Mid-May Update: Top 25 NL Prospects for 2008 and 2009

This list will be updated on a roughly bi-weekly basis to account for changes based on player performance, injuries, and loss/gain of playing opportunity.

Also, as players on the list lose their rookie eligibility, surpass 130 AB or 50 IP in the majors, they will 'graduate' from the list.

Here's the update for mid-May - all stats are through May 15th:

Top 25 NL Prospects for 2008 and 2009


1. (+2) Clayton Kershaw, LHP, LAD
AA Jacksonville: 2.21 / 1.06 / 36.2-28-13(9)-11-40



2. (+2) Andy LaRoche, 3B, LAD
AAA Las Vegas: .300 / 1.108 / 11-4-10-2
Last 10 games (through May 15th): .385 BA



3. (+2) Max Scherzer, RHP, ARI
AAA Tucson: 1.17 / 0.65 / 23-12-3-3-38
ARI: 3.14 / 1.12 / 14.1-13-6(5)-3-18


4. (-3) Cameron Maybin, OF, FLA
AA Carolina: .236 / .771 / 23-5-11-7
Last 10 games (through May 15th): .238 BA

He didn't step it up, he's dropping down this, and many other lists.


5. (-3) Johnny Cueto, RHP, CIN
CIN: 5.91 / 1.25 / 45.2-46-30-11-46


6. (+2) Matt LaPorta, OF, MIL
AA Huntsville: .308 / 1.038 / 32-10-38-0


7. (+3) Chase Headley, 3B/OF, SD
AAA Portland: .289 / .827 / 25-5-17-0
Last 10 games (through May 15th): .349 BA and three home runs


8. (-2) Andrew McCutchen, OF, PIT
AAA Indianapolis: .291 / .853 / 25-6-20-12


9. (-2) Jay Bruce, OF, CIN
AAA Louisville: .366 / 1.060 / 27-8-33-7
Last 10 games (through May 15th): .611 BA and three home runs

What else does this guy need to do? The Dusty Baker love for Corey Patterson is ridiculous.


10. (NR) Blake Dewitt, 3B, LAD
LAD: .320 / .892 / 19-3-19-1 (13 K, 12 bb over 103 ABs)

It's time to stop ignoring Dewitt as just a stop-gap 3B, he's producing consistently now and even when the Dodgers decide LaRoche is ready it's not hard to see him sticking and perhaps getting 4-5 starts a week between 3B, 2B and perhaps 1B.


11. (-2) Chris Volstad, RHP, FLA
AA Carolina: 2.58 / 1.09 / 52.1-40-15-17-37


12. (NR) Chris Perez, RHP, STL
AAA Memphis: 2.04 / 1.19 / 17.2-12-4-9-22

The closer of the future is closer to that role much sooner than anyone would have guessed - he could take over the primary closer role as early as July.


13. (-2) Jaime Garcia, LHP, STL
AA Springfield: 2.06 / 1.20 / 35-26-10(8)-16-41
AAA Memphis: 0.69 / 1.00 / 13-12-2(1)-1-12

After an impressive run at Double-A, Garcia has been even more impressive at Triple-A. The only reason for his slight drop is word that the Cardinals have no plans to bring him up before September. However, if he keeps pitching like this it's hard to see him not getting the call sooner.


14. (-2) Homer Bailey, RHP, CIN
AAA Louisville: 3.55 / 1.22 / 50.2-48-21(20)-14-40


15. (-2) Brandon Jones, OF, ATL
AAA Richmond: .271 / .734 / 20-2-15-3


16. (+3) Sean Gallagher, RHP, CHC
AAA Iowa: 3.10 / 1.03 / 29-21-11(10)-9-30
CHC: 6.48 / 1.68 / 8.1-10-6-4-7

Gallagher moved into the Cubs rotation quicker than most had predicted. He's going to have his ups and downs, but if he doesn't show some solid 'ups' quickly he'll find himself replaced.


17. (+3) Ian Stewart, 3B, COL
AAA Colorado Springs: .273 / .982 / 35-11-38-3
Last 10 games (through May 15th): .378 BA and five home runs


18. (-2) Colby Rasmus, OF, STL
AAA Memphis: .189 / .597 / 23-6-15-5


19. (-5) Steven Pearce, 1B/OF, PIT
AAA Indianapolis: .247 / .691 / 17-4-23-2


20. (+1) Carlos Carrasco, RHP, PHI
AA Reading: 3.77 / 1.30 / 43-37-18-19-44


21. (-4) Jon Meloan, RHP, LAD
AAA Las Vegas: 3.73 / 1.59 / 41-42-18(17)-23-40


22. (-4) Brett Carroll, OF, FLA
AAA Albuquerque: .418 / 1.376 / 18-9-23-1 (18 k, 8 bb in 67 AB)
FLA: 1-for-14 with a triple, four Ks and no walks

As hot as he was at Albuquerque you'd think the Marlins would have plugged him in for several straight games to see if he could keep it up. Instead he's rotting on the bench.


