Wednesday, December 24, 2003
Bye Bye Nannini! (I still think you're underrated).
" ... Mike Nannini, RHP (Cubs to Marlins) ... originally drafted by the Astros in the supplemental first round in 1998 ... fastball is mediocre at a consistent 88-89 mph. His curveball and changeup are very good and he has excellent command, posting a 158/47 K/BB ratio in 154 innings this year for Double-A West Tennessee. Scouts worry that Nannini's mediocre fastball will preclude him from big major-league success, but he has a good feel for pitching and could emerge as a Brad Radke-type starter."
" ... Mike Nannini, RHP (Cubs to Marlins) ... originally drafted by the Astros in the supplemental first round in 1998 ... fastball is mediocre at a consistent 88-89 mph. His curveball and changeup are very good and he has excellent command, posting a 158/47 K/BB ratio in 154 innings this year for Double-A West Tennessee. Scouts worry that Nannini's mediocre fastball will preclude him from big major-league success, but he has a good feel for pitching and could emerge as a Brad Radke-type starter."
Tuesday, December 23, 2003
From today,
" ... Bobby Brownlie CHN ... pitched well in his first action as a pro, but he was shut down in July as a precaution because of more shoulder troubles. Brownlie's velocity isn't what it was in college, but he still throws in the low-90s and has a terrific curveball. Even though his shoulder is a major concern, his No. 2 starter upside allows him to remain a top prospect."
(Unfort. for the writer, Brownlie was shut down his Junior yr. at Rutgers not b/c of shoulder problems, nor was shut down in '03 b/c of shoulder problems)
" ... Bobby Brownlie CHN ... pitched well in his first action as a pro, but he was shut down in July as a precaution because of more shoulder troubles. Brownlie's velocity isn't what it was in college, but he still throws in the low-90s and has a terrific curveball. Even though his shoulder is a major concern, his No. 2 starter upside allows him to remain a top prospect."
(Unfort. for the writer, Brownlie was shut down his Junior yr. at Rutgers not b/c of shoulder problems, nor was shut down in '03 b/c of shoulder problems)
Monday, December 22, 2003
Sep. 2000
Bobby Hill, 2B/SS, CHN " ... will end up as a leadoff man with decent power and will likely move from shortstop, his current position, to second base, because the Cubs have Luis Montanez waiting in the wings. Hill will probably start in the Double-A Southern League but could be in Chicago by September."
Bobby Hill, 2B/SS, CHN " ... will end up as a leadoff man with decent power and will likely move from shortstop, his current position, to second base, because the Cubs have Luis Montanez waiting in the wings. Hill will probably start in the Double-A Southern League but could be in Chicago by September."
Friday, December 12, 2003
22 January, 2002
Hmmm ... Juan Cruz dips a bit in the prospect rankings as MLB states his real age as 23 not 21.
Mark Jerkatis, who has been doing outstanding prospecting at TPA, says the discovery follows Visa paperwork rule changes implemented after the Danny Almonte/Little League World Series issue :
" ... shows Cruz to be born on October 15, 1978...Not October 15, 1980 as the Cubs have staunchly held to. This makes Cruz 23 going into the 2002 season, not 21.
What does this all mean? While it doesn't change the fact that Cruz can throw his fastball in the upper 90's with incredible movement, or that he has a slider that is even nastier, with a pitching demeanor to match, it does mean is that he has two less years to fine tune his control and thereby does lower his ceiling.
To put this in perspective, prior to this information, he was on a course that was eerily similar to Pedro Martinez, the player with whom he has most often been compared. Martinez as a 23yo went 3.42 ERA, 9.93 MOB, 8.8 K/9IP in 145 innings. Entering that season he had already amassed 115 major league innings. While it would not be impossible for Cruz to produce similar numbers this year, the odds are against it for a pitcher with just over 40 innings of major league experience.
From a prospect perspective, it moves Cruz clearly behind being the only pitcher with a remote chance of challenging Josh Beckett's upside into a next tier group of pitchers that include Mark Prior, Jerome Williams, Nick Neugebauer, Jake Peavy, and Carlos Hernandez."
Hmmm ... Juan Cruz dips a bit in the prospect rankings as MLB states his real age as 23 not 21.
Mark Jerkatis, who has been doing outstanding prospecting at TPA, says the discovery follows Visa paperwork rule changes implemented after the Danny Almonte/Little League World Series issue :
" ... shows Cruz to be born on October 15, 1978...Not October 15, 1980 as the Cubs have staunchly held to. This makes Cruz 23 going into the 2002 season, not 21.
What does this all mean? While it doesn't change the fact that Cruz can throw his fastball in the upper 90's with incredible movement, or that he has a slider that is even nastier, with a pitching demeanor to match, it does mean is that he has two less years to fine tune his control and thereby does lower his ceiling.
