Sea Dogs Tabata impressive in camp

At an age when most U.S. kids are finishing off their senior year of high school, Jose Tabata looked quite comfortable in big league camp. He hit .429/.529/.643 in 14 at-bats while earning comparisons to Manny Ramirez. Since being sent to minor league camp he has had a minor hamstring injury.

Chatham Ironmen prospect has surgery

Bad news from Ironmen camp yesterday, as righthanded reliever J. Brent Cox went down with an elbow injury that required surgery. The extent of the injury and subsequent surgery are not known, but a source from the club said that it was not Tommy John surgery. “We’re not really certain on a timetable for return as of now,” the source said. “But no—it was not Tommy John.”

Spring Training Report - Phil Humber

Philip Humber has not seen any statistical proof, but he has heard from others in the game that a pitcher coming off Tommy John elbow surgery performs best in his second year after the surgery. From his still-limited perspective, the Mets' right-hander can believe it. "The further I get from surgery, the better I feel throwing," Humber said at the Mets camp here. "The ball comes out of my hand stronger, with more feel and control." If that is the case, Humber, bidding for a spot in the Mets' rotation, could be dynamite in 2007.


He had Tommy John surgery on July 19, 2005. Returning to the Minors on June 22 of last year, he could do little wrong the rest of the season. At Class A Advanced St. Lucie, he was 3-1 with a 2.37 earned run average, striking out 36 batters in 38 innings. At Double-A Binghamton, he went 2-2 with a 2.88 ERA, with 36 strikeouts in 34.1 innings. As a reward for his rapid recovery, the Mets then promoted him to the parent club in September. No problem. In a 27-day taste of the Majors he showed no awe of the opposition, pitching two scoreless, hitless innings.

"It was a great experience," Humber, 24, said of his Major League cameo. "I'll never forget my first time out there. My parents were in the stands, my girlfriend. It felt pretty special." He then paused, before adding, "But there is no guarantee I'll get back up there." There is no guarantee, but Humber, the third pick overall in the 2004 first year players draft, is pretty close to a lock to return. If he doesn't make the Mets' rotation out of Spring Training, chances are strong that he will be promoted at some stage of the season.

Top 10 Prospects - Cannons

One of the things I hate is my 1-year old grinding his teeth...yes he was doing it like crazy today and it therefore was not a great day. Well this evening did not get any better as I decided to do another top 10, and the Cannons are not that good.

The Cannons are currently ownerless, and the previous ownership loved to spend money, build a team for the now and pick up other teams "soon to be released garbage".

1. Adam Lind - OF/1B - Toronto Blue Jays

Lind's calling card to the majors is his bat. He has very good bat control which can provide power to all parts of the field. He is an intelligent hitter that should consistently hit around .300 with a good number of doubles and homeruns. He is slowly improving his patience at the plate as well and should be a solid on base guy. What Lind does not provide is either speed or defense. He will probably start his career as a left fielder, but will eventually move to 1B or DH.

2. Humberto Sanchez - RP - New York Yankees

Sanchez is a very interesting prospect that has a plus mid-90's fastball and a plus hard sinking slider. After those first two pitches he follows that up with 2 average pitches: curve and change. Sanchez tends to struggle with his mechanics, command and health as he is yet to toss over 130 innings in a season. Currently he is fighting for a rotation spot, but I see Sanchez as a setup man and eventual replacement for Mariano Rivera.

3. Carlos Gomez - OF - New York Mets

Gomez is a raw multi-tool prospect who I try to stay away from. He has great speed, a great arm, has a lighting quick bat, and has the potential to hit for homeruns. I currently see two issues with him. The first is that we always here about the potential to hit homeruns, but he still has not hit double digits in homeruns. The later is the bigger concern, he does not walk much at all which always hurts the strat card. Could he be the next Jeff Francouer?

4. Matt Walker - P - Tampa Bay Devilrays

Walker is my favorite prospect in the Cannons system. Walker's hard sinking fastball and 12-6 curveball are already plus pitches, and he also has a change up that has plus potential. The main concern right now with Walker is his ability to repeat his delivery and therefore his command is inconsistent. If corrected, Walker has the chance to be a top of the rotation starter.

5. Rafael Perez - P - Cleveland Indians

Perez is actually kind of an interesting prospect. He throws extremely hard with a 2 seem and 4 seem fastball that are in the low-mid 90's. He also throws a really hard late breaking slider that is in the upper 80's. He tends to keep the ball down in the zone, which is very good for a hard throwing pitcher. He has consistently had good numbers in the minors as he flip flops from starter to reliever. I believe he will end up a reliever one day, but his numbers look nice and he will be given a shot as a starter.

6. Chase Headley - 3B - San Diego Padres

Headley is a perfect example of a moneyball player, and seems to be consistent with the type of prospect that San Diego likes to draft. He has amazing patience and pitch recognition which allows him to be a strong on base machine, which is great for strat. Unfortunately, he has very little power for the hot corner, does not have great range (though he does have a strong arm), and will clog up the bases. He kind of reminds me of Kevin Youkilis and will find himself in the majors as a utility corner guy that will get in his 400 PA a year.

