name your team's 08 sleeper prospect

by rayver723 on Jan 18, 2008 5:27 PM EST Comment 75 comments

A's: Arnold Leon Farhan Zaidi said this of Leon to OaklandClubhouse earlier this off-season: OC: You mentioned Leon. How did the team first zero-in on him and do you see him as a starter long-term? FZ: We do. In the Mexican League this past summer and also in winter ball, he has pitched as a reliever, but our scouts that have seen him say that he really has a starting pitcher’s mix. Certainly, there is no indication that he would lack the endurance to be a starting pitcher. We initially identified him through his stats because he performed very well in the Mexican League over the summer. This year, we didn’t really scout the summer Mexican League that extensively, but we knew we wanted to have a presence down there during winter ball. He was one of the guys we targeted as someone that we wanted to get a number of looks at. Once our scouts actually got down there and saw him pitching with solid-average to even a plus fastball – our reports ranged from 88-92 all of the way up to 90-94 with plus secondary stuff, with plus command – we immediately decided that this was a guy worth aggressively pursuing. Especially since we had internally made the decision to be more aggressive internationally, we thought that this was a guy who would be the perfect kind of player to launch a more aggressive spending campaign in Latin America because as far as spending money in Latin America goes, this guy was as sure of a bet as you could find, in terms of pitching in the highest level you could pitch down there, which I believe is the Mexican League, and having some success. The combination of the very positive scouting report that we had seen from winter ball and the fact that he had performed well over the summer, as well as the winter, led us to pretty aggressively pursue a deal there.

The easy choice here is Arnold Leon, who we recently signed out of Mexico. In the Mexican League this summer, he posted a sub-2 ERA as an 18-year old, an incredible feat at any age given the extreme hitter-friendly environment in that league. He continued to pitch well in Winter Ball, where our scouts saw him up to 94 and had high praise for his command and feel for pitching. He will probably start out the year in Stockton, but given his success in the Mexican League (which is generally viewed as being equivalent to a AA/AAA level), he could move quickly.

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for MLB Astros

Has to be Brad James, a deep sleeper to impact.

On a better team it would be Paulino. Since he is now the best P prospect he can't really be a sleeper.

Also: a bounce back of Fernando Nieve or the first shot foe Paul Estrada.

The NL Central is not shaking in their boots. Also note that I didn't mention any Pos players because the Astros don't have any.

My first mistake was assuming you knew what I was talking about.

by Shamus on Jan 18, 2008 5:39 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

An Astros Fan!

While I have you in my sights, can you tell me more about Paulino and also Juan Gutierrez? I've asked about JG several times and I always get crickets.

I just watched a Paulino start to see how he looked. His quick delivery reminds me of someone who will work better out of the pen. Do you think he sticks as a starter or moves to the pen?

by The Colonel on Jan 18, 2008 5:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

take a look at my piece:

http://variablesdont.blogspot.com/search/label/HOU

an in depth look at gutierrez is contained there.

ORGANIZATIONAL DEPTH REPORTS (Astros: better than you thought)

variables don't; constants aren't

by overlord on Jan 18, 2008 6:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Nice work, Overlord

Just reading some of the other stuff now. What do you think is the discrepancy of your high grade for Juan Gutierrez and John's lower C+ ranking. He has Paulino at a B and you have him rated quite low. What are John's concerns and why do you think he is under/overvaluing the two?

Keep up the good work.

by The Colonel on Jan 18, 2008 6:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i go with my gut feeling firstly, raw data second

and if i'm still in doubt, i'll look to BA, BP, or this site.

the discrepency with paulino is related to my interest not being piqued after seeing his FB tendencies, and my not looking deeper to understand the calibre of his stuff.

as for gutierrez, while he doesn't have as potent a fastball as paulino, i think his curve is excellent, and i think his changeup will be very effective.

