Monday, April 30, 2012

Scottsdale Pings

Round 1 Pick 12: Rodney Peterson (P) – The fourth ranked pitcher on most teams’ boards, Peterson has a lot going for him, including outstanding effectiveness against both RH and LH batters and three ML grade pitches. Peterson also tends to induce a lot of ground balls. Peterson projects as a solid SP for the Pings over the next several years, with the only moderate concern being less than stellar control.

ML Projections: 1.15 WHIP, .235 OAV

Round 1 Pick 59: Benjamin Monahan (CF) – A solid value pick at #59, Monahan has the range and glove to patrol the outfield for the next several years along with the offensive tools to see some time at the big league level.

ML Projections: .250 BA, .675 OPS.

Round 1 Pick 73: Franklin Perez (CF) – Good speed and base running skills as well as good range and glove, Perez will likely max out at the AAA or see time as a potential situational pinch runner due to his limited offensive ability and questionable work ethic.

ML Projections: .200 BA, .500 OPS.

Other notable selections: None.

Grade: B. Peterson and Monahan were nice picks and should see time at the ML level.

Syracuse Psychos Draft Review

Round 1 Pick 11: Andrew Turner (CF) – A very similar player to Edward Jeffries who was drafted on spot ahead of him, Andrew Turner is very effective hitter against both LH and RH pitching. He is not an extremely powerful hitter, but is adept at putting the ball in play and has a great eye, which should allow him to post very high OBP numbers year after year.

ML Projections: .300 BA, .800 OPS.

Other notable selections: None.

Grade: B. Turner will likely develop into a solid everyday ML player for the Psychos.

Toledo Mud Hens Draft Review

Round 1 Pick 10: Edward Jeffries (CF) – The Mud Hens closed out the top ten by selecting Edward Jeffries, a very effective hitter against both LH and RH pitching. Jeffries has above average power and is adept at putting the ball in play, which when coupled with his exceptional speed allow him to leg out a lot of infield singles. Durability and a relatively weak arm are the only concerns for what looks to be a very solid ML player.

ML Projections: .300 BA, .840 OPS.

Round 2 Pick 90: Stephen Stavinoha (P) –A hard throwing pitcher that tends to keep the ball on the ground, Stavinoha is equally effective against both RH and LH batters and has two very good ML pitches, although he does tend to be a bit erratic from time to time. If the pitching coaches can get his control up, Stavinoha has a shot at the big league level.

ML Projections: 1.55 WHIP, .275 OAV

Other notable selections: None.

Grade: B. Both of the Mud Hens selections were slot picks, although I prefer Andrew Turner at #11 and Rob Sanders at #16 to Jeffries. Nonetheless, the front office did a good job of drafting the best player on their board in Jeffries, but I’m sure the team was hoping that players who could address more immediate needs would fall to them.

Washington DC Senators Draft Review

Round 1 Pick 9: Oleg D’Amico (2B) – A solid pick at #9, D’Amico looks like he will be in an annual competition for the league’s top slugging percentage with Hull and Jones. More powerful than any of the top prospects, D’Amico could win several home run titles when it’s all said and done, especially if he learns to pull the ball a little more frequently. A solid player from a durability and health perspective, D’Amico also plays the field well, with the exception of a relatively weak arm.

ML Projections: .300 BA, .920 OPS.

Round 1 Pick 58: Zephyr Rivera (SS) – After the top prospects are gone, later picks are all about trying to find prospects that can contribute in some way at the ML level, and Rivera fits that bill. A standout defensive SS, Rivera also runs the base paths extremely well. Offensively he is challenged, tending to chase a lot of balls out of the strike zone, but is more effective against RH pitching than left.

ML Projections: .200 BA, .500 OPS.

Round 2 Pick 89: Mike Robbins (P) –Good control, velocity and 3 ML grade pitches, Robbins is a find this late in the draft. While he has limited stamina, his extremely high durability will allow him to make an appearance in several games a season. Very good against LH batters, Robbins could also see time as a specialist. Absolutely love this pick.

