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Organizational Prospect Depth Chart

Depaul_tiny by Zonis on

A good way to see an Organization's real strength is to look at what it has and what it does not. An organization may look strong with top prospects, for example, but if the are all at one position, it definitely hurts quite a bit; a system full for good 1B prospects is kind of useless, after all, when all you really need is one or two of them in the Majors.

So give your Organization's Prospect Depth Chart.

  • Limit your players to True and Top Prospects, leaving out what is commonly regarded as organizational filler or injury depth.
  • You may use players that are in the majors as long as they have less than 1 Year of MLB Service Time.
  • List the player's Position, Age, Current Playing Level (Rk, SS, A, A+, AA, AAA, MLB).
  • If possible, provide the players Batting or Pitching line for the levels they've played in this year, along with their # of AB's or IP.
  • Feel free to assign reasonable grades to the prospects (using John Sickle's Prospect Grades might be a good idea), as well as any comments or information on the prospect, such as upside or probability of sticking at that position.

Positions

  • Catcher
  • First Base/Designated Hitter
  • Second Base
  • Third Base
  • Short Stop
  • Corner Outfield
  • Center field
  • Starting Pitcher
  • Relief Pitcher/Closer

 

10 recs | Comment 71 comments

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Comments

Display:

Using a bit of a modified system that lists pre-arbitration players (ie, anyone that will be around for the next three seasons).

Atlanta Braves

Catcher
- Brian McCann, 24 (MLB)
- Daniel Matra, 19 (GCL) 350/365/484 1:6 BB/K 1/1 SB

First Base
- Casey Kotchman, 25 (MLB)
- Kala Kaaihue, 23 (AA) 263/401/447 64:95 BB/K 0/3 SB
- Tyler Flowers, 22 (High A) 274/419/451 79:84 BB/K 6/13 SB
- Freddie Freeman, 18 (Low A) 318/374/543 35:63 BB/K 4/9 SB

Second Base
- Kelly Johnson, 26 (MLB)

Third Base
- Eric Campbell, 22 (High A) 253/345/475 27:35 BB/K 2/3 SB
- Jon Gilmore, 19 (Rookie) 268/293/362 9:38 BB/K 1/3 SB between Rookie and Low A

Short Stop
- Yunel Escobar, 25 (MLB)
- Brett Lillibridge, 24 (AAA) 218/281/316 19:59 BB/K 15/20 SB also played in MLB
- Brandon Hicks, 22 (High A) 230/327/469 39:112 BB/K 12/14 SB

Corner Outfield
- Jeff Francoeur, 24 (MLB)
- Brandon Jones, 24 (AAA) 249/328/368 33:66 BB/K 6/11 SB also played in MLB
- Jason Heyward, 18 (Low A) 318/369/469 41:67 BB/K 15/16 SB
- Cody Johnson, 19 (Low A) 247/304/438 31:149 BB/K 8/10 SB

Center field
- Gregor Blanco, 24 (MLB)
- Jordan Schafer, 21 (AA) 242/366/389 36:59 BB/K 8/12 SB
- Gorkys Hernandez, 20 (High A) 282/369/422 35:53 BB/K 11/14 SB

Starting Pitcher
- Jair Jurrjens, 22 (MLB)
- Jo-Jo Reyes, 23 (MLB)
- Charlie Morton, 24 (MLB)
- Tommy Hanson, 21 (AA)
- Kris Medlen, 22 (AA)
- Jeff Locke, 20 (Low A)
- Chad Rodgers, 20 (Low A)
- Cole Rohrbaugh, 21 (Low A)
- Erik Cordier, 20 (Low A)
- Jose Ortegano, 20 (Low A)
- Edgar Osuna, 20 (Low A)
- Steve Evarts, 20 (Low A) – Injured
- Cory Rasmus, 20 (GCL) – Inactive
- Brett Oberholtzer, 19 (GCL)
- Brett DeVall, 18 (GCL)
- Zeke Spruill, 18 (GCL)
- Tyler Stovall, 18 (GCL)
- Julio Teheran, 17 (Rookie) – Inactive

Relief Pitcher
- Stephen Marek, 25 (AA)
- Cory Gearrin, 22 (High A)
- Benino Pruneda, 20 (Low A)
- Craig Kimbrel, 20 (Rookie)

Closer
- None

by 17843 on Jul 30, 2008 3:03 PM EDT   0 recs

good idea on the Pre-Arby players

My intention was, as you seemed to have guessed, to show the long term health of the organizations and show prospects who will be up in the future, or blocked as well.

facepalm.jpg

by Zonis on Jul 30, 2008 11:31 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

No Chuck James?

Pre-arb, I think, and still in the mix.

by parish on Jul 31, 2008 10:04 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Kimbrel

Is actually in Low A, now.

by parish on Jul 31, 2008 10:14 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

no Flowers?

how do you post a Braves’ depth chart and not even include catcher Tyler Flowers? He would slot in just behind McCann.

by psugator on Jul 31, 2008 2:23 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

At first base

He’s got him at first base rather than catcher.

by parish on Jul 31, 2008 4:31 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Yankees

Catcher
- Jesus Montero, 18 (Low A) – .309/.358/.451, 395 ABs
- Francisco Cervelli, 22 (High A) – injured most of the year, just 10 ABs
- Austin Romine, 19 (Low A) – .275/.313/.404, 287 ABs

First base
- Juan Miranda, 25 (AAA) – .289/.374/.430, 256 ABs
- Brandon Laird, 20 (Low A) – .263/.316/.444, 342 ABs, loads of power

Second base
- Justin Snyder, 22 (Low A) – .289/.356/.410, 388 ABs
- Prilys Cuello, 19 (Low A) – only 48 ABs this year, but loads of potential and raw ability
- Damon Sublett, 22 (High A) – .263/.364/.375, 160 ABs

Shortstop
- Carmen Angelini, 19 (Low A) – .241/.299/.291, 361 ABs. Underwhelming rookie season but a lot of upside with this kid, great tools and great leadership and attitude.
- Eduardo Nunez, 21 (High A) – .256/.296/.380, 266 ABs. Has been hyped for a number of years now, never seeming to really break through yet.
- Ramiro Pena, 23 (AA) – .272/.332/.366, 382 ABs

Third base
- Bradley Suttle, 22 (Low A) – .282/.354/.472, 248 ABs
- Marcos Vechionacci, 21 (AA) – .302/.387/.396, 53 ABs, injury problems

Corner outfield
- Colin Curtis, 23 (AA) – .257/.337/.349, 393 ABs
- Kevin De Leon, 17 (DSL) – .289/.389/.488, 166 ABs
- Eduardo Sosa, 17 (DSL) – .326/.416/.503, 187 ABs

Centerfield
- Austin Jackson, 21 (AA) – .292/.372/.444, 421 ABs
- Brett Gardner, 24 (AAA) – .281/.404/.418, 292 ABs
- Abraham Almonte, 19 (Low A) – .229/.300/.355, 341 ABs. Hit .114 in July to really bring down his overall numbers, but was having a nice season
- Carlos Urena, 18 (DSL) – 375/.407/.667, just 24 ABs