To put this in perspective, prior to this information, he was on a course that was eerily similar to Pedro Martinez, the player with whom he has most often been compared. Martinez as a 23yo went 3.42 ERA, 9.93 MOB, 8.8 K/9IP in 145 innings. Entering that season he had already amassed 115 major league innings. While it would not be impossible for Cruz to produce similar numbers this year, the odds are against it for a pitcher with just over 40 innings of major league experience.
From a prospect perspective, it moves Cruz clearly behind being the only pitcher with a remote chance of challenging Josh Beckett's upside into a next tier group of pitchers that include Mark Prior, Jerome Williams, Nick Neugebauer, Jake Peavy, and Carlos Hernandez."
Thursday, December 11, 2003
Top C prospects for '04. (no Cubs are mentioned, hopefully Rick, Fox, or Richie can escalate quickly)
BAmerica---------FoxSports-------SportsTicker
Mauer Joe-------Mauer Joe--------Mauer Joe
Mathis Jeff-------Mathis Jeff-------Martinez Victor
Quiroz G.--------Navarro D.-------Quiroz Guillermo
Huber Justin----Quiroz G----------Mathis Jeff
Shoppach K.-----Huber Justin-----Navarro Dioner
Hill Koyie---------Brown Jeremy----Shoppach Kelly
Doumit Ryan-----Barton Daric-----McCann Brian
Buck John---------House JR--------Closser JD
Navarro Dioner--Cash Kevin------Molina Yader
Laird Gerald------Buck John-------Huber Justin
BAmerica---------FoxSports-------SportsTicker
Mauer Joe-------Mauer Joe--------Mauer Joe
Mathis Jeff-------Mathis Jeff-------Martinez Victor
Quiroz G.--------Navarro D.-------Quiroz Guillermo
Huber Justin----Quiroz G----------Mathis Jeff
Shoppach K.-----Huber Justin-----Navarro Dioner
Hill Koyie---------Brown Jeremy----Shoppach Kelly
Doumit Ryan-----Barton Daric-----McCann Brian
Buck John---------House JR--------Closser JD
Navarro Dioner--Cash Kevin------Molina Yader
Laird Gerald------Buck John-------Huber Justin
Top 3B prospects for '04.
BAmerica -------- FoxSports -------SportsTicker
Marte Andy-------McPherson D.----- Marte Andy
McPherson D.----Marte Andy---------McPherson Dallas
Wright David-----Wright David-------Wright David
Hart Corey--------Stewart Ian-------Encarnacion Edwin
Encarnacion E.-- Tracy Chad---------Hart Corey
Tracy Chad-------Youkilis Kevin------Tracy Chad
Kirkland Kody-----Hart Corey--------Harris Brendan
Harris Brendan---Kirkland Kody-----Youkilis Kevin
Youkilis Kevin-----Harris Brendan----Kirkland Kody
Smith Corey-------D'Antona Jamie---Smith Corey
BAmerica -------- FoxSports -------SportsTicker
Marte Andy-------McPherson D.----- Marte Andy
McPherson D.----Marte Andy---------McPherson Dallas
Wright David-----Wright David-------Wright David
Hart Corey--------Stewart Ian-------Encarnacion Edwin
Encarnacion E.-- Tracy Chad---------Hart Corey
Tracy Chad-------Youkilis Kevin------Tracy Chad
Kirkland Kody-----Hart Corey--------Harris Brendan
Harris Brendan---Kirkland Kody-----Youkilis Kevin
Youkilis Kevin-----Harris Brendan----Kirkland Kody
Smith Corey-------D'Antona Jamie---Smith Corey
Wednesday, December 10, 2003
30 December, 2001
David Srinivasan, The Sporting News, on Carlos Zambrano CHN :
" ... With Dave Weathers and Todd Van Poppel gone, Zambrano will get an opportunity to win a bullpen job this spring ... Time will tell if this guy is a better prospect as a starter or reliever, but he hits close to 100 mph, and his fastball has excellent sink."
David Srinivasan, The Sporting News, on Carlos Zambrano CHN :
" ... With Dave Weathers and Todd Van Poppel gone, Zambrano will get an opportunity to win a bullpen job this spring ... Time will tell if this guy is a better prospect as a starter or reliever, but he hits close to 100 mph, and his fastball has excellent sink."
Tuesday, December 09, 2003
October, 1999
Rick Ankiel … Almost a left-handed version of Kerry Wood. He doesn't throw quite as hard as Wood, but has much better control … the top southpaw prospect in the game.
(For the record, he was a hell of a prospect at that time, just interesting how things work out.)
Rick Ankiel … Almost a left-handed version of Kerry Wood. He doesn't throw quite as hard as Wood, but has much better control … the top southpaw prospect in the game.
(For the record, he was a hell of a prospect at that time, just interesting how things work out.)
Monday, December 08, 2003
6 months later, the start of the Cubs rebuilding process begins with Choi and Patterson getting their 1st mention.
19 September, 1999
There's at least one major surprise as CBS Sportsline published its All-Prospect Team. The Minor league Player of the year (according to BB Weekly) didn't even make the team. Adam Piatt OAK got honourable mention, but the 3B spot went to SD 3B Sean Burroughs.