ORGANIZATIONAL DEPTH REPORTS (Astros: better than you thought)

variables don't; constants aren't

by overlord on Jan 18, 2008 6:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

ok

I also think Paulino has a better chance as a reliever because his mechanics are not as a starters should be. For that matter he looks pretty weird throwing the baseball anyway. His FB is great partly because it is fast and from his delivery. Some of his sliders are great, some not. From what I have seen he has some work to do to become a good starter. I think his best potential is in the pen to be honest.

Juan Gutty basically has eaten his way to mediocrity. He has shown brilliance in his past and some now and then. He has great pitches. I would say that his potential is far greater than that of Paulino as a starter but he may be unable to do it. I thought last year he was a much better prospect than Patton as far as potential. I don't have as much confidence in him now.

Neither are locks to have great careers but based on strictly on who has the better chance of being in the majors as an asset I would think Paulino.

My first mistake was assuming you knew what I was talking about.

by Shamus on Jan 19, 2008 2:08 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Sergio Perez

He'd be my sleeper prospect. There weren't rules, so it's subjective, but I wouldn't call James a sleeper. He's had too much success already and I don't see him improving (he won't top or come near his Salem numbers, for sure). As Perez gets comfortable throwing a changeup, he has a chance to be pretty good. Given his relative obscurity (BA apparently doesn't know he exists), he is definitely in the sleeper realm.

by astrosfan76 on Jan 18, 2008 7:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Leon

Do you see Arnold Leon as a staring pitcher or RP?

by LipstickOnDipstick on Jan 18, 2008 5:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

word is that the A's seen Leon as a SP

The question is if he will start in Stockton (A+) or Midland (AA). I have a feeling he might start in Midland with a good spring training, since the Stockton rotation is very full at the moment.

by Zonis on Jan 19, 2008 3:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Lucas Duda

for the Mets-Lucas Duda.. Remember the name.

by Maine Man on Jan 18, 2008 5:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Mets sleepers

A lot of international signings and young long shots interest me:

Dylan Owen
Brant Rustich (What a fastball)
Francisco Pena
Juan Lagares
Marinus Vernooij (YEAH I SAID IT)

There are multiple others. However if Robert Parnell ties up the loose ends he becomes a very nice young pitcher.

by METSMETSMETS on Jan 18, 2008 6:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Red Sox

Ryan Kalish for the Red Sox

-1 and only member of the Jed Lowrie fan club!

by Jgaztambide on Jan 18, 2008 6:01 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

you mean

he wasn't already traded strait up for Johan Santana? :P

by RollingWave on Jan 18, 2008 11:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

kalish

Tough to be a sleeper when you make most sites' top 10's for the team.

This is me being polite.

by CrimsonLiederhosen on Jan 19, 2008 12:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh

and my pick for the Sox would be Anthony Rizzo

This is me being polite.

by CrimsonLiederhosen on Jan 19, 2008 12:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Brewers

For the Brewers, I would have to say LHP Zach Braddock is very likely to break out in '08.

Braddock was shut down after only 9 starts in Low-A last year, but in 47 IP, he posted a 1.15 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and had a 68/15 K/BB rate. Plus he might be promoted to High-A Brevard County, a pretty fair pitcher's park, so his numbers should look even better.

As for a position player, any of Lorenzo Cain, Cole Gillespie, or Michael Brantley could break out in AA Huntsville's outfield next year. John has all 3 graded as C+. The other OF pegged for Huntsville will put up huge numbers, but he's not exactly a sleeper. He's Matt LaPorta.

by bretsky07 on Jan 18, 2008 6:12 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Lucas Duda

for the Mets.

Average Junior year at USC, but a good performance in Brooklyn with an amazing Winter.