Starting pitchers
- Ian Kennedy, 23 (AAA). Cashman said he has to earn his spot back, and all hes done is post a 2.06 ERA with a 0.86 WHIP in AAA, he will be back in the Bronx replacing Ponson really soon.
- Dellin Betances, 20 (Low A)
- Zach McAllister, 20 (High A)
- Jairo Heredia, 18 (Low A)
- Christian Garcia, 22 (High A)
- Alan Horne, 25 (AAA) – Injury problems all year
- Alfredo Aceves, 25 (AAA) – Signed out of the Mexican league, could be in the Bronx VERY shortly
- George Kontos, 23 (AA)
- Ivan Nova, 21 (High A)
- Ryan Pope, 22 (High A)
- Wilkins De La Rosa, 23 (Low A). Beginning to draw interest around the majors, recently was changed to pitcher and has ridiculous numbers so far.
- Arodys Vizcaino, 17 (GCL). Going to rise up the Yankees’ list quickly in the next two years or so.
- Manuel Banuelos, 17 (GCL)

Relief pitchers / closer
- Mark Melancon, 23 (AAA). Just promoted to AAA, completely dominating the minors coming off TJ surgery in his first season of pro ball, arguably the top relief pitching prospect in the minors
- JB Cox, 24 (AAA)

by tmacdaman1 on Jul 30, 2008 4:26 PM EDT   0 recs

Starting Pitchers

-Jeff Marquez, 23, AAA (6-7, 4.69)

http://yankeesmtom.blogspot.com/

by hallofamer2000 on Jul 30, 2008 6:10 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

No Sanchez

or Whelan? They should be in the relief options, as should Coke, Wright, and a lot of other names.

by number_twentyone on Jul 30, 2008 10:25 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

A Few More Guys

Relief Pitchers
Edwar Ramirez (27) MLB
Jose Veras (27) MLB
David Robertson (23) MLB
Chris Britton (25) AAA
Brian Bruney (26) MLB
Anthony Claggett (24) AA
Kevin Whelan (24) AA

Starting Pitchers
Phil Coke (26) AAA
Chase Wright (25) AAA
Jhonny Nunez (22) AA

Second Base
Matt Cusick (22) A+

http://yankeesmtom.blogspot.com/

by hallofamer2000 on Aug 1, 2008 7:06 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

SF Giants

I was too lazy to look up their batting/pitching lines, but I did give them all grades. Some of em might be biased cause I’m a Giants fan, but whatever.

Catcher
Steve Holm, 28 (MLB) C-
Eliezer Alfonzo, 29 (AAA) C-
Pablo Sandoval, 22 (AA) B
Buster Posey, 21 (hasn’t signed yet, but probably will) A

1B
John Bowker, 24 (MLB) B/B+
Dan Ortmeier, 27 (MLB; he was in the majors but he broke his hand and is currently rehabing) B-
Travis Ishikawa, 24 (AAA)C+
Andy D’Alessio, 23 (A+) C
Angel Villalona, 17 (A; possibly the Giants top prospect. He’s a 17 year old playing against 21+ year olds so his stats don’t look that great, but he has tons of power.) A-

2B
Kevin Frandsen, 26 (MLB; tore his achilles tendon, so he won’t be back until next year) B-
Eugenio Velez, 26 (MLB; can play pretty much anywhere, but he’s seeing the most time at 2nd) C
Travis Denker, 22 (AAA) C+
Matt Downs, 24 (AAA) C+
Nick Noonan, 19 (A) B-

SS
Emmanuel Burriss, 23 (MLB) B-
Ivan Ochoa,25 (MLB) C+
Brian Bocock, 23 (AAA) C-
Brandon Crawford, 21 (hasn’t signed yet) B-

3B
Conor Gillaspie, 21 (hasn’t signed yet) B-
Kind of a desolate farm system as far as 3rd basemen go.

CF
Antoan Richardson, 24 (AA) C+
Darren Ford, 22 (A+) C-

Corner OF
Fred Lewis, 27 (MLB) B/B+
Nate Schierholtz, 25 (AAA) B
Roger Kieschnick, 21 (hasn’t signed yet) B-
Rafael Rodriguez, 16 (Signed, but hasn’t started playing yet. He has drawn comparisons to Vlad Guerrero. I guess it’s not really fair to grade him so high when he hasn’t even played a pro game yet, but he has the tools to be phenomenal) B

Starting Pitcher
Pat Misch, 26 (AAA) C+
Nick Periera, 25 (AAA) C+
Ben Snyder, 22 (AA) C
Clayton Tanner, 20 (A+) C+
Jesse English, 23 (A+) B-
Kevin Pucetas, 23 (A+) B-
Tim Alderson, 19 (A+) B+
Henry Sosa, 22 (A+) B
Madison Bumgarner, 18 (A) A
Wilber Bucardo, 20 (A-) B-

Relief Pitcher/ Closer
Brian Wilson, 26 (MLB) B+
Alex Hinshaw, 25 (MLB) B+
Sergio Romo, 25 (MLB) B
Osiris Matos, 23 (MLB) B-
Geno Espineli, 25 (MLB) C+
Kelvin Pichardo, 22 (AA) C+
Paul Oseguera, 24 (AA) C
Danny Otero, 23 (A+) C

I probably left out/forgot a lot, but those are the main prospects of the system. The Giants’ system pretty much has dick for hitting but quite a haul of pitching.

by boonitez on Jul 30, 2008 6:22 PM EDT   0 recs

Sorry but...

First off the Giants must have the oldest collection of players that can actually be considered prospects(By Giants Fans) in the whole MLB.

Because you started grading them I’ve gotta pick on your grades. Posey hasn’t even taken the field yet and your annoiting him as probably one of the 5 best prospects in the game. An A grade basically says the prospect has no flaws. You know what? I was gonna pick on this some more but just looking at the sad state of affairs that is the Giants system I can’t kick this dog anymore.

by AthleticsReign on Jul 30, 2008 11:51 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

lol yeah we're pretty bad

but Posey is a damn good prospect. It makes no sense to knock him. He’s projected to hit for 15-20 homers with a good average in the majors while still fielding almost at a gold glove level. He was almost drafted #1 overall for a reason. Money was the only thing that kept that from happening.

by boonitez on Jul 31, 2008 1:40 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

your

a’s fan passive aggression needs to take some meds here. I have no problem with the A’s, but you are exhibiting typical internet a’s fan speak, and whether it some such animus, or something else, your judgment is clouded.

Other than a few outliers who aren’t really prospects in the grander sense, the farm system isn’t terribly old. The problem with the Giants is that they don’t have much in AAA, so the immediate future seems bad, but the low minors have some very good prospects. And, as noted, the pitching is strong.

On the Grades:

I’d rather not have the grades here, as accurate grading is difficult (even with the caveat that a grade is nothing more than quick and dirty shorthand), and many who attempt to do things on the internet, commentators on this site included, don’t really know what they are doing, and think they do. Also, grading systems differ depending on what is being valued. (And btw, on most accounts, an A doesn’t mean a prospect has no flaws, only that the flaws are not likely to be fatal, among other things)

On the grades that were given:
They are almost all too high, though not all were too high by very much. However, Sandoval may be a B+

by haverecords on Jul 31, 2008 5:14 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

3rd base

I’d stick Rohlinger there with a C+ grade. He’s not that big of a prospect, but he could contribute as a major leaguer at 3rd and/or as a utility guy who can play around the infield.

Bonds stands alone.

Proud adopted parent of future big league slugger Thomas Neal

by nostocksjustbonds on Jul 31, 2008 1:37 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

ah right

forgot about him. I’d consider the utility man role about as high as his ceiling goes, though. I doubt he’ll ever contribute as a starter at 3rd.

by boonitez on Jul 31, 2008 3:28 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

San Francisco Giants

Here is another depth chart for the Giants. There is very little in the way of elite talent. Just two A- grades in Villalona and Bumgarner, and three borderline elite players in Alderson, Hinshaw, and Posey. There is much more C+ talent in the way of probable role players who could develop into everyday players. The listed level of each player is the level of the provided statistics, NOT necessarily the level where the player is currently playing. If there is more than one level listed, the stats will be cumulative of those levels. There isn’t a distinction between A-class levels, so anyone denoted as (A) could represent any combination of San Jose, Augusta, and Salem-Keizer. The C- grades went all screwy, so there is a space to denote the C- grades.

