I’ll include both pre-arb players and players under 25. I also combined pitchers.

I really don’t know much about the minors below A ball, and I think I missed some of the 2008 draftees. I’d appreciate it if someone could help me out a little bit (maybe SBcaptain?).

Catcher:
Dusty Ryan (23) AA
James Skelton (22) A+
Alex Avila (21) A

First Base:
Miguel Cabrera (25) MLB
Jeff Larish (25) AAA

Second Base:
Mike Hollimon (26) AAA
Scott Sizemore (23) A+

Third Base:

Shortstop:
Danny Worth (22) AAA
Cale Iorg (23) A+

Corner Outfield:
Matt Joyce (23) MLB
Wilkin Ramirez (22) AA
Deik Scram (24) AA

Center Field:
Curtis Granderson (27) MLB
Brent Clevelen (24) AAA
Clete Thomas (24) AAA

Pitchers:
Justin Verlander (25) MLB
Jeremy Bonderman (25) MLB
Joel Zumaya (23) MLB
Zach Miner (26) MLB
Yorman Bazardo (24) AAA
Macay McBride (25) AAA
Luis Marte (22) AA
Ryan Perry (21) A+
Rick Porcello (19) A+
Cody Satterwhite (21) A+

Going with 17843’s use of Pre-Arbitration Eligible players being the limit;

Catcher
Kurt Suzuki, 24, MLB
Landon Powell, 26, AAA
Anthony Recker, 24, AA
Josh Donaldson, 22, A+
Petey Paramore, 21, A-

The A’s catching situation is pretty much set for the near future. Kurt Suzuki is proving to be a solid catcher for the A’s. He’s good defensively, and at least average offensively for a catcher. Behind him is Landon Powell, who was drafted ahead of him if I remember correctly, but has been derailed due to injuries, motivational concerns and weight (but mainly the ACL tears). Powell could take over as the Backup Catcher next year if the A’s feel that having an Arbitration Eligible backup catcher in Rob Bowen, sit on the end of the bench for almost every game during the season isn’t worth it. Powell can also back up 1st Base when he’s not playing.

Recker is behind him, and is an offensive minded catcher who’s not hitting that well in the hitting Texas League. Josh Donaldson, acquired from the Cubs in the Harden trade has taken off since being stuck in A+ and looks like he’s back on track as a good catching prospect. Petey Paramore was drafted by the A’s in the third round in the 2008 Draft, so time will tell for him.

First Base/Designated Hitter
Daric Barton, 22, MLB
Sean Doolittle, 21, AA
Chris Carter, 21, A+

This used to be a massive depot of talent in the organization for the A’s, or at least it seemed that way when the farm was depleted. Since, many of those guys have fallen off the map. But, then again, there are many other prospects at other positions that will, undoubtedly, end up at 1B so its not exactly the biggest priority to have a lot of 1B Prospects, just good ones. And the A’s have three. Barton, after a good 2007 campaign and call up, has been horrible this year and no one is exactly sure why. But behind him is 2007 Draftee Sean Doolitte, who tore up the California League and then promoted to Midland, where he has struggled but has been coming on as of late. Chris Carter, from the Dan Haren Trade via the Carlos Quentin Trade (two blockbusters in a 2 week span) has hit very well with a lot of power for the Ports in A+ California League affiliate. Carter started off as the team’s Designated Hitter, sharing time with Doolittle at First, then taking over the job after Doolittle’s promotion. After the Joe Blanton trade brought in Cardenas and Spencer, with the Ports outfield jam, the team put Spencer at First Base and moved Carter to his High School position at Third Base, where he has apparently stuck at. If Carter sticks at Third Base, a very big hole for the Organization, he could have a major boost in prospect status.

Second Base
Adrian Cardenas, 20, A+
Jemile Weeks, 21, A-
Eric Patterson, 25, AAA

The Middle Infield used to be a position of weakness for the A’s. Now, at least half of it is a position of strength in about a month span. Weeks was drafted out of Miami, and after a poor start, heated up and put up a fair batting line till getting injured in the game at Wrigley. Cardenas, who looks to be the front runner for the 2B Job of the Future, is a Bat First, Glove Second 2B who is arguably the top 2B prospect in the minors. Patterson, acquired in the Harden Trade, is a quasi 2B/OF who is decent at 2B and may take over the 2B Job for the A’s in 2009 till Cardenas and/or Weeks are ready. The problem for the A’s is that all three 2B’s have concerns about if they can stay at the position long term. Strangely enough, Weeks is listed as an SS on MILB.com.

Third Base
Jeff Baisley, 25, AAA
Jesus Guzman, 24, AAA

The biggest hole in the organization, the only two prospects the A’s have at the position in the minors are bordering on Filler and are at the 25 age line. Guzman was signed as a Minor League Free Agent from the Mariners after spending years at AA, and when put there again, crushed the ball for the Midland Rockhounds. Unfortunately, after his promotion he went off a cliff and his stock has dropped quite a bit. Baisley does not look like anything special, with a peak of being a League Average 3B, and a low of being a Backup or Reserve 3B off the bench. He’d probably have the starting 3B Job in Oakland if not for being on the DL with a fractured foot. Both prospects do not look to be in the long term plans for Oakland, but that might not matter if the A’s end up acquiring a long term solution for the position, or if Chris Carter or Adrian Cardenas stick at Third Base. But with Eric Chavez being done as a MLB 3B, it is a pretty bleak hole.

Short Stop
Gregorio Petit, 23, AAA
Cliff Pennington, 24, AAA
Dusty Coleman, 21, N/A
Jason Christian, 21, SS
Nino Leyja, 17, RK

The second major hole in the Organization. Petit and Pennington are all glove, no bat SS Prospects. Either of them could get the MLB SS job if the A’s oust Bobby Crosby, but they are likely placeholders or backups for the future unless they somehow break out. But both are still young. Getting past that you do not see much till you get to 2008’s draft class. Dusty Coleman just recently signed for 2nd Round money despite being a very low pick due to signability concerns. Christian and Leyja are putting up impressive numbers in their respective rookie balls, but time will tell if they become top prospects for the team or organizational filler, as many of the A’s recent SS picks have become.

Corner Outfield
Travis Buck, 24, AAA
Matt Sulentic, 20, A+

A very short list indeed, but that’s because most of the teams outfield prospects qualify at Centerfield, which is a good thing. Travis Buck was a hitting machine till this year, when he somehow mysteriously forgot how to hit. I am sure that will come back to him, though. Maybe he is nursing a hidden injury (he hasn’t played much for AAA Sacramento, likely hinting at something) but I expect him to remember how to hit next year. Sulentic came onto the scene with a great SS season after he was drafted only to slump horribly in the Midwest league the next year. He’s re-surged after being promoted to the California League in 2008 however.

Center field
Carlos Gonzalez, 22, MLB
Ryan Sweeney, 23, MLB
Aaron Cunningham, 22, AA
Corey Brown, 22, A+
Rashun Dixon, 17, RK
Jermaine Mitchell, 23, A+

Arguably the A’s second deepest prospect area, the A’s quite possibly could have 3 Center fielders in 2009 manning their outfield. Carlos Gonzalez and Ryan Sweeney are already on the big club. Sweeney is having a solid offensive campaign, but the Power has never surfaced. Gonzalez is struggling offensively, but has become, strangely enough, one of the best defensive CF in the AL according to some fielding stats. Corey Brown’s future is probably at the Corner Outfield, but he definitely has the bat to stick around, and Rashun Dixon is a having a monster first season after being drafted, down in the Arizona Rookie League. Dixon is showing a lot of power and a lot of speed, but with a low average right now. Probably the most mysterious thing about Dixon is his lack of doubles-he has only a couple-due to his speed carrying him past 2B and racking up a ton of Triples. As for Mitchell, the would be CF of the future for the A’s has fallen back, having a bad year in A+ Stockton and has been surpassed by far in the future of the organization CF and OF depth chart with the trades and drafting of Gonzalez, Sweeney, Cunningham, Dixon, Patterson and Weeks (who if they can’t make it at 2B, will shift to CF).