Rated as a C by John, but I'd give him a C+. It'd be my bet that he goes all the way up to AA in the Mets system by July.

by METSMETSMETS on Jan 18, 2008 6:18 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

For the Yankees

SP George Kontos
SP Ryan Pope

http://yankeesmtom.blogspot.com/

by hallofamer2000 on Jan 18, 2008 6:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Love those guys

but my pick would have to be Abe Almonte. He's a switch-hitter who showed strong plate discipline and some pop (.778 OPS) while turning 18 in the GCL, and he handled the transition from second to center field capably. He also has top end speed (supposedly faster than Brett Gardner), though he didn't translate it into a good sb%. His ceiling could be a Reyes lite type of player with more plate discipline but fewer steals. He should be an exciting prospect to watch.

http://mvn.com/milb-yankees/

by lemonjello on Jan 18, 2008 10:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I swear to God

I typed in Abe Almonte, then deleted it

http://yankeesmtom.blogspot.com/

by hallofamer2000 on Jan 18, 2008 11:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

depend on what your looking at

sleepers that might end up being a factor for the big league clubs in 08 are...

Brett Gardner
Juan Miranda
and just about every guy who claims to be a pitcher in the system... but i'll go with a less meantioned one in David Robertson

sleepers on the big league club

Wilson Betemit: underrated, got some serious power potential and flexibility. could be very interesting to see if he finally puts it together.

other kids who might make a name for themself in the minors (the once i like anyway)

Brandon Laird
Damon Sublette
Justin Snyder
Francisco Cervelli

by RollingWave on Jan 18, 2008 11:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Why

Is there never any love for Kontos? I like his numbers. I never can find a decent scouting report and most dont list him as much of a prospect.

Whats the deal with this guy??

by alskor on Jan 20, 2008 11:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Just saying...

Dont know a ton abouit him and I heard he did well in the HWL but, whats so great about giving up a TON of bombs in the FSL?

by casejud on Jan 21, 2008 11:28 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

well

he wasn't particularly fly ball prone, but a ton of his FBs went for hits.... either he's getting very unlucky or his OFers suck (but I thought Jackson / Tabata were decent fielders? ) or he's a little Javier Vazquez like... (great K/BB but a too much gophers )

by RollingWave on Jan 22, 2008 2:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Tigers

Most of you have probably heard of Jamie Skelton, C, and while he broke out this year, a good showing on a higher level will probably get him noticed. His K/BB ratio at West Michigan actually interested me (53/55). It's nice to see someone with a good eye in the system.

Also, Deik Scram apparently has developed a little power in the past year and handled a promotion from A ball to A+ fairly well with only a dropoff in average. Matt Wallace at Take 75 North probably knows more than I do, but he may be a good pick as a sleeper. Here's the article from T75N, by the way. (http://mvn.com/milb-tigers/page/10/)

I unfortunately don't get a lot of chances to watch Tiger (or Tiger affiliate) games in North Carolina, but these two guys are probably your best bet for sleepers in what is left in the Detroit "farm system".

by demondeaconbaseball on Jan 18, 2008 6:23 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Keep your eyes on Charlie Furbush from the Tigers

Touches 94 with his fastball as a lefty and has a good curve and change. I dont know why more people arent high on him. He had a very good debut and could really surprise people.

by grozzy on Jan 18, 2008 8:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

For the Tigers

I like Alexis Espinoza (OF) and Scott Sizemore (2B) as sleepers, but depending on where you look, Sizemore might not be considered a sleeper at all.

In Todd Jones (*gulp*) we trust?

by sportznut3081 on Jan 18, 2008 8:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Sizemore

I've heard from various sources that his ceiling is more along the lines of utility-man or super-sub. Is there a chance he pans out as a starter?

by demondeaconbaseball on Jan 18, 2008 8:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

re

Sure there's a chance. He doesn't ooze tools, but he's a solid hitter and could get a chance to be an everyday player.

by SBcaptain2 on Jan 18, 2008 8:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

+1

His ceiling is expected to be great, but I've seen him compared to a Mark Loretta type.

In Todd Jones (*gulp*) we trust?

by sportznut3081 on Jan 18, 2008 8:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry, typo

Sizemore's ceiling ISN'T expected to be great.

