Trevor May | RHP (SP) | Philadelphia Phillies | D.o.B: 9/23/89 | 6’5″ | 215 lbs | B/T: R/R | Rd 4, 2008 | MiLB Player Page
With a six-five frame, May has the perfect projectable physical frame. Throwing from a three-fourth arm slot, May’s 91 to 95 MPH plus-fastball with heavy life and good angle is his best pitch. His mid-to-high 70s fastball has the potential to be a plus pitch if able to tally strikes with consistency, and his changeup has the potential to be an above-average pitch. Struggles to repeat delivery, “flies open with his front side and drops elbow on off-speed pitches.” Mechanically in 2010, he had to be demoted back to Low Single-A due to regain consistency and command. May also has a tendency to overthrow, attempting for the strikeout instead of pitching. If able to reach full potential, could be a number two to three starter.
I mentioned before that May was the better long term prospect than Jarred Cosart due to the projectability and strikeout potential. I still believe this to be the case. I also want to raise a warning over his command and control, not to forget his mechanical difficulties. Without high-risk, there isn’t high-reward. Statistically speaking, May’s numbers don’t show any oddities or outliers, just continued control issues. There are similarities between him and Joba Chamberlain: strikeout potential and control troubles. Could be a right-handed Jonathan Sanchez or a Joba-type reliever.
Liddi is the first Italian position player to play organized baseball in the USA. Speaking from a contextual league-based perspective, his 2010 season (at Double-A in a more normalized hitting environment) was more impressive than his 2009 season (extreme hitting environment at High-A California League). He has a “pro body,” a good power stroke to all fields and solid bat speed – a 20 to 25 home run ceiling. Happens to be a defensive liability, even with his soft hands and above-average arm; it’s his range that is lacking. His plate awareness has improved and is becoming more selective, but he’ll always struggle with strikeouts, especially when his swing gets long and power approach. He’s a below-average runner and defensively a better fit at first base; will hold more value if able to stay at third, specifically due to ceiling of a .275 average and 25 home runs.
Career Stats (inc. 2011): .278/.346/.468 | 2507 AB | 186 XBH | 80 Hr | .190 ISO | 51/26 SB/CS | 700:243 K:BB 2011 Stats (AAA): .265/.338/.510 | 445 AB | 56 XBH | 25 Hr | .245 ISO | 5/1 SB/CS | 139:49 K:BB | .318 BABIP
This year he has played 23 games at shortstop, 88 games at third base and only two games at first base, which is odd since his defense is questionable. Don’t get excited; Liddi should not be playing shortstop with any regularity. Playing in the Pacific Coast League this year, his power has increased – expectantly – with similar strikeout rate and sound BABIP. Still keep perspective, he’s a .260 to .275 hitter with the potential for 25 home runs and 5 steals a year. The cavernous Safeco field and strikeout concerns should curb some of his appeal. Going into the 2012 fantasy baseball season, he feels like a David Freese play.
In a week where the Angels surprisingly called up stellar top-prospect Mike Trout and the Reds called up Zack Cozart and his 15/30 potential, the Rays continue to be content leaving their top hitting prospect in the minors. The rumor and report out of St. Petersburg is that Desmond Jennings has a bruised right index finger. He will be missing the next several games and the Triple-A All-Star game. This could explain his recently poor slash line of .235./350/.441 in 34 at-bats. Furthermore, he’s striking out more than ever (23.3 K%) but it’s coming with increased power (.183 ISO is a career high too). Injuries have been an issue in the past, yet he has been fairly healthy this year. At this point, his arrival in Tampa is predicated on something more than his Super-Two status. My last and final guess is once his finger is healed and after the All-Star break.
Dayan Viciedo | CHW | 3B/OF: Has four home runs in his last 10 games and is hitting .325/.374/.535 in 342 at-bats. Currently walking at a career high-rate (6.3 BB%) and is keeping his strikeouts in check (19.5 K%). Statistically buoyed with a .367 BABIP, yet remaining numbers are trending positively with improved discipline and efficiency.
James Darnell | SD | 3B: Promoted to Triple-A on Independence Day. Has started 6 for 17 with home runs in three straight games. The Padres 12th ranked prospect has thrived since the beginning of this year. His average power and average defense will be limited in the spacious Petco Park. Could be a 17 to 25 home run player in his prime. September call up appears in line.
