Schedule

by John Sickels on Feb 24, 2006 6:33 PM EST in News

Saturday: St. Louis Cardinals Top 20; All Questions Answered Thread
Sunday: Seattle Mariners Top 20
Monday: Philadelphia Phillies Top 20; Is There Any Hope For Sean Burroughs?
Tuesday: Chicago White Sox Top 20; The Future of Jose Reyes
Wednesday: Florida Marlins Top 20; The Future of Jose Lopez
Thursday: Tampa Bay Devil Rays Top 20
Friday: San Diego Padres Top 20

We will be having an AQA thread Saturday between 11 am central and 1 pm central. IF YOU CANNOT BE HERE DURING THOSE TIMES, you can use this thread to post questions and I will answer them when I can.

All questions will be answered in one way or another, but please be reasonable in your expectations! Please don't ask me ten questions in the guise of asking one.

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Potential of Yankees system

Thanks as usual for all your hard work, John!

I'd like to ask you what you think of the potential of the Yankees system. What kind of ceiling do you think guys like Hughes and Garcia have? And do Henry, Jackson, Tabata, etc, have the talent to become real impact players down the line? Is it possible, dare I suggest, that the Yankees could actually have a bigtime system in about a year?!

by SirCaptain on Feb 24, 2006 6:41 PM EST reply actions

yanks

They have made some progress. Hughes looks good (IF he can stay healthy) and there are some lower level guys like Tabata and Henry with very high ceilings.

2006 will tell us a lot. I don't see the Yanks as a "big time" system just yet...that would be Arizona or the Dodgers. . .but the Yanks could be returning to respectability if these dudes pan out.

by John Sickels on Feb 25, 2006 3:21 PM EST up reply actions

Greg Miller

John do you think that there is any real chance that Greg Miller will bounce back? He had some great relief outings last year, and obviously has the "stuff" if he is ever healthy. What would his potential ceiling look like if he ever regained full health?

by ssjames on Feb 24, 2006 6:47 PM EST reply actions

miller

Frankly I don't think he is going to make it. Persistent shoulder stuff that doesn't seem to go away. . .

by John Sickels on Feb 25, 2006 3:22 PM EST up reply actions

Ten questions in one

John,
Maybe you should have written that request in all caps.

by doubledribble @ Minor League Ball on Feb 24, 2006 7:07 PM EST reply actions

Do you think...

Jonathan Sanchez will provide a performance worthy of his ridiculously strong peripherals next season?

by kenshin1 @ Minor League Ball on Feb 24, 2006 7:26 PM EST reply actions

yes

by John Sickels on Feb 25, 2006 3:41 PM EST up reply actions

Alex Gordon versus Ryan Zimmerman

I read your comments on Gordon and Zimmerman in the Baseball Prospect Book 2006, but would like to know which of the two you believe will end up with the higher career batting average. Thx.

by dmitri on Feb 24, 2006 7:31 PM EST reply actions

BA

Higher career batting average? Hard to say since we don't know what stadiums and teams they will spend their careers in.

Based on current knowledge I'd say Zimmerman will have a higher average but Gordon more power.

by John Sickels on Feb 25, 2006 3:42 PM EST up reply actions

Lubanski vs Clevlen

John, please compare these 2 AL-Central OFs. Are they looking at similar major-league careers? Try to keep your "man-crush", for Clevlen, from clouding your judgement! ;)

Thank you

by scarfo on Feb 24, 2006 7:38 PM EST reply actions

OF

Not really similar.

Lubanski is a lefty hitter, with improving power but weaker plate discipline compared to Clevlen. Clevlen is a righty hitter. His surface stats aren't as good last year but he hit in a more difficult context.

Clevlen OPS was +22 percent compared to the Florida State League. Lubanski OPS was just +11 percent compared to Cal League, and he benefited from High Desert.

On the other hand, Lubanski is younger and has more development time.

by John Sickels on Feb 25, 2006 3:44 PM EST up reply actions

Chuck James

Thanks John!

Given Chuck James extremely low GB/FB ratio, do you see him as capable of having an important role on a championship caliber team?

by dbimberg on Feb 24, 2006 8:05 PM EST reply actions

time

For the right team, yes.

by John Sickels on Feb 25, 2006 3:44 PM EST up reply actions

I'll save you some time John

No, there is no hope for Sean Burroughs.

There never was much hope, just a fool's hope.

by The Scout on Feb 24, 2006 9:21 PM EST reply actions

Gandalf?

Are you comparing Sean Burroughs to Frodo?

by sasquatch83 on Feb 24, 2006 11:09 PM EST up reply actions

there was hope. . .

then he turned 13

by SoCalSoxFan on Feb 24, 2006 9:31 PM EST reply actions

some hope

I know it's early, but what's the hope level for Jose Reyes becoming a productive (statistically) major leaguer.