Starting Pitcher
Trever Cahill, 20, AA
Brett Anderson, 20, AA
Gio Gonzalez, 22, AAA
Sean Gallagher, 22, MLB
Greg Smith, 24, MLB
Dana Eveland, 24, MLB
James Simmons, 21, AA
Vin Mazzaro, 21, AA
Arnold Leon, 20, A+/MEX
Henry Rodriguez, 21, A+
Michel Inoa, 16, N/A
Craig Italiano, 22, A+
Tyson Ross, 21, N/A
Fautino De Los Santos, 22, A+ DL
Josh Outman, 23, AA
Michael Madson, 25, AA
Jamie Richmond, 22, A-
Travis Banwart, 22, A+

The A’s deepest part of the system, and the envy of baseball (or so says Baseball America). The A’s have a group of top pitching prospects that can all end up being #1-#2’s (Trever Cahill, Brett Anderson, Gio Gonzalez, Michel Inoa), and a large group that looks to be solid mid-rotation starters (Sean Gallagher, Greg Smith, Dana Eveland, Arnold Leon, James Simmons, Henry Rodriguez, Fautino De Los Santos, Tyson Ross) and a plethora of guys who if they make it, will be solid 4-5 starters. Hernandez and De Los Santos, and Italiano might be destined for the back of the bullpen if they can not fix their control problems and maybe add a pitch or two, but if they make it as a Starter, look out! (Though unfortunately, DLS suffered an arm injury and went under the knife for TJ Surgery early in the year). Last years former top pitching prospects have been brushed aside this year, with breakouts by some (Mazzaro, Cahill), trades (Anderson, Gonzalez), Drafts (Simmons) and good old fashion development (Hernandez). Don’t be surprised if the you see a late 2009 Rotation of Gallagher/Cahill/Anderson/Gonzalez/Simmons for the A’s (probably accompanied by a plethora of trades and prospects involving Duke, Smith and Eveland). And that rotation could be extremely solid for years to come. And if some fail, there are many there to back them up.

Relief Pitcher/Closer
Huston Street
Joey Devine, 24, MLB
Andrew Brown
Santiago Casilla
Brad Ziegler
Jerry Blevins
Dallas Braden
Sam Demel
Andrew Carignan, 22, AA
Jared Lansford, 21, AA

The A’s have quite a bit of relief to back them up if/when their starting pitching prospects get thrown into the Majors as Relievers. Indeed, even if Huston Street is dealt, the A’s will have four solid young relievers who can anchor the back end of the bullpen for years to come-just as they are now; Joey Devine, Andrew Brown, Santiago Casilla and Brad Ziegler. The A’s have two good minor league power closers coming up in the minors in Carignan and Demel who should be up relatively soon, and Lansford’s shift to the bullpen has paid dividends.

Catcher

Luis Exposito (A+)
Mark Wagner (AA)
Dusty Brown (AAA)
George Kottaras (AAA)
Ryan Lavarnway (shortseason)

Catcher’s a weak position in our organization. Brown and Kottaras both look like backup catchers in the big leagues, while Wagner got the defense to be a starter but needs to learn how to hit. The only one I really like is Exposito. He’s already a great defender, and his offense is finally there this year. Lavarnway was a 6th rounder from Yale this year, and he had a .398 average there, so he’s got good offense but he’s really raw defensively.

First Base

Lars Anderson (A+/AA)
Aaron Bates (AA)
Mike Jones (A+)
Anthony Rizzo (A-)

We’re really top heavy at first. Lars Anderson looks like a potential 30+ homer, 100+ RBI guy, but besides him we don’t have much. Bates looked real good last year, but this year he’s really tailed off. Mike Jones has looked terrific in Lancaster and Greenville to the tune of .318/.391/.456, but it’s Lancaster, so you really can’t take much from it. He’s a real unknown right nowI loved Rizzo earlier in the season, but he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in May. He’s supposed to recover from it, but cancer is definitely a major obstacle.

Second Base

Dustin Pedroia (MLB)
Ryan Dent (short season)
Chih-Hsien Chiang (A+)
Joe Thurston (AAA)

That’s really it for second. Pedroia’s awesome, already with a ROY and an All Star appearance on his resume. He’ll be playing there for the next 5-10 years for the Sox. Dent was a high pick for the Sox, and he’s shown tools and speed, but he’s really struggled for Lowell. Hopefully he’ll figure it out. Chiang is looking really good offensively in Lancaster, and I think he could become a major league 2B, but he really needs work on his defense. Thurston’s 28, but I thought I needed to put him on here. He is a FOUR time AAA All Star, which is very impressive, and is having a good season, but at best he’ll be a utility guy in the majors.

Third Base

Michael Almanzar (A-)
Will Middlebrooks (short season)

Almanzar is still really raw, but he is looking like a future superstar right now. He really excelled in the rookie league earlier in the year, and he’s held his own in low-A as a 17 year old. He’s looking like something special. Middlebrooks has a lot of great tools, a cannon arm at third, contact skills and power, but he still is struggling. He’s highly regarded by the Sox, though, so hopefully he can figure it out.

Shortstop

Jed Lowrie (AAA/MLB)
Argenis Diaz (AA)
Yamaico Navarro (A+)
Casey Kelly (rookie)

Lowrie’s offensively looking a ton better than Lugo in Boston right now, and he should become the shortstop for Boston next year. The only concerns with him are defense, but he’s done quite well so far and should stick at shortstop. Diaz is an amazing defender with amazing range, a terrific arm, and a great glove. His offense isn’t in the same league as his defense, but he does have good contact skills. Navarro is a line drive hitter with good power. He plays many positions, but shortstop is his main position. Could become a good shortstop or utilityman in the majors. Kelly has the potential to be a 20 homer shortstop on the big league level, but the Sox see his future in pitching, where he was seen as the most projectable pitcher in the draft by them.

Outfield
Jacoby Ellsbury (MLB)
Josh Reddick (AA)
Che-Hsuan LIn (A-)
Ryan Kalish (A-)
Jason Place (A+)
Chris Carter (AAA)

Ellsbury is a speedster on the basepaths who started out the year real well but has struggled mightily lately. He’s got 10-20 homer power as well, but has only shown glimpses of it earlier in the year. He’s been in a slump, but he should become at least an above average centerfielder int he big leages. Reddick is looking like he could become an above average player or star in the major leagues. He’s got great contact skills, and has good power as well. Plate discipline is a problem for him, but the Red Sox have been working with him on it and that seems to have improved in AA. His defense is great, and his arm is terrific in the outfield. The next three guys are guys with terrific tools. Lin was the MVP of the futures game, and he’s got tons of tools but hasn’t shown the power expect from him. Kalish had a great year last year, but has been slowed down this year from an injury. Place has huge power potential potential, but the strikeouts are killing him in Lancaster. Carter has consistently been producing in AAA, but his defense is, well, awful, but he’s got a great bat with good power. Overall, our outfield looks real good as far as depth goes, and looks to only get better with guys like Pete Hissey and Ryan Westmoreland hopefully signing with the Sox.

Starting Pitching

Jon Lester (MLB)
Clay Buchholz (MLB)
Justin Masterson (MLB)
Michael Bowden (AAA)
Kris Johnson (AA)
Brock Huntzinger (A-)
Nick Hagadone (A-)

Lester has become a terrific pitcher in the big leagues and is arguably the ace of the Sox staff right now. Buchholz has been struggling in the big leagues, but his stuff is amazing and looks to still be a future front of the rotation starter. The only concerns with Buchholz are fastball command and immaturity off the field. Masterson has been terrific for the Sox, with a sinker that is just nasty. If he stays a starter, he could become a number 2 or 3 starter. Bowden looks terrific this year, dominating AA hitters. He’s got great command of a 91-93 mile per hour fastball, but his velocity has been inconsistent this year. He’s got a plus curveball, and a changeup that is definitely still developing but could become a plus pitch. He looks to be a mid rotation starter in the big leagues. The rest of the guys all have a lot of potential and are solid prospects, and each could become great prospects, but it really is too early to tell with them.

Relief Pitching

Manny Delcarmen (MLB)
Daniel Bard (AA)

Last year, Delcarmen looked like a dominant set up. He struggled for most of this year, but has pitched much better as of late. He’s got a mid-high 90s fastball and a plus curveball with a good changeup. Bard has a fastball that has reached as high as 100, but struggles with control of it. He also has a slider that has looked a strikeout pitch for him. If he can improve command, he has the stuff to be a big league closer.

I decided to leave off most of our draft picks because truthfully I have no idea where they would rank in the system. The Sox farm system does look good though, with a lot of depth and a lot of high impact prospects that are pretty close to the big league club.

Catcher

Matt Wieters, 22, (A+/AA) 331 ABs- .351/.453/.592 21HR GRADE- A
Caleb Joseph, 22, (SS A) 136 ABs- .279/.318/.404 2HR GRADE- C

Everyone here knows what type of numbers Wieters has put up this season. He has not only hit for power, but he has done so while showing good plate discipline and limiting his strikeouts; as evidenced by his 1:1 K/BB ratio. Making him an even more impressive prospect is the fact that by all acounts he is a solid defensive catcher. The only thing that stands between him and the starting catching job in Baltimore next year could be the Orioles’ desire to prevent the arbitration clock from starting, but I would be surprised if Ramon Hernandez was not dealt in the off-season to make room for Matt. Behind Wieters the Orioles don’t have much in the way of catching prospects. The only even fringe prospect the Orioles have is Caleb Joseph, their 7th round pick in this years draft. Joseph is having a solid first year in pro ball, although at 22 he is old for the league. That being said at 6’3” 180 Caleb has plenty of room to fill out, and scouts say he is fairly athletic. I like Joseph, and think that he could eventually become a solid back up catcher.