Catcher

Buster Posey ~ B+ - 21 (NCAA Div. I) .463-26-93, .463/.566/.879, 256 ABs, 29:57
Pablo Sandoval ~ B - 22 (A/AA) .348-18-87, .348/.394/.581, 399 ABs, 56:29
Michael Ambort ~ C+ - 23 (A) .279-4-12, .279/.343/.574, 61 ABs, 9:6
Steve Holm ~ C - 28 (MLB) .240-1-5, .240/.337/.387, 75 ABs, 15:7
Hector Sanchez ~ C - 18 (DSL) .314-1-34, .314/.458/.429, 140 ABs, 23:31

Jackson Williams ~ C-—22 (A) .206-3-20, .206/.302/.283, 233 ABs, 55:25

First Base

Angel Villalona ~ A- - 17 (A) .250-12-44, .250/.297/.408, 360 ABs, 96:15
Thomas Neal ~ B - 20 (A) .262-12-65, .262/.358/.429, 347 ABs, 85:46
Andy D’Alessio ~ C+ - 23 (A) .281-11-65, .291/.328/.454, 366 ABs, 104:26
Travis Ishikawa ~ C+ - 24 (AA/AAA) .281-17-77, .281/.362/.512, 363 ABs, 71:44
Brett Pill ~ C - 23 (A) .249-9-53, .249/.303/.387, 362 ABs, 69:26
C.J. Ziegler ~ C—22 (Rookie) .266-4-23, .266/.397/.440, 109 ABs, 21:20

Second Base

Nick Noonan ~ B - 19 (A) .281-4-51, .281/.305/.402, 391 ABs, 73:11, 20 SB
Eugenio Velez ~ C+ - 26 (MLB) .207-0-10, .207/.256/.313, 150 ABs, 23:9, 10 SB
Brock Bond ~ C+ - 22 (A) .324-1-36, .324/.396/.375, 253 ABs, 39:23, 11 SB
Matt Downs ~ C - 23 (A/AAA) .285-18-63, .285/.348/.488, 410 ABs, 50:35, 15 SB

Travis Denker ~ C-—22 (A/AA/AAA) .233-3-23, .233/.360/.360, 189 ABs, 51:36

Third Base

Conor Gillespie ~ B - 21 (NCAA Div. I) .419-11-82, .419/.500/.697, 234 ABs, 22:38
Ryan Rohlinger ~ C+ - 24 (A/AA) .286-11-60, .286/.362/.435, 398 ABs, 67:42

Shortstop

Emmanuel Burriss ~ B - 23 (MLB) .278-0-7, .278/.338/.325, 126 ABs, 12:8, 8 SB
Brandon Crawford ~ B - 21 (NCAA Div. I) .302-7-51, .302/.394/.491, 59:31, 11 SB
Charlie Culberson ~ B - 19 (A) .234-3-27, .234/.290/.319, 282 ABs, 57:18, 6 SB
Ivan Ochoa ~ C - 25 (AAA) .318-6-32, .318/.399/.445, 292 Abs, 62:34, 20 SB

Brian Bocock ~ C-—23 (AAA) .163-0-3, .163/.254/.187, 123 ABs, 39:14, 7 SB

Corner Outfield

Fred Lewis ~ B - 27 (MLB) .275-7-31, .275/.348/.444, 360 ABs, 98:40, 19 SB
Nate Schierholtz ~ B - 24 (AAA) .314-15-65, .314/.360/.571, 331 ABs, 45:21, 9 SB
John Bowker ~ B- - 25 (MLB) .256-9-39, .256/.300/.415, 270 ABs, 64:15
Eddy Martinez-Esteve ~ C+ - 25 (AA) .301-6-35, .301/.392/.397, 312 ABs, 26:44
Bobby Felmy ~ C+ - 24 (A) .285-6-46, .285/.340/.398, 382 ABs, 61:25, 12 SB
Roger Kieschnick ~ C - 21 (NCAA Div. I) .305-17-65, .305/.407/.632, 42:35

Mike Mooney ~ C- - 25 (A/AAA) .264-14-30, .264/.331/.528, 235 Abs, 66:17, 13 SB
Brian Horwitz ~ C - 26 (AAA) .294-6-21, .294/.374/.441, 177 ABs, 35:23
Francisco Peguero ~ C - 20 (A) .285-3-27, .285/.336/.391, 281 ABs, 64:18, 22 Sbs
Rafael Rodriguez ~ ? - 16, has not played

Centerfield

Ben Copeland ~ C+ - 24 (AA) .265-5-42, .265/.340/.423, 362 ABs, 62:39, 21 SB
Tyler Graham ~ C - 24 (A) .258-1-21, .258/.328/.310, 229 ABs, 44:19, 42 SB
Darren Ford ~ C- - 22 (A) .227-2-28, .227/.326/.299, 375 ABs, 98:54, 53 SBs
Ben Woodbury ~ C - 22 (Rookie) .369-0-10, .369/.463/.415, 65 Abs, 7:12, 9 SB

Mike McBride ~ C- - 23 (A) .289-3-41, .289/.368/.366, 325 ABs, 71:31, 26 SB
Wendell Fairley ~ C - 20 (Rookie) .239-1-12, .239/.341/.308, 117 ABs, 25:10
Shane Jordan ~ C - 23 (A) .254-0-22, .254/.360/.293, 335 ABs, 50:54, 28 SB
Antoan Richardson ~ C - 24 (AA) .228-3-27, .228/.344/.302, 281 abs, 61:42, 27 SB
Clay Timpner ~ C - 25 (AAA) .234-2-39, .234/.296/.316, 329 ABs, 48:28, 9 SB
Caleb Curry ~ C—22 (A) .233-0-9, .233/.313/.248, 129 ABs, 29:13, 10 SBs

Starting Pitcher

Madison Bumgarner ~ A- - 19 (A) 10-3, 1.81, 109.1, 90 H, 18/116
Tim Alderson ~ B+ - 19 (A) 11-3, 2.97, 115.1, 104 H, 33/103
Henry Sosa ~ B- - 23 (A) 3-4, 4.31, 56.1, 62 H, 18/58
Jesse English ~ C+ - 23 (A) 11-4, 3.09, 110.2, 95 H, 40/109
Ben Snyder ~ C+ - 23 (A/AA) 9-5, 3.51, 112.2, 113 H, 29/95
Joe Martinez ~ C - 25 (AA) 7-8, 2.84, 107.2, 102 H, 30/77
Clayton Tanner ~ C - 20 (A) 6-7, 4.35, 89.0, 101 H, 29/64
Kevin Pucetas ~ C - 23 (A) 8-0, 2.56, 91.1, 84 H, 18/68
Pat Misch ~ C—27 (MLB) 0-3, 5.94, 47.0, 51 H, 15/35

Nick Pereira ~ C- - 25 (AAA) 7-8, 5.70, 101.1, 116 H, 47/86
Jose Casilla ~ C - 19 (Rookie) 3-1, 1.66, 21.2, 19 H, 1/18
Ari Ronick ~ C - 22 (A) 3-0, 1.83, 34.1, 25 H, 12/38
Mike Loree ~ C - 21 (A) 2-2, 2.01, 44.2, 25 H, 2/36
Craig Clark ~ C - 24 (A) 6-4, 4.16, 93.0, 84 H, 17/94
Kyle Nicholson ~ C - 23 (Rookie) 2-1, 2.28, 27.2, 20 H, 1/23
Matt Palmer ~ C—29 (AAA) 5-9, 3.95, 125.1, 118 H, 66/126

