The BBTiA Top 25 Prospect Rankings: Fall '08 Edition
http://tinyurl.com/5uezv5
The following foreword to this very special minors-oriented Baseball Time in
Arlington installment was written by Joey Matschulat.
Envision the following dream scenario in your mind's eye, if you will: Derek
Holland, poised to celebrate his 25th birthday in exactly one week, kicking
at the loose clods of earth atop the circular mound of dirt that is
scrupulously positioned an equal distance from each of the four white bags
surrounding it.
Around this subdued pre-game ritual reside 49,200 seats built in five
different seating tiers, encircling the vast expanse of green upon which a
little boy's game will be played out by grown men over the course of a
monumentally historic evening in Arlington, Texas.
Occupying those seats, as well as a considerable portion of the available
standing room from which the night's proceedings can be observed, are
50,000-plus deliriously happy Rangers fans, collectively stretching their
calf muscles and warming up their vocal cords for the onslaught of
involuntary jumping and screaming which is certain to begin momentarily.
As the aurally gratifying "Pop!" that can only be emitted from a
leather-encapsulated sphere making contact at a high rate of velocity with a
catcher's mitt -- donned by none other than Holland's favorite batterymate,
Taylor Teagarden -- begins to taper off, and as it becomes increasingly clear
that the first pitch of playoff baseball thrown in the Metroplex in 12 years
is imminent, a dull, but steadily intensifying roar begins to emanate from
the already raucous assemblage of fans.
Some have been with the team since the days of Dick Bosman, Frank Howard and
Ted Williams. Others obtained their fervent passion for Rangers baseball back
when Jose Guzman and Bobby Witt, both still in their early 20s, were being
hailed as the saviors of the faltering Texas starting rotation. Many jumped
on board during the Rangers' four-year window of relative prosperity that
came to a screeching halt immediately after the incomparable Mariano Rivera
induced a season-concluding ground out from Todd Zeile to complete the New
York Yankees' three-game sweep of Texas in the 1999 American League Division
Series.
Some managed to leap to safety from the doomed bandwagon before it careened
into a chasm of seemingly endless despair and had, for better or for worse,
returned to enjoy a second ride. Others, irreversibly locked into Rangers
fandom, never escaped, opting instead to wait it out in the belief that they,
one day, would be redeemed for their loyalty and patience.
That day had finally arrived, and with it came varying levels of satisfaction
for the on-hand contingent. Those who had managed to stick out the years of
abhorrent pitching and inept defense that had haunted the franchise for much
of its existence fittingly absorbed the greatest quantity of joy from these
proceedings, something that was nigh-unattainable for those who had abandoned
the Rangers during their darkest hour.
Legendary public address announcer Chuck Morgan reads off the name of the
opposing ballclub's lead-off hitter in his ever-recognizable powerful,
resonating voice. Holland's infield support team, consisting of Michael
Young, Elvis Andrus, Ian Kinsler and Justin Smoak, braces itself to swallow
up a first-pitch grounder and hopefully convert it into an out.
Draped over the home dugout railing are a multitude of Holland's younger and
elder rotationmates, including Neftali Feliz, Michael Main and Eric Hurley,
alternately hollering words of encouragement and soaking up the atmosphere as
hundreds -- if not thousands -- of simultaneous camera flashes denote the
onset of Holland's first post-season windup.
And at 7:19 p.m. on October 2nd, 2011, the dream begins anew.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Far-fetched? Probably. Implausible? Perhaps.
But entirely inconceivable? Not for a second. And thanks to the Rangers'
possession of the most dynamic, most robust and most promising collection of
minor league talent in all of professional baseball, it's the kind of dream
that we can lean back and enjoy with the knowledge that it just might become
reality someday.
It is now my pleasure to present the Fall 2008 edition of the BBTiA Top 25
Prospect Rankings, an entirely collaborative effort between my distinguished
co-writer -- inimitable Rangers minor league expert Jason Parks -- and myself
in which we have ranked what we perceive to be the top 25 prospects in the
organization.
