Fantasy Baseball Advice

Seattle Mariners 2011 Minor League Review

Organizational Talent Rankings via Baseball America:

2011 (18) | 2010 (12) | 2009 (24) | 2008 (12) | 2007 (24) | 2006 (27)

2011 Affiliate Records

MLB: [67-95] AL West

AAA: [70-74] Pacific Coast League – Tacoma

AA: [68-72] Southern League – Jackson

A+: [59-81] California League – High Desert

A: [63-76] Midwest League – Clinton

A(ss): [37-39] Northwest League – Everett

R:  [32-36] Appalachian League – Pulaski

The Run Down

The spacious Safeco Field is a wonderful ballpark in which to begin a pitching career.  The Seattle farm system is deep with pitching, and it’s not difficult to envision a handful of prospects making an impact on the mound this year.  Beyond the names I’ve noted, keep an eye on relief arms like Stephen Pryor and Erasmo Ramirez – both could occupy roles in the M’s pen.  Also, Mauricio Robles will be back from elbow surgery and could be ready for Major League duty before long.  Offensively, the Seattle farm system took a tragic hit with the murder of Greg Halman.  But with youthful infield prospects like Nick Franklin and Francisco Martinez, in addition to some big league-ready talent (Liddi, Catricala, Chiang), Mariners fans have reason for hope in the coming years.

Arizona Fall League Players – Peoria Javelinas

Steven Hensley (RHP); Danny Hultzen (LHP); Brian Moran (LHP); Forrest Snow (RHP); Adam Moore (C); Nick Franklin (SS); Chih-Hsien Chiang (OF)

Graduated Prospects

Dustin Ackley (2B); Mike Carp (1B); Kyle Seager (2B/3B); Trayvon Robinson (OF); Carlos Peguero (OF); Michael Pineda (RHP); Blake Beaven (RHP); Charlie Furbush (LHP); Tom Wilhelmsen (RHP)

Players of Interest

Hitters

Alex Liddi | 3B:

Liddi has Mark Reynolds upside. By that I mean:  .225 AVG, 30 + homers, and a shizzload of strikeouts.  At just 23 years old, there’s still time for him to improve on his plate discipline and cut down on the K’s.  Scouts like his glove at third, too.  With his power potential, if he’s getting regular AB’s Liddi will be worth consideration in most formats.

Vinnie Catricala | 3B/1B/OF:

In 600 PA between High A and Double-A, Catricala posted 2011 slash line of .349/.421/.601.  With 17 stolen bases, he also showed a little speed.  His 77 XBH, including 25 homers, are good indicators that Catricala is at least ready for AAA, if not for MLB.  Provided he can fit in somewhere defensively, I expect him up by September, at the latest.

Pitchers

Danny Hultzen | LHP – SP:

Hultzen won’t require much time in the minors.  Seattle’s first selection (second overall) from the June Draft pitched professionally for the first time in the Arizona Fall League, where he posted a 1.40 ERA over six starts.  The consensus on Hultzen:  he’ll be an effective Major League starter very soon.  Ultimately, though, he lacks the dominant offerings of an ace, and probably projects more like a number two starter.  Regardless of all that, Hultzen seems like a can’t-miss guy.  He’ll absolutely be worth owning as soon as he’s called up, and he might even make the rotation out of spring training.

James Paxton | LHP – SP:

As a lefty, frontline starter, Paxton projects similarly to Hultzen.  After collecting 131 K’s and a 2.37 ERA in 95 IP between Low A and AA in 2011, it seems he won’t need much more time in the farm system.  Given the whole Safeco Field thing, Paxton will be a smart addition to any fantasy roster as soon as he’s up.

Chance Ruffin | RHP – RP:

Acquired in the Doug Fister swap, Ruffin should break camp with the big club and immediately fit into a late-innings relief role.  The 48^th selection in the 2010 Draft pitched in only 44 games before Seattle obtained him and promoted him directly to their big league bullpen.  In those 44 minor league games (48.2 IP) Ruffin posted a 2.03 ERA, 60 K’s and 19 saves.  The righty features a mid-90s fastball and counters with a slider and the occasional curve.

Dan Cortés | RHP – RP:

Stephen describes Cortés accurately in his M’s piece a year ago, “…appears to be a high-risk, high-reward late innings reliever. Throws a 96 to 98 MPH fastball, a ‘hammer 12-to-6 curve’ and a sharp slider with work in progress changeup… Beyond control and command issues, Cortes has a lot of upside.”