Rick Ankiel STL was named Player of the Year (to follow his POY selection by Baseball America, and Pitcher of the Year by BB Weekly).
C --- Ben Petrick AAA-Rockies
Honorable Mention: Ramon Hernandez (Athletics); Matt LeCroy (Twins); Ramon Castro (Marlins); Jason LaRue (Reds).
1B -- Nick Johnson AA-Yankees
Honorable Mention: Pat Burrell (Phillies); Erubiel Durazo (Diamondbacks); Hee Choi (Cubs); Dernell Stenson (Red Sox).
2B -- Marcus Giles A-Braves
Honorable Mention: Brent Abernathy (Blue Jays); Jason Romano (Rangers); Chad Meyers (Cubs); Adam Kennedy (Cardinals); Amaury Garcia (Marlins).
3B -- Sean Burroughs A-Padres
Honorable Mention: Mike Lamb (Rangers); Adam Piatt (Athletics); Michael Cuddyer (Twins); Drew Henson (Yankees).
SS -- Alfonso Soriano AA/AAA-Yankees
Honorable Mention: Rafael Furcal (Braves); Travis Dawkins (Reds); D'Angelo Jimenez (Yankees); Pablo Ozuna (Marlins); Adam Everett (Red Sox); Kevin Nicholson (Padres).
OF -- Vernon Wells A/AA/AAA-Blue Jays
OF -- Corey Patterson A-Cubs
OF -- Chin-Feng Chen A-Dodgers
Honorable Mention: Dee Brown, (Royals); Chad Hermansen, (Pirates); Roosevelt Brown, (Cubs); Peter Bergeron, (Expos); Jack Cust, (Diamondbacks), Aaron Rowand, (White Sox); Mike Restovich, (Twins); Mark Quinn, (Royals).
RHP -- Ramon Ortiz AA/AAA-Angels
RHP -- Eric Gagne AA-Dodgers
Honorable Mention: Tomo Ohka (Red Sox); Kip Wells (White Sox); Dan Reichert (Royals); Wade Miller (Astros); Antonio Armas (Expos); Chad Hutchinson (Cardinals); John Patterson (Diamondbacks); Brad Penny (Marlins); Jon Garland (White Sox); Jake Esteves (Giants); Jason Standridge (Devil Rays); Adam Eaton (Phillies).
LHP -- Rick Ankiel AA/AAA-Cardinals
LHP -- Matt Riley A/AA-Orioles
Honorable Mention: Ed Yarnall (Yankees); Jimmy Anderson (Pirates); Randy Keisler (Yankees); Jeromie Robertson (Astros); Wilfredo Rodriguez (Astros).
RP --- Francisco Cordero AA-Tigers
Honorable Mention: Chad Harville (Athletics); Dave Riske (Indians); Eric Cammack (Mets).
19 September, 1999
There's at least one major surprise as CBS Sportsline published its All-Prospect Team. The Minor league Player of the year (according to BB Weekly) didn't even make the team. Adam Piatt OAK got honourable mention, but the 3B spot went to SD 3B Sean Burroughs.
Rick Ankiel STL was named Player of the Year (to follow his POY selection by Baseball America, and Pitcher of the Year by BB Weekly).
C --- Ben Petrick AAA-Rockies
Honorable Mention: Ramon Hernandez (Athletics); Matt LeCroy (Twins); Ramon Castro (Marlins); Jason LaRue (Reds).
1B -- Nick Johnson AA-Yankees
Honorable Mention: Pat Burrell (Phillies); Erubiel Durazo (Diamondbacks); Hee Choi (Cubs); Dernell Stenson (Red Sox).
2B -- Marcus Giles A-Braves
Honorable Mention: Brent Abernathy (Blue Jays); Jason Romano (Rangers); Chad Meyers (Cubs); Adam Kennedy (Cardinals); Amaury Garcia (Marlins).
3B -- Sean Burroughs A-Padres
Honorable Mention: Mike Lamb (Rangers); Adam Piatt (Athletics); Michael Cuddyer (Twins); Drew Henson (Yankees).
SS -- Alfonso Soriano AA/AAA-Yankees
Honorable Mention: Rafael Furcal (Braves); Travis Dawkins (Reds); D'Angelo Jimenez (Yankees); Pablo Ozuna (Marlins); Adam Everett (Red Sox); Kevin Nicholson (Padres).
OF -- Vernon Wells A/AA/AAA-Blue Jays
OF -- Corey Patterson A-Cubs
OF -- Chin-Feng Chen A-Dodgers
Honorable Mention: Dee Brown, (Royals); Chad Hermansen, (Pirates); Roosevelt Brown, (Cubs); Peter Bergeron, (Expos); Jack Cust, (Diamondbacks), Aaron Rowand, (White Sox); Mike Restovich, (Twins); Mark Quinn, (Royals).