In a highly abbreviated format, I have outlined each player's ranking (with
our cumulative rankings from June highlighted in parenthesis, if applicable),
physical attributes, point of origin and 2008 minor league statistical
profile, while Parks has investigated each player's strengths and weaknesses,
pinpointed their ultimate upside, projected their estimated time of arrival
on the big league landscape, and, as a special bonus, provided detailed
commentary on each of the BBTiA Top 25.
A couple of brief notes before we get started:
● Our ranking methodology is comprised of several highly relevant variables,
including upside, tools, proximity to the majors, age, statistics, and - in a
few cases - our gut instincts. Talent trumps all, of course, and it's worth
noting that Jason has seen virtually all of these young men in person.
Nevertheless, our individual prospect lists carried equal weight when it came
time to combine them as one.
● Unlike in the June 2008 edition, all statistics have been tallied from
that respective player's cumulative minor league campaign, comprising stops
at all levels from rookie ball to AAA; for example, it's certainly not fair
to display the numbers from Tommy Hunter's abysmal three-start cameo in the
majors over his steady statistics compiled over 160-plus innings in the
minors.In the highly unusual case of enigmatic flamethrower Wilmer Font (who
logged just 13 professional outs in 2008), I've reverted back to his 2007
numbers to provide a more informative statistical snapshot.
● Players who exhausted their rookie eligibility by the end of the 2008
regular season (that is, players who exceeded 130 at-bats or 50 innings
pitched at the Major League Level, or accumulated more than 45 days on the
Rangers' active roster during the 25-player limit period, excluding time
spent on the disabled list) were not eligible for these rankings, which helps
to explain the potentially perplexing exclusions of Chris Davis (295 AB) and
Matt Harrison (83.2 IP).
Prepare to have your socks knocked off by whom Jason and I agreed to bestow
with the title of top overall prospect in the Texas Rangers organization.
===============================================================================
#1A (11) - RHP Michael Main | DoB: 12/14/88 | 6′ 1〃, 170 lb.
Acquired via: 2007 MLB Draft, 1st Round (24th overall)
58.2 IP, 3-3, 2.76 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 65 K, 18 BB (Arizona, Clinton)
Pros: Electric overall arsenal; overwhelming athleticism; make-up
Cons: Limited statistical record (86.2 career IP); some minor injury concerns
ETA: 2010
Sensational MLB Comp: Bret Saberhagen
Jason's Comments: Main is the perfect storm of pitching prospects. He has the
pure stuff to pitch at the very top of a Major League rotation. His fluid
mechanics allow him to uncork a low-to-mid 90s heater with life, to go along
with a tight curveball that will occasionally have 11-to-5 movement when he
doesn't stay on top of it. His change-up is still developing, but it has
above-average potential and is already thrown with good arm speed. He is
perhaps the most gifted natural athlete of any player in the Rangers' minor
league system, and he has the mental make-up to actually reach the bar set by
his physical gifts.
How can I possibly rank Main above two of the top pitching prospects in the
minors who are both coming off transcendent seasons that saw them rise from
Low-A and finish in AA-ball? One word: Promise.
===============================================================================
#1B (NR) - LHP Derek Holland | DoB: 10/09/86 | 6' 2", 185 lb.
Acquired via: 2006 MLB Draft, 25th round (748th overall)
150.2 IP, 13-1, 2.27 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 157 K, 40 BB (Bakersfield, Clinton,
Frisco)
Pros: Plus fastball command to go along with a mid-90s heater; good change-up
Cons: Inconsistent slider; needs refinement
ETA: 2009
Sensational MLB Comp: Jon Lester
Jason's Comments: Holland exploded onto the prospect landscape after breezing
through three levels and 150 innings, racking up 157 strikeouts to only 40
walks. There is always some hesitation when a relatively unknown player
emerges as one of the top left-handed pitchers in the minor leagues, but in
this case, there are very few reasons to hesitate. Holland is legit.
===============================================================================
#1C (1) - RHP Neftali Feliz | DoB: 05/02/88 | 6′ 3〃, 180 lb.
