncture we give him the chance to re-establish himself in order to move him this offseason or even at the deadline next season. That wasn't the plan coming into this year's deadline, but his poorly-timed injury may have set us back. This doesn't mean you rule out listening, because an over zealous owner may demand a splash and take a chance on Miggy's previous glory, looking to pass him through waivers in August, while sending an acceptable player/package our way.

It will be interesting to see how these next few weeks unfold.

[davearm]

Davearm, in my opinion you undervalue Tejada and DCab just a bit, and SG maybe overvalues them a bit, but either way, that deal wouldn't go down.
Perhaps that's true, but the red flags are both numerous and real.

I don't have any hesitation about predicting that other GMs would approach either of these players with a great deal of caution.

[Avsfan]

You also have to remember that Bill Bavasi is the single worst GM in baseball...


Jose Vidro and his balloon like contract are sitting on the bench.

[Sports Guy]

Perhaps that's true, but the red flags are both numerous and real.

I don't have any hesitation about predicting that other GMs would approach either of these players with a great deal of caution.

And the red flags for Sexson, Weaver and Betancourt aren't real?

[Avsfan]

Not to mention....he just gave Ichiro 100 million

[TGO]

Let's simplify this. I don't think they're going to deal Jones and Morrow. They are not only part of the future but they're going to help this year down the stretch. So how about...

Balentien and Sexson
for
Cabrera, Gibbons, and cash, say $4M

Then deal Millar. And if possible, spin Sexson back out on the market by paying part of his salary to send him somewhere like Minnesota.

I know Gibbons is the tricky part, hence the cash. We're also taking Sexson.

[davearm]

And the red flags for Sexson, Weaver and Betancourt aren't real?
Yes they are.

Tejada and Cabrera for Sexson, Weaver and Betancourt might make some sense. But you tacked on two top prospects on top of that. That's a joke.

[davearm]

Let's simplify this. I don't think they're going to deal Jones and Morrow. They are not only part of the future but they're going to help this year down the stretch. So how about...

Balentien and Sexson
for
Cabrera, Gibbons, and cash, say $4M

Then deal Millar. And if possible, spin Sexson back out on the market by paying part of his salary to send him somewhere like Minnesota.

I know Gibbons is the tricky part, hence the cash. We're also taking Sexson.
Paying guys to play elsewhere would be a major about-face for the O's.

Not sure I'm buying that scenario.

[TGO]

Paying guys to play elsewhere would be a major about-face for the O's.

Not sure I'm buying that scenario.

Then for the sake of discussion, assume MacPhail has in his office an introductory economics textbook with a good explanation of "sunk cost," which he shows to Peter Angelos. ;)

[TGO]

Yes they are.

Tejada and Cabrera for Sexson, Weaver and Betancourt might make some sense. But you tacked on two top prospects on top of that. That's a joke.

I don't think SG's trade is going to happen, but Tejada and Cabrera for Sexson, Weaver, and Betancourt would probably be ridiculed as one of the worst trades in history. It doesn't "make some sense."

[davearm]

I don't think SG's trade is going to happen, but Tejada and Cabrera for Sexson, Weaver, and Betancourt would probably be ridiculed as one of the worst trades in history. It doesn't "make some sense."
Not even close.

[clapdiddy]

I don't think SG's trade is going to happen, but Tejada and Cabrera for Sexson, Weaver, and Betancourt would probably be ridiculed as one of the worst trades in history. It doesn't "make some sense."
I'd have to agree with this. Weaver is nothing, Sexson is 32 and seems to be declining in a bad way, and Betancourt is a good field/little hit shortstop. I think without the addition of a prime prospect, this deal would be horrible for us.

[TGO]

Not even close.

Sexson is having his worst season ever, looks to be in serious decline, and makes $14M next year. We would be making a very large bet on the guy. Weaver is awful and the Mariners have been trying to get rid of him for anything. Even saying he might get you a draft pick when he leaves ignores the fact that you'd have to offer the guy arbitration and risk him accepting it. Betancourt last I checked is about a league average shortstop.

We're giving them a shortstop who is either making his market value if his power stays down or who is undervalued if his power comes back, plus a league average starter who eats innings like they're pancakes and still has the "p word" attached to his name and still gets the occasional Randy Johnson comparison, AND taking away two salaries they want to dump. For Yuniesky Betancourt.

We may overvalue Tejada and Cabrera around here. They're flawed players. But this trade is a laugher.

[Sports Guy]

Yes they are.

Tejada and Cabrera for Sexson, Weaver and Betancourt might make some sense. But you tacked on two top prospects on top of that. That's a joke.LOL...This is funnier than your DCab for Prior offer.

[Sports Guy]

The salaries in my deal aren't that far off.

Tejada is owed roughly 32 million..>Sexson and Weaver 25 million.

DCab's salary will basically be balanced out by the other guys.

So, the M's pick up about 7 million in salary and get a player, in Tejada, who's WARP3(which is counting stat and he has missed some time) is about the same as Sexson, Betancourt AND Weaver.

Sexson and Weaver have zero value right now.

Morrow has a great arm but the M's wouldn't lose him in their pen, which si full of great arms and they have Mark Lowe coming back soon and his arm is probably as good as Morrows.

All they really lose in this deal is Jones. That is the true loss but they gain Tejada, a huge upgrade over what they have and DCab, who still has all the potential in the world and you know a lot of teams would value that potential.

[davearm]

The salaries in my deal aren't that far off.

Tejada is owed roughly 32 million..>Sexson and Weaver 25 million.

DCab's salary will basically be balanced out by the other guys.

So, the M's pick up about 7 million in salary and get a player, in Tejada, who's WARP3(which is counting stat and he has missed some time) is about the same as Sexson, Betancourt AND Weaver.

Sexson and Weaver have zero value right now.

Morrow has a great arm but the M's wouldn't lose him in their pen, which si full of great arms and they have Mark Lowe coming back soon and his arm is probably as good as Morrows.

All they really lose in this deal is Jones. That is the true loss but they gain Tejada, a huge upgrade over what they have and DCab, who still has all the potential in the world and you know a lot of teams would value that potential.
You are completely out to lunch on this one.

Brandon Morrow was the 5th overall selection in the 2006 draft, and has already ascended to MLB in less than a year. He's a cornerstone of the Mariners future staff, and is more valuable than any young pitcher in the O's entire system. Yet you paint him as some generic expendable reliever.

All they really lose in this deal is Jones? What a joke.

And calling Tejada a huge upgrade over anyone completely ignores the guy's current injury and production situation. He's a huge questionmark, not a huge upgrade.

[Sports Guy]

You are completely out to lunch on this one.

Brandon Morrow was the 5th overall selection in the 2006 draft, and has already ascended to MLB in less than a year. He's a cornerstone of the Mariners future staff, and is more valuable than any young pitcher in the O's entire system. Yet you paint him as some generic expendable reliever.

All they really lose in this deal is Jones? What a joke.

And calling Tejada a huge upgrade over anyone completely ignores the guy's current injury and production situation. He's a huge questionmark, not a huge upgrade.
Is Morrow looked at as a future starter?

Thought he was viewed more as a closer prospect?

I think you overestimate Tejada's value decline but whatever, its not worth my time to get into a discussion about that.

[YardBirds13]

You are completely out to lunch on this one.

Brandon Morrow was the 5th overall selection in the 2006 draft, and has already ascended to MLB in less than a year. He's a cornerstone of the Mariners future staff, and is more valuable than any young pitcher in the O's entire system. Yet you paint him as some generic expendable reliever.

All they really lose in this deal is Jones? What a joke.

And calling Tejada a huge upgrade over anyone completely ignores the guy's current injury and production situation. He's a huge questionmark, not a huge upgrade.

Not saying that this deal could happen, or is even realistic, but fine, take out Morrow. I'd still do Cabrera/Tejada for Jones/Sexson/Weaver/Betancourt in a second.

[davearm]

Not saying that this deal could happen, or is even realistic, but fine, take out Morrow. I'd still do Cabrera/Tejada for Jones/Sexson/Weaver/Betancourt in a second.
Replacing Weaver with Cabrera is obviously a win for the M's.

The problem there is you're also removing three bats from their lineup, and replacing them with a guy that may or may not be of any help this season in Tejada.

[Sports Guy]

Replacing Weaver with Cabrera is obviously a win for the M's.

The problem there is you're also removing three bats from their lineup, and replacing them with a guy that may or may not be of any help this season in Tejada.

Another thing you overestimate..Tejada's injury.

He will be back in early August and it isn't as severe as other guys wrist injuries to the point where it should zap his power.

[Bosibus]

Hey Greg, will you be covering the Padres. They are in a desperate need of a power hitter, which we don't have, but we could do some dealings...

[YardBirds13]

Replacing Weaver with Cabrera is obviously a win for the M's.

The problem there is you're also removing three bats from their lineup, and replacing them with a guy that may or may not be of any help this season in Tejada.

Fine, throw in Millar. He would give them more at first than Sexson has this season so far. So they would be (as far as their ML roster goes) upgrading 1B (both production this season and salary-wise), SS and one of their starting pitching slots. The only thing they lose is Jones, and while he is a high price to pay, that trade does nothing but improve their ML team right now.

BTW, no way the M's trade Jones, IMO. (Fun to talk about though. I think he will be a superstar.)

[davearm]

Another thing you overestimate..Tejada's injury.

He will be back in early August and it isn't as severe as other guys wrist injuries to the point where it should zap his power.
As far as the return date: they said the same thing about DLee last year. He didn't last long, and ended up right back on the shelf.

As far as the power: that's very much an open question.

You're assuming best-case across the board, which is optimistic, but probably not realistic, and most certainly not what other teams' GMs would base their decisions upon.

[Sports Guy]

As far as the return date: they said the same thing about DLee last year. He didn't last long, and ended up right back on the shelf.

As far as the power: that's very much an open question.

You're assuming best-case across the board, which is optimistic, but probably not realistic, and most certainly not what other teams' GMs would base their decisions upon.

Lee's injury was more severe i believe.

Either way, to think Tejada and DCab= Sexson, Weaver and Betancourt is one of the biggest jokes i have ever seen on this board.

[YardBirds13]

Lee's injury was more severe i believe.

Either way, to think Tejada and DCab= Sexson, Weaver and Betancourt is one of the biggest jokes i have ever seen on this board.

That obviously wouldn't happen, and you know that. Dave is just saying ( I think) that all of that PLUS Jones and Morrow isn't going to happen.

Would you make the trade withouth Morrow. Basically Tejada/Cabrera for Sexson/Betancourt/Weaver/Jones?

I know I would.

[Sports Guy]

That obviously wouldn't happen, and you know that. Dave is just saying ( I think) that all of that PLUS Jones and Morrow isn't going to happen.

Would you make the trade withouth Morrow. Basically Tejada/Cabrera for Sexson/Betancourt/Weaver/Jones?

I know I would.

Essentially trade DCab and Tejada for Jones?

Probably not.

Hell, the trade i proposed isn't even a slam dunk.

If Sexson continues to be awful, he nets us nothing in terms of draft picks.

Weaver needs a big turn around to net us a pick(and thus him not accepting arb).

Betancourt is AT BEST, Juan Uribe but probably not that good.

Morrow is young and has a ton of upside but he has a walk rate over 9!

His K rate is good and he hasn't given up a homer but he is a flyball pitcher and in OPACY, he would probably have a much higher ERA than he does now.

Hell, Hoey may end up being better than Morrow.

The only reason i like this trade is the potential of the draft picks and the upside of Jones and Morrow.

But let's face it, a lot of teams have young, power arms like Morrow. Not like he is some rare commodity.

If we don't end up getting picks for Sexson and/or Weaver, i can see us striking out big time in this trade.

However, if we did get 3-4 picks for those 2 players, we could end up with 5-6 young players for Miggy and DCab and that is a nice haul for us.

Put it this way, i don't think the Orioles make this trade.

[Greg Pappas]

Hey Greg, will you be covering the Padres. They are in a desperate need of a power hitter, which we don't have, but we could do some dealings...

I'm working on the Braves and the NL East, and will do the NL Central and West soon after. Thanks for asking. :)

[Greg Pappas]

Essentially trade DCab and Tejada for Jones?

Probably not.

Hell, the trade i proposed isn't even a slam dunk.

