Best of the Rest

Quite a few very good prospects were left out of the Baseball America Top 100 Prospects for 2009. Below are the top 15 "other" prospects including a rating (number) and potential (letter grade).

1. Jake McGee, LHP, Tampa Bay rays, (92), A: Before David Price there was McGee. The kid is recovering from Tommy John Surgery for 2009 and that is the ONLY reason he's not in BA's Top 100. In 485 career innings pitched (through AA), McGee has struck out 553 batters and has posted a 3.39 era. Possibly most impressive is the fact that he's given up just 27 homers in that span--that's about 12 per season. His curveball is the best in the minors, and rivals a young Barry Zitos. His two fastballs both sit in the low 90s and his 4-seamer can touch 94-95 on occasion. When he comes back he'll be MLB ready.

2. David Robertson, RHP/SU, New York Yankees, (90), A: Robertson isn't in the top 100 because of his major league experience in 2008. However, he's much better than both James McDonald and Scott Elbert, and wields a 95 mph fastball and a near unhittable 12-6 curve. His change and 2-seamer are both developing into good pitches as well. In his minor league career he has pitched 178 innings, giving up just 73 hits and has struck out 190. His career ERA is a very sexy 1.24 and his 0.93 WHIP suggests that he is MLB Ready. Melancon gets the hype but Robertson may very well be the heir to Rivera. A future All Star reliever/closer.

3. Dellin Betances, RHP, New York Yankees, (88), A: Betances has a solid arsenal consisting of two plus-plus pitches and one decent change. His knuckle curve has evolved in to an out pitch and his 93-98 mph fastball rides and has enough life on it to also strike out even the quickets of bats. Last year with the River Dogs, Betances struck out 135 batters in 115 innings and gave up just 87 hits. Probably a future All Star.

4. Nick Hagadone, LHP, Boston Red Sox, (87), A: Hagadone is a hard throwing lefty capable of dialing up his fastball to the 96-98 range. His 82 mph slider is also a plus pitch and his changeup is developing into a good tertiary offering. He has very good control and in between College and the Rookie Leagues in 2007 he had an above 4.00 K/BB ratio. Any lefty that throws that hard is definitely worth a spot in the top 100. Also probably a future All Star.

5. David Hernandez, RHP, Baltimore Orioles, (84), A-: David Hernandez has elite stuff, striking out 166 in 141 innings pitched with AA Bowie. In a hitters' level he posted a very good 2.68 era and gave up just 112 hits. His 93 mph fastball and low-mid eighties slider are both plus pitches, and sporting them in highschool helped him set Consumne Rivers' (high school) strikeout record.


6. David Huff, LHP, Cleveland Indians, (83), A-: Huff is another hard-throwing lefty that has put up sparkling numbers in the minors.In 214 career innings pitched he has a 2.69 era and is 15-7 with a K/BB ratio nearly at 4.00. He has one of the best changeups in the minors; A true plus-plus pitch.

7. Angel Salome, C, Milwaukee Brewers, (82), A-: Salome batted .360 in 2008 and won the batting title in the Southern League (AA). He has a career .322 batting average and an .867 OPS in the minors. His slugging percentage has been on the rise every single year since 2003 and sits at about .500. He is only 5'9", but Pudge Rodriguez isn't exactly a hulk and he put up some nice career numbers, right?

8. Kila Ka'aihue, DH/1B, Kansas City Royals, (82) B+: Before 2008 Killa Kila was an average prospect. In 2008 however everything clicked and K.K. posted an OPS over 1.080, 37 homers and 104 walks in just 401 at bats between AA and AAA. He doesn't play good 'D and will be like Billy Butler and probably be a full time DH at some point. The problem here however, is that both he and Butler play on the same team...

9. Kellen Kulbacki, OF, San Diego Padres, (81), A-: Kulbacki doesn't have a big frame for a kid that can hit like Vlad Guerrero. The kid from James Madison University in Virgina had an absolutely insane 1.017 OPS, a .332 batting and 20 homers in 304 at bats in 2008 while playing in the California League. He has a near-perfect line-drive swing and has some of the best plate vision/discpline in the minors-- walking 47 times and striking out a near-equal 52 times. The Padres are thin on prospects so Kulbacki is a very valuable guy to have in their system.


10. David Freese, 3B, St. Louis Cardinals, (78), B+: Freese doesn't have the potential that fellow prospect Brett Wallace does, but he's a better defender with a bat just a few ticks off from Wallace. He has a career .307 batting average, a .529 slugging percentage and a .917 OPS in 1,229 minor league at bats. He hit 26 homeruns in 2008 in just 464 at bats. He seems to clash with LaRussa and wasn't given a fair shot to compete with Mather for the 3B job in 2009. Either way though, he has the potential to hit like Paul Konerko and field at least as good as Troy Glaus.


11. Esmailyn Gonzalez, SS, Washington Nationals, (77) A- Gonzalez, like Furcal and El Duque was a young player that not only gave a fake name but also claimed to be younger. He's still not 20 years old however and has a career. .307 batting average and a .417 on-base percentage in the Gulf Coast League. He's stolen 13 bases vs. only 4 caught-stealing and has the potential to hit .300 and steal 30 bases in the majors. Think Orlando Cabrera jr.


12. Ross Detwiler, LHP, Washington Nationals, (76) A: Detwiler has the potential to be one of the best closers in the NL, or even a frontline starter. His numbers in 2008 were poor and he gave up too many walks and more hits than innings pitched. Still, he's a lefty that can hit 98 on the gun and has one of the best splitters in the minors. If he's converted to a reliever, or learns a better delivery-motion he'll be very, VERY good.

