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Jeri_avatar_tiny by mssickels on in News

John sent me this to post. He now has 21 teams done.

Seattle Mariners Top 20 Prospects for 2008

All grades are EXTREMELY PRELIMINARY and subject to change.

  1. Adam Jones, OF, Grade B+
  2. Jeff Clement, C, Grade B+
  3. Carlos Triunfel, SS, Grade B+
  4. Chris Tillman, RHP, Grade B+
  5. Wladimir Balentien, OF, Grade B+ (maybe Grade B?)
  6. Tony Butler, LHP, Grade B-
  7. Phillippe Aumont, RHP, Grade B-
  8. Juan Ramirez, RHP, Grade C+
  9. Greg Halman, OF, Grade C+ (tremendous tools, but huge strikeout problems)
  10. Nick Hill, LHP, Grade C+
  11. Adam Moore, C, Grade C+  (interesting sleeper prospect)
  12. Kuo Hui Lo, OF, Grade C+ (sleeper I like a lot)
  13. Matt Mangini, 3B, Grade C+
  14. Carlos Peguero, OF, Grade C+ (great power, but strikeouts galore!)
  15. Michael Saunders, OF, Grade C+
  16. Robert Rohrbaugh, LHP, Grade C+
  17. Young Chi Chen, 2B, Grade C+
  18. Austin Bibens Dirkx, RHP, Grade C
  19. Ryan Rowland-Smith, LHP, Grade C (good LOOGY)
  20. Mark Tuiasosopo, 3B, Grade C
Other Grade Cs, who are interchangeable with those above, include Nate Adcock, Denny Almonte, Aaron Brown, Danny Carroll, Casey Craig, Brodie Downs, Joe Dunigan, Nolan Gallagher, Alex Liddi, Mario Martinez, Kam "The Almighty" Mickolio, Ricky Orta, Edward Paredes, Kyle Parker, Anthony Varvaro, and Jake Wild.

Again, don't get bent out of shape about the exact placement of the C+ guys.

The top four B+ guys also can vary. If you are looking for long-term upside, Triunfel is the best but his risk is also high. Jones and Clement are much closer to the majors, less risky, and should be impact guys themselves, so it depends on what you want to emphasize. I like what Tillman did last year in the Cal League.

Of course, full statistics and reports on over 1,000 other players will be in the 2008 Baseball Prospect Book, now available for pre-order. Ships the first Monday in February!

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Is it sad
that I was really excited to open up my internet explorer and see a new top 20?  Seattle drafts and scouts Latin America really well.  Too bad they have no clue how to handle players once they sign.  I pretty much agree with the grades too, except I think Adam Jones should be an A-.  He is major league ready and has a good comnination of skills.  He is still young, plays great defense and shows some pop at the plate.

by kaisertown on Dec 28, 2007 6:57 PM EST   0 recs

No
It is awesome.  Just like you.  And me.

I mean, does anyone here get more joy out of a pizza or an inquisitive squirrel than a new list?  I thought not.

Turkey for me please. No, I am all set on stuffing.

by Hot Lunch on Dec 28, 2007 7:39 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Sad
Try Firefox, you'll be happier.  :-)

by GregJP on Dec 28, 2007 7:39 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Happy
Crap, you were happy.  Firefox will make you that much happier.

by GregJP on Dec 28, 2007 7:40 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

If Jones gets a A-, Clement should also
Clement has been ML ready for 2 years now. Only injury set him back. How about an A- here, especially considering his defense has been pretty good?

by yoshimi on Dec 28, 2007 7:00 PM EST   0 recs

Maybe it's the injuries
that have held Clement to a B+.  

by siddfynch on Dec 28, 2007 7:08 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

M's are my team
I would give a pretty strongly different grade and list.
  1. Adam Jones, OF, Grade A
  2. Jeff Clement, C, Grade A-
  3. Carlos Triunfel, SS, Grade B+
  4. Chris Tillman, RHP, Grade B
  5. Wladimir Balentien, OF, Grade B
  6. Juan Ramirez, RHP, Grade B-
  7. Michael Saunders, OF, Grade B-
  8. Tony Butler, LHP, Grade C+
  9. Phillippe Aumont, RHP, Grade C+
  10. Greg Halman, OF, Grade C+

by gogotabata on Dec 28, 2007 7:08 PM EST   0 recs

Why the downgrade
on Tilman and Butler?