First Base

Brandon Snyder, 21, (A+) 328 ABs- .293/.335/.473 10HR GRADE- B-
Chris Vinyard, 22, (A+) 326 ABs- .245/.340/.383 12HR GRADE- C-

The Orioles took Snyder with their first round pick in 2005. Since then Snyder has not flown through the minors like many of the other highly touted high school players of the 2005 draft, but he has not been a bust by any stretch either. Drafted as a catcher, and then moved to third, it now looks like Snyder’s long term home will be first. I’m cautiosly optimistic about Snyder. He won the Hawaii winter league bating title in the off-season, and after hitting .229 in April, and missing most of June with an injury he has seen his average climb almost to .300 at the outset of August. I saw Snyder play in June, and he had a real tough time laying off off-speed pitches down and out of the strike zone. Hopefully his increased production means he his pitch recognition has improved. Sndyer’s ceiling seems to be a 5, a quality major league first baseman, and it would huge for the Orioles is he was ready to take over the big league job in 2010, because with Millar a free agent at the end of this season, and Aubrey Huff a free agent at the end of 2009 and no other first base prospects in the high minors there will be a glaring hole at first base. Behind Snyder the Orioles don’t have much. Chris Vinyard is fringy prospect who has seen his production decline each of the past three seasons, and looks like he will never reach the majors.

Second Base

Ryan Adams, 21, (Low A) 337 ABs- .300/.355/.442 8HR 5/10 SB GRADE- C+
LJ Hoes, 18, (GCL) 87 ABs- .310/.439/.414 0HR 4/4 SB GRADE- C+

With Brian Roberts likely on the move this off-season it is troubling to see that the organizations talent at second is in the low minors. That being said the two prospects the O’s do have at 2nd are very interesting. Ryan Adams, picked by the Orioles in the second round of 2006, reminds me a lot of former Oriole farmhand Mike Fontenot. Both are second baseman from Louisiana who are known more for their bats than their gloves. Adams’ .300 average is certainly not a “soft .300” as he has 30 extra base hits this year, unfortunately he has 42 errors on the year, most of the throwing variety. The defense must be improved as Adams moves through the minors, but all in all I think his bat makes him a good prospect. The other Orioles second base prospect is LJ Hoes, their 3rd round pick in this years draft. Hoes played the outfield in high school, but has been moved to second by the O’s. Obviously it is waaaaaay to early to delve into too much detail about Hoes as he has yet to have 100 professional at bats, but the one thing that has stuck out has been his patient eye at the plate. In merely 87 at bats Hoes has already walked 20 times, while only striking out 11. Certainly a very encouraging sign for a young hitter.

Short Stop

Pedro Florimon, 21, (Low A) 180 ABs- .200/.260/.256 8/8 SB GRADE- D+

Ever since the Miguel Tejada trade the short stop position for the Orioles might be the weakest position in all of baseball. There are only stop-gaps and journeymen at the major league level, Alex Cintron, Brandon Fahey, Juan Castro, Freddie Bynum, ect…. And the minor league system is completely bare. Florimon will almost certainly not be on any prospect lists next year, but I included him here only to underscore how berift the system is of talent. I really know nothing of Florimon except that he is fairly young, he is 6’2”, and switch hits. I hope as an O’s fan that he is a wizard with the glove, and fills out his frame a bit so that he can at least get his average above the mendoza line. Finding a short stop will certainly be a priority in the off-season at the major league level, and signign Greg Miclat, the O’s 5th round pick out of UVA, should be high on scouting director Joe Jordan’s to do list.

Third Base

Mike Costanzo, 24, (AAA) 380 ABs- .255/.327/.389 10HR 2/4 SB GRADE- C+

First traded to Houston as a part of the Brad Lidge trade, then aquired from Houston in the Miguel Tejada trade. Has not shown the same power he did for AA Reading last year. Strikeouts continue to be a problem, 128 so far this season. Projects as at best a platoon player, more likely a power bat off the bench.

Scott Moore, 24, (AAA) 287 ABs- .247/.321/.408 7 HR 3/3 SB GRADE- C+

Former first round pick of the Tigers. Aquired from the Cubs for Steve Traschell last August. Can play first and the outfield corners, and in spring training played a little second. Has turned it on after a terrible April and May. Should be in the majors for good next year as a versitile utility man.

Billy Rowell, 19, (A+) 280 ABs- .232/.303/.354 5 HR 0/4 SB GRADE- B-

Rowell was the Orioles’ first round pick in the 2006 draft, and this year has struggled mightily as a 19 year old in high A. Although the power has not yet shown as a pro, Rowell is still growing into his huge 6’5” frame, and with his sweet left handed swing it is only a matter of time before it does. While his offense should come around there is no chance that Rowell can stay at third. He has a powerful arm, but lacks range and quickness to play third. Long term I think Rowell will be a Aubrey Huff like player, a very good hitter who dabbles defensively at 3rd, Right, and 1st, but spends a majority of his time as a designated hitter. John will probably grade Rowell as a C+/C player, but I am confident that Rowell’s bat will come around.

Tyler Henson, 20, (Low A) 393 ABs- .275/.313/.377 6 HR 16/18 SB GRADE- B-

Henson is one of my favorite players in the O’s system. Drafted out of high school as a short stop in the 5th round of the 2006 draft Henson has been moved to third as a pro. Henson has been very succesfull on the bases as a pro, and projects to hit for more power as he matures. The major concern about Henson is his lack of patience at the plate. He has only walked 19 times this year, something he will have to improve as he climbs through the system. John will probably rate Henson as a C+ prospect, but I really like him.

Tyler Kolodny, 20, (SS A) 140 ABs- .250/.369/.386 3 HR 4/7 SB GRADE- C-
Drafted in the 16th Round of last years draft out of high school in California Kolodny played very well in his pro debut. Scouts raved about the energy he brought to the park, and baseball america dubbed him a “grinder”. Kolodny is far away, but a name to keep your eye on

Overall third base is the Orioles’ strongest position as far as depth with a prospect at almost every level. Unfortunately Moore and Costanzo do not project as regulars, and Rowell will eventually have to move off the position. With Melvin Mora a free agent at the end of 2009 the Orioles will have to look outside the organization for his replacement, because niether Henson nor Kolodny will be major league ready by then.

Corner Outfield

RF- Nick Markakis, 24, (MAJ)
LF- Luuuuuuke Scott, 30, (MAJ)
Nolan Reimold, 24, (AA) 408 ABs- .289/.364/.498 18HR 7/9 SB GRADE- B
Brandon Tripp, 23, (A+) 343 ABs- .236/.300/.373 11HR 9/12 SB GRADE- C
Kieron Pope, 21, (Low A) 329 ABs- .228/.292/.392 11HR 6/7 SB GRADE- C

The corner spots for the Orioles are in much better shape long term, at the major league level, than most other positions. Nick Markakis is entrenched as the right fielder for years to come, while Luke Scott has done a good job in left field since coming over from Houston. Next year with Jay Payton likely gone, Nolan Reimold will slide from right to left and team with Scott to man left field. On most days Reimold will play left, while Scott will DH. While the major leagues should be set at the corners for years to come the minor league system, aside from Reimold is pretty bare. Brandon Tripp, who came into the season with high expectations, has struggled mightily in the second half after being named to the carolina league all star team. Kieron Pope, 2005 4th round pick, has finally stayed healthy after several injury plauged seasons. While healthy Pope has shown the raw power that make him so intriguing to scouts, but has struggled to consistently get on base.

Center Field

Adam Jones, turned 23 today, (MAJ)
Matt Angle, 22, (Low A) 386 ABs- .285/.370/.376 3HR 28/37SB GRADE- C+
Kyle Hudson, 21, (SS A) DL GRADE C
Xavier Avery, 18, (GCL) 109 ABs- .303/.345/.367 0 HR 8/10 SB GRADE- B-

The Centerfield talent in the Orioles’ system is in the low minors, but with Adam Jones patrolling center their is no hurry. Each of the Orioles’ three centerfield prospects can fly. Angle, a 7th round pick in 2007 out of Ohio St., at 22 is a little old for Low A, but his ability to work counts and draw works, an essential characteristic of a good leadoff man is encouraging. Angle has little power and projects as a Scott Podsednick type player. Hudson and Avery were both taken in this years draft, and both are former football players. Hudson was the 4th round pick this year, and played WR at Illinois for 3 years. He signed quickly and started his pro career at Short Season Aberdeen only to break his wrist. Hudson like Angle is a speedster who knows his limitations and concentrates on getting on-base and utilizing his speed. Avery, the Orioles 2nd rounder, passed up a scholarship from the University of Georgia to play baseball, and possess the most raw talent of the three. I’m a little surprised the Orioles used both their 2nd and 4th round picks on very similar players.