Relief Pitcher

Alex Hinshaw ~ B+ - 25 (MLB) 1-1, 2.33, 27.0, 18 H, 20/35
Osiris Matos ~ B - 24 (MLB) 0-2, 1.54, 11.2, 14 H, 4/8
Sergio Romo ~ B- - 25 (MLB) 0-1, 2.51, 14.1, 8 H, 3/15
Merkin Valdez ~ C+ - 26 (MLB) 1-0. 1.69, 16.0, 14 H, 7/13
Kelvin Pichardo ~ C+ - 22 (AA) 1-4, 2.76, 49.0, 39 H, 26/49
Eddie Quirarte ~ C+ - 21 (A) 3-1, 2.00, 18.0, 11 H, 4/16
Paul Oseguera ~ C - 24 (AA) 1-2, 4.54, 37.2, 32 H, 20/33
Waldis Joaquin ~ C - 21 (A) 1-2, 4.17, 54.0, 49 H, 21/51
Justin Hedrick ~ C - 26 (AA) 2-3, 1.45, 56.0, 38 H, 17/61
Dan Otero ~ C - 23 (A) 1-1, 2.13, 42.1, 46 H, 6/43
Kelvin Marte ~ C - 21 (A/Rookie) 0-0, 3.78, 16.2, 15 H, 8/20
Erick Threets ~ C - 26 (AAA) 1-4, 4.03, 38.0, 31 H, 23/28
Billy Sadler ~ C - 26 (MLB) 0-1, 4.94, 23.2, 17 H, 18/21
Geno Espineli ~ C - 25 (AAA) 1-1, 2.06, 52.1, 46 H, 6/43
Daryl Maday ~ C - 23 (A/AA) 9-4, 1.58, 113.2, 87 H, 27/95
Juan Trinidad ~ C - 22 (A) 1-0, 1.60, 45.0, 39 H, 19/38
Michael Eiffel ~ C - 23 (A) 1-0, 2.25, 20.0, 10 H, 9/19
Aaron King ~ C - 19 (Rookie) 2-1, 1.98, 13.2, 8 H, 7/13

Ryan Paul ~ C- - 24 (A) 4-2, 3.15, 45.2, 30 H, 29/52
Joe Patterson ~ C - 22 (A) 8-2, 2.83, 57.1, 44 H, 26/65
Dan Runzler ~ C - 23 (A) 0-2, 4.05, 40.0, 33 H, 28/46
Eric Surkamp ~ C - 21 (A/Rookie) 0-2, 5.91, 10.2, 15 H, 1/18
David Mixon ~ C - 23 (A) 1-1, 1.23, 14.2, 15 H, 3/20
Craig Whitaker ~ C 23 (A) 1-3, 5.00, 45.0, 32 H, 35/49

by StickRat on Aug 1, 2008 11:30 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Sorry, but hopefully this will be easier to read

Here is another depth chart for the Giants. There is very little in the way of elite talent. Just two A- grades in Villalona and Bumgarner, and three borderline elite players in Alderson, Hinshaw, and Posey. There is much more C+ talent in the way of probable role players who could develop into everyday players. The listed level of each player is the level of the provided statistics, NOT necessarily the level where the player is currently playing. If there is more than one level listed, the stats will be cumulative of those levels. There isn’t a distinction between A-class levels, so anyone denoted as (A) could represent any combination of San Jose, Augusta, and Salem-Keizer.
—-

Name – grade ~ age (level) avg-hr-rbi, avg/obp/slg, ABs, K:BB

Catcher

Buster Posey – B+ ~ 21 (NCAA Div. I) .463-26-93, .463/.566/.879, 256 ABs, 29:57
Pablo Sandoval – B- ~ 22 (A/AA) .348-18-87, .348/.394/.581, 399 ABs, 56:29
Michael Ambort – C+ ~ 23 (A) .279-4-12, .279/.343/.574, 61 ABs, 9:6
Steve Holm – C ~ 28 (MLB) .240-1-5, .240/.337/.387, 75 ABs, 15:7
Hector Sanchez – C ~ 18 (DSL) .314-1-34, .314/.458/.429, 140 ABs, 23:31
Jackson Williams – C- ~ 22 (A) .206-3-20, .206/.302/.283, 233 ABs, 55:25

First Base

Angel Villalona – A- ~ 17 (A) .250-12-44, .250/.297/.408, 360 ABs, 96:15
Thomas Neal – B- ~ 20 (A) .262-12-65, .262/.358/.429, 347 ABs, 85:46
Andy D’Alessio – C+ ~ 23 (A) .281-11-65, .291/.328/.454, 366 ABs, 104:26
Travis Ishikawa – C+ ~ 24 (AA/AAA) .281-17-77, .281/.362/.512, 363 ABs, 71:44
Brett Pill – C ~ 23 (A) .249-9-53, .249/.303/.387, 362 ABs, 69:26
C.J. Ziegler – C ~ 22 (Rookie) .266-4-23, .266/.397/.440, 109 ABs, 21:20

Second Base

Nick Noonan – B ~ 19 (A) .281-4-51, .281/.305/.402, 391 ABs, 73:11, 20 SB
Eugenio Velez – C+ ~ 26 (MLB) .207-0-10, .207/.256/.313, 150 ABs, 23:9, 10 SB
Brock Bond – C+ ~ 22 (A) .324-1-36, .324/.396/.375, 253 ABs, 39:23, 11 SB
Matt Downs – C ~ 23 (A/AAA) .285-18-63, .285/.348/.488, 410 ABs, 50:35, 15 SB
Travis Denker – C- ~ 22 (A/AA/AAA) .233-3-23, .233/.360/.360, 189 ABs, 51:36

Third Base

Conor Gillespie – B ~ 21 (NCAA Div. I) .419-11-82, .419/.500/.697, 234 ABs, 22:38
Ryan Rohlinger – C+ ~ 24 (A/AA) .286-11-60, .286/.362/.435, 398 ABs, 67:42

Shortstop

Emmanuel Burriss – B ~ 23 (MLB) .278-0-7, .278/.338/.325, 126 ABs, 12:8, 8 SB
Brandon Crawford – B- ~ 21 (NCAA Div. I) .302-7-51, .302/.394/.491, 59:31, 11 SB
Charlie Culberson – B- ~ 19 (A) .234-3-27, .234/.290/.319, 282 ABs, 57:18, 6 SB
Ivan Ochoa – C ~ 25 (AAA) .318-6-32, .318/.399/.445, 292 Abs, 62:34, 20 SB
Brian Bocock – C- ~ 23 (AAA) .163-0-3, .163/.254/.187, 123 ABs, 39:14, 7 SB

Corner Outfield

Fred Lewis – B ~ 27 (MLB) .275-7-31, .275/.348/.444, 360 ABs, 98:40, 19 SB
Nate Schierholtz – B ~ 24 (AAA) .314-15-65, .314/.360/.571, 331 ABs, 45:21, 9 SB
John Bowker – B- ~ 25 (MLB) .256-9-39, .256/.300/.415, 270 ABs, 64:15
Eddy Martinez-Esteve – C+ ~ 25 (AA) .301-6-35, .301/.392/.397, 312 ABs, 26:44
Bobby Felmy – C+ ~ 24 (A) .285-6-46, .285/.340/.398, 382 ABs, 61:25, 12 SB
Roger Kieschnick – C ~ 21 (NCAA Div. I) .305-17-65, .305/.407/.632, 42:35
Mike Mooney – C- ~ 25 (A/AAA) .264-14-30, .264/.331/.528, 235 Abs, 66:17, 13 SB
Brian Horwitz – C- ~ 26 (AAA) .294-6-21, .294/.374/.441, 177 ABs, 35:23
Francisco Peguero – C- ~ 20 (A) .285-3-27, .285/.336/.391, 281 ABs, 64:18, 22 Sbs
Rafael Rodriguez – ? ~ 16, has not played

