Top 35 Sally League Prospects
Now that we've seen a chunk of the season, it might be fun to speculate on the top 20 to 30 prospects in a league. I did this list in about a half-hour, so I'm certain there are some oversights. I probably value ceiling twice as much as current production, and weigh scouting reports heavier than stats. I suppose I'm presenting the list less to try to be right than to make a forum for focused discussion on these young A ball guys. Looking through the league, it's stunning how strong the pitching is, and how few impact position prospects remain in the league, which may give reason to temper excitement over strong pitching numbers that exceed scouting reports -- it might be the competition.
1. Matthew Moore
2. Martin Perez
3. Christian Friedrich
4. Tim Beckham
5. Jordan Lyles
6. Wilmer Flores
7. Derek Norris
8. Casey Kelly
9. Daniel Hudson
10. Jason Knapp
11. Randall Delgado (w/ bullet)
12. Jeurys Familia (w/ bullet)
13. Nick Hagadone
14. Kyle Skipworth
15. Trevor May
16. Nick Barnese
17. Tony Sanchez
18. Zach Collier
19. Manuel Banuelos
20. Oscar Tejeda
21. Brett Devall
22. Jefry Marte
23. Anthony Rizzo
24. Neil Ramirez
25. Wilmer Font
26. Kyle Allen
27. Ross Seaton
28. Travis D'Arnaud
29. Rudy Owens
30. Abner Abreu
31. Craig Kimbrel
32. Robert Carson
33. Starling Marte (w/ bullet)
34. Delta Cleary
35. Robbie Grossman
Revised: I added in a couple of guys I overlooked: Friedrich, May, Sanchez, and then added in my two favored honorable mentions (Cleary, Grossman).
Julio Teheran just debuted a couple of days ago in the Sally; I'd slot him between Knapp and Delgado.
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56 comments
Comments
I think Robert Carson might be a couple spots higher.
Besides that, great list.
"I dunno. I never smoked any Astroturf"
-Tug McGraw
by squid92 on Aug 8, 2009 12:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks
Thanks for putting this together. Just a quick question, I know they are only seperated by about 10 spots, but do you have an opinion on what seperates Martin Perez and Matt Moore from the other top pitching prospects in the league, including Lyles, Knapp and Hudson?
by DJSlam on Aug 8, 2009 12:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Moore/Perez
I think both have ceilings of #1 lefty starters; both are very young, great stuff, and get a lot of k’s and don’t give up hits. Moore needs to get his control down some more, but that can develop; what can’t be developed is the ability to miss so many bats. I am totally in love, though, with just about every pitcher in the top ten, and think all of them have top of the rotation potential. I have the most doubts about Beckham and Flores, actually, in terms of fulfilling their potential.
by gogotabata on Aug 8, 2009 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks you for the quick response. I actually fell in love with Perez after someone on this site postd up Youtube video of him, and his mechanics look so smooth.
I have the choice of Lyles, Moore or Perez for my keeper league minor league team, and I’m trying to decide between the 3 of who has the highest cealing, but it seems they are very close.
by DJSlam on Aug 8, 2009 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
great list
great league year in, year out.
by richieabernathy on Aug 8, 2009 12:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Eric beaulac
Deserves some more love
by METSMETSMETS on Aug 8, 2009 12:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
converted to relief
He’s a reliever now, right? I don’t know if he’s got the same stuff as, say, Kimbrel, who just barely squeaked on for me. But I do think the ‘big three’ starters on that club (Familia, Allen, Carson) and Beaulac will be contributing to the Mets in a few years; people just haven’t paid much attention to these guys yet. If he stays a starter, I’m not sure if I’d put him over Carson, who is a ground ball machine, or Marte, who is a bit of a toolshed and a potential defensive ace in center.
by gogotabata on Aug 8, 2009 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That was the word on Beaulac
But then there was an injury to Elvin Ramirez and he was apparently put back in the rotation. His last 4-6 outings or so have all been starts, though I’m still convinced his future lies in the pen.
Where are you getting defensive ace on Marte? He’s a third baseman, and a crappy one. I’m not saying he couldn’t move to the outfield, but he doesn’t have plus speed, and I haven’t heard anyone describe him in the manner of a “toolshed”.
Otherwise agreed, Familia, Allen, and Carson are all very solid pitching prospects, and if they can transfer their peripheral rates up the ladder they could all be nice players. Familia’s the only one who looks like a potential star, but Allen’s quietly made some really nice adjustments to improve his stock too.
"All energy flows according to the whims of the great magnet
What a fool I was to defy him"
-HST
by Meddler on Aug 8, 2009 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
OHHH lol
I knew something was funky, you were talking all about Gnats except for him so I got confused.
