Minor League Ball

JERI's Late Night Update

2009-11-09T05:17:32Z

It's Sunday night, and John is somewhere in New Mexico, on his way home. He seems really excited about the players he saw, so that's good.

Sorry I didn't post this weekend...It's been a little hectic.

I'll TRY to be interesting tomorrow...Here's something I'm curious about your thoughts concerning:

Are there too many MLB teams? Not enough? What area do you think needs a team, or has a successful enough minor league team in terms of attendance and money that it could likely support a major league team?

PLEASE NOTE: I AM NOT ASKING IF ANY PARTICULAR CITY SHOULD LOSE THEIR TEAM. THAT IS A QUESTION THAT CAN ONLY LEAD TO PROBLEMS AND STRIFE, AND WE WANT HAPPY FUN BLOG TIME.

The reason I'm asking is this: I've been trying to think of an area that has the population and financial demographic that could support a team that isn't already within drivng distance of one. I'm positive that there are areas where a team could succeed, but I'm not able to think of too many.

The only thought I could come up with is Las Vegas. However, I can't really see people giving up a day at the casino, (or other less mentionable adult attraction!) in order to see a game for a city they are just visiting, or to follow their home team to Vegas. On the other hand, there are lots of people, and lots of money there, so maybe. I know there is a minor league presence, so I don't know if a major league team would move in too, or if it would take over, or what. Also, they would have to come up with a NOT LAME mascot name so we don't get something stupid like the Vegas Gamblers, or the Nevada Elvises...or would that be Elivisi? At any rate, you get the picture.

And, who would be a good stadium sponsor? I'm really disgusted by the corporation named Target Stadium, and Cellular One whatever... I think stadiums should be named after something that honors the city they are in, like a famous citizen or a famous landmark. I want to see a stadium for Sin City named after something awesome...If it must be named for a corporate sponsor, what about Trojan Stadium? (SLOGAN: See the big bats swing in the Trojan!)

Or, get a casino to sponsor the stadium. Ceasar's would be my choice. The stadium could replicate the shape and cool decorations wherever possible. They could show live feed of people playing roulette rather than those warm-fuzzy-get-to-know-the-players pieces they show when the game stalls.

Just a thought!

Where would you like to see a team? Anywhere? Even if you think we have the proper team saturation, you can still play...Just name a city or state, suggest a mascot if you want...we're just having fun. I strongly suspect that the MLB powers that be won't be taking advice from any of us!

I got it! The Sin City Wayne Newtons!

******************************************************************************

PS..the picture is from hamsterdance.com, a website we used to play to amuse Nicholas. They've changed it since then, so it's not the same, but still worth a giggle.

JERI's Idea for Reality TV

2009-11-06T20:08:09Z

I must make a confession. I have gotten totally hooked on these cooking contest shows on the food network: Iron Chef America, The Next Iron Chef and Chopped. There is also a show on Bravo, Top Chef, that I watch, but not as consistantly. The Next Iron Chef and Chopped, especially, really are just horrilble, in that the contestants are a little desperate, and totally willing to stab their fellow contestants in the back, or just straight in the heart for a small advantage.

Up until these shows came into my field of vision, I prided myself, somewhat snobbishly, on the fact that I never have watched reality television. Eight thousand Survivor seasons, American Idol, the dancing shows, the Bachelor, Girl Bachelor, Loser Bachelor, The Apprentice, all these shows were just way beneath my interest level. They bring out the worst in people, and the contestants who show themselves to be the biggest asses, the worst people, seem to be the most celebrated.

Then I got hooked on Iron Chef, which is ok--it makes me feel like I, too, could make five dishes out of King Crab toenails. And, the chefs seem to have some respect for one another. After that, I discovered Chopped, which is way harder than Iron Chef, and waayyyy more interesting. The contestants actively smirk when their competition messes up, and they do these interviews where the chefs all bag on each other in between rounds. I lap this stuff up, to the point of being mildly ashamed.

The point, and I do have one, is this: Would a reality competition about baseball work? Would anyone watch it? The setup I'm thinking about would be pretty dismal, and would likely show the contestants to be on the pathetic side....which is kind of why I think it could work.

Here's what I see: the contestants would be guys who either didn't get drafted and would normally go to independant league ball or to used car dealer school, or guys who were stuck in triple A so long that they have been forgotten. The prize would be to start in ten games for whatever team they could bribe into participating...probably a cash poor team (you know who you are!).

Each week they would have contests that the players would have to accomplish and be judged on. One week each player could coach a little league team on fundamentals, one week they could have a homerun contest, one week they could each have a one-armed guy who they had to teach to hit, one week they could have to hand sew regulation baseballs. Interspersed throughout would be actual stuff having to do with actual baseball ability. There are literally endless numbers of demeaning, pointless tasks these contestants could be judged on. The weekly elimination could involve having a mascot shoot the loser with one of those hotdog guns.