13. Tyson Ross, LHP, Oakland Athletics, (73) B+: Ross got lost in the mix of awesome Oakland Prospects and hasn't yet drawn anyone's eye outside of Billy Beane & co. The 6'6" Ross wields a very good 87-94 mph fastball that he can knock off a humming bird's c*ck if he is ever called on to do so. His slider and changeup are both developing into plus pitched and his numbers at California were awesome. He only has 19 Professional Innings, but Jason Castro is in the same boat and he made the top 100. Ross should be there over Brackman.

14. Austin Romine, C, New York Yankees, (73) B+: Romine has the best arm in the minors among catchers and with a little bit of touch he'll be Ivan Rodriguez-good at throwing out base-stealers. He hit an even .300 in 2008, with 10 homers and 24 doubles in 407 at bats in Charleston Single A. He needs to learn to block pitches in the dirt better, but his arm and his bat could develop him into--at the very least-- an A.J. Pierzynski. Right now his potential looks like a carbon copy of Kurt Suzuki.

15. Josh Reddick, CF, Boston Red Sox, (72) B+: Reddick is a very toolsy player sporting a very strong arm, good speed and a great bat. He had a .968 OPS and .343 batting average in 2008 while playing for single A Lancaster. He hit 23 homeruns and stole 15 bases in total in 2008 as well. He walks at an average rate, 34 times in a little bit over 450 at bats in 2008, but with a bit more patience he could easily get on base 37% of the time.

From Zeroes to Heroes

The Royals, Twins, Giants, and Nationals are all looking much better than they did last year. The Twins and Giants are suddenly contenders while the Royals and Nationals are far from the bottom of their respective leagues. Below is a ranking of the most up-and-coming teams in baseball. The record to the right of the team name is what I project to be their record in 2009.
1. San Francisco Giants, 87-75: The Giants have a scary rotation (view it below) and have an improving offense. Their pitching staff features the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner, a future Hall of Famer, one of the best young pitchers in baseball, a former Cy Young Award winner and an up-and-coming power lefty. If any of those guys goes down, they still have a very good lefty in Noah Lowry, and two of the top pitching prospects in baseball--Madison Bumgarner and Tim Alderson-- in the minors. The playoffs are in reach for the Giants, especially in the mediocre NL West. Their sucess rests on the shoulders of their young offense--which luckily has quite a few future All Stars in Pablo Sandoval, Nate Schierholtz and Travis Ishikawa. If these three produce, and provide some help to Rowand, Winn, Lewis and Molina the sky is the limit.

Rotation: A-

1. Tim Lincecum (A)
2. Randy Johnson (B)
3. Matt Cain (B+)
4. Barry Zito (C)
5. Jonathan Sanchez (B-/B)
6. Noah Lowry (B-)

Bullpen: B

CL Brian Wilson (B)
SU Bob Howry (B-)
LHP Jeremy Affeldt (B)
MR Alex Hinshaw (B+)
MR Sergio Romo (B)
LRP Merkin Valdez (C+)

Lineup: B

LF Fred Lewis (B-)
RF Randy Winn (B-)
CF Aaron Rowand (B-)
1B Travis Ishikawa (B)
3B Pablo Sandoval (B+)
C Bengie Molina (B)
SS Edgar Renteria (B-)
2B Kevin Frandsen (B-)

Bench B+
OF Nate Schierholtz (B/B+)
Util Juan Uribe (B-)
Util Eugenio Velez (B-)
CI Rich Aurilia (C+)
C Steve Holm (C+/B-)


2. Minnesota Twins 90-72: The Twins are back in business, and this time without Santana. Their outfield is stocked and included Michael Cuddyer, Carlos Gomez, Delmon Young and the very solid Denard Span. Jason Kubel could go .300-30-100 some day at DH, and of course, Mauer and Morneau are there to lead the way. More importantly is their improvements to their rotation. Scott Baker, Kevin Slowey and Francisco Liriano provide some serious umph to the rotation, while Blackburn and Perkins are solid and will eat some innings in the back of the rotation.

The best part about the 2009 Twins is their depth. If anyone gets injured, they'll have a more-than-good-enough player to replace him. Delmon Young, Brendan Harris, Mike Redmond would all be starting on other teams, so to have them on their bench is a luxury. Defensively the Twins have never been better and that bullpen is looking hotter than hell with the young guns Joe Mijares and Jesse Crain. Playoffs? Almost definitely.

Rotation B+/A-

1. Scott Baker (B+)
2. Francisco Liriano (A-)
3. Kevin Slowey (B)
4. Nick Blackburn (B)
5. Glen Perkins (B-)

Bullpen B+

CL Joe Nathan (A)
SU Jesse Crain (B+)
MR Matt Guerrier (B)
LHP Craig Breslow (B+)
MR Jose Mijares (B)
MRP Luis Ayala (C+)
LRP Phil Humber (B-)

Lineup A-

LF Denard Span (B-)
2B Alexi Casilla (C+)
C Joe Mauer (A)
1B Justin Morneau (A-)
DH Jason Kubel (B)
RF Michael Cuddyer (B-)
3B Joe Crede (C+/B-)
CF Carlos Gomez (B-)
SS Nick Punto (C)

Bench A-

Util Brendan Harris (B)
OF Delmon Young (B+)
C Mike Redmond (B-)
INF Brian Buscher (C)
C Jose Morales (B-)


3. Kansas City Royals, 81-81: The Royals aren't the Red Sox or Yankees, but they're a hell of a lot better than years past. The last time they made a run at the playoffs was about a half-decade ago when Tony Pena was manager. Since then they've been the worst in the AL. Their rotation is jumping leads and bounds toward respectability, their bullpen is one of the better ones in the AL and their offense is almost in the top 5. Zach Greinke and Gil Meche are the anchors of the staff, Meche being an incredibly free agent buy for the Royals. Danny Cortes and Luke Hochever have a bright future, but still need some work. Kyle Davies is poised to have a Kevin-Slowey-type season and Brian Bannister is looking to make a comeback.

Their offense is their strength. Coco Crisp was acquired from the Red Sox for Ramon Ramirez, and is looking to hit about 10-15 homers and steal 30-35 bases. David DeJesus is as solid as they come, and will probably hit near .300 with 12 homers and some good baserunning in the 2 hole. The 28-year-old Mike Aviles is underrated, even after putting up a .326 batting average in 2008, and could hit .300, 20 homers, and 40 doubles in a full season. Another underrated producer is Jose Guillen who has a cannon in right field and can usually hit 20-25 homers in 500-600 at bats. Both Butler and Gordon haven't lived up to their potential just yet, but if they do, you'll have two annual All-Stars on your hands. Butler could easily win a batting title, and Gordon will hit 40 homers some day. Alberto Callaspo doesn't get the credit he deserves, and he'll hit near .300 and play a solid second base for the Royal Blues in 2009. Miguel Olivo is all power and decent defense, and he will split at bats with the solid John Buck. Super Utility man Mark Teahen will get 400 at bats, and can put up 15 homers and a .280 batting average, while Killa Kila Ka'aihue could hit .300 some day. Looking ahead to 2009, they could make a run at the playoffs, but if not, they'll atleast be a .500 team.


Rotation B-
1. Gil Meche (B+)
2. Zach Greinke (B+)
3. Kyle Davies (B-)
4. Brian Bannister (C+)
5. Horacio Ramirez/ Luke Hochevar (C+)

Bullpen B+/A-

CL Joakim Soria (A)
SU Juan Cruz (B/B+)
LHP Ron Mahay (B)
SU Kyle Farnsworth (B)
MR Robinson Tejeda (B-)
MR Joel Peralta (C+)
LRP Jamey Wright (C+/B-)

Lineup A-

CF Coco Crisp (B)
LF David DeJesus (B)
SS Mike Aviles (B+/A-)
RF Jose Guillen (B)
3B Alex Gordon (B/B+)
DH Billy Butler (B/B+)
1B Mike Jacobs (B-)
2B Alberto Callaspo (B-)
C Miguel Olivo (C+)

Bench B

Util Mark Teahen (B-/B)
C John Buck (C+/B-)
1B Ryan Shealy (C+/B-)
INF Willy Bloomquist (C+)
1B Kila Ka'aihue (B/B+)


4. Washington Nationals, 76-86: The Nationals have a good lineup, and a deep one. They have power and speed in Dukes and Milledge. They have a developing 30 homerun hitter in Ryan Zimmerman and they have an annual 40 home run, on base machine in Adam Dunn. At short they have the very solid All Star Cristian Guzman, and at second they have defensive wizzes Anderson Hernandez and Alberto Gonzalez. Nick Johnson is coming back from injury and is always a solid producer, and he'll split time with Josh Willingham.

The rotation isn't looking so hot, but it's not looking awful either. John Lannan and Scott Olsen are both solid pitchers and both will pitch 200 innings of 4.00-era-ball. Daniel Cabrera is a question mark, and has always had to the stuff to be an ace. Maybe a change of scenery will bring his potential out. Jordan Zimmerman is a future number 1, and has dominated in spring training, while Shairon Martis is a solid young gun that could post a sub 4.00 era some day. Their bullpen has been rebuilt and has improved dramatically.

Rotation B-

1. John Lannan (B)
2. Scott Olsen (B)
3. Daniel Cabrera (C+)
4. Jordan Zimmerman (B+)
5. Shairon Martis (B-)

Bullpen B

CL Joel Hanrahan (B)
SU Garret Mock (B+)
LHP Joe Beimel (B/B+)
MR Steven Shell (B)
MR Saul Rivera (B)
LRP Wilfedo Ledezma (B-)
LRP Jason Bergmann (B-)

Lineup B

CF Lastings Milledge (B)
SS Cristian Guzman (B-/B)
LF Adam Dunn (B+/A-)
3B Ryan Zimmerman (B)
RF Elijah Dukes (B)
1B Nick Johnson (B)
C Jesus Flores (B)
2B Anderson Hernandez (C)

Bench B-

OF/1B/C Josh Willingham (B-)
INF Alberto Gonzalez (C+)
OF Austin Kearns (B)
Util Ronnie Belliard (B-)
C Wil Nieves (D-)/C Luke Montz (C+)

5. Baltimore Orioles 81-81 (2010):



The Orioles are headed in the right direction, especially with their lineup. They may not compete in the AL East in 2009, but they makes this list because of their 2010 projections. Markakis, Brian Roberts, Matt Wieters, and Aubrey Huff are all in the top 10 at their positions--with Roberts in the top 5. Adam Jones is solid, can hit 20 homers and steal 20 bases if he finally gets there, and the platoon of Melvin Mora and Ty Wigginton deserves a B. Mora has good range and has a nice bat (with no patience however) while Wigginton complements him with power and patience (but no range). Cesar Izturis is a fast and good-fielding shortstop, in the mold of Ray Sanchez while Ryan Freel is a very good utility man. Luke Scott is a nice DH capable of 25 homers annually.

The rotation has considerable issues to address. Although Jeremy Guthrie is as solid as they come, he's the only pitcher in there starting 5 that looks like a solid contender. Koji Uehara will probably be solid and he brings veteran leadership to the staff, while Adam Eaton is likely the worst starting pitcher in the AL. Mark Hendrickson has always been solid but hasn't really started the past few seasons, so he too is a wild card. Rich Hill is a project but still could develop into an ace. The 'pen needs work as well, but looks solid and is anchored by George Sherrill, Chris Ray, Matt Albers and Jim Johnson. Jamie Walker is awful, but a fellow dissapointing pitcher, Danys Baez is still just 31 and could bounce back and be effective again.

What makes the Orioles look promising isn't what they are now, but what they will be. Chris Tillman and Jake Arrieta are some of the best young arms in the minors, and when they get it going in the MLB they could provide some ace power to the Orioles. Brian Matuz, the second pitcher drafted in 2007, and a lefty, is one of the better pitchers in the minors as well and could be an ace some day--or at lead a solid Mark Mulder type. David Hernanez an Kam Mickolio are both developing into solid prospects as well. Th below pitching rotation is accompanied by the 2010 rotation.

Rotation C- (2010 B-/B)

1. Jeremy Guthrie (B)
2. Koji Uehara (B-/B)
3. Adam Eaton (D+)/ Chris Tillman (B)
4. Mark Hendrickson (C)/ Brian Matusz (B)
5. Rich Hill (B-/B)

Bullpen C (2010 B-)

CL Chris Ray (B)
LHP George Sherrill (B)
SU Matt Albers (B-)
SU Danys Baez (B-)
MR Jim Johnson (B)
LHP2 Jamie Walker (C+)
LRP Radhames Liz (B-)

2010 CL/SU Jake Arrieta (B+)

Lineup B/B+

CF Adam Jones (B)
2B Brian Roberts (A-)
OF Nick Markakis (A-)
1B Aubrey Huff (B/B+)
DH Luke Scott (B-)
LF Felix Pie (B-)
3B Melvin Mora (B-)
C Greg Zaun (C)/ Matt Wieters (A-)
SS Cesar Izturis (C/C+)

Bench B-

CI Ty Wigginton (B)
Util Ryan Freel (B-)
C Chad Moeller (B)
INF Chris Gomez (C)
OF/CI Nolan Reimold (C+/B-)

Minors B+/A-

C Matt Wieters (A-)
SP Chris Tillman (A-)
LHP Brian Matusz (B+)
P Jake Arrieta (B)
SP David Hernandez (B)
LHP Troy Patton (B-)
SP Chorye Spoon (C+/B-)
SP Kam Mickolio (C+/B-)
RP Hayden Penn (C+)

No Bull %@#$ in this Bullpen

The Yankees re-constructed bullpen is looking better than ever. It took Girardi just one season to completely revamp a struggling relief staff. Torre was notorious for being a terrible bullpen manager--overtiring young relievers, pulling set up men when they make a single mistake, etc... Girardi took a bunch of journeyman and unexperienced young pitchers and made the second best 'pen in the MLB--next to the Red Sox. Sorry Mets, but you still need work--no amount of money is going to make up for the fact that the back of your pen gives up gopher balls like Caddy Shack. Below is a list of the key pieces of the Yankees' pen in 2009. With Marte and Rivera clearly entrenched in the late innings, the Yankees have a pretty open 'pen to fill with young talent. The number in parenthesis is the pitcher's potential. The number the right of their letter grade, is my grade (based on the usual college grading system) for their current ability.


The New Guns

1. David Robertson, MR, 88 (A-): Robertson is a top 100 prospect, and one of the best young relievers in the MLB. His career MiLB era is an absolutely insane 1.24 in 138 innings. His career line is 12-3, 138 ip, 190 k, .93 whip and a 1.24 era. Jose Ceda is getting a lot of the hype, and he is very good, but Robertson has the better stuff--which is saying a lot. His power 12-6 curve, sider and fastball are all plus pitches. His 4-seamer rides and his 2-seamer dips. He looks to me to be a possible heir to Rivera.

2. Phil Coke, LHR, 85 (B+)- Outside of Marte, who actually did a better job of getting out righties than lefties in 2008, the Yankees haven't had a good lefty in the bullpen since Mike Stanton. Mike Myers was a bust, and the parade of shit that Torre chose to use didn't include one effective lefty. Phil Coke didn't allow a single earned run in his September callup in 2008, and is 2-0 with a 1.86 era this spring. His 94 mph 4 seamer and his slider are both top of the line. He finally came in to his own in 2007, and now in 2009, he looks to be a lock for the 'pen.

3. Mark Melancon, CL, 78 (A-)- Melancon is widely considered to be the heir to Rivera. His mid 90's fastball and his slider are both very, very good pitches. Coming back from Tommy John surgery, he went 6-0 and posted a 1.86 ERA in Trenton in 2008. He has an outside shot at the 'pen for 2009, but it looks like the Yankees want him to get some more work in the minors first.

4. Jonathan Albaladejo, MR/LR, 80 (B)- Albaladejo was traded to the Yankees, from the Nationals, for Tyler Clippard. He missed most of 2008 with injury but looks healthy and in shape for 2009. He's a sinker/slider pitcher who has good stuff. He has a low-mid nienties fastball. In 28 career ip in the majors, Alabaledejo has put up a 2.89 era and has struck out 25. He doesn't need any more time in the minors, but with the all-of-sudden-crowed Yankees' bullpen, he may have to start the season in AAA Columbus.

5. Humberto Sanchez, SU/LR/SP, 82 (A-)- Sanchez has a very high ceiling and can really fill any role for the Yankees in 2009. He throws a mid nineties fastball and a top of the line slider. The 6'6" 230 lb righty has a big enough body to be able to shake off his elbow surgery and shouldn't have too many problems in 2009 as long as he stays in shape. His career 4.15 ERA in the minors isn't fantastic, but right before his injury he seemed to put everything together. In 72 innings in 2006, Sanchez put up nice numbers-- a 1.75 era, 86 strikeouts and a 1.03 WHIP. Theres a good chance that he'll make the pen for 2009--Girardi loves his stuff.

6. Steven Jackson, MR, 76 (B-)- Steven Jackson has some decent stuff. A good fastball and decent breaking stuff, the southern boy may very well be one of the top 3 Yankees' 'pen prospects. It's highly unlikely that he'll make the 'pen for 2009, at least out of Spring training, but his 2.16 era suggests that the 27-year-old is MLB ready.

7. Kanekoa Texeira, SU, 74 (B)- The young Hawaiian has dominated the minors in his 144 career innings. He;s 11-5 with a 2.24 era and 149 strikeouts. He came with Swisher to the Yankees this Spring and has a very good change of being in the Yankees' pen in 2010.

8. Anthony Claggett, SU, 74 (B)- The 24-year-old Claggett may not be a star, but he is very solid. He throws a 93 mph fastball, a slurve and a solid change. He has a 2.76 ERA in 261 MiLB innings and will be in Scranton in 2009.

9. J.B. Cox, SU, 73 (B/B+)- The former college closer, Cox's stock has fallen since his first few years with the Yankees. His 4.75 ERA with Scranton last year wasn't too promising, but his slider is still one of the best in the minors. He still has a career 2.64 era in the minors, and will probably be a mid-season call-up in 2009.


The Proven Young Guns

1. Jose Veras, SU, 86 (B+)- Veras, hampered by elbow problems for most of his career came into the Yankees' bullpen dealing out of Spring training in 2008. He throws a fastball that can get to 98 mph, a hard slider and a good 12-6 curve. He was the most reliable reliever in the pen for the Yankees in 2008, outside of Bruney, and will probably make a bid to set up for Rivera in 2009.

2. Brian Bruney, SU, 83 (B)- In the minors, Bruney struck out 316 in 285 career ip. He has horrid control 164 in that span, but he had shown flashes of brilliance in 2007, and then put it together in the second half of 2008. He was the Yankees' best set up man in 2008, and he had 19 holds, a 1.83 era and 33 strikeouts in 34 ip. He gace up just 18 hits in the 34 innings but walked 16. He probably can never be a lock as a late inning reliever due to his control, but he can be a top-of-the-line middle reliever.

Back from the Dead


1. Edwar Ramirez, MR, 83 (B+)- The 6'3" 155 pound Ramirez looks 18, but is actually 28. Before learning his forking super-change, Edwar was cut from just about half of the teams in the AL. He learned that pitch in the Indy leagues and immediately won minor league relief pitcher of the year upon returning to professional ball. With Scranton in 2007 Edwar pitched 40 innings, posted a .54 era, gave up just 20 hits and struck out an insane 69. Because of his straight 88 mph fastball, and average slider, Edwar is prone to the homerun, but that superchange is one of the best pitches in the game. The 76 mph pitch, screwballs more than Pedro's circle-change, and makes hitters look absolutely horrible--even when it hangs. For most of 2008, Edwar had an ERA below 3.50, but a tough September made it rise to a still respectable 3.90. He pitched 55 innings and struck out 63.

2. Dan Giese, LR/SP, 81 (B-)- Giese is a nice guy, but never showed much potential in the minors before he hit 30. He helped the Yankees out in 2008, spot-starting and providing long relief. In 52 innings he has a 3.76 era and started 3 games. His minors numbers in AAA Columbus in 2008 were very impressive. He had a very nice 1.98 ERA in 51 innings, and struck out 51.

3. Alfredo Aceves, LR/SP, 78 (B-)- Aceves has an outside shot of making the Yankees 'pen in the long relief/spot starter role. It looks like Giese has his hands on it, but you never know...The 5'10 Mexican, already had a professional career in Mexico before coming to the Yankees. He knows how to pitch and has a lot of experience, but his stuff is only slightly above mediocre. He throws an 88-92 mpg fastball that gets some groundouts and a few different changes and breaking balls. In 140 career innings in the MiLB Aceves posted a 2.62 ERA and a .98 WHIP--so it's obvious he has some potential.

Prospects to Think Twice About

There are quite a few good prospects in this year's BA top 100 and The Scouting Book.com's top 1,000. However, most of these players, won't become anything more than utility players or minor league journeyman. Only a few will become stars or decent major leaguers. Below is a list of prospects that I believe have a considerable chance at failure.

1. Michael Saunders, OF, Seattle Mariners-- Saunders is a big kid, standing a well-filled-out 6'4," and that's exactly why BA has placed him in the top 100. The guy has never hit above .300, never slugged above .500, strikes out, can't field and has shown absolutely nothing that would suggest that he'll be anything more than a below-average major leaguer. The fascination with him? I'm not sure...

2. Sean West, LHP, Florida Marlins-- West has some serious control issues, and if it wasn't for his left-handed 95 mph fastball, he wouldn't be a top prospect. He's walked 112 in 270 ip in his MiLB career, which includes no stops above A ball. When he gets to AAA or the Majors, umpires will start calling a tighter strikezone, and will make guys like West through his 4-seamer down the heart of the plate. He'll either get crushed for homeruns, or he'll walk too many to be effective. Either way, think twice about him.

3. Brent Lillibridge, MI, Chicago Whitesox-- Lillibridge is a guy you want to see succeed. Although listed at 5'11, 185, Lillibridge is a little guy, truely only about 5'9" 170. His MiLB career numbers aren't prospect-worthy-- hitting .270 and slugging .429. He strikeouts out far too much for a batter with little to zilch power, and after a season in which he hit .220 in AAA, it's become completely clear that he's nothing more than a solid Utility man at best.

4. Jonathan Niese, LHP, New York Mets-- Like Yankees fans, Mets fans make too much of September call-ups. Niese put up lousy MLB numbers (an ERA over 7) and hasn't shown much beyond a decent line in the minors. He's too easily hittable, like Ian Kennedy, and doesn't have the stuff to make up for his propencity to issue walks to good hitters. In 457 MiLb innings Niese has walked 166 and given up 155 hits. In the Florida State League in 2007 he gave up 151 hits in just 134.1 innings pitched.

5. Carlos Gonzalez, OF, Colorado Rockies--I strongly believe that the Matt Holliday trade was more of a desperate "sell high" move, to get rid of Gonzalez, Greg Smith and Huston Street while they still have value. Gonzalez strikes out way too much, 487 times in a little over 2200 MiLB at bats. He's never walked more than 48 times in the minors, so he doesn't post a good OBP, and outside of his power, doesn't hit well enough to make up for his short comings. He has poor pitch-recognition and won't be a star. MAYBE he'll be a Mike Cameron type hitter--but nothing more.

The New Kids on the Block

Below is a list of 10 young prospects that are either just now making a name for themselves, or are too young to really be recognizable by most fans.

1. Dellin Betances, 21 yrs, RHP, New York Yankees
10-7, 169 ip, 3.50 era, 197 so

Betances is the next uber-prospect for the Yankees. The kid is barely old enough to order a beer at McSorley's yet he has already compiled impressive minor league numbers. He throws a 95 mph running 4-seamer, a hammer-knuckle-curve and a developing change. Basically, he's the player that Yankees fans believed Phil Hughes was--a hard thrower with an unhittable curve. Hughes throws 88-92 and has a very good 12-6, but his control is what defines him. Betances is a more of a young Kelvim Escobar--living off of an electric arsenal.

2. Nick Hagadone, 23 yrs, LHP, Boston Red Sox
1-2, 34 ip, 1.31 era, 45 so

Hagadone has the makings of a Matt Cain. He's a hard throwing lefty, with a fastball that can touch the upper 90's. Brackman got all of the hype as a Yankees' prospect but the Sox have the better pitcher in Hagadone...period. His fastball is a 4-seamer that sits in the 93-96 mph range, but can be dialed up to 98 at times. His 81 mph slider also has serious bite and tilt, and although it isn't Randy Johnson's, it certainly warrants a comparison between their stuff. His change, sitting in the low eights, is developing. However, because its the same speed as his slider, its never going to be an absolutely necessary pitch for him. All and all, Hagadone isn't too far behind Cain or Price. Theres little difference between Prices's arsenal and Hagadones--the only difference being that Price is a little bit more polished, while Hagadone has a better fastball.

3. Matt Tuiasosopo, 22 yrs, 3B, Seattle Mariners
1914 ab, .279 ba, .356 obp, .399 slg, 37 hr, 28 sb

Michael Saunders, the big Canadian outfielder/corner infielder, gets all of the hype as far as corner infielders in the Mariners' system go. However, Matt Tuiasosopo, who has put up only average stats in his minor league career has finally come in to his own this spring and has shown that he's the better prospect--thus far. He leads the Mariners with a sexy .407 batting average in 57 at bats. Through March 26th, Mr. T. has spanked 7 doubles and 2 homers. His line drive swing will keep his average around .280-.300 once he gets it together in the majors. In Safeco especially, it's unlikely that he'll ever hit more than 15-20 homers, but 40-50 doubles is a given in a full season. With Beltre's injury, and Mr. T's Spring performance, Tuiasosopo has a good shot at making the roster out of Spring Training. If not then he'll be there by the summer for another look.


4. Travis Ishikawa, 25 yrs, 1B, San Francisco Giants
2516 ab, .260 ba, .350 obp, .453 slg, 96 hr

Prior to 2007, Ishikawa was a good prospect but wasn't projected to be anything more than an average hitter--good for a .280 average and possibly 15 homers a year in the majors. In single A San Jose in 2007, however, Ishikawa hit 13 homers in just 198 at bats. In 2008 he started mashing even harder, belting 16 homers, 19 doubles, in just 171 at bats with AAA Fresno. Once again Ishikawa is mashing in home runs, this time with the Giants, and has put up a very nice .313 batting average through March 26th this Spring. There was some talk that Jesus Guzman would take 3rd base and Sandoval would be moved to first, but Ishikawa is a very good fielder, much better than Sandoval or Guzman, and with that strong bat will be slotted at first while Sandy makes some picks at third. Hold on to Ishi, he'll be good for 20 homers in 2009 easily (barring a disaster/injury). After that, a .300 batting average and 100 rbis will come at some point. At the very least he'll be Adam LaRoche.

5. Chris Carter, 26 yrs, DH/OF, Boston Red Sox
2352 ab, .308 ba, .383 obp, .518 slg, 110 hr

The Red Sox' Chris Carter is always mixed up with Oakland's Chris (Vernon) Carter--it was even harder not to mix them up when they both played for the Diamondbacks. The trouble is, once people figure out that they're not the same player, they forget about the Sox's guy and only thought of the other Carter as the top prospect. They shouldn't. The smaller one, the guy that came out of Stanford, the guy on the Sox, has a hell of a bat. This spring he's slugging .704 with 5 home runs, 4 doubles and has put up a .352 batting average. It's becoming more and more evident that Tito Francona desperately needs to find this guy's bat a spot in his lineup. Ramirez is gone and Poppi is too fat to last forever so Chris Carter may be the power bat that the Red Sox need to keep their batting order intimidating--top to bottom.

6. Jesus Guzman, 24 yrs, 3B/OF, San Francisco Giants
2236 ab, .295 ba, .365 obp, .463 slg, 66 hr

Guzman is an absolutely awful defender and has absolutely no place on the ballfield defensively. His fielding percentage falls below .900 with regularity, and was completely exiled from the Oakland Athletics' 40 man roster after failing to put up decent defensive numbers at 3rd, 2nd or short, in 2008. The Giants are giving him his last chance at third, but it looks more and more obvious that they'll move him to a corner outfield spot regardless. Either way, the Athletics made a big mistake letting Guzman go to the G's in the Rule 5. The guy hit .364 with 14 homers in half of a season last year in AA. The year before he had a .909 OPS in the California League. In 47 at bats this spring Guzman is hitting a PHAT .404 with 4 homers, 8 doubles and an .872 slugging percentage in 47 at bats. The Giants have really made an offense out of a bunch of nobodies and a few stars. Ishikawa, Sandoval, Guzman, Velez and Fred Lewis aren't exactly household names, but they will be in 2009, once they start helping that electric pitching staff win games.


7. Ryan Flaherty, 22 yrs, SS, Chicago Cubs
219 ab, .297 ba, .369 obp, .511 slg, 8 hr

Flaherty is a less well-known Gordon Beckham. The other third of the "Big 3" from Vanderbilt (Flaherty, Price and Alvarez), Flaherty is already used to being overshadowed by super-star-talents. So, with Vitters in the system, it's no new situation for Flaherty to be considered to be less than what he is because of flashier (but not better) teammates. Gordon Beckham is a nice comparison for the kid. While Triunfel, Andrus, Cardenas and Escobar get all of the press, Flaherty, Frazier and Gordon Beckham are the three best shortstops currently within reach of the Majors. His line drive stroke and solid plate discipline will suit him well in the MLB, especially in the NL. Someday the kid could win a gold glove, maybe not at short, but certainly at third or second base. He needs to sure up his hands, but his fluid movement, mastery of the figure-4 slide and his strong arm make him a complete package. A batting average between .280 and .300, 15 homers, 10 stolen bases, 40 doubles and an OBP around .380 sounds like the numbers Flaherty can probably put up in the MLB if all goes as planned.

8. Kellen Kulbacki, 23 yrs, OF, San Diego Padres
591 ab, .303 ba, .393 obp, .521 slg, 30 hr

Looking at those career MiLB stats should tell you enough about Ke-Kul. The kid is barely 5'11" and isn't exactly a hulk, but has some serious power. He slugs, he makes great contact and he gets on base--all without striking out at the rate that most 30 homerun hitters do. Somehow, both Keith Law and BA completely missed this kid and he doesn't even make their top 100s. With a wide open roster, and the commitment to rebuild Kulbacki will probably see some time in San Diego this year. But in 2010 looks for him to win a job. He may not impress right away, but when he gets it all there then .300 with 20 homers yearly is pretty reasonable.

9. Shairon Martis, 22, RHP, Washington Nationals
21-15, 416 ip, 3.80 era, 345 so

For the Netherlands, Martis threw a no hitter, without recording any strikeouts in the 2006 WBC. In 2008 for Columbus AAA, Martis thew 41 innings, striking out 31 and posting a 3.02 era before being promoted to the Nationals. He didn't dominate, but he did strike out 23 in 20 innings in the bigs. He probably won't be in the rotation in 2009, but he has good enough breaking stuff and a decent 4-seamer, so he'll likely become a valuable part of their bullpen--like a Ramiro Mendoza or Aaron Heilman type.

10. Chris Gimenez, 26, C, Cleveland Indians
1727 ab, .270 ab, .378 obp, .466 slg, 69 hr

If you average out Gimenez's career stats you'd find that he'd have a .270 batting average, about 23 homers, 100 runs, 39 doubles and about 85 rbi yearly. The guys a catcher! For some reason he's never fallen anywhere near a top 10 MiLB catcher list, and even now, during Spring Training 2009, Gimenez is hitting .357, slugging .879 and posting a .471 obp yet the guy still hasn't attracted any sort of notable press. With their surplus of catchers, the Indians won't even give the guy a roster spot out of Spring Training. Carlos Santana, Kelly Shoppach and Victor Martinez are the only catchers that will get a listen for the 25 man out of Spring Training, but once Santana is moved to third and Martinez is converted to first to save his body, Gimenez will finally get a look for the MLB team.

