Earlier this season, Astros pitching prospect Brian Bogusevic was converted into an OF (where he played at Tulane). Supposedly, upon being drafted, many people thought he'd make a much better hitter, than pitcher. So, 3 years after being drafted and failing as a SP - he has been moved to the position in which people liked him more.

In 36 games with Corpus Christi (AA), he is hitting .337/.430/.541 with 7 2b, 2 3b, 3 hr, and 6 steals (and a 15-20 bb/k rate).

What is everyone's take on this 24 yr old convertee? I've heard Rick Ankiels name tossed around (only because of the conversion thing, I assume), but how does brian profile on a major leaguer level?

"The Phillies, seeking to upgrade their rotation, have acquired Reds right-hander Kyle Lohse for Class AA left-hander Matt Maloney, according to a major-league source." - foxsports.com

This has been a rumored deal for well over a week now. Good to see a plethora of deals going down...

Maloney was a B- prospect according to John, and ranked 5th in their system before the season.

Hello all. I was recently catching up on my prospect "studies" and came across a seemingly unknown name for me. This, of course, being Jose Martinez.

For those who don't know who he is, Martinez is 18 years old (born 7/25/1988) and 6'5". He is currently hitting .357 for Bristol in the Appalachian League, and has 6 HR in 25 games. While this is a small sample size, these numbers do stick out for such a young guy.

For those who are familiar with him...what kind of a prospect is he? It seems like he has the size and power to become a special player, but I cannot say for sure, since I just ran across him.  

Hello all. I recently read that Kyle Kendrick will get a chance to replace Freddy Garcia (DL) in the Phillies rotation. Does anybody know anything about this kid?

All I know is that he has been in AA, but only went 4-7 (with a 3.21 ERA). Baseball America ranked him as the #15 prospect in the Phil's system...

Could he stay up, or is it one and done for Kendrick?

Alright, I will admit that this is for fantasy purposes...but I will not include the trade information. Instead, I am curious to see who is the better prospect between these two.

Bowden is seen as a #3 (according to both BA and BP), whereas Jonathan Sanchez has been called a #1 - #3...which has thrown off my investigation. The thing I see that does benefit Sanchez is the fact that he is advance, and is a lefty.

Anyway, who do you think is the better prospect?

Hello everybody. I first want to apologize for posting this, but I have hit a wall and basically my answers are split.

But anyway, I was recently offered a trade in a dynasty (full roster keeper) league, and am really torn.

Basically, the deal is:

A) Chris Capuano, Miguel Montero
for
B) Wilson Betemit, Jose Contreras

I would be receiving side A. I like the deal because I get younger at SP, and get a replacement for my catcher (LoDuca). However, I dislike the trade because I give up Betemit (I also have Aram), who I feel could be a big contributor this season.

So, my obvious question to you all, should I take it? Once again, sorry for the fantasy post, but I really appreciate any help I get.

Hello all. I have been trying to focus more on those prospects who will make a second half impact and Gorzelanny keeps coming up. I have read a lot into him, and understand he profiles as a #2 or #3 starter, but how soon can he fulfill this?

He had good stats and peripherals in the minors, and I know a lot of people like him too, including John. Can he be successful in Pitt and will he maintain his good K/9 rate from here on?

Thanks for all the info, because my specialty is not Pitssburgh prospects. Much appreciated.

I am in a fantasy league, that keeps all players and got offered a trade:

I would get: Jeff Weaver, Mark Pawelek, Colby Rasmus for Jim Thome and Jeff Allison.

Set aside from the trade, I am very curious on where Weaver could end up this winter, because the Dodgers say it is unlikely for them to resign him. Another factor would be the aging Jim Thome. He has been declining, obviously, but SHOULD regain something in Chicago. With this being a keeper league, Im thinking his value is limited, compared to what I would be getting back. However, I really need some info from outside parties...

Thanks in advance.

Chuck James, a highly regarded prospect for the Atlanta Braves has had his contract purchesed from AAA.

"Chuck James - Starting Pitcher
Braves purchased the contract of LHP Chuck James from Triple-A Richmond.

Since Mike Hampton apparently won't pitch, James gets a callup after all. After posting a 1.08 ERA in seven starts for Single-A Myrtle Beach and a 2.09 ERA in 16 starts for Double-A Mississippi, he went 1-3 with a 3.48 ERA in six starts for Richmond. He's unlikely to make any starts, but he could be useful in middle relief."

How do you guys think he performs in his role?

Cesar Carrillo, the 18th pick in the 2005 MLB Draft, has already pitched in A and AA. His delivery (if you havent seen it) looks a lot like Tim Hudsons. He also has a mid 90's FB, and a devestating change....like Hudson.

In A, he did the following:
4 games - 19.1 IP - 1 Win - 0 Losses - 20 K's - 3 BB

Pretty impressive if you ask me, and the Padres believe so as well. A few days after his 4th game, he was sentcalledup to AA.

In 1 game at AA so far, he did the following:

6.2 IP - 5 Hits - 1 BB - 4 ER - 8 K's (win)

I wouldnt be worried about the 4 ER. The WHIP is a better indication...sub 1.00.

About a week ago, Rotoworld.com had this to say:

"It wouldn't come as a total surprise to see him in the majors before the end of the year."

It appears as if Carrillo could become a September Callup, and possibly hit the rotation if an injury was to occur to a SP. Anyway, is he for real? Are the Padres hurying him? Does he have top of the rotation potential, and most importantly...could he be another Tim Hudson?

Opinions appreciated.