I am going to say it first: This is an absolutely horrible idea. However, I think people would watch. Here's a chance for the average out of shape couch potato to see real athletes, with real abilities, put through the ringer and (hopefully) humiliated. You would get to see dreams made, but also dreams dashed. I always thought I was above liking that type of entertainment, and I'd like to think I would not watch, but I admit....my favorite episodes of my cooking shows is when there is a huge blunder or ego meltdown....I think we are all a little closer than we would like to admit to the whole 'let's go watch the lions eat the Christians' mindset.

So...what do you think? Would you watch this show? We could call it Iron Baseball Idol Survivor Apprentice. It could be hosted by one of the Kardashian sisters. If you would never lower yourself to watch such a thing, do you think anyone else would?

JERI's Update...mostly off-topic

2009-11-06T04:37:43Z

OK. So it is after 10, and I'm just now getting the opportunity to sit down and type. John is in Pheonix, and has already attended a game. He sounds very happy to be there. He wanted me to tell you that he's going to try and get some good video to post for you from the games.

When John takes these trips it is always a reality check for me. We are so fortunate to be able to both be at home, so even if he is busy, if I need help with a child, or a dog needs walking, spider needs squishing, or if I have a bad night of sleep and want to stay in bed for an extra hour, he's there to help out, just like I help him with the same type of stuff. Just being able to share the day to day chores, the day to day fun, and knowing that help (and adult conversation!) is within calling distance is such a gift.

I always wonder how the heck single parents manage to keep everything going day after day. Just trying to get the dogs walked with the four year old 'helping' is enough to make me scream...not to mention doing all the kid stuff, without a break, having one kid sick, one kid with some kind of freaky insomnia from Hell...I know that in less than a week, I'll be part of a duo again, and that it won't just be me. I also know, usually after about day two of a scouting trip, why I'm not a single parent. I'm too darn wimpy.

So, there's no question of the day today, since it's so late. However, I would like to express a huge, sincere amount of awe for all the single parents of the world who manage to get it all done, and not just for a week at a time, but every day.

G'night.

PS. Once again, the picture has nothing to do with anything. It is out cat, Spock, from when he was just a few months old.

JERI's Update, and Question of the Day

2009-11-04T16:45:27Z

Greetings! It's been a while since I've posted anything for John. He's driving through New Mexico, and has assured me that he will NOT turn left at Albuquerque (rim shot!).

Just a few updates in this post. First, and most importantly, we have the order site, www.johnsickels.net, set up for the BPB2010. Yes, it still looks like the work of a drunken monkey, and yes, I would be that monkey. However, the links work, and I'm hoping that it is pretty simple to use. The older PDF files and assorted hard copies we have available of past editions are posted on the second tab (on the left side of the site). I have reached a certain level of acceptance concerning my lack of artistic ability involving, well, pretty much everything.

Our older son has strep throat...he awoke Sunday morning, after an evening of trick or treating with two other families, with a fever of 103, and a really sore throat. We got the culture, and after the first dose of antibiotics on Sunday, he was already feeling much better.

So far, John, Jackson (the four year old) and I seem to be clear, as are our friends. Is it just our circle of friends, or do you guys notice that someone always seems to get sick 12 hours after a get together, so that both families have to be at red alert for a few days waiting to see who else will get the sickness spores.

NOW, for Jeri's Question of the Day...(Not a huge, groundbreaking question, I'm just really curious to see what you think...)

I'm guessing a fair percentage of you are watching the series. Does it diminish the fun/importance of the series since both teams are from the same geographical area? How much, if any amount, do you think MLB loses in merchandising and advertising revenue when there is a local series? Or, am I just a shallow fan for thinking it's a bit boring when the teams are neighbors?

Catch you later!

Heading To Arizona

2009-11-03T02:41:37Z

We'll I'm leaving at 6 am tomorrow for Arizona. First destination target: Amarillo, TX, tomorrow evening.

Jeri will keep you entertained while I'm on the road, and I'll chime in once I get there.

Next Team Poll

2009-11-01T16:00:25Z

After I do the Nationals and Angels, I'll switch to a National League West team. I thought about doing the Diamondbacks or Rockies just to be contrary, but most of you seem interested in either the Giants or Padres. I'll do a poll on this one.

Note that my Arizona trip is going to slow down the writing considerably, and it won't accelerate again until about November 15th or so. After that things will pick up quickly as i incorporate Arizona Fall League data and get into the proper writing frame of mind.

Poll

What team should John write up after he does the Nationals and Angels?

Los Angeles Angels Farm System Discussion

2009-10-31T19:11:32Z

I'm now working on the Washington Nationals. The next team in the queue is the Los Angeles Angels, so use this thread to discuss the Angels farm system.

I'm driving to Arizona this week to take in some Fall League games and take part in the Baseball HQ First Pitch Arizona Fall League Forum.