Centerfield

Ben Copeland – C+ ~ 24 (AA) .265-5-42, .265/.340/.423, 362 ABs, 62:39, 21 SB
Tyler Graham – C ~ 24 (A) .258-1-21, .258/.328/.310, 229 ABs, 44:19, 42 SB
Darren Ford – C- ~ 22 (A) .227-2-28, .227/.326/.299, 375 ABs, 98:54, 53 SBs
Ben Woodbury – C ~ 22 (Rookie) .369-0-10, .369/.463/.415, 65 Abs, 7:12, 9 SB
Mike McBride – C- ~ 23 (A) .289-3-41, .289/.368/.366, 325 ABs, 71:31, 26 SB
Wendell Fairley – C- ~ 20 (Rookie) .239-1-12, .239/.341/.308, 117 ABs, 25:10
Shane Jordan – C- ~ 23 (A) .254-0-22, .254/.360/.293, 335 ABs, 50:54, 28 SB
Antoan Richardson – C- ~ 24 (AA) .228-3-27, .228/.344/.302, 281 abs, 61:42, 27 SB
Clay Timpner – C- ~ 25 (AAA) .234-2-39, .234/.296/.316, 329 ABs, 48:28, 9 SB
Caleb Curry – C- ~ 22 (A) .233-0-9, .233/.313/.248, 129 ABs, 29:13, 10 SBs
—-

Name – grade ~ age (level) W-L, ERA, IP, H, BB/SO

Starting Pitcher

Madison Bumgarner – A- ~ 19 (A) 10-3, 1.81, 109.1, 90 H, 18/116
Tim Alderson – B+ ~ 19 (A) 11-3, 2.97, 115.1, 104 H, 33/103
Henry Sosa – B- ~ 23 (A) 3-4, 4.31, 56.1, 62 H, 18/58
Jesse English – C+ ~ 23 (A) 11-4, 3.09, 110.2, 95 H, 40/109
Ben Snyder – C+ ~ 23 (A/AA) 9-5, 3.51, 112.2, 113 H, 29/95
Joe Martinez – C ~ 25 (AA) 7-8, 2.84, 107.2, 102 H, 30/77
Clayton Tanner – C ~ 20 (A) 6-7, 4.35, 89.0, 101 H, 29/64
Kevin Pucetas – C ~ 23 (A) 8-0, 2.56, 91.1, 84 H, 18/68
Pat Misch – C ~ 27 (MLB) 0-3, 5.94, 47.0, 51 H, 15/35
Nick Pereira – C- ~ 25 (AAA) 7-8, 5.70, 101.1, 116 H, 47/86
Jose Casilla – C- ~ 19 (Rookie) 3-1, 1.66, 21.2, 19 H, 1/18
Ari Ronick – C- ~ 22 (A) 3-0, 1.83, 34.1, 25 H, 12/38
Mike Loree – C- ~ 21 (A) 2-2, 2.01, 44.2, 25 H, 2/36
Craig Clark – C- ~ 24 (A) 6-4, 4.16, 93.0, 84 H, 17/94
Kyle Nicholson – C- ~ 23 (Rookie) 2-1, 2.28, 27.2, 20 H, 1/23
Matt Palmer – C- ~ 29 (AAA) 5-9, 3.95, 125.1, 118 H, 66/126

Relief Pitcher

Alex Hinshaw – B+ ~ 25 (MLB) 1-1, 2.33, 27.0, 18 H, 20/35
Osiris Matos – B ~ 24 (MLB) 0-2, 1.54, 11.2, 14 H, 4/8
Sergio Romo – B- ~ 25 (MLB) 0-1, 2.51, 14.1, 8 H, 3/15
Merkin Valdez – C+ ~ 26 (MLB) 1-0. 1.69, 16.0, 14 H, 7/13
Kelvin Pichardo – C+ ~ 22 (AA) 1-4, 2.76, 49.0, 39 H, 26/49
Eddie Quirarte – C+ ~ 21 (A) 3-1, 2.00, 18.0, 11 H, 4/16
Paul Oseguera – C ~ 24 (AA) 1-2, 4.54, 37.2, 32 H, 20/33
Waldis Joaquin – C ~ 21 (A) 1-2, 4.17, 54.0, 49 H, 21/51
Justin Hedrick – C ~ 26 (AA) 2-3, 1.45, 56.0, 38 H, 17/61
Dan Otero – C ~ 23 (A) 1-1, 2.13, 42.1, 46 H, 6/43
Kelvin Marte – C ~ 21 (A/Rookie) 0-0, 3.78, 16.2, 15 H, 8/20
Erick Threets – C ~ 26 (AAA) 1-4, 4.03, 38.0, 31 H, 23/28
Billy Sadler – C ~ 26 (MLB) 0-1, 4.94, 23.2, 17 H, 18/21
Geno Espineli – C ~ 25 (AAA) 1-1, 2.06, 52.1, 46 H, 6/43
Daryl Maday – C ~ 23 (A/AA) 9-4, 1.58, 113.2, 87 H, 27/95
Juan Trinidad – C ~ 22 (A) 1-0, 1.60, 45.0, 39 H, 19/38
Michael Eiffel – C ~ 23 (A) 1-0, 2.25, 20.0, 10 H, 9/19
Aaron King – C ~ 19 (Rookie) 2-1, 1.98, 13.2, 8 H, 7/13
Ryan Paul – C- ~ 24 (A) 4-2, 3.15, 45.2, 30 H, 29/52
Joe Patterson – C- ~ 22 (A) 8-2, 2.83, 57.1, 44 H, 26/65
Dan Runzler – C- ~ 23 (A) 0-2, 4.05, 40.0, 33 H, 28/46
Eric Surkamp – C- ~ 21 (A/Rookie) 0-2, 5.91, 10.2, 15 H, 1/18
David Mixon – C- ~ 23 (A) 1-1, 1.23, 14.2, 15 H, 3/20
Craig Whitaker – C- ~ 23 (A) 1-3, 5.00, 45.0, 32 H, 35/49

by StickRat on Aug 2, 2008 5:16 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I think you're selling the system short a bit

Not much in the way of elite talent? Posey, Villalona, Bumgarner and Alderson are all top 100 talents (each of them arguably top-50 talents), and they have very good prospects in Sosa, Sandoval, Rodriguez, Noonan, Fairley and Gilaspie following them. I’m not even going to get into the number of power arms, like Hinshaw, who are all over the system and may or may not contribute.

None are elite in the sense of “absolute, can’t miss, sure-fire all-stars”, but they have a very good mix of “high risk, high reward” types and “very solid-steady, likely to contribute on a good team” types.

It’s not the best system in the world (although it’s improved a ton in the last 2 years) and many of the above listed aren’t going to pan out. Yes, each of them has flaws. But they have a bunch of high-end, young, promising (and producing) prospects in the system.