Starting Pitching
Majors:
Garrett Olsen, 24
Has struggled in the big leagues so far this year, but has nothing left to prove at AAA. Needs to figure out how to get himself out of trouble. Still young and I look for him to become a 3/4 starter down the road.

AAA:
Rhadames Liz, 24, 60IP- 4.05 ERA 25/58 BB/K .252 BAA 0.74 GO/AO GRADE- B-
Pitched ok in AAA, but was hammered in the majors to an era of 7.47. Liz has good stuff, a fastball in the mid 90’s, although it is a little bit flat as evidenced by 12 HRs in 47IP, a change up that has sharp downward action, and an ok slider. The problem with Liz is that his command is poor and it allows hitters to sit on his fastball and hammer it. I think Liz will always be suceptable to the long ball, but if he can find better command he will have no problem holding down a rotation spot. There has been some talk of moving Liz into the bulpen, and that may be his eventual home.

Hayden Penn, 23, 94IP- 4.98 ERA 34/62 BB/K .279 BAA 1.34 GO/AO GRADE- C+
Penn like Liz, has good stuff, but his command holds him back. Penn has pitched all year at AAA, but has not been able to put it all together. Penn has a fastball that sits in the low to mid 90’s, and a big overhand curve. Penn is still young and has time to improve, but I now see him as more of a back end of the rotation starter.

Troy Patton, 22, DL- GRADE- B
Patton was a part of the Miguel Tejada trade, but was unable to pitch at all this year due to a torn bicep. John gave troy a B+ last year, and Baseball America ranked him behind only Wieters and Liz in the Orioles’ system. If Patton can comeback healthy next year he would be a major boost to the Orioles who desperately need starting pitching.
AA:
Brad Bergesen, 22, 117.1IP- 2.68 ERA 20/58BB/K .248BAA 1.55GO/AO GRADE- B-
Bergesen may be the exact opposite of Liz and Penn, he doesn’t have great stuff, but he gets hitters out with command and movement. Bergesen reminds me a little of Kevin Slowey, and I’m very interested to see how his stuff will play at higher levels. Many might see my grade as too low, but I’m worried he doesn’t have the stuff to become a starter in the bigs.

Chris Tillman, 20, 100.2IP- 3.67ERA 54/103 BB/K .238BAA 0.85GO/AO GRADE- B+
Tillman was aquired from Seattle in the Eric Bedard deal, and so far he has excelled in double while being the youngest pitcher in the league. Tillman has a projectable 6’5” frame and scouts believe he could add velocity as he gets older. The Orioles want to see Tillman improve his change-up in the minors, and will move him along slowly. He will almost cerainly finish 2008 in AA, and should begin 2009 in AAA.

David Hernandez, 23, 109.1 IP- 2.63ERA 55/129 BB/K .213BAA 0.64GO/AO GRADE-B
Hernandez has been absolutely filthy this year. Striking out more than a batter an inning, and holding opponents to a miniscule .213 batting average against. The feeling around baseball is that Hernandez has good, but not great stuff, but his stuff plays up because of the amount of deception in his delivery. Hernandez has struggled with command in the past, but hopefully thsoe problems are behind him. I see Hernandez becoming a solid major league starter, but not a front of the rotation guy like his numbers suggest.

Jason Berken, 24, 116IP- 3.49ERA 27/99 BB/K .262BAA 1.03 GO/AO GRADE-B-
A survivor of tommy john, Berken was picked out of Clemson by the O’s in the 6th round of the 2006 draft. Berken was on very few prospect radars coming into the year, not in the top 30 according to Baseball America, and John didn’t put him in the top 20, but did give him a C. So far this year Berken has been solid. Like Bergesen he has shown good command, 27BB, but has also shown the ability to strike hitters out, 99K. Berken has been a pleasent surprise for the O’s and should eventually fit into the back end of the rotation.

Chorye Spoone, 22, 41.1 IP- 4.57ERA 27/32 BB/K .252BAA 2.38 GO/AO GRADE-B
It has been a frustrating year for Spoone who hasn’t been able to get on track due to injuries. The O’s had high hopes for Spoone heading into the year, but he landed on the DL at the start of the year, came back in June only to go back on it in early July. At this point I hope Spoone can come back and be healthy for winterball or the start of next season. In my eyes spoone looks like a very underated prospect. He has the rare combination of low BAA, .200 last year, high strike out totals, and a high ground ball ratio, over 2 the last two seasons. My B grade might be too optimistic for many, but Spoone is one of my favorites.

A+:
Jake Arrieta, 22, 113IP- 2.87 ERA 51/120 BB/K .199 BAA 1.14 GO/AO GRADE- B+
The O’s invested 1.1 million in Arrieta last year when they picked him in the 5th round, and Arrieta has not disapointed. He has owned Carolina league competition, and is now off to compete in the Olympics. Arrieta is the only player in Hi A on team USA’s roster. Arrieta should gain valuable experience competing against some of the worlds best, and should start next year in AA. Arrieta profiles as a front of the rotation starter.

Pedro Beato, 21, 65.2IP 4.93 ERA 18/36 BB/K .290 BAA 1.27 GO/AO GRADE- C
Beato has had a disapointing year. He was a supplemental first round pick in 2006, and had a solid first two seasons, but he has seen his velocity drop this year. With lower velocity Beato has gotten hit hard. The Orioles hope the velocity will comeback and Beato can regain his 2007 form. Beato is still very young, and if his velocity comes back his grade could jump.

Brandon Erbe, 20, 120.2 IP- 4.40 ERA 38/122 BB/K .227 BAA 0.75 GO/AO GRADE- B
When Erbe is on he is close to unhitable. He throws in the low to mid 90’s with a devestating slider, and a change-up that he is working on. Erbe has struggled with the HR, giving up 18 of them. If he could cut down on the gopher balls his ERA would plumet, because his BAA is extremely low, and he had much better command this year. Erbe is a solid prospect who should begin next year in AA.

Low A:
Sean Gleason, 22, 114.1 IP- 2.68 ERA 30/82 BB/K .223 BAA 1.35 GO/AO GRADE- C
Gleason was a 20th round pick out of St. Mary’s college in the 2007 draft. I really don’t know anything about him other than that. I assume that he gets by with good command rather than great stuff, which is why he fell until the 20th round, but I don’t know for sure. Certainly seems like a prospect to watch. Hopefully he will be a draft day steal for the O’s.

Luis Noel, 20, 112.1 IP- 3.77 ERA 52/97 BB/K .241 BAA 0.93 GO/AO GRADE- C
Born in the Domincan Republic, prospect to watch as he goes up through the system.

John Mariotti, 23, 32 IP- 2.81 ERA 6/25 BB/K .174 BAA 6.67 GO/AO GRADE- C+
Picked in the 18th round of the 2007 draft, Mariotti was off to a great start to the 2008 season before he got hurt. He has just come off the disabled list recently and is probably the Orioles’ biggest sleeper prospect. The ground out to air out might look like a result of the small sample size at first glance, but it’s not. Last year Mariotti posted a 5.92 ratio in short season ball. Mariotti is a guy who could rise quickly.

Tony Butler, 20, 55 IP- 4.42 ERA 11/44 BB/K .273 BAA 0.84 GO/AO GRADE- C+
Butler, a 6’7” lefty was a part of the Eric Bedard deal. Butler got hurt in mid june and is yet to make a start. The injury is not believed to be serious, so hopefully Butler can return and have a strong final month of the season.

Zach Britton, 20, 117.2 IP- 2.83 ERA 35/85 BB/K .221 BAA 2.98 GO/AO GRADE- B-
Britton, the O’s 3rd round pick in 2006 is the best left handed pitching prospect in the system. He throws a low 90’s fastball, and a slider and change-up that are developing. A strong season in Hi A next year and Britton could have a B or B+ grade.

Short Season A:
Richard Zagone, 21, 23.1 IP- 3.09 ERA 7/30 BB/K .261 BAA 1.77 GO/AO GRADE- C
6th Round pick from this years draft out of Missouri, off to a good pro start. Overshadowed in college by Crow, could be a solid pick.

Brian Matusz????

Overall the Orioles have a very strong group of pitchers in the minor leagues. The group may only trail the Rays and A’s if Matusz signs. There is good depth at every level, and there is both depth and impact in the system. Tillman, Arrieta, Erbe, and Matusz all profile at the front of a rotation, while Bergesen, Hernandez, Berken all have the potential to make it in a big league rotation. Furthermore, the low-minors are stocked with prospects. Unfortunately for the Orioles as a franchise the major league rotation has been awful outside of Jeremy Guthrie. For the Orioles to compete in the brutal AL East it is their pitching that must carry them.

