[情報] Cleveland Indians Top 5 (Loberstein)
http://projectprospect.com/article/2009/03/06/cleveland-indians-top-5
Cleveland Indians Top 5
by Adam Loberstein
March 6, 2009
Matt LaPorta -- Saying LaPorta can get it done at the plate would be an
understatement. The No. 7 overall pick in the 2007 draft, LaPorta showed
plenty of power (.260 IsoP) and patience (11.3% walk rate) in 433 Double-A
plate appearances in his first full professional season. Defensively,
however, the centerpiece of the CC Sabathia deal has his share of critics,
many of whom believe he'll either be a first baseman or designated hitter in
the majors. Having seen the 6-foot-2, 210-pounder play the field, though, we
believe LaPorta could develop into a replacement-level defensive corner
outfielder -- was -28 Runs/150 in Huntsville. Defensive concerns or not, the
U.S. Olympian could find his way to Cleveland rather quickly in 2009. When he
does, he'll be sure to bring his bat with him.
Carlos Santana -- Top hitting prospects usually have their way with the
California League. Santana was no exception. The 5-foot-11, 190-pounder
posted a .417 wOBA (432 PA) before being traded by the Dodgers to the Indians
for Casey Blake. Santana had more than enough success in High-A after leaving
California, though, putting up a ridiculous .447 wOBA in 126 Carolina League
plate appearances. The switch hitter had an impressive 16.0% walk rate to go
along with his .238 IsoP. Signed as a third baseman/outfielder, Santana
started catching in 2006. He's transitioned to the position well, and it
appears that he has the tools to develop into an average defender. In short,
we see him as one of the top catching prospect in the game -- along with
Buster Posey -- who isn't named Matt Wieters.
Nick Weglarz -- Weglarz knows how to find the base paths. After posting a
15.4% walk rate in Low-A (2007), he improved slightly to 15.6% in High-A last
season while lowering his strikeout rate dramatically (24.2% in '07 vs. 16.9%
in 2008). While the decrease in strikeouts resulted in a power reduction
(.221 IsoP in '07 vs. .162 in '08), he still maintained a solid .368 wOBA
last campaign. A 2005 third-rounder, Weglarz could develop into an
above-average big league corner outfielder.
David Huff -- Huff's 2008 breakout season somehow didn't attract a ton of
attention. The 39th overall pick ofthe 2006 draft, Huff displayed excellent
control (5.0% BB) and theability to strike hitters out (24.8%) in 146.1
innings between Double-Aand Triple-A last season. His strikeout rate was only
18.5% during an injury-shortened (strained elbow ligament) 2007 High-A
campaign. He might not be among the most attractive arms inthe minors, but
Huff could still develop into a solidmiddle-of-the-rotation option for
Cleveland. The San Diego, Calif. native has a fastball that sits around 90-93
MPH and an excellent changeup -- also offers a curveball and slider. He's had
a FIP of 3.43 or better at each stop from High-A through Triple-A, though his
BABIP was a likely unstainable .235 last year in Double-A.
Beau Mills -- While he hasn't obliterated the ball the way the Indians
probably hoped he would when they took him No. 13 overall in 2007, Mills has
been a productive professional hitter. The 6-foot-2, 220-pounder had a .377
wOBA in 544 California League plate appearances last year in his first full
season. Mills posted a strong 9.9% walk rate to accompany his .216 IsoP and
19.3% strikeout rate. Defensively, he set a pace of -4 Runs/150 at first
base. Though he now faces the tough task of replicating his High-A success in
Double-A and beyond, Mills still has a chance of becoming an average big
leaguer.
Hector Rondon (2/26/88) -- Spending the 2008 season as a 20-year-old in the
California League couldn't slow Rondon down. After netting a 3.94 FIP in
Low-A in 2007, the 6-foot-3, 180-pounder had a 3.61 FIP last campaign. The
righty saw both his strikeout and walk rates increase in '08, jumping from
19.6% to 24.0% and 4.7% to 7.0%, respectively. Rondon has a long way to go
before he's big league ready, but his Carolina League showing certainly bodes
well for the future.
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