Hector Sanchez: really getting tired of playing baseball in foreign countries...

by tedfordfan on Aug 6, 2008 3:22 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

In and of itself, the Giants farm system has some really impressive talent at the top of their prospect list. However, when I weighed it against the current organizational need, the “elite” factor caused me a lot of concern. Pitching depth is nails, and the Giants absolutely project to have a great homegrown staff for years to come. There is still quite a deficiency of everyday players though. Until they sign this year’s top picks, there aren’t any surefire position players out of Div. I college programs that are certain to be everyday players in the Majors. Burriss and Bowker have potential to be, but neither of them are certainties. Otherwise, the only players the Giants know with some certainty are surefire everyday players are Lewis and Villalona.

If you took the Giants system and surplanted it with a big club like, say Arizona’s, then the elite talent is more impressive; because Arizona has a legit starter at every position. Even if you look at the Giants’ every position with their best guys at their peaks - Posey, Villalona, Noonan, Burriss, Gillaspie, Lewis, Rowand, and Schierholtz/Winn - there are some question marks … and more importantly, nothing in the way of surefire projectable talent behind them.

by StickRat on Aug 6, 2008 6:45 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Nitpick

Is there such a thing as an 18 year old who is a surefire everyday player? Villalona is a great prospect, but he’s still in A ball and not exactly kicking the doors down

www.loftylantern.com

by OldProspects on Aug 7, 2008 6:17 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Well, the only way to know is with time. There are two types of 18-year olds who qualify as prospective surefire everyday players: 1) Miguel Cabrera, to whom Villalona has drawn the most comparisons. 2) Andy Marte, whose numbers Villalona’s most resemble.

Calling Villalona a surefire everyday player isn’t a guarantee, obviously. It’s simply a way of making a distinction between he, and guys like Schierholtz or Noonan; who will likely be starters at the big-league level, but are closer to the fringe than Villalona. And that distinction must be made for these kinds of topics.

by StickRat on Aug 7, 2008 8:02 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

crawford

is rumored to be heading back to ucla. i live in his town (we were on the same little league team when we were 10) and this is the talk around town.

"If you hit .440 with 20 bombs, you don't have to do s---. You don't have to bring a glove to practice, just hit and leave whenever you want. You can bring a 40 and smoke a cigarette and call me from the parking lot asking me what time the game is, and I'll tell you. You can even say 'F--- you, Steve!' Actually, don't say that, that wouldn't be very nice." -Steve Friend, Head Coach, Chabot College Gladiators Baseball

by flipgatey3 on Aug 11, 2008 4:54 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

newest word

giants went $92k overslot to get him. he got $375,000

"If you hit .440 with 20 bombs, you don't have to do s---. You don't have to bring a glove to practice, just hit and leave whenever you want. You can bring a 40 and smoke a cigarette and call me from the parking lot asking me what time the game is, and I'll tell you. You can even say 'F--- you, Steve!' Actually, don't say that, that wouldn't be very nice." -Steve Friend, Head Coach, Chabot College Gladiators Baseball

by flipgatey3 on Aug 14, 2008 3:20 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Tigers

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+

by demondeaconsbaseball on Jul 31, 2008 12:28 AM EDT   0 recs

Looks good

I’d add Audy Ciriaco to the shortstop list. He’s got some exciting potential. Brandon Douglas probably deserves a mention as well.

Third base is pretty barren, but Francisco Martinez is worth mentioning. Scouts like him and he has really produced in the VSL (not that those numbers mean a whole lot, but its nice to see he’s playing up to his tools).

Avisail Garcia is a 17 year old corner outfielder in the VSL with a lot of upside. Alexis Espinoza and Chao-Ting Tang have high ceilings, but they have struggled in the GCL.

Starting pitchers I’d add are:

Casey Crosby (19) Injured
Brandon Hamilton (19) Rookie
Luke Putkonen (22) A-SS
Mauricio Robles (19) A

Relievers:

Scott Green (22) A
Brett Jacobson (21) A
Tyler Stohr (21) A-SS
Freddy Dolsi (25) MLB
Francisco Cruceta (27) AAA
Clay Rapada (27) MLB
Lester Oliveros (20) A-SS
Casey Fien (24) AAA
Robbie Weinhardt (22) A+

by SBcaptain2 on Jul 31, 2008 2:43 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I like what both of you have put together

Good to see Avisail Garcia and Francisco Martinez are actually touted…I noticed their stats down in the VSL, but I have no idea how they project.

Another young guy who interests me is 19-year-old OF Luis Salas. The only reason I mention him is that, out of nowhere, he had a 6-game stint in Lakeland where he held his own. His numbers aren’t mind-blowing, .286/.391/.446, but maybe he bears watching.

OF Casper Wells is putting together a solid season. Again, not sure how he profiles, but he’s hitting .282 in AA after jumping from low-A earlier in the year. He’s .261/.357/.506 on the season, with 20 HR and 23 steals.

And two pitchers who need to be mentioned are Guillermo Moscoso and Jonathan Kibler.

Moscoso has been a bullpen arm most of the year, but in his first AA start he went:
6.0 – 3H – 0ER – 1 BB – 10K
Overall: 3-3, 2.17 – 82/14 in 58 IP
He’s a flyball pitcher, but 4 HR isn’t bad, and he’s holding opponents to a .190 average.

And Kibler had been a monster in low-A West Michigan: 12-4, 1.66 – 107/29 in 135.1 IP
He also gets about 2 to 1 groundballs, has surrendered just 4 HR, and is holding opposing batters to a .185 average.

by ChrisBrown on Aug 5, 2008 11:47 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

re

I like Moscoso. I was at his perfect game last season and he has been mowing down the competition this year. Injuries have held him back and as a result he has been old for his league each of the last two years. I’ll get a chance to see him pitch again in a couple weeks when the SeaWolves come to Connecticut to play the Rock Cats and Defenders. He has good stuff and good command. He has a chance to be a quality pitcher if he can stay healthy.

Kibler is a soft-tosser, so I’m not going to get too excited about him yet.

by SBcaptain2 on Aug 7, 2008 11:12 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

nice

Thanks for the info on Moscoso…pretty encouraging. I figured Kibler was Duane Below part II, but I also figured the numbers were worth mentioning. For as much as I dig the minor league stats, I’ve yet to head out to Lansing or G.R, or even Toledo to watch.

by ChrisBrown on Aug 7, 2008 11:46 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

And Moscoso...

With another outstanding start in AA
6IP – 4H – 2ER – 0BB – 9K

by ChrisBrown on Aug 9, 2008 1:15 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Mets

Statline for hitters is Avg/OBA/Slg PA BB SO
Statline for pitchers is ERA IP SO/BB OPS.