RHP -- Ramon Ortiz AA/AAA-Angels
RHP -- Eric Gagne AA-Dodgers
Honorable Mention: Tomo Ohka (Red Sox); Kip Wells (White Sox); Dan Reichert (Royals); Wade Miller (Astros); Antonio Armas (Expos); Chad Hutchinson (Cardinals); John Patterson (Diamondbacks); Brad Penny (Marlins); Jon Garland (White Sox); Jake Esteves (Giants); Jason Standridge (Devil Rays); Adam Eaton (Phillies).
LHP -- Rick Ankiel AA/AAA-Cardinals
LHP -- Matt Riley A/AA-Orioles
Honorable Mention: Ed Yarnall (Yankees); Jimmy Anderson (Pirates); Randy Keisler (Yankees); Jeromie Robertson (Astros); Wilfredo Rodriguez (Astros).
RP --- Francisco Cordero AA-Tigers
Honorable Mention: Chad Harville (Athletics); Dave Riske (Indians); Eric Cammack (Mets).
Sunday, December 07, 2003
25 March, 1999
Howe Sportsdata is out (thanks to Fastball) with it's top 10 by position (also there's a top 20 over-all from Howe over on the Top 100s page):
CATCHERS
1) Ben Davis, Padres minors' best defender has developing bat
2) Angel Pena, Dodgers great hitter with good pop & great arm
3) Mitch Meluskey, Astros has added power to solid bat/strong arm
4) Ramon Hernandez, A's 2-time bat champ plays both ways
5) Jayson Werth, Orioles big receiver with all the tools/intangibles
6) Jason LaRue, Reds hitting machine; smacked 50 doubles in '97
7) Ben Petrick, Rockies great athlete with all tools but hasn't hit
8) Robert Fick, Tigers will be full-time star if he can catch
9) Cesar King, Rangers great defensive catcher coming off poor '98
10) Steve Lomasney, Red Sox quality backstop with serious pop
FIRST BASEMEN
1) Nick Johnson, Yankees great pure hitter with discipline and power
2) Pat Burrell, Phillies first pick in '98 has great offensive tools
3) Calvin Pickering, Orioles huge, pure hitter with light-tower power
4) Carlos Pena, Rangers '98 first rounder adjusted well to wood bats
5) Kevin Witt, Blue Jays former SS without true position; good power
6) Fernando Seguignol, Expos sleeper is maturing into offensive force
7) Shawn Gallagher, Rangers broke through with MVP season in '98
8) Doug Mientkiewitz, Twins great gloveman proved he could hit in '98
9) Ron Wright, Pirates slugger has had back injury last two years
10) Kevin Barker, Brewers '96 3rd-rder has quick bat with power
SECOND BASEMEN
1) Carlos Febles, Royals good bat/glove/speed; '98 was big year
2) Ronnie Belliard, Brewers all-around game, including live bat/speed
3) Warren Morris, Pirates has hit entire career; has enough glove
4) Carlos Guillen, Mariners leadoff-type has 2-way skills; injury-prone
5) Marlon Anderson, Phillies solid hitter needs more walks to be complete
6) Kelly Dransfeldt, Rangers big & physical with/power/speed/steady glove
7) Jerry Hairston, Orioles very good hitter is moving fast; possible SS
8) Chad Meyers, Cubs ideal leadoff man needs to improve defense
9) Jason Romano, Rangers '97 1st-rder is pure hitter with work ethic
10) B. Abernathy, Blue Jays solid all-around player who makes contact
THIRD BASEMEN
1) Eric Chavez, Athletics future impact player is offensive force
2) Michael Barrett, Expos drafted as SS, also plays catcher; athlete
3) Russ Branyan, Indians incredible power, lots of strikeouts
4) Mike Lowell, Marlins has developed solid bat/discipline/defense
5) Mike Cuddyer, Twins former SS moving to 3B in '99; explosive bat
6) Tony Torcato, Giants sweet swing with vast power potential
7) Carlos Lee, White Sox pure hitter with size, arm and power
8) Joe Crede, White Sox pure hitter and solid glove; just 20
9) Chris Truby, Astros solid gloveman developed power in '98
10) Corey Koskie, Twins shaky defense, but he hits and has power
SHORTSTOP
1) Pablo Ozuna, Marlins great offensive skill with necessary glove
2) Alex Gonzalez, Marlins defensive stalwart will star if he can hit
3) Alfonso Soriano, Yankees kid has great tools; played in Japan
4) Adam Kennedy, Cardinals pure hitter with pop and solid glove
5) Rafael Furcal,Braves great leadoff hitter with bat/eye/speed
6) Brent Butler, Cardinals future star with bat; may switch to 2B or 3B
7) Joe Lawrence, Blue Jays pure hitter with power & arm; may outgrow SS
8) Enrique Wilson, Indians has all-star tools; better from right side
9) Luis Rivas, Twins known for tremendous range; starting to hit
10) Felipe Lopez, Blue Jays defensive wizard is promising switch-hitter
OUTFIELD
1) J.D. Drew, Cardinals much publicized player has impact skills
2) Ruben Mateo, Rangers five-tool talent is future all-star
3) Alex Escobar, Mets power arm/bat; one of minors best prospects