7. David Murphy - OF - Boston Red Sox

When I first joined the league I was a co-owner of the Prickly Pear Dealers and when we decided to part ways I took over the ownership of the Pittsburgh Crawfords. The Crawfords manager liked to draft college players, of which I tended to dump almost all of them when I got the team. Ones of those guys was David Murphy. Murphy has average tools across the board with the ability to have plus power, which he never shows in a game. I believe the best Murphy will ever achieve is a utility outfielder.

8. Chris Mason - P - Tampa Bay Devilrays

Mason is an ex-college pitcher that was drafted by the Devilrays in the 2nd round. He has a heavy plus fastball that is supported by a series of average secondary offerings. He is currently in the rotation but has the mentality and pitches to be a late inning reliever. With Tampa's need for rotation pitchers he may continue to get a chance to become that inning eating #4 starter.

9. Chad Spann - OF - Boston Red Sox

I personally do not even consider Spann much of a prospect, but I was dying to find guys to put on this list. It is probably easier to discuss the negatives...he has horrible defense getting poor reads on balls, lacks speed to get to balls and has very little of an arm. He is not a danger on the basepaths because he is not a fast runner. Spann has the potential to be a solid average hitter with decent patience, but due to the fact that he is poor defensively he is being forced by Boston to hit for more power as a left fielder or first baseman....it's not working!

10. Anthony Webster - OF - Texas Rangers

Webster's tools are average across the board with the exception of his arm which is below average. So far Webster has shown an ability to consistently hit for a decent average and profiles out as either a center or left fielder. Which position he plays will depend on the amount of power he can generate and how well he can cover centerfield. Right now he is a tweaner and he could end up becoming a utility outfielder.

Next Best: Jeff Keppinger - Kansas City

Sleeper: Ismael Castro - Seattle

Up Next: Connecticut Charter Oaks

Spring Training Report - Evan Longoria

Evan Longoria (property of the Minneapolis Miller) has a different look about him than he did the last time he donned a Devil Rays uniform in St. Petersburg. The Rays had just selected and signed the slugging third baseman from Long Beach State (third overall pick of the 2006 First-Year Player Draft) and brought him to Tropicana Field to show off like a neighbor would a new Mercedes. Longoria then took batting practice and the "slugging" third baseman hardly inspired anyone with his power, or lack thereof.

Longoria smiled when asked to recall the moment. "I was just real nervous, that was my first professional baseball experience," he said. "I was nervous to come out and get to hit with all the big stars you see on TV. I just wanted to hit the ball. But to finally get out and play in the Minor Leagues was a relief."

Longoria, 21, quickly got busy on a whirlwind trip through the lower levels of the Rays' organization. At Class A Hudson Valley, he hit .424 in eight games with four home runs and 11 RBIs. Class A Visalia was his next stop and again he excelled, hitting .327 with eight home runs and 28 RBIs. By the end of the season, Longoria found himself at Double-A Montgomery, where he finally seemed to get challenged, hitting .267 with six home runs and 19 RBIs in 26 games.
"At Double-A, I was kind of blown away," Longoria said. "From what I hear, that is the hardest jump -- from A ball to Double-A, because a lot of those guys are almost ready for the big leagues. They can make that jump. It was a shock. Because you go from high A, where you see one or two really good starters a week, but in Double-A it was every day, someone throwing 92. It was a little bit different."

Other than reaching the end of his rope by the end of the season, Longoria found professional baseball to his liking. "I really liked playing every day, as opposed to practice [in college]," Longoria said. "I think it's easier to play. Games are more fun. That wasn't too much of a shock to me. That was something I was looking forward to. "A lot of travel, living out of a suitcase and jumping on planes and buses. It was different. You go through so many stages, but it was fun at the same time. I got to meet a bunch of guys in the organization."

Longoria has embraced being in his first Major League camp this spring.

Spring Training Report - John Danks

If pitching as part of the Texas Rangers' system rightfully seemed like playing at home for John Danks (property of the Vigilantes), then joining the White Sox organization this past offseason could be considered as working with a close friend of the family.

For starters, the White Sox scouted Danks during parts of the past two years, identifying the soon-to-be 22-year-old as a person of serious interest in any possible deals. But there's also a previous connection between the South Siders and the Danks family. With the 575th pick of the 2005 First-Year Player Draft, the White Sox selected Jordan Danks (property of the Spiders). The outfielder already had made it clear that he intended to attend the University of Texas, accounting for a player of his stature and talent slipping far below his value in the 19th round. But the White Sox thought they would take a chance and try to pick up a draft steal in the process. Jordan Danks kept his commitment to the Longhorns, but his family left the process with a very good feeling about the White Sox organization. Two years later, Jordan's older brother is competing for the fifth starter's spot in the club's rotation after coming over from Texas with Nick Masset and Jacob Rasner in a Christmas deal for Brandon McCarthy.

Wednesday's Cactus League opener marked Danks' first White Sox appearance, and manager Ozzie Guillen classified his two-inning effort as one of the few bright spots in a 12-4 loss. Danks yielded one run, although it was produced by a misplayed ball in the outfield, and struck out two. The talented southpaw also followed ace left-hander Mark Buehrle to the mound Wednesday. It represented a mix of the team's successful past and present, along with its very optimistic future on the mound.