Honorable Mention

Hitters

Nick Franklin | SS:

Arguably Seattle’s best hitting prospect, Franklin will be 21 in March and will likely return to AA to begin 2012.  The M’s are surely eager to replace Brendan Ryan’s bat at shortstop, but Franklin is still probably a year away from taking over.  Barring a setback, he should be in line for a late-season call up and ready for regular action in 2013.

Chih-Hsien Chiang | OF:

Seattle acquired Chiang as a part of the Erik Bedard trade with Boston.  Although his post-trade line in the Southern League wasn’t so impressive (.208/.255/.262), his Eastern League numbers while in the Red Sox organization were tremendous, and his overall 2011 reads:  .302/.361/.537 with 66 XBH (18 HR) in 499 trips to the plate.  Chiang likely starts 2012 in Tacoma, but he’ll be in the discussion for playing time in centerfield if The Big FraGu isn’t healthy.

Pittsburgh Pirates 2011 Minor League Review

Organizational Talent Rankings via Baseball America:

2011 (19) | 2010 (15) | 2009 (18) | 2008 (26) | 2007 (19) | 2006 (19)

2011 Affiliate Records

MLB: [72-90] NL Central

AAA: [76-68] International League – Indianapolis

AA: [64-77] Eastern League – Altoona

A+: [74-63] Florida State League – Bradenton

A: [69-69] South Atlantic League – West Virginia

A(ss): [31-44] New York-Penn League – State College

The Run Down

With the first overall pick in the June draft, the Pirates selected Gerrit Cole and gave him $8 million upon signing.  Although I’m partial toward Trevor Bauer – Cole’s teammate at UCLA and third overall pick in June – Cole is probably a safer option, given his projectable frame and mechanics.  And while I doubt he’ll arrive before 2013, it’ll be fun to watch him destroy batters in Double-A (Cole was clocked at 102 MPH a month ago in the Arizona Fall League).  In addition to Cole, the Pirates’ system has quite a few high-ceiling arms:  James Taillon, Luis Heredia, and Stetson Allie all profile as frontline starters.  Unfortunately, though, they’re rather far from arriving in Pittsburgh.  Offensively, the Pirates’ system doesn’t have too much to be excited about for 2012.  Starling Marte has great potential and could yield some fantasy value, but I’m afraid we’re still a year or two away from him being viable option.  Josh Bell is probably Pittsburgh’s most promising offensive prospect, but the 19-year-old switch-hitting outfielder is a long ways off.  Until Cole arrives, there’s no one draft-worthy here.

Arizona Fall League Players – Mesa Solar Sox

Nathan Baker (LHP); Gerrit Cole (RHP); Mike Colla (RHP); Jeff Inman (RHP); Jarek Cunningham (2B); Brock Holt (2B)

Graduated Prospects

Alex Presley (OF); Josh Harrison (3B); Michael McKenry (C); Chase d’Arnaud (SS); Tony Watson (LHP); Chris Leroux (RHP); Daniel Moskos (LHP)

Players of Interest

Hitters

Starling Marte | OF:

Marte spent all of 2011 at Double-A Altoona, slashing .332/.370/.500 in 572 trips to the plate.  What’s exciting to note, here, is that he seems to be developing the kind power that he’ll need as an outfield regular in the big leagues:  after posting a .121 ISO in 2009, followed by .141 2010, he continued the upward trend with a .168 ISO mark in 2011.  Marte is a fabulous defensive outfielder with a strong arm and good speed.  It’s likely that we’ll see him up with the Pirates by midseason.

Jordy Mercer | SS:

With 51 XBH (including 19 homers) in 551 plate appearances in 2011 between AA and AAA, Mercer has definitely surfaced on the Pirates’ radar.  The fact that he can play comfortably at short, second and third should also make him an attractive option for the big club.  Based on that versatility, along with a capable (although, not spectacular) bat, I expect Mercer to contribute in 2012.

Pitchers

Jeff Locke | LHP – SP:

Locke earned a September call up, which resulted in four big-league starts for the lefty.  Being that those starts weren’t particularly impressive (0-3, 6.75 FIP), and also that he has only five starts at the Triple-A level, I expect to see Locke back with Indianapolis in 2012.  Mixing a high 80s fastball with a curveball and changeup, he relies on plus command and overwhelms no one.  He definitely needs more work in the minors, but should a spot open in the Pirates’ rotation, Locke might get the first look based on his big-league experience.

Kyle McPherson | RHP – SP:

McPherson had a bit of a breakout year in 2011, posting a 2.96 ERA in 28 starts between Altoona and Bradenton.  The 24-year-old righty shows nice command of a fastball that touches 95, and counters with a tricky changeup that often misses bats.  Profiling as a third or fourth starter, McPherson will open 2012 in the Indianapolis rotation, and could be up with Pittsburgh before long.

Bryan Morris | RHP – RP:

Morris made the transition from starter to reliever in 2011 and performed well in his new role.  He features a nice curveball to pair with a power sinker that touches 95.  Depending on what the Pirates need at the top level, Morris has a chance to be in a Pittsburgh uniform out of camp and could be competing for saves at some point, provided Hanrahan struggles.

Honorable Mention

Hitters

Tony Sanchez | C:

The outlook on Sanchez isn’t quite as hopeful after his production slipped – both offensively and defensively – at AA in 2011.  However, it’s still safe to assume that the catcher will make it to Pittsburgh based simply on the merit of his defense.  While earlier projections saw Sanchez arriving in 2012, his struggles at Altoona have knocked him off that pace.  Don’t expect to see him behind the plate in the Majors until 2013.

Pitchers

Justin Wilson | LHP – SP/RP:

Wilson’s fastball, which consistently sits at 93-95, warrants excitement.  Lousy command, though, has tempered most expectations.  With quite a few promising arms competing for starts at the Triple-A level, I suspect Pittsburgh will move Wilson into more of a permanent relief role.  Improved command might elicit another look as a starter, but his quickest (and perhaps only) route to the big club is via relief.

Rudy Owens | LHP – SP:

After a tremendous 2010 in Double-A, Owens disappointed in 2012 at Indianapolis.  His 4.11 FIP in 2011 reflects slightly better than his 5.05 ERA, but these clearly are not numbers of a MLB-ready prospect.  If Owens cannot get back to his 2010 form, he’s looking at another full year in Triple-A.

 

New York Mets 2011 Minor League Review

Organizational Talent Rankings via Baseball America:

2011 (20) | 2010 (25) | 2009 (17) | 2008 (28) | 2007 (13) | 2006 (28)

2011 Affiliate Records

MLB: [77-85] NL East

AAA: [61-82] International League – Buffalo

AA: [65-76] Eastern League – Binghampton

A+: [72-68] Florida State League – St. Lucie

A: [79-60] South Atlantic League – Savannah

A(ss): [49-29] New York Penn League – Brooklyn

R:  [39-29] Appalachian League – Kingsport

The Run Down

In their acquisition of Zach Wheeler from San Francisco in the Carlos Beltran trade, the Mets bolstered their farm system, tremendously.  Wheeler possesses multiple plus offerings to devastate AA hitters in 2012.  He’s probably a year or two away from the big leagues, though, so don’t bother queuing him in your standard league auctions.  The Mets do, however, have a couple pitchers worth noting for 2012 fantasy purposes (see Harvey & Familia).  And it might be interesting to keep an eye on Jenrry Mejia, who should be back from Tommy John surgery by June.  Their system also features a handful of hitting prospects (Havens, Flores, Lagares, Puello) who’ll make nice regulars in the near future.  I’m skeptical that any of them will arrive before September, though.

Arizona Fall League Players – Peoria Javelinas

Robert Carson (LHP); Collin McHugh (RHP); Erik Turgeon (RHP); Taylor Whitenton (RHP); Juan Centeno (C); Wilfredo Tovar (2B)

Graduated Prospects

Justin Turner (2B); Lucas Duda (1B); Fernando Martinez (OF); Dillon Gee (RHP); Pedro Beato (RHP); Ryota Igarashi (RHP)

Players of Interest

Hitters

Kirk Nieuwenhuis | OF:

Stephen noted Nieuwenhuis’s struggles at AAA in his 2010 Mets Review.  But before labrum surgery ended his 2011, the outfield prospect was doing a fine job of quelling any skepticism regarding those 2010 numbers.  In 221 plate appearances with Buffalo in 2011, Nieuwenhuis slashed .298/.403/.505 in 221 trips to the plate, including 25 XBH.  His K% (26.7%) is still concerning, but his BB% was much improved, and along with it, his OBP and SB.  We’ll see how long it takes him to get back on track following surgery.  I do anticipate Nieuwenhuis to arrive at some point in 2012, though.

Pitchers

Matt Harvey | RHP – SP:

In his first year of pro ball, Harvey totaled 156 K’s in 136 IP between High A and AA.  He’ll begin 2012 in AAA.  With a high 90s fastball and a filthy slider, he projects as a frontline guy.  Harvey could certainly get a shot if the Mets’ rotation isn’t healthy.

Jeurys Familia | RHP – SP:

After a shaky 2010, Familia corrected himself in 2011.  He’ll be pitching in the Buffalo rotation to begin 2012, but if he can command his impressive fastball against AAA hitting, I suspect we’ll see Familia up with the Mets before long. Whether that will be as a starting pitcher or as a late-innings reliever remains a mystery.  I’m thinking the latter is more likely.

Chris Schwinden | RHP – SP:

Until he incorporated a cutter into his repertoire in 2010, Schwinden was a rather boring pitching prospect.  If you ask me, he’s still pretty boring, but that doesn’t change the fact that he earned four starts with the big club in 2011, and given that experience, he’ll be back up if needed in 2012.  Mixing four pitches (FB, CT, CB & CH) with decent command, Schwinden, I suppose, could be worth a look as a spot-starter or as a two-start plugin in weekly formats.

Honorable Mention

Hitters

Reese Havens | 2B:

The 2008 first round pick is yet to play a full season.  Injuries have been tough on Havens.  A protruding rib caused him to miss almost all of 2010, and a back issue kept him out for extended stretches in 2011.  When healthy, though, Havens has always hit, and his career AA line (.301/.379/.505 in 317 PA) provides a glimpse at his potential.  The Mets are surely guarding their expectations until they’ve seen he can play a full season.  But provided he can stay healthy, Havens seems to be New York’s best long-term option at 2B.  I’m thinking a 2013 arrival is most likely, here.

Wilmer Flores | 3B/SS:

In a full season at High A, Flores posted a .689 OPS.  Unimpressive, I know.  Scouts love the kid, though, and at 20 years old he’ll be one of the youngest AA players in 2012.  Flores profiles at 3^rd better than he does at short, and he should make that transition this coming season.  A nice year with Binghamton could warrant a September call up, but don’t expect to see much of Flores in the big leagues until 2013 or 2014.

Juan Lagares | OF:

An impressive 2011 earned Lagares a spot on the Mets’ 40-man.  Between High A and AA he slashed .349/.383/.500, including 44 XBH and 15 SB in 505 PA.  A long, athletic frame should allow Lagares to develop more pop.  Like Flores, he’s young and he might still be a year or two away, but I fully expect Lagares to be a regular corner outfielder at the big league level.

Cesar Puello | OF:

Here’s yet another extremely talented and extremely young Latin hitting prospect.  Perhaps the brightest in the group, Puello should be joining both Flores and Lagares in Binghamton to begin 2012.  With good range and a strong, accurate arm, he profiles in right.  And with 20-homer-a-year power potential, it’s no wonder that Puello’s been tabbed as the Mets’ right fielder of the future.  2012 should be a good indicator as to how far off that future might be.

Baltimore Orioles 2011 Minor League Review

Organizational Talent Rankings via Baseball America:

2011 (21) | 2010 (8) | 2009 (9) | 2008 (14) | 2007 (17) | 2006 (12)

2011 Affiliate Records

MLB: [69-93] AL East

AAA: [56-87] International League – Norfolk

AA: [75-66] Eastern League – Bowie

A+: [80-59] Carolina League – Frederick

A: [55-85] South Atlantic League – Delmarva

A(ss): [24-51] New York-Penn League – Aberdeen

The Run Down

With guys in their system like Manny Machado, Jonathan Schoop and Dylan Bundy, Baltimore is not without exciting prospects.  Unfortunately, though, the aforementioned are a bit too far from their MLB debuts to garner fantasy consideration for 2012.  That leaves us with a bunch of fringe-types to discuss.  Sure, a few of these names will blossom into regular roles, but I find it unlikely that any of them will reach significant fantasy value.

Arizona Fall League Players – Mesa Solar Sox

Steve Johnson (RHP); Casey Lambert (LHP); Cole McCurry (LHP); Brian Ward (C); Joe Mahoney (1B); Xavier Avery (OF)

Graduated Prospects

Zach Britton (LHP)

Players of Interest

Hitters

Ryan Adams | 2B:

Adams should see plenty of playing time in 2012 and could end up being Baltimore’s regular at second.  He has a solid approach to hitting, with quick hands and above average power potential at 2B.  Adams isn’t among the most exciting prospects for 2012, but assuming he earns a starting role, he’ll be someone to consider for deep leagues and AL-Only.

Matt Angle | OF:

Angle is likely the Orioles’ fourth outfielder on opening day.  Thanks to his glove, he’ll get an occasional start and see the field often in 2012 as a defensive replacement. Stealing 11 bags in just 95 PA with the O’s in 2011, it’s clear that Angle can run.  Unfortunately, though, he has no power.  Zero.  And that will ultimately render him a 4^th outfielder.

Joe Mahoney | 1B:

At 6’6” 240 lbs, Mahoney is a big dude.  He battled injuries in 2011, but while healthy he slashed .294/.354/.508 between High A and AA.  Included in his 2011 line are 42 XBH in 367 trips to the plate.  As his frame suggests, Mahoney has power that profiles appropriately at first base.  He needs to cut down on the K’s, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see him up with the O’s at some point in 2012.

Pitchers

Tsuyoshi Wada | LHP – SP:

The O’s inked Wada yesterday to a two-year deal worth $8.15 million, and it looks as though he’ll immediately fit into their rotation.  Forgive my lack of enthusiasm over this 30-year-old, soft-throwing prospect.  His JPPL stats are impressive, but not necessarily indicative of what Wada will do in Major League Baseball.  He’ll need to show supreme command in order to overcome a sluggish fastball (85-87).  Expect his K’s to drop considerably (career 8.3 K/9).  Wada’s ceiling is probably somewhere around Bruce Chen.

Robert Bundy | RHP – SP:

His younger brother, Dylan, is widely considered Baltimore’s top pitching prospect, but Bobby should arrive a bit sooner.  He profiles as an innings eater at the back of the rotation, and could be an attractive option in 2012, given the inconsistency of 2011 O’s rotation.  Bundy is still a long shot to make the big club next year.

Oliver Drake | RHP – SP/RP:

Drake will likely end up in Baltimore’s bullpen, but his size (6’4” 210 lbs) and durability (162+ IP in 2011) could render him as that workhorse, backend starter that could help stabilize this Orioles rotation.  There’s nothing too flashy about him, but should Drake work his way into a starting role, he’ll be worth monitoring.

Honorable Mention

Hitters

Kyle Hudson | OF:

Hudson played at four levels in 2011, beginning with High A and finishing with Baltimore.  He was able to rise quickly thanks to a sound understanding of the strikezone and outstanding athleticism.  Hudson was a wide receiver and kick returner for the University of Illinois before taking his talents to pro baseball in 2008.  He’s a similar type outfield prospect to Angle, though, and behind him in terms of development.  Don’t expect much from Hudson in 2012.

L.J. Hoes | OF/2B:

A tremendous contact hitter, Hoes should eventually find himself in the big leagues.  He’s another guy with nice on base skills but almost zero power (.107 ISO at AA in 2011).  His bat profiles much better at 2B than in the outfield.  Unfortunately for Hoes, though, after promotion to AA he only saw six games at second, opposed to 78 in the outfield.

 

Arizona Diamondbacks 2011 Minor League Review

Organizational Talent Rankings via Baseball America:

2011 (23) | 2010 (28) | 2009 (26) | 2008 (20) | 2007 (3) | 2006 (1) | 2005 (13) | 2004 (13)

2011 Affiliate Records

MLB: [94-68] NL West

AAA: [77-67] Pacific Coast League – Reno

AA: [84-54] Southern League – Mobile

A+: [63-77] California League – Visalia

A: [67-72] Midwest League – South Bend

A(ss): [33-43] Northwest League – Yakima

R:  [41-35] Pioneer League – Missoula

The Run Down

Jerry Dipoto’s recent success as Arizona’s GM is well noted by now, as is his new gig with the LA Angels.  Dipoto leaves the Diamondbacks farm system flush with promising pitching talent.  The system that already featured frontline arms like Jarrod Parker and Tyler Skaggs bolstered their starting pitching even further by nabbing both Trevor Bauer and Archie Bradley in the first round of June’s draft.  Bradley is a couple years away from the majors, but Bauer is ready to make an impact in 2012, and should be on your mind come draft day.  The Arizona hitting prospects aren’t nearly as exciting.  Matt Davidson is a quality third base prospect, but he needs more time to develop and likely won’t see any time with the big club for a year or two.  Beyond him, the D-Backs feature a handful of okay-ish outfielders.  I’ll be surprised if any Arizona hitting prospect is fantasy-relevant in 2012.

Arizona Fall League Players – Salt River Rafters

Charles Brewer (RHP); Kevin Munson (RHP); Eric Smith (RHP); Bryan Woodall (RHP); David Nick (2B); Ryan Wheeler (3B); Adam Eaton (OF)

Graduated Prospects

Juan Miranda (1B); Paul Goldschmidt (1B); Josh Collmenter (RHP)

Players of Interest

Hitters

A.J. Pollock | OF:

After losing 2010 to elbow surgery, Pollock had a strong 2011 at Mobile, slashing .309/.359/.445.  He’s not your prototype outfield prospect, but he’s an outstanding contact hitter who reaches gaps regularly and he’s a heady baserunner (36 SB without impressive speed, mind you).  Scouts love his intangible baseball qualities.  Pollock will get to the big leagues based on that merit, and he might even stick as a third or fourth outfielder.

Collin Cowgill | OF:

Here’s another “intangible qualities” guy.  Cowgill has a head start on Pollock, though, compiling 100 Major League PAs in 2011.  At AAA in 2011, he slashed .354/.430/.554 with 30 SB and 45 XBH in 456 trips to the plate.  Like Pollock, Cowgill projects as a fourth outfielder.  But given the right situation, he could see regular playing time.

Pitchers

Trevor Bauer | RHP – SP:

Stephen ranks Bauer at number 26 in his Top 50 Prospects for 2012, noting some mechanical and college workload concerns.  Those concerns are warranted, given his frame and his unorthodox delivery.  But with an approach rooted deeply in biomechanics, it might not take long for the young righty to squash those worries, ala Tim Lincecum.  Bauer profiles as a top-of-the-rotation starter with an upper 90s fastball and a devastating curve.  The third overall selection in June’s draft should earn a spot in the D-Backs’ rotation out of spring training.

Tyler Skaggs | LHP – SP:

Skaggs should begin 2012 at Reno, which is quite an accomplishment for a 20-year-old.  His fastball is still adding velocity, and his curveball is a definite plus pitch.  There are some concerns regarding dropping his arm slot on off speed pitches, though.  It’ll be interesting to see if that becomes a problem for Skaggs in AAA.  He could be with the Diamondbacks for the second half, if things go nicely.

Jarrod Parker | RHP – SP:

After missing 2010 to Tommy John surgery, Parker threw 131 innings with Mobile in 2011, plus one start with the big club.  With a plus slider and a plus change to compliment a fastball that touches 100, I’m surprised that Parker’s 2011 K% (20.4%) wasn’t more impressive.  Solid mechanics and ace-type stuff should help Parker get back on track and earn a starting role in 2012.

Wade Miley | RHP – SP:

After starting seven games for Arizona in 2011, it seems likely that Miley will make his way into the bullpen for 2012.  As a starter, he profiles at the back of the rotation, but with the D-Backs’ surplus of frontline arms, plan on seeing Miley in middle relief.

Honorable Mention

Hitters

Adam Eaton | OF:

Eaton ranks behind both Pollock and Cowgill on the organizational depth chart, but he’s likely the best hitter in the bunch.  His on-base skills are fantastic (.456 career OBP) and he has ample speed.  For now, the major knock on Eaton is his size (5-9, 180).  It might not happen in 2012, but I have a hunch that he’ll emerge as the best of the Diamondbacks’ mediocre outfield prospects.

Pitchers

Pat Corbin | LHP – SP:

Corbin is a similar lefty to the aforementioned Tyler Skaggs.  He’s lanky, athletic, still adding velocity to his fastball, and he should be pitching alongside Skaggs at AAA in 2012.  Corbin falls short of Skaggs in that his secondary pitches are not as far along.