ML Projections: 1.35 WHIP, .260 OAV

Other notable selections: None.

Grade: A. Three draft selections, three additions to the Senators’ big league roster over the next several years.

Monday, April 23, 2012

Pittsburgh Steel Makers Draft Review

Round 1 Pick 8: Donn Jones (RF) – The second ranked hitter from a pure offensive standpoint behind Hull, Jones looks to be a perennial Silver Slugger candidate. The best prospect I’ve seen in some time at putting the ball in play, Jones is also one of the more powerful players in this year’s class. A patient player with solid work ethic, the Steel Makers will be able to keep Jones in Pittsburgh his entire career. While currently slated to play RF, Jones does not have soft hands which may force the Steel Makers to ultimately move him to 1B and his durability may preclude him from playing all 162 games.

ML Projections: .340 BA, .970 OPS.

Round 1 Pick 56: Milt Lamb (C) – The top offensive catching prospect in this year’s class (just ahead of Gonzales), Lamb has the hitting ability to spend several productive years at the ML level, provided he reaches his potential. Lamb has good contact and eye at the plate, and is moderately more effective against LH pitching. On the defensive front, while Lamb won’t be mistaken for Pudge, he is good enough that the team will keep him on the field for his bat.

ML Projections: .275 BA, .800 OPS.

Round 1 Pick 57: Roosevelt Andrews (CF) – Not scouted.

Round 2 Pick 91: Banana Palmer (P) – Not scouted.

Other notable selections: None.

Grade: A-. The Steel Makers added two solid pieces to their lineup in this year’s class. A great job by the front office.

Rochester Rakers Draft Review

Round 1 Pick 7: Alvin Ford (LF) – A solid pick at #7, Ford could solidify the middle of the Rakers lineup almost immediately. Above average power, superior effectiveness against both RH and LH pitching and a propensity to draw a lot of walks will make Ford a force to be reckoned with for the foreseeable future. Ford’s durability and ability to stay healthy also bode well for the Rakers.

ML Projections: .325 BA, .930 OPS.

Round 1 Pick 56: Dante Ducey (P) – Ducey has some of the raw skills necessary to make an impact at the ML level, including good control, velocity and a lively fastball. That said, he only has mediocre effectiveness against both LH and RH batters and doesn’t really have a second ML grade pitch to keep hitters off balance, which when coupled with a low work ethic suggest Ducey only has an outside shot at the big leagues.

ML Projections: 1.50 WHIP, .275 OAV

Other notable selections: None.

Grade: B. The Rakers first round selection of Alvin Ford will benefit the team for years to come, but after him there doesn’t seem to be a whole lot there that will make a noticeable contribution to the team’s long-term success.

Helena Peacemakers Draft Review

Round 1 Pick 5: Gerald Hull (CF) – A rare five-tool player, Hull is undoubtedly the top offensive prospect in this year’s class and has the durability to play all 162 games. Hull can hit for both average and power in addition to drawing a lot of walks and was one of the fastest players in this year’s draft. Hull will be the anchor of the Peacemakers’ lineup for the next decade plus and a perennial MVP candidate.

ML Projections: .330 BA, 1.000 OPS.

Round 2 Pick 85: Enerio Valenzuela (P) – An absolute flamethrower, Valenzuela has a good shot at the majors once he fully develops, assuming he is able to stay healthy. More effective against LH batters than RH may lead the Peacemakers to use him on a situational basis.

ML Projections: 1.60+ WHIP, .300+ OAV

Other notable selections: None.

Grade: A. The Peacemakers have to be thrilled that they were able to pick up the top offensive prospect in this year’s draft at pick #5, a sure sign that the three teams drafting in front of them will be reorganizing their scouting departments.