Top 10 Prospects - Braves

Two years ago the Braves minor league system was a mess, but Braves management has done a good job in obtaining early draft selections and have done a very good job in making selections with those picks. The Braves have lots of pitching on the way but need to find some bats.

1. Chuck Lofgren, P, Kansas City Royals
Heading the list is left hander Lofgren. Lofgren has a solid repertoire of four pitches, a low 90's fastball, a spike curve, a changeup (his best pitch) and a developing slider. None of his pitches stand out as plus-plus pitch but all are solid-strong. He has a very clean delivery and has the ability of throwing all of his pitches for strikes. Last year Lofgren progessed a great deal and he will probably move to AA next season.

2. Dellin Betances, P, New York Yankees
About six months prior to the 2006 MLB draft Betances was my favorite pitching prospect in the draft. Betances struggled with consistency in his senior season which led many to believe he was going to attend college and scared me away. He signed with the Yankees and looks like a great pick by the Braves. Betances stuff has the best potential of anyone in the system. His fastball sits in the mid 90's and he has a low 80's curve. His third pitch is a developing change, with all three pitches at plus or developing plus. Keeping his mechanics clean will be the challenge for this tall youngster.

3. Kyle Drabek, P, Philadelphia Phillies
Drabek goes to the mound with a nasty first two pitches. The first is an unhittable spike curve that is in the lower 80's range and the second is a mid 90's fastball. Through high school Drabek did not require a third pitch but he started working on a change in the fall and it is showing the ability to be an average or better pitch. Drabek has a clean compact delivery. I placed Betances higher on this list because he has been more successful so far, and I believe he is further from his ceiling then Drabek is.

4. Thomas Diamond, P, Texas Rangers
Diamond probably led this list a year ago, but more questions have been raised about him over the last year. Diamond has low 90's fastball that he throws high in the zone, and a plus change that is a nice constrasting pitch to his fastball. His third pitch is a developing slider that he started to toss last year. Diamond is seen as a potential #3 workshorse starter, but he really struggled last year to throw strikes and more mature hitters worked him to long counts which meant he only averaged 5 innings a start. If he does not improve his control then he will probably become a closer.

5. Tyler Lumsden, P, Kansas City Royals
Rating Lumsden at this level is not consistent to my own beliefs, but I decided to give the benefit of the doubt to the publications that are out there. Lumsden has a clean delivery that allows him to throw three quality pitches, a low 90's fastball, a 12-6 curve and a changeup. Nothing really shines as being potential plus, but he is a solid overall package. Lumsden will go to AAA next year and may appear in the Royals rotation next year.

6. Jordan Tata, P, Detroit Tigers
Tata is not an overpowering pitcher but instead works the plate to get hitters out. He throws a low 90's cut fastball and has an above average knuckle curve. Tata is currently working on adding a slider, but that project is far from being successful. He has a clean delivery, but has alot for warts including average stuff, nothing to get lefties out, and average command for a pitcher who needs to be a control pitcher. I believe his future is as a middle reliever, though he may sit in AAA for a couple years while attempting to crack the Tigers rotation.


7. Colten Willems, P, Washington Nationals
Willems is a second strong selection in the 2006 draft by the Braves, who has the ability to move into the top 3 group with Lofgren, Betances, and Drabek. He has a perfect pitchers body and currently has a clean delivery and a plus fastball that sits in the low to mid 90's. He currently has a mid 80's slider as his second pitch but it still requires some work to become a plus pitch. The biggest concerns for Willems is his change up is average and he has already had to be shut down with mild arm issues. Willems will attempt to become a starting pitcher for the Braves, but if that is not successful it is easy to see his stuff work as a closer.


8. Matt LaPorta, 1B, NCAA (Florida)
It is always very difficult to figure out where to squeeze in a college or high school player, but I figured this was a safe place for LaPorta. Some would think LaPorta could have been higher since he is the top rated college senior, but lets remember that after his junior season he was still only a 14th round selection by Boston. He also could have been lower but the guys below him have only proven they have huge holes in their game. LaPorta fell to the 14th round for two reasons, an injury caused a bad junior year where he pressed too hard, and boras is his agent. LaPorta has one plus tool and that is extreme power. So far this year LaPorta is having a very good senior season and he should go in the first couple rounds of the June draft.

9. Jason Place, OF, Boston Red Sox
Place is a toolsy outfielder that has the range to play center and the arm to play right. He brings a complete offensive package that has the ability to hit for power as well as the ability to steal a good number of bases. The challenge that Place has is that he is a very agressive hitter which means he does not walk much and that just does not produce usable strat cards. A great example of that, and probably Place's ceiling, is Jeff Francouer. So far in 1.5 years Fancouer has only become a bat against lefties (which is not that great this year) and a defensive substitution.

10. Justin Orenduff, P, Los Angeles Dodgers
The Braves minor league system seems to consist of four very good prospects, five good prospects and then alot of question marks. Orenduff is the first question mark. At his best he looks like a back of the rotation innings eater with a upper 80's low 90's fastball, very good slider and below average change. He struggles to get lefties out and struggles to meet expectations on command. The biggest concern is 2006 was a waste due to injuries. I do not see Orenduff going up on this list and believe that if he makes the majors it will be in the bullpen.

