2010 Rookie Evaluations: AL West

Less prospects on this side.

Mitch Moreland - .256/.356/.474 over 90 PA's.  Displaying patience and power, Moreland, the 17th round pick in 2007, has proven to be much more effective so far than Chris Davis or Smoak.  But it's only 90 PA's.  Who knows what the future holds, but he seems like he has a good idea and hitting in the Texas lineup doesn't hurt.

Max Ramirez - .217/.341/.348 over 85 PA's.  Also showing good patience but not a lot of power.  Just not enough of a sample size to judge Ramirez off of, but I don't know what happens to Texas catchers when they reach the majors.

Neftali Feliz - 58 innings, 59 K's, 16 bb's, 40 hits, 3.26 ERA, 3.28 FIP, 34 saves.  Should they put him in the rotation and should they do it as early as next year, a la Adam Wainwright?

Alexi Ogando - 31.1 innings, 32 k's, 15 bb's, 21 hits, 1.44 ERA.  Maybe THIS is the closer of the future?

Peter Bourjos - .195/.250/.341 over 90 PA's, 4 SB/1 CS.  In his miniscule sample, UZR really likes him!  I mean, if he can be a plus defensive centerfielder as he is advertised, that's definitely something to look forward to for Angels fans.  As a guy who once stole 50 bases in the minors though, he should try to walk more.

Bobby Wilson - .228/.274/.430.

Francisco Rodriguez - 41.2 innings, 35 K's, 19 bb's, 38 hits, 3.67 ERA.  Not bad for a guy who never really put up any special numbers in the minors.

Chris Carter - I just want to mention he's 0-for-19 with 1 walk.

Tyson Ross - 39.1 innings, 32 K's, 20 bb's, 39 hits, 5.49 ERA.  FIP and xFIP suggest he's better than this, but he should get his walks under control.  Burns some worms though.

Henry Rodriguez - 18.1 innings, 22 k's, 8 bb's, 14 hits, 4.42 ERA.

Michael Saunders - .221/.295/.392 in 243 PA's.  Saunders has seen his share of struggles.  He went 5-for-39 in August.  He's also displayed some great power at times and an excellent glove.  He's still just 23 years old.  But there's a few things he's going to need to improve on to become a solid full-time regular, like hitting against lefties (career .213/.227/.315 against)

Adam Moore - If you knew that Adam Moore was just a so-so prospect who was ranked well in the Mariners organization simply because the high-minors were bare, then you wouldn't be disappointed.  .200/.232/.296 in 142 PA's. 

He's still got to work on being a good defensive catcher, otherwise he's got a career as a backup coming up. 

Justin Smoak - .209/.316/.353 with Texas.  .159/.169/.270 in 65 PA's with Seattle.  Nothing to really worry about here.  Smoak's gonna be just fine.  A very solid first baseman and he'll get a full time shot next year.  Needs to be much, much better against lefties.

Matt Tuiasosopo - .1812/.221/.313 in 105 PA's.

Overall Review -

It's the league's smallest division which leaves the cupboard a little more empty.  Only one solid performance out of here with Feliz.  Next year things should be a lot more interesting with the likely additions of Dustin Ackley, Michael Pineda, Dan Cortes, Josh Lueke, Tanner Scheppers, Martin Perez (potentially), Engel Beltre (potentially), a full season of Chris Carter, Grant Green (maybe), and Hank Conger (?)

Top 3 AL West Rookie Seasons:

1. Neftali Feliz

2. Mitch Moreland

3. Michael Saunders