Arizona Sun Dogs Draft Review

Round 1 Pick 6: Albert Ortiz (P) – While pitching certainly comes at a premium, Ortiz was a bit of a reach at this spot in the draft. On the positive side, he has excellent control, outstanding effectiveness against RH batters and an ability to induce a lot of double play balls. The knock on Ortiz is his durability, which will limit how many innings he’ll be able to pitch at the ML level.

ML Projections: 1.15 WHIP, .220 OAV.

Round 1 Pick 36: John Williams (P) – An excellent pick at this spot in the draft, Williams has all of the physical tools to be one of the league’s top pitchers…good velocity, control and can get LH and RH batters out equally well. The only reason Williams slipped this far was that he has not as of yet developed strong pitches beyond the sinker.

ML Projections: 1.30 WHIP, .250 OAV.

Round 1 Pick 55: Lyle Rigby (P) – A pitcher that has the ability to make the majors, Rigby has excellent velocity while managing to hit the strike zone on most pitches. Good value at this spot in the draft, provided he decides he wants to play professional baseball.

ML Projections: 1.40 WHIP, .265 OAV.

Round 2 Pick 86: Keith Peterson (C) – Solid offensive ability, Peterson represents value at pick 86. Peterson can hit both RH and LH pitching equally well, and is a home run threat every time he steps to the plate. On the defensive front, Peterson has slightly below average skills.

ML Projections: .270 BA, .800 OPS.

Round 2 Pick 87: Esteban Sojo (2B) – Projects as a career minor leaguer. Sojo is average at a lot of different things, but not exceptionally strong at any skill set in particular.

ML Projections: .200 BA, .600 OPS.

Other notable selections: None.

Grade: B+. The Sun Dogs were able to find a couple of strong players in this draft, and overall did one of better jobs of identifying potential contributors at the ML level outside of the top 15 picks. The only thing that keeps this grade from an A is the selection of Ortiz. While certainly expected to be a solid pitcher at the ML level, there appeared to be better options available at pick #6.

Chicago Blagos Draft Review

After seven straight division titles, the Blagos are beginning to rebuild.

Round 1 Pick 28: Clay Gonzales (C) – The top all-around catching prospect in this year’s draft, Gonzales projects as a solid ML player. He hits right and left handed pitching equally well in addition to drawing a lot of walks. While his durability may not allow him to play all 162 games, this is a solid pick for the Blagos.

ML Projections: .275 BA, .775 OPS.

Round 1 Pick 35: Rico Cruz (P) – Excellent control and an ability to induce a lot of double play balls helps to offset Cruz’s limited velocity. Much more effective against LH hitters than RH, Cruz has the potential to make the ML squad at the back half of the rotation. A bit of a reach at this point in the draft

ML Projections: 1.40 WHIP, .260 OAV

Round 1 Pick 44: Pat Romano (LF) – Good power and an above average eye makes Romano a home run threat every time he steps to the plate. His limited arm strength and overall ability in the field however limit how many positions Romano could play at the big league level.

ML Projections: .235 BA, .760 OPS.

Round 1 Pick 51: Preston Bailey (1B) – Bailey is likely to see some time at the big league level, but likely only as a situational player. He has an uncanny ability to hit LH pitching and above average range, arm strength and arm accuracy for a first baseman. That said, his below average glove and below average ability to hit RH pitching will limit how much time he’ll see on the field.

ML Projections: .235 BA, .700 OPS.

Round 1 Pick 68: Derek Dinkelman (P) – Flying beneath most scouts’ radar, Dinkelman was a solid pickup at this point in the draft. A groundball pitcher with exceptional control and 3 strong ML pitches, Dinkelman will keep the ball in the park on most nights. The only downside on Dinkelman is that the Blagos’ aren’t going to get many innings out of him due to his limited stamina.

ML Projections: 1.25 WHIP, .240 OAV

Round 1 Pick 75: Marc Dolan (SS) – Dolan is likely to max out at the AAA level or potentially as a situational ML utility player. While Dolan is solid at most aspects of the game, there is nothing about him that is going to make the team feel he needs to be on the field on a night in / night out basis.