23. (-) Dexter Fowler, OF, COL
AA Tulsa: .280 / .847 / 27-5-21-10


24. (+1) Antonio Bastardo, LHP, PHI
Hi-A Clearwater: 1.17 / 0.98 / 30.2-20-4-10-47
AA Reading: 3.06 / 1.19 / 17.2-16-8(6)-5-15

Bastardo (LOVE that name!) was promoted to Double-A Reading on May 3rd and hasn't slowed down yet.


25. (-1) Daryl Thompson, RHP, CIN
AA Chattanooga: 1.28 / 0.91 / 49.1-34-14(7)-11-49
First 3 May starts: 2.50 / 1.17 / 18-14-5-7-13




GRADUATED FROM THE LIST:

Geovany Soto, C, CHC (Highest Rank #3)
CHC: .323 / 1.044 / 19-8-30-0

Joey Votto, 1B, CIN (Highest Rank #4)
CIN: .276 / .887 / 21-8-20-1

Manny Parra, LHP, MIL (Highest Rank #10)
MIL: 5.03 / 1.78 / 39.1-48-25(22)-22-30

Franklin Morales, LHP, COL (Highest Rank #11)
COL: 6.39 / 1.78 / 25.1-28-18-17-9


DROPPED OFF THE LIST:

Chris Marrero, 1B/OF, WAS (Last appeared at #20 on Mid-April Update)

Ross Detwiler, LHP, WAS (Last appeared at #23 on Mid-April Update)

Jordan Schafer, OF, ATL (Last appeared at #16 on April Update)
50 game suspension for violation of the performance enhancing drug policy majorly stunts his 2008 development process.

Chin-Lung Hu, SS, LAD (Last appeared at #22 on April Update)
Development being delayed by extended tenure on the Dodgers active roster with little playing time.


J.R. Towles, C, HOU (Last appeared at #15 on May Update)
HOU: .151 BA / .603 / 8-4-10-0 (Just 1-for-25 from May 1st thru 15th)


Matt Antonelli, 2B, SD (Last appeared at #22 on May Update)
AAA Portland: .183 / .658 / 20-3-8-2
Last 10 games (through May 15th): .182 BA


MAY UPDATE: Top 25 NL Prospects for 2008 and 2009

MID-MAY UPDATE: Top 25 AL Prospects for 2008 and 2009

Mid-May Update: Top 25 AL Prospects for 2008 and 2009

This list will be updated on a roughly bi-weekly basis to account for changes based on player performance, injuries, and loss/gain of playing opportunity.

Also, as players on the list lose their rookie eligibility, surpass 130 AB or 50 IP in the majors, they will 'graduate' from the list.

Here's the update for mid-May - all stats are through May 15th.

NOTE: The format of the stat line is changing to the following to make it easier to read:
Batting Stats: BA / OPS / R-HR-RBI-SB
Pitching Stats: ERA / WHIP / IP-H-R(ER)-BB-K

Top 25 AL Prospects for 2008 and 2009

1. (-) Evan Longoria, 3B, TB
TB: .210 / .690 / 14-4-15-2 (.295 K Rate)


2. (+1) Joba Chamberlain, RHP, NYY
NYY: 2.60 / 1.14 / 17.1-11-5-7-20


3. (+1) Carlos Gonzalez, OF, OAK
AAA Sacramento: .310 / .784 / 12-3-13-1 (.194 K Rate)
Last 10 games: .206 BA, but with improved K Rate of .176


4. (+1) Wladimir Balentien, OF, SEA
AAA Tacoma: .254 / .948 / 11-6-20-1 sb (.175 K Rate)
SEA: .222 / .745 / 7-4-9-0 (whopping .352 K Rate)


5. (-3) Jeff Clement, C, SEA
AAA Tacoma: .397 / 1.227 / 21-5-20 (.154 K Rate)
SEA: .182 / .580 / 4-0-1-0 (.386 K Rate)

Clement was sent down on May 18th - which is a bad move for Seattle. He doesn't have anything left to prove in the minors and needs to work his way through the transition to the majors. Hopefully they'll realize their mistake sooner than later and call him back up for good.