Tilman gets some pretty nice reviews for tools across the board, and Butler sure looked good at the end of 2006.  Can you elaborate, because I'd like to know more about the se guys and their 2007, behind the numbers.  

by siddfynch on Dec 28, 2007 7:10 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Saunders
I agree that Saunders should be a B-. He put up good numbers this year and improved well on his skills.  Then again, I might just be a little out in front of myself on this one.

by ajake57 on Dec 28, 2007 11:45 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

hitting in the cal league does that
Lets see what he does next year in a neutral environment.

by Bravesin07 on Dec 29, 2007 10:10 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

touche
well said

by ajake57 on Dec 29, 2007 1:35 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

I would agree with this
Most of this looks pretty sound, though I may knock a few guys down.  Jones is probably an A- in my book with Clement and Triunfel at B+.  Balentien should not be rated on the same ranking as Jones and I'd probably knock Aumont up to a B-.  Jones is the head of this class and may not be an A prospect, but is pretty darn close.

by jullberg on Dec 30, 2007 3:58 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

Adam Jones
He has more AB (139) than the rookie threshold of 130. Generally this means he has eclipsed his prospect status.

I think community members are certainly interested in any evaluations John would be willing to provide - whether that's Joe Mauer, Adam Jones or Rick Porcello. But in the end I think Adam Jones should be excluded from the top 50 lists so it's apples to apples comparison to other industry lists.

by McLovin on Dec 28, 2007 7:13 PM EST   0 recs

Hmm
Is it because he did not achieve the 130 abs in a single season and was instead spread over 2 seasons?

by mcq fesijiba on Dec 30, 2007 10:08 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

Never Mind
I found it.  John uses 150 ABs as someone else said.  I was thinking of BA that uses 130 ABs.

by mcq fesijiba on Dec 30, 2007 10:12 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

Wowza
Adam Jones a B+? I was expecting a straight A if he's eligible for the list. I'm one of the biggest Maybin supporters there is, but even I have to admit I'd take Jones ahead of him. I'd clearly take Jones ahead of Ellsbury and Votto and of course Lowrie. I don't see any real difference between Adam Jones and Jay Bruce.

by rwperu34 on Dec 28, 2007 7:15 PM EST   0 recs

I kind of like this list
I have never seen Adam Jones. But I keep hearing how his tools are sick. I agree they rushed him in 2006, and I wish more teams would take the Brewers approach and let some kids play together as a group and advance together. So they get used to winning and mature. Jones is a B+ here. But down the road he could, possibly be great. If the M's dont deal him for Bedard or anyone else. I think that he will struggle big time this year. But I see a break out in 2009.

by Maxima231 on Dec 28, 2007 7:18 PM EST   0 recs

I love Jones also
Can't wait to see him actually play this year.

Very curious about Clement.  Does he have a good chance to join the McCann/Martin class of young catchers?

by doubledribble on Dec 28, 2007 7:19 PM EST   0 recs

Yes/No
The problem with Clement is that he's extremely blocked on the big club by Kenji Johjima, who the Mariners are very happy with and have under contract through the end of 08. He is certainly ready to make an MLB debut, but it's likely that the Mariners will leave him in AAA for another year (if they don't trade him) to work on his defense. There's been talk of bringing him up as a temporary option at 1B/DH, but the M's have shown no sign of wanting to do that - his value is at C, where the 30-35 HR he projects to hit yearly are much more valuable. As with all prospects he's not a shoe-in to join Martin and McCann, but he's a pretty safe bet to be a quality MLB option at Catcher.

by thejew4u on Dec 29, 2007 3:31 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Yes, but
That still blocks him for another year when he'd probably be the opening day starter on at least 1/3 of the MLB clubs without better veteran options. The M's haven't indicated they're letting Joh go after next year, either... This is a team with (1) a crush on Japanese ballplayers and (2) an extreme preference for veterans over youth. If it's me, I let him go, take my draft picks, and go with the cheaper option... But I'm not as confident the M's will make that play.

by thejew4u on Dec 31, 2007 12:51 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

Nope.
He's not as good offensively and not nearly as good defensively.

by elrey34 on Dec 29, 2007 11:15 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Most accurate list I've seen yet!
Aumont could be given a B, but maybe it's just that I like 2007 draftees a lot.

Great Job John!

by Sabean2009 on Dec 28, 2007 7:20 PM EST   0 recs

Aumont's too young for a B...
A pitcher who's still 2-3 years (minimum) from the big club has too much that can go wrong to accurately project, but if things break right for him he should be at least a B by the time he's up consistently in AA/AAA.