Catcher:
Josh Thole 21 (A+) .303/.386/.433 320 36 27
Francisco Pena 18 (A) .254/.304/.384 339 22 73

First Base:
Nick Evans 22 (AA) .311/.365/.561 326 26 64
Mike Carp 22 (AA) .303/.390/.449 433 51 67
Ike Davis 21 (A-) .244/.271/.317 129 5 24
Lucas Duda 22 (A+) .257/.355/.384 445 54 101

Second Base:
Reese Havens 21 (A-) .261/.370/.493 81 11 20
Greg Veloz 20 (A) .284/.336/.410 454 28 82 (26 SB; .993 July OPS)

Third Base:
Jefry Marte 17 (Rk ) .350/.422/.600 117 8 19
Dan Murphy 23 (AA) .307/.374/.491 402 39 46
Zach Lutz 22 (A) .333/.442/.514 86 14 12
Shawn Bowman 23 (A+/AA) .346/.378/.510 111 5 26 (slowed by repeated back injuries)

Shortstop:
Wilmer Flores 16 (Rk) .331/.363/.554 157 4 15
Ruben Tejada 18 (A+) .234/.290/.304 441 31 57
Juan Lagares 19 (A) .250/.278/.338 148 5 21

Corner Outfield:
Fernando Martinez 19 (AA) .292/.332/.420 277 14 56
Javier Rodriguez
Cesar Puello 17 (Rk-) .263/.300/.289 80 2 22

Center Field:
Ezequiel Carrera 21 (A+) .277/.347/.401 374 29 67 (21 SB)

Starting Pitchers:
Jon Niese 21 (AA/AAA) 2.95 131.3 119/46 .668
Brad Holt 21 (A-) 2.17 37.7 53/21 .522
Mike Antonini 22 (A/A+/AA) 2.60 128 100/28 .595
Robert Parnell 23 (AA) 4.33 116.7 85/56 .735
Scott Moviel 20 (A-) 4.54 105 71/31 .744
Jenrry Mejia 18 (Rk-/A-) 2.84 38 36/14 .505
Dillon Gee 22 (A+) 3.37 115.3 81/18 .618
Maikel Cleto 19 (A) 4.04 120.7 70/31 .710
Nate Vineyard 19 (A) (underwent TJ surgery after 8 IP this year)
John Holdzkom 20 (Rk/A) 5.48 65.7 75/40
Angel Calero 21 (A/A+) 3.36 80.7 69/22 .664
Elvin Ramirez 20 (A) 3.367 81 62/36 .654

Relief Pitchers:
Eddie Kunz 22 (AA) 2.87 47 41/23 .579
Brant Rustich 23 (A) 4.86 33.7 30/14 .673

by acerimusdux on Jul 31, 2008 11:05 AM EDT   0 recs

picking nits

I see you’ve moved Havens to 2B, which I think is accurate. In the same vein, should Murphy be moved to 2B, too? After not playing there for a week, he was back there.

Also, isn’t Brant Rustich starting now?

Finally, is Stephen Clyne an intentional omission? I know he’s fringy at best, but isn’t he on all of the lists (John’s, BA, BP)? I figured if we’re going this deep, he might as well be tossed in.

by El Duq of Hurl on Jul 31, 2008 6:14 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Answer

Murphy, I still have some doubts about at 2B. I expect they will give him a look there, but are probably grooming him more as a good bench bat. He did play outfield in college as well, but his best position is probably 3B. The Mets obviously don’t have a need there, so they’ll move him around to get his bat in the lineup. Havens’s best fit will probably be 2B.

Rustich, I’m unsure of. He apparently does have the stuff that he could project well as a SP. But he’s only made 5 starts this year, and is averaging less than 4 IP per start, so I suspect they still could be grooming him as a reliever.

As for omissions, partly I decided to take seriously Zonis’s admonishment to limit it ti Top Prospects, and partly I was getting tired of looking up all those stats and wanted to be done with it. So I cut it off at around what I think is the top 30, with a couple of extras.

I really could have gone deeper though, especially with the pitching. I still probably wouldn’t have included Clyne, who has struggled some this year. I’ve seen most of the guys at St. Lucie this year, but honestly don’t even remember if I’ve seen Clyne. I remember seeing Cheney, the big guy.

Some guys I do like as bullpen arms though are Eric Niesen, who is a SP but I think projects better as a power lefty bullpen arm; Nick Carr, who has struggled some this year with command but has a good live arm, and Ryan Coultas, a converted SS who has (should I say easily?) the best FB on the St. Lucie team this year.

I also left out a lot of back end SP candidates worth mention. Tobi Stoner is probably the biggest omission. I tend to be skeptical of a RHP without much of a FB, but Stoner has a real good curve and I ‘m probably underestimating him if he’s not in my top 30, as he has very solid peripherals right now in AA. Dylan Owen is another low ceiling guy, with a good slider, and Sal Aguilar is another back end SP candidate who had a nice season in AA, but apparently will need TJ surgery.

There may be higher ceiling guys at lower levels I don’t know about as well. Robert Carson would be one. Guillaume LeDuc is another. And Jeurys Familia. I’d love to know what the scouting is on some of these guys (I should see if I can’t check out a GCL game once in awhile)..

by acerimusdux on Aug 1, 2008 8:10 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Cubs Quickie - Just minor league infielders and catcher for now (P/OF later)

Just doing my quick take with current level stats.

Catcher – One potential impact guy, 2-3 semi-intriguing pieces with questions

1. Wellington Castillo – 21 – AA – 129 AB’s – .310/.378/.481

Superb defensively, he is probably overachieving offensively as of now. That said, most expectations were that he would eventually hit a bit, so maybe he’s just adjusting sooner than later. He was our top catching prospect pre-Harden deal, and he is still our top guy now. I could see anywhere from a Henry Blanco-like backup to a quality starter.

2. Steve Clevenger – 22 – A+ – 212 AB’s – .292/.382/.358

I think Clevenger is 2nd, although there may be some debate on it as there are still questions if he can stick behind the plate. Former middle infielder that was moved there. Great eye, but defense behind the plate needs work. Bat won’t play anywhere else, but could be okay at catcher. Anywhere from a minor leaguer to a bench guy in the bigs.

3. Matt Cerda – 18 – Rookie – 74 AB’s – .270/.368/.365

A lot of players for consideration here, but the nod goes to Cerda as the kid who is being transitioned. Not much to report on yet, but considering the high pick used, he definitely ranks up there somewhere. I like that he can hold his own with his bat right now.

Honorable Mention: Luis Flores (defensive catcher, no offense), Carlos Perez (all-around decent right now, young so that’s not bad)

1st – Only Rosa feels like a potential impact player, but it is too early to tell.

1. Micah Hoffpauir – 28 – AAA – 176 AB’s – .347/.365/.705

I’m not a huge fan of Micah, but even I have to admit that he has developed and isn’t the same player of a few years ago. In saying all that, it is not a good thing when he is arguably our top first base prospect. That said, he still qualifies, and the other options all have big questions about them.

2. Jovan Rosa – 20 – Low A – 300 AB’s – .289/.352/.427

I was tempted to put Rosa first. I’m still hopeful that Rosa may be able to stick at 3rd, which would increase his value. That said, his glove is bad. First seems the likely route. Sweet swing, he should be able to hit for average and gap power. Can he develop a quality level of home run power? Not sure yet, and hence why Micah still edges him out.

3. Blake Lalli – 25 – AA – 48 AB’s – .292/.320/.542

Color me a fool, but I’m giving Blake his due. I actually think he might be able to stick as a backup catcher, but the betting money is against that. Sure, he was older in A ball this year … but this is his 2nd year of pro ball. Age is either over-utilized or under-utilized. He’s a good team player who does everything necessary (has pitched a couple innings this year) and I believe that he can hit.

Honorable Mention: Rebel Ridling (big time power, which is lacking in the system, but plate discipline is a big concern), Luis Bautista, Russ Canzler (nothing special, just a solid minor leaguer), Sean Hoorelbeke (seems more gap power than real power), Ryan Keedy (massive guy, but gap power)

2nd – Some depth, although a lot of questions

1. Tony Thomas – 22 – A+ – 370 AB’s – .265/.317/.408

I was superbly high on him entering the year and have been thoroughly disappointed. Here’s the big issue: K/BB – 89/27. Just doesn’t cut it for a guy that projects as a leadoff guy. Looking more and more like Eric Patterson the 2nd. Still intriguing, but a lot of work.