6. (+1) Luke Hochevar, RHP, KC
AAA Omaha: 2.60 / 0.98 / 17.1-11-7(5)-6-12
KC: 3.94 / 1.38 / 29.2-27-13-14-24


7. (+3) Greg Smith, LHP, OAK
OAK: 3.26 / 1.17 / 49.2-40-20(18)-18-42


8. (-2) Brandon Wood, 3B/SS, LAA
AAA Salt Lake: .255 / .858 / 21-8-20-1 (.333 K Rate)
LAA: .154 / .484 / 3-1-1-0 (.423 K Rate - no wonder he's back in Utah)


9. (-1) Nick Adenhart, RHP, LAA
AAA Salt Lake: 0.87 / 1.06 / 31-18-4(3)-15-19
LAA: 9.00 / 2.58 / 12-18-12-13-4

Adenhart was sent back down to Salt Lake after a poor showing for the Angels. Look for him to bounce back and forth between Salt Lake and Anaheim a few more times before coming up to stay.


10. (-1) Adam Miller, RHP, CLE
AAA Buffalo: 2.28 / 1.39 / 23.2-24-9(6)-9-16


11. (-3) Gio Gonzalez, LHP, OAK
AAA Sacramento: 4.85 / 1.67 /39-43-23(21)-22-30

Despite the less-than-stellar overall numbers, Gonzalez is close to being ready for the call. He just needs to refine his command and get his walk rate down.


12. (+1) Armando Galarraga, RHP, DET
Triple-A Toledo: 2.25 / 0.67 / 12-7-3-1-11 K
DET: 3.07 / 0.99 / 29.1-20-14(10)-9-21

If Leyland removes Galarraga from the rotation at this point the Tigers don't deserve to win another game all year.


13. (NR) Matt Joyce, OF, DET
Triple-A Toledo: .299 / .903 / 17-5-21-2 (.278 K Rate)
DET: .292 / 1.024 / 4-3-5-0

Raise your hand if you didn't see this one coming. Frankly, pretty much nobody did. Joyce was decent, but not spectacular by any stretch at Toledo. Still, with the Tigers offensive woes they turned to Joyce to help shake things up and so far he's done just that. Once the AL gets the book on Joyce expect him to struggle through late May into June. Hopefully he can make the adjustments necessary for continued success.


14. (-2) Ian Kennedy, RHP, NYY
Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre: 0.00 / 0.24 / 8.1-2-0-0-8
NYY: 8.48 / 1.88 / 28.2-33-27-21-19

Kennedy certainly proved that he had nothing to prove at the Triple-A level. Most impressive were his 8 Ks against no walks in 8.1 innings. Now if he can just translate that K/BB ratio to the bigs...


15. (-1) David Price, LHP, TB
Scheduled to make his debut with High-A Vero Beach on Thursday, May 21st.

Price was in extended spring training longer than expected recovering from elbow discomfort he experienced in late March.


16. (NR) Carlos Rosa, RHP, KC
Double-A Northwest Arkansas: 1.20 / 0.82 / 45-30-8(6)-7-42

Rosa is dominating at the Double-A level. It wouldn't be surprising to see him get the call directly from that level.


17. (+1) Jed Lowrie, SS, BOS
Triple-A Pawtucket: .216 / .793 / 9-1-6-0
BOS: .310 / .817 / 6-1-7-0

Lowrie went 4-for-12 with a home run and five rbi in his first four games back at Triple-A after his demotion on May 11th. He acquitted himself extremely well with Boston during his tenure. He'll again be the first to get the call the next time the Red Sox need an infielder.


18. (-2) Radhames Liz, RHP, BAL
Triple-A Norfolk: 5.12 / 1.40 / 45.2-43-32(26)-21-44

After being very solid in his final two starts of April with a line of 0.69 / 0.77 / 13-5-1-5-15, Liz was not so great in his first three starts in May with a line of 6.00 / 1.61 / 18-17-12-12-15. Again, he just needs to show more consistency, when he's good - he's very good, and when he's bad - he's horrible!


19. (-4) Matt Wieters, C, BAL
High-A Frederick: .336 / 1.011 / 27-9-23-1 (.184 K Rate)

Over his last 10 games (through May 15th), Wieters is again on a roll to the tune of .324 BA, 4 HR and just three Ks over 34 AB. The only reason behind Wieters drop on this list was word from the Baltimore front office that they have no plans to promote Wieters for the foreseeable future.


20. (+2) Chris Davis, 3B, TEX
Double-A Frisco: .340 / .991 / 35-10-33-4 (.247 K Rate)

Over his last 10 games (through May 15th), Davis is on fire with a .436 BA and a K:BB ratio of 5:5 over 39 AB (.128 K Rate).