4) Gabe Kapler, Tigers low pick has power bat/build; breakout '98
5) Carlos Beltran, Royals all-around talent came into own in '98
6) Julio Ramirez, Marlins great all-around player; bat is suspect
7) Lance Berkman, Astros '97 1st rounder is great hitter with power
7) Chad Hermansen, Pirates former infielder has awesome power; now LF
8) George Lombard, Braves power/speed athlete becoming baseball player
10) Vernon Wells, Blue Jays kid has all the tools; developing power
RHP
1) Brad Penny, Diamondbacks great arm & good body/command/change
2) A.J. Burnett, Marlins emerged in '98 with 95 mph heat
3) John Patterson, D'backs '96 1st-rder hits 99 mph, 94 consistently
4) Matt Clement, Padres durable with sinking fastball and slider
5) Roy Halladay, Blue Jays '95 1st-rder has power arm and knuckle curve
6) Chad Hutchinson, Cardinals Stanford QB is still learning; great arm
7) Ryan Bradley, Yankees '97 1st-rder has dominated with power arm
8) Jeff Weaver, Tigers '98 1st pick has baffling curve and heat
9) Jeff Austin, Royals Stanford star is Greg Maddux-like
10) Matt White, Devil Rays '96 loophole free agent has great stuff
LHP
1) Rick Ankiel, Cardinals bonus baby with power arm dominated in '98
2) Ryan Anderson, Mariners 6-10 lefty has big-time heat; 18 SO game
3) Bruce Chen, Braves Panamanian has assortment and control
4) Matt Riley, Orioles 94 mph heat/great curve; dominated in '98
5) Mark Mulder, Athletics '98 1st rder is long & lean and throws hard
6) Ted Lilly, Expos low pick has heat, curve and control
7) Eric Dubose, Athletics '97 1st rder has great arm/fastball/stuff
8) Alan Webb, Tigers great command and offspeed array; smallish
9) Randy Wolf, Phillies has poise/90+ mph heat and command
10) Ryan Mills, Twins #1 in '98 had some arm trouble; good stuff
Howe Sportsdata is out (thanks to Fastball) with it's top 10 by position (also there's a top 20 over-all from Howe over on the Top 100s page):
CATCHERS
1) Ben Davis, Padres minors' best defender has developing bat
2) Angel Pena, Dodgers great hitter with good pop & great arm
3) Mitch Meluskey, Astros has added power to solid bat/strong arm
4) Ramon Hernandez, A's 2-time bat champ plays both ways
5) Jayson Werth, Orioles big receiver with all the tools/intangibles
6) Jason LaRue, Reds hitting machine; smacked 50 doubles in '97
7) Ben Petrick, Rockies great athlete with all tools but hasn't hit
8) Robert Fick, Tigers will be full-time star if he can catch
9) Cesar King, Rangers great defensive catcher coming off poor '98
10) Steve Lomasney, Red Sox quality backstop with serious pop
FIRST BASEMEN
1) Nick Johnson, Yankees great pure hitter with discipline and power
2) Pat Burrell, Phillies first pick in '98 has great offensive tools
3) Calvin Pickering, Orioles huge, pure hitter with light-tower power
4) Carlos Pena, Rangers '98 first rounder adjusted well to wood bats
5) Kevin Witt, Blue Jays former SS without true position; good power
6) Fernando Seguignol, Expos sleeper is maturing into offensive force
7) Shawn Gallagher, Rangers broke through with MVP season in '98
8) Doug Mientkiewitz, Twins great gloveman proved he could hit in '98
9) Ron Wright, Pirates slugger has had back injury last two years
10) Kevin Barker, Brewers '96 3rd-rder has quick bat with power
SECOND BASEMEN
1) Carlos Febles, Royals good bat/glove/speed; '98 was big year
2) Ronnie Belliard, Brewers all-around game, including live bat/speed
3) Warren Morris, Pirates has hit entire career; has enough glove
4) Carlos Guillen, Mariners leadoff-type has 2-way skills; injury-prone
5) Marlon Anderson, Phillies solid hitter needs more walks to be complete
6) Kelly Dransfeldt, Rangers big & physical with/power/speed/steady glove
7) Jerry Hairston, Orioles very good hitter is moving fast; possible SS
8) Chad Meyers, Cubs ideal leadoff man needs to improve defense
9) Jason Romano, Rangers '97 1st-rder is pure hitter with work ethic
10) B. Abernathy, Blue Jays solid all-around player who makes contact
THIRD BASEMEN
1) Eric Chavez, Athletics future impact player is offensive force
2) Michael Barrett, Expos drafted as SS, also plays catcher; athlete
3) Russ Branyan, Indians incredible power, lots of strikeouts
4) Mike Lowell, Marlins has developed solid bat/discipline/defense
5) Mike Cuddyer, Twins former SS moving to 3B in '99; explosive bat
6) Tony Torcato, Giants sweet swing with vast power potential
7) Carlos Lee, White Sox pure hitter with size, arm and power
8) Joe Crede, White Sox pure hitter and solid glove; just 20