Acquired via: Trade for 1B Mark Teixeira, LHP Ron Mahay (07/31/07)
127.1 IP, 10-6, 2.69 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 153 K, 51 BB (Clinton, Frisco)
Pros: Plus-plus fastball; effortless delivery
Cons: Struggles to stay on top of his curveball; some control issues
ETA: 2009
Sensational MLB Comp: Joel Zumaya
Jason's Comments: Feliz will probably receive a number-one ranking on most
Rangers-specific prospect lists, and has a legit claim to be considered a
top-10 prospect in all of baseball. Feliz has a devastating fastball that
seems to explode as it approaches the plate. It might be the single most
exceptional pitch in all of minor league baseball. It's so good that Feliz
will have a very long and very effective Major League career even if his
secondary pitches fail to advance another step.
At this point, I see Feliz closing games for the Rangers as early as '09,
although I'm not writing off his ability to further develop and refine his
change-up and curveball. His curveball has the potential to be a monster, but
he is still trying to find consistency with his arm angle. If it happens to
come together, Feliz will quickly become one of the best pitchers in all of
professional baseball. That includes the big leagues. He's only 20 years old,
so he definitely has the time to improve. Scary.
===============================================================================
#4 (3) - 1B Justin Smoak | DoB: 12/05/86 | 6′ 4〃, 220 lb.
Acquired via: 2008 MLB Draft, 1st Round (11th overall)
56 AB, .304/.355/.518, 3 HR, 5 BB, 10 K, 0 SB (Clinton)
Pros: Switch-hitter with power and patience; good glove
Cons: Not overly athletic; limited to 1B
ETA: 2010
Sensational MLB Comp: Mark Teixeira
Jason's Comments: At the risk of sounding like a teenaged girl with a crush,
I'll just say that Smoak is the top position prospect in the Rangers system
and the closest player to being a "sure thing." He's a special talent with
the bat and the glove, and his reputation for being a hard worker will only
improve his chances of reaching his ceiling.
===============================================================================
#5 (5) - SS Elvis Andrus | DoB: 08/26/88 | 6′ 0〃, 185 lb.
Acquired via: Trade for 1B Mark Teixeira, LHP Ron Mahay (07/31/07)
482 AB, .295/.350/.367, 4 HR, 38 BB, 91 K, 54 SB (Frisco)
Pros: Slick fielder with impressive range, arm; excellent speed
Cons: Limited power; questionable bat control
ETA: 2010
Sensational MLB Comp: Tony Fernandez
Jason's Comments: Not many position players have the natural skill sets to
play at the AA level as teenagers, and even fewer have the maturity to handle
the pressures associated with such an aggressive promotion, but Andrus isn't
your average position player. His flashy glovework will make him a Major
Leaguer, but if his bat can take a few big steps forward he could become a
star.
===============================================================================
#6 (23) - LHP Martin Perez | DoB: 04/04/91 | 6′ 0〃, 165 lb.
Acquired via: Undrafted international free agency (2007)
61.2 IP, 1-2, 3.65 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 53 K, 28 BB (Spokane)
Pros: Potential for three above-average pitches; incredibly smooth delivery
Cons: Hittable against RH; the unknown
ETA: 2013
Sensational MLB Comp: Erik Bedard
Jason's Comments: From my Fall Instructional League report:
His clean, repeatable mechanics in combination with excellent raw stuff point
to a pitcher that far exceeds the 17 years of Martin Perez. His fastball has
excellent life and sources say he can already run it up to 94 mph. His
curveball, perhaps his best pitch, is a serious hammer. He can drop it into
the strike zone at will. His change-up shows promise and will end up giving
Perez an arsenal of three above-average pitches to choose from.
===============================================================================
#7 (6) - C Taylor Teagarden | DoB: 12/21/83 | 6′ 1〃, 200 lb.
