John's Interview with Phillies Minor League Director

On Friday, John Sickels' guest on "Down On The Farm Friday" was Philadelphia Phillies Director of Minor Leagues Steve Noworyta.  Here is a rundown of some of the top Phillies prospects discussed and the letter grade Mr. Sickels gave them in his <i>The Baseball Prospect Book 2008</i> along with a blurb if the name is unfamiliar [to me].

1. LHP Joe Savory B:  His control issues were a result of "tight hips".  If he pitches weel, he can be in AA in June
2. LHP Josh Outman B: Headed towards middle relief in the majors
3. RHP Carlos Carrasco B: Added maturity this year and sharpened his curveball.  Could be called up to Philly if a starter is needed
4. RHP Kyle Drabek C+: Appreciates what he lost after blowing his arm.  Should be back on mound in August and come fast
5. RHP Julian Sampson C+: Pitching at 92-95 and touching 97 <div class="blockquote">could have gone in in second round [of 2007 draft]..a nice coup for the Phillies, and he could be/should be one of their best pitching prospects within two years.</div>
6. CF Greg Golson C+: has figured out how to take outside pitch to opposite field and taking more walks.  Ready defensively
7. RF Dominic Brown C: Speed there and expecting power to come. Reminds some of Darryl Strawberry <div class="blockquote">...selected in 20th round in 2006 out of high school...could have gone much higher in draft, but he had a football scholarship available at Miami...speed best attribute...doesn't translate his strength to power on the the field...strike zone judgment isn't terrible, and shows signs of getting better...</div>
8. OF Matt Spencer C+:  In Florida State League and could jump to AA at All-Star break.  Major Power<div class="blockquote">...a third round pick [in 2007 draft]...His power potential is impressive: he is strong enough to be a 30-homer guy, very valuable especially from the left side...</div>
9. 2B Adrian Cardenas B:  A hitter who Noworyta stops to watch just like Chase Utley.  The bat is there just waiting on defense.
10. SS Jason Donald C+:  Future utility player.  Would have gotten the call if not injured when Jimmy Rollins was DL-ed<div class="blockquote">...doesn't have tremendous power, but he can pop something to the gaps frequently and will knock the occasional homer.  His strike zone judgment is good, but he strikes out a bit more often than you'd like to see...qualifes as a sleeper.</div>