9) Chris Truby, Astros solid gloveman developed power in '98
10) Corey Koskie, Twins shaky defense, but he hits and has power
SHORTSTOP
1) Pablo Ozuna, Marlins great offensive skill with necessary glove
2) Alex Gonzalez, Marlins defensive stalwart will star if he can hit
3) Alfonso Soriano, Yankees kid has great tools; played in Japan
4) Adam Kennedy, Cardinals pure hitter with pop and solid glove
5) Rafael Furcal,Braves great leadoff hitter with bat/eye/speed
6) Brent Butler, Cardinals future star with bat; may switch to 2B or 3B
7) Joe Lawrence, Blue Jays pure hitter with power & arm; may outgrow SS
8) Enrique Wilson, Indians has all-star tools; better from right side
9) Luis Rivas, Twins known for tremendous range; starting to hit
10) Felipe Lopez, Blue Jays defensive wizard is promising switch-hitter
OUTFIELD
1) J.D. Drew, Cardinals much publicized player has impact skills
2) Ruben Mateo, Rangers five-tool talent is future all-star
3) Alex Escobar, Mets power arm/bat; one of minors best prospects
4) Gabe Kapler, Tigers low pick has power bat/build; breakout '98
5) Carlos Beltran, Royals all-around talent came into own in '98
6) Julio Ramirez, Marlins great all-around player; bat is suspect
7) Lance Berkman, Astros '97 1st rounder is great hitter with power
7) Chad Hermansen, Pirates former infielder has awesome power; now LF
8) George Lombard, Braves power/speed athlete becoming baseball player
10) Vernon Wells, Blue Jays kid has all the tools; developing power
RHP
1) Brad Penny, Diamondbacks great arm & good body/command/change
2) A.J. Burnett, Marlins emerged in '98 with 95 mph heat
3) John Patterson, D'backs '96 1st-rder hits 99 mph, 94 consistently
4) Matt Clement, Padres durable with sinking fastball and slider
5) Roy Halladay, Blue Jays '95 1st-rder has power arm and knuckle curve
6) Chad Hutchinson, Cardinals Stanford QB is still learning; great arm
7) Ryan Bradley, Yankees '97 1st-rder has dominated with power arm
8) Jeff Weaver, Tigers '98 1st pick has baffling curve and heat
9) Jeff Austin, Royals Stanford star is Greg Maddux-like
10) Matt White, Devil Rays '96 loophole free agent has great stuff
LHP
1) Rick Ankiel, Cardinals bonus baby with power arm dominated in '98
2) Ryan Anderson, Mariners 6-10 lefty has big-time heat; 18 SO game
3) Bruce Chen, Braves Panamanian has assortment and control
4) Matt Riley, Orioles 94 mph heat/great curve; dominated in '98
5) Mark Mulder, Athletics '98 1st rder is long & lean and throws hard
6) Ted Lilly, Expos low pick has heat, curve and control
7) Eric Dubose, Athletics '97 1st rder has great arm/fastball/stuff
8) Alan Webb, Tigers great command and offspeed array; smallish
9) Randy Wolf, Phillies has poise/90+ mph heat and command
10) Ryan Mills, Twins #1 in '98 had some arm trouble; good stuff
Tuesday, December 02, 2003
Since it is the off-season, I will use this time to look back at some former prospect reviews, Courtesy of JDM's Scoresheet Baseball.
09 June, 2001
John Sickels, ESPN on the top two picks in the draft:
" ... Mark Prior ... may be the best college pitcher in history. He throws very hard, but also knows how to change speeds and attack hitters, both inside and on the corners. He has the intellect, polish, and overall stuff to step right into a major-league rotation according to many scouts. His numbers at USC are ridiculous: 14-1, 1.50 ERA, 189/17 K/BB ratio in 132 innings ... If Prior stays healthy, it's hard to see how he will fail. His mechanics are clean and he keeps himself in top physical condition, so the odds are in his favor."
24 July, 1999
Baseball America has posted their "best tools" lists. Check it out. Always interesting. Here's a sample:
----------Batting----------Power-----------Pitcher-------Defensive SS
INT- Stensen BOS---Branyan CLE---Chen ATL-----Jimenez NYA
PCL- Mateo TEX------Ward HOU------Ankiel STL----Dransfeldt TEX
EAST- Burrell PHI------Morgan CLE----Armas MON McDonald CLE
SOU- Wakeland DET--Thompson TOR-Norton CHN ---Nicholson SD
TEX- Durazo ARZ-----Piatt OAK-------Ankiel STL--------Lugo HOU
CAL- Chen LA---------Chen LA--------Dorame LA--------Castro ANA
CAR- Rowand CHA---Brown KC------Marquis ATL-------Dellaero CHA
FSL Wells TOR--------LeCroy MIN----Sneed TOR--------Young TOR
MW Meadows CHN -McNeal HOU----Mears SEA------Dawkins CIN
SAL Furcal ATL--------Sosa PIT-------Standridge TB-----Furcal ATL
Corey Patterson CHN from 26 January, 2000
BBW " … one of baseball's most promising players … tremendous all-around skills."
