1. Trevor Cahill A- Terrific numbers at A+ and AA at age 20, concerned with walks after promotion but willing to cut him some slack for the nice hit rate.
2. Brett Anderson B+ Awesome control, young, groundball machine - concerns with stuff but will probably be a great #2
3. Aaron Cunningham B+ Don’t know why he doesn’t get any love, no holes in his game, not a star but a very solid all-around player
4. Adrian Cardenas B Obvious concerns with power somewhat ameliorated by plate discipline, age - if he can stick at SS he’ll be great, at 2B he’ll be just pretty good
5. Michael Inoa B- Based on physical projection and stuff alone, but both are incredible.
6. Chris Carter B- Slight concerns with “old guy skills” but Jack Cust’s first-base-playing brother is still a pretty decent prospect
7. James Simmons B- Solid control, too many hits = backend guy
8. Gio Gonzalez C+ Total enigma, upside around a #3, downside pitching in a beer league - immense talent but can he harness it?
9. Vince Mazzaro C+ Want to see another year of good numbers before ranking him higher, but this year’s numbers were great until the promotion.
10. Jemile Weeks C+ Not wild about him, but if he can be his brother with better plate discipline he’ll be pretty good.

Other C+ types: Sean Doolittle, Josh Outman, Neudy Clime, Matt Sulentic, Josh Donaldson, Jose Guzman, Thomas Italiano

Carter was a B- last year and hit a few hrs last year as I recall. I know he still has the k problems but I would think that it all balances out more like a B and closer to B+ than B-.

i question why everywhere i turn (sans BA) i find Cahill above Anderson

they are the same age and pitched nearly the same amount of time at A+ and AA this year. Cahill had silly numbers at A+, while Anderson merely had eye opening stats. Then promoted to AA cahill had a bit of a hiccup and anderson just kept on putting up ridiculous numbers.

All the while, anderson is a lefty where cahill is a righty… reports are that anderson is in better shape and his fastball is up a couple ticks… All the while anderson had a BABIP of .313/.324 A+/AA and Cahill’s numbers were supported by BABIP of .253/.242 A+/AA

(notice when anderson’s numbers got better at the more challenging level his BABIP went the opposite direction, and cahill regressed a bit as his BABIP dropped… i know the sample size at AA is small, but it cant be completely ignored… 31/37 innings 5/6 starts)

1. Trevor Cahill - A-
2. Brett Anderson - A-
3. Cardenas - B - I think he could be a solid/average 2B, which is pretty good by my standards. With the possibility of being able to play SS,
4. Gio Gonzalez - B - I still have faith that he is better than he has shown
5. Aaron Cunningham - B - I’m not sure he’s much better than he is now and he may peak early
6. Chris Carter - B- - I just don’t see his appeal as much and see him as a high failure candidate. I’m so want to drop him down to C+ but down have the cajones.
7. Michael Inoa - B- - I can’t rate him any higher until I see him pitch
8. Fautino de Los Santos - B- - Expect a solid recovery from TJ surgery
9. Vince Mazzaro - C+ - I think he’s a fluke, but I’m becoming more mixed on the subject.
10. Jemile Weeks - C+ - I think he will grade out better after this year, but this is the best I can do for now.
11. James Simmons - C+ - I just don’t see it. I see a good reliever at best, which would still warrant the C+ grade
12. Sean Doolittle - C+ - Still have the urge to switch him and Carter as I think Doolittle will have more utility down the line
13. Josh Donaldson - C+ - Still has a chance to stick at Catcher in my mind
14. Rashun Dixon - C+ - on tools alone

The rest I’d have in my top 20 as C’s - Andrew Bailey, Henry Rodriguez, Matt Sulentic, Anthony Recker, Craig Italiano, Brett Hunter

Obviously, some are borderline C+, but I wouldn’t grade them that off the top by any means.

1. Trevor Cahill B+
2. Brett Anderson B+

These two are really interchangeable, but I’ll give a slight nod to Cahill. I wouldn’t give them A- grades yet, but if they can pitch as well in AA in 2009 as they did this year, then I’d say they are A- prospects next year.

3. Chris Carter B+

Carter should be a guy capable of posting an OPS of 900 or better even with a low batting average. The guy has 40 HR power. Just not on the level of Cahill/Anderson.