Yankees' Farm Report- Spring Training 2009

With Spring Training under way as of February 25th the Yankees' are looking better than ever--talent wise. Prospects Austin Jackson, Jesus Montero, David Robertson, Christian Garcia, Dellin Betances and many others are lighting up the stage in Florida as I write this. Below is the most recent rankings of the Yankees' farm system. You'll notice that the Yankees aren't the top farm system in the Bigs but have some serious depth as well as some very good athletes...In parenthesis is the player's potential/prospect quality.

1. Jesus Montero C (A+)- Montero is as close to an A+ prospect as you'll find in the minors now and throughout the past twenty years. He's going to take over as a 35-40 homerun threat as Ivan Rodriguez retires. Scouts give him a perfect 80 for his power on the scouting scale. One scout Yankee's scout says he has an "A-Rod bat" which is a pretty nice complement for a young catcher. He'll probably move to first if he gains any more weight but he does have a rocket arm so staying at catcher is still a possibility. All he needs to improve is his footwork.

2. Austin Jackson CF (B+)- Jackson has a ton of range in the outfield and makes it to first in 4.2 seconds. His power has decreased sum as he shortened his swing in favor of contact. He hi .345 in 2007 and has averaged about 32 stolen bases per full season in the minors. He has an all around package but isn't spectacular at any one aspect of the game. Like McCutchen he's overrated because of his athleticism rather than his minors stats.

3. Dellin Betances RHP (B+)- For a guy that has been listed as tall as 6'9", is only 21 and throws a 93-97 mph fastball and an absolutely dominating knuckle curve Betances hasn't gotten that much press. He will soon. With Charleston in 2008 Betances pitched 22 games, 115 innings and struck out 135. His era was a solid 3.67 and he won nine games. His only minus is his breaking ball control which will improve with his delivery. He's learning a changeup with Nardi Contreras this spring.

4. David Robertson RHP (B+)- Robertson showed his stuff off after being called up with the Yankees before tiring and getting shelled. The potential is there though. The kid throws 92-96 with a hammer 12-6 curveball clocked at about 80 mph. In 30 innings with the big club he struck out 36, and in AAA he struck out 51 in 35 innings and gave up only 20 hits and his era was a sparkling 2.06. Hughes and Kennedy got all of the hype but Robertson may be the most ready pitcher for the majors in their system. He could be the Yankees' version of Papelbon once Rivera's arm finally falls off.

5. Austin Romine C (B+)- Romine is the son of former MLB catcher Kevin Romine and has some good genes to be successful. His arm is the best in the minors as a position player, not just catcher and runners are quickly learning to not test him. He gave up 18 past balls in 2008 so he needs some work behind the plate but his .300 batting average and nice line drive swing shows that his bat is maturing at a nice rate. He's still young and has some work but he is more major league ready than Montero at this point. He's a good all around player kind of like Lou Marson is for the Phillies.

6. Andrew Brackman, LHP, (B)- "Breakman" hasn't pitched a professional inning with the Yanks thus far due to a shredded elbow. Fresh farm surgery Brackman has looked pretty decent lately according to Yankees' coaches and my man Nardi Contreras. He won't throw 98 like he did in college but his 2 seamer that runs 91-94 and his riding four seamer from 92-96 are pretty darn good anyway. He also throws a nice knucke curve. He's huge at 6'8" but like B.J. Ryan, he may be more suited for a late inning set-up or closer's role. Could be a nice heir to Mariano.

7. Phil Coke LHP (B)- Coke was once a low-grade prospect for the Yanks' system before this year and has since turned into a fantastic reliever after being converted from a pretty-good-starter in the minors. Kind of what the Yankees' hoped Ohlendorf would do. Coke pitched 118 innings, struck out 115, had a 2.51 ERA and won 9 games with AA Trenton in 2008. His numbers as a reliever with the Yankees sparkled-- in 14.2 ip he gave up only 8 hits, 2 walks and 1 earned run.

8. Christian Garcia, RHP, (B)- Garcia throws a 92-95 MPH fastball with plenty of life and a sharp curve as well as a tumbling change. He was drafted right out of and was a victim of TJ surgery before dominating last year. In 49.2 innings pitched in 2008 he struck out 60 and had a pretty sexy 2.90 era. His stuff is good but he may be converted to a reliever due to his durability issues by the time he gets to the MLB.

9. Mark Melancon, RHP (B)- Melancon came back from TJ surgery and pitched extremely well in 2008. In AA he pitched 49 innings, struck out 47 and had a 1.81 era and had comparable numbers in Scranton. Melancon has some good stuff--kind of a Brett Cecil type. He throws 92-95 mph fastballs and a nice hard slider that runs about 80-84. His real plus is that he's super efficient and rarely pitches himself into a full count or an 8 pitch at bat. In his career he's only given up a little more than 6 hits per 9 innings.

10. Wilkins De La Rossa, LHP (B-)- Originally De La Rossa was an outfielder with a rocket arm, decent speed and a crappy bat. The Yankees converted him to pitcher in A ball and he has since been a fierce presence. He throws 92-96 and has two pretty sweet breaking pitches. He's a K machine like Betances and struck out 110 in 90 innings with Charleston in '08 and only gave up 60 its. At 6'0" 155 he's going to have to add some bulk to avoid being a glass-armed Scott Kazmir but as of now he looks pretty good.