Best of the Rest: Ryan Harvey, OF, Chicago Cubs
Sleeper: Greg Golson, OF, Philadelphia Phillies
Next Up: Winchester Cannons

Ten rookies to watch out for in 2007

Exhibition baseball means different things to different people.

To fans huddled around radios or TVs -- byte-age update: computer monitors -- in the icy Northeast and frozen Midwest, it's a peephole into summer.

To managers and their staffs, it's a rare opportunity to evaluate firsthand, with both the stakes and pressures low.

To veteran players, it quickly becomes drudgery with a capital "D."

But for wide-eyed rookies, it's the beginning of the rainbow. For both them and their teams' fans, it's a great outdoor mixer for them to get acquainted with each other. Prospect reports leap to life, and the proverbial tools come out of the shed.

So, game on, and spotlight on.

With the Grapefruit and Cactus League seasons under way, the curtain also goes up on baseball's "Generation Next." The 2007 rookie class has a couple of tough acts to follow; the last two seasons have brought loads of rookie gold, paced by the Braves and Marlins, respectively.
The vein doesn't appear to have dried up, however. From Sarasota, Fla., to Surprise, Ariz., here are 10 names you will want to keep an eye on in '07, and probably won't be able to keep your eye off for the next decade.

RHP Homer Bailey, Indianapolis Clowns: Only 20, the right-hander is still filling out his 6-foot-4 frame, and you shudder to think what a little more beef could do to his already-untouchable stuff. Bailey lit up some eyes even last spring, but people weren't looking for him then. They are now. Bailey appeared to lose his fear of professional hitters in '06, which improved his control.
Talk about a misnomer. The Texan has yielded merely 12 homers in 255 Minor League innings. Not counting some radio announcers, he could turn into the best Homer in baseball history -- not a tough act to follow (Blankenship, Bush, Davidson, Ezzell, Hillebrand, Peel, Smoot, Spragins, Summa and Thompson).

RHP Matt Garza, Beechurst Blues: What took you so long? Garza began 2006, his first full pro season, with a start for Class A Fort Myers and ended it with a start against the White Sox, stepping on every rung along the way. Garza barely maintained his rookie status and could exploit some of the holes in manager Ron Gardenhire's rotation. Last season, you could see the 6-foot-4, 190 pounder gain confidence through each of his nine starts for the Twins.

3B Alex Gordon, Minneapolis Millers: Manager Buddy Bell is trying to dispel any pressure on Gordon by suggesting that the kid's not expected to be a factor and would have to force his way into the lineup (and hence bump Mark Teahen into the outfield). In his first pro season at Double-A Wichita, Gordon hit .325 with 29 homers and 101 RBIs.

RHP Philip Hughes, Red Deer Rampage: Smart, plucky, with great physical tools. George Will, Harry Callahan and Roger Clemens all rolled into one. Hughes has already been wowing teammates in batting practice, and now his audience will grow. Hughes' Minor League numbers are ridiculous and, 20 years old or not, if the bottom of Joe Torre's rotation -- Kei Igawa, Carl Pavano -- shows cracks, he's in.

3B Kevin Kouzmanoff, Somerset Sun Devils: When you give up an established young second baseman (Josh Barfield) for a 25-year-old who has been idling in the Minors for five years, there's built-in intrigue. Kouzmanoff's a high-average guy who can still develop acceptable corner power, and may be a revelation who has only been awaiting a chance. Or, GM Kevin Towers may simply have been wrong. You'll be able to judge for yourself.

RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka, Chicago Monarchs: We don't make up the rules, just follow them. He's a Major League rookie, and who will be more closely watched this season than Dice-K, whose every appearance will be an international event. Matsuzaka's spring show won't disappoint; if pitchers are traditionally considered to be weeks ahead of hitters, his offseason work ethic will have him months ahead. Check out the mysterious gyroball in action.

C Miguel Montero, Beechurst Blues: Chris Snyder is also on hand, but this 23-year-old's talent persuaded Arizona to deal Johnny Estrada to Milwaukee. With his ability to quarterback a game from behind the mask, Bob Melvin was impressed by Montero during a brief stint in September. Said the manager: "He's low to the ground, he's great blocking balls and moving around back there." Montero is a good contact hitter who lost much of his power once he got out of Class A, but he will be an effective offensive tool at the bottom of the order.

OF Felix Pie, Portland Sea Dogs: A 21-year-old outfielder wouldn't seem to have a role on a big-ticket team rigged out for a World Series title run, but Pie will still glow like neon in the Cactus League. Pie has to learn to harness both his speed and his bat, but this is already his fourth big-league camp, and, as long as Jacque Jones seems to dangle one foot out of Chicago, he'll be in the picture.

3B Brandon Wood, Fargo-Moorhead Twins: He's a shortstop by trade, but the Halos already have Orlando Cabrera stationed there. A few years ago, similar circumstances didn't stop Troy Glaus, who simply moved to the hot corner. Wood, who will turn 22 on March 2, is still learning the strike zone and could swing and miss his way out of the picture. But the Angels, who'd much rather keep moving Chone Figgins around the diamond, do have an opening for him.

OF Delmon Young, NAFTA Prickly Pear Dealers: Young came up four at-bats under the rookie bar last season, when he backed up his prior lip about deserving a promotion by hitting .317 in his first 126 big-league at-bats. No one knows how long the outfield of Carl Crawford, Rocco Baldelli and Young will remain intact, so take a good look, and marvel while you can.