4. Aaron Cunningham B
5. Adrian Cardenas B
6. James Simmons B
7. Gio Gonzalez B

Cunningham looks to be an Andre Ethier type hitter, which is pretty valuable. He gets underrated all the time. Cardenas has been young for his, and I think he’ll develop at least 15 HR power, which is plenty with his contact ability and walk rate. He could be a B+ type guy once the power comes, especially if he can stay at SS. If not, he’ll still be fine at either 2B or 3B. Simmons and Gonzalez could be interchangeable as well. Gio has more potential but is less likely to reach it, and Simmons could easily do more with less in the bigs.

8. Michael Inoa B-
9. Fautino De Los Santos B-
10. Vincent Mazzaro C+/B-

I know that Iona has all the hype, but I can’t see putting him any higher than this with out throwing a pitch, and even at this point I’m not 100% comfortable ranking him here. Not sure you can really put him lower though. FDLS should bounce back fine from TJ surgery, and could rocket back up the charts in 2009. Call this cautious optimism. Mazzaro…I don’t know what to think. I need another year of good pitching to rank him any higher, because he either doesn’t have the track record or ceiling the guys above him have. That said, I think he can be a valuable piece to a big league team, but I’m sure if it’s just as a swingman or as a #3 or #4 starter.

11. Sean Doolitte C+
12. Jemile Weeks C+
13. Josh Donaldson C+
14. Henry Alberto Rodriguez C+
15. Arnold Leon C+
16. Craig Italiano C+

Doolittle could be valuable if only becomes Doug Meintkjdlfjasdlfjlas like was mentioned above, but if his bat really does have some life in it, he could be a B/B- type guy next year. Weeks might be underrated here, but let’s call it name bias for now. I want to see a little more before moving him up, seeing how much his brother has struggled. Donaldson would move up the list if can stick at C or can handle 3B. If he’s a 1B/DH/COF type, he’s probably ranked appropriately, if not a bit too high. HRod probably isn’t going to make it as a SP, same with Italiano, but both could be excellent late inning RP’s if they can’t stay in the rotation. Leon….I don’t think “sleeper” is the right word, but I like this guy a lot. Call this a conservative ranking with the ability to see him in the B/B+ range next year. He’s that good.

17. Josh Outman C+
18. Rashun Dixon C+
19. Andrew Carignan C+
20. Sam Demel C+
21. Brett Hunter C+
22. Corey Brown C+

Outman could be a decent 4/5 starter if things break right, but I’d say he’s a LOOGY at worst, making him valuable but limited. Dixon is a toolsy guy who you argue should be higher, but I want to see more than AZL results before putting him much higher. Carignan/Demel are two more interchangeable guys. Both are fast tracking RP’s who need to sort out their control. If the walk rate drops, you’re looking at two setup quality relievers. Hunter could move up the list quickly too. Brown has to cut down on the K’s, but if he can get them into the 120 range, he could be an above average COF.

23. Andrew Bailey C
24. Tyson Ross C
25. Petey Paramore C

Bailey really clicked after moving to the pen. He’s got alot of competition there, but he could move up with a good 2009 season. Ross and Paramore are two 2008 draftees that showed some success in short stints this year. I think both could be C+ type guys next year.

1. Brett Anderson A- Has been successful at every level, great command, improving fastball to go with a good slider. Also he’s left handed, almost as sure a bet to be a good pitcher as you can get a AA.

2. Trevor Cahill A- Great sinking fastball which really helps him to limit hits and HR’s, also a good Knuckle Curve which helps him get K’s. BB rate was average but improving at lower levels. Saw component ratios take a severe turn in the wrong direction in a small sample at AA which knocks him just below Anderson.

3. Chris Carter B Enormous Power, good eye, terrible contact rate. More athletic than he’s given credit for I think if given a chance could play league average 1B.

4. Aaron Cunningham B Has been successful at every level at appropriate age, even if his power doesn’t develop anymore will be above average as a corner outfielder and will be excellent as a CF if he can stick there.

5. Adrian Cardenas B Shows good contact ability and a good batting eye from a middle infielder. Scouts have said there is more pop in his bat and he has been young for his level, but even without much power will be useful at 2B.