Relief Pitching
Major Leagues:
Jim Johnson, 25
Chris Ray, 26
Matt Albers, 25
Dennis Sarfate, 27
Randor Bierd, 24

AAA:
Kam Mickolio, 24, (AA/AAA) 49IP- 3.86ERA 26/52 BB/K .230 BAA 1.58 GO/AO GRADE-C+
Kam was a part of the Eric Bedard trade, and has pitched great since promotion to AAA, 1 run in 10.2 innings. He is a huge reliever who stands 6’9”. Kam looks like he could be ready to help in the O’s bulpen next year.

Jim Hoey, 25, DL GRADE- C
Hoey has missed all of 2008 while needing Tommy John. He has already recovered from the injury once in his career. He was poised to make a solid contribution to the O’s bulpen in 2008 before the injury, hopefully he can pick up where he left off in 2009.

Bob McCrory, 26, 28.2 IP- 3.14 ERA 13/26 BB/K .252 BAA 2.28 GO/AO GRADE- C
McCrory is a flame-thrower who made his major league debut this season. McCrory is limited by his poor command. If McCrory can harness some of his stuff he could be a valuable peice of the bulpen for the Orioles in 2009.

AA:
Wilfredo Perez, 23, (A+/AA) 66IP- 2.45ERA 36/81 BB/K .203 BAA 1.92 GO/AO GRADE- C+
Wilfredo is a left handed reliever with filthy stuff. He has a nasty curveball and a fast ball that sits around 92. Like many hard throwers he struggles with command, but he has the potential to be a left handed specialist out of the pen along the lines of Renyel Pinto of the marlins.

The Orioles bulpen should be a strength of the team for a long time to come. With a plethora of young hard throwing righties, including the return of Ray and Hoey from the DL there should be a lot of competition for the final spots in the pen during spring training. The Orioles are light on lefties in their pen, and Perez will not be ready for 2009, so it might make sense to slide Johnson into the closers role allowing Sherrill to pitch against tough lefties earlier in the game, and give the set-up role to Chris Ray.

Orioles system seems to be on the rise, but they have a lot of holes to fill at the major league level. One thing that I noticed is that the Orioles have the potential to be strong up the middle with Jones, Wieters and a good amount of pitching prospects. Short stop and second base need to be filled long term though.

Catcher

1. MLB Joe Mauer, 26
2. AAA Jose Morales, 25, B- .315/ 348/ 426
Has the potential to be a high average hitter, as he proved that last season in AAA for the Red Wings and was rewarded with a late season call up by the Twins last season….Still lacks power sort of like Joe Mauer, and defensively lacks a little arm strenght but is a Great game caller, and on the basepaths maintains decent speed.
3. A+ Wilson Ramos, 20, B .277/ 336/ 425
Started off 2008 slowly for the Fort Myers Miracle, but is really coming on as of late tallying 11 home runs and 65 RBI’s through August 1st. Defensively he is more established then any other catcher in the Twins system that has a chance both offensively and defensively, has been compared to Pudge Rodriquez defensively…
3. Rookie Ball Danny “Bam-Bam” Rams, 19, C+ .255/ 321/ 490
Playing for the E-Town Twins, Rams is still very raw, hasn’t learned how to hit to all fields yet but, probably the best word to describe Rams is Tank, as he is built like one and Power is his sinlge best atttribute, althouhg he hasn’t exactly known how to convert it into game situations.
One word description: the good-Power, the bad-Raw

First Base/ DH

1. MLB Justin Morneau, 27
2. AA Eric Lis, 24, C+ DH .268/ 307/ 456
Lis really doesn’t have a True Position as he stinks in Right Field, and isn’t well enough adapted to play 1st base. However, The Twins seem to be higher on him then any other DH/ 1st basemen in their entire organization as of right now, Lis started off 2008 in High A ball; so his total numbers for this year are actually a bit higher.
3. AA Brock Peterson, 24, C .263/ 327/ 451
I personally don’t think much of him at all, probobly nothing more then what former prospect Garrett Jones is/was to the Twins…Peterson could have and should have been in AAA by now, but, is still down a level, largely because his K rates are essentially 3:1 compared to taking walks. (93 K’s, 36 BB’s)
4, Rookie Ball Jonathen Waltenbury, 20, B+ .321/ 383/ 564
Waltenbury is probably the best True 1st base prospect in the Twins system, Jonathen stands at 6’4’’ and 230 lbs. and should develop into the Power hitting 1st basemen the Twins like and really need for their minor league system. Waltenbury has hit 6 homers in 165 AB’s for The E-Town Twins. Next season will tell us a lot about him and could rise quickly…

Second Base

1. MLB Alexi Casilla, 24 15 day DL
2. AAA Luke Hughes, 23, B+ .320/ 383/ 548
Hughes has spent all but the last week in AA New Britian destroying the Eastern League this year. He might be viewed by the Twins and other 3rb base Thin Organizations as a Hot Corner type of prospect, But I’m hear to tell you if He was in most other Organizations he’d flat out be a second basemen. Hughes has tallied 15 home-runs in 294 AB’s…this year
3. AA Steven Tolleson, 24, B .315/ 399/ 477
Over the last 2-3 weeks Hughes was in AA, Tolleson wsa easily outplaying him to the point Hughes wasn’t even getting regular playing time. Tolleson’s insane .399 On-base percentage should open more eyes, he posssess decent speed, with marginal power, but is very sound defensively.
4. AA Brian Dinkleman, 24, C+ .276/ 371/ 382
5. A+ Steven Singleton, 22, B .297/ 359/ 429

Third Base

1a. MLB Brendon Harris, 28
1b. MLB Brian Buscher, 27
2. AA Danny Valencia, 23, B- .311/ 372/ 461
Valencia, like many of these prospects.....started the year off at a level lower…..and hasn’t really done a whole lot in AA through 160 AB’s except maintain his nice Batting Average. The Twins have very few third base prospects in the System, so there is a sense of Valencia being “the Guy” of the future… THe Twins have tried playing 2b Luke Hughes & SS Trevor Plouffe at third base, but IMO it hasn’t worked out….
Danny Valencia has only tallied a total of 7 Homers so far this season.
3. A Deibinson Romero, 21, C+ .268/ 309/ 396
basically, has been a disapointment for the Twins this year…
in 2007 in Rookie Ball Romero helped the E-Town Twins go the distance as he was their MVP posting numbers such as: .316/406/506 last year. hitting 9 homers…

Shorstop

1. MLB Nick Punto, 30
2. AAA Trevor Plouffe, 22, C+ .257/ 303/ 403
started the year off in AA and did well, without shining brightly. Plouffe a former 1st round draft selection, has risen nicely through the Twins system, but many see him as only a utility type of player, or a fifth infielder. A lot like Nick Punto’s value….
Plouffe is someone that I have compared to Khaili Green of the San Diego Padres someone who has quite a bit of power but will likely hit for a low average…

Corner Outfield

1. MLB Michael Cuddyer, 29
2. MLB Delmon Young, 22
3. AA Dustin Martin, 24, B- .287/ 359/ 428
Martin is one of two players the Twins recieved for the Luis Castillo- Mets trade exactly 12 months ago at this time last year. Martin at the Time wasn’t viewed to be much of anything but since has really mad himself into one of the better Corner outfield prospects the Twins possess. Likely won’t be anything more then a 3rd/4th outfielder in the Majors, still possess fine skills probably close to a 5-tool player. Especially if he can develop a little more power.
4. Rookie Ball Aaron Hicks, 19 B .330/417/482
The first round draft pick in this years first year player draft in June.
Has been doing quite well in the leadoff hole for the Gulf Coast Twins. Obviously the Grade is a bit premature but, as one MLB scout said, “Hicks may be the best player of that OF group” That Group is:
C. Parmelee
J. Benson
B. Revere
C. Gomez
D. Span .......thats saying something right there…

Center Field

1a MLB Denard Span, 24
1b MLB Carlso Gomez, 22
2. A Ben Revere, 20, A- .400/ 453/ 534
Wow thats all I have to say! -Easily the Twins #1 Prospect on their entire Farm
He may never be a 5-tool player (lacking Power) but is capable of stealing 60 bases or more and maybe he’s the next closest thing to Ted WIlliam’s legendary .400 batting average in the Majors…. Revere is a prototypicall leadoff hitter and will likely be a cataylst at the Top of the Twins lineup for years to come… In the New Stadium that is…..

