that hunter pence kid is destroying the ball anyway wish we can get him

they have a superstars type game going this friday and it's a 7pm start - i'm hoping to make it to it

I know in a thread it indicated that Elijah Dukes was being converted to 1st base since Bankston got injured...Not So! He is just filling his roster spot and is playing LF

http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/app/new...sp&sid=l119

Despite the Javelinas 23-9 loss yesterday...

 

Gaby Sanchez hit his first homer of the fall, a three-run shot and went 1-4 with 2 runs scored and three RBI in the loss...

 

Gaby was not selected to play the future stars game this Friday as that distinction went to only one baby Marlin and that being Scott Tyler

 

Tyler for the fall is 1-0, 6.48 ERA in 7 games pitched. He has a save and has allowed 8 hits, six earned runs, including two homers, in 8.1 innings pitched. His WHIP stands at 1.68.

 

The game will feature a pitching match up of Luke Hovechar (Royals) facing off with Mike Pelfrey (Mets).

wonder why they didnt pick gaby

alot of good infielders on his side of the draw

Although Gaby Sanchez is a good baseball player.... I believe he is a little overrated for a player this early in his Professional Career.... Here's why. Many people are soon to forget this player's suspension from the University of Miami for a positive Steriod test failure.... could have even been a higher pick had he been eligible to play his junior year. Secondly Where is he going to play in the big leagues? He's slow... has a below average arm.... has average to below power... and does not work hard on his fielding at all. As a catcher.... from watching the few games he has attempted the position, He is very overmatched by anything with movement. Granted catching is one of the hardest positions to master if not the hardest. Furthermore, this was his first full season and he couldnt even play in half the games due to injury. (74) Do you really think that if they were both healthy, you would start him over Stokes??? come on! Im not nocking this guy with excellent potential, I just wouldnt put him in the big leagues just yet. (.317 in GBO, .182 in FSL) I am a huge fan of baseball and i pay attention to detail in everygame I watch... Have been following the Marlins for 7 years now in the minors. Gaby needs to work on conditioning, his arm, and power production in parks other than The homer hopper dome in Greensboro.(14 home runs GBO, 1 JUP) On the other hand here are a handful of other players who are easily overlooked by those people who only use Baseball America (Completely biased to draft status... not production) as their source of minor league news.

 

Player POS G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI TB BB SO SB CS OBP SLG AVG OPS

Edgar V. Gonzalez 2B 46 143 29 56 10 1 5 36 83 20 32 1 1 .473 .580 .392 1.054 AAA ALB

Jose Campusano OF 99 337 41 96 14 1 1 15 115 15 78 37 12 .330 .341 .285 .671 AA CAR

Kevin Randel SS 123 325 54 91 26 2 12 57 157 47 87 3 3 .376 .483 .280 .859 AA CAR

Alejandro De Aza OF 69 230 40 64 12 2 2 16 86 21 46 27 10 .346 .374 .278 .720 AA CAR

Grant Psomas 3B 92 358 39 104 25 0 8 53 153 28 64 7 2 .341 .427 .291 .768 A FSL

Andrew Jenkins C 128 479 52 138 26 2 5 73 183 41 89 6 4 .353 .382 .288 .735 A SAL

 

 

Player W L ERA G GS CG SHO SV IP H R ER HR HB BB SO WHIP HLD

Nic Ungs 9 9 3.99 26 24 3 1 0 144.1 165 80 64 14 5 45 80 1.45 0 AAA ALB

Paul Mildren 10 10 4.14 28 28 2 1 0 167.1 161 88 77 19 6 54 150 1.28 0 AA CAR

Christopher Young 4 4 2.42 46 0 0 0 12 70.2 60 24 19 1 2 18 61 1.10 5 AA CAR

Jarrett Santos 2 6 1.84 42 0 0 0 0 83.1 78 29 17 3 3 14 51 1.10 5 A FSL

Gabriel Hernandez 9 7 3.68 21 20 0 0 0 120.0 120 60 49 7 13 35 115 1.29 0 A FSL

Michael Doolittle 4 1 1.37 30 2 0 0 2 59.0 36 11 9 1 6 21 79 0.97 5 A SAL/FSL

Travis Talbott 1 1 1.69 31 0 0 0 0 42.2 38 11 8 1 5 13 36 1.20 8 A SAL

 

I know a lot of these guys arent high ceiling guys but I was just trying to get some recognition to some pretty good seasons numbers wise.... As opposed to Draft Status and Projectability.... which is never a certain.

i'll be at the game tonight - wish there were more marlins, but that is OK - there have been a couple injury scratches including hovechar - they have that kid from the phillies going instead

Carroll continues to impress in AFL

Outfielder among nine Marlins prospects in action this fall

By Chip Haunss / Special to MLB.com

 

 

Brett Carroll, a former 10th-round pick by the Marlins, continues to swing a hot bat for the Arizona Fall League's Peoria Javelinas. The 24-year-old outfielder has hit safely in seven of nine games and is batting .350 with three homers, three doubles, 11 RBIs and six runs scored.

 

The Knoxville native is 4-for-16 with a homer, five RBIs and two runs scored over his last five games. He already has five multi-hit games and two four-RBI efforts. He is among the AFL leaders in batting, home runs and RBIs.

 

Here's a look at how the rest of the Marlins' prospects fared in the AFL and the Hawaiian Winter League this week:

 

Waikiki BeachBoys

 

RHP Rick Vanden Hurk: The 21-year-old has struggled in his last two starts after tossing 9 1/3 scoreless innings in his first three appearances. He was tagged with the loss on Oct. 18 against West Oahu, when he allowed seven runs on four hits, including three homers, over 3 1/3 innings. He fanned seven and walked four. On Tuesday, the 6-foot-5 right-hander allowed five runs -- three earned -- on three hits in 3 1/3 innings against Honolulu. He fanned five and walked three but did not factor in the decision. Vanden Hurk is 1-1 with a 5.63 ERA in five games, including four starts.

 

1B/3B Grant Psomas: Psomas' struggles at the plate continued. The 24-year-old is mired in a 2-for-25 slump over his last seven games and is batting .150 with three RBIs and a run scored in 11 games with the BeachBoys.

 

Peoria Javelinas

 

RHP Scott Tyler: The 24-year-old appeared in three games last week. On Oct. 19, he tossed a perfect inning in a 6-0 loss to Phoenix. On Monday, he yielded two walks in a scoreless inning against Grand Canyon. The Philadelphia native was roughed up by Phoenix on Wednesday, surrendering three runs on three hits and a walk in an inning. The former second-round pick was named to the inaugural Rising Stars Showcase, a game featuring the league's top talent on Friday at Surprise Stadium.

 

LHP Adam Bostick: Bostick made his second start of the season against Scottsdale on Oct. 20. The 23-year-old yielded two runs (one earned) on two hits over three innings. He fanned one and walked one but did not receive a decision. The former sixth-round pick tossed four strong innings in a 7-3 victory over Mesa on Thursday. He allowed a run on three hits, struck out four and walked two but did not factor in the decision.

 

RHP Scott Nestor: Nestor's struggles continued as he was roughed up in his two appearances this week. The 22-year-old was charged with five runs on eight hits while retiring two batters against Phoenix on Oct. 19. He allowed two runs on three hits in 1 1/3 frames against the Saguaros on Oct. 21. The 6-foot-4 righty is 0-1 with a 37.80 ERA in four games overall.

 

LHP Matt Yourkin: The 25-year-old fanned two in a perfect inning against Grand Canyon on Monday, but struggled in his following outing against Phoenix on Wednesday. He was charged with three runs on five hits and two walks while striking out two in 1 2/3 innings. The 6-foot-3 lefty is pitching to a 9.64 ERA over four games.

 

1B Gaby Sanchez: The former fourth-round pick has cooled off considerably after a torrid start. He is 3-for-19 during a recent five-game stretch, dropping his average 80 points. The Miami native is batting .277 with a homer, nine runs scored and eight RBIs.

 

SS Brian Cleveland: Cleveland returned to action against Scottsdale on Tuesday after being sidelined with the flu since the season opener. The 24-year-old is 1-for-6 with two runs scored in his first two games back.

source

[Hochevar leaves Arizona Fall League

Sore shoulder shelves Royals' No. 1 pick

By Benjamin Hill / Special to MLB.com

 

 

The Kansas City Royals have removed Luke Hochevar from the Arizona Fall League because the 23-year-old right-hander is experiencing tightness in his right shoulder.

Hochevar, the first overall pick of the 2006 draft, had made three appearances for the AFL's Grand Canyon Rafters. Over 8 1/3 innings pitched, the University of Tennessee product allowed 10 runs -- eight earned -- on 13 hits while striking out eight.

 

The Royals stressed that Hochevar's removal from the AFL was strictly a precautionary move.

 

"It's tightness in his shoulder, probably just fatigue," said Luis Medina, the Royals' special assistant to the general manager. "They are shutting him down for the rest of fall ball and just going back to Kansas City because that's just standard procedure."

 

Hochevar is represented by the Scott Boras Corporation, which understood the Royals' decision to prematurely end Hochevar's AFL campaign.

 

"They're just erring on the side of caution, nothing to be alarmed about," said Jim McNamara, an agent with the corporation. "He's getting an MRI today just to be safe. The Fall League is an important part of his development but they want to err on the side of safety."

 

After signing a four-year Major League contract with the Royals on August 3, Hochevar was assigned to the Burlington Bees of the Class A Midwest League. Over four starts with the club, the Colorado native went 0-1 with a 1.17 ERA while striking out 16. He is expected to open the 2007 season with either Double-A Wichita or Triple-A Omaha.

 

Playing in the Arizona Fall League represented a chance for Hochevar to compete with some of the best prospects in all of baseball. He had been slated to appear in the league's inaugural Rising Stars Showcase on Friday, an exhibition game comprised almost exclusively of first-round draft picks and Minor League All-Stars.

 

 

Benjamin Hill is a contributor to MLB.com. Reporter Lisa Winston also contributed to this report. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

 

 

Doesn't sound like anything, but you can't help but look back at all the pitching busts in the Royals system throughout the last 5 seasons or so, you hope he doesn't become a statistic.

was a fun time last night - pretty lively crowd and I was able to settle in the 3rd row by the 1st base bag - was mainly a pitching night - taylor came in and pitched one inning, ran the first two batters to 3-2 counts before getting them out - got the final batter to fly out on his second pitch

 

fastball hit 90, most of what he was throwing was in the 80s - he nastiest looking pitch only clocked at 67, but really broke - most of his breaking pitches were in the high 70s - seems solid out there, but nothing spectacular - seems to have a olsen type attitude - i could see him being a good reliever, but would have to see a lot more to project him for much more than that

 

gio gonzalez looked poor out there - the kid is small, throws average stuff and really doesn't seem comfortable - happ looked very sharp and seems like he should be the more dangerous phillies prospect - pelfrey looks dangerous if he can get control - he had a couple walks and loaded them up with no outs to start the game, then he just blew through the side striking out the 4-6 guys - jesse chavez also looked like he had A+ stuff out there

 

it was so heavy on pitching that not much offense stood out, although I really liked chin lung hu - pence & maier also made themselves noticed - pence also rifled a couple balls from center field

 

guys who just didn't have good games would be amaury marti - did nothing with the bases loaded and looked poor in the field - the d-back players both looked really bad out there as well

 

anyhow, great night at the park - for $6 you can't go wrong, they even bring down the concession prices from the ST mark - if anyone is in the area during the fall, definitely check it out - especially if you have kids - great environment, the players are awesome with the kids with signing and talking

Anyone notice Brett Carroll played CF in Peoria's last game?...Very interesting!

 

http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/app/mil...ox&did=milb

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prosp...ews/262727.html

Arizona Fall League Notebook: Oct. 27

 

 

Indians' Crowe welcomes end of 2B experiment

 

By Chris Kline

October 27, 2006

 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

See also: Previous Arizona Fall League Notebook

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

MESA, Ariz.--Since Trevor Crowe was in high school, he always had that certain confidence, that swagger, as a huge part of his game.

 

He had it for three years at Arizona, and carried it over to his pro debut after being a first-round pick in 2005. He had it in high Class A Kinston last season and even more after he was promoted to Double-A Akron in June.

 

But suddenly the swagger disappeared when he was asked to move to second base in August with the Aeros.

 

"For me, this is a guy who can do it all--hit for average with some pop, excellent plate discipline and pitch recognition, and he's an average to above-average defender in the outfield," a scout from an American League club said. "That move--particularly to move him and keep him at the same level--seemed curious."

 

In theory, Crowe, who played some second in high school and in college, appeared to be a solid candidate for the position because of his athleticism and aptitude. But when Crowe made the move, it was apparent quickly that it was a mistake. He committed six errors in six games and he lost his focus at the plate as the problems mounted in the field.

 

"The main thing with me was I was just never comfortable on a baseball field at second base," Crowe said. “And I didn't realize during a game how much I don't really think, I just react, and when I was playing second base I didn't realize how much preparation goes into playing that position. And then having to do that, then turn my mind off when I was on the bases and at the plate . . . It was just very hard for me to do.

 

"I've always been a good outfielder. Out there, I'd think, 'OK, I'm 0-for-2, but I can pick something up with my defense.' But at second I was thinking, 'Oh crap, I just let in two runs because that groundball went through my legs, now I have to hit a three-run homer here.' There was just so much going through my head. I definitely lost my confidence. It was a really rough time on me mentally."

 

Crowe moved back to the outfield for the Eastern League postseason, but the Indians still wanted him to work more at second during instructional league before making the final decision on where he would play for the Peoria Javelinas this fall.

 

To his credit, the 22-year-old performed better at instructs, committing a pair of errors in his seven games at second base. But changing positions in the controlled environment of instructional league is a world apart from playing an unfamiliar position in Double-A or even the Fall League.

 

"If you're looking at this in the big picture--what's going to happen in the big leagues with 50,000 fans at Yankee Stadium compared to getting a little bit better in instructs for two weeks--these are separate issues," Crowe said. "And I just don't think in the timeframe that the Indians or I envisioned in this move I would have been able to be successful at second base at that high level.

 

"I feel like I'm 22 years old, I was in Double-A this year, but I have so much more to prove. And the Arizona Fall League is an outstanding opportunity for me to prove my level of play against all these great players every day. So for me, I definitely wanted to get out here for the whole season, be healthy and come play as an outfielder to play at a high level and show everyone that I can be consistent against this kind of a competition."

 

But Crowe isn't quite back to his natural position in the AFL either, though this move should prove worthwhile. With Jacoby Ellsbury (Red Sox)--a fellow product of Oregon high schools and the Pacific-10 Conference--the priority center fielder for the Javelinas, Crowe is the everyday left fielder. With Grady Sizemore firmly entrenched in center in Cleveland for the foreseeable future, left field is the position Crowe is likely to play in the big leagues anyway.

 

Learning left field again took some doing, as Crowe committed a pair of errors on the Fall League?s Opening Day. But he?s settled in on the corner and his bat has been just fine, hitting .348 (16-for-46).

 

There are more things to work on in Arizona, and Crowe is his game's biggest critic. He displays outstanding discipline at the plate, carrying a 71-68 strikeout-walk ratio during the regular season. But even that isn?t quite good enough for the ultimate perfectionist.

 

"I thought it was good this year, but there are still some small refinements that need to take place in my plate discipline," Crowe said. "I don't mean that to be successful at Double-A, I mean that to be a true asset as a No. 1 or 2-hole hitter in the big leagues. The other thing I'm working on is staying back on balls. Sometimes I drift--not a lot--but occasionally I'll get into a habit where I drift.

 

"And then refreshing myself with left field--getting better reads, jumps, that sort of thing. It's not anything major, but I just want to be really a true asset to a winning ballclub in the major leagues."

 

PATENTED PATTON: Astros lefthander Troy Patton went through some growing pains during the regular season split between high Class A Salem and Double-A Corpus Christi, but the 21-year-old made a major step simply by proving durable during his second full season.

 

A ninth-round pick in 2004, Patton wore down considerably during 2005, eventually being shut down due to fatigue late in the year. But by jumping to Double-A this season, and playing deep into the Texas League playoffs and now the AFL, Patton has made a major leap forward.

 

The emergence of his changeup played a key role.

 

"Out here, it's been my number two pitch for me," Patton said. "I always like to establish fastballs, but I've been going to it a lot. Catchers seem to want to call it a lot, so that's always a good thing. I didn't use it as much in Corpus as I did in Salem, but really, that pitch went hand-in-hand with my success."

 

Patton worked on his grip with the changeup, moving the ball further back in his hand, which allowed him to stay on top of it. That gives the pitch above-average depth and fade.

 

"He locates his fastball well all over the strike zone, his curveball is a plus pitch and the changeup looks a lot better than it did in Double-A," a scout from an American League club said. "Good arm speed with the occasional late life. He needs to have more consistency with it, but that'll come as his confidence grows the more he uses it."

 

SALTY DOWN: Braves catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia has been on a tear with the bat, hitting a pair of homers on Wednesday, but nagging hamstring injuries have limited his Fall League time so far. Saltalamacchia left Thursday's game after one at-bat when his right hamstring flared up and is listed as day-to-day.

 

Saltalamacchia struggled offensively for three months at Double-A Mississippi before getting on a roll by hitting .357 with five of his nine homers coming in July.

 

"I stopped putting too much pressure on myself and just went out there swinging the bat," Saltalamacchia said. "Everything was messed up--my whole swing was kind of messed up--my hands, my feet, my timing, everything. But when I got out here, I got with (high Class A Myrtle Beach hitting coach) Franklin Stubbs and he got me back to where I was in 2005. Thank God he's out there, I?ll tell you what."

 

Through just 20 at-bats, Saltalamacchia is hitting .600/.692/1.100 with three of his 12 hits leaving the yard.

 

TWO-SEAM DREAM: Twins righthander Kevin Slowey rocketed through the system in his first full season, jumping all the way to Triple-A Rochester. The 2005 second-round pick out of Winthrop has arguably the best command in the minors, throwing three pitches for strikes and compiling a ridiculous 151-22 strikeout-walk ratio in 148 innings in 2006.

 

But Slowey added a two-seamer just before he got to Double-A New Britain, which gave him another option and played a significant role in his promotion to the next level.

 

"(High Class A Fort Myers pitching coach) Eric Rassmussen explained to me that the higher up you go, you're not going to be able to just throw a straight fastball," Slowey said. "Deception or not, if it's straight, it is what it is. And what it is is hittable. So adding that really gives me another look, especially when I'm in trouble.

 

"When I need a groundball, I just keep throwing two-seamers with pretty decent sink down in the zone. Guys hit fastballs. And as you move up they just hit them harder and harder someplace. So it helps to have something that looks like a fastball, but then it tails down."

 

When Slowey arrived in Arizona, he was greeted with the message that the Twins wanted him to get as close to 200 innings in as possible to prove further endurance and durability. So far, Slowey has spent the bulk of the AFL season coming out of the pen, with 0-0, 2.00 numbers in nine innings.

 

"I feel good--I don't feel great," Slowey said. "I don't think many of the pitchers feel great out here unless they haven't pitched much. If that's what the Twins want, then they want me to prove I can go through a big league season. And I want to be able to show them that I can throw 200 innings and still be strong at the end. I might not be throwing as hard or having quite the movement, but can still go out there and get the job if they need me to.

 

"It shows that they have a lot of faith in me. It's a good thing."

 

SLEEPER OF THE DAY: It's tough to call a guy who won the AFL?s first player of the week honors a sleeper, but Mariners outfielder Michael Wilson certainly has some upside.

 

The 2001 second-round pick stopped switch-hitting about a year and a half ago to concentrate from the right side, and he took off at high Class A Inland Empire with .315/.360/.494 numbers in 249 at-bats. He didn?t fare as well in Double-A (.245/.336/.446), but scouts see potential in the 23-year-old, particularly after he drove in 10 runs over two games Oct. 13-14.

 

"He's made progress and has some ability you can't create," a scout from a National League club said. "The way the ball comes off his bat is special. He's still learning, but when it clicks, it does it for me. He just needs to get it clicking on a consistent basis.

 

"He's a good athlete for his size. He's still raw, but he's got tools."

 

UNPAINTED ARIZONAS

 

? Royals righthander Luke Hochevar was scratched from making tonight?s start for the Western Division in the "Rising Stars Showcase," which is the first-ever AFL all-star game. Hochevar has been experiencing some shoulder stiffness and went back to Kansas City to be examined by team doctors. General manager Dayton Moore told the Kansas City Star, "All his strength tests are good, and his velocity was up to 94 (mph) in his last start. We don?t think it?s anything serious, but we?re going to have Dr. (Steve) Joyce examine him.�

 

? Lefthander Gio Gonzalez (Phillies) will make the start for the West against righthander Mike Pelfrey (Mets). Grand Canyon righthander Jesse Chavez (Pirates) will take Hochevar's roster spot for the West Division.

 

? Phoenix infielder Ryan Klosterman (Blue Jays) is another casualty for the all-star game. Klosterman sustained a broken finger and will be replaced by Kevin Frandsen (Giants).

 

? Scorpions outfielder Terry Evans (Angels) is also down with an unspecified leg injury and will not make the trip to Surprise. Evans will be replaced by Diamondbacks' super utilityman Mark Reynolds.

 

 

 

This may increase the possibility of his availability to the Marlins in a possible trade scenerio

 

 

1. Trevor Crowe, OF

The 14th player taken out of the University of Arizona, Crowe is a switch-hitting stolen-base machine who was slowed only by injuries and the organization's ill-timed idea to convert him into a second baseman late in the season at Double-A Akron. More comfortable once back in center field during the Eastern League playoffs, Crowe hit just .234 (36-for-154) with seven doubles, two triples, a home run and 13 RBIs in 39 games with the Aeros while battling a sprained left ankle. However, he wowed most scouts by working 20 walks and stealing 16 bases in the same span. Crowe, an advanced hitter on the fast track to Cleveland, is spending the winter getting used to fly balls while playing left field in the Arizona Fall League.

Update as of 11/1/06

 

The Javelinas defeated Mesa 6-3 on Wednesday night.

 

Gaby Sanchez went 2-4 with a double and 2 RBI on the night. For the season he is now 18-62 (.290) with 10 runs, 6 doubles, 1 HR, 13 RBI, 13 BB, .408 OBP, .435 SLG.

 

Brett Carroll went 0-3 on Wednesday and is now batting 16-51 (.314), 6 runs, 4 doubles, 3 HR, 11 RBI, .386 OBP, .569 SLG

 

Scott Tyler on the season thus far is 1-0, 6.23 ERA, 8 G, 1 SV., 8.2 IP, 8 H, 6 ER, 8 BB, 8 Ks

 

Adam Bostick on the season thus far is 0-0, 6.00 ERA, 3 starts, 9 IP, 9 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 5 BB, 6 Ks

 

Scott Nestor on the season thus far is 0-1, 23.63 ERA, 6 G, 5.1 IP, 14 H, 14 ER, 5 BB, 6 Ks

 

Matt Yourkin on the season thus far is 0-0, 6.75 ERA, 6 G, 6.2 IP, 12 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 7 Ks

 

Brian Cleveland on the season thus far is batting .125 (1-8) in four games.

In Nov. 2 action....

 

The Javelinas defeated Mesa 8-1...

 

 

Adam Bostick started pitching 4.2 innings, allowing 5 hits, 1 earned run, 2 walks and 3 Ks

 

Gaby Sanchez went 1-5 with a run scored

 

Brett Carroll went 0-2

In Nov. 3 action:

 

 

The Javelinas defeated Saguaros 9-4

 

Gaby Sanchez went 2-5 with a double, run scored and 2 RBI...his average is now up to .292

 

Scott Tyler tossed a shutout inning to lower his ERA to 5.59

http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/...03/c1731101.jsp

 

Prospect Sanchez rebounds in AFL

11/03/2006 1:14 PM ET

By Chip Haunss / MLB.com

 

Gaby Sanchez has turned things around in the Arizona Fall League after suffering through his worst stretch of the season last week. The Miami native was 3-for-19 over a five-game span.

The 23-year-old first baseman is 6-for-20 with five RBIs and two runs scored over a recent five-game stretch and raised his average back over .280.

 

The former fourth-round pick had his best game of the week on Monday as the Peoria Javelinas defeated Scottsdale, 12-3. Sanchez was 2-for-5 with three RBIs. He is batting .284 with one home run, 13 RBIs and 11 runs scored over his first 17 games.

 

Here's how the rest of the Marlins prospects fared recently.

 

Peoria Javelinas

 

RHP Scott Tyler: On Tuesday, the Philadelphia native recorded one out and walked two of the three batters he faced. The 24-year-old has struggled in his last two outings after six strong appearances to start the season. Tyler tossed a perfect inning in the inaugural Rising Stars Showcase on Oct. 27.

 

LHP Adam Bostick: The 23-year-old made his fourth start of the season against Mesa on Thursday and did not receive a decision. The former sixth-round pick allowed one run on five hits over 4 2/3 innings, striking out three and walking two.

 

RHP Scott Nestor: The 22-year-old appears to have straightened out his early season struggles, producing back-to-back solid appearances. On Oct 28 against Grand Canyon, he fanned one and walked one in a scoreless inning. Nestor followed that up with a perfect inning against Mesa on Wednesday. He is 0-1 with a 23.63 ERA in six games.

 

LHP Matt Yourkin: The 25-year-old allowed an unearned run on two hits and a walk in one inning against Grand Canyon on Oct. 28. The Napa, Calif., native surrendered two unearned runs on three hits in one inning against Mesa on Wednesday. The 6-foot-3 lefty has a 6.75 ERA in six games with the Javelinas.

 

SS Brian Cleveland: The 24-year-old continued to struggle as he went 0-for-6 in last two games and is batting .125 (1-for-8) over his first four contests with Peoria.

 

Brett Carroll: The former 10th-round pick has slowed down after a hot start. He is just 2-for-13 over his last four games and his average has fallen 48 points since last week. The Knoxville, Tenn., native is batting .302 with three home runs, 11 RBIs and six runs scored in 13 games.

 

Waikiki BeachBoys

 

RHP Rick Vanden Hurk: The 21-year-old was roughed up in his Oct. 29 start against North Shore. He was charged with five runs on nine hits and two walks while fanning six over five innings for the loss. Vanden Hurk is 1-2 with a 6.43 ERA in six games -- four starts -- for the BeachBoys.

 

1B/3B Grant Psomas: The 24-year-old is mired in a 3-for-28 slump over his last seven games dating to Oct. 14. He is batting .151 (8-for-53) with three RBIs and two runs scored in 14 games with the BeachBoys.

 

Venezuelan Winter League

 

RHP Mauro Zarate: The 23-year-old has been outstanding for Leones del Caracas since his first outing of the season. On Oct. 12, he allowed five runs on three hits in two-thirds of an inning, but since then Zarate has yielded just three hits over 3 2/3 scoreless innings in his last four games. He is 1-1 with a 10.38 ERA in five games.

 

SS Emilio Ontiveros: The 21-year-old is hitless in his two at-bats in his first four games with Pastora de los Llanos. The Venezuelan has not played since Oct. 23.

 

Mexican Pacific League

 

Edgar V. Gonzalez: The 28-year-old is hitting .246 with nine runs scored and four RBIs over his first 18 games for Venados de Mazatlan. The San Diego native has been slumping of late and is just 3-for-21 over his last six games. Gonzalez split time at Class A Jupiter, Double-A Carolina and Triple-A Albuquerque this past season.

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/features/...articleid=26927

 

AFL Wrapup (Part 1)

 

There is already an open DataReader associated with this Connection which must be closed first.

 

Presented this week is the first of two columns looking at what's in store for the prospects of the Arizona Fall League.

 

All ages as of Opening Day 2007.

 

Grand Canyon Rafters

 

Brad Eldred - 1B Pirates - Age 26

.226/.310/.384, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 18/8 K/BB, 1 SB in 62 AB for Triple-A Nashville

.231/.311/.354, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 13/7 K/BB, 3 SB in 65 AB (AFL)

 

Eldred popped 40 homers -- including 12 in the majors -- in 2005, but since he also had a 77/13 K/BB ratio in 190 at-bats after being called up, the Pirates decided to sign Sean Casey to be their first baseman last season. The hope was Eldred would prove beyond the shadow of a doubt that he was ready to take over the job in 2007. Instead, he suffered a fractured and dislocated thumb in his 18th game for Nashville and missed the rest of the year. Back for the AFL, he struggled to a .231/.311/.354 line and needed time off due to a strained left shoulder. Eldred can still bash his way into the Pirates' plans, but it's unlikely that he'll be considered for a starting job in spring training. As much as the team could use another 30-homer guy, Eldred's proclivity for strikeouts and his shaky defense might prevent him from ever establishing himself in Pittsburgh. He's due to open the season back in Triple-A, and he probably won't be more than a two-category player if he is called up.

 

Jeff Fiorentino - OF Orioles - Age 23

.275/.365/.413, 13 HR, 62 RBI, 58/53 K/BB, 9 SB in 385 AB for Double-A Bowie

.256/.375/.308, 0 HR, 7 RBI, 3/7 K/BB, 1 SB in 39 AB for Baltimore

.263/.364/.442, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 16/15 K/BB, 1 SB in 95 AB (AFL)

 

Fiorentino made his major league debut less than a year after the Orioles drafted him in the third round in 2004, but he was shipped to Double-A for 2006 and only earned a September callup thanks to a strong August in which he had a 1011 OPS. Assigned to the AFL following his month in the majors, he got off a hot start and then went 6-for-41 over his last 11 games to lose more than 200 points off his OPS. In both the minors and the AFL, Fiorentino was able to hit barely .220 against left-handers. Fortunately, that's something he'll be asked to do little of in the majors. Fiorentino's left-handed bat and solid defense at all three outfield spots will likely make him a fine fourth outfielder in time. The Orioles will bump him up to Triple-A to begin next year and should turn to him over Brandon Fahey if they have a need for outfield help.

 

Luke Hochevar - RHP Royals - Age 23

0-1, 1.17 ERA, 8 H, 16/2 K/BB in 15 1/3 IP for low Single-A Burlington

0-0, 8.64 ERA, 13 H, 8/2 K/BB in 8 1/3 IP (AFL)

 

Unable to come to terms with the Dodgers after being selected 40th overall in 2005, Hochevar went back into the draft last season and was taken first overall by the Royals, even though he wasn't able to further build his resume at the University of Tennessee. Instead, he made four starts for the independent Fort Worth Cats to prove that he still had the stuff that made him one of the top college pitchers available the previous year. The Royals got him signed in August, and after four starts in the Midwest League, he was sent to the AFL to continue to gain experience. Unfortunately, he had to be shut down after just three starts in October because of a strained shoulder. Hochevar is expected to enter 2007 at 100 percent, and there's a good chance he'll end the year in Kansas City's rotation. The right-hander can throw 95 mph and his curveball is a strikeout pitch. His upside is that of a second or third starter. He shouldn't be considered much of a fantasy sleeper for next season, but he's one of the top 10-15 pitching prospects in the AL.

 

Joe Koshansky - 1B Rockies - Age 24

.284/.371/.525, 31 HR, 109 RBI, 134/64 K/BB, 3 SB in 500 AB for Double-A Tulsa

.227/.296/.412, 5 HR, 21 RBI, 30/10 K/BB, 0 SB in 97 AB (AFL)

 

The new Ryan Shealy. Actually, Koshansky is a left-handed hitter and he's better defensively than the previous first base prospect shipped out of Colorado due to Todd Helton's presence. He's also been a bit younger than Shealy was at each stop, making his numbers more impressive. Still, it remains to be seen how his long swing will play against superior pitching. Koshansky got off to an awful start in the AFL, and more than half of his 21 RBI came in his final six games. Before the late run, he was batting .167 in 72 at-bats. By the time 2008 rolls around, Koshansky likely will deserve a chance to be a platoon first baseman in the majors. He'll head to Triple-A Colorado Springs to begin 2007 and make his major league debut if Helton requires a DL stint for the third straight season. A particularly strong showing might lead to a July trade and a job as another team's first baseman in August.

 

Mitch Maier - OF Royals - Age 24

.306/.357/.473, 14 HR, 92 RBI, 96/41 K/BB, 13 SB in 543 AB for Double-A Wichita

.154/.267/.154, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 4/2 K/BB, 0 SB in 13 AB for Kansas City

.350/.371/.420, 0 HR, 6 RBI, 20/4 K/BB, 9 SB in 100 AB (AFL)

 

Maier, a 2003 first-round pick, has already made switches from catcher to third base to the outfield. He's now settled in as a decent center fielder, which is important, because he's not going to have the bat to handle a corner. Since he's not a true burner, his future is likely as a reserve anyway. Maier's best offensive skill is his ability to hit for average. He's a lifetime .300 batter in the minors, and he finished the AFL season at .350 in 100 at-bats. His line-drive power probably won't result in many homers in the majors, and his poor walk rate is also going to be a problem. His stock is higher than it was a year ago -- the Royals left him available to be picked up in the Dec. 2005 Rule 5 draft -- but he still might have a hard time winning a roster spot anytime soon, especially since fellow left-handed hitter Shane Costa is ahead of him in line for a bench job.

 

Matt Miller - OF Rockies - Age 24

.323/.381/.496, 12 HR, 77 RBI, 37/31 K/BB, 4 SB in 368 AB for Single-A Modesto

.229/.330/.301, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 13/11 K/BB, 1 SB in 83 AB for Double-A Tulsa

.333/.393/.333, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 6/3 K/BB, 0 SB in 24 AB for Triple-A Colorado Springs

.322/.369/.576, 4 HR, 14 RBI, 10/4 K/BB, 0 SB in 59 AB (AFL)

 

Miller's AFL season came to an unfortunate end on Nov. 2 because of a leg injury. Before that, the California League All-Star was piling up up some of the best numbers in the circuit. Miller hasn't been young for his leagues and he's gotten to play in some very good parks for hitters, so his .313 average as a minor leaguer isn't as impressive as it looks. The 2004 13th-round pick is only really an option in left field, and he's probably not going to show the 25-homer power he'd need to become a quality regular. There's a good chance he'll top out at Triple-A.

 

Nolan Reimold - OF Orioles - Age 23

.255/.379/.455, 19 HR, 75 RBI, 107/76 K/BB, 14 SB in 415 AB for Single-A Frederick

.284/.406/.398, 1 HR, 9 RBI, 20/16 K/BB, 1 SB in 88 AB (AFL)

 

A little more was expected from Reimold last season after he hit .265/.371/.554 in 83 at-bats for Frederick in 2005, but his walk rate and isolated slugging percentage held up just fine. The Bowling Green product appears on his way to becoming the Orioles' left fielder as soon as 2008. He's a better athlete than some give him credit for, and his secondary offensive skills should make him a decent regular even if he can't do much better than a .260 average. He might have a peak that resembles Jeromy Burnitz's prime.

 

Brian Rogers - RHP Pirates - Age 24

3-2, 1 Sv, 2.39 ERA, 49 H, 69/14 K/BB in 64 IP for Double-A Erie

0-0, 1 Sv, 0.00 ERA, 2 H, 5/2 K/BB in 4 IP for Double-A Altoona

1-1, 1 Sv, 1.08 ERA, 2 H, 8/1 K/BB in 8 1/3 IP for Triple-A Indianapolis

0-0, 0 Sv, 8.31 ERA, 11 H, 7/2 K/BB in 8 2/3 IP for Pittsburgh

2-0, 0 Sv, 0.00 ERA, 2 H, 6/3 K/BB in 7 2/3 IP (AFL)

 

Rogers, a 2003 11th-round pick out of Georgia Southern, was the lone prospect the Pirates were able to extract from the Tigers for Sean Casey at the trade deadline. He finished with some exceptional minor league numbers last season, but since he only occasionally hits 90 mph with his fastball, he's never been very highly thought of. His slider is his lone above average pitch, leaving him susceptible to left-handed hitters. While his breaking ball and superior command could allow him to have a career, he probably won't ever emerge as a candidate for saves. He'll compete for a roster spot in spring training.

 

Ryan Speier - RHP Rockies - Age 27

0-0, 4.50 ERA, 5 H, 11/2 K/BB in 8 IP (AFL)

 

Speier, the Rolaids Relief Man award winner for the entire minor leagues in 2004, missed last season after suffering a torn right labrum playing basketball. The injury can be a career ender for pitchers, but Speier turned in an impressive comeback in the fall, striking out 11 and recording 13 outs on grounders s in his eight innings of work. Standing 6-foot-7 and using a sidearm delivery, Speier can be very tough on right-handers. He doesn't have the arsenal to strike out a lot of major league hitters, but he could be useful in a limited role. The Rockies might give him another opportunity after he spends the first month or two of 2007 in Triple-A.

 

Troy Tulowitzki - SS Rockies - Age 22

.291/.370/.473, 13 HR, 61 RBI, 71/46 K/BB, 6 SB in 423 AB for Double-A Tulsa

.240/.318/.292, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 25/10 K/BB, 3 SB in 96 AB for Rockies

.329/.398/.468, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 11/11 K/BB, 2 SB in 79 AB (AFL)

 

Due to a strained quad, Tulowitzki didn't see much action after being drafted seventh overall in 2005. Last season, he only missed time with a bruised hand suffered on a HBP, and he showed enough as a 21-year-old in Double-A to solidify his status as one of the game's top prospects. Tulo doesn't have stellar range at short, but he should be able to spend at least the first half of his career at the position. He projects as a 25-homer guy in his prime, and it looks like he could have the on-base skills to bat second or third in the lineup. The Rockies are expected to give him every opportunity to win a starting job in spring training, though they'll probably be looking to bat him in the bottom third of the order initially. While it's unlikely that he'll become an above average regular before 2008, he could bat .260-.270 with 15 homers and 8-10 steals as a rookie.

 

Neil Walker - C Pirates - Age 21

.284/.345/.409, 3 HR, 35 RBI, 41/19 K/BB, 3 SB in 264 AB for Single-A Lynchburg

.161/.188/.355, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 4/1 K/BB, 0 SB in 31 AB for Double-A Altoona

.290/.306/.391, 0 HR, 8 RBI, 12/2 K/BB, 0 SB in 69 AB (AFL)

 

Walker played last season at age 20, so his 754 OPS in the Carolina League wasn't bad. However, he hasn't made as much progress defensively as hoped and his overaggressive approach at the plate leads to questions about what kind of hitter he'll be in the majors. Walker can spray line drives from both sides of the plate, but the power has yet to come and he might top out as a 15-homer guy, which could be a problem given his lack of on-base skills. Of course, he'd likely be a fine hitter as a catcher, but if the oft-rumored switch to third base takes place, he'll need to get quite a bit better. Either way, it appears unlikely that he'll help before 2009.

 

 

Peoria Javelinas

 

Trevor Crowe - OF Indians - Age 23

.000/.000/.000, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1/0 K/BB, 0 SB in 5 AB for low Single-A Lake County

.329/.449/.470, 4 HR, 31 RBI, 46/48 K/BB, 29 SB in 219 AB for Single-A Kinston

.234/.318/.325, 1 HR, 13 RBI, 24/20 K/BB, 16 SB in 154 AB for Double-A Akron

.329/.449/.405, 0 HR, 14 RBI, 10/18 K/BB, 3 SB in 79 AB (AFL)

 

A brief late-season trial at second base didn't work out, but Crowe can still be considered one of the game's top outfield prospects, even if he doesn't have quite as much upside as many of the other players who fit the description. A big reason for that is because he's going to fit best in left field, as opposed to center. Crowe is a switch-hitter with the on-base skills to be a very good leadoff man. He's unlikely to deliver more than 8-10 homers per year in the majors, but he'll hit for average, draw walks and steal 30 bases a season. That kind of package would make him an All-Star as a second baseman. In left field, he'll still likely be an asset, especially since he will be an above average defender there. There's a good chance he'll be ready after just one more season in the minors. The Indians could call on him if injuries strike next year, but they'd probably go to Franklin Gutierrez first.

 

Joey Devine - RHP Braves - Age 23

1-3, 5.89 ERA, 13 H, 28/11 K/BB in 18 1/3 IP for Single-A Myrtle Beach

2-0, 0.82 ERA, 2 H, 20/4 K/BB in 11 IP for Double-A Mississippi

0-0, INF ERA, 1 H, 0/1 K/BB in 0 IP for Triple-A Richmond

0-0, 9.95 ERA, 8 H, 10/9 K/BB in 6 1/3 IP for Atlanta

0-0, 4.50 ERA, 6 H, 9/7 K/BB in 8 IP (AFL)

 

It appeared that Devine might be Atlanta's closer by now after he was taken with the 27th overall pick in the 2005 draft. Instead, he'll enter spring training as a long shot to win a roster spot. Devine became the first pitcher in major league history to surrender grand slams in his first two appearances following his callup in Aug. 2005. Last April, he was found to have a degenerative disc in his back and he went more than two months between appearances in the minors. Once healthy, he surprisingly worked his way back to the majors and threw 5 1/3 scoreless innings for the Braves in September. If Devine's back problems are behind him, he'll only need to do a better job of throwing strikes in order to succeed in the majors. Maybe he'll always be too vulnerable to left-handers to become a truly outstanding reliever, but his strong fastball-slider combination will make him pretty valuable.

 

Lenny DiNardo - LHP Red Sox - Age 27

0-0, 0.00 ERA, 2 H, 4/0 K/BB in 4 2/3 IP for Rookie GCL Red Sox

0-1, 31.50 ERA, 7 H, 2/2 K/BB in 2 IP for Double-A Portland

0-0, 12.00 ERA, 5 H, 2/1 K/BB in 3 IP for Triple-A Pawtucket

1-2, 7.85 ERA, 61 H, 17/20 K/BB in 39 IP for Boston

1-0, 2.70 ERA, 12 H, 16/5 K/BB in 13 1/3 IP (AFL)

 

The Bronson Arroyo trade meant DiNardo was next in line to join the Boston rotation at the beginning of last season, and he was needed to make several starts early on because of David Wells' knee troubles. Despite his ability to get grounders, he wasn't any good at all, and he was on the verge of losing his spot when he went on the DL on May 24 with a neck strain. He ended up having to shut it down for 2 months, and he was terribly ineffective in both the minors and the majors after returning, giving up 14 runs in 13 2/3 innings for the Red Sox in September. A soft-tossing left-hander, DiNardo would be rather easy to dismiss if not for his ability to generate grounders. He has a 2.75:1 GB:FB ratio as a major leaguer. Also, he's typically displayed much better command than he did last season and he doesn't have much of a lefty-righty split. While there isn't much fantasy potential here, there's still reason to believe he could settle in as a fifth starter or middle reliever. It's likely that he'll begin next year in Triple-A Pawtucket's rotation.

 

Jacoby Ellsbury - OF Red Sox - Age 23

.299/.379/.418, 4 HR, 32 RBI, 28/25 K/BB, 25 SB in 244 AB for Single-A Wilmington

.308/.387/.434, 3 HR, 19 RBI, 25/24 K/BB, 16 SB in 198 AB for Double-A Portland

.276/.342/.371, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 16/8 K/BB, 7 SB in 105 AB (AFL)

 

The Red Sox might have preferred Trevor Crowe in the 2005 draft, but he went 14th to the Indians and Boston was left to choose another Pac 10 outfielder with the 23td pick. After a year and a half, it looks like the Red Sox might have made out a bit better. Crowe has a little more offensive potential than the left-handed-hitting Ellsbury, but that the latter is a legitimate defensive center fielder makes up for it. Ellsbury hits lefties well and shows doubles power. He'll probably get on base just often enough to be a solid leadoff hitter, though he'll make more sense at the bottom of the lineup initially. That Ellsbury should be ready for 2008 is one of the factors making a Coco Crisp trade a possibility. His chances of seeing significant time as an injury replacement next season would increase if David Murphy is sent elsewhere. Because he has 30-steal potential, he's a fine fantasy prospect.

 

Yunel Escobar - INF Braves - Age 24

.264/.361/.346, 2 HR, 45 RBI, 77/59 K/BB, 7 SB in 428 AB for Double-A Mississippi

.407/.463/.558, 2 HR, 22 RBI, 7/9 K/BB, 3 SB in 86 AB (AFL)

 

Before winning the AFL batting title, Escobar, a 2005 second-round pick following his defection from Cuba, was largely a disappointment during the regular season. The Braves thought he could handle Double-A after he hit .325/.375/.504 while playing mostly in the Sally League in his pro debut, but he didn't do much more than hold his own. More discouraging was that he struggled to find a home on the diamond. Probably incapable of handling shortstop in the majors, it's still left to be decided whether he'd be better off at second or third. While he's currently viewed as a candidate to step in at second if Marcus Giles is traded, he'll likely need more experience at the position. He spent more time at both shortstop and third last season. Escobar is not ready offensively anyway. He might be capable of batting .290 and playing a solid second base someday, but he appears to be a year away and he lacks the power or speed to be a fantasy force.

 

Michael Garciaparra - 2B Mariners - Age 23

.313/.353/.688, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 0/1 K/BB, 1 SB in 16 AB for Rookie AZL Mariners

.305/.375/.381, 1 HR, 16 RBI, 21/8 K/BB, 1 SB in 105 AB for Double-A San Antonio

.316/.422/.375, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 26/22 K/BB, 3 SB in 136 AB for Triple-A Tacoma

.342/.388/.430, 1 HR, 13 RBI, 13/1 K/BB, 2 SB in 79 AB (AFL)

 

Five years after being drafted 36th overall by the Mariners, Garciaparra resembled a prospect for the first time in 2006, though he still looks like a utilityman at best. Nomar's younger brother posted a .399 OBP in his 257 minor league at-bats. The power hasn't come yet, but he has worked to add the strength he'll need if he's going to have a shot. It will probably come down to versatility. Garciaparra was used mostly at second base last season and the only other position he played was shortstop, his former home. He won't hit enough to be a regular, so he'll probably need to work in the outfield and prove he can handle center if he's going to have a career.

 

Joe Inglett - INF Indians - Age 28

.516/.587/.797, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 4/11 K/BB, 7 SB in 64 AB for Double-A Akron

.299/.358/.389, 1 HR, 13 RBI, 24/13 K/BB, 3 SB in 157 AB for Triple-A Buffalo

.284/.332/.383, 2 HR, 21 RBI, 39/14 K/BB, 5 SB in 201 AB for Cleveland

.417/.491/.438, 0 HR, 6 RBI, 6/8 K/BB, 1 SB n 48 AB (AFL)

 

Inglett opened last season as a utilityman at Buffalo, but he was later dropped to Double-A so that he could concentrate on playing shortstop. He didn't show enough at the position to turn himself into a quality alternative to Jhonny Peralta, but his bat did get him to the majors in June and he ended up splitting time at second base with Hector Luna after Ronnie Belliard was traded. Josh Barfield's arrival from San Diego has now left the Indians with two intriguing backup infielders. However, since neither is a quality shortstop, one could be dealt prior to Opening Day. Inglett is the weaker long-term bet of the two, though he could be at least as good as Luna next year. Because he can hit for average and steal 6-10 bases, Inglett should be a decent $1 pick if either he or Luna is moved.

 

Kevin Kouzmanoff - 3B Padres - Age 25

.389/.449/.660, 15 HR, 55 RBI, 34/23 K/BB, 2 SB in 244 AB for Double-A Akron

.353/.409/.647, 7 HR, 20 RBI, 12/10 K/BB, 2 SB in 102 AB for Triple-A Buffalo

.214/.279/.411, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 12/5 K/BB, 0 SB in 56 AB for Cleveland

.382/.460/.618, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 5/4 K/BB, 0 SB in 55 AB (AFL)

 

Kouzmanoff was available to anyone in the Dec. 2005 Rule 5 draft after batting .339/.401/.591 for Single-A Kinston, but no one took the chance. In 2006, he hit his way from Double-A to the majors and was acquired by the Padres, along with Andrew Brown, for a player in Josh Barfield who was viewed as the far superior prospect entering the season. Kouzmanoff is expected to take over as San Diego's third baseman, but there are still major issues here. Kouzmanoff hurt his back in 2004 and has had issues since, though he wasn't forced to miss any time last year. His defense at third is below average, and since first base in San Diego should be off limits for several years, the only alternative for him is left field and he might not have enough range to be decent there. What's not in doubt is Kouzmanoff's bat. He's a legitimate .300 hitter with 20-25 homer power. However, Petco Park will take a toll. He may struggle to bat .270-.280 with 15 homers as a rookie next year.

 

Anthony Lerew - RHP Braves - Age 24

4-2, 2.03 ERA, 43 H, 37/13 K/BB in 48 2/3 IP for Double-A Mississippi

3-5, 7.48 ERA, 92 H, 69/36 K/BB in 71 IP for Triple-A Richmond

0-0, 22.50 ERA, 5 H, 1/3 K/BB in 2 IP for Atlanta

1-2, 5.52 ERA, 17 H, 8/12 K/BB in 14 2/3 IP (AFL)

 

Lerew entered 2006 as a sleeper candidate to step in as the Braves' closer, but he failed to make the team as a reliever after posting an ERA over 10.00 in spring training, and once he was put back into Triple-A Richmond's rotation, he proved to be one of the International League's worst pitchers. Lerew had a 3.48 ERA in 13 starts for Richmond in 2005, but that figure more than doubled in his second stint at the level. Demoted to Double-A in June, he quickly turned things around in Mississippi. However, he wasn't able to keep it going as a reliever in the AFL, walking 12 batters in 14 2/3 innings. The off year makes it more likely that Lerew will be a long-term reliever. He can throw 95-96 mph while working an inning or two at a time, and his changeup should eventually be a plus pitch. His slider isn't currently an asset. Improved control would get him another look in Atlanta by the middle of next summer.

 

Bobby Livingston - LHP Mariners - Age 24

8-11, 4.59 ERA, 165 H, 69/36 K/BB in 135 1/3 IP for Triple-A Tacoma

0-0, 18.00 ERA, 9 H, 3/6 K/BB in 5 IP for Seattle

1-3, 10.45 ERA, 37 H, 17/3 K/BB in 20 2/3 IP (AFL)

 

Livingston was supposed to be one of the Mariners' top alternatives for the rotation last season, but just Triple-A has proven to be a stumbling block for his mid-80s fastball. Livingston went 8-4 with a 2.86 ERA in 18 starts in the Texas League in 2005, but in 187 innings at Tacoma, he has a 4.62 ERA and 110 strikeouts. A brief stint in the Seattle bullpen didn't work out, and he had a .374 batting-average against in 20 2/3 innings in the AFL. Livingston has very good command and four pitchers he tries to use to keep hitters of balance, but he's probably going to need a little more muscle behind his fastball if he's going to make it as a starter in the majors.

 

David Pauley - RHP Red Sox - Age 23

2-3, 2.39 ERA, 54 H, 47/17 K/BB in 60 1/3 IP for Double-A Portland

1-3, 5.54 ERA, 60 H, 25/18 K/BB in 50 1/3 IP for Triple-A Pawtucket

0-2, 7.88 ERA, 31 H, 10/6 K/BB in 16 IP for Boston

0-3, 5.06 ERA, 36 H, 14/6 K/BB in 26 2/3 IP (AFL)

 

Pauley is the only of the three players the Red Sox got from the Padres for Dave Roberts left in the organization. The 2001 eighth-round pick has posted consistently solid numbers in the minors, but he wasn't ready when the Red Sox hauled him up from Double-A at the end of May, and since he struggled in his Triple-A debut after being sent down in mid-June, he wasn't recalled in September. Pauley has a pretty good curveball and changeup, so if he could throw over 90 mph consistently, he'd probably be a fine starter in the majors. Since he can't, he'll likely be doomed to middle relief if he makes it at all.

 

Gaby Sanchez - 1B Marlins - Age 23

.333/.636/.500, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 0/5 K/BB, 0 SB in 6 AB for Rookie GCL Marlins

.317/.447/.603, 14 HR, 40 RBI, 20/39 K/BB, 6 SB in 189 AB for low Single-A Greensboro

.182/.324/.327, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 12/12 K/BB, 1 SB in 55 AB for Single-A Jupiter

.279/.379/.396, 2 HR, 20 RBI, 15/19 K/BB, 0 SB in 111 AB (AFL)

 

Sanchez was the MVP of the New York-Penn League after being drafted in 2005, but thanks to the fire sale that added so much depth to the Florida farm system, that honor didn't even get him a spot in Baseball America's top 30 Marlins prospects entering the season. He'll be there next year. Sanchez was enjoying an outstanding campaign in the Sally League before breaking a hand in June. A few weeks after returning in July, he suffered a broken toe and missed the rest of the minor league season. He returned for the AFL and did decent work against advanced pitching. Drafted as a catcher, Sanchez is now concentrating on first base. The Marlins are already wondering whether Mike Jacobs fits into their future plans, and Sanchez can officially make him expendable with a big year between Jupiter and Double-A Carolina in 2007. He's probably not a future star, but he might develop into an average regular.

 

Tony Sipp - LHP Indians - Age 23

4-2, 3.13 ERA, 44 H, 80/21 K/BB in 60 1/3 IP for Double-A Akron

0-0, 4.35 ERA, 4 H, 16/9 K/BB in 10 1/3 IP (AFL)

 

The Indians were quick to push some of their other bullpen prospects last season, but Sipp, who probably has the most upside of their young left-handed relievers, was left in Double-A throughout. Sipp actually opened the year as a starter, but after returning from a DL stint due to a strained oblique suffered in late April, he spent the rest of the season in the pen. The Clemson product was dominant against both lefties and righties at Akron thanks to a low-90s fastball and a plus slider. The Eastern League hit just .201 against him, and he allowed only four hits in 10 1/3 innings in the AFL, though he did walk nine. Once Sipp begins throwing more strikes, he'll probably emerge as a setup man in the majors. He's due for at least a couple of months at Triple-A first.

 

 

Peoria Saguaros

 

T.J. Beam - RHP Yankees - Age 26

4-0, 3 Sv, 0.86 ERA, 26 H, 34/12 K/BB in 42 IP for Double-A Trenton

2-0, 1 Sv, 1.71 ERA, 16 H, 37/13 K/BB in 31 2/3 IP for Triple-A Columbus

2-0, 0 Sv, 8.50 ERA, 26 H, 12/6 K/BB in 18 IP for New York (AL)

2-1, 2 Sv, 0.60 ERA, 11 H, 17/6 K/BB in 15 IP (AFL)

 

Beam has had little trouble retiring minor league hitters since the Yankees made him a 10th round pick out of Ole Miss in 2003, but his lack of a plus offspeed pitch really handicapped him in the majors. In the minors, a 92-95 mph fastball that was made to look even faster by his 6-foot-7 frame was enough to overmatch most hitters. As a Yankee, he was tagged for five homers in just 18 innings of work. While Beam does have a slider and a changeup, neither pitch is going to lead to a lot of strikeouts. He might manage a career as a middle reliever, but the Yankees should be able to do better both now and in the future.

 

Kory Casto - OF Nationals - Age 25

.272/.379/.468, 20 HR, 80 RBI, 104/81 K/BB, 6 SB in 489 AB for Double-A Harrisburg

.302/.471/.434, 1 HR, 9 RBI, 12/17 K/BB, 0 SB in 53 AB (AFL)

 

Casto isn't young and he lacks defensive value, but he passes for a top prospect in the barren Washington farm system. The plan is for him to compete for the starting job in left field next spring, but Ryan Church had better numbers in the majors last season than Casto did in the Eastern League. That's not to say Casto can't be a starter in time. The left-handed hitter possesses 20-homer power and his strong walk rate should make up for what will likely be a mediocre batter average in the majors. Also, he is improving in the outfield after making the switch from third base. Casto will likely begin next year in Triple-A if he fails to win the starting job, but it's likely that he'll spend a good chunk of the season in D.C. He could get about 300 at-bats and hit 10 homers.

 

Eric Duncan - 1B Yankees - Age 22

.248/.355/.485, 10 HR, 29 RBI, 38/32 K/BB, 0 SB in 206 AB for Double-A Trenton

.209/.279/.255, 0 HR, 6 RBI, 24/9 K/BB, 0 SB in 110 AB for Triple-A Columbus

.257/.310/.354, 2 HR, 18 RBI, 16/9 K/BB, 0 SB in 113 AB (AFL)

 

Duncan is still so young that it's best not to overreact to his struggles. In another organization, he would have opened the year at Double-A, rather than being assigned to Triple-A Columbus and later demoted. While back at Trenton, he flashed his 35-homer potential and cut well back on the strikeouts. More than his disappointing batting average, the one big reason for pessimism regarding Duncan is the back troubles he experienced last year. He didn't require surgery, but it's something he'll have to manage going forward, and if his problems worsen, he might not develop. As is, there's still good reason to think he'll turn into an average regular at first base. He should spend another full year in the minors, but if he gets off to a particularly good start, there's a chance he could get a look from the Yankees or another team in the second half.

 

Gavin Floyd - RHP Phillies - Age 24

7-4, 4.23 ERA, 117H, 85/38 K/BB in 115 IP for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre

4-3, 7.29 ERA, 70 H, 34/32 K/BB in 54 1/3 IP for Philadelphia

0-1, 5.59 ERA, 17 H, 14/10 K/BB in 19 1/3 IP (AFL)

 

Floyd has frustrated the Phillies to the point at which it's far more likely he'll be traded than it is that he'll get a chance to win a rotation spot next spring. While Floyd is just turning 24 in January, he's a far worse bet now than he was a few years ago. He's lost a few miles off his fastball since coming out of high school, and he hasn't gained consistency with his curveball, which at one time could have been considered the best breaking ball in the minors. Floyd still throws 90 mph with regularity, and the talent should be there to make him at least a fifth starter. However, he'd have to get out of Philadelphia to become much of a sleeper.

 

Brett Gardner - OF Yankees - Age 23

.323/.433/.418, 0 HR, 22 RBI, 51/43 K/BB, 30 SB in 232 AB for Single-A Tampa

.272/.352/.318, 0 HR, 13 RBI, 39/27 K/BB, 28 SB in 217 AB for Double-A Trenton

.250/.406/.352, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 22/27 K/BB, 6 SB in 108 AB (AFL)

 

Gardner hit five homers in the New York-Penn League after being drafted in the third round in 2005, but he couldn't manage one in the minors last season. It may be a sign of things to come. Gardner had a leadoff hitter's approach at the plate and his speed makes him a big threat on the basepaths, but he'll have to deliver at least a few more doubles if he's going to help a major league team. In order to do it, he'll probably have to adapt his swing a bit. Gardner is a quality defender in center, and if he can't quite hit enough to be a regular, the fact that he's a left-handed hitter should help him make it as a bench player. With Johnny Damon and Melky Cabrera ahead of him in New York, the Yankees could use him as trade bait.

 

Gio Gonzalez - LHP Phillies - Age 21

7-12, 4.66 ERA, 140 H, 166/81 K/BB in 154 2/3 IP for Double-A Reading

0-0, 2.81 ERA, 13 H, 20/10 K/BB in 16 IP (AFL)

 

Gonzalez faded after a strong start for Reading -- he had a 2.56 ERA and a 69/27 K/BB ratio in 59 2/3 IP through the end of May -- but the Phillies felt he had enough left that it was safe to send him to the AFL. He did pretty well in Arizona, though he was kept on a short leash and walked 10 in 16 innings. He struck out 20 and amassed a 2.81 ERA in his six starts. Gonzalez didn't turn 21 until after the minor league season ended, making his big strikeout rate even more impressive. With a low-90s fastball, a plus curve and an average change, he has No. 2-starter potential if he makes enough progress with his command. Greater efficiency with his pitches would also help his chances of staying healthy. Gonzalez will likely make his major league debut by July or August. A permanent rotation spot may not come before 2008.

 

Chase Headley - 3B Padres - Age 22

.291/.389/.434, 12 HR, 73 RBI, 96/74 K/BB, 4 SB in 484 AB for Single-A Lake Elsinore

.257/.380/.406, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 22/18 K/BB, 1 SB in 101 AB (AFL)

 

The acquisition of Kevin Kouzmanoff couldn't have filled Headley with joy, but it looks like the 2005 second-round pick out of the University of Tennessee will remain at third base for the foreseeable future. After all, Kouzmanoff may very well need to be moved off the position in a year or two. Headley could be tried at second, but it's doubtful he'd be a fit there, and he's unlikely to have the bat to be an asset in an outfield corner. As a third baseman, his on-base skills and 15-18 homer power should enable him to make it as a regular. He'll head to Double-A for the start of 2007.

 

Jason Jaramillo - C Phillies - Age 24

.248/.320/.388, 6 HR, 39 RBI, 55/32 K/BB, 0 SB in 322 AB for Double-A Reading

.167/.143/.167, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1/0 K/BB, 0 SB in 6 AB for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre

.379/.436/.591, 2 HR, 17 RBI, 11/9 K/BB, 0 SB in 66 AB (AFL)

 

Jaramillo is almost certain to open the year in Triple-A, but if the Phillies fail to upgrade from their current Carlos Ruiz-Chris Coste combination behind the plate, he could be a candidate to step in midseason. Jaramillo shows the potential for hitting for average from both sides of the plate and could deliver 12-15 homers per year in his prime. On defense, he has all of the skills to become an above average catcher. The package should make him a better player than Ruiz in time. Ideally, the Phillies will sign a starting catcher and give Jaramillo a full year to develop in Ottawa. Since there aren't many other teams looking for regulars, that's probably what will happen.

 

Amaury Cazana Marti - OF Cardinals - Age 32

.282/.351/.494, 4 HR, 16 RBI, 26/9 K/BB, 3 SB in 85 AB for Single-A Palm Beach

.227/.315/.394, 6 HR, 13 RBI, 41/13 K/BB, 1 SB in 132 AB for Double-A Springfield

.345/.378/.571, 4 HR, 14 RBI, 23/3 K/BB, 0 SB in 84 AB (AFL)

 

Marti says he's 28, but no one seems to believe it. The Cardinals decided it was worth a 2006 18th-round pick to see if the Cuban defector had anything to offer. It doesn't look good for him so far, even if he did bat .345 with four homers in 84 at-bats in the AFL. Marti doesn't offer big-time power and, including his stint in Arizona, he fanned 90 times in 301 at-bats last season. Rick Ankiel is the better long shot.

 

Darrell Rasner - RHP Yankees - Age 26

0-0, 4.50 ERA, 5 H, 6/1 K/BB in 6 IP for Rookie GCL Nationals

0-0, 2.57 ERA, 12 H, 6/3 K/BB in 7 IP for Single-A Tampa

4-0, 2.76 ERA, 60 H, 47/11 K/BB in 58 2/3 IP for Triple-A Columbus

3-1, 4.43 ERA, 18 H, 11/5 K/BB in 20 1/3 IP for New York (AL)

0-0, 4.18 ERA, 20 H, 17/12 K/BB in 23 2/3 IP (AFL)

 

Washington GM Jim Bowden has a fair track record when it comes to his big moves. It's his little ones that consistently undermine his team. The Nationals had one of baseball's shallowest organizations in terms of prospects and a whopping 14 infielders on their 40-man roster when they made the boneheaded decision to cut Rasner in February. Surprisingly, he lasted all the way to the Yankees on waivers. Rasner missed more than two months during the season with a sore shoulder, but he did solid work after joining the Bombers in September, turning himself into a potential fifth starter in 2007. Rasner gets decent movement on his 90-mph fastball and showed an improved curve last season. His upside is quite limited and he's probably best suited for the NL, but he should be a decent fallback for the Yankees.