21. (-) Travis Snider, OF, TOR
High-A Dunedin: .279 / .891 / 15-4-7-0 (.361 K Rate)
Double-A New Hampshire: .200 / .686 / 11-4-16-0 (.424 K Rate - that is BAD!)

Snider is adjusting quickly to the Double-A level. Over his last 10 games (through May 15th) he was batting .263 with two home runs, 12 RBI and K:BB ratio of 10:7 over 38 AB (.263 K Rate - much improved!)


22. (-2) Jake McGee LHP, TB
Double-A Montgomery: 4.20 / 1.30 / 40.2-34-23(19)-17-39

Over first three May starts: 2.65 / 1.29 / 17-15-5-7-12


23. (NR) Justin Masterson, RHP, BOS
Double-A Portland: 4.23 / 1.38 / 38.1-37-22(18)-16-37
BOS: 1.50 / 1.00 / 6-2-1-4-4

If you're able to grab Masterson during the short period his name appears on your league's free agent list, by all means do it!


24. (NR) David Huff, LHP, CLE
Double-A Akron: 2.14 / 0.86 / 46.1-29-13(11)-11-43


25. (NR) Kila Kaaihue, 1B, KC
Double-A Northwest Arkansas: .253 / .966 / 17-10-29-1 (.141 K Rate)

Over last 10 games (through May 15th), Kaaihue is batting .320 with three home runs and an awesome K:BB ratio of 4:11 over 25 ABs (.100 K Rate)



May Update: Top 25 AL Prospects for 2008 and 2009

May Update: Top 25 NL Prospects for 2008 and 2009



DROPPED FROM THE LIST:

David Purcey, LHP, TOR
Triple-A Syracuse: 2.22 / 1.01 / 44.2-29-13(11)-16-52
TOR: 4.1 ip, 2 h, 1 er, 7 bb, 3 K

Bouncing between the minors and the majors, just like Justin Masterson, only without the good results in the bigs.


Reid Brignac, SS, TB
Triple-A Durham: .264 / .710 / 21-3-20-3 (.229 K Rate)

Over last 10 games (through May 15th): .313 BA with 13 Ks and no walks over 32 ABs (for a whopping .406 K Rate)


Brett Gardner, OF, NYY
Triple-A Scranton-WB: .285 / .833 / 31-2-17-10 (.223 K Rate)

Over last 10 games (through May 15th): .226 BA with 8 Ks in 31 AB (.258 K Rate)



GRADUATED FROM THE LIST:

Carlos Gomez, OF, MIN (Highest Rank #2)
MIN: .270 / .704 / 22-3-14-16 (.277 K Rate)

Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, BOS (Highest Rank #3)
BOS: .282 / .783 / 31-3-13-15 (.111 K Rate)

Daric Barton, 1B, OAK (Highest Rank #2)
OAK: .224 / .654 / 22-2-15-0 (.252 K Rate)

Clay Buchholz, RHP, BOS (Highest Rank #3)
BOS: 5.53 / 1.63 / 42.1-49-27(26)-20-54

Nick Blackburn, RHP, MIN (Highest Rank #10)
MIN: 3.93 / 1.43 / 50.1-62-23(22)-10-25

Aaron Laffey, LHP, CLE (Highest Rank #17)
Triple-A Buffalo: 2.77 / 1.15 / 26-24-9(8)-6-20
CLE: 1.35 / 0.86 / 26.2-18-6(4)-5-14

Garrett Olson, LHP, BAL (Highest Rank #19)
Triple-A Norfolk: 1.85 / 1.36 / 24.1-22-5-11-25
BAL: 2.95 / 1.25 / 18.1-16-6-7-15

May Update: Top 25 NL Prospects for 2008 and 2009

This list will be updated on a roughly bi-weekly basis to account for changes based on player performance, injuries, and loss/gain of playing opportunity.

Also, as players on the list lose their rookie eligibility, surpass 130 AB or 50 IP in the majors, they will 'graduate' from the list.

Here's the update for mid-April - most stats are through April 30th (a few minor leaguers stats run through May 1st):

Top 25 NL Prospects for 2008 and 2009

1. (-) Cameron Maybin, OF, FLA
AA Carolina: .217 BA / .722 OPS - 14 r, 3 HR, 8 rbi, 5 SB, 20 b, 37 K in 92 AB
.132 BA over last 10 games of April

If he doesn't step it up soon he'll be dropping down this, and many other lists.

2. (-) Johnny Cueto, RHP, CIN
CIN: 35 ip, 32 h, 21 er, 6 bb, 33 K - 5.40 ERA / 1.086 WHIP

Horrible start at St. Louis on April 29th - 7 runs (6 earned) over 1.2 innings - this is going to happen from time to time with such a young talent.