Revere is so good this year, I’ll put out his entire stat line for 2008

Team League AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI TB BB SO SB CS OBP SLG OPS
BEL MID .399 69 283 42 113 17 9 1 39 151 23 27 34 12 .453 .534 .987

Starting Pitchers
MLB
1. Baker
2. Perkins
3. Blackburn
4. Liriano (just got promoted with Livan Hernadez being released)
5. Slowey

Prospects

1. Manship AA The best curveball in the Twins system and pumps fastballs
2. Mulvey AAA One of the 4 pieces the Twinks recieved for Johan.
3. Guerra A+ Main cog in Johan Trade not really doing much good…
4. Robertson A+ (shut down for rest of season, elbow-tendanitis)
5. Swarzak AAA despite the recent promotion, not having the year he envisioned
6. DeVries A+ Going up, up and away might be moved up again….
7. Duensing AAA (is on the USA oylimpic Team right now)
8. McCardell A Needs to be promoted to either AA or A+...
9. Burnett A+ Not a K master, but shows Great controll
10. Bromberg A Personally, one of my Favorite Twins prospects…
11. Pino AA not the prospect he once was, but still valuable
12. Mullins AA (probably swithcing over to relief pitcher)
13. Arias A Good, young, imposing
14. Tarsi A Having a pretty average year
15. Reyes A Good looking young starter here, 6’7” tall
16. Rainville AA Tough tough year, really losing prospectus status
17. Sosa A+ Horrible season, similar to Jay Rainville
18. Waldrop A+ (missed most of year with injury)
19. Humber AAA Not a prospect anymore in my book, The Mets can have him back
20. Berlind A Crappy Year, lost all his value, stock

Relief Pitchers
MLB
Cl- Joe Nathan, 33

1. A+ Anthony Slama, 24, A 0.92 ERA, K:BB- 90/19, 1.52-GO/AO Simply Dominated the Florida State League in A+ ball… but at age 24, its long overdue for his promotion to AA
2. AA Robert Delaney, 23, B+ 1.34 ERA, K:BB-60/7, .85-GO/AO not quite as dominate as Slama but got promoted earlier this year over Anthony Slama because he shows slightly better command and control.
3. AA Armando Gabino, 24, B- 3.11 ERA, K:BB-49/21, .86-GO/AO Like his current role for New Britian, The Twins envisoin Gabino as a future set-up guy sort of lIke what Jaun Rincon once was.
4. AAA Tim Lahey, 26, C-
Having a really surprisingly awful year…its been awkward to say the least.

This is a heck of an undertaking. I might try doing this for the Rays later on.

Using the modified rules (guys with at least three years of team control remaining):

C:
1. Dioner Navarro – MLB (24)
2. Shawn Riggans – MLB (28)
3. John Jaso – AAA (24) – .278/.408/.405 in 284 ABs in Montgomery with a 33/62 K/BB ratio (yes, almost twice as many walks as strikeouts), .370/.370/.500 in 46 ABs in Durham. Keeps hitting, but defense is still marginal for a major league catcher. Might be able to find a niche as someone who can back up at catcher, 1B and DH if he can keep his major league OPS in the .800 range.
4. Jake Jeffries – SS (20) – .293/.373/.436 in 140 ABs, 16/15 K/BB ratio. 3rd round pick this year.
5. Nevin Ashley – A+ (23) – .227/.328/.298 in A+. Not a good enough defender to advance that far if he can’t remember how to hit.
6. Michael McCormick – A- (21) – .216/.271/.348 in Columbus. Did well previous year after converting to catcher, but not so much this year. Still has great tools and projectability, and has cut his K rate pretty significantly.

1B:
1. Dan Johnson – AAA (almost 29) – .300/.414/.545 in AAA. Was claimed off waivers earlier in the year, is being stashed away and probably will be added to the roster in September so the team has him to DH for the next few years, if nobody else can be signed.
2. Rhyne Hughes – AA (24) – .272/.359/.458 in AA. Supposedly a solid defender, and was a top-20 prospect in the FSL last year, but I don’t see him hitting enough to make it to the show.
3. Chris Nowak – AA (25) – .309/.399/.514 in AA. Has always reminded me of Kevin Millar, and is taking a similar career path. Can also play 3B, but is a plus defender at 1B. Will need some luck to get to the majors, but I have little doubt that he could hit enough to play in the majors if he gets there.
4. Eligio Sonoqui – Rookie (20) – .291/.373/.397 in Rookie Ball. Finally having his first healthy season. Has shown big time batting cage power, has room to fill out.

2B:
1. Willy Aybar – MLB (25)
2. Elliott Johnson – AAA (24) – .260/.317/.428 in Durham. Made it to the majors, which is pretty good for a guy who was an undrafted free agent, but probably isn’t in the team’s long-term plans unless Aki gets injured.
3. Elias Otero – Rookie (20) – .350/.413/.579 in Princeton. Undrafted free agent from Puerto Rico Baseball Academy is catching some notice.

SS:
1. Jason Bartlett – MLB (28)– Between Brignac’s mediocre season and his defense, I think he’s passed Brignac on the long-term depth chart, although one of them will probably have to move either way.
2. Reid Brignac – AAA (22) – .246/.294/.410 in Durham
3. Tim Beckham – Rookie (18) – .208/.268/.257 in Princeton, 7 errors. It’s just rookie ball.
4. Ben Zobrist – AAA (26) – .366/.471/.577 in Durham, .230/.288/.486 in MLB this year in 74 ABs. Likely utilityman of the future. Keeps hitting well in the minors, not as well in his chances in the majors.

3B:
1. Evan Longoria – MLB (22)
(Willy Aybar)
2. Joel Guzman – AAA (23) – .245/.273/.437 in Durham – Still relatively young, but out of options next year combined with an inability to take a pitch means it’s unlikely he’s still on the roster by the beginning of next season. Poor man’s Tony Batista.
(Chris Nowak)
3. Burt Reynolds – Rookie (19) – .299/.353/.474 in Princeton. And yes, he’s Dominican.

Corner OF:
1. Gabe Gross – MLB (28)
2. Justin Ruggiano – AAA (26) – .313/.371/.522 in Durham, .290/.333/.452 in MLB in 31 ABs.
3. Ryan Royster – A+ (22) – .258/.300/.361 in 350 ABs. Was HORRIBLE in the first half, after a monster season in low-A. Has picked it up significantly lately, with an .794 OPS since the all-star break. I wonder whether there was a distraction in his life in the first half, or if he wasn’t completely healthy.
4. Reid Fronk – A- (22) – .270/.377/.463 in Columbus. Average tools all the way around.
5. KD Kang – SS (20) – .268/.350/.452 in Hudson Valley. Shows plus power and patience, but the power hasn’t translated into games yet.
6. Jason Corder – SS (22) – .347/.379/.508 in 121 ABs. 7th round draft pick. Showed better power in college than former teammate Evan Longoria, FWIW.

CF:
1. BJ Upton – MLB (23)
Desmond Jennings – A+ (21) – .259/.360/.412 in limited action in Vero Beach – Has been injured in one way or another most of the year. When healthy, still looks like a future star.
2. Fernando Perez – AAA (25) – .281/.351/.380 in Durham
3. John Matulia – A+ (21) – .303/.361/.386 in Vero Beach. Speed might be too fringy for ML CF, and power is too fringy for corner OF, so we’ll see how far he gets.
4. DJ Jones – Rookie (18) – .220/.310/.320. Plus tools all the way around, hasn’t done much on field yet though.
5. Ty Morrison – Who knows. Signed, but hasn’t played yet. This year’s 4th rounder. Projectable HSer, Oregon state POY

RHSP:
1. James Shields – MLB (26)
2. Matt Garza – MLB (24) – Seems to be improving over the course of the season, and on some days looks flat out unhittable.
3. Wade Davis – AAA (22) – 2.25 ERA, 23/11 K/BB in 24 IP in Durham, 3.85 ERA, 81/42 K/BB in 103 IP in Montgomery. Performance took a step back in AA this year, but he’s been dealing in AAA so far. Still has major league stuff, still is a solid prospect.
4. Jeremy Hellickson – AA (21) – 4.37 ERA, 41/7 K/BB ratio in 45 IP in Montgomery, 2.00 ERA, 83/5 K/BB in 77 IP in Vero Beach. Seems to be starting to settle down in AA. Has the makings of three plus pitches, we’ll see how they develop. Already has plus control and command.
5. Edwin Jackson – MLB (24) – Seems to be putting it together, but can still be frustratingly inconsistent, and still doesn’t have a real out pitch. ERA+ of 101 this year.
6. Andy Sonnanstine – MLB (25) – Not bad when the 8th starter on your depth chart has an ERA+ of 92 in 133 IP. FIP is significantly better than his actual ERA, but I suspect some of that may have to do with his relatively low velocity.
7. Jeff Niemann – AAA (25) – 3.61 ERA, 91/38 K/BB in 99 IP. Looks great for three or four starts, then gets hammered. Barring a catastrophy, will be in the Rays bullpen next year, as he’s out of options and he has two plus pitches in his fastball and curve.
8. Nick Barnese – SS (19) – 2.79 ERA, 61/18 K/BB in 48 IP. Haven’t seen a scouting report for him this year, but last year was 89-92 with plus movement on his FB. Last year’s third rounder. The front office really likes this kid.
9. Heath Rollins – A+ (23) – 3.47 ERA, 111/26 K/BB in 130 IP. Gets a lot of comparisons to fellow Winthrop alum Kevin Slowey, but not quite as good of control. Three solid average pitches and decent control.
10. Alex Cobb – A- (20) – 3.34 ERA, 81/28 K/BB in 116 IP, 1.93 G/A, 1.08 WHIP. Good sinker, other pitches are catching up.
11. Mitch Talbot – AAA (24) – 4.11 ERA, 110/24 K/BB in 131 IP. Probably a fringe major leaguer. Has a couple options left, so he’ll probably be stashed in Durham for a while in case of injuries, etc.
12. Chris Mason – AAA (24) – 6.31 ERA, 81/35 K/BB in 97 IP. Horrible year in AAA after having a great season last year in AA. Has plenty of time to come around, but by the time he gets there, the major league bullpen might already be full.
13. Joseph Cruz – Rookie (20) – 3.55 ERA, 42/8 K/BB ratio in 38 IP in Princeton. Projectable.
14. Matt Walker – A+ (21) – Control fell apart last year, never came back, and then got busted for steroids. Still young and still has great stuff, but that’s a lot to overcome.