Position players though... Let's just say I <3 Truinfel.

by thejew4u on Dec 29, 2007 3:33 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Seattle
Jones does not have A level plate discipline.  He has never walked much at any level.

Given his age, power and premium defensive position an A- would not be overly generous.

Clement is a bit old to get an A- with those stats.

Still 5 B+ players is pretty good.

Matthew Cohen If you can't measure it, it doesn't matter.

by matcohen on Dec 28, 2007 7:23 PM EST   0 recs

I guess I'm the only one who's not big on
Clement anymore. He has no chance of sticking at catcher for very long and his bat speed has notably decreased. I'd be very, very willing to sell high on Clement.

by elrey34 on Dec 29, 2007 11:14 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Jones
I don't remember the exact rules for prospects (dealing with Sept callups) but why is Jones considered a prospect?  He has played in 73 games and has 139 AB over 2 years.  Doesn't that disqualify him for "prospect" status?
If not, would he be considered for ROY?
The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. It reminds us of all that once was good, and that could be again.

by Savoy on Dec 28, 2007 7:29 PM EST   0 recs

Tilman
Don't know much about that guy.  What are people's thoughts about his ceiling?
Turkey for me please. No, I am all set on stuffing.

by Hot Lunch on Dec 28, 2007 7:30 PM EST   0 recs

#2/3. Garza-ish level.
I personally like Butler better. He had a strong finish to the season and I'll be surprised if he doesn't catch eyes real soon.

by elrey34 on Dec 29, 2007 11:10 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Mark Tuiasosopo
You must really suck as a prospect if a prospecting guru doesn't get your first name right.

by ISC on Dec 28, 2007 7:31 PM EST   0 recs

Tui
He's B- for me.  Still very young.

by GregJP on Dec 28, 2007 7:42 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

wasn't he a house of fire?
the beginning of last year. I think that I even posted a diary about it at the time.  I have never seen the man play, so I am not going to make any judgements.  I remember him being written off completely going into 2007 and then coming back from the dead (at the plate at least)  hmmm back to firstinning i go

by Terry Ryan Jr on Dec 28, 2007 7:57 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Yes
He was a mid-season all star in high A ball. Then the M's promoted him to AA and he hit a wall, batting .185/.259/.218 in 62 games.

by thejew4u on Dec 29, 2007 3:58 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

No
Wasn't that in 2006?

I think he spent all of 2007 in AA.

by GregJP on Dec 29, 2007 10:41 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Oops
You're right, my bad. I misread the lines on milb. He went 260/371/404 in AA last year... Crushed the ball in April with a 945 OPS - aided by a .434 BABIP - then dropped below 800 for every month but July (824, also aided by a high .379 BABIP).

by thejew4u on Dec 31, 2007 12:57 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

Earlier this season
he was an XBH machine, and that's when he "came back from the dead." Pretty much everyone had written him off at the end of 2006.

by elrey34 on Dec 29, 2007 11:08 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Him developing power was
on my Christmas wish list. He can do about everything else just fine, and he's an amazing athlete with the body to develop power. I've been waiting for years, though.

by elrey34 on Dec 29, 2007 11:07 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Let's hope you get that wish :)
The trends give a little promise... he went 1-1-2-2-3 in HR from April-August.

by thejew4u on Dec 31, 2007 12:59 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

Brian LaHair
Has this 1B fallen off the face of "prospectdom"?
The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. It reminds us of all that once was good, and that could be again.

by Savoy on Dec 28, 2007 7:32 PM EST   0 recs

Pretty much, yeah
Hit .275 with slg of .431, 12 hr, and no sb as a 25 yr old at AAA.  Mediocre average with no power or speed.

by dodgem on Dec 28, 2007 7:59 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

That's OK.
His appearance there was only about 5 weeks.

by elrey34 on Dec 29, 2007 11:04 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Nah
He had 552 ab's over 138 games at AAA in '07 to put up those numbers.

http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Bryan%20LaHair&pos=&sid=milb&t =p_pbp&pid=445933

by dodgem on Dec 30, 2007 3:32 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

my thoughts
I think Jones should be an A- as well. The way he destroyed AAA last year along with his tools and age scream out elite prospect.

I agree with the Clemenet at B+. Injuries and bring his otherwise elite status down to a B+.