Top 20 Kansas City Royals Prospects for 2010

2009-10-31T03:05:24Z

More photos » by Charles Rex Arbogast - AP

Kansas City Royals first baseman Billy Butler, 2004 First Round Draft Pick (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

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Top 20 Kansas City Royals Prospects for 2010.

All grades are EXTREMELY PRELIMINARY and subject to change. Don't get too worried about exact rankings at this point, especially once you get beyond the Top 10. Grade C+/C guys are pretty interchangeable depending on what you want to emphasize.

Feel free to critique the list, but use logic and reason rather than polemics to do so. The list and grades are based on a blending of present performance and long-term potential. Full reports on all these players can be found in the 2010 Baseball Prospect Book.

1) Mike Montgomery, LHP, Grade B+: Looks like the best combination of projection and performance in the organization.

2) Mike Moustakas, 3B, Grade B+: Trying to decide between a Grade B+ and a straight B for this one. I'm willing to cut him some slack for one more season. He could do much better out of Wilmington.

3) Aaron Crow, RHP, Grade B: Want to see some actual pro data before going higher with the grade, but I like him a lot and he shouldn't need a lot of development time.

4) Tim Melville, RHP, Grade B: Needs to sharpen up his command a bit, but projects as a number two starter if everything comes together and he stays healthy.

5) Danny Duffy, LHP, Grade B: I like him a lot, too, although I don't think he has quite as much projection as Melville. Crow, Melville, and Duffy could rank 3-4-5 in any order.

6) Wil Myers, C, Grade B: Love the bat, not sure about the defense. Need more pro data before going higher with the grade.

7) Eric Hosmer, 1B, Grade B-: A difficult grade. Will the lasik surgery fix whatever was bothering him in '09? If so, could vault back to the top of the list.

8) Carlos Rosa, RHP, Grade B-: His numbers at Omaha are better than they look, and he has the arm strength to be a solid reliever.

9) David Lough, OF, Grade B-: Borderline C+. Good tools, started to put things together this year, but turns 24 in January and I wish he walked more.

10) Jordan Parraz, OF, Grade B-: Borderline C+. Good tools, really exploded this year, but injury problems and age (now 25) limit his grade.

11) John Lamb, LHP, Grade B-: Borderline C+. Has the natural ability to develop as Montgomery and Duffy have, but I'd like some higher level data.

12) Jeff Bianchi, SS-2B, Grade C+: I wish he drew more walks, but you have to respect how he fought back from injuries.

13) Chris Dwyer, LHP, Grade C+: Has great stuff, but the results weren't always there in college and pro data set (while small) shows command problems.

14) Kila Ka'aihue, 1B, Grade C+: Couldn't repeat 2008 monster season, but high walk rate and moderate power are still there. I don't understand why he wasn't promoted in September. Born DH.

15) Johnny Giavotella, 2B, Grade C+: Hampered by unlucky BABIP early in the year, but finished strong. Breakout candidate for 2010 in the Texas League. Shaky defense is an issue.

16) Louis Coleman, RHP, Grade C+: LSU product looks like a really sharp reliever to me; could rise very quickly.

17) Tyler Sample, RHP, Grade C+: Another young high-ceiling arm. Command is a question.

18) Tim Smith, OF, Grade C+: Scouts don't like his tools and he's not a huge power guy, but he seems to hit .300 everywhere he goes.

19) Cole White, RHP, Grade C+: Sleeper relief arm from 2009 draft, could advance rapidly along with Coleman.

20) Blake Wood, RHP, Grade C: Terrific arm but command and injury problems hold him back. Interchangeable with most of the guys in the "other" category.

Others (All Grade C right now): Juan Abreu, RHP; Eric Basturto, RHP; Yowill Espinal, SS: Carlos Fortuna, RHP; Blaine Hardy, LHP; Keaton Hayenga, RHP; Chris "Disco" Hayes, RHP; Kelvin Herrera, RHP; Greg Holland, RHP; Dusty Hughes, LHP; Patrick Keating, RHP; Alex Llanos, OF; Chris Nicoll, RHP; Dusty Odenbach, RHP; Salvador Perez, C; Manuel Pina, C; Clint Robinson, 1B: Derrick Robinson, OF; Brandon Sisk, LHP; Nick Van Stratten, OF.

The Royals have a lot of extremely interesting pitching in the organization, with Montgomery, Melville, Crow, Duffy, Lamb, Dwyer, Sample, and Wood all having sufficient arm strength and/or command to be dominant pitchers, IF they stay healthy and develop along the expected path. They also have a lot of potentially useful relief arms, with Rosa ready to help next year, and several arms from the '09 class (Coleman most notably) who could move quickly.

Things are much different on the hitting side. Moustakas and Hosmer were big disappointments this year. Both of them are still young, and both of them had some possibly-extenuating circumstances. But the fact remains that both of them are corner players who didn't hit as well as expected and have a lot to prove in 2010. I cut Moustakas some slack on the grade because he did hit well in 2008, but graded Hosmer a bit more roughly because he hasn't done much at all in pro ball yet. Both could move up or down rather radically in 2010. Myers looks really interesting but we need to see more at higher levels. Lough and Parraz are both late-developing toolsy outfielders who may or may not sustain their progress. Bianchi and Giavotella in the middle infield also have question marks. . are they utility players or possible starters? We don't know yet. Kila looks blocked and probably needs a change of scenery.