LHSP:
1. Scott Kazmir – MLB (24)
2. David Price – AA (22) – 2.08 ERA, 48/12 K/BB in 51 IP in Montgomery, 1.82 ERA, 37/7 K/BB ratio in 35 IP in Vero Beach. Should be in the majors before September 1.
3. Jake McGee – AA (21) – 3.94 ERA, 65/37 K/BB ratio in 78 IP in Montgomery. Out for the rest of the year with TJ, still more than young enough to make a full recovery. Stuff took a bit of a step back this year, and it’s unclear whether the elbow had been bothering him all year.
4. James Houser – AA (23) – 3.03 ERA, 69/34 K/BB ratio in 86 IP in Montgomery. Numbers against lefties are killer, so he has a shot at being a loogy someday, but for someone who used to throw gas, his velocity is just horrible, sitting in the mid-to-low 80’s these days. Then again, JP Howell makes it work. Also got suspended for PED use last year. Never put any weight onto his lanky frame.
5. Matt Moore – Rookie (19) – 2.59 ERA, 53/13 K/BB ratio, 23 HA in 35 IP. Low 90’s fastball, projectable, was a 2-sport star in HS.
6. Glenn Gibson – I’ll just say he’s had a horrible year this year. ERA around 7.5 in A- with as many walks as strikeouts, demoted back to short season.

RP:
1. Grant Balfour – MLB (30) – 1.44 ERA, 48/13 K/BB in 31 IP in the majors; 0.38 ERA, 39/10 K/BB ratio in 24 IP in AAA. OK, so he’s not really a prospect, but he’s under team control for a long time and is the obvious closer of the future at this point. Is back to where he was before he got hurt. Only has one pitch, but a 96 mph fastball with plus movement is evidently enough to strike out most major leaguers.
2. JP Howell – MLB (25). Who knew that five pitches would work better in relief than starting.
3. Jason Hammel – MLB (25). The only reason he’s on the depth chart ahead of Salas is because he’s in the majors and Salas isn’t. Still, he’s been solid lately, ERA down to 4.11.
4. Juan Salas – AAA (29) – 2.27 ERA, 48/10 K/BB ratio in 39 IP, 0.96 WHIP – Not sure what he needs to do to get back to the majors. Has a major league ERA+ of 126 and has always pitched well in the minors, since converting from shortstop. Hopefully should replace someone in the bullpen before September 1 rolls around. Despite his age, still is somewhat of a prospect because he converted to pitching so late.
5. Eduardo Morlan – AA (22) – 3.48 ERA, 25/11 K/BB ratio in 31 IP in Montgomery. Has had injury problems, and his velocity is down in the 88 – 91 range.
6. Ryan Reid – AA (23) – 3.25 ERA, 42/24 K/BB in 35 IP in Montgomery, 0.29 ERA, 45/3 K/BB in 31 IP in Vero Beach. Killed high-A, struggling a bit more with control in AA. We have yet to know whether he’s really legitimate or not. Reportedly has a good FB/CH combo, but neither pitch is really plus at this point. Will have a tough time making it to the majors in this system, but could get his name in the encyclopedia elsewhere.
7. Dale Thayer – AAA (27) – 1.70 ERA, 66/18 K/BB ratio in 58 IP. Sleeper to make it to the majors since he’s not on the 40-man roster, but reportedly is velocity is up in major league range these days, and all he does is get guys out on every level.
8. Matt Gorgen – SS (21) – 2.35 ERA, 23/4 K/BB in 15 IP. Was considered to be the better of the Gorgen twins coming out of HS, but the worse by the time they were done with college. Average velocity with some room to build around on secondary stuff.
9. Justin Garcia – A- (21) – 2.36 ERA, 64/19 K/BB ratio in 61 IP. Tops out around 90 and relies on control.
10. Neal Frontz – AA (24) – limited AA sample (6 IP), 1.38 ERA with 41/12 K/BB in 51 IP and 1.62 G/A in A+. Fringy stuff, probably tops out in AAA, but could be a groundball specialist someday.
11. Jae Kuk Ryu – AAA (25) – Not going to bother with the stats, as I’ll be shocked if he’s not pitching in Korea this time next year.

DH:
(Dan Johnson)
1. Sergio Pedroza – AA (24) – .261/.346/.364. Probably close to being done as a prospect.

These are those who either have

a.) tasted the bigs

b.) of a certainty have big league tools

c.) have put up #’s that portend possible big league talent

Catcher

-Bryan Anderson, 21, AAA
-Luis De La Cruz, 19, A (not hitting a lick, but was named to BA’s Top 20 GCL prospects last year)

1B

-Steven Hill, 23, AA
-Mark Hamilton, 24, AA

2B

-Jarrett Hoffpauir 25, AAA
-Jose Martinez, 22, AA (has fallen precipitously from last year)

3B-

-Brett Wallace, A, 22
-Allen Craig, AA, 23
-David Freese, AAA, 25
Roberto Pina, has not played, 16, signed for $1.2 M bonus this past month

SS-

Pete Kozma, 20, A+
Tyler Greene, 24, AAA
Nico Vasquez, 18, rookie

OF-

-Colby Rasmus, 22, AAA
-Daryl Jones, 21, AA
-Joe Mather 25, MLB
-Jon Jay, 23, AA
-Shane Peterson, 20, A
-Nick Stavinoha, 26, MLB
-Shane Robinson, 23, AAA
-Tommy Pham, 20, A
-Jon Edwards, 20, A

RH Starters

-Clayton Mortensen, 23, AAA
-Jess Todd, 22, AA
-Lance Lynn, 21, A
-Mitch Boggs, 24, AAA
-Adam Ottavino, 22, AA
-Tyler Herron, 22, A+
-Mark Diapoules, 20, A+
-Mike Parisi, 25, AAA
-PJ Walters, 23, AAA’
-Richard Castillo, 18, A

LH Starters

-Jaime Garcia, 22, MLB
-Anthony Ferrara, 18, rookie

RH Relievers

-Chris Perez, 23, AAA
-Jason Motte, 25, AAA
-Fernando Salas, 23, AA
-Mark Worrell, 25, AAA
-Francisco Samuel, 21, A+

LH Relief

Myeh

Catchers

Kurt Suzuki, 24, MLB – .290/.345/.383/.728

Landon Powell, 26, AAA – .229/.355/.419/.774

Anthony Recker, 23, AA, .277/..347/.423/.770

Josh Donaldson, 22, A+, .402/.469/.690/1.159 (22 games with Stockton)

Petey Paramore, 21, A, .286/.514/.367/.881 (18 games b/t Rk/A)

This is definitely one of the A’s deepest positions. Suzuki, thought not hitting for much power, is impressing, and looks like a long term fixture at catcher. Recker and Powell can be serviceable backups. Donaldson has done nothing but hit since he came to Stockton. There has been no question about his ability to hit, just his fielding, and he’s become an average catcher. He played 3rd base in college though, and that’s where the A’s have been playing him recently. He’s definitely a much better fit at third for the A’s than at catcher, and he can have a big impact if he stays there. Paramore is another interesting prospect. Drafted in the third round this year, many scouts believe that hsi defense is good enough for the majors now, so the only question is his bat. He’s knows the strike zone very well, but probably wont hit for much power. But if the A’s were in need of a catcher mainly for defense and they were able to sacrifice some offense from the position, Paramore could probably be up right now. That wont happen though. All in all, the A’s have a plenty of talent and depth at the catcher position. That wont be an issue.