I love the aggressive Tillman rating. I like him alot and next year he will probably thrust himself to the top portion of pitching prospects.

by npurcell on Dec 28, 2007 7:54 PM EST   0 recs

I like it...
Mariner fan, and my only changes near the top would be:

Jones to an A-. His BB and K numbers keep him from being a straight A player, and could be the reason you only gave him a B+. Defensible grade. I would also knock Triunfel down to a straight B. I would always just grade the really young guys conservatively, but that's me.

Overall, decent system and decent grading. Thanks.

"My mom always taught me it's better to laugh at yourself than to laugh at others. She was so wrong. ;)" -Pedrophile

by Boxkutter on Dec 28, 2007 8:19 PM EST   0 recs

Hmmm....
Player A: 23.2% K, 7.9% BB.
Player B: 23.8% K, 8.3% BB.

by rwperu34 on Dec 28, 2007 9:10 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Jones, Bruce
Are your answers, no?

by drwmsu1 on Dec 28, 2007 9:51 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

jawohl
Those are the two. Similar tools, similar ARL, Jones with more HR power, Bruce with more EBH, Jones is a CF that plays RF, Bruce is a RF that plays CF. When my rankings are final, if Jones is on the list, he'll be ahead of Bruce. I don't see how one can be a straight A and the other a B+.

by rwperu34 on Dec 28, 2007 11:36 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Well...
He's shown more in the minors.

by rwperu34 on Dec 29, 2007 2:02 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Balentien?
John has the question mark by his name.  
I would give him a straight B.  It seems that he does not have a wide range of skills.  Mostly a power bat - which is a great skill to have, but not worthy of top prospect status.  

by doubledribble on Dec 28, 2007 8:22 PM EST   0 recs

Hmmm
Jones = A-
Clement = B
Balentin = B-

Alex Liddi is a notable omission.

by phuturephillies on Dec 28, 2007 9:46 PM EST   0 recs

Ryan Rowland-Smith
Word is he's going to get a chance to start, not just be a LOOGY. This would change if the M traded for a top end starter, but I think the fact that he could end up as a SP next year may raise his value to a C +, at least in my mind. Otherwise great list!
The squirrels have become organized...and they're angry!

by maxisagod on Dec 28, 2007 10:30 PM EST   0 recs

RRS
Will be the 6 or 7th SP going into Spring Training. The first 4 are solid locks in Felix/Silva/Batista/Washburn, and it's looking like Morrow is the foregone conclusion to round out the 5. For some unknown reason Horacio Ramirez is still around, too - and if someone got hurt or Morrow doesn't pan out in the 5th slot I'd call it a toss-up between him and RRS for that position. With a fantastic LOOGY in George Sherill on the club, expect RRS to be a meaningful long-relief guy unless there's a rotation shake up.

by thejew4u on Dec 29, 2007 3:42 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Morrow will absolutely and utterly fail.
RRS will be given the chance to start when that occurs, which I find as a smart decision. I see RRS best succeeding as a reliever over his career, but right now it would be wise of the Mariners to give him a shot in the rotation.

There is absolutely nothing that indicates Morrow will succeed as a starter in 2008. Not numbers, not tools, not anything. When he's inserted into the rotation, it will be as either A) completely misguided, close-minded, stupid analysis; or B) 100% hype job for PR reasons.

I'm going with the former. I don't think the Mariners are smart enough to do the latter.

by elrey34 on Dec 29, 2007 10:08 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

I won't argue your valid points
Other than to point out that the Mariners have been consistently one of the worst teams in baseball to admit their rotation mistakes and yank a struggling starter. Joel Pineiro 2006 was left in the rotation through most of July before finally getting the yank with a 6ish ERA. The Mariners were the last team in baseball to still use all 5 of their opening day starters in the rotation before making that move.

The signs have been written, they want Morrow in the rotation. Barring a knock to Bavasi's head, that means he's probably the 5th SP through May at a minimum. I don't know if they'd go with RRS or HoRam at that point, as recent quotes have been about Ramirez doing some "promising" strength building. That's the kind of quote that always brings bile up my throat.

by thejew4u on Dec 31, 2007 1:07 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

Whats everyones thoughts on Travis Chick?
He was in my area a few years back, I dont have his numbers or anything but I expected him to get a mention.

by Roo on Dec 28, 2007 10:30 PM EST   0 recs

Someone sell me on Truinfel
I get the great defense and only being 17 in High A but think the 17 at high A is a product of Seattle just loving to rush players.