Overall this is a system that is very thin at the upper levels, but has an intriguing group of potential impact talents lower in the organization. But I emphasize the word potential: there is a big group that has to turn projection into performance next year.

Update

2009-10-29T14:57:36Z

I'm working on the Royals and hope to have them done tonight or tomorrow. The next team after that is the Nationals, followed by the Los Angeles Angels. Note that I try to keep things balanced geographically as I work through the teams. When the Royals and Nationals are done, that will give us two central teams and two eastern teams finished, so it will be time to fill in some western clubs. After the Angels I'll do either the Padres or the Giants...I'll probably put up a poll to help me decide.

Now Taking Pre-Orders for The 2010 Baseball Prospect Book

2009-10-28T15:51:10Z

As most of you know, I'm now working on the 2010 Baseball Prospect Book.

The book will contain reports on at least 1,100 players from all 30 minor league systems,and possibly as many as 1,200. It also includes my 50/50 Prospect List.

We are now taking PRE-ORDERS for the book. It will ship on February 2nd, 2010, but we need as many pre-orders as possible to finance publication.

The book is only available directly from me at www.johnsickels.net. You can use paypal to order the book directly from the website, or you can send a check to my address

John Sickels Baseball Prospect Book 2010
PO BOX 4066
Lawrence, KS 66049

Paypal is more convenient for many folks, but checks are just fine and we don't get whacked with a paypal fee for checks.

The book costs $23.95+$6 shipping for United States orders, and $23.95+$13.00 shipping for Canadian and International Orders. If using the website to order, please make sure you click the right button.

I'll be posting excerpts from the book as i get further along in the writing process. Those of you who have read the book before know that I use a blend of statistical analysis and scouting, and I try to make the book as entertaining as possible to read. The book is the center of my work, with the blog here and my writing for Rotowire being adjuncts to it.

Thanks for ordering!! I hope you enjoy it.

Washington Nationals Farm System Discussion

2009-10-27T15:20:11Z

I'm working on the Royals right now. Use this thread to discuss the Washington Nationals farm system.

Strasburg...does he get a straight Grade A? Or should I go with A- until we get more evidence?

Comparing the Phillies and the Yankees

2009-10-26T18:58:26Z

Here is a comparison of the Philadelphia and New York World Series rosters:

Phillies Roster Breakdown: 25 Players
Acquired by Trades or Waivers: 8 (32%)
Phillies Farm System Products: 8 (32%)
Major League Free Agents: 8 (32%)
Rule 5: 1 (4%.)

Yankees Roster Breakdown: 25 players
Acquired by Trades or Waivers: 7 (28%)
Yankees Farm System Products: 12 (48%)
Major League Free Agents: 6 (24%)
Rule 5: 0.

Phillies Origins Breakdown:
North American High School Draftees: 6   (24%)
Junior College Draftees:   2    (8%)
Four-Year College Draftees:   9   (36%)
Undrafted North Americans:   2   (8%)
Latin Free Agents: 5   (20%)
Asian Free Agents: 1   (4%)

Yankees Origin Breakdown:
North American High School Draftees: 9 (36%)
Junior College Draftees: 2 (8%)
Four Year College Draftees: 6 (24%)
Undrafted North Americans: 0
Latin Free Agents: 7 (28%)
Asian Free Agents: 1 (4%)

The current Phillies roster was constructed one-third via trade, one-third via the farm system, and one-third via major league free agents. The Yankees, in contrast, have almost half of the current roster (48%) developed via the farm system, with the other 52% by trade or free agent. If you want to count Andy Pettitte as a farm system product, flip those two numbers. I would note that farm products Jeter, Rivera, and Posada were developed by the system in the 1990s, a long time ago, but that important bullpen components of the pitching staff such as Chamberlain, Hughes, Coke, and Robertson are recent products.

In terms of ultimate origin, the Phillies roster is more college-oriented than the Yankees roster. The Phllies have five former first round picks (Hamels, Werth,Blanton, Lidge, Utley) while the Yankees have six (Hughes, Sabathia, Jeter, Rodriguez, Swisher, Teixeira) plus two supplemental first round picks (Chamberlain, Damon). The lowest draft picks were Ibanez (36th round) and Gaudin (34th round).