Prospect Report - Colby Rasmus, Portland Sea Dogs

The Sea Dogs have been extremely excited about Rasmus' progress since he was selected in 2005, and with good reason.

The St.Lous Cardinal prospect has got at least 20-20 potential, which he just started to realize when he stole 28 bases and hit 16 homers across two levels in his first full season. At each level, Rasmus got off to a terrible start, going 2-for-28 to kick off the year in Quad Cities, then hitting .214 in his first month at Palm Beach. To his credit, he made adjustments, finishing his time in the Midwest League with a .310 average and hitting .305 in August.

Rasmus is a prototypical five-tool player who someday soon should be able to take the reins from Jim Edmonds in St. Louis' center field and could develop into a .300 hitter with 20-25 homers per season while playing excellent defense. The Cardinals would love for Rasmus to start in Springfield while turning just 21 in April, but they also know there's a lot of outfield depth at the upper levels that could trickle down and the Cardinals would rather have Rasmus play every day in Palm Beach to start the year rather than be the fourth guy in Springfield. Either way, he should see Double-A at some point in 2007.

2007 MLB Draft Report - Matt Wieters

Biographical Data
Player Name: Matthew Richard Wieters
Position: Catcher
School: Georgia Tech
MDBL Team: NAFTA Prickly Pear Dealers
Academic Class: Junior
Birthdate: 05/21/86
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 230 lbs.
Bats: Both
Throws: Right
Report Date(s): 02/16-02/18/07
Game(s): Illinois-Chicago

Focus Area/Comments:
Hitting Ability: Wieters usually is an electric hitter with the ability to hit for power and average from both sides of the plate. Early this season, though, he's been fighting himself at the plate during games, getting out too quickly. He's more fluid from the left side and has more strength from the right.
Power: Wieters showed plus raw power from the left side during BP and only took a few swings from the right side because that night's opponent was a RHP.
Running Speed: Wieters is a below average runner.
Arm Strength: Also Georgia Tech's closer, Wieters has plus arm strength from behind the plate.
Arm Accuracy: Wieters' accuracy is just as good as his arm strength. His throws are always right on target.
Fielding: Overall, he's average behind the plate. He needs to get in better position to catch the ball and give his pitcher an earlier target
Range: Wieters moves his feet fine, but needs to work on his lateral range.
Baseball Instinct: Wieters normally has a terrific approach at the plate and is a natural leader behind it.
Physical Description: Wieters is tall for a catcher at 6-foot-5, but should be able to stick behind the plate.
Medical Update: Healthy.
Strengths: Above-average power from both sides, arm strength and accuracy.
Weaknesses: Right now, there's a lot of movement in his swing and he's losing leverage as a result.
Summary: On Friday, he was jumpy at the plate during the game and his approach was not good. It's early in the year and Wieters certainly has a good track record, so no one doubts he'll remain the top college bat in the draft class.

2007 MLB Draft Report - Michael Main

Biographical Data
Player Name: Michael Main
Position: Starting Pitcher
MDBL Team: NAFTA Prickly Pear Dealers
School: DeLand HS, DeLand, Fla.
School Type: High School
Academic Class: Senior
Birthdate: 12/14/88
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 180 lbs.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Report Date(s): 02/16/07
Game(s): Merritt Island HS
Focus Area/Comments:
FB Movement: Main's fastball was fairly true without too much movement.
Slider: Main's slider was up to about 84 mph and looked more like a hard slurve.
Changeup: He has offspeed stuff, but didn't use it in this start.
Control: His command was pretty good considering he was pitching in cold and damp conditions.
Poise: Main showed good poise and mound presence, focusing through adverse conditions.
Physical Description: Main is a tremendous athlete who would also garner consideration as an outfielder.
Medical Update: Healthy.
Strengths: Fastball velocity.
Weaknesses: Secondary offerings. His slider got long at times in this start.
Summary: This was a rather generic outing for Main, who was on a strict pitch count and was dealing with wind chill temperatures at around 30 degrees. Considering that he couldn't get a good feel for the ball, though, he handled himself well. It will be easier to get a better read when the weather in Florida warms up.

2007 MLB Draft Report - Blake Beavan

Biographical Data
Player Name: Blake Beavan
Position: Starting Pitcher
MDBL Team: Oak Ridges Posse
School: Irving HS, Irving, Texas
School Type: High School
Academic Class: Senior
Birthdate: 01/17/89
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 210 lbs.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Report Date(s): 02/16/07
Game(s): Arlington Lamar

Focus Area/Comments:
Fastball: Beavan was clocked up to 96 mph.
Slider: Beavan threw sliders in the 81-84 mph range, though they weren't as sharp as his fastball.
Changeup: He didn't throw many changeups, but when he did they were inthe 82-83 mph range.
Control: Beavan commanded his fastball to both sides of the plate extremely well, rare for a young pitcher of his body type.
Poise: Beavan showed good poise in a scrimmage-type setting. In the past, he's showboated at times on the mound, but there was none of that in this four-inning outing.
Physical Description: Beavan is big and strong with incredible arm strength and above-average athleticism.
Medical Update: Healthy.
Strengths: Command of a plus, plus fastball.
Weaknesses: His secondary offerings. Both his slider and changeup were below average in this outing.
Summary: Beavan is a very confident young man who knows all eyes are on him. He didn't disappoint in this outing and probably didn't throw a fastball below 90 mph. It was a very encouraging start to his final high school season.