Acquired via: 2005 MLB Draft, 3rd Round (99th overall)
246 AB, .211/.319/.374, 9 HR, 36 BB, 82 K, 1 SB (Frisco, Oklahoma)
Pros: Excellent defensive catcher; some patience and pop
Cons: Injury issues; high strikeout/low batting average
ETA: 2009
Sensational MLB Comp: Charles Johnson
Jason's Comments: Despite some legitimate durability concerns, Teagarden is
the best defensive catcher already on the 40-man roster, and has enough
offensive potential to not be a liability. For a team that will be relying on
a profusion of young arms in the years to come, it makes sense to offer them
the services of an intelligent game-caller like Teagarden. As we draw closer
to the winter meetings, look for Teagarden to be a player of interest to
several clubs around the league.
===============================================================================
#8 (9) - OF Engel Beltre | DoB: 11/01/89 | 6′ 1〃, 169 lb.
Acquired via: Trade for RHP Eric Gagne (07/31/07)
566 AB, .283/.308/.403, 8 HR, 15 BB, 105 K, 31 SB (Clinton)
Pros: Legit seven-skill potential; intelligence
Cons: Poor approach at the plate; focus
ETA: 2012
Sensational MLB Comp: Ken Griffey Jr.
Jason's Comments: From my Fall Instructional League report:
Although far from a sure thing, Beltre has one of the highest ceilings of any
player in minor league baseball. He has a lethal combination of all the parts
that make up a Major League superstar. He has the potential to be great.
Blatant homerism? I don't think so. Beltre has tremendous upside, but he is
still very raw and will need to make adjustments to his offensive approach in
order to have success at the higher levels. If he can learn to be more
selective and let the game come to him, Beltre could become a premier player.
===============================================================================
#9 (NR) - RHP Wilfredo Boscan | DoB: 10/26/89 | 6′ 2〃, 160 lb.
Acquired via: Undrafted international free agency (2006)
69.1 IP, 9-1, 3.12 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 70 K, 11 BB
Pros: Shows good command of a low-90s two-seamer; very promising curveball
Cons: Small sample size; some mechanical inconsistencies
ETA: 2012
Sensational MLB Comp: Jair Jurrjens
Jason's Comments: Check this out: Boscan, in 69 innings of work at
short-season Spokane, had a K/9 ratio of 9.09 and a BB/9 ratio of only 1.43
while giving up a paltry 0.52 HR/9. What does this point to? A pitcher that
knows how to pound the strike zone with a heavy, ground ball-inducing
fastball and use his developing curveball as an out pitch. He will pitch the
entire '09 season (most likely in the Low-A Hickory rotation) as a
19-year-old. Wow.
===============================================================================
#10 (7) - C/DH Max Ramirez | DoB: 10/11/84 | 5′ 11〃, 175 lb.
Acquired via: Trade for OF Kenny Lofton (07/27/07)
285 AB, .347/.439/.628, 19 HR, 42 BB, 69 K, 2 SB (Arizona, Frisco, Oklahoma)
Pros: Excellent hitter with good pop and patience
Cons: Limited defensively; not overly athletic
ETA: 2009
Sensational MLB Comp: Victor Martinez
Jason's Comments: Max can flat-out hit and his mature approach at the plate
will eventually translate to Major League success. His defense behind the
dish, while far from atrocious, isn't ideal for a young pitching staff, as he
lacks the all-around skill set to excel at the position. Regardless, stick
Ramirez at DH and enjoy the offensive show.
===============================================================================
#11 (12) - OF Julio Borbon | DoB: 02/20/86 | 6′ 1〃, 180 lb.
Acquired via: 2007 MLB Draft, 1st Round (35th overall)
546 AB, .321/.362/.425, 7 HR, 29 BB, 62 K, 53 SB (Bakersfield, Frisco)
Pros: Plus speed; above-average defensive CF
Cons: Questionable approach at the plate; slightly below-average arm
ETA: 2009
Sensational MLB Comp: Juan Pierre
Jason's Comments: As one of the more polarizing prospects in the system, it
seems that Borbon is either thought of as the Rangers' no-brainer center
fielder of the future or as a marginal Major League prospect with genuine
deficiencies in his skill set. Personally, I think both camps have a case.