Finally, combining both clubs to get the 50 players in the World Series this year,

Combining Both Rosters: 50 players
Acquired by Trades or Waivers: 15 (30%)
Developed by Farm Systems: 20 (40%)
Signed as Major League Free Agent: 14 (28%)
Rule 5: 1 (2%)

North American High School Draftees:   15 (30%)
Junior College Draftees:   4 (8%)
Four-Year College Draftees:   15 (30%)
Undrafted North Americans:   2 (4%)
Latin Free Agents: 12 (24%)
Asian Free Agents:   2   (4%)

Player Development Origins for the 2009 New York Yankees

2009-10-26T17:18:15Z

More photos » by Wilfredo Lee - AP

Derek Jeter, New York Yankees first round draft pick in 1992. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

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Here are the player development origins of the 2009 American League Champion New York Yankees. I'll do a comparison of the Yankees and Phillies tomorrow.

PITCHERS

Alfredo Aceves, RHP: Signed out of Mexico as a free agent in 2008.

A.J. Burnett, RHP: Drafted by the New York Mets in the eighth round out of high school in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1995. The Yankees signed him as a major league free agent for 2009.

Joba Chamberlain, RHP: Drafted by the Yankees in the supplemental first round in 2006 from the University of Nebraska.

Phil Coke, LHP: Drafted by the Yankees in the 26^th round in 2002, out of San Joaquin Delta Community College.

Chad Gaudin, RHP: Drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 34^th round in 2001, from high school in Harahan, Louisiana. The Yankees traded for him in the summer of 2009.

Phil Hughes, RHP: Drafted by the Yankees in the first round of the 2004 draft, from high school in Santa Ana, California.

Damaso Marte, LHP: Signed by the Seattle Mariners as a free agent from the Dominican Republic in 1992. Yankees acquired him in a 2008 trade.

Andy Pettitte, LHP: Drafted by the Yankees in the 22^nd round in 1991 out of high school in Texas, signed as a draft-and-follow from San Jacinto JC in '92. Went to Houston as a free agent in 2004 but re-signed by the Yankees for 2007.

Mariano Rivera, RHP: Signed by the Yankees as a free agent from Panama in 1990.

David Robertson, RHP: Drafted by the Yankees in the 17^th round in 2006, from the University of Alabama.

C.C. Sabathia, LHP: Drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the first round of the 1998 draft, out of high school in Vallejo, California. Signed by the Yankees as a major league free agent for 2009.

POSITION PLAYERS

Melky Cabrera, OF: Signed by the Yankees as a free agent from the Dominican Republic in 2001.

Robinson Cano, 2B: Signed by the Yankees as a free agent from the Dominican Republic in 2001.

Francisco Cervelli, C: Signed by the Yankees as a free agent out of Venezuela in 2004.

Johnny Damon, OF: Drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the supplemental first round in 1992, out of high school in Orlando, Florida. The Yankees signed him as a major league free agent in 2006.

Brett Gardner, OF: Drafted by the Yankees in the third round in 2005, from the College of Charleston.

Freddy Guzman, OF: Signed by the San Diego Padres as a free agent from the Dominican Republic in 2000. Acquired in a trade in late August 2009.

Jerry Hairston JR, INF: Drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 11^th round in 1997, from Southern Illinois University. Acquired by the Yankees in a trade in July 2009.

Derek Jeter, SS: Drafted by the Yankees in the first round in 1992, out of high school in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Hideki Matsui, OF: Signed by the Yankees as a free agent from Japan in 2002. I am counting him as a "major league free agent" on the list below, not as a Yankee farm system product, since he was already an established star in Japan.

Jose Molina, C: Drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 14^th round in 1993, from high school in Vega Alta, Puerto Rico. The Yankees acquired him in a trade from the Angels in 2007.

Jorge Posada, C: Drafted by the Yankees in the 24^th round in 1990, out of high school in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico.

Alex Rodriguez, 3B: Drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the first round in 1993, out of high school in Miami, Florida. The Yankees acquired him in a trade with the Rangers in 2004.

Nick Swisher, OF: Drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the first round of the 2002 draft, from Ohio State University. Acquired in a trade with the White Sox in November 2008.

Mark Teixeira, 1B: Drafted by the Texas Rangers in the first round in 2001, from Georgia Tech. Signed by the Yankees as a free agent in December 2008.

ACQUISITIONS

Trades or Waivers: Gaudin, Marte, Guzman, Hairston, Molina, Rodriguez, Swisher.

Yankees Farm System Products: Aceves, Chamberlain, Coke, Hughes, Rivera, Robertson, Cabrera, Cano, Cervelli, Gardner, Jeter, Posada.

Major League Free Agents: Burnett, Pettitte, Sabathia, Damon, Matsui, Teixeira.

ORIGINS

Drafted from North American high schools: Burnett (8^th), Gaudin (34^th), Hughes (1^st), Sabathia (1^st), Damon (1-S), Jeter (1^st), Molina (14^th), Posada (24^th), Rodriguez (1^st),

Drafted from junior colleges: Coke (26^th), Pettitte (22^nd).

Drafted from four-year colleges: Chamberlain (1-S), Robertson (17^th), Gardner (3^rd), Hairston (11^th), Swisher (1^st), Teixeira (1^st).

Undrafted free agents from North America: none.