6. Gio Gonzalez B Close to B- I went with my gut and gave the B. He has struggled adjusting to higher levels in the past, usually due to a jump in BB rate early on. I think once he gains confidence at the MLB level his BB/9 will get back to 3’s and he will become a very effective pitcher.

7. Michael Inoa B- To be honest I’m not sure where he should go with no performance to judge him, but it sounds like he has all the tools to be a great starter so I think a B- is good for now.

8. James Simmons B- Went directly to AA as a 20 y/o College grad and had success, again put up good numbers especially if you account for the sleep apnia which hurt his performance mid year. Right now is a Fastball/change guy with excellent control. Has a great pitcher’s mindset and I believe he can develop an adequate 3rd pitch.

9. Sean Doolittle B- Great defense at 1B and showing more power than anyone thought. The increase in power has caused his K-rate to spike. Was known for having a good swing before this year, I think with more work the power will come more naturally and he will be able to lower the K’s a bit.

10. Vince Mazzaro B- Broke out in a big way as a 21 y/o at AA. Number at lower levels were much worse but A’s coaches said he pitched much better than the numbers showed a A+. Good sinking fastball with decent breaking pitches and good control. Will not be as good as he was in 2008 but I think he will prove to be a valuable starter.

Just missed: Jemile Weeks, Josh Donalds, Fautino De Los Santos, Sam Demel, Josh Outman

Grades for A’s prospects

Cahill A- (interchangable with Anderson)
Anderson A- (interchangable with Cahill)
Cardenas B+ (very good for his age, just needs to add a bit more power)
Gio Gonzalez B+ (the PCL is HARD, no complaints)
Cunningham B (probably a decent hitter, but defensive value drags him down . . .maybe a B-?)
Carter B (closer to B- than B+)
Simmons B- (looking like the poor man’s Kevin Slowey)
Mazzaro B- (I think he’s a solid 3)
Doolittle B- (will cut some slack for strong defensive value and first full year as a hitter, but I’m not convinced that the strikeouts and power are totally related . . .struck out a ton in AA as well)
Weeks B- (maybe a B?)
HRod C+ (but obviously with higher potential, just think he’s incredibly raw even as a reliever)
Italiano C (even more raw than HRod, concerned about stamina, injury issues, 2nd pitch, command . . .)
Inoa B (I split the difference between A- and C+)

1. Anderson A-
2. Cahill A-
3. Cunningham B+
4. Doolittle B+ (sue me, I like his combo of power potential, great defense, and LD stroke)
5. Cardenas B
6. Carter B
7. Gio B
8. Simmons B
9. Inoa B
10. Mazzaro B-
11. Donaldson B-
12. Leon B- (really high on him)

More later, I think there are a ton of guys here who are good enough to be in the B range based on Sickels’ precedent.

Cardenas will be a solid 2B, no way he has the range for SS, makes drafting Weeks look even worse now then it did then unless he turns into a solid CF.

Gio Gonzalez I think he’ll adjust to the majors (it took him time to adjust to AAA) and become a solid starter. I’ve always thought of him as a #3, with hopes he’d progress into a #2. Maybe the nicest guy on earth, I hope he makes it.

Mazzaro gets flat out lost in this system. He is MUCH higher in the ratings of most other farm systems.

But here are the grades as I see them:

1. Trevor Cahill, RHP - A+. Only pitching for 3 years, will take another step forward the size of the one in 2008; will make him best pitching prospect since Dwight Gooden; pencil him in for 2 CYs and 200 wins
2. Brett Anderson, LHP - A+ Lefthanded version of Trevor Cahill. Upside between Jim Kaat and Steve Carlton
3. Chris Carter, 3B/1B - A Massive power, but probably won’t have a BA much above .320.
4. Aaron Cunningham, CF A- Seriously underrated, will probably break out like Ryan Ludwick
5. Gio Gonzalez, LHP - A- Great stuff, upside limited only by opportunity in deep A’s system
6. Adrian Cardenas, SS/2B A - Stolen from the Phillies, he will make them wish they’d dealt Utley instead
7. Sean Doolittle, 1B/RF B+ - Ceiling of Kevin Youkilis or Adrian Gonzalez. Median of Doug Mientkiwisc. Standard Deviation of a Jason Giambi. R-squared of Rusty Staub.
8. James Simmons, RHP - Tops out somewhere between Tim Hudson and Roger Clemens
9. Vin Mazzaro, RHP - B+ - somewhere between Brandon Webb and Derek Lowe
10. Josh Donaldson, C B+ I never heard of this guy, but I think he’s got All-Star potential
11. Michel Inoa, RHP B+ - Top import player already, will be Top 3 prospect in two years
12. Jemile Weeks, 2B A - like his brother, but with better speed, more defense, and better power
13. Henry Rodriguez, RHP - B+ - If he can cut his walks tenfold, he’s Goose Gossage
18. Corey Brown, CF - B+ 75% chance of being a perennial All-Star, 25% chance of being Randy Winn
19. Brett Hunter, RHP - B+ - Son of Catfish, he’ll break all his A’s records.
20. Sam Demel, RHP - B+ - The “Demel Tool”, we call him, and he’ll reduce MLB bats to sawdust in the very near future
21. Andrew Carignan, RHP A- - best A’s reliever in a deep system
22. Tyson Ross, RHP - Also never heard of him, but has great stuff. B / B+ prospect
23. Nino Leyja, SS -B+ Great pop and range, could be starting over Crosby right now
24. Matt Sulentic, OF (as of voting right now) B+ - I see him as a potential all-star, but after moving to C

Next up, I will grade the Rangers.

Ok I’m an A’s fan as well so take these grades as you will, but this is one of the deepest farm systems in baseball so I don’t think we are going to be seeing any prospects lower than C+ on the list.

1. RHP Trevor Cahill - A
2. LHP Brett Anderson - A
3. LHP Gio Gonzalez - B+ (was dominant at AAA after settling down - I don’t think 7 bad MLB starts changes things too much)
4. 2B/SS Adrian Cardenas - B+ (Performed very well age related. Lack of power is concerning but scouts seem to love his tools - power and position concerns could drop him to a B)
5. 1B/3B Chris Carter - B+ (John gave him an “agressive” B+ grade last year. Hit 40 hr last year with good strike zone judgement - can’t see him as anything below a B)
6. OF Aaron Cunningham B+ (Has done nothing but hit at every single level and seems to be finally getting the recognition he deserves)
7. RHP James Simmons - B
8. RHP Michel Inoa - B
9. 1B/OF Sean Doolittle - B
10. RHP Vin Mazzaro - B
11. RHP Henry Rodriguez - B
12. CF Corey Brown - B (Could be a B- but his power, speed, patience and defence are all plus tools - strikeouts and rawness are a worry though)
13. 2B Jemile Weeks - B-
14. RHP Brett Hunter - B- (Agressive grade due to injury and delivery concerns, but his talent sounds legit - hopefully he can stick as a SP)
15. C Josh Donaldson - B-
16. LHP Josh Outman - B-
17. RHP Andrew Carignan - B-
18. RHP Sam Demel - B-
19. RHP Arnold Leon - C+ (Could be a big sleeper in the system - hopefully the A’s will put him as a starter next season)
20. RHP Fautino De Los Santos - C+ (Would have been nearer the top of the list on talent alone but drops a grade due to TJ surgery
21. RHP Rashun Dixon - C+

Other C+ prospects - RHP Andrew Bailey, RHP Craig Italiano, OF Matt Sulentic, RHP Tyson Ross, RHP Jared Lansford. I also like Travis Banwart and Daniel Thomas as sleepers.

and Dixon is obviously an OF

 
1. Brett Anderson, A-
2. Trevor Cahill
3. Adrian Cardenas, B+
4. Chris Carter
5. Michel Inoa
6. Gio Gonzalez, B
7. Aaron Cuninngham
8. James Simmons
9. Vince Mazzaro
10. Josh Donaldson, B-
11. Jemile Weeks
12. Fautino de los Santos
13. Sean Doolittle, C+
14. Josh Outman
15. Henry Rodriguez
16. Rashun Dixon
17. Brett Hunter
18. Corey Brown
19. Arnold Leon, C
20. Matt Sulentic