Yes he held his own but I am just not convinced.

by novaoakland on Dec 28, 2007 10:30 PM EST   0 recs

actually
Triunfel's defense is not a strength, and most scouts see him moving off SS. He has a great arm, so 3B or RF are his likely landing spots.

As far as why he deserves to be ranked so high, it's his great bat.  While he showed little power or plate discipline, he was able to hold his own at High A as a 17 year old.  He makes excellent contact, and most feel that as he ages and fills out that he'll have solid power.  It's impossible to project at his age, but Pujols and Cabrera comparisons would not be outrageous as his absolute upside.  

He's clearly an elite, but developing offensive player whose defensive position is still to be determined.  He should be a top 10-20 prospect on most lists by this time next year if his development continues.

by vaclipper on Dec 29, 2007 8:21 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

IMO, Cabrera is THE top, and
Tri has no chance of becoming Pujols. That's overselling him. However, Gary Sheffield is the best comp I've seen. But you're right that it's way too early to project. All projections at this stage are based on body type, body size, and how well he's done at the little steps -- such as, as you mentioned, holding his own against much older competition.

by elrey34 on Dec 29, 2007 10:15 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Beltre is another good comp, btw.
And you're probably right. Most 18-year-olds don't make it, even if they are talented.

by elrey34 on Dec 30, 2007 1:56 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

Impressive
Very impressive system.  I think Triunfel's grade is a bit enthusiastic. If he's a B+, I would think Angel Villalona should be an A- which I don't expect John to give him.  Surprise me, John!

Jones is a tough call, but his upside is huge.

Yeah, very nice system.  What players might I be able to see in the Cal League this year?

by DrBGiantsfan on Dec 28, 2007 11:23 PM EST   0 recs

There's Triunfel, of course.
Also Alex Liddi, Greg Halman, Juan Ramirez and outside chances on Amount and Kenta Suda (new signing; 18yo high school dropout in Japan, 6-foot 175lbs, clocked up to 94 mph). I'll tell you if I come up with more, which there are.

by elrey34 on Dec 29, 2007 11:01 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Thank You
I'll try to check them out.

by DrBGiantsfan on Dec 30, 2007 1:35 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

A couple or three more...
  • Tony Butler
  • Outside chance at Colin Buckborough -- 18, strong frame, 6-foot-5, 90-91 velo, advanced feel for his curve, was sure to play in college but the organization took a chance to convince him otherwise, and they miraculously did it (see Mariners and Zito, Harden for failures). Dave Cameron calls it "a steal."
  • Outside chance at Mario Martinez -- Signed the same year as Triunfel, Martinez was signed for his bat, although he's being tried in both the infield and outfield for now.
  • Outside chance at another Latin shortstop signed in 2007. I can't seem to remember his name, but I just remember talk of him profiling as an above-average hitter for a middle infielder -- Orlando Cabrera, if you will. I should get back to you on that.

by elrey34 on Dec 30, 2007 3:25 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

The guy you're thinking of...
his last name is DeJesus, and I've seen renditions of his first name ranging from Jhirmivy to Jharmidy.

I think your expectations of who will be there are a bit high.  Some of these guys don't have nearly the experience to be thrown in like that... but to add a couple of possibilities to the list...

Edward Paredes, LHP, NWL innings pitched leader in his first year starting, just outside the top 10 in ERA, still working out his delivery but has impressive velocity for a smaller guy.

Nolan Gallagher, RHP, 4th round pick in '07, struggled at Stanford coming from a state with few baseball programs, but has quality stuff and dominated in his NWL tenure.

Ricky Orta, RHP, 4th round pick in '06, latest experiment taking a college reliever with great FB and nothing else and trying him out in the rotation.  Working so far, better starting stats than Mark Lowe had, that's for sure.

Gerardo Avila, LHB 1B, only played a few months last year, but was an all star in the AZL the year before and has been slugging around .500 in Venezuela this winter when he should be way over his head.

Jair Fernandez, C, natural backstop with the potential for being an asset with the bat, if only he could get some consistency/focus.

Among other possibilities already mentioned on the list, Lo, Peguero, Mangini...

The '07 T-Rats were a physically talented team, but the challenge of the Midwest League proved to be a bit too much for most of them and their lack of experience showed.  In High Desert, however, some of 'em could break through with some interesting performances.  It's hard to tell, I was thinking the same thing of the T-Rats this year.