Top 10 Prospects - Blues

Third in my series of ratings the top 10 prospects for each franchise is the Beechurst Bliues. I must admit, I did not know what to expect when rating the Blues. The Blues ownership has been very quite since I joined this league and because of that I do not think I ever look at his team. I was surprised to find out that the minor league system is not bad. They currently have between 14-18 solid prospects with three that I feel could be strong major league players.

1. Reid Brignac – SS – Tampa Bay Devilrays
Leading the pack is recently acquired shortstop Reid Brignac. Brignac cost alot with the Blues giving up top closer, soon to be starter Jon Papelbon, but sometimes you need to sell high and when you get the chance to pick up an offensive shortstop then I think you do it. Brignac’s biggest asset is a plus bat that has power potential, and some of that potential is already showing as he hit 20+ homeruns in High A and AA. He is not a pull hitter but tends to use the whole field to his advantage. He does need to control his swing a little more and decrease his strikeouts. Defensively he has proven solid range, and has a very strong arm, but again he needs to play under control and cut down on his throwing errors. Brignac is not blocked in the majors so he probably moves up fast, and as long as his defense improves he could be an allstar shortstop.

2. Miguel Montero – C – Arizona Diamondbacks
Montero brings a solid approach in every facit of the game with no one specific ability that stands out, and really no weaknesses. Offensively he is a hitter that will use the whole field and tends to make a decent amount of contact. Not known for having great power he will be good for 10-15 homeruns per season and will draw an average number of walks. Montero is not like most latin American catchers who typically excel defensively, instead he has slowly improved from a horrible defensive catcher to a solid one that manages the game well. He will get the chance to play in Arizona this year and most publications say he will become the starter over Chris Snyder. Personally I do not understand why because Snyder was rushed to the majors, had a solid second year and is a very good defensive catcher....but I may be biased.

3. Michael Bowden – P – Boston Red Sox
After Brignac, Bowden is my favourite in this organization. Bowden had a very good first full season and comes at hitters with two plus pitches (fastball and curve) and has very good command of both pitches. He has the potential of being a #2/#3 starter in the majors but must work on improving his changeup. The biggest concern with Bowden is his delivery which could be a cause for injury concern.

4. Brad Snyder – OF – Cleveland Indians
Snyder is an impressive prospect but one that will frustrate ownership for many years in the majors. From a tools perspective Snyder is great. Many owners try and find players that can hit 20 homeruns and steal 20 bases on an annual basis and Snyder is that type of guy. He has a very quick power bat, very good speed, and a very strong arm. So why the frustration? Making contact is difficult for Snyder. Snyder will probably be a .250 hitter in the majors with a .300 on base percentage, be a 20/20 man and strike out a ton.

5. Sean Gallagher – P – Chicago Cubs
Gallagher is a prospect that did not interest me much a couple years ago, but has greatly improved since then. When signed by Chicago, Gallagher was known as a high 80’s control pitcher with a very good curveball but since the draft he has added 5 MPH on his fastball and has not lost any movement. Today he has a heavy low 90’s fastball, very good curve and an improving change. Gallagher still has very good command and will move through the system quickly. He has the ceiling of a #3 starter and the biggest concern I have about him is he is a starting pitcher in the Chicago Cubs system (with Pinella as a manager). That is a system that has a horrible “injury” history with pitchers and a manager that has no clue how to deal with young starters.

6. Mitch Maier – OF – Kansas City Royals
I really do not know why I am putting Maier this high as he is not the type of prospect I would even be lukewarm on, but, so many publications have rated him higher then I would...I will give them the benefit of the doubt. Maier is a hard working, average tool prospect. What he has done the best in the minors is hit for average with 10-15 homerun power. He has average speed and needs to do a better job at working pitchers for more walks. Defensively, he is currently in centerfield where he has decent range and a average arm. My belief is he will be a fourth outfielder or play in a platoon facing lefties. Maier’s problem is he does not have enough power to play a corner outfield spot, where Butler and Huber will probably play anyways and his range just is not enough for centerfield.

7. Greg Miller – P – Los Angeles Dodgers
A few years ago, Miller was the top rated left handed starter in the minors. Then injury struck and he was basically out of commission for 2004 and 2005. In 2006, the Dodgers took a patient approach with Miller and had him focus on getting his velocity back. He is now throwing in the low 90’s and is struggling to command his pitches. Miller does have four pitches, but is focusing on being a two pitch reliever, which is what I believe his future will be. Miller should get to the majors this year as a lefty reliever, and in time, may move back to the rotation.

8. Manny Parra – P – Milwaukee Brewers
Parra’s path to the majors has mirrored Miller’s. Parra was one of the Brewers top pitching prospect’s until a shoulder injury forced him to miss a year. Since coming back from surgery, Parra has struggled to repeat his delivery and therefore continues to have command issues. His biggest strength are his two seem and four seem fastballs, which are supported by average secondary offerings. Parra still has horrible mechanics and will always be an injury waiting to happen. Though starting today, I believe Parra will also end up in the pen.