In Todd Jones (*gulp*) we trust?

by sportznut3081 on Jan 18, 2008 8:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Skelton

I like Skelton a lot. He's very underrated in my opinion. He needs to put on some weight, but I think he has a chance to become a good player.

by SBcaptain2 on Jan 18, 2008 8:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Leon's a good choice for Oakland

I feel like he could have a Street-like meteoric rise as a bullpen guy. Right now it seems like the A's need starters more, though, and he's not likely to reach AAA next season as a starter. There really isn't any hurry with him-- he's the equivalent of a HSer starting out in A+, which is remarkable.

I'm going to go the "impact in 2008" route instead and pick Mike "Please don't call me Mad Dog" Madsen. Not particularly young, not particularly great stuff, not particularly great MiLB numbers, but someone who I think has the toughness and smarts to make a solid back-of-the-rotation starter. Given the lefty-heaviness of the A's back-half starter pool right now, he should get a look if the team needs a righty.

Honorable mention to Brad Ziegler, whose only year of relevant stats (he converted to submarining last year, so his earlier numbers are basically meaningless) was terrific.

by PaulThomas on Jan 18, 2008 6:24 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Madsen would be awesome

But only if every time he took the mound - whether he was pitching as a starter or reliever - the guy working the music played "Stuck in the Middle with You."

My sleeper A's guy isn't exactly a "prospect" because he's had some major league time. I think Donnie Murphy is really going to surprise people. He was fantastic whenever he was allowed to play at a reasonable level for his age. I think his bad but improving major league numbers are just a result of being rushed in KC. When Crosby gets hurt in Spring Training, I think Murphy will take the starting job and the A's will be a better team for it.

by thejd44 on Jan 18, 2008 6:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Nice...

Reservoir Dogs reference. But that song could also be played if we ever get a pro player named "Pauly Baldwin" (Sorry for the Bio-dome reference).

"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 Jan 18, 2008 7:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Matt Angle

The Orioles 7th round pick from last year, Matt Angle intrigues me for some reason.

-Excellent defensive centerfielder.
-Excellent basestealer.
-Very good plate discipline.
-High average hitter.

What's the problem? Zero power.

No HRs and just 8 XBH versus 63 singles last year. Aberdeen is a tough park on power, but Angle also hit zero HRs in three years of college.

He's a small guy who's already 21, so it seems unlikely he'll develop power, but even if he maintains the skills he has up through the ladder, he can be a major league centerfielder.

A much less deep sleeper is Brandon Erbe.

by dkdc on Jan 18, 2008 6:41 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Twins

Wilson Ramos, catcher. Tearing the cover off the ball in Venezuela.

cmathewson

by cmathewson on Jan 18, 2008 7:22 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I also like

Jay Rainville. Last year was his recovery year after major shoulder surgery. This year he gets his fastball back.

cmathewson

by cmathewson on Jan 19, 2008 12:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Rangers

I'd say their biggest sleeper would be Wilmer Font. I guess he's more just young than he is a true sleeper but he didn't turn until 17 mid summer in 07 and was touching 98. Had 61 K's in 45.2 innings last season.

by groundingout on Jan 18, 2008 8:25 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

also

Marcus Lemon (shortstop--son of Chet) could be one to watch. Wouldn't surprise me if he was included in the back end of a few top-100 lists this time next year.

Also Beau Jones seemed to be pitching quite well after he came over to the Rangers system in the Teixiera trade. I'll be keeping an eye on him.

by naropean on Jan 18, 2008 8:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Rangers

I agree on Font but would also suggest catcher Cristian Santana is primed for a major breakout.

by jparks77 on Jan 18, 2008 9:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Santana

Seeing as he'll be going into the Midwest League and be playing for a full season club for the first time, I hesitate to expect a break-out season from him this year. If not this year, though, then definitely next year when he gets to Bakersfield. I'm just scared of what happened to Manuel Pina, and I know Santana is vastly superior offensively, but the only hitter who's broken out in Clinton recently has been Whittleman when he repeated the league. I want Santana to hit well on his first try at Clinton, but I guess I'm just not expecting it.

by naropean on Jan 19, 2008 4:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Definately Font