Tom Milone | WAS | LHP (SP): His 85 to 90 MPH fastball, in concert with a slow, “funky” delivery and stellar command continues to deceive hitters. He also throws an above-average changeup an average cutter and a fringe curveball. In his two starts this past week, he went 13.1 innings with 12 strikeoust and 9 baserunners (2 walks). Simply stupendous. With 103 IP, a .302 BABIP, a 68.8 LOB%, 9.4 K/9, .6 BB/9 and a 2.11 FIP, Milone has quietly put together a solid season.
Alex Liddi | SEA | 3B: The Mariners called up Kyle Seager to play third instead of Liddi. He has put together a solid season at Triple-A with 42 XBH (17 Hr) and a .257/.329/.480 slash line (346 AB), but has been hindered by his 110 strikeouts (36 BB). This has been his M.O. at each level. Seager has been hot and Liddi has been consistent.
Ryan Lavarnway | BOS | C: Promoted to Triple-A during early June, he has continued to display his hitting ability. Defensively, Lavarnway will always be a liability. With above-average power to all fields and solid control of the strike zone, Lavarnway has the potential to be the perfect fantasy catcher: 15 to 20 home runs with a poor average – a true start and ignore options without the acid-reflex.
Jason Kipnis | CLE | 2B: Has been in a mini-cold streak since the start of July, going 5 for 21 with 7 strikeouts.
The following three pitchers have received great fanfare from me, and will continue to do so. All three had a good week 15.
Eric Surkamp | SF | LHP (SP): 11 strikeouts in 5.2 innings and 5 baserunners (3 walks) and 0 ER. Does have a 85.3 LOB% which would lead one to expect a regression towards the mean.
Matt Moore | TB | LHP (SP): 14 IP, 18 Ks, 9 baserunners (3 BB) and 2 ER. Triple-A should be in his near future. Please, Andrew Friedman, don’t make this another Hellickson time frame with an evil twist of Jennings.
Brad Peacock | WAS | RHP (SP): 6 IP, 7 baserunners (2 BB), 9 Ks, 0 ER. Continues to flaunt his plumage.
Liam Hendriks | MIN | RHP (SP): The Twins will call up Kyle Gibson before Hendriks who is in Double-A. However, I want to get his bandwagon started. He throws a 90 to 93 MPH fastball with good sinking action. His slider breaks late and is considered best pitch and his changeup and curveball are of near equal quality. Scouts often debate which off-speed pitch is his best. Has easy delivery that is easily repeated and good command of all his pitches. Hendriks current line looks something like: 90 IP, 8.1 K/9, 1.80 BB/9, 2.70 ERA/2.82 FIP and a .310 BABIP.
Brett Jackson | CHC | CF: What’s not to like about a potential 20/20 player? Currently in midst of a 14 for 37 stretch with 4 XBH (3 HR). I would not be surprised to see the Cubs promoted him from Double-A to the majors like they did with Starlin Castro last year.
Jaff Decker | SD | 1B/LF: He’s the prototypical sabermetric player and fast aging ballplayer due to skill-set. He has plus-power and strong strike zone judgment (94:76 K:BB in 292 AB – 2011). Struggles on defense and hitting for a high average. While Darnell got the promotion to Triple-A will continuing on improving his .243/.404/.455 slash-line and 32 XBH (14 hr).
Records of Major and Minor League Teams
MLB: [61 – 101] AL West
AAA: [74 – 69] Pacific Coast League – Tacoma
AA: [73 – 66] Southern League – West Tennessee
A+: [75 – 65] California League – High Desert
A: [74 – 65] Midwest League – Clinton
A(ss): [48 – 27] Northwest – Everett
R: [37 – 28] Appalachian League – Pulaski
The Run Down
GM Jack Zduriencik’s genius might have been overplayed entering the 2010 season. After a poor major league season, he has a lot of questions to answer in 2011. His minor league development has been average. He got value for his Cliff Lee trade (Justin Smoak) but has traded major league talent for big question marks in return. The Mariners still have a glut of talent in their minor league outfield – all whom struggle with strikeouts but possess tremendous power (Halman, Peguero, Chavez). Dustin Ackley leads their minors as their 2010 and 2011 number ranked prospect, according to Baseball America. Michael Pineda rose faster than anyone anticipated and Nick Franklin (SS at Low-A) won the Midwest League’s home run crown. There is some hope in the minors but beyond the names mentioned above, there aren’t many impact players ready to shine in 2011.