Borbon's game is built on speed, but I don't think we can classify him as a
speed-only player. Borbon has excellent baseball instincts, which, along with
his wheels, make him a very good defensive center fielder. His arm receives
quite a bit of attention, as it isn't exactly strong, but I don't think it's
a major concern.
His offensive potential is another area that is the subject of much debate.
Borbon makes excellent contact, but doesn't hit for much power and doesn't
draw many walks. His feet suggest a lead-off hitter, while his approach
suggests something else. The Great Borbon Debate will continue at the Major
League level at some point in '09.
===============================================================================
#12 (13) - RHP Neil Ramirez | DoB: 05/25/89 | 6′ 3〃, 185 lb.
Acquired via: 2007 MLB Draft, 1st Round (44th overall)
44 IP, 1-2, 2.66 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 52 K, 29 BB (Spokane)
Pros: Low-to-mid 90s fastball; curveball with plus potential
Cons: Underdeveloped change-up; command issues
ETA: 2012
Sensational MLB Comp: A.J. Burnett
Jason's Comments: Projectable pitcher with an electric fastball and perhaps
one of the best curveballs in the system. Ramirez has pitched only 44 career
innings and was sidelined at fall instructs with a broken hand, but is still
a good bet to open the season in the juggernaut that will be the Hickory
starting rotation. He needs to sharpen his command and find consistency with
his mechanics, but the raw stuff is really, really good.
===============================================================================
#13 (10) - RHP Blake Beavan | DoB: 01/17/89 | 6′ 7〃, 210 lb.
Acquired via: 2007 MLB Draft, 1st Round (17th overall)
121.2 IP, 10-6, 2.37 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 73 K, 20 BB (Clinton)
Pros: Workhorse frame; excellent fastball command
Cons: Diminished velocity; lacks out pitch
ETA: 2011
Sensational MLB Comp: Derek Lowe
Jason's Comments: Upon being selected 17th overall in the 2007 draft, Beavan
was tabbed as a hard-throwing top-of-the-rotation starter with a devastating
slider, but I'm not sure that pitcher exists anymore ... or if he ever really
did. Much has been made of Beavan's freshman velocity dip, and despite not
being a remarkable occurrence for a first-year player, the elephant in the
room remains. Personally, I'm more concerned about the development of his
slider than his downturn in fastball velocity.
Having said all of that, should his '08 season be considered a disappointment
because of the loss of fastball velocity or the slider not living up to the
hype? Not at all. I think Beavan's inaugural season was a showcase of a
thrower becoming a pitcher and a teenager becoming a professional. It was a
season of growth. Of course, it's easy to envision how dominating Beavan
would become if only his slider became the out pitch we were sold on and if
his two-seamer can add some heft while maintaining its movement.
I don't think we are looking at an ace here, but I do think Beavan will
continue to improve as a pitcher as he climbs the ladder towards Arlington.
===============================================================================
#14 (4) - RHP Eric Hurley | DoB: 09/17/85 | 6′ 4〃, 195 lb.
Acquired via: 2004 MLB Draft, 1st Round (30th overall)
82 IP, 3-5, 4.83 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 74 K, 30 BB (Frisco, Oklahoma)
Pros: Above-average slider; closer's mentality
Cons: Scary fly ball tendencies; average fastball
ETA: 2009
Sensational MLB Comp: Jon Lieber
Jason's Comments: Is Eric Hurley the same pitcher that was once considered
the number-one prospect in the Rangers' system? Yes and no. When he can
locate his fastball and put the count in his favor, Hurley can still slice up
hitters with his slider. When he struggles with his command and becomes
fastball-dependent, it's usually a good day to be a hitter.
He has a tendency to elevate his heater and is often the victim of the long
ball; not exactly the skill set best suited for pitching in Texas. It's way
too early to write off Hurley, but there are some concerns.
===============================================================================
#15 (20) - RHP Omar Poveda | DoB: 09/28/87 | 6′ 4〃, 200 lb.
Acquired via: Undrafted international free agency (2004)
90.2 IP, 4-4, 4.47 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 97 K, 40 BB (Bakersfield)
Pros: Plus change-up; low-90s heater
Cons: Average curveball; fly ball tendencies
ETA: 2011
Sensational MLB Comp: James Shields
Jason's Comments: Poveda's profile from "Searching For Arms In Little Venice":
Poveda, signed in 2004 out of Tumero, Venezuela, announced himself as a legit
prospect after a breakout season at Clinton in 2007. He posted a 2.79 ERA in
125 IP with 120 K to only 32 BB. He has a projectable build (6' 4", 220 lb.)
and sports one of the best change-ups in the system. He has a solid fastball
that he can locate and an improving curveball that he struggles to command at
times.
Poveda struggled with some injuries at Bakersfield in '08, but rebounded
nicely to finish the year with 90.2 innings. In those innings, Poveda flashed
some dominance (97 strikeouts), but also suffered through some control issues
(40 walks). He will need to do a better job of keeping runners off-base and
keeping balls on the ground to be effective at higher levels. If his stuff
can take a step forward in '09, Poveda can re-establish himself as one of the
top right-handed prospects in the system.
===============================================================================
#16 (17) - RHP Wilmer Font | DoB: 05/24/90 | 6′ 4〃, 235 lb.
Acquired via: Undrafted international free agency (2006)
45.2 IP, 2-3, 4.53 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 61 K, 24 BB (Arizona, 2007)
Pros: Devastating fastball; projectable
Cons: Command issues; still very raw
ETA: 2012
Sensational MLB Comp: Jose Valverde
Jason's Comments: Font's fastball is so good that even Neftali Feliz stands
up and applauds it. His max-effort heater will usually sit in the mid-90s,
but can reach 98 mph when the young Venezuelan decides to dial it up. His
secondary stuff needs work, but he has a good feel for his breaking ball,
though he struggles to stay on top of it.
Given his age and his tremendous upside, it's too early to tag Font with a
bullpen projection, but I'm going to do it anyway. I think Font has a much
quicker path to The Show out of the bullpen, and has the type of pitch in his
arsenal that can be effective without much else. Font's ability to stay
healthy and to stay focused will ultimately determine his fate. The talent is
there.
===============================================================================
#17 (NR) - LHP Tim Murphy | DoB: 05/07/87 | 6' 2", 190 lb.
Acquired via: 2008 MLB Draft, 3rd round (89th overall)
47.2 IP, 4-1, 2.83 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 51 K, 18 BB (Spokane, Clinton)
Pros: Above-average curveball; low-90s heater with movement
Cons: Mechanical inconsistencies; so-so change-up
ETA: 2010
Sensational MLB Comp: Zach Duke
Jason's Comments: Murphy is an extremely athletic pitcher with an improving
fastball and a nasty curveball. He doesn't allow many baserunners (0.97
WHIP), he is very effective against right-handed batters (.180 batting
average), and he has an Andy Pettitte-esque move to first base that helps to
neutralize the running game. Not much to complain about, really.
He has a tendency to live (and die) on the inside corner, and his change-up
isn't anything special, but there's lots to work with here. Murphy, despite
being somewhat new to pitching, should be a fast riser in the system. Look
for Murphy to reach Frisco at some point in '09.
===============================================================================
#18 (8) - LHP Kasey Kiker | DoB: 11/19/87 | 5′ 10〃, 170 lb.
Acquired via: 2006 MLB Draft, 1st Round (12th overall)
121.2 IP, 5-5, 4.73 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 111 K, 37 BB (Bakersfield)
Pros: Potential for three above-average pitches; bulldog mentality
Cons: Some injury concerns; limited projection
ETA: 2011
Sensational MLB Comp: John Franco
Jason's Comments: Let me start off by saying that I can't believe I actually
used John Franco as a comp. Was Billy Wagner not available?
Not that Kiker has the fastball to be the next Billy Wagner. It was once
reported that he did, but during the '08 campaign Kiker was more of an
upper-80s to low-90s pitcher that would mix in a slider and a very good
change-up. He suffered some shoulder soreness again in '08, and was hittable,
but considering his age and the league (California League) the results were
pretty good.