If i have to make an outrageous claim its this: wilmer font will be one of, if not the, top pitching prospects in all of the minors in a few years.

by FishHead on Jan 18, 2008 11:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Gimme John Mayberry

The guy logically should be polished enough for the majors by now. He was drafted 3 years ago out of a major college program and has pedigree (son of a very successful big leaguer). He doesn't lack for talent, by all accounts his power is terrific and defensive skills more than adequate. He's just got to get his head right with ball and obtain some of this thing we call 'pitch recognition'.

by Rangers Farmhand on Jan 19, 2008 8:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Mayberry

This is definitely a make or break year for Junior Mayberry. His pedigree and raw tools suggest more than his professional performance would indicate.

Junior can absolutely crush fastballs but as you mentioned, his pitch recognition is suspect as his ability to use the entire field. As a 24 year old, the time is now for Mayberry.

If things click, I can see a player in the mold of Jermaine Dye who hits 30+ homers and plays solid defense in RF. If things don't click, Mayberry is going to struggle to escape the minors.

by jparks77 on Jan 19, 2008 9:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Dodgers

Just how much of a sleeper does the guy have to be for this exercise? Somebody who wouldn't make a team's Top 30 prospect list right now, but whom we think will make a name for himself this year? I think the Dodgers have few guys like that right now. One guy I have a good feeling about is RHP Kyle Smit. He was a lanky 6'3, 165 lbs when drafted in the 5th round out of a Nevada HS in 2006. A super-skinny guy like that is all about projection, and Smit did well in the GCL in 2007 (38.1 IP, 13 BB's, 40 K's, 2.82 ERA) before getting hammered when promoted to low A, but he still kept his K rate up (22.2 IP, 12 BB's, 26 K's, 8.34 ERA). I expect Smit to be back in low A to start the '08 season and I think he will break out.

by CanuckDodger on Jan 18, 2008 8:37 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Nick Evans

shhhh....

by GuyinNY on Jan 18, 2008 9:50 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Response

Good call!

by mrkupe on Jan 18, 2008 10:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

didn't think he could be called a sleeper...

and besides which, I really like Evans' bat.

by GuyinNY on Jan 18, 2008 10:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Second that

Think he has a much better chance than Carp of reaching the majors as a productive 1st baseman.

by andwoo on Jan 18, 2008 10:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Cubs

Robert Hernandez (RHP)
Alex Maestri (RHP)
Chris Huseby (RHP)

by PrincetonCubs on Jan 18, 2008 10:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

interesting threesome

big fan of hernandez here. i think he's a bit underrated in general. i wouldn't be stunned if he reached double a by the end of 2008.

maestri's a nice pen arm and now that he's somewhat settled in the pen, i could see him move fairly quick. i'm still not sold he's a late inning type and i see him more as a middle reliever, a la michael wuertz.

huseby's going to be interesting to watch. nice numbers last year, but the reports seemed to suggest the velocity wasn't there, i think.

other guys that aren't necessarily talked about a lot in general that i am interested in:

pitchers - there's actually a decent amount of raw arms in our system (not elite raw arms, but good raw arms) ... could probably name a few others, several from the past draft class

rafael dolis, p - guessing he starts in peoria. showed some promise last year before getting shelved.

dae-eun rhee, p - guess this is somewhat reaching ... but a decent amount of hype on the kid. i'm guessing xst and rookie league would be a good start.

larry suarez, p - guess here is xst then boise. will we start seeing a return on that potential?

harol tolentino - awfully young ... but can't help to be intrigued with a lefty with size and the signs of decent stuff.

other potential pitcher sleepers: acosta, siegfried, santana, latham, alburquerque, carrillo, russell

positional players -

wellington castillo - reminds me of a better version of pre-2007 soto. i think he could have a big year and be at tennessee by the end. strong season from castillo could make the cubs more willing to move donaldson to first.

steve clevenger - can hit. can he catch? if he can, he could move through the system fast and perhaps be an option to consider if anything goes wrong at the big league level. if not, then he becomes a system guy.