Graduating Prospects
#2 (TEX/1B) Justin Smoak; #2 (RF) Michael Saunders; #3 (C) Adam Moore; #19 (3B) Matt Tuiasosopo;
Arizona Fall League Players – Peoria Javelinas
Pitchers: (RHP) Maikel Clato; #16 (RHP) Josh Fields; (RHP) Josh Lueke; (RPH) Thomas Wilhelmsen
Hitters: #1 (2B/CF) Dustin Ackley; (3B) Matt Mangini; (OF) Nate Tenbrink
Players of Interest Hitters #1 Dustin Ackley | 2B | D.o.B: 2-26-88 | Stats (AA/AAA): .267/.368/.407 | 501 AB | 48 XBH | 7 Hr | .140 ISO | 10/3 SB/CS | 79:75 K:BB | .308 BABIP
Patient hitter, solid bat, average power, and plus speed could mean Ackley is the next fantasy MI stud. Ranked number 7 in my Top 50 Fantasy Prospects. Read his Scouting the Unknown for further details. Expect a late May or June 1st call up.
#5 Alex Liddi | 3B | D.o.B: 8-14-88 | Stats (AA): .281/.353/.476 | 502 AB | 60 XBH | 15 Hr | .195 ISO | 5/7 SB/CS | 145:50 K:BB | .366 BABIP
Has good power to all fields but has a long swing. Defense is still a work in progress. Scouts believe Liddi could be a hitter that slugs 20 home runs with a .275 average. The strikeouts are a concern, yet the scouting reports believe time will improve his plate discipline with experience. Needs a solid 400 at-bats in Triple-A this year before expected ETA.
Carlos Peguero | OF | D.o.B: 2-22-87 | Stats (AA): .254/.340/.463 | 488 AB | 51 XBH | 23 Hr | .209 ISO | 7/9 SB/CS | 178:56 K:BB | .351 BABIP
Ranked 25th in the newest Baseball America Handbook, Peguero had a tale of two seasons. His early season home run binge led me to give him a Scouting the Unknown. That was the perfect time to write the article. After April his slash line according to Baseball America (2011) was just .227/.317/.399 along with leading Double-A with 178 strikeouts. Struggles hitting lefties, poor strikeout-to-walk ratio, long swings, chases pitches and doesn’t recognize breaking balls. The power is legit and his main asset. He could be best served as a platoon player in the mold of a Jacques Jones.
#10 Greg Halman | OF | D.o.B: 8-26-87 | Stats (AAA): .243/.310/.545 | 424 AB | 58 XBH | 33 Hr | .302 ISO | 15/4 SB/CS | 169:37 K:BB | .315 BABIP
Physically compared to Andre Dawson and Alfonso Soriano and projected to perform more like Preston Wilson. Halman is a gifted athlete with average speed and possesses tremendous raw power. He plays solid defense with a strong arm in centerfield. Struggles with contact, drawing walks and a consistent approach in the batters box. John Sickels 2011 handbook has this revealing line, “If you stuck him in a major league lineup and gave him 500 at-bats, he could hit 25 homers and steal 15 bases for you, while hitting .195.” So Carlos Pena’s 2010 with steals. Even after six minor league seasons, Halman is still only 23 entering the 2011 season. His 2010 major league call up in September was far from spectacular, resulting in 11 strikeouts in 29 at-bats. Although his 2010 season saw him draw a career high in walks (37), Halman has to develop a more consistent game plan otherwise we have another Chris Davis on our hands.
#6 Carlos Triunfel | SS/3B | D.o.B: 2-27-90 | Stats (AA): .257/.286/.332 | 470 AB | 20 XBH | 7 Hr | .075 ISO | 2/8 SB/CS | 54:13 K:BB | .279 BABIP
Finally had a healthy year. Still leaves a lot to be desired. His hype keeps him on this list alone. Still very young (21 entering the 2011 season), but doesn’t have a swing that will generate many extra base hits and defensively there isn’t anything to praise. He may have the tools such as a good swing with “exceptional hand-eye coordination.” He’s a slap hitter with an injury history rivaling Ricky Weeks. I fully expect him to play at Double-A again to open the 2011 season.
#23 Mike Carp | 1B | D.o.B: 6-30-86 | Stats (AAA): .257/.328/.516 | 409 AB | 47 XBH | 29 Hr | .259 ISO | 1/2 SB/CS | 93:41 K:BB | .259 BABIP
Not ranked in Baseball America 2011 handbook. With Justin Smoak expected to man first base for the next 10 years, Carp is nothing more than a filler (read: bench role). Moderate power in the majors, sufficient plate-discipline and average defense, Carp is the perfect backup.
Matt Mangini | 3B | D.o.B: 12-21-85 | Stats (AAA): .313/.352/.521 | 447 AB | 53 XBH | 18 Hr | .208 ISO | 3/0 SB/CS | 96:26 K:BB | .320 BABIP
Ranked number 18 in Baseball America’s 2011 handbook, Mangini doesn’t profile to be a full-time player. Mangini appears to be a role player with solid average and moderate power. BA’s comparison is Greg Dobbs. Nothing wrong with that. Defensively, he’s average. At the plate, he has a “professional approach with average,” power. Should see time as DH while Alex Liddi is manning third.
Pitchers #7 Michael Pineda | RHP | D.o.B: 1-18-89 | Stats (AA/AAA): 9.9 K/9 | 2.2 BB/9 | 139 1/3 IP | 3.36 ERA | 2.16 FIP (AA); 3.60 FIP (AAA) | 1.11 WHIP | .6 Hr/9 | 7.8 H/9 | .306 BABIP (AA); .290 BABIP (AAA)
Minor League Numbers:
77 innings at Double-A; 9.1 K/9 | 2.0 BB/9 | 1.09 WHIP | 2.22 ERA
62 1/3 inning at Triple-A; 11.0 K/9 | 2.5 BB/9 | 1.14 WHIP | 4.76 ERA
One of Keith Law’s favorite pitchers during the course of the 2010 season. Pineda surprised many scouts. He did allow more runs to cross the plate in Triple-A but his strikeouts were slightly better while seeing an increase in walks. I ranked him number 15 in my Top 50 Fantasy Prospects due to the assumption that he wouldn’t pitch until June in the majors. You can read the full scouting report in the Scouting the Unknown article. Some more details on Pineda. He throws a 93 to 97 MPH fastball and can top out at 101 MPH. Slider was tighter in 2010 and his improved change-up. Mechanically he has a lot of motions and a “high-effort delivery.” With stellar control and a great strikeout rate, he should slot nicely in right behind Felix Hernandez as a number two starter.
#11 Dan Cortes | RHP | D.o.B: 3-4-87 | Stats (AA/AAA): 9.2 K/9 | 5.3 BB/9 | 96 1/3 IP | 5.23 ERA | 3.83 FIP (AA); 3.59 FIP (AAA) | 1.53 WHIP | .5 Hr/9 | 8.4 H/9 | .308 BABIP (AA); .353 BABIP (AAA)
He threw five innings at MLB level during September and 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. With command issues, a switch to the bullpen could occur. Beyond the control and command issues, Cortes has a lot of upside.
#17 (TEX) Blake Beavan | RHP | D.o.B: 1-17-89 | Stats (AA/AAA): 5.4 K/9 | 1.1 BB/9 | 168 1/3 IP | 3.90 ERA | 3.03 FIP (AA); 4.79 FIP (AAA) | 1.16 WHIP | .7 Hr/9 | 9.3 H/9 | .272 BABIP (AA); .352 BABIP (AAA)
Received in the Cliff Lee trade. Beavan is like vanilla ice cream, always solid, but never spectacular. He throws a 90 to 92 MPH fastball with heavy sink, a slider with good tilt, and an average-at-best changeup. Beavan projects as a number four or five starter.
Josh Lueke | RHP | D.o.B: 12-5-84 | Stats (A/AA/AAA): 13.4 K/9 | 2.1 BB/9 | 63 IP | 1.86 ERA | 1.00 WHIP | .3 Hr/9 | 6.9 H/9
Another member of the Cliff Lee Trade. Lueke has a serious legal past. The charges were reduced/pleaded down to false imprisonment with violence. Strictly speaking baseball, Lueke throws a 94 to 98 MPH fastball, a splitter that “falls off the table,” and a plus slider. He’s going to pitch in the bullpen long term. With career rates of 11.4 K/9 and 2.4 BB/9 in 177 2/3 innings, Lueke could be a worth-owning-in-fantasy middle reliever.
#13 Mauricio Robles | LHP | D.o.B: 3-5-89 | Stats (AA/AAA): 9.8 K/9 | 4.5 BB/9 | 142 IP | 3.99 ERA | 3.74 FIP (AA); 3.84 FIP (AAA) | 1.35 WHIP | .8 Hr/9 | 7.7 H/9 | .305 BABIP (AA); .258 BABIP (AAA)
Part of the Jarrod Washburn trade in 2009, Robles throws a 91 to 95 MPH fastball along with the best changeup in the Mariners farm system. His curveball has improved but still inconsistent. Struggles with control. Ceiling is a solid number three starter. With 28 innings at Triple-A in 2010, I expect Robles to return to Triple-A and see a mid-season call up.
Honorable Mentions Hitters #9 Nick Franklin | SS/2B | D.o.B: 3-2-91 | Stats (A): .281/.351/.485 | 513 AB | 52 XBH | 23 Hr | .204 ISO | 25/10 SB/CS | 123:50 K:BB | .328 BABIP
Defense at short is average at best and projects long-term at second due to fringe-average arm. Above-average bat speed, swings with good leverage. Swings hard and this leads to a long swing at times. Is a switch hitter, but hits better from the right side. Has average speed.
#21 (TOR) Joherymn Chavez | RF | D.o.B: 1-26-89 | Stats (A+): .315/.387/.577 | 534 AB | 69 XBH | 32 Hr | .262 ISO | 6/9 SB/CS | 131:52 K:BB | .364 BABIP
Received in the Brandon Morrow trade. His numbers are inflated due to an extreme hitters home ballpark (23 of 32 home runs were hit at home – High Desert). Has power to all fields; overall has above average power. Concerns over strikeouts, but in comparison to other prospects mentioned previously, his strikeouts are more under control. Plays decent defense but is a below-average runner with a strong arm. Mentally, scouts praise his ability to handle the ups-and-downs of the season. He made a change to his swing to eliminate a loop and tendency to chop down on the ball which allowed him to turn on inside pitches and tap into his above-average raw power according to Baseball America (2011). His future rests on his performance in 2011 at Double-A.
#28 Rick Poythress | 1B/3B | D.o.B: 8-11-87 | Stats (A+): .315/.381/.580 | 476 AB | 64 XBH | 31 Hr | .265 ISO | 3/2 SB/CS | 100:52 K:BB | .334 BABIP
Swing is built for line-drives and moderate power. With a focus on pulling, scouts believe Poythress could be a “masher.” Has solid at-bats, a fine strikeout-to-walk ratio and plays decent defense at third but projects as a first baseman. Although he played in the same environment as Joherymn Chavez, Poythress slashed .291/.346/.581 on the road compared to .339/.413/.579 at home. He is old for the level of play, but could rise fast if he plays well at Double-A in 2011.
Vincent Catricala | 1B/3B | D.o.B: 10-31-88 | Stats (A): .302/.386/.488 | 496 AB | 58 XBH | 17 Hr | .186 ISO | 7/3 SB/CS | 112:56 K:BB | .356 BABIP
John Sickels claim he is a worthy of a sleeper alert. His age would lead one to believe otherwise. Catricala looks to start the 2011 season at High-A High Desert were numbers are inflated. If he has a strong showing next year, he’ll start to raise a few eyebrows like Joherymn Chavez did this year.
Seattle Mariners 2009 Minor League Review
Overall farm ranking via Baseball America:
2009 (24) | 2008 (11) | 2007 (24) | 2006 (27) | 2005 (11) | 2004 (12)
Records of Major and Minor League Teams
MLB: [85 – 77] AL West
AAA: [74 – 70] Pacific Coast League
AA: [62 – 78] Southern League
A+: [83 – 57] California League
A: [69 – 68] Midwest League
A(ss): [39 – 37] Northwest
R: [28 – 36] Appalachian League
R: [33 – 22] Pioneer League
The Run Down
Seattle had a massive turn around from 2008 when they were 61 – 101. With Bill Bavasi ousted, the new General Manager, Jack Zduriencik did an amazing job restructuring and rebuilding on the fly to create a competitive team. Trading J.J. Putz, Jeremy Reed and Sean Green to the Mets for Endy Chavez and Luis Valbuena to Cleveland for Franklin Gutierrez helped shaped one of the most impressive defensive outfields all season – not to mention acquiring Jack Wilson (who they resigned for 2 yr/$10 million) and ridding himself of Yuniesky Betancourt. However, during Bavasi tenure (from 2004 to 2008), he traded away prospects, signed players and, in general, mismanaged the Mariners franchise. The epicenter of his ineptitude was trading Adam Jones, George Sherrill, Christ Tillman, Tony Butler and Kam Mickolio for Eric Bedard who just came off a career year.
Nevertheless, life happens and people move on. The Mariners seem to have a logjam of outfielders in their minors (Greg Halman, Tyson Gillies, Michael Saunders, and Carlos Peguero) that are either highly ranked prospects or produced well this year. However, beyond a few stud position players, they lack a truly dominant ace. Phillippe Aumont has been moved into the bullpen to be groomed as a closer and their one dominant-looking pitcher (Michael Pineda) was ravaged by injuries this year. With all these performing outfielders, look for Seattle to make some trades this year that will allow their prospects to be promoted up a level – I am looking at you, Mr. Peguero. A random nugget of trivia – Seattle’s High-A team hit 164 homers leading the California League (which happens to be the Pacific Coast League’s little brother and carries on the family tradition of being a hitters league). The next closest team, a Texas affiliate hit 144 homers.
Graduating Prospects (Called-up Players)
#13 – (C) Rob Johnson; #2 – (OF) Michael Saunders; (SP) Doug Fister; (SP) Luke French; (SP) Chris Jakubuaska; #14 – (RP) Shawn Kelley
Arizona Fall League Players – Peoria Javelinas
Pitchers – Phillippe Aumont; Josh Fields (2008 #1 Draft Pick); Nick Hill; Anthony Varvaro
Hitters – (SS) Juan Diaz; (1B) Joe Dunigan; Dustin Ackley (2009 #1 Draft Pick)
Players of Interest Hitters #1 – Greg Halman | CF | AA | 21 | .210/.278/.420 | 457 AB | 17 2B | 25 HR | .210 ISO | 9/7 SB/CS | 183:29 K: BB | .285 BABIP
After reducing his strikeout rates from 41.2% in 2007 to roughly 29% in 2008, Halman pushed his strikeout rate back up to 40% this year. Additionally, his BABIP wasn’t extremely low either, so there is no fluke factor pointing at his low average. Without strong plate discipline, pitchers can make Halman chase a pitch outside the zone. Considered the “Best Athlete” in the Mariners system and having been compared to Andre Dawson and Alfonso Soriano, some of his expectations should be reigned in. Look for him to repeat Double-A again next year and possibly a promotion to Triple-A if all goes well.
#20 – Tyson Gillies | CF | A+ | 21 | .341/.430/.486 | 498 AB | 17 2B | 14 3B | 9 HR | .145 ISO | 44/19 SB/CS | 81:61 K: BB | .395 BABIP
Gillies can scoot. He has been recorded to make it from home to first-base in 3.8 seconds (scores an 80 on a 20 – 80 scale; and he is the fastest player in Seattle’s minor league system). With this speed, his outfield defense is beyond stellar with a plus-arm to boot – actually the best arm for all of Seattle’s prospects. Most Mariner scouts believe he has a good “feel” for the strike zone, and this year he finally put it all together. Not exceptionally powerful, he was able to push a few over the fence. However, 61% of his contacted balls were on the ground. He still needs to improve his stealing percent. Expect to see Gillies in Double-A in 2010 and possibly in the majors if any major injuries occur because of his stellar defense.
Carlos Peguero | CF | A+ | 22 | .271/.335/.560 | 491 AB | 21 2B | 14 3B | 31 HR | .289 ISO | 3/4 SB/CS | 172:42 K: BB | .354 BABIP
Second in homers to only Jonathan Gaston from Houston in the California League this year. Peguero exploded onto the scene after only hitting 12 homers in 2008. With Gillies manning center field at the same level, and Greg Halman right above both of these players, I would imagine Halman or Peguero will get traded this winter. Peguero strikes out a lot and this was his second go at High-A (because of Halman). Nevertheless, 66 extra-base hits are still impressive. He should start 2010 at Double-A.