"All energy flows according to the whims of the great magnet
What a fool I was to defy him"
-HST
by Meddler on Aug 8, 2009 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I should've been clearer
and thanks for the in-depth on Beaulac, Familia, et al.
I don’t know the squad or Mets system as well as devotees, so I’m going mostly from various scouting reports I’ve seen, from the last few months. I’ve been encouraged by the reports of both Familia and Allen adding a few ticks to their fastballs over the course of the season. Carson does seem to have the highest floor of the bunch, but I’m a ceiling slut, and Familia and Allen appear to me to have the greatest breakout potential.
by gogotabata on Aug 8, 2009 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep
Seems about right. Familia has been really impressive this year, after Mejia no other arm in the system has seen his stock rise as much as Familia. Not even Holt, who was already fairly highly regarded going into the year, and has also hit a little snag in Double-A lately, though for a guy who was in the NYPL a year ago, that’s not a huge concern just yet.
Allen’s been my sleeper pick since the offseason, and he’s done little to change my mind, but he hasn’t broken out the way Familia has. They’re slowing Familia down a bit for the sake of innings limitation, but he’s been pretty awesome all year and really improved his breaking ball in the early months, and peaked in August, when he was completely untouchable with a 2.98 FIP and 30/8 K/BB in 32 innings, which for a guy with a GB% that’s stayed ~50% all year is outstanding.
"All energy flows according to the whims of the great magnet
What a fool I was to defy him"
-HST
by Meddler on Aug 8, 2009 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And Carson
May be the best bet of them all to become a consistent major leaguer, he definitely is a GB machine, plus he has two good pitches and is left handed, which to me translates into a solid floor as a reliever even should he never find a third pitch and/or see a spike in his K%
"All energy flows according to the whims of the great magnet
What a fool I was to defy him"
-HST
by Meddler on Aug 8, 2009 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Even when Beaulac was pitching out of relief, it was constantly 3-4 inning outings, usually piggybacking another pitchers start, a far cry from them grooming somebody for short relief. Savannah has been trying to deal with the issue of having too many starters all year long, Beaulac, Allen, and Schwinden have all had to pitch out of relief for a while. I think it was more to limit his innings then it was any indication about his future role (Although it wouldn’t surprise me if he was pitching out of the Pen long-term). I wouldn’t worry about that so much.
What I would pay attention to is that he has a Sub 3 ERA, over a strikeout an inning, and a K/BB ratio over 3. I think he should be listed, but that’s just me.
by adropofvenom on Aug 8, 2009 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's also 22
And from what I’ve been lead to believe, the previous “full time” switch to the bullpen was per his own request. I suppose we should just take that for what its worth, but if he’s going to be groomed as a starter, I wouldn’t expect to see him even have a shot at a big league spot until he’s 25 or 26. That could happen much sooner if he’s converted to relief. We did a writeup on him at Amazin’ Avenue here. Most favorable comp we came up with was Brad Lidge.
"All energy flows according to the whims of the great magnet
What a fool I was to defy him"
-HST
by Meddler on Aug 9, 2009 3:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's 22 going on 23
Leaving him off isn’t that ridiculous, he’s a little old to be considered a top prospect in that league. His numbers are very good, but what separates him from Dexter Carter and guys like that?
by Southwest on Aug 8, 2009 7:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
HMs
Honorable mentions:
Dexter Carter, Kyle Kaminska, Robbie Grossman, Eric Beaulac, Delta Cleary, Xavier Avery, Will Middlebrooks, Ryan Dent.
I may be missing some young sleeper guys. Of the HMs, I like Cleary and Grossman the most.
by gogotabata on Aug 8, 2009 12:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
How about Christian Friedrich, Trevor May, Dimaster Delgado, Adam Milligan, Ryan Lavarnway, Anthony Gose, Jose Pirela, and Corban Joseph.
by bigboy1234 on Aug 8, 2009 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Aha
I knew there’d be guys I’d miss, though I didn’t expect I’d miss out on someone as huge as Friedrich. Let me see where I’d slot these guys in. Friedrich is way up there for me . . .
by gogotabata on Aug 8, 2009 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Theres also Tony Sanchez and eventually Julio Teheran. Maybe a couple college pitchers like DJ Mitchell and Erik Surkamp.
by bigboy1234 on Aug 8, 2009 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks!
I’ve slotted in Friedrich, May and Sanchez, and noted where I would place Teheran.
by gogotabata on Aug 8, 2009 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would go Friedrich
"When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in confederacy against him."
-Jonathan Swift
by King Billy Royal on Aug 8, 2009 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seen most of these guys....
Dimaster was so-so. Lavarnway too! Pirela was a pleasant surprise. Corban Joseph was very blah.
by ScoutingTheSally on Aug 10, 2009 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Um....