Latin Free Agents: Aceves, Marte, Rivera, Cabrera, Cano, Cervelli, Guzman,

Asian Free Agents: Matsui

Atlanta Braves Top 20 Prospects for 2010

2009-10-25T21:36:20Z

Top 20 Atlanta Braves Prospects for 2010.

1) Jason Heyward, OF, Grade A: A complete prospect, perfect Five Tool/Seven Skill player.

2) Freddie Freeman, 1B, Grade B+: We'll have to see if the wrist injury cuts into his power development, but given his age he gets some slack.

3) Julio Teheran, RHP, Grade B: I still worry about his health and durability.

4) Randall Delgado, RHP, Grade B: A rare thing, an Atlanta pitching prospect that might be underrated. Usually Braves guys get too much hype.

5) Craig Kimbrel, RHP, Grade B: If his command holds up he can be a bullpen force.

6) Mike Minor, LHP, Grade B-: Borderline Grade B. Excellent pitchability with pretty good stuff. I hope I get to see him in Arizona Fall League.

7) Christian Bethancourt, C, Grade B-: Grade includes a lot of projection.

8) J.J. Hoover, RHP, Grade B-: A personal favorite. Need to see him at higher levels, but I love the K/IP and K/BB ratios.

9) Zeke Spruill, RHP, Grade B-: Younger and more projectable than Hoover, but I worry about his durability.

10) David Hale, RHP, Grade C+: Power arm from Princeton, another possible relief mainstay if the command is there.

11) Mycal Jones, SS, Grade C+: Good speed, strikeout rate is rather high, will he hit at higher levels?

12) Brett DeVall, LHP, Grade C+: Would rank higher if not for questions about health.

13) Cody Gearrin, RHP, Grade C+: Another possible bullpen reinforcement.

14) Adam Milligan, OF, Grade C+: Great numbers in his pro debut, scouting reports are mixed, poor BB/K ratio is a caution flag. Could rank as high as 11^th.

15) Jose Ortegano, LHP, Grade C+: Could fit as fifth starter or swingman.

16) Robinson Lopez, RHP, Grade C+: Good rookie ball arm, a long way from being ready but worth watching.

17) Luis Valdez, RHP, Grade C+: Older prospect, scouts don't love him, but has been great in the upper minors and could help in the pen. Might knock him down to a Grade C.

18) Edgar Osuna, LHP, Grade C: Numbers and scouting reports all slightly weaker than Ortegano's.

19) Scott Diamond, LHP, Grade C: Like Osuna and Ortegano, he could appear in the majors as soon as 2010. Doesn't have great stuff, but could be useful under the right circumstances.

20) Dimaster Delgado, LHP, Grade C: Good numbers in the Sally League, but another mediocre-stuff lefty according to the reports I have.

Others (all Grade C right now): Thomas Berryhill, RHP; Caleb Brewer, RHP; Erik Cordier, RHP; David Francis, RHP; Cory Harrilchak, OF; Ty'Relle Harris, RHP; Brandon Hicks, SS; Cody Johnson, OF; Jeff Lyman, RHP; Chris Masters, LHP, Brett Oberholtzer, LHP; Angelo Paulino, RHP; Cory Rasmus, RHP; Gerardo Rodriguez, 1B; Cole Rohrbaugh, LHP; Riann Spanjer-Furstenberg, 1B; Tyler Stovall, LHP; Richard Sullivan, LHP; Jacob Thompson, RHP; Matt Young, OF (might get cut due to space).

I ended up writing about 40 guys, but I have to say that I'm not overly impressed with this system. They have a near-certain superstar in Heyward, a good first base prospect in Freeman, and then a huge bunch of questionmarks. The lack of offensive talent beyond the two elite guys is very striking. I do not believe in Cody Johnson. I think the strikeouts are going to eat him alive.

Even the pitching, historically the strength of the system, strikes me as overrated compared to the "pitching factory" reputation. There are a whole bunch of projectable young arms at the lower levels, but even the best ones (Teheran, R. Delgado) still have a lot to prove. There is the raw material for a good bullpen here (Kimbrel, Gearrin, Hale), and Minor looks like a solid strike-thrower who will advance rapidly. I love Hoover but we really need to see him outside the Sally League. They'll probably get one usable pitcher out of the finesse lefty group (Ortegano, Osuna, Diamond, D. Delgado) but I don't know which one it will be. I also have no idea how to rank Rohrbaugh at this stage. You could interchange him with any of the last three.

This is only the second team I've done, so it will be interesting to see how they compare to other organizations and perhaps I'm being too hard on them. As always, I'm open to suggestions and discussion, and will to back and revisit the grades as I get further into the book process.

Update

2009-10-24T15:27:58Z

Plugging away at the Braves. Sorry it's taking so long.

