I’d be interested in doing some other writing, perhaps even in conjunction with other members of the community who are more sophisticated with numbers-crunching than I am . . .Prospect Smackdowns are John’s territory and so I personally feel uncomfortable doing such things while he’s able to do them.

Looking back now, I did all right for myself on the Smackdowns . . .Snider > Marrero, at least thus far. Buchholz and Chamberlain are pretty much a push, although I’m a Buchholz junkie, he could easily be the best prospect in the game were he still eligible. Walker and Headley . . .well, lol. Neither has been too hot. I thought Walker’s development in plate discipline @ AA was at least partly for real, and I think he would have been fine if that were the case. Still he is only 23 and his power has developed as expected. Headley’s been disappointing too, don’t think he’ll ever be much of an average hitter. He is smart though, maybe he makes adjustments and turns into more of a TTO player? I could see that.

kidna similar to Ellsbury if the power doesn’t really come though. which certainly have plenty value. just not star level onces.

Having seen him play in some of Taiwan’s international tournements. he’s really explosive like a latin guy. but with more grace than most latin players. the occasional power outburst surprise you. but doesn’t seem nearly consistent enough . (then again, this kinda sums up Tacoby as well)

He needs to either cut back on his whiffs or hit the ball with more authority though. he’s kinda taking a half arsed approach and getting neither of the intended outcome (either hitting for contact or power) I understand that the Sox would obviously like him to hit for some power. but with his tool set it might be better for him to take a more slap / run approach.

Still, there’s a lot to like, the tools are there, and he understand the concept of a walk. that’s hard to come by, I

he’ll probably add a tiny bit of “natural” power as he gets older, but he’s better off not trying to change his approach too much and going after a lot more power. Excellent approach at the plate, he should stay as a leadoff type, get on base, do his damage. His post April K/BB is simply fabulous.