You can remove Kimbrel from this list, he’s been in high A and is now in AA.
by Jay212033 on Aug 8, 2009 12:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Baseball America style
I’m trying to hit the guys that passed through the league, not just the ones currently in it. Mostly to compare and contrast guys at similar stages of development.
by gogotabata on Aug 8, 2009 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gotta go Martin Perez number 1 here
2 years younger than Moore with better command while still striking out over 10 per 9 innings
Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.
by bigsteve on Aug 8, 2009 1:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
perez has more upside than any player the Ranger's have either currently on the team or on the farm
thats just my opinion though… He’s got a mid 90’s fastball despite just turning 18 and having not filled out at all. He’s got very clean mechanics and a great pronated curveball that is extremely effective and can be thrown for strikes. For a kid his age he has incredible maturity and pitchability, there really isnt a tool/skil as a pitcher that he doesnt have plus he is left handed, and all of this he has lived up to every bit of it in terms of performance this year. Just look at his stats, they are remarkable for a kid his age at that level.
Id be hard pressed to find a better 18 yr old pitcher out there currently.
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
by blalock84 on Aug 8, 2009 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why Neil Ramirez over Font?
And I realize they’re right next to each other in your list, but how can you even put them NEAR each other? Ramirez hasn’t looked good in Hickory, while Font is having an excellent season with better stuff. I would have Font closer to 15-20, and I’m not even sure I would include Ramirez. I’d even put him below Joe Wieland and Wilfredo Boscan in terms of the Hickory rotation. There’s a more-or-less consensus of Rangers farm system followers that NeRa isn’t even one of our top-20 prospects.
by naropean on Aug 8, 2009 1:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm probably wrong
Like I said, I put it together in like 30 minutes. It’s a good way to get corrected on outdated impressions, and get better info from those closely following a system.
by gogotabata on Aug 8, 2009 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wilmer is way, way way way better than NeRam, Ramirez should barely be on this list
on the other hand, Font is probably 5th in the Ranger’s system right now and should be top 15 or top 10, the kid throws upper 90’s and has had very promising results for a just turned 19 yr old
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
by blalock84 on Aug 8, 2009 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Saw Ramirez-Wieland-Font throw
Ramirez had the best stuff of the bunch. Font was dead red fastball and nothing else. Wieland was BRUTAL and was lit up like a Christmas Tree.
by ScoutingTheSally on Aug 10, 2009 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jared Mitchell?
I realize he hasn’t had a great start to his career, but I think he should be on this list somewhere.
by jar75 on Aug 8, 2009 1:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Off to Me
Too high:
Skipworth and Collier – Potential yes, but they were way overmatched.
Font and Ramirez – From what I’ve heard about them this season, they’re stuff can look ‘wow’ but they really have no idea what they are doing from a pitching standpoint.
Too Low:
Seaton – HS who is showing the ability to dominate at times. Definitely shoudl be above Font and Ramirez.
Carter – There are doubts, but he’s pitched too well not to make it.
Kimbrel – There are some other arms I’d take over Kimbrel w/ starting potential (Hoover, Spruill off the top), but there is an argument there for him.
Missing:
TJ House should definitely be ON the list somewhere. Probably in the lower half.
Lavarnaway, to me, should at least be an HM. The same goes for Middlebrooks, who has looked very promising over the past month or so.
by thudean on Aug 8, 2009 2:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
long term potential over current performance
This list is basically my ranking of how I’d value these guys for my own team.
Skipworth and Collier are on strictly because of their tools and ceilings; I think they could be the players they appeared to be when drafted, but it’ll take longer than originally thought. As long as the potential’s still there, I’ll keep some hope. I’d trade three Dexter Carters for one Skipworth or Collier, just on potential.
Seaton has pitched well statistically, but I haven’t read a scouting report where he’s been impressive, or dominating, all year long. His k rate is notably low, and I haven’t heard reports of a plus or out pitch. Going up the ladder against more advanced hitters, he’s going to have to miss more bats to put up his numbers, and right now I don’t know how he’s going to do that.
Carter has pitched well, but he looks like a middlish reliever to every scout I’ve read. He’s older and more polished than most, and the league isn’t exactly stacked with impressive lineups. I don’t want to put a guy on just because he’s pitched well, as some kind of reward, when his stuff doesn’t look to play that great going forward. I guess that’s one beef I have w/ one of John’s tendencies, to seemingly reward strong years with B/B- grades, when the guy is too old, or doesn’t show the tools to play on the big stage.
Kimbrel looks like a potential closer to me, but I would love to hear a report from someone who follows that system more closely.
Naropean, or another Rangers follower, can address Ramirez/Font better than I can. But, again, for myself, I’ll take stuff over current performance (w/o the stuff) any time.