1B

Daric Barton, 21, MLB – .216/.316/.307/.623

Tommy Everidge, 25, AA – .273/.340/.477/.817

Sean Doolittle, 21, AA – .945 OPS in 86 games at A+, .707 OPS in 26 games at AA

Chistopher Carter, 21, A+ – .265/.362/.568/.930, 120/60 K/BB, 30 HR

This is another position where the A’s are relatively deep. Barton has been a mjor disappointment this year, but I wouldnt give up on him just yet. His playing time was inconsistent in the first half of the year, and he’s gotten extremely unlucky. He’s hit a lot of line drives for outs, and a lot of balls that just barely missed leaving the ballpark. He has walked quite a bit, but at times he’s been too patient and his approach has been off. Ty Van Burkleo needs to go. If he can fix his approach and perhaps have some better luck, he’ll be just fine. He’s likely to develop more power as he gets older too. Doolittle is interesting. He obliterated California league pitching, but hasnt been able to get it done at Midland. I fear he was just taking advantage of hitting in the California league, and that he’s not actually a legit option. Time will tell, but I’m not particularly high on him. Carter is different. He is a legit 30 home run threat, and pretty much a right handed Adam Dunn. He’ll strikeout a lot, walk a lot, and hit a lot of homers. He will also hit quite a few doubles though, and his average may wind up being higher. Carter’s only problem at defense. He’s pretty much destined to be a DH. He’s been playing at 3rd recently, but that hasnt worked out, and he’s average/below average at first and in the outfield. Unless they need him for a specific position, I see him being the A’s DH in 2010.

2B

Eric Patterson, 25, AAA – .977 OPS in 20 games at Sacramento
Adrian Cardenas, 20, A+ – .630 OPS in 15 games at Stockton, .818 OPS in 67 games at Clearwater
Jemile Weeks, 21, A – .297/.422/.405/.827

The A’s have more than addressed their need of a second baseman this season with the trades for Patterson and Cardenas, and the drafting of Weeks. Patterson is destined to be a utility man, because of a combination of below average defense, and depth. It appears that the A’s are in negotiations with Mark Ellis’ agent for an extension, most likely a 2 or 3 year deal, and he’ll be the 2nd baseman until Weeks is ready. Cardenas is probably the best hitter out of the three. He’s drawn comparisons to Chase Utley, but those are probably far-fetched. Still, he’s arguably the best 2nd base prospect in the minors, and will be a great top of the order threat. But with Weeks, he’ll probably have to move. The A’s were trying to move him to third, but he is now playing short, and that’s probably where he’ll stay, with Donaldson moving to third. Cardenas definitely has the bat to play any of the positions, but whether he has the arm to play short is probably a concern. It could work out though, and it’d be ideal for the A’s. Weeks is a very good prospect, very comparable to Jose Reyes, except he’ll have much better plate discipline. Weeks’ plate discipline and knowledge of the strike zone is almost unmatched, and that’s very good for the A’s, because if he’s getting on base a lot, he’ll get the opportunity to steal a lot, which is his game. Weeks is one of the fastest players in the minors. While he may not have superb power, he’s got decent pop, maybe 10 homers and a lot of doubles. Overall, he’s pretty much the definition of a “catalyst”. The future at second base definitely looks bright for the A’s.

Shortstop

Gregorio Petit, 23, AAA
Cliff Pennington, 24, AAA
Dusty Coleman, 21, N/A
Jason Christian, 21, SS
Nino Leyja, 17, RK

The A’s actually have a lot of talent at the shortstop position, contrary to what many people believe. As I stated before, Cardenas could wind up playing ther ein the long term, but if he doesnt, the A’s have other options. I’m very high on Gregorio Petit, and he probably should be starting over Crosby right now. He might only OPS .700-.750, but he plays such outstanding defense, almost anything with the bat will pretty much be a bonus. Pennington is looking like he can be a good backup/utility man. He’s hitting about .280 at AAA, but his on-base is amazing. He’s got 15 more walks than strikeouts, and he’s always shown that he has a good eye. Jason Christian was a 5th round pick this year, and he’s a guy I’m extremely high on. He’s a well above average hitter, and he’s showing that at A- Vancouver. His problem is his defense, it isnt very good right now, but it’ll probably turn out to be about average. He’s a few years away, but he could wind up finding his way into a major league starting lineup by 2011. He’s very good. Nino Leyja was a 15th round pick. He’s only 17, but he’s mashing in the rookie league. He’s even more far away than Christian, and I’m not nearly as high on him, but he’s definitely showing great potential.

3rd Base

Jeff Baisley, 25, AAA
Jesus Guzman, 24, AAA

3rd base is definitely a hole in the organization. Baisley’s putting up good numbers in AAA, but he doesnt look like anything special, and he’s already 25. Still, without any other options, his good numbers could be enough to convince the A’s to give him a shot, and they really dont have anything to lose. Guzman is interesting. He put up eye-popping numbers in AA, but again, he’s had trouble at AAA. He doesnt look like a long-term fixture, but the A’s could give him a shot somewhere in the infield if they’re desperate. As I said before though, the A’s have also tried out Cardenas and Donaldson at thte position, so if one of them can stay there, they might be set. Otherwise, they may have to try trading some of their many pitching prospects, maybe for a guy like Brandon Wood.

Outfield

Travis Buck, 24, AAA
Matt Sulentic, 20, A+
Carlos Gonzalez, 22, MLB
Ryan Sweeney, 23, MLB
Aaron Cunningham, 22, AA
Corey Brown, 22, A+
Rashun Dixon, 17, RK
Jermaine Mitchell, 23, A+

The A’s definitely dont need to worry at all about their outfield. CarGo is a lock in center, Sweeney will probably be in right long term, and they have plenty of options for left field. I still like Buck, Sulentic is having a breakout year, and they have Murton and Patterson. The guy that should get the job, in my estimation, is Aaron Cunningham. I love this guy, I’m extremely high on him. The Aaron Rowand upside definitely is there, and a perennial .850-900 OPS certainly isnt out of the question. He’ll steal a few bases, he’s good defensively, and he’ll develop 20 homer power. With CarGo likely to develop 25-30 home run power, Sweeney likely to develop 10-15 home run power with a lot of doubles, and Cunningham likely to develop 20-25 home run power with a great average and a great eye, the A’s have a very bright future in the outfield. They’ll basically have three center fielders out there, which is a bonus. They’re so deep, if they wind up having to trade somebody like Buck, Murton, or Sulentic in a deadline deal to pick up a pitcher or a bat, they can do it, and it wont hurt them. Great future in the outfield.

Starting Pitching

Trever Cahill, 20, AA
Brett Anderson, 20, AA
Gio Gonzalez, 22, AAA
Sean Gallagher, 22, MLB
Greg Smith, 24, MLB
Dana Eveland, 24, MLB
James Simmons, 21, AA
Vin Mazzaro, 21, AA
Arnold Leon, 20, A+/MEX
Henry Rodriguez, 21, A+
Michel Inoa, 16, N/A
Craig Italiano, 22, A+
Tyson Ross, 21, N/A
Fautino De Los Santos, 22, A+ DL (TJS)
Josh Outman, 23, AA
Michael Madson, 25, AA
Jamie Richmond, 22, A-
Travis Banwart, 22, A+

Oh yes, what baseball america said is true. The A’s starting pitching is officially the envy of baseball. By far the deepest part of the system, they’ve got future aces in Cahill and Anderson, other future top of the rotation starters in Gio and Simmons, and several good middle-of-the-rotation starters like Gallagher and Mazzaro, and I didnt even mention Eveland, Smith, or Ross. A 2010 rotation of Anderson/Cahill/Gio/Simmons/Mazzaro or Gallagher is very possible, and, barring any setbacks, unstoppable. Also, they will all have the luxury of pitching in the most pitcher-friendly stadium in baseball, which will only make them that much better. Like in the outfield, if they ever needed to make a deadline deal, they can use Duscherer, Smith, Eveland, etc as trade bait, and it wont hurt them at all. No doubt, they have a very bright future in the rotation.

Relievers

Joey Devine, 24, MLB
Andrew Brown, MLB
Santiago Casilla, MLB
Brad Ziegler, MLB
Jerry Blevins, MLB
Dallas Braden, MLB
Ryan Wing, AAA
Sam Demel, A+
Andrew Carignan, 22, AA
Jared Lansford, 21, AA

With the starting pitching getting all the hype, the bullpen flies under the radar, but it shouldnt. The A’s, once they get rid of Huston Street, will have an excellent bullpen. By next year, you could very well see a ‘pen of Devine/Ziegler/Casilla/Blevins/Wing/Brown/Eveland, or Smith, or Braden, or Meyer, and that is a fantastic ‘pen. Shutdown. By 2010, the A’s could possibly have the best pitching staff in baseball, one that can’t be beat.