carlos perez - a lot of promise ... but it was only rookie ball. time to prove it.

darwin barney - showed a better than expected stick. if that stick, well, sticks, then he could move up fast in a system devoid of shortstop talent (i mean ... who else is there ... jon mota can't hit)

jovan rosa - some project him to third base in the long run and until vitters gets moved from third (i guess, if he gets moved, as it hasn't happened yet), rosa is probably slated behind him. could see some time at short and other spots if he moves fast. wouldn't be shocked if he opened at peoria, although xst/boise seems more likely.

cliff andersen - somehow, i feel like he's much older, but he's only going to be 20/21. is he getting it together? i can see him starting at peoria.

kyler burke - strong hwl could finally mean that he's putting some things together.

jeffrey rea - okay, sleeper usually constitutes higher upside. but i like the kid and i think he could emerge as a sam fuld/reggie willits type and move up fairly quick.

by toonsterwu on Jan 19, 2008 8:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

good additions

I really like Darwin Barney, from the time when I turned on the College WS on ESPN one day and five minutes in saw him jack one into the bleachers, which allowed me to say, "hey, the Cubs drafted that guy!" He's pretty polished already, this year will say a lot about his switch to wood etc.

Carlos Perez, also good choice.

Kyler Burke...wow, I really hope he pans out. Looks like he was putting something together near the end of last season, hope he can keep it up.

by PrincetonCubs on Jan 20, 2008 11:24 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Marlins

Hector Correa, Kyle Winters, Scott Cousins

Future Fish

by Maverick on Jan 18, 2008 10:24 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

+1 on correa

I would also list logan morrison, first baseman, big time power

by FishHead on Jan 18, 2008 11:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

KC

Derrick Robinson - CF
Dan Gutierrez - RHP
Edward Cegarra - RHP

Rowdy Hardy Fan Club member.

by doublestix on Jan 18, 2008 11:20 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

KC

Matt Mitchell too.

by killa on Jan 19, 2008 8:40 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Indeed

I was very surprised BA had him so high, so we'll see how he does in Low-A!

Rowdy Hardy Fan Club member.

by doublestix on Jan 19, 2008 12:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Orioles

No one seems to be high on Chorye Spoone except O's fans. He'll turn heads next year.

Also, David Hernandez. Old for the league and a terrible ERA, but his periphs are great.

by Lt Melmo on Jan 19, 2008 12:57 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Spoone

is Goldstein's #2 Orioles prospect.

by patsfan on Jan 22, 2008 11:18 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

My A's sleeper prospect

is Craig Italiano, the HS Fireballer the A's drafted a couple years back.

Just after starting to pitch well in Kane County, he got nailed in the head with a line drive and got a fractured skull. After he recovered, he went to Extended Spring Training/Instructional League, where they he's supposed to have cleaned up his mechanics and improved quite a bit. If he can go out there and throw 95-98 MPH with a clean delivery and a healthy season free of linedrives to the head, I think he'll take off.

by Zonis on Jan 19, 2008 4:02 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

the skull

it was triunfel did that to him.

by wily mo on Jan 22, 2008 12:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Giants

I'll define sleeper as anybody not on John's Top 20. In that case, it has to be Waldis Joaquin and Jose Valdez, two RHP's with mid 90's fastballs. Joaquin made a strong comeback in 2007 from TJ surgery and is poised for a big breakout. Valdez has been struggling with his control, but put it all together in his last AZL start. Valdez won't turn 20 until August.

by DrBGiantsfan on Jan 19, 2008 9:25 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Reds

Danny Dorn and Adam Rosales. Both fall outside of the top 10 prospects, but both could realistically step on the field for the Reds this year at some time and help out.

http://www.redsminorleagues.com

by dougdirt on Jan 19, 2008 1:22 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

There he goes again...