ML Projections: .200 BA, .575 OPS.

Round 1 Pick 79: Napolean Evans (2B) – Projects as a career minor leaguer. Good range and glove for the 2B / CF position along with excellent speed. However, Evans has limited ability at the plate.

ML Projections: .200 BA, .500 OPS.

Round 1 Pick 81: P.T. Bennett (SS) – An excellent defensive SS with outstanding speed, Bennett has the potential to make the 40-man roster once he fully develops and get some time as a late inning defensive replacement or pinch runner. His offensive skills will limit how much time he sees however.

ML Projections: sub .200 BA, .430 OPS.

Round 2 Pick 83: Wilfredo Melendez (2B) – Excellent speed and a smart basereunner, Melendez may make the bigs as a situational pinch runner or occasional utility player.

ML Projections: .230 BA, .575 OPS.

Round 2 Pick 109: Del Alvarez (SS) – A solid defensive player with great arm strength, Alvarez is likely to peak out at the AAA level or perhaps make the ML squad as a utility player. Good power and ability to hit both left and right hand pitching is helped by an above average eye. The biggest knock on Alvarez is his propensity to strike out a lot, which may prove costly at the ML level.

ML Projections: .200 BA, .650 OPS.

Other notable selections: None.

Grade: B. A couple of solid selections among the Blagos’ 10 first and second round picks make this a good start to the team’s rebuild phase.

Milwaukee Boomers Draft Review

After several seasons of 3rd and 4th place finishes within their division, the Boomers have emerged this year as the dominant team within the NL North fueled by a good mix of veteran and young talent.

Round 1 Pick 65: Ellie Grant (SS) – A top tier defensive SS with an exceptional eye, Grant was a solid pickup at pick #65 and should be able to contribute at the ML level, although his durability and health ratings suggest it will be in a utility role as opposed to an everyday starter.

ML Projections: .215 BA, .620 OPS.

Round 2 Pick 105: Jerry Gleason (C) – At the 105th selection, the Boomers drafted one of the top defensive catchers in this year’s draft. Good value at this point in the draft, Gleason projects to be a platoon player and late inning defensive replacement at the ML level.

ML Projections: .200 BA, .650 OPS.

Other notable selections: None.

Grade: B+. While the Boomers didn’t have a selection until pick #65 and only two selections within the first two rounds, they were able to identify two players that will be able to contribute at the big league level. An excellent job of targeted drafting.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Seattle Water Wolves Draft Review

The Water Wolves have been one of the least successful franchises in A Rod history, obtaining the #1 draft pick in 4 of the last 5 seasons. This year included, Seattle has drafted three pitchers #1 overall, hopefully providing a solid foundation for the future.

Round 1 Pick 1: Ignacio Flores (P) – The top pitching prospect in this year’s draft, Flores has absolutely nasty stuff. Excellent control, good velocity and four ML grade pitches, Flores will be an ace for the team over the next decade. The only question mark is Flores ability to stay off the DL. Provided he is able to stay healthy, he projects to be a perennial All-Star and Cy Young contender.

ML Projections: sub 1.00 WHIP, sub .200 OAV

Round 2 Pick 82: Al Parker (P) – With the 82nd selection, Seattle selected pitcher Al Parker, a borderline ML prospect. While Parker has excellent control, he is not exceptionally effective against either right or left handed batters. While it seems clear that Parker will devote the time necessary to fully reach his potential due to his exceptional work eithc, his health remains a concern.

ML Projections: 1.60+ WHIP, .300+ OAV

Other notable selections: None.

Grade: B-. Seattle nailed its first round selection, but outside of Flores there does not appear to be much in this draft that will produce at the ML level.

New Britian river rats Draft Review

Having spent the last few seasons focusing on solidifying the teams’ starting pitching, the River Rats focused this year on adding a few positional players.