Player Origins of the 2009 Philadelphia Phillies

2009-10-22T19:03:13Z

More photos » by Tom Mihalek - AP

Philadelphia Phillies infielder Jimmy Rollins, drafted in the second round in 1996.(AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)

Browse more photos »

Philadelphia Phillies: Player Origins

Here are the player development origins of the 2009 National League Champion Philadelphia Phillies.

PITCHERS:

Antonio Bastardo, LHP: Signed by the Phillies as a free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 2005.

Joe Blanton, RHP: Drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the first round in 2002, from the University of Kentucky. Acquired by the Phillies in a trade with Oakland in July 2008.

Chad Durbin, RHP: Drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the third round in 1996, from high school in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The Phillies signed him as a free agent in December 2007.

Scott Eyre, RHP: Drafted by the Texas Rangers in the ninth round in 1991, from the Junior College of Southern Idaho. The Phillies acquired him in a trade with the Cubs in August 2008.

Cole Hamels, LHP: Drafted by the Phillies in the first round in 2002, out of high school in San Diego, California.

J.A. Happ, LHP: Drafted by the Phillies in the third round in 2004, from Northwestern University.

Cliff Lee, LHP: Drafted by the Montreal Expos in the fourth round in 2000, from the University of Arkansas. Acquired in a trade with the Indians this summer.

Brad Lidge, RHP: Drafted by the Houston Astros in the first round in 1998, from the University of Notre Dame. Acquired in a trade with the Astros in November 2007.

Ryan Madson, RHP: Drafted by the Phillies in the ninth round in 1998, out of high school in Moreno Valley, California.

Pedro Martinez, RHP: Signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers as a free agent from the Dominican Republic in 1988. The Phillies signed him as a free agent this year.

Chan Ho Park, RHP: Signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers as a free agent from South Korea in 1994. The Phillies signed him as a free agent.

POSITION PLAYERS

Paul Bako, C: Drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the fifth round in 1993, out of the University of Southwestern Louisiana. The Phillies signed him as a free agent this year.

Eric Bruntlett, INF: Drafted by the Houston Astros in the ninth round in 2000, out of Stanford University. The Phillies got him in a trade with Houston in 2007.

Miguel Cairo, INF: Signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers as a free agent out of Venezuela in 1990. Signed by the Phillies as a free agent in 2009.

Greg Dobbs, INF: Signed by the Seattle Mariners as an undrafted free agent from the University of Oklahoma in 2001. The Phillies claimed him on waivers in 2007.

Pedro Feliz, 3B: Signed by the San Francisco Giants as a free agent from the Dominican Republic in 1994. The Phillies signed him as a free agent in 2008.

Ben Francisco, OF: Drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the fifth round in 2002 from UCLA. The Phillies acquired him in a trade this summer with the Indians.

Ryan Howard, 1B: Drafted by the Phillies in the fifth round in 2001, from Southwest Missouri State University (now known as Missouri State University).

Raul Ibanez, OF: Drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 36^th round in 1992, from Miami-Dade Community College-South. The Phillies signed him as a free agent last winter.

Jimmy Rollins, SS: Drafted by the Phillies in the second round in 1996, out of high school in Alameda, California.

Carlos Ruiz, C: Signed by the Phillies as a free agent in 1998, out of Panama.

Matt Stairs, OF: Signed by the Montreal Expos as an undrafted free agent in 1989, out of high school in Canada. The Phillies acquired him in a trade with the Blue Jays in 2008.

Chase Utley, 2B: Drafted by the Phillies in the first round in 2000, out of UCLA.

Shane Victorino, OF: Drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the sixth round in 1999, out of high school in Wailuku, Hawaii.. Selected in the 2005 Rule 5 draft.

Jayson Werth, OF: Drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the first round in 1997, out of high school in Chatham, Illinois. Signed as a free agent by the Phillies in 2006.

ACQUISTIONS:

Via Trades/Waivers: Blanton, Eyre, Lee, Lidge, Bruntlett,. Dobbs, Francisco, Stairs.

Phillies Farm System Products: Bastardo, Hamels, Happ, Madson, Howard, Rollins, Ruiz, Utley.

Free Agents: Durbin, Martinez, Park, Bako, Cairo, Feliz, Ibanez, Werth.

Rule 5: Victorino.

ORIGINS

Drafted from North American high schools: Durbin (3^rd), Hamels (1^st), Madson (9^th), Rollins (2^nd), Victorino (9^th), Werth (1^st).

Drafted from junior colleges: Eyre (9^th), Ibanez (36^th)

Drafted from four-year colleges: Blanton (1^st); Happ (3^rd), Lee (4^th), Lidge (1^st), Bako (5^th), Bruntlett (9^th), Francisco (5^th), Howard (5^th), Utley (1^st)

Undrafted free agents from North America: Dobbs, Stairs

Latin Free Agents: Bastardo, Martinez, Cairo, Feliz, Ruiz

Asian Free Agents: Park

As you can see, the Phillies built their team through a variety of sources. Once the American League winner is determined, we'll analyze their roster and compare the two.