I think Kiker will eventually end up in a Major League bullpen where his
arsenal can be applied in short bursts. The next John Franco? Probably not,
but the fact is there aren't many 5' 10'' non-LOOGY arms to project to.
===============================================================================
#19 (NR) - 2B/SS Jose Vallejo | DoB: 09/11/86 | 6' 0", 172 lb.
Acquired via: Undrafted international free agency (2004)
569 AB, .292/.345/.415, 11 HR, 41 BB, 91 K, 42 SB
Pros: Gold Glove-level defense at 2B; fastest player in the system
Cons: Limited offensive projection; blocked
ETA: 2010
Sensational MLB Comp: Luis Castillo
Jason's Comments: Slick defensive player with outstanding speed and
baserunning ability. He finally started to show more offensive potential in
'08, but I'm not expecting him to make a name for himself by swinging the
bat. He is your classic speed/glove guy, and will eventually be a very
valuable player to have on a 25-man roster. Vallejo will get some reps at
shortstop in '09 and could move into a utility role at the Major League level
at some point in '10.
===============================================================================
#20 (18) - RHP Tommy Hunter | DoB: 07/03/86 | 6′ 3〃, 255 lb.
Acquired via: 2007 MLB Draft, 1st Round (54th overall)
163.2 IP, 13-8, 3.41 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 106 K, 34 BB (Bakersfield, Frisco,
Oklahoma)
Pros: Plus curveball; durable frame
Cons: Underdeveloped change-up; average fastball
ETA: 2009
Sensational MLB Comp: Jaret Wright
Jason's Comments: Hunter was a busy man during the '08 season. The big
right-hander started the season in the Bakersfield rotation and basically
advanced a level every six weeks until he reached Arlington on August 1st.
Hunter is a two-pitch pitcher that relies heavily on his plus curveball and
his low-90s fastball. His change-up is below-average, and is often thrown
only a few ticks off his fastball.
Hunter is going to struggle to be a long-term fixture in a Major League
rotation. He doesn't have exceptional stuff and he allows too many hits. The
good news is that he doesn't give up many walks and is effective against
right-handed hitters. Hunter needs to spend at least the first part of the
'09 season in the Oklahoma City rotation in order to further develop his
change-up.
===============================================================================
#21 (NR) - RHP Joseph Wieland | DoB: 01/21/90 | 6' 3", 175 lb.
Acquired via: 2008 MLB Draft, 4th Round (123rd overall)
43.2 IP, 5-1, 1.44 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 41 K, 8 BB
Pros: Makings of three above-average pitches; very athletic
Cons: Limited statistical record
ETA: 2012
Sensational MLB Comp: Ricky Nolasco
Jason's Comments: Wieland, a fourth-round selection in the 2008 amateur
draft, is poised to become one of the top right-handed arms in the system.
His three-pitch mix features a promising low-90s fastball that has some
armside run and room for an increase in velocity as he continues to
physically mature, a curveball that he already has some command of, and an
advanced feel for a change-up. His make-up is off the charts and he is driven
to improve his game. The 6' 3'' righty has the polish rarely seen in a high
school arm. Wieland reminds me of Michael Main in that regard.
===============================================================================
#22 (NR) - LHP Robbie Ross | DoB: 06/24/89 | 6' 0", 170 lb.
Acquired via: 2008 MLB Draft, 2nd Round (57th overall)
Pros: Solid three-pitch arsenal; athletic
Cons: Has yet to throw a professional pitch; lacks projection
ETA: 2012
Sensational MLB Comp: Mike Hampton
Jason's Comments: From my Fall Instructional League report:
I didn't really know what to expect from Ross. Obviously being a high draft
choice would set the bar high, but it's hard to properly gauge a player's
talents from watching MiLB.com's draft video. After finally seeing Ross pitch
in person, it's pretty evident why he was considered by many to be the top
high school lefty in the draft class. The kid can pitch.
Ross flashed excellent fastball command during his 25-pitch simulated game.