BBHQ (1) " … might be one of the best athletes in all the minors, and more importantly, he knows what to do with the skills he has … range in CF is outstanding."
BBA (1) " … speed ranks him among the fastest players in Baseball … a lightning-quick bat to the ball … Any ball not hit right at an outfielder is a potential double; any ball that gets by an outfielder is a potential triple … it would surprise no one to see him at Wrigley Field by late summer."
Jackson Melian reviews when he was with the Yankees and before the injury.
BBHQ -- Jackson Melian NYA " … He has tremendous speed for his size and unlimited power potential. He should get all the experience he needs and if he makes the most of his talents, there's no telling what he could accomplish."
BA -- Jackson Melian, NYA " … runs an 6.5 60-yard dash and won all the Yankees home run hitting contests during instructional league … arm is top of the scale … speed allows him to play center field with ease … "
BBW -- Jackson Melian, NYA " ... the jewel of the system ... has every tool a scout drools over — raw power and a quick bat, good speed and a powerful throwing arm. Though he's still adjusting to the breaking ball and is tentative at times, he already has advanced skills tracking fly balls."
Greg Maddux rookie reviews
(Maddux made his major league debut in 1986 (31 innings 5.52 ERA).
1986 Street & Smith's -- no mention in the Chicago rookie section. Among rookie pitchers mentioned -- Jay Bailer, Johnny Abrego, Steve Engel, Derek Botelho, Gary Parmenter, Carlton Hamilton.
The Sporting News 1986 Baseball Yearbook. Peter Gammons article on Stars on the Rise. Pitchers named (in the following order) -- Lance McCullers, Juan Nieves, Randy Myers, Jose Guzman, Barry Jones, Calvin Schiraldi, Eric Plunk, Duane Ward, Bill Wegman, Paul Assenmacher, Terry Ferreira, Rob Woodward, Mark Grant, David Cone, Greg mathews, Rich Yett, Greg Mayberry, Carl Hamilton, Edwin Correa, John Habyan, Chuck Cary, Charlie Kerfeld. Number of Maddux mentions - 0.
Bill Mazeroski's Baseball '86. Maddux position on Maz's Gold List -- not selected. Pitchers on the list -- Todd Worrell, Lance McCullers, Jose Guzman, Roger Mason, Gene Walter, Steve Davis, Bill Wegman, Bob Kipper, Greg Mathews, Chris Green, Chuck Cary, Tony Ferreira, Ray Hayward, Scott Bailes, Bob Tewksbury, Matt Williams, Marty Clary, Mike Smith, Jeff Parrett, Dave Shipanoff.
Number of Maddux mentions on Maz's Their Future is Near - 0. Pitchers noted -- Juan Nieves, Rob Mallicoat, Scott Bankhead, Gary Parmenter, Duane Ward, Mike Campbell, John Habyan, Grey Mayberry, Charlie Kerfeld.
The Sporting News 1987 Baseball Yearbook Tracy Ringolsby Rookies On Tap for 1987. Maddux isn't among them. "Besides Palmeiro (Rafael) the Cubs have no prospects who appear ready to break through right away. Greg Maddux had some tough times with the Cubs in September, but after a 14-4 minor league season ... the righthander could earn a promotion before long."
Street & Smith's 1987 -- " ... Maddux, whose 16 wins in '86 included 10 in a row in AAA, has an abundance of control but a lack of weight."
Mazeroski's Baseball 1987. Number of players listed in the Gold List and Future is Near categories -- 51. Number of Maddux mentions - 0.
After his 1987 season (155 2/3 5.61)
Mazeroski's Baseball 1988 " ... that would leave a spot in the rotation for 22-year-old righthander Greg Maddux. But it's tough to say if that's good."
Street & Smith's 1988 " ... no other Cub pitcher (with the exception of Rick Sutcliffe) is certain of a 1988 spot on the staff."
The Sporting News 1988 Baseball Yearbook " ... Maddux got off to a so-so 4-5 start, then dropped nine of his final 11 decisions."
09 June, 2001
John Sickels, ESPN on the top two picks in the draft:
" ... Mark Prior ... may be the best college pitcher in history. He throws very hard, but also knows how to change speeds and attack hitters, both inside and on the corners. He has the intellect, polish, and overall stuff to step right into a major-league rotation according to many scouts. His numbers at USC are ridiculous: 14-1, 1.50 ERA, 189/17 K/BB ratio in 132 innings ... If Prior stays healthy, it's hard to see how he will fail. His mechanics are clean and he keeps himself in top physical condition, so the odds are in his favor."