My own strategy, in my dynasty DMB leagues, is to acquire as much young, high-reward/risk guys as possible, and then try to winnow down to the keepers.
by gogotabata on Aug 8, 2009 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Font, you havent looked at his stats have you?
the guy is playing remarkably well for a just turned 19 yr old, he throws upper 90 and recently has been in very good control of it.
Ramirez on the other hand doesnt belong on this list probably, he’s out of control
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
by blalock84 on Aug 8, 2009 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Font
Well, from what I’ve heard about Font this season is that he has finally become a pitcher rather than just a guy who throws real hard. Now he throws real hard, and he’s starting to control his off speed stuff.
by naropean on Aug 8, 2009 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Some Orioles' sleepers...
…although not in the top 35 – Oliver Drake, Ronnie Welty.
by James F on Aug 8, 2009 2:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I went to high school with the Drake
He was little.
What’s his outlook now?
by Fanon on Aug 8, 2009 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, at 6'4, 210...
…he’s not little anymore.
He’s still working on developing a third viable major league pitch to go with a 90 mph fastball and a slider. He’s pitched well but not dominating, shown something of a groundball tendency, and has back of the rotation upside. For the 43rd round, he’s a steal.
by James F on Aug 8, 2009 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Derek Norris probably also could be considered for the #1 spot
he’s been incredible
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
by blalock84 on Aug 8, 2009 3:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Anthony Gose?
An 18 year old center fielder, with a stat line of .273/.338/.384/.722, & 64 steals.
I’d imagine he’d have to be on there somewhere.
by Southwest on Aug 8, 2009 6:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Derek Norris for #1 SAL prospect.
Be real with yourself.
by Daggerrrrrr on Aug 8, 2009 10:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Nooo way.
He doesn’t even make top 5. Be serious.
"I dunno. I never smoked any Astroturf"
-Tug McGraw
by squid92 on Aug 9, 2009 12:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he's my #5
Moore
Perez
Beckham
Lyles
Norris.
Friedrich’s in the CAL [ so i’m not counting him]
by daveh33 on Aug 9, 2009 4:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You must not know about Mr.Norris if you don’t think he’s in the top 5 best players in the SAL. The only reason he’s still in the SAL is because he’s working on his catching skills(he played 3b in HS and switched to catcher when he turned pro). If he was an OF or 1B, he would already be in AA at the age of 20.
Be real with yourself.
by Daggerrrrrr on Aug 9, 2009 8:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
and if/when he’s a 1B I would/will like him considerably less…
by alskor on Aug 9, 2009 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
norris
it’s funny that someone in this thread scoffed at the mention of derek norris being the no. 1 prospect in the SAL. BA said a few weeks ago that he is in the running for minor league player of the year yet he can’t even be the no. 1 prospect in the SAL. i don’t get it
by psugator on Aug 9, 2009 10:36 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Loaded
This league is loaded..how many near consensus top 100 guys will come out of this league? just from looking quick.I am thinking maybe 6?
by NYSOX on Aug 9, 2009 1:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
My top 5
1) Perez
2) Lyles
3) Friedrich
4) Kelly
5) Norris/Knapp
Brett Anderson is the Truth. Brett Anderson is divine presence. Brett Anderson is eternal life. Brett Anderson is within you. Brett Anderson is here. Brett Anderson is Now.
by Frederick0220 on Aug 9, 2009 2:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The Sally is always loaded!
It’s a whose who going back a number of years.
On this list, I’ve seen the following in person…..
4. Tim Beckham
6. Wilmer Flores
8. Casey Kelly
12. Jeurys Familia (w/ bullet)
19. Manuel Banuelos
20. Oscar Tejeda
21. Brett Devall
22. Jefry Marte
23. Anthony Rizzo
24. Neil Ramirez
25. Wilmer Font
26. Kyle Allen
27. Ross Seaton
32. Robert Carson
34. Delta Cleary
I’ll be catching the Phils and Orioles this week and hope to catch Randall Delgado when he comes back through at the end of the season.
You definitely missed a top 20 guy in Stolmy Pimentel. Jay Austin also deserves a place on this list. He’s MUCH better than his raw numbers would indicate.
Kelly and Banuelos deserve to be higher.
Beckham, Flores, and DeVall should be lower.
I’ve written game and scouting reports on a number of these guys. Check them out!
by ScoutingTheSally on Aug 10, 2009 2:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Great site
I haven’t read all of your scouting reports, but I read quite a few while compiling the list.
Do you have a read on Adam Milligan? He is suddenly very intriguing to me.
by gogotabata on Aug 10, 2009 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rome Players
I’m hoping to catch Teheran, Milligan, and Delgado on the final homestand of the season. I’ll be sure to write them up once I do.
by ScoutingTheSally on Aug 10, 2009 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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