He was able to paint both corners with the baseball and showed the ability to
ratchet up his velocity when pressed to do so. He also showed a handle on his
secondary pitches, as he was able to stay on top of his breaking ball and
throw his change-up off of his fastball.
He labored a bit in the 106-degree heat, but I'm not going to fault him for
that. Through it all, Ross was able to execute minor league pitching
coordinator Rick Adair's directives, and stay focused on the simulated-game
situations that were being called out to him after every batter stepped in
the box.
Ross is a high-character guy and will definitely push himself to get the most
out of his skill set. He isn't flashy on the mound, but I wouldn't start
assuming that his ultra-polite off-the-field demeanor will translate to a
lack of competitiveness on the bump.
===============================================================================
#23 (NR) - 1B/OF Mitch Moreland | DoB: 09/06/85 | 6' 2", 230 lb.
Acquired via: 2007 MLB Draft, 17th Round (530th overall)
466 AB, .324/.400/.536, 18 HR, 60 BB, 67 K, 2 SB
Pros: Power potential; excellent arm
Cons: Limited defensively; 23 years old and hasn't played above Low-A
ETA: 2011
Sensational MLB Comp: Geoff Jenkins
Jason's Comments: Moreland has plus power and a solid approach at the plate.
His biggest defensive asset is a very strong arm, which he will occasionally
display pitching out of the bullpen. Moreland is already 23 years old, but
should be able to move through the system fairly quickly. With his ability to
make contact and hit for power, Moreland will be an interesting name to pay
attention to in '09.
===============================================================================
#24 (NR) - SS/2B Marcus Lemon | DoB: 06/03/88 | 5' 11", 173 lb.
Acquired via: 2006 MLB Draft, 4th Round (118th overall)
447 AB, .295/.374/.434, 8 HR, 46 BB, 69 K, 12 SB
Pros: Mature approach at the plate; make-up
Cons: Lacks plus skills; baserunning efficiency
ETA: 2011
Sensational MLB Comp: Luis Alicea
Jason's Comments: From my Fall Instructional League report:
Perhaps the hardest player in our system to properly categorize, Lemon is, on
the one hand, a very polished player with the intangibles to play at the
highest level, and, on the other hand, a player that might have already
reached the limitations of his skill set.
As a defensive player, I was very impressed with Lemon's play at second base.
His arm is strong, but not exceptional, and his pivot is fast and his throws
are accurate. His range is above-average, thanks in part to his excellent
first-step quickness - especially towards his glove-side.
Lemon is also the only player I saw at fall instructs that would gladly work
a walk. He has a very advanced approach at the plate and simply won't allow
himself to get cheated. He has a nice line-drive stroke, but I don't think he
is going to develop much in the power department.
The finest thing about Lemon's game is his baseball intelligence. He is very
rarely out of position and his focus on the field is second to none. He
doesn't showboat and goes all out on every play, in every game.
As I mentioned, Lemon's skill set already appears to be reaching maturity.
His offensive value lies in his patient approach at the plate and his ability
to keep pitchers honest when he gets on base. His defense at second base is
probably above-average as a whole, but nothing so spectacular that he can
still be a viable starter without the offensive chops.
===============================================================================
#25 (NR) - RHP Carlos Pimentel | DoB: 12/01/89 | 6' 3", 180 lb.
Acquired via: Undrafted international free agency (2006)
65.1 IP, 6-3, 3.31 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 54 K, 31 BB
Pros: Rapidly improving stuff; projection
Cons: Struggles with command; fly ball tendencies
ETA: 2013
Sensational MLB Comp: Gil Meche
Jason's Comments: Pimentel is a very intriguing arm. He has a three-pitch
repertoire, headlined by a low-90s fastball with some life and a developing
curveball. His change-up made strides in '08, but it still somewhat raw.
Seeing as Pimentel doesn't even turn 19 until December, it's too early to
accurately forecast his role, but a move to the bullpen could escalate his
ascension. The fact is that the Rangers have too many starting pitchers vying
for a limited amount of rotation spots, and some will have to move to the
pen.
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