2. Josh Harrison – 21 – Low A – 23 AB’s – .217/.250/.217

I’ve been thoroughly disappointed with Tony Thomas this year and am hoping Josh can be my new hope. He’s supposedly a better glove. Here’s hoping his plate discipline doesn’t fall apart as he moves up.

3. Dwayne Kemp – 20 – Shortseason – 40 AB’s – .225/.279/.375

This Netherland signee makes me think a more athletic Mike Fontenot as he packs some pop in his 5’8” body. Raw and a lot of work, but the upside is higher than Spears so I gave that nod. I could put Spears ahead and not blink an eye.

Honorable Mention: Nate Spears (could be a solid utility player in the bigs)

SS – A mess … is anyone a legitimate possibility to start at short in the bigs?

1. Ryan Flaherty – 21 turning 22 soon – Shortseason – 87 AB’s – .264/.366/.391

Okay … I don’t honestly believe Flaherty sticks at short. That said, the system is weak so I’ll chalk this up to “he’s too far away so giving it the benefit of the doubt to fill the depth chart in even though I don’t anticipate it”. He’s been battling injuries, so I’m not too concerned with the bat just yet.

2. Darwin Barney – 22 – A+ – 328 AB’s – .247/.306/.345

Superbly athletic, but the bat was a question entering the draft, and it still is now. Maybe a utility glove?

3. Nate Samson – 20 – Low A – 381 AB’s – .312/.377/.375

Okay, this is like Flaherty as well, as I highly doubt Samson sticks at short, but I wanted to fill things out. I’d bundle him with Spears and Kemp if he was a 2nd base consideration. Big defensive concerns, but the bat intrigues. Here’s hoping that he can stick at short … but I’m not holding my breath.

3rd – 1 potential superstar, 1 semi-intriguing guy, and a whole bunch of eh.

1. Josh Vitters – Almost 19 – shortseason – 122 AB’s – .344/.386/.508

Battling injuries, Vitters bat isn’t a big cause for concern. His defense is improved, but still inconsistent. Should move to Low A sooner than later, but someone from Low A will have to move up or Vitters will have to force his way in with ridiculous numbers. It’s getting increasingly likely that he may finish the year at Boise, which isn’t a big issue.

2. Marquez Smith – 23 – A+ – 58 AB’s – .259/.338/.448

If Rosa was classified at 3rd, it’d be a tough call here. Without Rosa, Smith is the clear nod. Decent defensively, he was raking at Low A and needed the bump up. Somewhat intriguing to follow, but may simply be a system guy. Did play some 2nd this year when he was with Rosa at Low A, but better off at 3rd.

3. John Contreras – 22 – Rookie – 105 AB’s – .343/.423/.714

Bleh … ran out of options. Nothing personal against Contreras, but a 22 year old raking in rookie ball really doesn’t intrigue me that much yet, but Josh Lansford doesn’t have the bat, and Casey McGehee is a system guy. Contreras has some power, something this system needs.

Short of it is, not much really intriguing and not much depth.

by toonsterwu on Jul 31, 2008 6:46 PM EDT   0 recs

Oakland Athletics

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.

facepalm.jpg

by Zonis on Jul 31, 2008 11:49 PM EDT   0 recs

Nice work

I have very few quibbles. I’d put Josh Horton on (gritty!) at shortstop, though he’ll need to hit .300 to be a real asset.

Mitchell really isn’t much of a prospect anymore—I think Michael Richard actually has a better chance of playing that role, although the A’s continue to insist on offending the eyes of the Kane County faithful by playing him at shortstop for some reason.

Andrew Bailey has been dominant (16 IP, 10 H, 6 BB, 17 K, 1 ER, 1.50 GO/AO) since moving to the pen. He’s a good power arm if he can command his pitches. A legit RP prospect.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Aug 1, 2008 12:35 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I wouldn't be surprised

if Cardenas ended up solving the third base problem. I think he has the bat for 3rd, and has the reactions to potentially work. That would allow Weeks the open shot at being the 2nd baseman of the future, and btw the 2, I think Weeks is a better defensive fit.

by toonsterwu on Aug 1, 2008 1:39 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

They are both a couple years away so anything can happen

and I think part of it will depend on if the A’s acquire a long term solid 3B (or if Carter pans out at 3B) and how the A’s view Mark Ellis’s replacement next season, Eric Patterson, at Second Base. If Patterson plays average 2B Defense, and the A’s don’t like it, then they will probably go for the better defensive 2B between Weeks and Cardenas. If they find that the defense doesn’t matter to them as much, they will go with the better bat between the two.

It also depends on what type of bat the A’s need by the time they are ready, as Carenas might be a middle of the order bat whereas Weeks will probably be a leadoff guy. But if the A’s have a leadoff guy or two, then they’d be best served with the middle of the order guy (and migh be better off with him anyways).

facepalm.jpg

by Zonis on Aug 1, 2008 1:51 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I do recall Jim Callis (in an ask BA of two weeks back) suggesting that the A’s will likely move Cardenas to third, and that he has the arm strength to do it.

I haven’t seen him play, so I cannot say either way, but with more power than weeks, and arm enough, he does seem likely.

However (and again, I haven’t seen him), his numbers suggest good gap power, but not HR. Does he project well, as far as power goes? He’d be more than anything else they have at 3B in the future, but it isn’t the best of fits—and batting order wise, seems more of a 2 or 7, rather than a 3, 4 or 5. This worries me a bit, because I’m not too sure where the power is, as far as the projected lineup goes: Gonzales has it in CF, which is nice. but the only other OF prospects that seems to have it are Dixon and Brown. Dixon is in rookie, so its hard to say with him, and Brown just moved to high A and has struggled so far (should be okay though). No guarantee either pan out though. Some of the 1b prospects might have something, with pop. Anybody have a read on whether Carter can stick at 3rd? Any other ideas on where the power might come from?

by haverecords on Aug 1, 2008 4:11 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Well

I don’t think that Cardenas is ever going to have 30HR pop or anything, but I can see him settling into 17-22HR with 35+ doubles, which will lead to at least a decent SLG%. One guy that Zonis didn’t touch on is Cunningham, who can play all three OF spots, and who I think has 20-25HR potential. I know that some people think he’s somewhere between 4th OF and a starter, but I really think he’s going to be a solid starter, with a solid power and speed combo. I could see an OF of Brown/Gonzalez/Cunningham from L to R pretty easy (although I hope that Brown can cut it in CF), with Sweeney settling in as the 4th OF, since he can play three spots. Buck is a guy that I hope pans out, but I’m afraid he’s too fragile and will never fulfill his potential. He’d be a fine 4th OF on most teams, someone that can fill in when needed, but a guy I’d be worried about relying on as a starter due to the injury concerns.

"So's your mom"-David Sloane

by gatling on Aug 1, 2008 7:07 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

For his own good, Buck needs to get traded

to a team that actually has some comprehension of how to prevent and treat injuries. The A’s are rapidly ruining his career. He’s now suffered the dreaded “two DL stints for the same concussion.”

Corey Brown is more of a natural RF than Cunningham, I think.

Overall I think the team needs to add another power threat to the outfield/DH mix. There’s a point of diminishing returns defense-wise—3 center fielders is better than 2 is better than 1, but the value drops off. Pat Burrell may be a farce in LF but I think the rest of the A’s defense can cover for him.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Aug 2, 2008 5:06 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Pat the Bat

I’d love to see Pat the Bat playing for Oakland. The only problem I see with that is we’d have to overpay him to get him to come to Oakland I think, because he’s an East Coast(or seems to be) and we won’t be contending for the next 2 years probably.

"So's your mom"-David Sloane

by gatling on Aug 2, 2008 8:41 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs