[情報] BA's 2012 AZL Top 20 Prospects
2. Albert Almora, of, Cubs
Like Russell, Almora is a Florida high school product who went in the first
round in June, signing for $3.9 million as the No. 6 overall pick. His
reputation as an extreme hard worker was evident from the first day he
arrived at the Cubs complex in Arizona, as he required frequent reminders
from the staff to pace himself in the extreme summer heat. He drew raves for
his off-the-charts makeup.
"He's humble, he's willing to learn and listen," Cubs manager Bobby Mitchell
said. "You don't always get that on players picked that high."
Almora has the tools to match his outstanding character. With his loose swing
and solid speed, he projects to hit for a high average, and he has the bat
speed and raw power to hit 20 homers annually once he gets stronger. The
stands out in center field with his tremendous instincts, jumps and routes,
and he also has an above-average arm that combines strength and accuracy.
4. Jorge Soler, of, Cubs
One of the most coveted players to defect from Cuba in recent years, Soler
signed a nine-year, $30 milllion contract with the Cubs two days before the
July 2 international signing period began. He hadn't played in organized
games in nearly a year and the rust showed during his time in Arizona, but
his talent was evident and he hit better following a promotion to low Class A.
Soler has a lean, athletic body and should get stronger. He'll need to curb a
tendency to overswing, but he has above-average raw power and the ball makes
a different sound when it comes off his bat. He has slightly above-average
speed from home to first and is better underway, and he's an instinctive
baserunner who stole eight bases in as many tries in the AZL.
Soler has the biggest room to improve on defense, especially with his routes
and angles on balls. He has average arm strength for right field and makes
accurate throws.
14. Dan Vogelbach, 1b, Cubs
Vogelach played briefly in the AZL after signing for $1.6 million as a
second-round pick in 2011. He returned to post a 1.078 OPS in the first month
of this season before moving up to short-season Boise, where he was equally
productive. There aren't many big leaguers with 6-foot, 250-pound builds and
his value is tied mostly to his bat, but it has the potential to be a very
special bat.
Vogelbach combines raw strength, quick hands and good knowledge of the strike
zone. He has a tremendous feel for hitting and plus power to all fields. He's
a well below-average runner and most scouts question whether he'll ever be
good enough to play a major league-caliber first base, though he does work
hard on his defense.
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◆ From: 1.161.38.231
Q&A
Navin (Pasadena, CA): Obviously they didn't have enough innings to qualify
but which of the young Cubs pitchers amongst Dillon Maples, Paul Blackburn,
Duane Underwood and Ryan McNeil impressed you the most? Which one is the most
advanced?
Bill Mitchell: Navin, Maples and Underwood are the two pitchers from your
list that stood out. Maples was 91-96 with the fastball and showed a good
curveball. While the numbers weren't there in his brief appearances,
Underwood impressed scouts with a fastball that touched 97 and a good easy
motion.
Grant (Chicago): What does Duane Underwood need to work on? Did he and Paul
Blackburn get any consideration for the list?
Bill Mitchell: Grant, I just addressed Underwood in the previous question.
Blackburn was impressive at times, although a little inconsistent with his
velocity. He's got an athletic build with smooth, easy actions.
PT (IBC): Aside from Puig, anyone else who didn't qualify catch your eye?
Bill Mitchell: We've got several questions about Cuban outfielder Yasiel Puig
in the queue so I'll handle them now. Puig is an absolute beast. I really
don't think he even knows how strong he is. I saw him hit balls without solid
swings that carried to the fence. He would watch the balls out of the batters
box and not realize how hard he hit it. Needless to say, he's better than
some of the early reports on him. His swing is much cleaner and he was in
much better physical condition. I'm really intrigued by the guy --- he's one
of those players that you just can't look away from when he's on the field.
He would have easily been a top ten prospect if he had qualified. More than
just a few AZL observers liked him better than Jorge Soler.
Bob Sacamento (Ft Myers): Hi Bill, Vogelbach showed a good stick with power
and eye at the plate but is that all he's ever going to be? Or can he stay at
first base? I know there's not too many guys his size playing proball.
Bill Mitchell: Bob, you are right on target about Vogelbach. There aren't
many players his size in pro ball. He gets compared at times to Prince
Fielder but it's not a good comp because Fielder is much more athletic.
Perhaps the defense will develop or perhaps he'll wind up in the American
League as a DH. But the bat is real.
Jay (Ca.): What was your impression of the Juan Carlos Paniagua?
Bill Mitchell: Paniagua looked very good in his few appearances. He was up to
at least 97 (and maybe 98) with an easy delivery.
※ 編輯: Zamned 來自: 1.161.38.231 (09/26 14:20)
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