If Sexson continues to be awful, he nets us nothing in terms of draft picks.

Weaver needs a big turn around to net us a pick(and thus him not accepting arb).

Betancourt is AT BEST, Juan Uribe but probably not that good.

Morrow is young and has a ton of upside but he has a walk rate over 9!

His K rate is good and he hasn't given up a homer but he is a flyball pitcher and in OPACY, he would probably have a much higher ERA than he does now.

Hell, Hoey may end up being better than Morrow.

The only reason i like this trade is the potential of the draft picks and the upside of Jones and Morrow.

But let's face it, a lot of teams have young, power arms like Morrow. Not like he is some rare commodity.

If we don't end up getting picks for Sexson and/or Weaver, i can see us striking out big time in this trade.

However, if we did get 3-4 picks for those 2 players, we could end up with 5-6 young players for Miggy and DCab and that is a nice haul for us.

Put it this way, i don't think the Orioles make this trade.

I was going to start a thread as concerns this very philosophy; acquiring players in order to acquire the draft picks for them when they sign elsewhere. Alderson has been doing this for the Padres and so have a couple other teams.

It would be nice to have traded for Barrett in order to get the two picks he'll command when he walks. Ah well.

[Sports Guy]

I was going to start a thread as concerns this very philosophy; acquiring players in order to acquire the draft picks for them when they sign elsewhere. Alderson has been doing this for the Padres and so have a couple other teams.

It would be nice to have traded for Barrett in order to get the two picks he'll command when he walks. Ah well.

Yea...They got Barrett and Bradley.

Beane does this as well...Essentially, you trade for draft picks.

As i said in my post, this is a big risk trade. Dave seems to think it is a horrible deal for Seattle but i don't see that at all.

If anything, it could be a huge bust for the Orioles.

[davearm]

It's definitely horrible for Seattle.

Immediate impacts (2007 season)
* weakening the offense: Sexson + Jones + Betancourt > Tejada + ? + ?
* weakening the defense: Betancourt > Tejada; Sexson > replacement; Jones > replacement
* weakening the bullpen: Morrow > replacement
* strengthening the rotation: Cabrera > Weaver
* saving $$$ on Weaver
* taking a risk on Tejada's health (big risk IMO)

Longterm impacts (2008 and beyond)
* weakening the OF: Jones > replacement
* spending more $$$ on pitching; production uncertain: Morrow vs. Cabrera
* spending more $$$ at SS for worse defense and uncertain offense
* saving $$$ at 1B; production unknown
* need a middle-of the-order hitter to replace Sexson
* need a middle-of the-order hitter to replace Jones

That's not a very appealing sequence of tradeoffs.

[Greg Pappas]

Part Ten in a series.

Atlanta Braves; The Braves currently sit two games behind the Mets and 2.5 games ahead of the Phillies in the NL East.

I am of the opinion that the Braves will fade off the pace as the season progresses. John Schuerholtz may have a difficult decision on his hands come this off-season and possibly as soon as the trade deadline. That decision will be whether to keep his core group of older veteran players together or rebuild the Braves while he can get good value on their return. Smoltz (40), Hudson (31), closer Wickman (38) and veterans Chipper Jones (35) and Renteria (31) would net a nice return if the Braves indeed are sellers. He has an outstanding young catching duo in McCann and Saltalamacchia, so a deal of either of them could net a bounty as well.

Then again the Braves may stick around in the race and decide to look to upgrade the roster and make a run.

Their staff features future HoF’er (IMHO) John Smoltz, as well as potential staff ace, when right and healthy, Tim Hudson. Young lefty Chuck James seems to coming into his own, but the 4th and 5th starters have been… well, awful. The bullpen has been uneven this season, but has a good arm in Rafael Soriano and a solid veteran closer in Wickman. They could use help in the pen.

Offensively the Braves’s are a solid team, but one with obvious weaknesses. The Braves have virtually no speed and are weak at 1B and LF. However, current 2B Kelly Johnson could move to LF and free up a spot at 2B. CF Andruw Jones is in his contract season at age 30, but is playing well below his norms. He has lost at least one step in CF and is not the defender he once was, and it’s unlikely the Braves will look to resign him.

So, if the Braves are indeed in the market for an upgrade, Roberts, whom the Braves are interested in, would be an option, as well as one of our bullpen guys. Bradford? Walker? Hard to say. They certainly could use a starter and while not likely, Bedard could come up in any discussions with Atlanta. Saltalamacchia or McCann may be available were the Braves buyers, and their values are quite high, so perhaps we could acquire one in any deal for BRob or Bedard. Some may ask why we’d want to acquire a great young catching prospect when we just drafted Wieters, but as the Braves are showing, it is quite nice to be in such a “predicament”.

The following players are among the Braves’s top prospects. Not including Salty or middle infield prospect and former Cuban defector Yunel Escobar.

Most info from Baseball America.


Elvis Andrus - SS - 6’ 0 180 - Born: Aug. 26, 1988

The younger brother of Devil Rays minor league outfielder Erold Andrus, Elvis held his own in the low Class A South Atlantic League, showing no signs of being overwhelmed in a league with players who were on average four years older than him.

Andrus has three plus tools and a chance to develop plus hitting ability and possibly power. His soft hands, impressive range and above-average arm strength make him a natural shortstop. Andrus employs a mature approach at the plate by using the entire field. His instincts and knowledge of the game far exceed his age. The Braves rave about his work ethic and enthusiasm, and he has become fluent in English in less than two years in the United States.

Andrus is still raw in all phases of his offensive game. Plate discipline is his biggest weakness, and he also must improve his overall strength. Though he has plus speed, he's still learning to steal bases and was caught 15 times in 38 tries in 2006.

The Braves feel no need to push Andrus more than a level at a time, but he's still well ahead of almost every player his age. He's headed to high Class A Myrtle Beach as an 18-year-old and could accelerate his timetable once he improves at the plate.

Currently Andrus (18) at High A Myrtle Beach, and in 317 AB’s, has hit .243 with a .330 OBP / .341 SLG% / .670 OPS and has been 21/28 in stolen bases.

Matt Harrison - LHP - 6’ 5 220 - Born: Aug. 16, 1985

The Braves cited Harrison as their breakthrough pitcher of 2005, and he maintained his momentum in 2006. He led Atlanta farmhands in ERA, reached Double-A before he turned 21 and now ranks as the system's top mound prospect and has #3 starter potential.

It seems like every quality lefthanded pitching prospect must be likened to Tom Glavine, but that comparison seems more legitimate when applied to Harrison. He's adept at using both sides of the plate and altering the batter's eye level. He delivers a heavy fastball between 89-92 mph and does an excellent job of keeping it down in the zone. His above-average curveball breaks at times like a slider. Harrison also has a plus changeup that he uses at any time in the count.

Harrison admits he gave Double-A hitters too much credit and wasn't aggressive enough following his midseason promotion. He needs to continue to learn how to mix his pitches in order to keep batters off balance.

Currently Harrison (22) is pitching at AA Mississippi and in 97.2 innings (17 starts) at AA his numbers are; 3.23 ERA, 2.58 BB/9, 5.62 SO/9, his WHIP is 1.28 and the league is hitting .261 off him.


Brandon Jones - OF - L/R - 6’ 2 195 - Born: Dec. 10, 1983

A baseball/basketball/football star in high school, Jones turned down the Royals as a sixth-rounder in 2002. The Braves aggressively pursue draft-and-follows, and that's how they signed him after taking him in the 24th round in 2003. He's the best all-around athlete in the system but has been sidelined by injuries in each of his two full seasons.

Though he had just 20 extra-base hits at Myrtle Beach, managers rated Jones the best power prospect in the Carolina League. He makes hard contact and drives the ball into the gaps with his quick, line-drive swing. Jones possesses above-average wheels and could become a solid power-speed threat at the major league level. His plus range and strong arm enable him to play anywhere in the outfield.

A broken left hand cost Jones two months in 2005, and he missed the last three weeks of 2006 after having surgery to repair a labrum tear in his throwing shoulder. He needs game action to add some loft to his swing and improve his pitch recognition. He also can improve his routes on fly balls and his instincts as a basestealer.

While he still needs to polish many aspects of his game, he continues to attract comparisons with Matt Lawton and could emerge as Atlanta's long-term answer in left field. BA has run a feature on him and his showing this season at AA may finally catapult him to Atlanta.

Jones (24) has played the entire season at AA, and in 338 AB’s, he’s hit .287 with a .364 OBP / .479 SLG% / .844 OPS and has been 12/18 in stolen bases.

In part eleven of the series I’ll feature the Philadelphia Phillies.

[Sports Guy]

It's definitely horrible for Seattle.

]Immediate impacts (2007 season)
* weakening the offense: Sexson + Jones + Betancourt > Tejada + ? + ?
* weakening the defense: Betancourt > Tejada; Sexson > replacement; Jones > replacement[/B]
* weakening the bullpen: Morrow > replacement
* strengthening the rotation: Cabrera > Weaver
* saving $$$ on Weaver
* taking a risk on Tejada's health (big risk IMO)

Longterm impacts (2008 and beyond)
* weakening the OF: Jones > replacement
* spending more $$$ on pitching; production uncertain: Morrow vs. Cabrera
* spending more $$$ at SS for worse defense and uncertain offense
* saving $$$ at 1B; production unknown
* need a middle-of the-order hitter to replace Sexson
* need a middle-of the-order hitter to replace Jones

That's not a very appealing sequence of tradeoffs.

Did Jones get called up?

Lowe will be back soon and can easily replace Morrow.

BTW, factoring a replacement for Jones in 2008 isn't really needed. Ibanez, Ichiro and Guillen are all signed or will have options picked up for next year.

Tejada easily replaces Sexson.

[mweb]

Lee's injury was more severe i believe.

Either way, to think Tejada and DCab= Sexson, Weaver and Betancourt is one of the biggest jokes i have ever seen on this board.

Good to have you back SG.

However, that's not exactly what Dave said, although I agree that he shouldn't have even said it might make sense.

I mostly agree with Dave on this one, the M's are not going to trade those top 2 young players for Miggy/DC. The concept of the trade may be fine, but having Jones in there is not. Tejada's value is at it's lowest, and DC's may be as well.

[TGO]

Did Jones get called up?

Lowe will be back soon and can easily replace Morrow.

BTW, factoring a replacement for Jones in 2008 isn't really needed. Ibanez, Ichiro and Guillen are all signed or will have options picked up for next year.

Tejada easily replaces Sexson.

There were reports Jones was going to be called up today but they weren't true. He is likely to come up soon, though. http://www.theolympian.com/sports/story/160285.html

Even so, he would help their offense by putting Vidro on the pine and vastly improve their defense by moving Ibanez to DH or 1B with Sexson at DH.

[Sports Guy]

There were reports Jones was going to be called up today but they weren't true. He is likely to come up soon, though. http://www.theolympian.com/sports/story/160285.html

Even so, he would help their offense by putting Vidro on the pine and vastly improve their defense by moving Ibanez to DH or 1B with Sexson at DH.

Yea i know they can move people around...My point is, there is no reason to say, who replaces Jones on next year's team or even this year's team.

He isn't even on this year's team yet.

[Sports Guy]

Other than high draft status and 2 years of age, what is the difference between Hoey and Morrow?

[Greg Pappas]

Part Ten in a series.

Atlanta Braves; The Braves currently sit two games behind the Mets and 2.5 games ahead of the Phillies in the NL East.

I am of the opinion that the Braves will fade off the pace as the season progresses. John Schuerholtz may have a difficult decision on his hands come this off-season and possibly as soon as the trade deadline. That decision will be whether to keep his core group of older veteran players together or rebuild the Braves while he can get good value on their return. Smoltz (40), Hudson (31), closer Wickman (38) and veterans Chipper Jones (35) and Renteria (31) would net a nice return if the Braves indeed are sellers. He has an outstanding young catching duo in McCann and Saltalamacchia, so a deal of either of them could net a bounty as well.

Then again the Braves may stick around in the race and decide to look to upgrade the roster and make a run.

Their staff features future HoF’er (IMHO) John Smoltz, as well as potential staff ace, when right and healthy, Tim Hudson. Young lefty Chuck James seems to coming into his own, but the 4th and 5th starters have been… well, awful. The bullpen has been uneven this season, but has a good arm in Rafael Soriano and a solid veteran closer in Wickman. They could use help in the pen.

Offensively the Braves’s are a solid team, but one with obvious weaknesses. The Braves have virtually no speed and are weak at 1B and LF. However, current 2B Kelly Johnson could move to LF and free up a spot at 2B. CF Andruw Jones is in his contract season at age 30, but is playing well below his norms. He has lost at least one step in CF and is not the defender he once was, and it’s unlikely the Braves will look to resign him.

So, if the Braves are indeed in the market for an upgrade, Roberts, whom the Braves are interested in, would be an option, as well as one of our bullpen guys. Bradford? Walker? Hard to say. They certainly could use a starter and while not likely, Bedard could come up in any discussions with Atlanta. Saltalamacchia or McCann may be available were the Braves buyers, and their values are quite high, so perhaps we could acquire one in any deal for BRob or Bedard. Some may ask why we’d want to acquire a great young catching prospect when we just drafted Wieters, but as the Braves are showing, it is quite nice to be in such a “predicament”.

The following players are among the Braves’s top prospects. Not including Salty or middle infield prospect and former Cuban defector Yunel Escobar.

Most info from Baseball America.


Elvis Andrus - SS - 6’ 0 180 - Born: Aug. 26, 1988

The younger brother of Devil Rays minor league outfielder Erold Andrus, Elvis held his own in the low Class A South Atlantic League, showing no signs of being overwhelmed in a league with players who were on average four years older than him.

Andrus has three plus tools and a chance to develop plus hitting ability and possibly power. His soft hands, impressive range and above-average arm strength make him a natural shortstop. Andrus employs a mature approach at the plate by using the entire field. His instincts and knowledge of the game far exceed his age. The Braves rave about his work ethic and enthusiasm, and he has become fluent in English in less than two years in the United States.

Andrus is still raw in all phases of his offensive game. Plate discipline is his biggest weakness, and he also must improve his overall strength. Though he has plus speed, he's still learning to steal bases and was caught 15 times in 38 tries in 2006.

The Braves feel no need to push Andrus more than a level at a time, but he's still well ahead of almost every player his age. He's headed to high Class A Myrtle Beach as an 18-year-old and could accelerate his timetable once he improves at the plate.

Currently Andrus (18) at High A Myrtle Beach, and in 317 AB’s, has hit .243 with a .330 OBP / .341 SLG% / .670 OPS and has been 21/28 in stolen bases.

Matt Harrison - LHP - 6’ 5 220 - Born: Aug. 16, 1985

The Braves cited Harrison as their breakthrough pitcher of 2005, and he maintained his momentum in 2006. He led Atlanta farmhands in ERA, reached Double-A before he turned 21 and now ranks as the system's top mound prospect and has #3 starter potential.

It seems like every quality lefthanded pitching prospect must be likened to Tom Glavine, but that comparison seems more legitimate when applied to Harrison. He's adept at using both sides of the plate and altering the batter's eye level. He delivers a heavy fastball between 89-92 mph and does an excellent job of keeping it down in the zone. His above-average curveball breaks at times like a slider. Harrison also has a plus changeup that he uses at any time in the count.

Harrison admits he gave Double-A hitters too much credit and wasn't aggressive enough following his midseason promotion. He needs to continue to learn how to mix his pitches in order to keep batters off balance.

Currently Harrison (22) is pitching at AA Mississippi and in 97.2 innings (17 starts) at AA his numbers are; 3.23 ERA, 2.58 BB/9, 5.62 SO/9, his WHIP is 1.28 and the league is hitting .261 off him.


Brandon Jones - OF - L/R - 6’ 2 195 - Born: Dec. 10, 1983

A baseball/basketball/football star in high school, Jones turned down the Royals as a sixth-rounder in 2002. The Braves aggressively pursue draft-and-follows, and that's how they signed him after taking him in the 24th round in 2003. He's the best all-around athlete in the system but has been sidelined by injuries in each of his two full seasons.

Though he had just 20 extra-base hits at Myrtle Beach, managers rated Jones the best power prospect in the Carolina League. He makes hard contact and drives the ball into the gaps with his quick, line-drive swing. Jones possesses above-average wheels and could become a solid power-speed threat at the major league level. His plus range and strong arm enable him to play anywhere in the outfield.

A broken left hand cost Jones two months in 2005, and he missed the last three weeks of 2006 after having surgery to repair a labrum tear in his throwing shoulder. He needs game action to add some loft to his swing and improve his pitch recognition. He also can improve his routes on fly balls and his instincts as a basestealer.

While he still needs to polish many aspects of his game, he continues to attract comparisons with Matt Lawton and could emerge as Atlanta's long-term answer in left field. BA has run a feature on him and his showing this season at AA may finally catapult him to Atlanta.

Jones (24) has played the entire season at AA, and in 338 AB’s, he’s hit .287 with a .364 OBP / .479 SLG% / .844 OPS and has been 12/18 in stolen bases.

In part eleven of the series I’ll feature the Philadelphia Phillies.

To pull a SG; Would anyone here do a Roberts/Ray for Saltalamacchia/Yunel Escobar trade? It is pure speculation based on the off chance that the Braves will look to improve their shot at the playoffs this season and look to lock up a player in BRob that they targeted last season, for a multi-year extension.

[davearm]

Yea i know they can move people around...My point is, there is no reason to say, who replaces Jones on next year's team or even this year's team.

He isn't even on this year's team yet.
That's some exceptionally poor reasoning right there.

May as well just give away that $200K Ferrari for free since you never seem to have any time to drive it.

[davearm]

To pull a SG; Would anyone here do a Roberts/Ray for Saltalamacchia/Yunel Escobar trade? It is pure speculation based on the off chance that the Braves will look to improve their shot at the playoffs this season and look to lock up a player in BRob that they targeted last season, for a multi-year extension.
I don't see how that helps the Braves. Kelly Johnson has been outstanding as their leadoff hitter and 2B.

[Greg Pappas]

I don't see how that helps the Braves. Kelly Johnson has been outstanding as their leadoff hitter and 2B.

They have no speed, Roberts is a superior defender to Johnson, and Johnson would simply resolve their LF spot that they need filling.

[Sports Guy]

That's some exceptionally poor reasoning right there.May as well just give away that $200K Ferrari for free since you never seem to have any time to drive it.
Not really...Your argument asked who replaces him.

He doesn't replace anyone because he isn't there to begin with.

[mweb]

Not really...Your argument asked who replaces him.

He doesn't replace anyone because he isn't there to begin with.

He asked who replaces him in 2008 and beyond, when he is expected to be in the starting lineup.

[davearm]

They have no speed, Roberts is a superior defender to Johnson, and Johnson would simply resolve their LF spot that they need filling.
I just don't see the Braves looking to fix something that clearly is not broken.

If they need a LF, they should target a LF.

[Greg Pappas]

I just don't see the Braves looking to fix something that clearly is not broken.

If they need a LF, they should target a LF.

They would be targeting a LF in a roundabout way, by moving a very good defensive outfielder in Johnson to left and infusing the lineup with Roberts. Don't you agree that the Braves would be upgraded with a better defensive team with BRob at 2B and Johnson in left? Also, wouldn't the Braves be better off with Roberts and his 27 SB's adding a serious stolen base threat (the Braves are 10th in the NL w/44) to the lineup? If Roberts were a LF would this whole concept seem like a better idea?

These are legitimate questions, but I agree with you in that I don't see the deal happening either way. Just fun to consider these things. :)

[Sports Guy]

He asked who replaces him in 2008 and beyond, when he is expected to be in the starting lineup.

Actually, he asked about this year as well.

And in 2008, the OF is set right now.

Again, Ibanez can be moved or whatever but maybe they move Ibanez and bring up Balentin and he is the one who replaces Jones.

[mweb]

Actually, he asked about this year as well.

And in 2008, the OF is set right now.

Again, Ibanez can be moved or whatever but maybe they move Ibanez and bring up Balentin and he is the one who replaces Jones.

He mentioned Jones in this year, but he didn't ask who is replacing him until 2008 and beyond. And yes, the 2008 OF is set right now, Jones, Ichiro, and Guillen, with Ibanez at first/DH. And that's likely to be the case for most of the rest of this year as well.

[Sports Guy]

He mentioned Jones in this year, but he didn't ask who is replacing him until 2008 and beyond. And yes, the 2008 OF is set right now, Jones, Ichiro, and Guillen, with Ibanez at first/DH. And that's likely to be the case for most of the rest of this year as well.

But Jones doesn't have to be in there...He asked who can replace him.

Well, they could stick with the same OF they have now or they could move Ibanez for their other very good OF prospect.

Bottom line to act as if their are no other places to go for them is wrong.

[mweb]

But Jones doesn't have to be in there...He asked who can replace him.

Well, they could stick with the same OF they have now or they could move Ibanez for their other very good OF prospect.

Bottom line to act as if their are no other places to go for them is wrong.

Well no one besides Ichiro has to be in there, the point is Jones is in their plans as a starter in the very near future. So they would have to replace his name in their future starting lineup with someone else's name. No one is acting as if their are no other places for them to go, but it doesn't make much sense for the Mariners to trade one of the top prospects in baseball, and there are no indications that they will. It's not like he's blocked. Now if we were talking about sending them someone with a lot of value like Bedard, maybe that would get them to reconsider.

[Fairfax Bird]

I'd like to get my hands on Balentin. They have some nice SS prospects in their system as well.

[Three Run Homer]

To pull a SG; Would anyone here do a Roberts/Ray for Saltalamacchia/Yunel Escobar trade? It is pure speculation based on the off chance that the Braves will look to improve their shot at the playoffs this season and look to lock up a player in BRob that they targeted last season, for a multi-year extension.

Based on talent, this is a fair trade. This is the kind of return we should be pursuing for Brian Roberts.

I wouldn't make this particular trade, however, unless we had another trade partner lined up that was intersested in Salty and was willing to offer a position player prospect of comparable worth (Tampa Bay, maybe? Dioner Navarro isn't exactly setting the world on fire, and there are oodles of talented young position players in their system). Weiters is probably just as good a prospect as Salty, if not better. We don't have enough talent in the system to have the luxury of carrying two outstanding young catchers (plus a pretty good veteran catcher) for a couple of seasons, while there are so many other needs to fill.

[davearm]

Based on talent, this is a fair trade. This is the kind of return we should be pursuing for Brian Roberts.

I wouldn't make this particular trade, however, unless we had another trade partner lined up that was intersested in Salty and was willing to offer a position player prospect of comparable worth (Tampa Bay, maybe? Dioner Navarro isn't exactly setting the world on fire, and there are oodles of talented young position players in their system). Weiters is probably just as good a prospect as Salty, if not better. We don't have enough talent in the system to have the luxury of carrying two outstanding young catchers (plus a pretty good veteran catcher) for a couple of seasons, while there are so many other needs to fill.
I think you're underestimating Salty's value. The Braves might move him for a guy like Tex, but not for Roberts.

That said, it'd be pretty sweet for the O's to grab Salty just so you could play hardball with Wieters and Boras: "Look, we're set at catcher now, guys. We'll give you slot money to sign, otherwise we'll just take the compensatory pick next June. Take it or leave it."

[jerios55]

Morrow has a great arm but the M's wouldn't lose him in their pen, which si full of great arms and they have Mark Lowe coming back soon and his arm is probably as good as Morrows.

http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/insider/columns/story?columnist=law_keith&id=2934251


The Mariners' bullpen has been outstanding this year, posting the second-best ERA in the American League, thanks to an incredible record of keeping the ball in the park. Despite throwing 270 innings, fourth-most of any AL bullpen, Seattle relievers have allowed a league-low 14 homers. That has made up for the bullpen's high total of free passes, particularly rookie Brandon Morrow, who is used in set-up situations even though he's walking more than a man an inning.

Will it last? Not likely. The Mariners have some big arms in their 'pen, led by Morrow and closer J.J. Putz, but the rest of it is built on fringe talents. Only one reliever -- lefty Sean Green -- shows good sink on his fastball or has other ways of getting ground balls on a consistent basis. Morrow, Sean White and Eric O'Flaherty have combined for 86 2/3 innings with just two home runs allowed. And, although all three were effective at limiting the long ball in the minors, there's nothing in their pitching arsenals that would indicate they can continue performing at their current level.

If the bullpen isn't in great shape (as is their rotation, mentioned previously) would they consider Walker/Traschel for Wladimir Balentien??

Traschel could take up the #5 spot nicely, compared to what the M's are getting now (more pitcher friendly), Walker to solidfy the BP. Losing Balentien doesn't affect the current roster (or next years likely lineup). There isn't a lot of salary involved and the M's would have Walker under control for a few more years.

[Fairfax Bird]

http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/insider/columns/story?columnist=law_keith&id=2934251



If the bullpen isn't in great shape (as is their rotation, mentioned previously) would they consider Walker/Traschel for Wladimir Balentien??
Traschel could take up the #5 spot nicely, compared to what the M's are getting now (more pitcher friendly), Walker to solidfy the BP. Losing Balentien doesn't affect the current roster (or next years likely lineup). There isn't a lot of salary involved and the M's would have Walker under control for a few more years.

NO!! They would not make that trade. They could do so much better for Balentien. You want him, be prepared to offer real talent.

[crstrobel]

I think you're underestimating Salty's value. The Braves might move him for a guy like Tex, but not for Roberts.

That said, it'd be pretty sweet for the O's to grab Salty just so you could play hardball with Wieters and Boras: "Look, we're set at catcher now, guys. We'll give you slot money to sign, otherwise we'll just take the compensatory pick next June. Take it or leave it."


Along the lines of Greg's thinking...

If he doesn’t agree on an extension(or gives the perception that he won't), how about Bedard for Salty and Escobar?
The Braves need pitching desperately.

[Greg Pappas]

I think you're underestimating Salty's value. The Braves might move him for a guy like Tex, but not for Roberts.

That said, it'd be pretty sweet for the O's to grab Salty just so you could play hardball with Wieters and Boras: "Look, we're set at catcher now, guys. We'll give you slot money to sign, otherwise we'll just take the compensatory pick next June. Take it or leave it."

I imagine that you are right here.

You see this as I do as far as how sweet it would be to be certain to set up our catcher situation with a dynamic young backstop for many years. Wieters, while a great prospect, is as yet unsigned. I'd sign him regardless of Salty, but having Salty around could be useful in that regard.

[mweb]

I imagine that you are right here.

You see this as I do as far as how sweet it would be to be certain to set up our catcher situation with a dynamic young backstop for many years. Wieters, while a great prospect, is as yet unsigned. I'd sign him regardless of Salty, but having Salty around could be useful in that regard.

And if both become very good players, we'd have a great situation imo. Ideally play each around 81 games at C(maybe one a little more than another based on defense), then play both another 70 games at DH/1B. It would keep both fresh during that season, plus it would keep their production level higher into their 30's. It would also save us from having a Paul Bako on the team, and from having a Paul Bako start many games when the starter goes down.

[Greg Pappas]

And if both become very good players, we'd have a great situation imo. Ideally play each around 81 games at C(maybe one a little more than another based on defense), then play both another 70 games at DH/1B. It would keep both fresh during that season, plus it would keep their production level higher into their 30's. It would also save us from having a Paul Bako on the team, and from having a Paul Bako start many games when the starter goes down.

That is an idea I've also considered, though I'm more apt to have them DH, rather than play 1B. Either way, we dream alike, lol. :D

[Greg Pappas]

NO!! They would not make that trade. They could do so much better for Balentien. You want him, be prepared to offer real talent.

Agreed. Walker/Trachsel gets nowhere near Balentien.

Although I have quite a ways to go and many more teams to cover, I am thinking that Balentien should be among our most important targets in trade discussions with ANY team. He is an outstanding prospect and while Seattle is likely looking to install him into their lineup soon, they are in need of pitching help and could possibly make Balentien available. I wonder if Cabrera/Riemold could net him? Doubtful.

[Sports Guy]

Agreed. Walker/Trachsel gets nowhere near Balentien.

Although I have quite a ways to go and many more teams to cover, I am thinking that Balentien should be among our most important targets in trade discussions with ANY team. He is an outstanding prospect and while Seattle is likely looking to install him into their lineup soon, they are in need of pitching help and could possibly make Balentien available. I wonder if Cabrera/Riemold could net him? Doubtful.

Not a trade i would make i don't think.

[Fairfax Bird]

Not a trade i would make i don't think.

I wouldn't either. Balentein is somewhere between Traschel/Walker and Cabrera/Reimold for sure.

[Greg Pappas]

I wouldn't either. Balentein is somewhere between Traschel/Walker and Cabrera/Reimold for sure.

Sorry guys, I was away for the night. I mis-spoke, errrrr typed, I meant Cabrera/Riemold for Balentien/other prospect (SS would be nice). Should have elaborated, but regardless, Balentien could be very good and the sort of player we may be able to net in the right deal.

[Greg Pappas]

Part Eleven in a series.

Philadelphia Phillies; The Phillies currently sit five games behind the Mets and 2.5 games behind the Braves in the NL East, and are a game over .500 at 49-48.

It wouldn’t take Robert Langdon to decipher the issues at work with the Phillies. They have the NL’s top offense and worst pitching. This team has no business making the playoffs as currently constructed, which is why the Philadelphia fans are in an uproar to acquire starters to push this team toward a pennant.

The staff is lead by outstanding young hurler Cole Hamels, but the issues at starter begin after Hamels’ turn in the rotation. Freddy Garcia is out for the year with a potentially career ending injury and Adam Eaton (5.84 ERA / 1.55 WHIP) and Jamie Moyer (5.01 ERA / 1.36 WHIP) haven’t provided the veteran help the Phillies had hoped for. Rookie Kyle Kendrick has been a solid addition to the staff while fellow rookie JD Durbin has been nightmarish. The Phillies are in my estimation two solid/good starters short of being a true contender. They could also use lefty help in the pen.

Offensively the Phillies are a very good team, ranking third in the NL in both power (121 HR’s) and speed (78 SB’s).

So, if the Phils are in the market for an upgrade, Bedard (unlikely) could be an option, and possibly Trachsel as well. Walker makes sense for their bullpen also. It’s unlikely that Philadelphia would deal star starter prospect Carlos Carrasco, but he would have to be the centerpiece of any Bedard discussions. Again, unlikely.

The following players are among the Phillies top prospects.

Most info from Baseball America.


Carlos Carrasco - RHP - 6’ 3 190 - Born: March 3, 1987

Signed for $300,000 out of Venezuela in 2003, Carrasco had a successful debut the following year in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League. The Phillies take full blame for rushing him in 2005, pushing him to low Class A Lakewood at age 18 in a move that backfired when he posted a 7.04 ERA. He turned in a corner in instructional league after the season, setting the stage for a return to Lakewood in 2006, when he blossomed into a legitimate frontline starter prospect. He ranked third in the system in wins and ERA and represented the organization in the Futures Game. He was a major part of Lakewood's South Atlantic League title run, though the Phillies were disappointed with the way Carrasco handled himself when he struggled. Since making strides in grasping English this season, Carrasco has taken to instruction more easily.

Carrasco has two plus pitches in his arsenal, starting with a consistent 90-92 mph fastball. His fastball has outstanding late life and finish, and he commands it to all four quadrants of the strike zone. He can dial it up to 93-94 when he needs to, and he could add more velocity as he matures physically. He complements his heater with one of the best changeups in the system. His changeup features excellent late fade and depth, and he'll throw it in any count. The biggest improvement Carrasco made in 2006 was with his curveball. He commanded his 71-77 mph curve better than he ever had, showing good tilt and late bite. He repeats his delivery and fields his position well. Though he didn't have an at-bat with the BlueClaws, Philadelphia raves about the pride Carrasco takes in the offensive side of the game. He's a good bunter and shows aptitude in understanding game situations from a hitter's perspective.

Presently Carrasco ranks as the 23rd overall prospect in the minors, according to Baseball America.

Carrasco (20) is currently pitching at AA Reading after spending most of his season in High A Clearwater. In 99.1 combined innings (17 starts, 12 & 5) his numbers are; 2.99 ERA, 3.90 BB/9, 7.07 SO/9, his WHIP is 1.17 and the league is hitting .206 off him.

Kyle Drabek - RHP - 6’ 0 180 - Born: Dec. 8, 1987

Many clubs thought Drabek had the best pure stuff in the 2006 draft, but huge makeup concerns scared teams away from the son of former Cy Young Award winner Doug Drabek. Kyle fell to the 18th pick, and the Phillies signed him for $1.55 million. He led The Woodlands (Texas) High to the national title during the spring, going 10-0, 1.18 on the mound and batting .479 with six homers as a shortstop.

Drabek has better stuff than his father, starting with a 78-82 mph spike curveball with devastating late action. Scouts describe it as unhittable, and hitters also have to be wary of Drabek's mid-90s fastball that tops out at 97 mph. He made strides with his changeup's location during instructional league after he tinkered with his grip. Drabek generates lightning-fast arm speed through a compact, easily repeatable delivery. He's one of the best athletes in the system.

Philadelphia wouldn't have had a chance to draft Drabek if not for a public-intoxication charge against him (later dropped) and a single-car accident in which he struck a tree. Clubs also were turned off by his temper, and he repeatedly lost his cool when things didn't go his way in pro ball. Also, Drabek doesn't get quite the extension from the windup as he does from the stretch. He tends to lean back on his heel too much, which costs him overall balance and command. His mid-80s slider and his changeup show promise, but they lag behind his curve and his fastball.

Currently Drabek (19) is pitching at Low A Lakewood and in 54 innings (10 starts) his numbers are; 4.33 ERA, 3.83 BB/9, 7.67 SO/9, his WHIP is 1.35 and the league is hitting .239 off him.


Adrian Cardenas- 2B - L/R – 5’ 11 185 - Born: Oct. 10, 1987

Cardenas entered last spring as the second-best player on his team--behind eventual Nationals first-rounder Chris Marrero--and as a projected fifth-round pick. By the end of the spring, he had led Miami's Monsignor Pace to a state title, set a school record with a .647 average and a Dade County mark with 18 homers and won Baseball America's High School Player of the Year award. After signing for $925,000 as the 37th overall pick, he made the Gulf Coast League all-star team.

Cardenas has good strength and a short, compact swing from the left side. He has a knack for squaring up balls, making consistent hard contact and driving the ball to all fields. He profiles to hit 15-20 homers annually in the majors. He's presently a solid-average defender at shortstop, though most scouts believe he'll have to change positions down the road. His intellect is on par with his athleticism, as he graduated in the top 10 percent in his class.

The Phillies recognize that Cardenas best fits at second base, where he played exclusively during instructional league. He lacks first-step quickness and the range to play short, and his speed and arm strength are fringy.

More advanced than most high school players, he could develop along the lines of Chase Utley.

Cardenas (19) has played the entire season at Low A Lakewood, and in 339 AB’s, he’s hit .304 with a .361 OBP / .437 SLG% / .797 OPS and has been 15/21 in stolen bases.

In part Twelve of the series I’ll feature the Milwaukee Brewers.

[El Gordo]

Another thing you overestimate..Tejada's injury.

He will be back in early August and it isn't as severe as other guys wrist injuries to the point where it should zap his power.I hope you're right but how do you Know this? Source?

[Sports Guy]

I hope you're right but how do you Know this? Source?

The Orioles aren't concerned with the long term effects with the injury...This is what i have been told.

[geschinger]

The Orioles aren't concerned with the long term effects with the injury...This is what i have been told.

Are they at all concerned about the power outage over his previous 560 or so healthy ABs?

[Sports Guy]

Are they at all concerned about the power outage over his previous 560 or so healthy ABs?

Not sure......

[tywright]

Kyle Drabek - RHP - 6’ 0 180 - Born: Dec. 8, 1987

Many clubs thought Drabek had the best pure stuff in the 2006 draft, but huge makeup concerns scared teams away from the son of former Cy Young Award winner Doug Drabek. Kyle fell to the 18th pick, and the Phillies signed him for $1.55 million. He led The Woodlands (Texas) High to the national title during the spring, going 10-0, 1.18 on the mound and batting .479 with six homers as a shortstop.

Drabek has better stuff than his father, starting with a 78-82 mph spike curveball with devastating late action. Scouts describe it as unhittable, and hitters also have to be wary of Drabek's mid-90s fastball that tops out at 97 mph. He made strides with his changeup's location during instructional league after he tinkered with his grip. Drabek generates lightning-fast arm speed through a compact, easily repeatable delivery. He's one of the best athletes in the system.

Philadelphia wouldn't have had a chance to draft Drabek if not for a public-intoxication charge against him (later dropped) and a single-car accident in which he struck a tree. Clubs also were turned off by his temper, and he repeatedly lost his cool when things didn't go his way in pro ball. Also, Drabek doesn't get quite the extension from the windup as he does from the stretch. He tends to lean back on his heel too much, which costs him overall balance and command. His mid-80s slider and his changeup show promise, but they lag behind his curve and his fastball.

Currently Drabek (19) is pitching at Low A Lakewood and in 54 innings (10 starts) his numbers are; 4.33 ERA, 3.83 BB/9, 7.67 SO/9, his WHIP is 1.35 and the league is hitting .239 off him.




Drabek is out for the year after TJ surgery

[Greg Pappas]

Drabek is out for the year after TJ surgery

Yikes, missed that one... thanks.

[Greg Pappas]

I'll add this fella to replace Drabek...

Josh Outman - LHP - 6' 1 180 - Sept. 14, 1984

While at St. Louis Community College-Forest Park, Outman used a delivery developed by his father Fritz that scouts described as one of the strangest they'd ever seen. He extended his arm straight up, bent it down to nearly touch his opposite shoulder and then took a walking step rather than using a leg kick. After transferring to Central Missouri State, he reworked his mechanics while also starring as an outfielder/DH. Outman contributed to a South Atlantic League championship by winning 13 of his last 15 regular-season decisions in 2006.

After making changes to his delivery, Outman has seen his fastball jump from 86-88 mph to 90-94. Lakewood pitching coach Steve Schrenk had him ditch his curveball in favor of a sharp slider that quickly became a plus pitch with excellent tilt and late life. His changeup grades as average.

Outman has a good feel for his changeup, but wasn't consistent locating it in 2006. His arm speed slows down at times, which he can remedy by using the pitch more often. He puts away hitters easily when he gets ahead in the count but needs to do a better job of throwing strikes.

Ticketed for high Class A, Outman could reach Double-A by the summer. He's on course to be a solid middle-of-the-rotation starter in the majors.

Currently Outman (22) has spent the entire season at High A Clearwater and in 110.2 innings (18 starts) he has posted the following: 2.52 ERA / 4.31 BB/9 IP / 9.11 SO/9 IP with a 1.37 WHIP and the league is hitting .238 against him.

[Greg Pappas]

Part Twelve in a series.

Milwaukee Brewers; The Brew Crew (55-44) are a mere three games up on the Cubs in the NL Central, two in the loss column.

Milwaukee is a resurgent franchise after years in the doldrums. The staff had been lead by outstanding ace Ben Sheets, but he just went down with a hand injury and will miss the next 4-6 weeks. Pitching has been decent for the Brewers, but without Sheets, and in the hunt for a playoff spot, the Brewers don’t appear well equipped to go far. They rank 7th in the NL with an ERA of 4.11 and feature a starting staff of Chris Capuano (4.64), Jeff Suppan (4.92), Dave Bush (4.83), Claudio Vargas (4.47) and recent call-up and rookie sensation Yovani Gallardo (2.34).

Even with Sheets, this staff is very iffy and may look to add another starter as the deadline approaches.

Closer Francisco Cordero is outstanding and has 31 saves for the Brewers. Their Pen has been solid as lefty Brian Shouse, and righties Derrick Turnbow, Carlos Villanueva and Matt Wise have been very good. The Brewers may look to add an arm to the pen, and a lefty may be the way to go with Shouse the only option.

Offensively Milwaukee is a good team, ranking 4th in the NL in runs scored, 8th in OBP, 2nd in SLG % and 3rd overall in the NL in OPS. They could use a better team OBP and more speed, as their total of 54 SB’s attest, which would afford their big bats (2nd in HR) more RBI opportunities. Apparently now healthy, Rickie Weeks (2B) should help.

The Brewers boast arguably the best infield in baseball. Hulking 1B Prince Fielder (30 bombs), multi-dimensional 2B Rickie Weeks, hard-hitting SS J.J. Hardy, rookie phenom 3B Ryan Braun and solid switch-hitting catcher Johhny Estrada form this formidable group. Former SS and current CF Billy Hall is a good player and has handled the switch to CF as well as can be expected. He is currently injured but should return shortly. At 6’6 and finally getting a real shot in RF, Corey Hart is slugging .509 and showing why Milwaukee has been so high on him. LF is handled decently by Geoff Jenkins and Kevin Mench.

With the likelihood of Bedard staying put, I don’t see the O’s matching up with Milwaukee as far as filling their need for a starter, but Walker or Bradford would be nice pickups for the Brewers.

The following players are among the Brewers top prospects.

Most info from Baseball America.


Will Inman - RHP - 6’ 0 200 - Born: Feb. 6, 1987

After leading Tunstall High to back-to-back Virginia state titles and setting the state record for strikeouts, Inman spurned an Auburn commitment to sign for $500,000. He followed a strong pro debut in 2005 by posting the second-best ERA in the minors. He didn't give up a run in 15 of his 23 outings at low Class A West Virginia.

Inman isn't overpowering, but he can consistently command his 89-92 mph fastball for strikes in any part of the zone. He stays ahead in the count and complements his fastball with a two-plane slurve that he's trying to develop into a more conventional curveball. He began using his changeup more last season. He is a fiery competitor.

Inman missed a month last season with a sore shoulder, perhaps because he three too many breaking balls. He has eliminated much of the effort in his delivery and stayed on a straighter line to the plate, mechanical adjustments the Brewers hope will relieve some stress on his arm. He's not projectable and probably won't develop plus velocity, and he needs to refine his secondary pitches.

Any worries Milwaukee had about Inman's sore shoulder were quieted when he didn't allow an earned run in his first five outings after coming off the disabled list. He has the stuff and aggressiveness to move quickly, and he'll pitch at high Class A Brevard County as a 20-year-old.

Inman (20) is currently pitching at AA Huntsville after spending most of his season in High A Brevard County. He fared far better at High A: in 78.2 innings (13 starts) his numbers were; 1.72 ERA, 2.63 BB/9, 11.21 SO/9, his WHIP was 1.00 and the league was hitting .198 off him.

However, his numbers at AA are a bit different: in 39.2 innings (8 starts) his numbers are; 5.45 ERA, 3.63 BB/9, 9.53 SO/9, his WHIP is 1.36 and the league was hitting .259 off him.


Jeremy Jeffress - RHP - 6’ 0 175- Born: Sept 21, 1987

Jeffress had more sheer velocity than any pitcher in the 2006 draft. The Brewers hoped for a quality college arm with the 16th overall pick, but changed gears and took Jeffress, who signed for $1.55 million. Despite control struggles in his pro debut, he rated as the top pitching prospect in the Rookie-level Arizona League.

Jeffress regularly throws his fastball in the high 90s, hit 98 mph throughout 2006 and topped out at 102. He's an excellent athlete with smooth mechanics and utilizes his lower half well. He flashes a hard slider, but the pitch is a work in progress. He showed encouraging signs of progress with his offspeed stuff in instructional league.

It's hard to succeed as a one-pitch pitcher, and Jeffress will have to refine his slider and changeup. His control is erratic and he wore down by the end of the summer.

He's a project and his development will require patience. The long-term payoff could be huge, however, as scouts compare Jeffress to Dwight Gooden for his velocity, athleticism and easy delivery.

Currently Jeffress (19) is pitching at Low A West Virginia and in 52 innings (11 starts) his numbers are; 2.94 ERA, 5.02 BB/9, 8.31 SO/9, his WHIP is 1.35 and the league is hitting .215 off him.


Mat Gamel - 3B - L/R – 6’ 0 205 - Born: July 26, 1985

Undrafted out of high school, Gamel spent a year Daytona Beach (Fla.) CC before transferring to Chipola (Fla.) JC, where the Brewers spotted him while scouting teammate Darren Ford, a draft-and-follow. In his first full pro season, Gamel was named MVP of the South Atlantic League all-star game. He wowed the crowd by hitting 15 bombs in the second round of the home run derby, which he lost in the finals.

Gamel can hit for average and power. He has a sound lefthanded stroke, hits balls from gap to gap and can pull a pitch out of the park if a pitcher challenges him inside. He's not intimidated by southpaws and peppered them for a .325 average in 2006. A former pitcher, he has plus arm strength to go with decent speed and agility.

His swing can get long at times, but Gamel doesn't strike out excessively. After making 52 errors in 157 pro games at third base, he must improve his footwork to reduce his wayward throws. With Ryan Braun ahead of him, he could move to the outfield in the future.

There are no plans to shift Gamel off the hot corner this year. He'll make the jump to high Class A and could be big league-ready by the end of 2008.

Gamel (21) has played the entire season at High A Brevard County, and in 337 AB’s, he’s hit .306 with a .380 OBP / .454 SLG% / .834 OPS and has been 12/17 in stolen bases.

In part Thirteen of the series I’ll feature the Chicago Cubs.

[Greg Pappas]

Part Thirteen in a series.

Chicago Cubs; The Cubbies (51-46) are three games behind the Brewers in the NL Central, two in the loss column.

It’s been a roller-coaster season for the Cubs. Lou Pinella’s first year as Cubs skipper has been fraught with drama, in-fighting, injuries and streaky play. The Cubs seemed lost the first two months of the season, but have ripped off an impressive 29-15 run to pull close behind the Brew Crew. Unless Milwaukee get’s it’s pitching in order, they may be soon looking up at the Cubbies. Then again, they may get better pitching and still fall behind Chicago.

The starters have performed well, and overall the team ERA is 2nd in the NL at 3.86. The staff is led by resurgent ace Carlos Zambrano. After his run-in with since-traded catcher Michael Barrett , Zambrano has won 7 of 9 starts and lowered his ERA from 5.62 to his current 3.69. Following Zambrano in the rotation, lefty Ted Lilly has been outstanding, winning 10 games and sporting an impressive 3.52 ERA and 1.07 WHIP. Jason Marquis has been a good story and potential Comeback Player of the Year candidate. After a blazing start he has been shaky, but still generally keeps the Cubs in the game. Two youngsters, Rich Hill and Sean Marshall, both lefties, round out the starters. Each has performed very well indeed, with Hill having a 3.58 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP and rookie Marshall at 3.25/1.26. The starters are the major difference in comparing the Cubs with their division foes, the Brewers.

Closer has seemingly been a point of contention, with Ryan Dempster hanging on to the role this season. There had been talk of replacing Dempster earlier this year, but he seems to have a good hold as of now. The Cubs may look to add a power arm to the pen..

Offensively Chicago ranks 8th in the NL in runs scored, 10th in OBP, 8th in SLG % and 9th overall in the NL in OPS. All this despite having Derrick Lee, Alfonso Soriano and Aramis Ramirez.. Ramirez has been very good, but Lee’s power is down noticeably this season and Soriano was out injured for a while. Overall they have 58 SB’s (not good) as a team and need to improve their woeful OBP as well. If the big three all can get going, the lineup will be scoring at a much better clip. Right field in my estimation is the only apparent weakness.

The Cubs pitching is fine, sans a power arm in the pen, but a veteran RF or CF with good OBP and speed may be helpful down the stretch.

The following players are among the Cubs top prospects.

Most info from Baseball America.


Felix Pie - CF - 6’ 2 170 - Born: Feb. 8, 1985

The best thing that may happened to Pie was hurting his right ankle sliding into a base in June 2005. The resulting bone bruise kept him out for the rest of the season, and ended the Cubs' plans to promote him when they tired of Corey Patterson in July. Unsure whether Pie would be ready to jump to Chicago after missing most of 2005, they traded for Juan Pierre in the offseason. Rather than being rushed to the detriment of his career like Patterson was, Pie got a full year of development at Triple-A Iowa in 2006. As it turns out, he wasn't ready for the majors, hitting just .248 with seven homers in the first three months. He adjusted and batted .322 with eight homers in the final two months, reaffirming that he's by far the Cubs' best position prospect. Success has followed Pie throughout the minors, as he has appeared in two Futures Games and won championships with each of the first four clubs he played with. Double-A West Tenn went to the Southern League finals while he was on the disabled list in 2005, and Iowa tied for the Pacific Coast League North title in 2006.

The best athlete in the system, Pie has tools reminiscent of Carlos Beltran's. He's a power-hitting center fielder with basestealing ability. His bat is so quick that he can make hard contact against any pitch he can reach, even out of the strike zone. Though he always has been one of the youngest regulars in his leagues, he consistently has hit for average. In the last two years, Pie has started to incorporate his legs more into his swing and to turn on more pitches, allowing him to realize more of his power potential. He has well above-average speed, making him dangerous on the bases and able to run down most balls in center field. His arm is strong enough for right field, and he led Triple-A Pacific Coast League outfielders with 18 assists last year. In addition to his physical skills, the Cubs also like his makeup. They like how he turned his season around last year, and they say it's no coincidence that his teams have won consistently.

Pie still needs to refine his instincts in all phases of the game. He doesn't control the strike zone, resulting in few walks and too many outs on balls he shouldn't chase. Chicago had him bat at the top of the Triple-A lineup to have him work on his plate discipline, with only moderate success. For all his speed, Pie was caught stealing 11 times in 28 tries in 2006 and has succeeded on just 63 percent of his attempts as a pro. Though he's the system's best defensive outfielder, he'll occasionally take some erratic routes.

This season, Pie (22) has shown he can handle AAA, at least in 180 AB’s, with an OPS of 1.018! His numbers while up with the Cubs ( 139 AB’s) were just the opposite (.617 OPS). However, Cub fans are excited, about Pie’s seemingly very bright future.

Tyler Colvin - OF - L/L – 6’ 3 190 - Born: Sept 5, 1985

Colvin was the biggest surprise of the first round of the 2006 draft, going 13th overall after not receiving a lot of hype at Clemson. He led the Tigers to the College World Series, then signed for $1.475 million. He ranked as the short-season Northwest League's No. 1 prospect in his pro debut.

There's more projection remaining for Colvin than with most college draftees because of his gangly frame and age; he didn't turn 21 until the end of the season. He's the best pure hitter in the system and should develop plus power as he gets stronger, as he has quick hands and drives the ball to all fields. The Cubs believe his solid-average speed could improve as he matures physically. He also plays fine defense, with the range for center field and the arm for right.

Colvin tried to do too much at the start of his pro career, leading to an immediate 8-for-46 slump. He learned to just let the game come to him, and made a similar adjustment at the plate. Rather than trying to muscle up for power against righthanders, he has started to let the ball travel deeper and trust his hands. He'll need to tighten his strike zone and lay off high fastballs.

While Colvin's upside, which draws comparisons to Steve Finley and Shawn Green, excites Chicago, he'll need time to develop. He could open his first full pro season at low Class A Peoria, though he should be able to handle high Class A Daytona.

Colvin (21) has split the year between High A Daytona and AA Tennessee. In 245 AB’s in High A, he hit .306 with a .336 OBP / .514 SLG% / .850 OPS and was 10/14 in stolen bases.

However, he hit a wall after his promotion to AA. In 109 AB’s in AA, he’s hit .239 with a .252 OBP / .376 SLG% / .628 OPS and was 1/2 in stolen bases.

Donald Veal - LHP - 6’ 4 215- Born: Sept 18, 1984

After signing him for $530,000 as a second-rounder in 2005, the Cubs kept Veal on short pitch counts because he was worn out from a heavy workload at Pima (Ariz.) CC. When they turned him loose last year, he led minor league starters in opponent batting average (.175) and shared Chicago's minor league player of the year award with Rich Hill.

Hitters can't square up the ball well against Veal because he has quality stuff and hides it with an unorthodox delivery. He has a 92-93 mph fastball that tops out at 95, and he likes to bust hitters inside with a four-seamer and then paint the outside corner with a two-seamer. His 74-79 mph curveball has tight rotation and is a strikeout pitch when it's on. His changeup is a solid third pitch. He has long arms and operates with a big leg kick and a high three-quarters slot, and his pitches get on top of hitters before they're ready.

Veal's delivery is complicated, so command becomes an issue. He locates his fastball where he wants, but he won't be able to do the same with his secondary pitches until he starts using them more often. His inconsistent curveball can get loopy at times.

Currently Veal (22) is pitching at AA Tennessee and in 94 innings (20 starts) his numbers are; 5.27 ERA, 5.55 BB/9, 9.10 SO/9, his WHIP is 1.62 and the league is hitting .263 off him.

In part Fourteen of the series I’ll feature the LA Dodgers.

[Sports Guy]

Did you read what BP said about Veal?

Basically said there isn't a ton of hope for him.

[Greg Pappas]

Did you read what BP said about Veal?

Basically said there isn't a ton of hope for him.

Yeah, his star has lost a great deal of shine this year.

[Greg Pappas]

I realize that Davearm will have a greater insight into the Cubs, and I look forward to reading his assessment of them.

[Sports Guy]

I realize that Davearm will have a greater insight into the Cubs, and I look forward to reading his assessment of them.

Problem is, can the Cubs take on any salary past this year?

They could be a good destination for Tejada but the ownership situation may not allow it.

[Greg Pappas]

Problem is, can the Cubs take on any salary past this year?

They could be a good destination for Tejada but the ownership situation may not allow it.

It seems to me that the Cubs would like to add a lefty bat, with a predominently right-handed middle of the lineup. But either way, they may be on the lookout for upgrades regardless of which side they swing from.

[davearm]

I've often said that the list of Cubbie farmhands that the O's should have interest in would be long.

For the guys you mentioned:
Felix Pie is pretty much untouchable at this point. Not a lot of sense in putting him in trade talks.

Tyler Colvin has got a L O N G way to go before he's worthy of any Shawn Green comparisons. His K/BB ratio is horrific, and he's been exposed at AA. He's a project with only modest value, IMO. On the plus side, he's moved through the system very quickly, so maybe he'll straighten things out as he gets caught up to the competition, and justify his first-rounder status.

Donnie Veal will either sink or swim based on his ability to throw strikes and pitch from ahead in the count. It's pretty much that simple. If he gets that figured out (like Hill eventually did), he can be very good. It's a sizeable *if* at this point.

I like Corey's little bro Eric Patterson. He's going to make a very solid #1 or #2 hitter in the bigleagues. Finding a spot for him in the field is another issue, unfortunately. 2B and LF are the candidates.

Sean Gallagher is ready to step into the backend of a ML rotation right now. His upside is a solid #3. Great kid, plus fastball, nice offspeed arsenal. "Polished" would be the one word to describe him.

Billy Petrick is back from the dead. After two seasons lost to injuries, the guy's zoomed from A-ball to the bigleagues in half a season. He and Gallagher have been swapping spots between Iowa and Chicago for about a month.

Ronny Cedeno is either going to be a AAAA guy, or a guy that eventually settles into being an above-average MLB SS despite some severe growing pains in 2006. Hard to hold him back after his 360/424/543/966 line at Iowa this year -- he was called up today.

BP recently named Geo Soto the #3 catching prospect in the bigleagues. He's always been a solid defensive catcher, and is having a breakout year with the bat (978 OPS at Iowa).

Former first rounder Scott Moore should have a future in MLB as a "corner utility" guy. 889 OPS at Iowa suggests he's ready for the show.

Jake Fox is the kind of bat that teams will find a place for. He didn't stick at C, but hopefully will play a passable 1B or corner OF. DH might be the solution. Recently jumped from AA to MLB.

Carmen Pignatiello projects to be a useful LH reliever in the bigs. He gets righties and lefties out.

And finally, a total wildcard: Josh Kroeger. He was raking in the DBacks system at ages 21 and 22, then stalled badly two years in a row in 05 and 06. He seems to be back now as he approaches age 25 (next month), crushing the Southern League to the tune of a 1058 OPS, and continuing his success with Iowa with an 887 OPS. Plays a solid OF with plenty of arm for RF. I'm as intrigued by this guy as anyone in the Cubs' system.

The O's would have immediate use for just about every one of these guys, IMO.

[Greg Pappas]

I've often said that the list of Cubbie farmhands that the O's should have interest in would be long.

For the guys you mentioned:
Felix Pie is pretty much untouchable at this point. Not a lot of sense in putting him in trade talks.

Tyler Colvin has got a L O N G way to go before he's worthy of any Shawn Green comparisons. His K/BB ratio is horrific, and he's been exposed at AA. He's a project with only modest value, IMO. On the plus side, he's moved through the system very quickly, so maybe he'll straighten things out as he gets caught up to the competition, and justify his first-rounder status.

Donnie Veal will either sink or swim based on his ability to throw strikes and pitch from ahead in the count. It's pretty much that simple. If he gets that figured out (like Hill eventually did), he can be very good. It's a sizeable *if* at this point.

I like Corey's little bro Eric Patterson. He's going to make a very solid #1 or #2 hitter in the bigleagues. Finding a spot for him in the field is another issue, unfortunately. 2B and LF are the candidates.

Sean Gallagher is ready to step into the backend of a ML rotation right now. His upside is a solid #3. Great kid, plus fastball, nice offspeed arsenal. "Polished" would be the one word to describe him.

Billy Petrick is back from the dead. After two seasons lost to injuries, the guy's zoomed from A-ball to the bigleagues in half a season. He and Gallagher have been swapping spots between Iowa and Chicago for about a month.

Ronny Cedeno is either going to be a AAAA guy, or a guy that eventually settles into being an above-average MLB SS despite some severe growing pains in 2006. Hard to hold him back after his 360/424/543/966 line at Iowa this year -- he was called up today.

BP recently named Geo Soto the #3 catching prospect in the bigleagues. He's always been a solid defensive catcher, and is having a breakout year with the bat (978 OPS at Iowa).

Former first rounder Scott Moore should have a future in MLB as a "corner utility" guy. 889 OPS at Iowa suggests he's ready for the show.

Jake Fox is the kind of bat that teams will find a place for. He didn't stick at C, but hopefully will play a passable 1B or corner OF. DH might be the solution. Recently jumped from AA to MLB.

Carmen Pignatiello projects to be a useful LH reliever in the bigs. He gets righties and lefties out.

And finally, a total wildcard: Josh Kroeger. He was raking in the DBacks system at ages 21 and 22, then stalled badly two years in a row in 05 and 06. He seems to be back now as he approaches age 25 (next month), crushing the Southern League to the tune of a 1058 OPS, and continuing his success with Iowa with an 887 OPS. Plays a solid OF with plenty of arm for RF. I'm as intrigued by this guy as anyone in the Cubs' system.

The O's would have immediate use for just about every one of these guys, IMO.

Outstanding post! This is exactly what I hoped for from you and would certainly appreciate any post that adds prospects that I have little room for.

My post are rather long, so I limit myself to three top prospects. As we all know however, there are far more prosopects not mentioned here in this thread that I'd love to have assistence with. Post about them, I'd be delighted. :)

[Greg Pappas]

Part Fourteen in a series.

Los Angeles Dodgers; The Dodgers (51-46), and are 1 game ahead of the Padres in the NL West, tied in the loss column.

The Dodgers pitching has pitched fairly well, and overall the team ERA is 5th in the NL at 3.94. They lead the NL in strikeouts and are 4th in BAA. The rotation is led by ace Brad Penny (12 wins, 2.42 ERA/1.18 WHIP) and outstanding #2 man, Derek Lowe (3.45 ERA/1.28 WHIP). Unfortunately for the Blue, Jason Schmidt has spent the better part of the season on the DL and his status seems a bit unclear as the Dodgers push toward a playoff berth. Veteran Randy Wolf is also on the DL after posting less than impressive numbers (4.73/1.45) in 102 innings, but is expected back soon. Young stud Chad Billingsley has moved from the pen and into the third slot in the rotation and seems to be fulfilling his considerable promise, posting three wins in his five starts in July, and running his overall record to 7-0 with a 3.38 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP. After Billingsley, himself not a sure thing, the Dodgers are hurting, with barely serviceable lefty Mark Hendrickson and journeyman Brett Tomko filling out the rotation.

The Dodgers closer situation is in good hands, as 37 year-old righty Takashi Saito has been brilliant, posting 25 saves and a 1.59 ERA while sporting a microscopic WHIP of 0.73. After setup man Jonathan Broxton, the rest of the bullpen has been less than stellar. The Dodgers may need to add an arm or two there.

Offensively L.A. ranks 7th in the NL in runs scored, 3rd in OBP, 10th in SLG % and 7th overall in the NL in OPS. This is a mediocre lineup, led by their outstanding young players, catcher Russ Martin, 1B James Loney and OF Matt Kemp, as well as veteran 2B Jeff Kent. Veteran OF’er Luis Gonzalez (39) has played well this season in LF, but
with merely decent play from SS Furcal, CF Pierre and 3B Garciaparra, the Dodgers just don’t have enough firepower to scare anyone. A team HR total of 78 just doesn’t cut it.

Los Angeles could potentially solve their 3B woes from within, by promoting star prospect Andy LaRoche. Rumors swirl about a deal for Jermaine Dye, but whatever the Dodgers do, a power bat seems essential.

The following players are among their top prospects.

Most info from Baseball America.


Andy LaRoche – 3B - R/R - 6’ 1 200 - Born: Sept 13, 1983

The son of former major league all-star Dave and the brother of Braves first baseman Adam, Andy could be the best big leaguer in the family. He graduated early from high school and attended Grayson County (Texas) CC in what would have been the spring of his senior year in 2002. The Padres took him in the 21st round that June as a draft and follow, but strangely made little effort to sign him the following spring. By that point LaRoche had committed to Rice and several clubs viewed him as unsignable. The Dodgers took a 39th-round flier on him in the 2003 draft, and after he raked in the Cape Cod League that summer, they signed him for $1 million. LaRoche established himself as one of the top position players in the minors by slugging 30 homers in 2005, and he fortified that reputation with another strong campaign in 2006. He hit a career-high .315 with 19 homers (including one on the first pitch he saw in Triple-A) despite a torn labrum in his left shoulder that required surgery following the season.

Few players can cause a stir in batting practice like LaRoche can. He sometimes will take BP with a 36-ounce bat, which has helped him build remarkable strength in his hands and wrists. He has tremendous power and a ferocious approach, attacking pitches with a quick, leveraged swing. He can drive balls out to all parts of the park, but is at his best when he's hammering them from gap to gap. He lets the ball travel deep in the hitting zone. He's an intelligent hitter who d made strides in 2006 with his plate discipline and willingness to work counts without sacrificing any power. For the first time as a pro, he drew more walks than strikeouts. Defensively, he has good hands and a solid-average arm. He's a reliable third baseman who committed just five errors in 54 games at Triple-A Las Vegas.

LaRoche can fall into bad habits at the plate, at times losing balance, lengthening his swing and chasing pitches out of the zone when he tries to muscle up. He's geared to pull for power, and his average could suffer unless he tones down his swing. He has below-average range and speed. He always has had a big league mentality and his brashness rubs some the wrong way. The Dodgers are quick to praise him for his grit and determination, and they don't consider his makeup to be a detriment..

Currently LaRoche (23) has shown he can handle AAA, at least in 202 AB’s, with a BA of .307, SLG % of .574 an OPS of .967 It’s very unlikely the Dodgers will trade him, as he is perfectly situated to take over the third base duties for a long time.

Clayton Kershaw- LHP – 6’ 3 210 - Born: March 19, 1988

Kershaw established himself as the best high school prospect in the 2006 draft when he improved his stuff and dominated Texas high school competition last spring. When Andrew Miller fell to the Tigers at No. 6, Kershaw got to the Dodgers at No. 7. He signed for $2.3 million and ranked as the No. 1 prospect in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League in his debut.

Kershaw's stuff and body have plenty of projection, and his fastball is already well above-average. He paints both corners with 93-94 mph heat, topping out at 96. His curveball is a plus pitch with 71-77 mph velocity and 1-to-5 tilt. has feel for a circle changeup that could become a third above-average pitch. He fills the strike zone with all three of his pitches. He has a durable frame and repeats his delivery. Laid-back and affable off the field, he's hard-nosed and tough-minded on it.

Much more advanced than most young pitchers, Kershaw just needs to get more consistent with his pitches. His curve improved exponentially between his junior and senior seasons in high school, but it still gets loopy and hangs in the zone at times.

He has top-of-the-rotation stuff, command and makeup..

Kershaw (19) has spent the entire year at Low A Great Lakes and in 94 innings (18 starts) his numbers are; 2.76 ERA, 4.43 BB/9, 12.51 SO/9, his WHIP is 1.24 and the league is hitting .205 off him.

Jonathan Meloan - RHP - 6’ 3 225- Born: July 11, 1984

Assistant GM Logan White first saw Meloan when he was a high school senior in 2002 and went up against Loney. Meloan's stuff wasn't overly impressive, but the fact he was pitching with a partially torn anterior-cruciate ligament in his knee left an impression. Meloan signed for $155,000 in 2005 after going 27-2 in his final two years at Arizona.

Meloan has hard stuff and a tenacious attitude on the hill. He works primarily off a 92-94 mph fastball and mid-80s slider, which has been up to 88. He also has feel for a curveball and changeup, which are passable pitches. He has above-average fastball command and locates his secondary stuff well.

Meloan has a ripped physique that lacks looseness. His maximum-effort delivery features some recoil, a huge red flag. Because of his mechanics and his heavy college workload, the Dodgers wisely limited his innings in 2006. He had elbow soreness during spring training, though an MRI in the offseason found nothing to cause alarm.

Meloan (23) was just promoted to AAA, but his numbers at AA Jacksonville were; 45.1 innings, 19 saves, 2.18 ERA, 3.57 BB/9, 13.90 SO/9, his WHIP was 0.93 and the league was hitting .155 off him.

In part Fifteen of the series I’ll feature the San Diego Padres.

[geschinger]

Clayton Kershaw- LHP – 6’ 3 210 - Born: March 19, 1988

Kershaw established himself as the best high school prospect in the 2006 draft when he improved his stuff and dominated Texas high school competition last spring. When Andrew Miller fell to the Tigers at No. 6, Kershaw got to the Dodgers at No. 7. He signed for $2.3 million and ranked as the No. 1 prospect in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League in his debut.

Kershaw's stuff and body have plenty of projection, and his fastball is already well above-average. He paints both corners with 93-94 mph heat, topping out at 96. His curveball is a plus pitch with 71-77 mph velocity and 1-to-5 tilt. has feel for a circle changeup that could become a third above-average pitch. He fills the strike zone with all three of his pitches. He has a durable frame and repeats his delivery. Laid-back and affable off the field, he's hard-nosed and tough-minded on it.

Much more advanced than most young pitchers, Kershaw just needs to get more consistent with his pitches. His curve improved exponentially between his junior and senior seasons in high school, but it still gets loopy and hangs in the zone at times.

He has top-of-the-rotation stuff, command and makeup..

Kershaw (19) has spent the entire year at Low A Great Lakes and in 94 innings (18 starts) his numbers are; 2.76 ERA, 4.43 BB/9, 12.51 SO/9, his WHIP is 1.24 and the league is hitting .205 off him.


In Baseball America's 2006 draft coverage he was one of the players mentioned that the Orioles really liked in the 2006 draft. In the Baseball America mock draft implied that if he would of slipped he would of been the Orioles pick over Rowell, Stubbs and Lincecum. I see no reason for them to feel any differently now. I'd love to target him if we look to make any deals w/LA.

[Greg Pappas]

I remember reading that he was one of the players the Orioles really liked in the 2006 draft. In the Baseball America mock draft implied that if he would of slipped he would of been the Orioles pick over Rowell, Stubbs and Lincecum. I'd love to target him if we look to make any deals w/LA.

Agreed. Kershaw would become our top pitching prospect, over Erbe and others. I have him among the top 5 pitching prospects in all of baseball. I would expect many teams are asking about his availability in trade talks w/ the Dodgers.

Unfortunately, it's unlikely that we are a match for the Dodgers, at least not one that would require them dealing Kershaw. I think only Bedard would net Kershaw, and it's seeming more likely we're not dealing Bedard.

[Greg Pappas]

With the Dodgers in the market for a solid reliever, I wonder if they have any interest in Bradford or Walker? Hopefully, we can pick up a solid prospect from L.A.. Blake Dewitt (2B), their 8th ranked prospect coming into the season, is playing well in his recent promotion to AA, after fairing well at High A (.804 OPS). Here is a quick report on him:

Blake DeWitt - 2B- L/R - 5' 11 195 - Born Aug. 20, 1985

DeWitt's draft stock improved during his senior season and he was considered the best pure hitter in a lackluster 2004 high school draft class. He has been solid but not spectacular in three years in the minors. He moved from third base to second at high Class A Vero Beach last year, then back to the hot corner when promoted to Double-A.

His tools aren't overwhelming, but DeWitt has good feel for the game. He has a knack for putting the barrel on the ball and he uses his hands well at the plate. His swing is short and fluid, and his bat stays in the hitting zone for a long time. He has a solid-average arm and quick release.


DeWitt gets pull-happy and tends to drift during his swing, failing to keep his weight back. While he has enough bat speed to drive balls out of the park, he doesn't project to hit more than 12-18 homers annually in the big leagues. He's better suited for third base, so how much power he develops becomes vital to his value. He lacks the actions and range to stick in the middle infield and he's not a fluid fielder. He's a below-average runner.

DeWitt's mature approach to hitting and excellent makeup should carry him to the majors. He doesn't turn 22 until late August. Personally, I expect the Dodgers are grooming him as the heir apparent to Kent at 2B. So he may not be available.

.................................................. ...................

Also, according to ESPN, the Dodgers may be open to dealing Andy LaRoche.

http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/features/rumors

It seems that Cincy and the Dodgers could be matched as trade partners, as Cincy has the parts that L.A. needs (Dunn/Griffey Jr/Bullpen help).

[Greg Pappas]

Part Fifteen in a series.

San Diego Padres; The Padres (55-47), and are 1.5 game back of the Dodgers in the NL West, and fell .5 back of the D’Backs, so the Padres now sit in third..

The Padres boast the top pitching team in the NL. San Diego has a team ERA of 3.42, nearly half a run better than their closest competitor, the surprising Cubs. The Padres give up the fewest walks and are third in the NL in BAA (.248).

Dynamic ace Jake Peavy has come back strong this season after injury issues have slowed his remarkable career. Both Peavy and Chris Young are having Cy Young type years as the best 1-2 punch in the game.

There are valid concerns however, because following the top two guys in the rotation are aging veterans Greg Maddox (7-7, 4.19 ERA/1.27 WHIP) and David Wells (5-7, 5.02/1.54) and youngster Justin Germano. The Padres could certainly use a strong starter as they push forward.

Their bullpen, led by venerable closer and likely HoF’er Trevor Hoffman, have been outstanding. An additional lefty wouldn’t hurt, as they have but one (Justin Hampson) as it stands currently.

Offensively, and I stress offensive, San Diego ranks a miserable 14th in the NL in runs scored, 15th in OBP, 13th in SLG % and 14th overall in the NL in OPS. This is a mediocre lineup at best, and will need better production to go far. 1B Adrian Gonzalez is their best hitter, playing great defense and providing good power. The Padres need new blood, and good-hitting blood, at 2B, 3B and RF.

The following players are among their top prospects. Will Inman, recently acquired from the Brewers has already been profiled in the Brewers report.

Most info from Baseball America.


Chase Headley – 3B - S/R - 6’ 2 195 - Born: May 9, 1984

Headley spent his freshman year at Pacific before transferring to Tennessee, where he missed significant time as a sophomore with hamstring trouble. After a strong summer in the Cape Cod League. he finished second in NCAA Division I with 63 walks and got drafted in the second round in 2005. He earned all-star recognition in the high Class A California League in his first full pro season.

Headley stands out most with his outstanding pitch recognition, allowing him to hit for average and get on base. He's a switch-hitter who has hit significantly better from the left side in pro ball. Defensively, he has a plus arm and clean hands. A high school valedictorian and academic all-American in college, he's intelligent and has strong makeup.

In the context of the hitter-friendly Cal League, Headley's 12 homers and .434 slugging percentage were unimpressive. The Padres think he can learn to pull the ball with more authority and develop average power. At times he opens up early on throws, resulting in low tosses to first base. He's a below-average runner with heavy feet.

Though he has no outstanding tool, Headley projects as a potential regular because of his on-base skills and instincts. H could push Kevin Kouzmanoff from third base to left field when he's ready.

Headley (23) has played most of the season at AA San Antonio and in 312 AB’s has a BA of .346, SLG % of .628 and an OPS of .1.069. He received 17 AB’s in a brief stint with the Padre’s, but may not quite be ready to contribute to them in a pennant race. Regardless, barring a trade, Headley appears to be the future at 3B for San Diego.

Cedric Hunter – OF - L/L - 6’ 0 195 - Born: March 10, 1988

Hunter has stood out as a hitter everywhere he has played. He held up under the scrutiny of the showcase circuit, thrived against top competition in the East Cobb summer league program in suburban Atlanta and went 1-for-2 in the 2005 Aflac High School All-America Classic. It was no surprise, then, when Hunter hit .580 with 12 homers in 69 at-bats and added 20 steals as a senior at Martin Luther King Jr. High last spring to earn All-America honors. The Padres made him a third round pick last June and signed him for $415,000. While Hunter wasn't as hyped as other high school hitters in his draft class, San Diego was happy to add his polished offensive approach and workmanlike demeanor to the organization. And he delivered right out of the gate, reaching base in his first 49 pro games in the Rookie-level Arizona League, including a 23-game hitting streak. Hunter won AZL MVP honors by leading the complex league in runs, hits and total bases (103) while finishing second to teammate Luis Durango in on-base percentage.

Hunter's bat is clearly his best tool. He has excellent hand-eye coordination and impressive balance. He commands the strike zone like a much more experienced hitter--he walked nearly twice as much as he struck out in his pro debut--and laces line drives to all fields with a slashing swing. Hunter showed the ability to let the ball get deep before committing to a pitch and he was rarely fooled by AZL pitchers. A high leg kick serves as his trigger, but he gets his foot down in time and loads his hands well in the process. Hunter's plus instincts help bolster his average speed and range in center field. Because of his impressive first-step quickness, he has a knack for stealing bases. His overall game often gets compared to that of Jacque Jones.

While he possesses plenty of raw bat speed, Hunter didn't hit for much power in his first taste of pro ball. He makes enough hard contact, though, to become a 15-20 homer hitter down the road. A slight loop in his swing would be of more concern if he didn't square the ball up so consistently. Despite spending time on the mound as a sophomore and hitting 87 mph, Hunter has below-average arm strength. He was limited by a tender elbow in his debut, which often forced him to DH.

Hunter has the natural hitting instincts and quiet confidence to suggest he'll continue to hit for high averages as he moves up. While his swing and approach don't portend raw power, he has a lean, athletic frame that could add strength as he fills out. If Hunter can stay in center field, that will be a bonus. At this stage, none of his non-hitting tools projects as a plus, but he's intelligent and has tremendous desire to improve. He should be ready for a full-season assignment in 2007, in all likelihood to low Class A Fort Wayne.

Currently Hunter (19) has played the entire season at Low A Fort Wayne and in 371 AB’s has a BA of .270, SLG % of .348 and an OPS of .674. It’s apparent that Hunter has a long way to go.

Matt Antonelli – 3B/2B - R/R - 6’ 1 190 - Born: April 8, 1985

As a high school senior, Antonelli was the Massachusetts state player of the year in football and hockey--and the runner-up in baseball. He improved his game in each of his three seasons at Wake Forest and turned in two strong summers in the Cape Cod League. Suitably impressed, the Padres made him the 17th overall pick last June and signed him for $1.575 million.

Antonelli has excellent pitch recognition skills, make consistent contact and finished second in the short-season Northwest League in on-base percentage in his debut. His swing is compact, though his bat speed is only average. He hits the ball hard to all fields because he stays back well on offspeed pitches. A rare athlete for a third baseman, Antonelli has above-average quickness and speed. Throw in soft hands and a solid arm, and he's a potential Gold Glover at the hot corner.

The big question with Antonelli is his power. He hit just three homers in two summers using wood bats on the Cape and didn't go deep in his debut. As a result, he worked to improve the load of his swing in instructional league. Because his two-strike approach is so good, he works a lot of deep counts, and some observers think he can get too passive. For such a good athlete, at times he looks like he's exerting maximum effort.

Antonelli's athleticism gives him versatility, and the Padres auditioned him at second base in instructional league. He has the tools to play just about anywhere on the diamond and might settle in at second or in center field if he doesn't develop the power of a prototypical third baseman. He'll probably jump to high Class A Lake Elsinore for his first full season.

Antonelli (22) had played the majority of the season at High A Lake Elsinore before his promotion to AA San Antonio. At High A and in 347 AB’s Matt had a BA of .314, SLG % of .499 and an OPS of .907.

In 47 AB’s since his debut at AA, he’s had a BA of .404, SLG % of .638 and an OPS of 1.138.

In part Sixteen of the series I’ll feature the Arizona Diamondbacks.

[Greg Pappas]

Part Sixteen in a series.

Arizona Diamondbacks; The D’Backs (57-48) are 1 game back of the Dodgers in the NL West, and are merely a half-game ahead of the Padres, so Arizona is in a donnybrook.

The D’Backs are a strange team, in that they have a solid winning record (57-48) yet have scored 18 fewer runs than they’ve allowed. They face a dilemma as the non-waiver trade deadline draws nigh, that being they need both starters and hitters as they fight to stay in the race. They are rumored to be in the Adam Dunn market, and are as likely a spot for the slugger as any. Matt Morris, among other available starters, could be considered a viable option if the D’Backs elect to upgrade their starting staff. Losing Randy Johnson to season-ending back surgery is a tough blow and staff ace Brandon Webb will be shouldering a great deal more without the Big Unit following him. I personally think that without serious help on the way from their minor league pitchers, Arizona may have to make a splash, yes, I mean an Eric Bedard-like splash, in order to have hope for a young franchise on the verge of a playoff run. While youngsters Yusmeiro Petit and Micah Owings show promise as the 4th and 5th starters, Livan Hernandez (6-6, 4.59 ERA/1.60 WHIP) and Doug Davis (7-10, 4.13/1.67) simply are not pitching well enough consistently to push the team into the playoffs.

Arizona’s bullpen has been very good, and closer Jose Valverde has been tremendous, with 31 saves.

Offensively, Arizona ranks a 11th in the NL in runs scored, 13th in OBP, 10th in SLG % and 12th overall in the NL in OPS. It appears as though the D’Backs are a talented and pretty youthful group, but some of the pieces that were counted on have simply not performed. In particular, 1B Conor Jackson, SS Stephen Drew and RF Carlos Quentin have all hit below expectations and will need to step it up a great deal to help the team make it’s playoff run. Drew is virtually untouchable in the trade talks ongoing with other teams, but Jackson may be had. One possibility is that Arizona brings up MLB’s top overall prospect in CF’er Justin Upton. With Quentin struggling in RF, the D’Backs may insert Upton into RF or slide Chris Young to right so Upton can play center. Outfielder Jermaine Dye’s name has been rumored, as well as the aforementioned Dunn, but no matter what they do, the D’Backs have a lot to weigh with just days remaining.

The following players are among their top prospects.

Most info from Baseball America.


Justin Upton – CF - R/R - 6’ 1 195 - Born: Aug 25, 1987

Upton and his brother B.J. are the highest-drafted brothers in baseball history, with B.J. going second overall to the Devil Rays in 2002 and Justin doing him one better in 2005. He held out until January 2006 before finally signing for a then-draft-record $6.1 million bonus. Because of his last name and unbelievable tools, Justin has been on the scouting radar since he stood out at the 2002 Area Code Games--as a 14-year-old. He kept up his level of play throughout his prep career and was Baseball America's 2005 High School Player of the Year. While he played shortstop as an amateur, the Diamondbacks immediately moved him to center field to take advantage of his plus-plus speed and allow him to worry less about defense. The returns in his first pro season were mixed. While scouts loved his tools, they weren't as enthusiastic about his demeanor. He ranked as the No. 3 prospect in the low Class A Midwest League, behind Jay Bruce (Reds) and Cameron Maybin (Tigers), two other outfielders drafted in 2005's first round.

The term "five-tool prospect" somehow doesn't seem strong enough for Upton. He does everything exceptionally well and already has the body and composure of a big leaguer. If one thing stands out, however, it's his bat speed. He whips his bat through the hitting zone and has great leverage in his swing, which allows him to sting the ball like few players can and gives him plus power potential. His arm and speed are plenty good enough for center field, and though he was raw at the position he was taking better routes to balls by season's end. Even as he was learning, Diamondbacks officials say he "out-athletic-ed" the position early in the year.

Upton evokes comparisons to Ken Griffey Jr. in center field, but he didn't show Griffey's enthusiasm in his first season. Several managers and scouts in the MWL didn't like Upton's attitude and effort. They said he showed bad body language and often ran slowly to first, and they saw a few blowups in the dugout when he broke bats or got into arguments with his manager. The Diamondbacks, however, say they have no concerns about Upton's makeup and that he held his own on and off the field. From their perspective, he came to the MWL with a bullseye on his chest and was pitched like Albert Pujols from Opening Day, so it was natural that he occasionally got frustrated. At the plate, Arizona wants Upton to control the strike zone better and get into hitter's counts where he can be aggressive. At times he slides out to the front side a bit, but he has such tremendous bat speed that he just has to stay back and trust his swing. In the field, he still has to learn the nuances of playing the outfield, from learning how to charge the ball to hitting the cutoff man to becoming more of a field general.

The Diamondbacks say Upton has a strong desire to get to the big leagues quickly, and they have no plans to hold him back. They think the makeup questions will become little more than a footnote to his career as he matures.

Upton (19) has played roughly 2/3 of the season at AA Mobile Bay, after a stint at High A Visalia. His combined figures are; 368 AB’s with a BA of .318, SLG % of .541 and an OPS of .950. He may very well be the next big thing in MLB.

Carlos Gonzalez – OF - L/L - 6’ 1 180 - Born: Oct 17, 1985

Gonzalez broke out as a prospect in 2005 with an MVP campaign in the Midwest League. While his 2006 season wasn't quite as loud, he still showed the all-around ability that gets scouts excited and allowed him to stand out among the crowd of standout prospects at the Futures Game.

The Diamondbacks have an embarrassment of outfielders with all-around ability, and Gonzalez can hit with any of them. He has a quiet approach at the plate with good bat speed and quick hands, giving him above-average power. He became more confident with his game last season. He's a prototype right fielder and has the best outfield arm in the organization.

Gonzalez can get in home run mode and overswing, which slows down his bat, and he gets so anxious at the plate sometimes that he expands his strike zone. He didn't always hustle last season, but he apologized after an early-season benching and played hard the rest of the way. He led Cal League outfielders with 12 errors. He has played center field during winter ball in Venezuela, but he'll probably slow down to a slightly below-average runner as he fills out and settle in right.

Currently Gonzalez (21) has played the entire season at AA Mobile Bay and in 371 AB’s has a BA of .270, SLG % of .472 and an OPS of .782. He must do a better job getting on base than his current .310 OBP indicates.

Brett Anderson – LHP - 6’ 4 205 - Born: Feb 1, 1988

Anderson was regarded as a likely first-round pick going into the 2006 draft, but questions about his athleticism caused him to slide to the second round, where the Diamondbacks were happy to grab him. He signed for $950,000, too late to play during the summer, but stood out in instructional league in the fall.

He's the son of Frank Anderson, long one of the most respected pitching coaches in college baseball before he became Oklahoma State's head coach. That's a big reason why he's so polished with what scouts called the best command of any high school lefty in recent memory. His development is far ahead that of most teenagers, and he has smooth, repeatable mechanics. He throws a fastball that touches 90 mph but usually sits in the high 80s, and he has a good feel for his plus changeup. He throws two breaking balls--a hard slider and a slow curveball--and the Diamondbacks will let him take both into his first season to see which works better. He has a good feel for pitching and competes hard.

The biggest knock against Anderson is his soft body and lack of athleticism and agility. He had trouble fielding bunts and covering first base at times in high school. The Diamondbacks will work to improve that, but Anderson is just fine over the rubber and manipulates the baseball as well as any teenager.

Anderson should move quickly for a high school pitcher.

Anderson (19) had played the majority of the season at Low A South Bend before his promotion to High A Visalia. After pitching extremely well at Low A, he has struggled against the better competition at High A, sporting a 5.76 ERA and .276 BAA in 6 starts.

This was the final installment of the series.