Pitchers #3 – Phillippe Aumont | RP (LH) | A+/AA | 20 | 10.4 K/9 | 4.1 BB/9 | 33 1/3 IP | 3.88 ERA | 1.33 WHIP | 1.37 GO/AO | .263/.436 BABIP
Mentioned him in a StU in September. He’ll probably open 2010 at Double-A and it wouldn’t be a stretch to see him in the latter parts of the summer.
Nick Hill | SP (LH) | AA | 24 | 9.4 K/9 | 2.3 BB/9 | 95 2/3 IP | 3.10 ERA | 1.13 WHIP | 1.97 GO/AO | .318 BABIP MLB wrote an article talking about how he was a pitcher at West Point – it also mentions his AFL stats, which aren’t looking very good. It’s very encouraging to see an almost two-to-one ground ball – fly ball ratio. He is a mid-level prospect at best and I wouldn’t envision hearing his name in many circles around baseball. However, Joel Pineiro isn’t sexy and he gets the job done. Hill could have success if he can keep the ball on the ground.
#10 – Michael Pineda | SP (RH) | A+ | 20 | 9.7 K/9 | 1.2 BB/9 | 44 1/3 IP | 2.84 ERA | .80 WHIP | 1.69 GO/AO | .252 BABIP
I will let Marc Hulet do all the work here because he did an awesome job describing Pineda. He looks like an unheralded stud in the making.
Honorable Mentions Alex Liddi | 3B | A+ | 21 | .345/.411/.594 | 493 AB | 44 2B | 23 HR | .249 ISO | 122:53 K:BB | .422 BABIP
This Italian’s numbers are highly inflated with an astronomically high BABIP (it’s nearly .100 points higher than his previous high at Single-A. He has played Single-A from ages 17 to 19 and finally moved up to High-A this year (he just recently turned 21). Another positive trend is that he has reduced his strikeout rate from 30.8% in 2007 to 24.7% this year while improving his walk-rate from 8.3% in 2007 to 9.6% in 2009 (not a huge increase, but definitely worth noting).
Joe Dunigan | 1B/RF/DH | A+ | 23 | .294/.355/.570 | 456 AB | 28 2B | 30 HR | .249 ISO | 20/8 SB/SB | .350 BABIP
Third in homers to only Jonathan Gaston from Houston and teammate Peguero in the California League this year, Dunigan mashed his was to mid-level prospect status. Another positive asset is his ability to steal. With Mike Carp as the only first baseman ahead of Dunigan in the rankings, Dunigan may have a chance to prove his worth more in the long run as Carp has never been nearly as powerful. Speaking of which…
#17 – Mike Carp | 1B | AAA | 23 | .271/.372/.446 | 413 AB | 25 2B | 15 HR | .174 ISO | 99:58 K:BB | .324 BABIP
He has never hit more than 19 homers in a season (short season) and then 17 in a full season (High-A in the Florida State League). Upon promotion to the majors this September, Carp hit .315/.415/.463 in 53 AB. With Russell Branyan rejecting Seattle’s most recent contract, Carp may get placed into the limelight sooner rather than later. He was acquired in the Putz trade and has been compared to Mike Jacobs with better plate awareness and much better defense – though he is still an average defender at best. If he gets a chance out of spring training to start for the Mariners expect Conor Jackson-like numbers from 2007: 60/15/75/.275.
#5 – Juan Ramirez | SP (RH) | A | 20 | 7 K.9 | 3.4 BB/9 | 142 1/3 IP | 5.12 ERA (4.76 FIP) | 1.45 WHIP | 1.15 GO/AO | .317 BABIP
Has a 92 to 93 mph heater that has tip the scales to the tune of 97 mph before. He is still more a thrower than pitcher.
#21 – Gaby Hernandez | SP (RH) | AAA | 23 | 6 K/9 | 3 BB/9 | 146 1/3 IP | 5.23 ERA | 1.41 WHIP | .69 GO/AO | .311 BABIP
Gives up a ton of fly-balls and gopher balls (1.3 HR/9 at Triple-A) and hasn’t been impressive in quite some time (since 2006 and 2007 at High-A).
#6 – Adam Moore | C | AA/AAA | 25 | .287/.352/.425 | 435 AB | 25 2B | 12 HR | .148 ISO | 72:42 K:BB | .310/.325 BABIP
Could potentially challenge Rob Johnson for starting catcher next spring. Moore is the better hitter but his defense isn’t even near Johnson’s.
