I am going to drastically change gears for this post. My colleague here at Furriners is of the opinion that putting lists on the site might get some visitors to our humble blog.
I guess it is my passive agressive nature that has led to picking a subject to which he is completely unqualified to offer any input. If he retaliates with a list of "Best Justin Bieber Songs"... so be it!
Anyway, I present my list of the Top 10 MLB Prospects as of August 2010.
1. Domonic Brown (OF-Phillies) - A big guy (6'5", 200+) with power and speed. May be a future 20-20 guy in the majors.
2. Jesus Montero (C-Yankees) - I like his hitting potential. Apparently can't defend at all... but seems to have a bat that profiles well at 1B; just not in New York with Mark Teixeira in the way.
3. Jeremy Hellickson (RHP-Devil Rays) - Yes, they will always be the Devil Rays to me. I wanted to do this post after Tiger analyst Rod Allen referred to Hellickson as the best pitching prospect in the entire minor leagues. I just did not believe it. A review of his stats and watching him dominate the Tigers has changed my opinion. Reminds me a little of Zack Grienke minus 4-5 mph on his fastball.
4. Julio Teheran (RHP-Braves) - I like pitching prospects that miss bats and Teheran is doing so this year (119 ip, 88h, 138k at last check). He is 19 years old and has reached AA and reportedly has power stuff.
5. Peter Bourjos (OF-Angels) - This guy can really run. He's not my favorite prospect but his stats definitely show solid skills (.314, 13 HRs, 27 SBs, & 12 triples). Would like to see him draw more walks (only 24 BB w/ 414 ABs)!
6. Kyle Drabek (RHP - Blue Jays) - I am obliged to mention that Drabek was acquired by the Jays in the Roy Halladay deal. He is included because of his H/IP ratio is very good (110h in 142ip at last check). I would like to see more strikeouts to be truly confident he'll continue to succeed in the majors.
7. Freddie Freeman (1B-Braves) - Honestly, I don't like 1B who generate comparisons to Mark Grace. He only hit 8 HRs last season but has picked it up this season (15 HRs in AAA at age 20 at last check). Considering his size (6'5", 220), I am going to project that he'll hit for enough power in the majors so he doesn't become the next Mark Grace or J.T. Snow or Wally Joyner. No one wants that.
8. Eric Hosmer (1B-Royals) - Pretty much everything I just said about Freeman applies to Hosmer. Last season, Hosmer hit 6 HRs in 377 ABs. This year, he's hit 15 including 8 in his first 89 ABs at AA (at age 20). Considering his seemingly plus plate discipline (more walks than Ks this season), I am granting him a spot in my top 10.
9. Aroldis Chapman (LHP-Reds) - This rating is based on raw potential and reports about his pure stuff (including the 100+ mph fastball). Certainly the stat based projections would not put him in the top 10... although his H/IP ratio and K/IP ratio are good for a 22 year old in his first season in the United States (at the AAA level).
10. Matt Moore (LHP-Devil Rays) - I was tempted to rank Randall Delgado (RHP-Braves) in the final spot but considering my rankings are largely based on statistical analysis... how could I leave out the minor league strikeout king? Last season, Moore had 176 Ks and 86 hits allowed in 123 ip. He is showing it's no fluke as he has 170 Ks and 96 hits allowed in 121 ip (in high A ball) - and he is showing improved control (70 bb in '09 and 48 thus far in '10).
Honorable Mention:
Randall Delgado (RHP-Braves)
Michael Pineda (RHP-Mariners)
Shelby Miller (RHP-Cardinals)
Michael Moustakas (3B-Royals)
Simon Castro (RHP-Padres)
Grant Green (SS-Athletics)
Mike Trout (OF-Angels)
No comments:
Post a Comment