24 July, 1999
Baseball America has posted their "best tools" lists. Check it out. Always interesting. Here's a sample:
----------Batting----------Power-----------Pitcher-------Defensive SS
INT- Stensen BOS---Branyan CLE---Chen ATL-----Jimenez NYA
PCL- Mateo TEX------Ward HOU------Ankiel STL----Dransfeldt TEX
EAST- Burrell PHI------Morgan CLE----Armas MON McDonald CLE
SOU- Wakeland DET--Thompson TOR-Norton CHN ---Nicholson SD
TEX- Durazo ARZ-----Piatt OAK-------Ankiel STL--------Lugo HOU
CAL- Chen LA---------Chen LA--------Dorame LA--------Castro ANA
CAR- Rowand CHA---Brown KC------Marquis ATL-------Dellaero CHA
FSL Wells TOR--------LeCroy MIN----Sneed TOR--------Young TOR
MW Meadows CHN -McNeal HOU----Mears SEA------Dawkins CIN
SAL Furcal ATL--------Sosa PIT-------Standridge TB-----Furcal ATL
Corey Patterson CHN from 26 January, 2000
BBW " … one of baseball's most promising players … tremendous all-around skills."
BBHQ (1) " … might be one of the best athletes in all the minors, and more importantly, he knows what to do with the skills he has … range in CF is outstanding."
BBA (1) " … speed ranks him among the fastest players in Baseball … a lightning-quick bat to the ball … Any ball not hit right at an outfielder is a potential double; any ball that gets by an outfielder is a potential triple … it would surprise no one to see him at Wrigley Field by late summer."
Jackson Melian reviews when he was with the Yankees and before the injury.
BBHQ -- Jackson Melian NYA " … He has tremendous speed for his size and unlimited power potential. He should get all the experience he needs and if he makes the most of his talents, there's no telling what he could accomplish."
BA -- Jackson Melian, NYA " … runs an 6.5 60-yard dash and won all the Yankees home run hitting contests during instructional league … arm is top of the scale … speed allows him to play center field with ease … "
BBW -- Jackson Melian, NYA " ... the jewel of the system ... has every tool a scout drools over — raw power and a quick bat, good speed and a powerful throwing arm. Though he's still adjusting to the breaking ball and is tentative at times, he already has advanced skills tracking fly balls."
Greg Maddux rookie reviews
(Maddux made his major league debut in 1986 (31 innings 5.52 ERA).
1986 Street & Smith's -- no mention in the Chicago rookie section. Among rookie pitchers mentioned -- Jay Bailer, Johnny Abrego, Steve Engel, Derek Botelho, Gary Parmenter, Carlton Hamilton.
The Sporting News 1986 Baseball Yearbook. Peter Gammons article on Stars on the Rise. Pitchers named (in the following order) -- Lance McCullers, Juan Nieves, Randy Myers, Jose Guzman, Barry Jones, Calvin Schiraldi, Eric Plunk, Duane Ward, Bill Wegman, Paul Assenmacher, Terry Ferreira, Rob Woodward, Mark Grant, David Cone, Greg mathews, Rich Yett, Greg Mayberry, Carl Hamilton, Edwin Correa, John Habyan, Chuck Cary, Charlie Kerfeld. Number of Maddux mentions - 0.
Bill Mazeroski's Baseball '86. Maddux position on Maz's Gold List -- not selected. Pitchers on the list -- Todd Worrell, Lance McCullers, Jose Guzman, Roger Mason, Gene Walter, Steve Davis, Bill Wegman, Bob Kipper, Greg Mathews, Chris Green, Chuck Cary, Tony Ferreira, Ray Hayward, Scott Bailes, Bob Tewksbury, Matt Williams, Marty Clary, Mike Smith, Jeff Parrett, Dave Shipanoff.
Number of Maddux mentions on Maz's Their Future is Near - 0. Pitchers noted -- Juan Nieves, Rob Mallicoat, Scott Bankhead, Gary Parmenter, Duane Ward, Mike Campbell, John Habyan, Grey Mayberry, Charlie Kerfeld.
The Sporting News 1987 Baseball Yearbook Tracy Ringolsby Rookies On Tap for 1987. Maddux isn't among them. "Besides Palmeiro (Rafael) the Cubs have no prospects who appear ready to break through right away. Greg Maddux had some tough times with the Cubs in September, but after a 14-4 minor league season ... the righthander could earn a promotion before long."
Street & Smith's 1987 -- " ... Maddux, whose 16 wins in '86 included 10 in a row in AAA, has an abundance of control but a lack of weight."
Mazeroski's Baseball 1987. Number of players listed in the Gold List and Future is Near categories -- 51. Number of Maddux mentions - 0.
After his 1987 season (155 2/3 5.61)
Mazeroski's Baseball 1988 " ... that would leave a spot in the rotation for 22-year-old righthander Greg Maddux. But it's tough to say if that's good."
Street & Smith's 1988 " ... no other Cub pitcher (with the exception of Rick Sutcliffe) is certain of a 1988 spot on the staff."
The Sporting News 1988 Baseball Yearbook " ... Maddux got off to a so-so 4-5 start, then dropped nine of his final 11 decisions."
