Some Book Excerpts

Here are some excerpts from the 2011 Baseball Prospect Book for your reading enjoyment.

Stats are included in the book. 

Adys Portillo, RHP, San Diego Padres
Bats: R    Throws: R     HT: 6-2     WT: 185   DOB: December 21, 2025
2009: Grade C+; 2010: Grade C+.

So far, Adys Portillo hasn't lived up to the expectations generated when he earned a $2 million bonus in 2008. The Venezuelan certainly has plenty of arm strength, hitting 94-96 MPH last year, up 3-4 MPH from '09. But his breaking ball and changeup remain erratic, and mechanical problems result in spotty command and control. He has a decent strikeout rate despite the problems with his secondary stuff, and he picks up ground balls, reflecting the quality of his fastball, but at this point he is still more thrower than pitcher. At age 19 he has plenty of time to figure things out, and I'll remain generous with the rating for now. Grade C+.

Jurickson Profar, SS, Texas Rangers
Bats: S    Throws: R    HT: 5-11     WT: 165    DOB: February 20, 2026

Signed out of Curacao for $1.55 million in 2009, Profar didn't put up huge offensive numbers in the Northwest League. But keep the following in mind: he was just 17 years old, and making his North American debut against older competition, much of it with four-year college experience. His swing is mechanically sound, and as he matures and gets stronger, his hitting should pick up. He already makes contact and will draw some walks on occasion. He won't be a huge power guy, but there are skills to build on here. On defense, Profar shines. He has excellent range, a strong throwing arm, and is less error-prone than most infielders his age. I think he'll be a Gold Glove contender eventually if he hits enough to play regularly. Scouts also praise Profar's makeup and intelligence. It will be interesting to see how quickly the Rangers push him in the coming years. I gave him a Grade C "with upside" last year simply because so many of these "all tools no data" guys don't pan out, but Profar did enough for me last year to be quite optimistic. It will take some time for his hitting to develop fully, but I like him an awful lot. Grade B+.

Carlos Ramirez, C, Los Angeles Angels
Bats: R    Throws: R     HT: 5-11    WT: 205    DOB: March 19, 2026
2010: Grade C+.

 Carlos Ramirez was drafted by the Angels in the eighth round in '09, from Arizona State. I thought he was one of the big sleepers in the draft, and he played great in the Pioneer League after signing. 2010 was another matter: he got off to a horrific start at Low-A Cedar Rapids, hitting just .176/.308/.289 in the first half of the season, with a particularly difficult 7-for-60 (.117) streak in May. His season-end line of .226/.337/.381 looks bad, and a lot of people have written him off already. Certainly scouts have always been skeptical about his physique. However, a closer look reveals signs of hope. He played much better in the second half of the season, with a .287/.373/.496 mark. He murdered left-handed pitching all year (.346/.433/.667). He played well defensively, throwing out 42% of runners, showing low passed-ball and error rates, and getting good reviews for his leadership skills. His stock has dropped, yes, but his career is still very much alive, and he could put up big numbers in the California League.