9. Ryan Mount – 2B – Los Angeles Angels
Mount is a prospect that I believe can move up this list over time. He brings a very patient approach to the plate where he has the ability to hit for a good average, walk a ton, a hit double digit homeruns on a yearly basis. He will not steal a ton of bases and probably will only ever be a 2nd baseman, but he is perfect for the #2 spot in the lineup.

10. Mike Megrew – P – Los Angeles Dodgers
Please note that this is not a recording. Megrew was a top Dodgers prospect before hurting his arm and having Tommy John surgery. Since coming back, Megrew has struggled to regain his command, but that should come in time. Prior to the injury, Megrew was know as a upper 80’s fastball pitcher with great command and a great changeup.

Best of the Rest: Wes Roemer – P - NCAA
Sleeper: Jeff Bianchi – SS – Kansas City Royals
Next Up: Milwaukee Braves

Top 10 Prospects - Blue Ox

The Bangor Blue Ox have an interesting minor league system. It is not deep and is lacking many “blue chip” prospects (they have one), but it has about 10-12 prospects that are all pretty much have the same type of potential...which makes it really difficult to place them. For example, the guy who is #9 could have easily been #2.

1. Ryan Braun – 3B – Milwaukee Brewers
Braun is easily the top choice on this list. Braun was a 1st round pick in 2005 and brings a nice complete offensive package. He has a quick bat that will produce both consistent contact and power. Braun also has a patient enough approach at the plate and he is slightly above average on the bases. The biggest challenge for Braun is his defense and it is questioned whether he can stay at 3rd or move to the outfield. He is moving fast so expect him to get carded either in 2008 or 2009 cardsets.

2. Ubaldo Jimenez – P – Colorado Rockies
Now is when the list gets crazy. As I stated, any of the remaining top 10 could have been placed here but I went with the guy that is ready for the majors. The good news about Jimenez is that he has a scary 3-plus pitch package led by a fastball that touches 98. The bad news is that he has mechanical issues that cause inconsistency and injuries (historically).

3. Brandon Jones – OF – Atlanta Braves
Brandon Jones brings a nice all around package where he will not be great at any one thing but should be solid to good in everything. Jones should hit for an average in the .270 range with a walk every 10 Abs and enough power to be a third or fourth outfielder. I expect he could be a consistent 20-20 guy with solid defense. This is not spectacular, but he gets number 3 because he is getting close to being ready for the majors.

4. Ian Kennedy – P – New York Yankees
Kennedy is a control pitcher that will induce a huge number of ground balls when he makes the majors. Lets just hope ARod can field them. Kennedy has excellent command but only throws his fastball in the upper 80’s. His best pitch is probably his changeup which causes the grounders. He needs to work on his third pitch and really spot his pitches to hit his ceiling as a #4-5 starter. He should move to the majors quite quick.

5. Ricky Romero – P – Toronto Blue Jays
Romero is a clone of Kennedy but a lefty instead of a righty. Romero is a control pitcher that has fastball a couple ticks faster then Kennedy’s. His outpitch is the changeup which has strong downward movement. His third pitch is a curve that needs work. Kennedy got the nod over Romero due to better control and the fact I think the Yankees will move him faster.

6. Eric Campbell – 3B – Atlanta Braves
Back in 2004 I was a big fan of Eric Campbell and unfortunately he has not progressed as I would have hoped. Campbell is a very aggressive hitter that makes alot of contact on the ball. What this means is he has hit well for both average and power, but his tools are not explosive so the power may not keep up. With aggression comes a lack of walks which is not good for the strat card. Campbell is an average defender and will probably see a position change due to Chipper Jones and Van Pope.

7. Yusmeiro Petit – P – Florida Marlins
I have never been a Petit fan, which is probably why he falls here...beating out two guys that have not pitched in the minors yet and one guy that is injured. Petit brings to the mound four average pitches. A high 80’s fastball and solid slider, curve and change. He consistently produces in the minors but I question if he will in the majors.

8. Dallas Buck – P – Arizona Diamondbacks
Buck is a very interesting story. Coming out of high school he was a loose cannon that threw hard. He goes to Oregon and becomes a control pitcher with only average stuff. He then is expected to go in the first round, leads Oregon to a championship and slips to the third round. The reason why is he is a high injury risk. The upside potential is many think Buck will get some of his power back after a surgery. If he does the fact he has learned to pitch is a good thing.

9. Merkin Valdez – P – San Francisco Giants
Valdez may be the most talented player on this list. He throws a plus mid 90’s lively fastball and also has an above average changeup. Valdez has struggled to find a plus third pitch, which probably limits him to the bullpen. The big challenge with Valdez is health. His mechanics are not good and he has not pitched much since 2003 because of injuries.

10. Jordan Walden – P – NCAA
The worst thing for Walden is probably publications like Baseball America. At the beginning of the last year Walden was rated the top high school prospect because he throws hard (upper 90’s). Walden’s largest problem is that he has inconsistent mechanics which always scares teams away because of command and injury issues. Add in the fact he committed to Texas and he fell in the draft. Walden wants to play in the minors which is why he went to JC, but he also wants 1st round money. He probably will only get that if he throws great numbers and removes the concern of secondary offerings and consistency. If he does, he could move to #2 on this list OR he could become another Merkin Valdez.