"Ever tried? Ever failed? No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better." -- Samuel Beckett http://mvn.com/milb-mariners/

by JY on Dec 30, 2007 6:17 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

Thanks Guys
I would think Matt Mangini, as a college draftee, might start 2008 in High Desert too.

by DrBGiantsfan on Dec 30, 2007 11:48 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

While normally I wouldn't expect
newly signed teenagers to reach High-A, this is Bavasi we're talking about. I know they probably won't make it that far, but if they perform somewhat decently I'd imagine Bavasi thinking of it.

Anyway, those are just my favorites that I'll be sure to follow next year. Not a big fan of the rest, but I know we have as many high risk-high reward guys as anyone. But thanks for coming up with DeJesus. I couldn't seem to find it with a brief blog search. I know you keep up a MiL blog and was sure you'd know it.

by elrey34 on Dec 30, 2007 2:54 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Matt Mangini
Is Mangini a Robin Ventura type player or not as good of a hitter as that?  I know they talk about his back being a problem, but does anybody think he can have a decent MLB career?
The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. It reminds us of all that once was good, and that could be again.

by Savoy on Dec 28, 2007 11:28 PM EST   0 recs

Mangini has taken more steps back than
forward over the past year or year and a half. Before that, people were projecting him as a sure-fire first-rounder because of his bat.

He's a surprise candidate this year. I think the ability to be at around Moustakas level (maybe a touch under that) by mid season is still there, but he needs to make up for those lost steps and get over his case of mild vaginitis. More than possible, but still obviously improbable.

by elrey34 on Dec 29, 2007 10:22 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

hmm
I can't imagine anybody really putting Moustakas and Mangini in the same potential area code.  Moustakas has huge power potential whereas Mangini's calling card will be good avg.
The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. It reminds us of all that once was good, and that could be again.

by Savoy on Dec 29, 2007 11:43 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

I said Moustakas-level.
Not to be mistaken as a comp. I'd put Felix Hernandez in the same group as Ken Griffey, Jr, but it doesn't mean they're at all alike.

Also, remember I'm not claiming that he will be as good as Moustakas.

by elrey34 on Dec 30, 2007 2:00 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

Nice point
As a die-hard Giants fan, I know that Villalona is a better prospect than Triunfel. I want to make a big point that a B+ is way to high, and if John wants it that way, then I insist that Big "V" is an A-.

At first glance, this list was johns best. It still might be, but I consider revising my thought.

by Sabean2009 on Dec 28, 2007 11:32 PM EST   0 recs

CTri vs Big V
Insist he's rated as an A-?  I'm all for supporting "your guys", but declaring Big V a better prospect than CTri, as if you're comparing Buchholz to Bowden, seems a little to biased maybe?  It's clear both are at the top of the class when comparing the International Signing crop of 06, but I don't see how you can clearly state that one of them is the superior prospect at this point.  And if you had to choose one, I'd go with Triunfel, as would many others.    

by ftheyankees on Dec 29, 2007 8:19 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Division
Lots of division on this one.  Jim Callis of BA emphatically prefers Angel V over Triunfel.  I believe Keith Law has said Triunfel is the best prospect in baseball.  I'll take Angel V's bat, but I admit to being biased.

by DrBGiantsfan on Dec 30, 2007 1:34 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

well keith law must be smoking some good crack
he is nuts to say that, now if Triunfel can hit a HR next year with a good average then possibly he can be a top 15 prospect, but I take young prospects with now power right now with a grain of salt.  

by Bravesin07 on Dec 30, 2007 10:44 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

young prospects and power...
What about high school juniors who hit over .300 in A ball with wood bats against guys 4-5 years older? Are they any good?  

by ftheyankees on Dec 30, 2007 11:28 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

He's obviously more of a natural hitter than
Triunfel, but many, many scouts have been seeing him as a first baseman since before he was drafted. Triunfel's offensive potential is comparable, but unforeseen injury/motivational concerns aside, there's a very real possibility of Triunfel becoming a plus corner defender, as he is athletic enough for it currently. I don't see Villalona stepping up his defense, however I definitely see Triunfel stepping up his offense by a wide margin.

The question at this point is whether you value position over 200 ABs of impressive hitting ability. They're both A- in my book.

by elrey34 on Dec 29, 2007 10:37 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Err...
I know neither of them were "drafted." But you get the point.

by elrey34 on Dec 29, 2007 10:37 PM EST to parent up   0 recs