Round 1 Pick 19: Salvador Spooneybarger (SS) – Spooneybarger’s defensive skills and durability will allow the River Rats to plug him into the SS position for the next 10 years, and he has enough offensive potential to not be a liability at the plate. A classic example of drafting the best player available, with this pick the River Rats continue to add to an already strong group of shortstops within their organization.

ML Projections: .240 BA, .700 OPS

Round 2 Pick 97: Ramiro Tarasco (CF) – The largest concern with Tarasco entering this year’s draft was how much effort he would put into realizing his full potential. At the plate, Tarasco is a solid contact hitter but not dominant against either left or right-handed pitching. Additionally, his projected defensive ratings limit his overall usefulness as a utility player.

ML Projections: .215 BA, .630 OPS

Round 2 Pick 101: Flip Newman (RF) – Another player with questionable motivation, Newman projects as a career minor leaguer. His outstanding speed may allow for him to make the 40-man roster for situational pinch running situations, but is somewhat counteracted by the questionable judgment he exhibited on the base paths in college.

ML Projections: .200 BA, .550 OPS

Other notable selections: None.

Grade: C+. While Spooneybarger projects as a solid ML player, it seems as though the River Rats could have gotten more value out of pick #19 given their existing depth at shortstop.

Tacoma Downriggers Draft Review

Solid pitching at the ML level continues to be the core strength of this team, with Al Gardner a budding superstar among a strong group of young arms.

Round 1 Pick 25: Buck Oberholtzer (P) – A lanky lefthander, Oberholtzer looks to be a potential standout closer at the ML level. Exceptional control and a propensity to induce ground balls along with two ML pitches and good effectiveness against both right and left-handed batters suggest Buck will be a very successful pitcher for Tacoma. An excellent pick at this spot in the first round.

ML Projections: 1.10 WHIP, .235 OAV

Round 1 Pick 42: Asdrubal Diaz (CF) – While Diaz has among the best range and glove within this year’s crop of CF, his lack of arm strength may lead the coaching staff to move him to 2B. A good baserunner with outstanding speed, Diaz could also see time as a pinch runner in clutch situations.

ML Projections: .235 BA, .625 OPS

Round 2 Pick 93: Karim Throneberry (P) – The Downriggers second round pick projects to be a solid pitcher at the AAA level unless the coaching staff can work on his erratic control.

ML Projections: 1.60+ WHIP, .300+ OAV

Round 2 Pick 106: Rickie Allen (P) – Allen has the control and tendency to induce groundballs that may allow him to be effective at the ML level, but concerns remain about whether these strengths will compensate for his effectiveness versus right and left handed batters and less than dominant pitches.

ML Projections: 1.60+ WHIP, .300+ OAV

Other notable selections: None.

Grade: B-. Olberholtzer, to the extent he can remain healthy, may become one of those pitchers that several teams picking in the late teens will regret not having selected. The remainder of this class looks only to have a few borderline ML prospects.

Texas Wildcats Draft Review

Over the last several seasons, the Wildcats have been able to build one of the deepest minor league systems in the league, placing particular emphasis on positional players.

Round 1 Pick 2: Corky Jackson (P) – Just a slight step behind #1 pick Flores from a potential standpoint, Jackson may turn out to be the top pitcher in this year’s class when it’s all said and done due his superior ability to stay healthy. Excellent control, good velocity and three ML grade pitches, Jackson will be the mainstay of the Wildcats rotation when he fully develops. The only question mark on Jackson heading into the draft was his work ethic and desire to fully realize his potential ratings. Provided the Wildcats are able to keep him motivated, Jackson is an excellent pick at the #2 position.

ML Projections: sub 1.20 WHIP, sub 3.30 ERA

Other notable selections: None.

Grade: B. Jackson will likely develop into one of the league’s top pitchers in time and fills a need for the Wildcats. After their first round selection, the Wildcats did not pick again until round 4.