3. (+2) Clayton Kershaw, LHP, LAD
AA Jacksonville: 25.2 ip, 17 h, 7 r (4 er), 10 bb, 31 K - 1.40 ERA / 1.05 WHIP / .185 BAA

4. (+2) Andy LaRoche, 3B, LAD
Started Rehab Assignment with six games at Double-A Jacksonville in late April, moved to Triple-A Las Vegas on 4/29 and homered on 4/30.

5. (+10) Max Scherzer, RHP, ARI
Triple-A Tucson: 23 ip, 12 h, 3 er, 3 bb, 38 K - 1.17 ERA / 0.65 WHIP
First appearance with Arizona - 4.1 perfect innings with 7 Ks

6. (+2) Andrew McCutchen, OF, PIT
AAA Indianapolis: .296 BA / .938 OPS - 20 r, 6 HR, 16 rbi, 5-for-8 on steal attempts
.341 BA over last 10 games in April including 7 bb, 3 K over 41 AB

7. (-) Jay Bruce, OF, CIN
AAA Louisville: .307 BA / .869 OPS - 16 r, 5 HR, 21 rbi, 6 sb

8. (+14) Matt LaPorta, OF, MIL
AA Huntsville: .319 BA / 1.138 OPS - 22 r, 9 HR, 30 rbi, 13 bb, 16 K in 91 AB
.375 BA with 7 HR over his last 40 April ABs

9. (+15) Chris Volstad, RHP, FLA
AA Carolina: 38 ip, 29 h, 11 er, 10 bb, 29 K - 2.61 ERA / 1.03 WHIP / .215 BAA
Last 2 April starts: 14 ip, 6 h, 2 er, 1 bb, 14 K

10. (-1) Chase Headley, 3B/OF, SD
AAA Portland: .242 BA / .712 OPS - 12 r, 2 HR, 10 rbi, 9 bb, 26 K in 91 AB
.216 BA over last 10 April games

11. (NR) Jaime Garcia, LHP, STL
AA Springfield: 29 ip, 21 h, 9 r (7 er), 13 bb, 36 K - 2.17 ERA / 1.17 WHIP / .202 BAA

12. (+5) Homer Bailey, RHP, CIN
AAA Louisville: 39.1 ip, 30 h, 10 er, 9 bb, 32 K - 2.29 ERA / 0.99 WHIP / .213 BAA

13. (+3) Brandon Jones, OF, ATL
AAA Richmond: .264 BA / .693 OPS - 12 r, 0 HR, 9 rbi, 2 sb, 13 bb, 25 K in 91 AB
.289 BA over last 10 April games (38 AB)

14. (-) Steven Pearce, 1B/OF, PIT
AAA Indianapolis: .236 BA / .671 OPS - 7 r, 2 HR, 16 rbi, 1 sb, 2 bb, 20 K in 106 AB

15. (-2) J.R. Towles, C, HOU
HOU: .197 BA / .780 OPS - 7 r, 4 HR, 10 rbi in 61 AB

16. (-4) Colby Rasmus, OF, STL
AAA Memphis: .204 BA / .671 OPS - 17 r, 5 HR, 12 rbi, 4 sb, 17 bb, 19 K in 108 AB
.167 BA over last 10 April games (36 AB), but with excellend 6 bb to 5 K ratio

17. (NR) Jon Meloan, RHP, LAD
AAA Las Vegas: 25.2 ip, 25 h, 8 r (7 er), 12 bb, 25 K - 2.45 ERA / 1.44 WHIP / .269 BAA

18. (NR) Brett Carroll, OF, FLA
AAA Albuquerque: .418 BA / 1.376 OPS - 18 r, 9 HR, 23 rbi, 1 sb, 8 bb, 18 K in 67 AB
.518 BA with 7 HR over last 10 April games (36 AB)

19. (NR) Sean Gallagher, RHP, CHC
AAA Iowa: 29 ip, 21 h, 11 r (10 er), 9 bb, 30 K - 3.10 ERA / 1.03 WHIP / .196 BAA

20. (-2) Ian Stewart, 3B, COL
AAA Colorado Springs: .255 BA / .870 OPS - 23 r, 6 HR, 21 rbi, 13 bb, 27 K in 98 AB

21. (-2) Carlos Carrasco, RHP, PHI
AA Reading: 29 ip, 28 h, 13 er, 12 bb, 32 K - 4.03 ERA / 1.38 WHIP / .264 BAA

22. (-1) Matt Antonelli, 2B, SD
AAA Portland: .195 BA / .711 OPS - 15 r, 2 HR, 6 rbi, 2 sb, 15 bb, 17 K in 82 AB

23. (+2) Dexter Fowler, OF, COL
AA Tulsa: .291 BA / .841 OPS - 17 r, 3 HR, 15 rbi, 7 sb, 11 bb, 20 K in 103AB

24. (NR) Daryl Thompson, RHP, CIN
AA Chattanooga: 31.1 ip, 20 h, 6 r (2 er), 4 bb, 36 K - 0.57 ERA / 0.77 WHIP / .185 BAA

25. (NR) Antonio Bastardo, LHP, PHI
Hi-A Clearwater: 30.2 ip, 20 h, 4 er, 10 bb, 47 K - 1.17 ERA / 0.98 WHIP / .183 BAA
Last 2 April starts: 15 ip, 6 h, 2 er, 1 bb, 25 K - WOW!


GRADUATED FROM THE LIST:

Geovany Soto, C, CHC (Highest Rank #3)
CHC: .330 BA / 1.036 OPS - 12 r, 5 HR, 21 rbi in 91 AB

Joey Votto, 1B, CIN (Highest Rank #4)
CIN: .308 BA / .880 OPS - 14 r, 4 HR, 13 rbi in 78 AB

Manny Parra, LHP, MIL (Highest Rank #10)
MIL: 23.2 ip, 29 h, 13 er, 13 bb, 19 K - 4.94 ERA / 1.77 WHIP / .302 BAA

Franklin Morales, LHP, COL (Highest Rank #11)
COL: 25.1 ip, 28 h, 18 er, 17 bb, 9 K - 6.39 ERA / 1.78 WHIP / .286 BAA


DROPPED OFF THE LIST:

Chris Marrero, 1B/OF, WAS (Last appeared at #20 on Mid-April Update)
High-A Potomac: .216 BA / .667 OPS - 10 r, 2 HR, 8 rbi, 11 bb, 16 K in 88 AB

Ross Detwiler, LHP, WAS (Last appeared at #23 on Mid-April Update)
High-A Potomac: 19 ip, 21 h, 10 er, 13 bb, 17 K - 4.74 ERA / 1.79 WHIP / .280 BAA

Jordan Schafer, OF, ATL (Last appeared at #16 on April Update)
50 game suspension for violation of the performance enhancing drug policy majorly stunts his 2008 development process.

Chin-Lung Hu, SS, LAD (Last appeared at #22 on April Update)
Development being delayed by extended tenure on the Dodgers active roster with little playing time.

MID-APRIL UPDATE: Top 25 NL Prospects for 2008 and 2009

MAY UPDATE: Top 25 AL Prospects for 2008 and 2009

May Update: Top 25 AL Prospects for 2008 and 2009

This list will be updated on a roughly bi-weekly basis to account for changes based on player performance, injuries, and loss/gain of playing opportunity.

Also, as players on the list lose their rookie eligibility, surpass 130 AB or 50 IP in the majors, they will 'graduate' from the list.

Here's the update for mid-April - most stats are through April 30th (a few minor leaguers stats run through May 1st):

Top 25 AL Prospects for 2008 and 2009

1. (-) Evan Longoria, 3B, TB
TB: .259 BA / .871 OPS, 10 r, 3 HR, 10 rbi, 2 sb

2. (+3) Jeff Clement, C, SEA
AAA Tacoma: .397 BA / 1.227 OPS - 21 r, 5 HR, 20 rbi, 22 bb, 12 K in 78 AB
SEA: 1-for-1

Clement was called up on 4/30 and should immediately garner the bulk of the Mariners DH at-bats, along with occasionally spelling Kenji Johjima behind the plate. He's immediately a Top 10 catcher in mixed leagues.

3. (+2) Joba Chamberlain, RHP, NYY
NYY: 11.1 ip, 8 h, 2 er, 3 bb, 14 K - 1.59 ERA / 0.97 WHIP

4. (+2) Carlos Gonzalez, OF, OAK
AAA Sacramento: .343 BA / .925 OPS - 11 r, 3 HR, 10 rbi, 18 bb, 14 K in 70 AB (.385 BA over last 10 games)

5. (+10) Wladimir Balentien, OF, SEA
AAA Tacoma: .254 BA / .948 OPS - 11 r, 6 HR, 20 rbi, 1 sb, 7 bb, 11 K in 63 AB
SEA: 2-for-4, HR, 3 rbi

Balentien was called up on 4/30 and went 2-for-4 with a home run and 3 rbi in his first game. What's even more impressive is that the homer was against Cliff Lee, probably the most dominant pitcher in baseball at the moment. With Brad Wilkerson out of the picture, Balentien is the de facto regular RF for Seattle.

6. (+1) Brandon Wood, 3B/SS, LAA
AAA Salt Lake: .273 BA / .947 OPS - 20 r, 8 HR, 18 rbi, 1 sb, 5 bb, 29 K in 88 AB
LAA: 1-for-4, 1 r, 1 bb, 3 K

Wood's K-Rate, which was a horrid .392 in mid-April, actually dropped to a more respectable .244 over his last 41 Triple-A at-bats. He's currently up with the big club in a reserve role, so he hasn't yet 'arrived'.

7. (+5) Luke Hochevar, RHP, KC
AAA Omaha: 17.1 ip, 11 h, 7 r (5 er), 6 bb, 12 K - 2.60 ERA / 0.98 WHIP
KC: 10.2 ip, 15 h, 7 er, 5 bb, 8 K, 5.91 ERA, 1.88 WHIP

Hochevar was called up on 4/20 and was less than stellar in his first start (4.2 ip, 9 h, 6 er, 3 bb, 5 K), but bounced back nicely in his second start (6 ip, 6 h, 1 er, 2 bb, 3 K). Obviously he's going to have his ups and downs, but it's good to see that he quickly bounced back from a sub-par outing with a quality start.

8. (+8) Nick Adenhart, RHP, LAA
AAA Salt Lake: 31 ip, 18 h, 3 er, 15 bb, 19 K - 0.87 ERA / 1.06 WHIP / .170 BAA

Adenhart was called up and made his major league debut on May 1st. He struggled with his control against the Athletics allowing five walks over two innings, along with three hits given up he allowed five earned runs. Like Hochevar, look for him to bounce back in his next start.

9. (+4) Adam Miller, RHP, CLE
AAA Buffalo: 9 ip, 8 h, 3 r (0 er), 4 bb, 6 K - 0.00 ERA / 1.33 WHIP / .222 BAA

Miller has recovered from the blister issues he experienced at the very start of spring training and is catching up in his preparation. He's been effective in his first two starts with Triple-A Buffalo so far.

10. (NR) Greg Smith, LHP, OAK
OAK: 33 ip, 24 h, 12 r (10 er), 11 bb, 21 K - 2.73 ERA / 1.06 WHIP / .209 BAA

Smith has come seemingly out of nowhere - he was one of the players coming over to Oakland in the Dan Haren deal. Smith was Arizona's #13 prospect heading into the season. He had a strong 12 start campaign in 2007 at Double-A Mobile (3.36 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 62 K, 14 BB over 69 ip), but was pretty much average in 10 starts after his mid-season promotion to Triple-A Tucson (3.78 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 34 K, 18 bb over 52 ip). Smith has been very consistent across his five starts with Oakland.

11. (-3) Gio Gonzalez, LHP, OAK
AAA Sacramento: 23 ip, 24 h, 10 er, 11 bb, 21 K - 3.91 ERA / 1.52 WHIP

12. (-3) Ian Kennedy, RHP, NYY
NYY: 19 ip, 23 h, 18 er, 17 bb, 15 k - 8.53 ERA / 2.11 WHIP

Kennedy's struggles are well documented. Expect him to be back, and effective, once he shows he has thing straightened out at Triple-A Scranton-Wilkes Barre.

13. (NR) Armando Galarraga, RHP, DET
Triple-A Toledo: 12 ip, 7 h, 3 er, 1 bb, 11 K - 2.25 ERA / 0.67 WHIP / .163 BAA
DET: 18 ip, 7 h, 5 r (3 er), 6 bb, 13 K - 1.50 ERA / 0.72 WHIP / .209 BAA

Galarraga has been a major surprise. Enjoy the ride while it lasts, he's likely to stick around and be a decent fourth starter, but his current level of success just isn't sustainable.

14. (-3) David Price, LHP, TB
Extended Spring Training, likely headed to High-A Vero Beach in late May.

Price has been in extended spring training longer than expected recovering from elbow discomfort he experienced in late March. The latest plan is for him to make three or four starts at extended spring training starting May 2nd, then he'll likely head to High-A Vero Beach. He should be heading to Vero Beach roughly around May 20th barring any setbacks.

15. (-1) Matt Wieters, C, BAL
High-A Frederick: .338 BA / 1.024 OPS - 15 r, 5 HR, 15 rbi in 71 AB

Wieters has cooled from his blistering start to the tune of a .265 batting average over his last 10 April games and just one home run over his last 34 AB. He started April with four home runs in his first 37 AB.

16. (+3) Radhames Liz, RHP, BAL
Triple-A Norfolk: 27.2 ip, 26 h, 17 r (14 er), 9 bb, 29 K - 4.55 ERA / 1.27 WHIP / .255 BAA

Liz was very solid in his final two starts of April with 13 ip, 5 h, 1 er, 5 bb, 15 K. He just needs to show more consistency, when he's good - he's very good, and when he's bad - he's horrible!

17. (+5) Aaron Laffey, LHP, CLE
Triple-A Buffalo: 26 ip, 24 h, 9 r (8 er), 6 bb, 20 K - 2.77 ERA / 1.15 WHIP / .274 BAA
CLE: 5.2 ip, 3 h, 4 er, 1 bb, 1 K

Laffey had a no-hitter through five innings in his first start with Cleveland before giving up three hits in the sixth.

18. (+5) Jed Lowrie, SS, BOS
Triple-A Pawtucket: 4-for-25, 2B, 3B, 7 bb, 8 K
BOS: .323 BA / .791 OPS - 4 r, 0 HR, 5 rbi in 31 AB

Lowrie has performed much better than expected during his stint with Boston. Expect him to be back at Triple-A Pawtucket when Sean Casey comes off the DL.

19. (NR) Garrett Olson, LHP, BAL
Triple-A Norfolk: 24.1 ip, 22 h, 5 er, 11 bb, 25 K - 1.85 ERA / 1.36 WHIP
BAL: 6.2 ip, 4 h, 2 er, 5 bb, 6 K in his first start

20. (-3) Jake McGee LHP, TB
Double-A Montgomery: 23.2 ip, 19 h, 15 r (14 er), 10 bb, 27 K - 5.32 ERA / 1.23 WHIP / .216 BAA

Jake has had trouble recently, especially in his final April start: 4.2 ip, 8 h, 7 er, 1 bb, 6 K

21. (-3) Travis Snider, OF, TOR
High-A Dunedin: .279 BA / .891 OPS - 15 r, 4 HR, 7 rbi in 61 AB
Double-A New Hampshire: .135 BA, 5 r, 1 HR, 3 rbi in 37 AB

Snider was promoted to Double-A, despite really doing anything to prompt the promotion. He's really grappling right now at the new level.

22. (+3) Chris Davis, 3B, TEX
Double-A Frisco: .304 BA / .904 OPS - 20 r, 6 HR, 18 rbi, 3 sb, 27 K in 92 AB

Davis has dropped his K-Rate from .320 over his first 50 ABs down to .262 over his last 42 April ABs.

23. (+1) David Purcey, LHP, TOR
Triple-A Syracuse: 33 ip, 19 h, 8 r (6 er), 11bb, 39 K - 1.64 ERA / 0.91 WHIP / .168 BAA
TOR: 4.1 ip, 2 h, 1 er, 7 bb, 3 K

Purcey's control was awful in his first start for Toronto - the one bright spot was the fact that the opposing hitters collectively hit just .154 against him. Of course it's hard to get hits when you're not seeing hittable pitches.

24. (-4) Reid Brignac, SS, TB
Triple-A Durham: .244 BA / .700 OPS - 14 r, 2 HR, 11 rbi, 1 sb in 90 AB (hitting .262 over his last 10 April games)

25. (-4) Brett Gardner, OF, NYY
Triple-A Scranton-WB: .299 BA / .870 OPS - 19 r, 2 HR, 11 rbi, 4 SB (4 CS) in 87 AB (hitting just .222 over his last 10 April games)


Mid-April Update: Top 25 AL Prospects for 2008 and 2009

May Update: Top 25 NL Prospects for 2008 and 2009


GRADUATED FROM THE LIST:

Carlos Gomez, OF, MIN (Highest Rank #2)
MIN: .265 BA - 2B(6), 3B(1), HR(1), 14 r, 7 rbi, 11 sb in 102 AB

Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, BOS (Highest Rank #3)
BOS: .280 BA - HR(3), 20 r, 11 rbi, 8 sb in 75 AB

Daric Barton, 1B, OAK (Highest Rank #2)
OAK: .222 BA / .683 OPS - 2B(3), 3B(1), 9 r, 4 rbi, 13 bb, 17 K in 54 AB

Clay Buchholz, RHP, BOS (Highest Rank #3)
BOS: 11 ip, 10 h, 5 r (4 er), 5 bb, 10 K - 3.27 ERA / 1.36 WHIP / .233 BAA

Nick Blackburn, RHP, MIN (Highest Rank #10)
MIN: 17.2 ip, 20 h, 7 er, 3 bb, 11 K - 3.57 ERA / 1.302 WHIP