Best of the Rest: Jason Donald – SS – Philadelphia Phillies
Sleeper: David DiNatale – P – Toronto Blue Jays
Up Next: Blues

Top 10 Prospects - Black Pelicans

The Black Pelicans has historically had a strong minor league system, but in the opinion of this "so called" writer, they have done a poor job drafting over the last few years and now have an average minor league system that is has few "high ceiling" prospects, and about 10-15 solid major league prospects. What is interesting about the minor league system is they seem to be deep with solid pitchers and left fielders.

1. Travis Snider - OF - Toronto Blue Jays

In my opinion, Snider is by far the best prospect in the Black Pelicans system. Snider brings a very strong overall bat with plus power to the plate. He brings an advanced approach to the plate which allows him to generate a good amount of walks. Snider will never be a strong defensive player as he has the potential for average speed and an average arm. Snider will be in Low A next year and probably has a future in left field or first base for the Black Pelicans.

2. Alberto Callaspo - 2B - Arizona Diamondbacks

The good news about Callaspo is that he continued to hit for average in the minors and he continued to show above average skills defensively. The great news about Callaspo is he continues to improve his patience at the plate which has seen an increase in walks per AB. The bad news will always be that he is a singles hitter only and is as dumb as a brick when it comes to base stealing. The horrible news is he is blocked by Orlando Hudson. Callaspo could become a lead off hitter that gets on base alot, but does not steal...but in the short term he is probably a utility player that backs up Hudson and Drew.

3. Erick Aybar - SS - Los Angeles Angels

The value in Aybar is primarily on the defensive side. He brings very good range and a strong arm to the field. His only negative on the defensive side is he tends to get a little fancy at times causing a greater number of errors then he should have. When at the plate, Aybar brings a free swinging approach. He has above average bat speed and has the ability to hit for a high average. Unfortunately, he does not walk much and has little to no power.

4. Dustin Nippert - P - Arizona Diamondbacks

Nippert makes it this high on the list because his ceiling is higher then most of the guys below him and he happens to be the closest to the majors. Nippert brings a huge 6-8 frame to the mound, a hard mid 90's fastball and a very strong spike curveball. Unfortunately, his fastball is too straight and his changeup is only average. Arizona has seemed to have lost some confidence in Nippert by acquiring Randy Johnson and Doug Davis, and then looking to others for the last spot in the rotation. The best move in my opinion is to move him to the pen and get him to let lose on the fastball-curve combination.

5. Jair Jurrgens - P - Detroit Tigers

Jurrgens has an impressive season in 2006 moving all the way to AA at the age of 20. He brings a plus-plus fastball to the mound which tops out at 97 and has a good amount of movement. What makes this even more interesting is that Jurrgens has pretty good control with the pitch. Where Jurrgens needs to improve is with his secondary offerings. Jurrgens gets rated here because of his potential and ability to pitch in AA at the age of 20.

6. Jacob Mcgee - P - Tampa Bay Devilrays

McGee's strength is that he has three potential plus offerings. His fastball tops out in the mid-90's with above average life. The biggest challenge that McGee has is he tends to overthrow his pitches. With the Devilrays in need of starters, McGee could move fast. It will be interesting to see if he can crack the Black Pelicans rotation when he gets there.

7. Bryan Morris - P - Los Angeles Dodgers

Morris is my favorite prospect for the Black Pelicans and could move up to #2 on this list next year. Morris currently has two plus pitches. The first is a 92-96 fastball which has very solid movement. The second is a 12-6 devastating curveball. He is currently working on a changeup as a third pitch and this will be the key on whether he can become a top of the rotation starter. The other huge question mark is his delivery. It is not very clean and can lean towards both control problems and injuries.

8. Matt Sulentic - OF - Oakland Athletics

Sulentic is not the typical guy I would put on this list, but you cannot deny what he did last year. After being drafted by the A's he was assigned to Low A Northwest league and played against mostly ex-NCAA players. He only hit .354/.409/.479. Sulentic does not profile as a high ceiling player but shows a patient approach at the plate with average power. If he continues hitting the way he is capable he will produce very nice strat cards.

9. John Drennen - OF - Cleveland Indians

Drennen is a very nice prospect but certain weaknesses could hurt him as he moves forward. Drennen's biggest plus is that he will always hit for average and probably will always provide a good number of walk as well. The challenge is that he is not that quick, has no arm and is a line drive hitter that produces very little power. Currently he is in CF but has already showed he cannot handle the defensive responsibilities required. Since he has no arm then left field is a more likely spot...but he does not hit for power.

10. Aaron Thompson - P - Florida Marlins

Many reports state that Thompson could be the next Tom Glavine. I always find it funny how a short hard throwing righty is the next "Pedro" and a soft throwing lefty is the next "Glavine". Thompson probably should not have made this list...but he did. Thompson is a command pitcher that delivers a high 80's fastball, low 80's slider, a change and a curve. Command continues to be his key but I hold out hope that he will regain his low 90's fastball from high school.

Best of the Rest: Thomas Mendoza - P - Los Angeles Angels

Sleeper: Trevor Bell - P - Los Angeles Angels

Up Next: Bangor Blue Ox