Doug, I think we all know by now how much you like Rosales, but a sleeper in 08'? Where does he fit in on the roster?

by team name deleted on Jan 20, 2008 10:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

This is all just thinking out loud

But lets say its July 25th and the Reds are 3 games out of either the WC or Division.... they could then trade say, Edwin Encarnacion for pitching if thats what they needed. Rosales steps in at third base. If there is any kind of injury to Edwin or Votto, he could step in at either spot there. Another thing is that another team could trade for him during the season who needs some help at one of the corners of the infield.

http://www.redsminorleagues.com

by dougdirt on Jan 20, 2008 11:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

yankees

SP Jairo Heredia
3B Eric Duncan (I still believe)
and Kontos, Pope, and Almonte

--http://yankeesfuture.wordpress.com Bobby Mcnally (alias) "Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve."--Napoleon Hall

by bobbymcnally on Jan 19, 2008 1:42 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Braves

SP Edgar Osuna- He'll be in Rome next year, and going in, he'll be the third-best LH arm on the team. His numbers aren't on par with Locke or Evarts, but they're still pretty good, and I think he's been overlooked for the most part. Wouldn't take him ahead of the other guys I mentioned, but he's certainly got some upside.

Cody Johnson 1B/LF- Another fellow who'll start this year in Rome, he was largely viewed as a poor pick by the Braves when he was selected in the first round in 2006. But he flashed some of the raw power the Braves took him for last year, and if he can cut down on the Ks a bit, next year could be huge for him. He's got tons of upside, and perhaps he'll learn something hitting next to Jason Heyward.

by mraver on Jan 19, 2008 4:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Cody's not much of a sleeper

he was MVP of his league last year

that said, I'd say Erik Cordier for the Braves... been out with TJ since before coming over from KC in the tony pena trade, has a very live arm, and reportedly looked good in instructs. Hopefully will start out in Myrtle Beach.

hitting wise i dunno, Brandon Hicks is also a little too high profile to call a sleeper, maybe Tyler Flowers or Adam Coe will put it together

by abravesfan on Jan 19, 2008 4:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Braves

Jose Ortegano - He was the rookie league's most spectacular pitcher. While he may not have a mid 90s FB, he does have outstanding location and good movement on his pitches. He should start the year in Rome.

Jon Gilmore - This actually might be Chipper's replacement if Eric Campbell can't get his head on right. Need to improve his defense though.

by Jay212033 on Jan 19, 2008 11:30 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Seattle not represented yet?

I'll go ahead and throw in a name: Tony Butler. I think he's already a better prospect than Chris Tillman, who's rated higher than he is most places, and if he keeps up the progress he made in the second half, he'll turn some heads.

Triunfel and Tuiasosopo have breakout potential too.

by elrey34 on Jan 20, 2008 3:24 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

+1

Butler is who I would have said too, I'm extremely interested to see how his 2008 goes.

Triunfel seems like he is either going to zoom into the top 10 overall prospects or fall out of the top 100, I don't think it's very likely that he stays in the 40-50 range. Should be fun to watch. I think this is a make-or-break year for Tui... either he takes another step forward and shows he can be a contributing major league player or he doesn't and probably becomes a bust/25th man.

Two other guys that I think could take big steps forward are Alex Liddi and Juan Ramirez.

by patsfan on Jan 22, 2008 11:24 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Indians

Jeff Stevens, RHP

Stevens was the PTBNL in the Brandon Phillips deal. His numbers, since the switch to the bullpen have been quite good. He's 23 and was pitching below level last year (A+/AA), but put up pretty good numbers.

Kinston (A+)- 3-2, 2.31, 35 IP, 18 H, 9 ER, 2 HR, 9 BB, 37 K
Akron (AA)- 3-1, 3.17, 48.1 IP, 40 H, 17 ER, 4 HR, 16 BB, 65 K

There is a lot of talk that he could make the big league bullpen by the end of the season. He sorta broke through last year, but the fact that he didn't even make John's list and is sitting around #20 on a few others, I consider him undervalued and still having sleeper possibilities.

by Fundamentals on Jan 20, 2008 8:39 PM EST reply actions 0 recs