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By John Sickels
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Erik Davis, RHP, San Diego Padres

Bats: R    Throws: R     HT: 6-4     WT: 200   DOB: October 8, 1986

 

 

San Diego drafted Erik Davis in the 13th round last year, out of Stanford. He pitched excellently in his pro debut, showing sharp command of his 89-92 MPH sinking fastball, solid curveball and very good changeup. He never quite lived up to expectations in college, but scouts like his emotional fortitude: he was hit in the face by a line drive in the 2006 Cape Cod League, almost losing an eye and requiring reconstructive surgery. Davis will have to prove himself at higher levels, but he’s earned the opportunity, and I think he is a sleeper. Grade C.

Wilkins de la Rosa, LHP, New York Yankees

Bats: L    Throws: L     HT: 6-1     WT: 185   DOB: February 21, 1985

 

A former outfielder, de la Rosa was converted to mound work in ’07 and has been quite successful, earning a spot on the 40-man roster going into 2009. He posted excellent K/IP and H/IP ratios last year, and while his command still needs some work, Yankees officials are optimistic about his long-term outlook. De la Rosa has a 90-94 MPH fastball and has already developed an above average changeup. His slider is below average right now, but he’s athletic and has good pitching aptitude, so it’s expected the breaking ball will improve in time. I like de la Rosa’s fresh arm and ability to push the radar. Grade C+ with higher potential.

Randall Delgado, RHP, Atlanta Braves
Bats: R    Throws: R     HT: 6-3     WT: 170   DOB: February 9, 1990

A Panamanian signed in 2006, Delgado made his North American debut in 2008, posting an excellent K/IP ratio for Danville thanks to his 90-94 MPH sinker. He has the size and physical projectability to throw harder as he fills out his frame, which might give him an elite fastball in time. His breaking ball and changeup are erratic, though both have promise, and his command needs work: his walk rate was too high. But for an 18-year-old international player making his pro debut in the Appalachian League, Delgado did quite well. There are good things to like here, and he is a possible breakthrough candidate for 2009. Grade B-.

 

Chris Dickerson, OF, Cincinnati Reds

Bats: L    Throws: L     HT: 6-4     WT: 212   DOB: April 10, 1982

 

I wrote last year that Chris Dickerson struck out too much and wouldn’t hit for average in the majors, but that his speed, willingness to take walks, sparks of power, and excellent defense would make him a valuable fourth outfielder. That’s still my analysis, and I don’t think you will see him hit .304 in a full season. I think he’s a .240-.250 hitter in the Show, so he’s likely due for a correction. It wouldn’t surprise me to see him hit .220 in 2009, causing everyone to get down on him, but then stabilize at his real level of ability in 2010. And his real level of ability is pretty good: he’s made strides turning his excellent tools into skills. He could help a lot of teams as long as his weaknesses are accounted for. Grade C+.

 

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