Poll Question

2009-10-21T17:29:05Z

OK, looking at the suggested team thread, I note that the Padres, Mets, Marlins, Giants, Cubs, and Nationals were suggested. All of them interest me for various reasons.

So, in the interests of driving input and interest, which of these teams should I do after the Braves and Royals?

Poll

What team should I write up for the book after the Braves and Royals?

Chicago Cubs

160 votes

Florida Marlins

193 votes

New York Mets

220 votes

San Diego Padres

174 votes

San Francisco Giants

316 votes

Washington Nationals

419 votes

1482 votes | Poll has closed

Update

2009-10-21T00:16:32Z

Got caught up with family business today and wasn't able to do anything baseball-wise besides the radio show. Tomorrow may not be much better, so I'm not sure when i'll make progress on the Braves list.

Use this thread to suggest the team to do after the Braves and Royals. It has to be a National League team, other than that i'm open to suggestions.

Tuesday Radio

2009-10-20T16:05:10Z

Join me, Jeff Erickson, and Steve Moyer for Rotowire's BlogTalkRadio show at noon central time.

Top 20 Minnesota Twins Prospects for 2010

2009-10-19T18:06:33Z

Top 20 Minnesota Twins Prospects for 2010.

1) Aaron Hicks, OF, Grade B+: Excellent tools, numbers are better than they look on the surface. I think he'll break out in 2010.
2) Ben Revere, OF, Grade B: Kenny Lofton ceiling, Juan Pierre midpoint, Joey Gathright basement.
3) Kyle Gibson, RHP, Grade B-: Would be a Grade B+ at least if not for the injury concern.
4) Wilson Ramos, C, Grade B-: Power and defense are positives, main question is weak walk rate.
5) Adrian Salcedo, RHP, Grade B-: Best of the pitchability right-handers in a system full of them.
6) Billy Bullock, RHP, Grade B-: Borderline C+; great stuff but will he throw strikes?
7) Angel Morales, OF, Grade C+: Could make a case for B-. Very good tools, numbers are better than they look on the surface, needs to improve discipline.
8) Danny Valencia, 3B, Grade C+: Needs to improve strike zone judgment and glovework to get a job in 2010.
9) Chris Parmalee, OF-1B, Grade C+: Lotsa power, draws walks, other skills are unimpressive.
10) Miguel Sano, SS, Grade C+: I really have no idea how to rank him at this point. Might turn into Miguel Cabrera, could fizzle in A-ball, no way to know yet.
11) Carlos Gutierrez, RHP, Grade C+: Ground ball machine. Could rank as high as seventh.
12) Joe Benson, OF, Grade C+: Excellent tools and is showing signs of skill development. Could also rank as high as seventh.
13) David Bromberg, RHP, Grade C+: Classic Twins pitching prospect, relies on pitchability rather than pure stuff.
14) B.J. Hermsen, RHP, Grade C+: Great rookie ball performance, projectable, need data from higher levels.
15) Ben Tootle, RHP, Grade C+: High-ceiling arm, needs to improve command.
16) Anthony Slama, RHP, Grade C+: Deceptive delivery with high strikeout rates, tough on right-handed hitters, could slot into middle relief role in 2010.
17) Matt Bashore, LHP, Grade C+: Could rank higher if he stays healthy.
18) Tom Stuifbergen, RHP, Grade C+: Could be a Grade C. Another pitchability guy. Gets lots of grounders.
19) Jeff Manship, RHP, Grade C: Possible fifth starter or long relief type.
20) Tyler Robertson, LHP, Grade C: Stock has dropped a lot, but looks like a potential LOOGY to me.

OTHERS (all Grade C right now): Oswaldo Arcia, OF; Alex Burnett, RHP; Rob Delaney, RHP; Brian Dozier, SS; Deolis Guerra, RHP; Chris Herrmann, OF; Steve Hirschfeld, RHP; Luke Hughes, INF; Max Kepler-Rozycki, OF; Bobby Lanigan, RHP; Andrei Lobanov, LHP; Jose Lugo, LHP; Derek McCallum, 2B: Mike McCardell, RHP; Josmil Pinto, C-DH; Trevor Plouffe, SS; Tobias Streich, C; Brad Tippett, RHP; Mike Tonkin, RHP; Rene Tosoni, OF; Loek Van Mil, RHP, Blayne Weller, RHP.

There were about 10 other guys I considered but cut due to space reasons. I can't write about everyone. The Twins system is thin at the top, but they have a huge number of Grade C prospects with potential upside. Grades for several guys could be much higher once we have 2010 data. The signings of Sano and Kepler-Rozycki show an increased emphasis on high-ceiling players from the international market, though due to their youth and lack of pro data I'm going with conservative grades right now. I like the organization's interest in European players like MKR, Lobanov, and the Dutch pitchers.

Pitchability is obviously very important in this organization, and recent hitting draftees such as Parmalee, Hicks and Revere show awareness of strike zone judgment as well.