Also any thoughts on Iowa City? May be going there for law school next year.

by briands84 on Feb 24, 2006 9:40 PM EST reply actions

reyes

My hopes for him are slipping. It's not IMPOSSIBLE, but I think it less than 50/50 that he will live up to early expectations.

Iowa City...nice college town. COLD winters, but nice in the spring and early summer.

by John Sickels on Feb 25, 2006 3:45 PM EST up reply actions

Question for John

Hey John,

Just wondering, where do you think Stephen Drew and Justin Upton will end up? Will Upton or Drew get traded or will someone switch a position?

Thanks.

by atlbraves on Feb 24, 2006 10:50 PM EST reply actions

speculation

SPECULATION: Drew at shortstop, Upton in the outfield or perhaps 3B.

by John Sickels on Feb 25, 2006 4:01 PM EST up reply actions

AQA question

I wish I could be online tomorrow, but I have a quiz bowl competition.

My question is this: If you had to pick one minor leaguer who has had less than say 50 games played to be a major fantasy contributor this year, who would it be?

by limozeen on Feb 24, 2006 11:11 PM EST reply actions

variables

Lots of variables....which league? Hitter or pitcher?

It has to be someone who will have a job. Fielder, Hermida, and Zim are the best candidates.

by John Sickels on Feb 25, 2006 4:02 PM EST up reply actions

Future of SP

Which of these SP do you like the best to have a good career - Papelbon, Ervin Santana, McCarthy, Anthony Reyes, Scott Baker, Wang? Any of these guys worry you?

by The Colonel on Feb 24, 2006 11:25 PM EST reply actions

pitchers

All are capable of having long, successful careers.

Favorites in the short run are baker, Papelbon, mccarthy, Reyes.

by John Sickels on Feb 25, 2006 4:03 PM EST up reply actions

Milledge

More like Carl Crawford or Carlos Beltran (pre 2005)

by Deech on Feb 24, 2006 11:29 PM EST reply actions

crawford

More like Crawford I'd say.

by John Sickels on Feb 25, 2006 4:04 PM EST up reply actions

A few questions...

Who are your favorite Twin's sleepers?
What do you think Scott Baker's stats will be this season?
Based on your "Minnesota Twins Top 20 Prospects" it seems you're not very high on Perkins. Why is this?

-Thanks

by Justin & Joe on Feb 24, 2006 11:31 PM EST reply actions

perkins

I still like Perkins but was concerned about how he pitched in Double-A. On the other hand, he did well in the ARizona fall league. Thsi spring will tell us a lot.

Baker will be just fine. I'd predict slightly above league average in all categories.

Kyle Waldrop could improve his numbers a great deal in 2006.

by John Sickels on Feb 25, 2006 4:24 PM EST up reply actions

Tony Sipp - better as a starter or reliever?

Hello John and thanks for doing this all-answered thread for us - we all greatly appreciate it!

If you were running the Indians' organization, would you rush Tony Sipp up quickly to the Majors to become a dominant reliever or would you give him an extra year or two to become a very good starter?

I'd think with that changeup (which I believe is his third pitch?), he could eventually become a good #3 starter, a little like Cliff Lee. I know the Indians have several starting pitching prospects in their system, but with J.D. Martin going down with TJ surgery, and injuries and inconsistencies affecting Denham, Dittler, and Foley, there seems to be a gap after Davis (who is inconsistent himself,) Sowers (the best bet to succeed,) and Carmona (questions about his strikeout rate, though I think his chances are still better at succeeding than the first four pitchers I mentioned.)

The next wave looks to be led by Adam Miller, who himself is coming off an elbow injury. That's why I wondered whether it would be better for Sipp to be used more as a starter as there could be some openings in the Tribe rotation in the relatively near future.

Outside of Sabathia and Lee, I'm not sure the other three will be around for the real long-term. Byrd could be, but he's not young (35,) Westbrook was already rumored as trade bait this offseason, and Johnson seems to be more of a temporary fill-in.

It looks like Rafael Perez is being groomed more as a reliever as well, plus Chris Cooper could possibly be a LHP out of the bullpen as well, so it seems the Indians have other LHP relief prospects to consider for the immediate future that they could afford to allow Sipp to continue starting.

Would you make Sipp a starter or reliever?

Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

Take care and have a great weekend!

by indiansfan on Feb 24, 2006 11:35 PM EST reply actions

sipp

short-term, reliever.

Once he gets a year or two under his belt, I'd consider moving him back to the rotation.

by John Sickels on Feb 25, 2006 4:25 PM EST up reply actions

Iowa City

Great town.
Bars like the Dublin Underground and the Deadwood just to name a couple.
Excellent bicycling. You will learn quickly that Iowa is not flat.
Very fun football stadium.
Girls are beautiful there. Healthy.

by doubledribble @ Minor League Ball on Feb 25, 2006 12:21 AM EST reply actions

girls

Girls in Iowa in general tend to great beauty.

by John Sickels on Feb 25, 2006 4:26 PM EST up reply actions

Alexi Casilla

What are your thoughts about him? Did you see him in person this summer in Cedar Rapids?

by fuzzy on Feb 25, 2006 3:02 AM EST reply actions

casilla

He's OK...impressive speed and athleticism, but I'm not sure he is going to show any pop at higher levels. Looks like a utility guy to me.

by John Sickels on Feb 25, 2006 4:28 PM EST up reply actions

Not sure if i'll be there

So here are a few questions.

In your opinion, will Daric Barton add the power aspect to his game?

Same question for Travis Buck.

What are the odds that Javier Herrera breaks out in the Cal League?

www.faketeams.com SportsBlogs' own all-sport fantasy blog. Check it out.

by ohad @ Minor League Ball on Feb 25, 2006 7:58 AM EST reply actions

As

Yes.

Sort-of....15 homer guy.

52.774%.

by John Sickels on Feb 25, 2006 4:29 PM EST up reply actions

C

Which catching prospects do you see playing at that position in the majors five years from now?

by asinwreck on Feb 25, 2006 9:47 AM EST reply actions

catchers

Of the top ones,

Martin yes
Mathis yes
Clement yes
Kottaras yes
Walker maybe
Snyder maybe
Salty maybe

by John Sickels on Feb 25, 2006 4:31 PM EST up reply actions

Pirates RHP

do you see the injured RHP's at the top of Pittsburgh's system(Bullington, JVB) and Ian Snell amounting to much as major eague starters? Or will we have to ride out the LHP crop until some lower level guys make it up?

by escroll on Feb 25, 2006 10:13 AM EST reply actions

rhp

I'm suspicious of Bullington and JVB.

I do like Snell...he needs more attention from people.

by John Sickels on Feb 25, 2006 4:32 PM EST up reply actions

Fransisco Hernandez...ready to break out?

John, is Fransisco Hernandez ready to become one of the top catching prospects in the minors? He young, switch hitter, great on D and can hit. And what is your overall take on him?

P.S. Thanks for doing this John.

by maggsmaggs on Feb 25, 2006 10:13 AM EST reply actions

hern

Hernandez

good chance for a breakout with this one. Gave him a Grade B in the book and that could be an underestimate. Need to see some full-season success but that should come this year.

by John Sickels on Feb 25, 2006 4:34 PM EST up reply actions

Tabata

Who does he most remind you of skills-wise
currently, what is his ceiling, and any guess
to his ETA in NY. (3 questions, but just 1 guy...
thanks John!)

Enjoyed listening to you on XM Friday.

by swede on Feb 25, 2006 10:14 AM EST reply actions

tabata

That is very hard to say given how far he is away from the majors. Possible outcomes include Vlad Guerrero at the upper end (don't quote me on that) to someone like Juan Encarnacion at the midpoint to someone like Cristian Guerrero at the bust end. Just too early to say!

ETA 2008 at the earliest.

by John Sickels on Feb 25, 2006 4:51 PM EST up reply actions

Ryan Braun

Will he stick at the hot-corner? What is his offensive ceiling?

Thanks for all your hardwork John!!!

by andy 5 on Feb 25, 2006 10:31 AM EST reply actions

braun

My guess: Yes.

Ceiling: .300, 30 homer guy.

by John Sickels on Feb 25, 2006 4:52 PM EST up reply actions

Your gut

What player's rating depended most on your gut, as opposed to other factors like statistics and scouting reports?

by Brickhaus on Feb 25, 2006 10:39 AM EST reply actions

wow

That's impossible to answer really, since I factor in "gut" feeling in most ratings to some extent, either positively or negatively.

Note that I believe that "gut" feelings and intuition are often subconscious pattern recognition.

by John Sickels on Feb 25, 2006 4:53 PM EST up reply actions

Young Catchers

George Kattaras vs. Kurt Suzuki vs. Jason Jaramillo

Thank you very very much

by jaguar2490 on Feb 25, 2006 11:39 AM EST reply actions

catch

Kattaras is the best of the group, most advanced offensively. Suzuki and Jaramillo are about equal I'd say.

I like all three of them in one way or another.

by John Sickels on Feb 25, 2006 4:54 PM EST up reply actions

The First of Many Rays Questions

Which prospect is more likely for a breakout in 2006:

Reid Brignac, Wade Davis or Chris Mason?

by The Rocc on Feb 25, 2006 11:45 AM EST reply actions

davis

Davis, although all three are good breakout candidates.

by John Sickels on Feb 25, 2006 4:54 PM EST up reply actions

Rising

There was a question in the BA chat where the reader asked who Callis thought had the best chance of making a huge jump towards the top of next years prospect list. I liked the question so much, I'll ask you, who do you see as a real candidate(s) to shoot the top this summer?

"Second guessers are guys that could have never gotten it right the first time." - Tommy Lasorda (for guys that have no other defense for their actions.)

by slurve on Feb 25, 2006 11:47 AM EST reply actions