BA's Top 20 Prospects by League

[38Special]

I figure a new thread would be useful.

GCL

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today...ue20s/gcl.html

1. Andrew McCutchen, of, Pirates
2. Jay Bruce, of, Reds
3. Chris Volstad, rhp, Marlins
4. Elvis Andrus, ss, Braves
5. Travis Wood, lhp, Reds
6. Beau Jones, lhp, Braves
7. Jose Tabata, of, Yankees
8. Sean West, lhp, Marlins
9. Ryan Tucker, rhp, Marlins
10. C.J. Henry, ss, Yankees
11. Austin Jackson, of, Yankees
12. Paul Kelly, ss, Twins
13. Aaron Thompson, lhp, Marlins
14. Ivan DeJesus, ss, Dodgers
15. Jon Egan, c, Red Sox
16. Jordan Schafer, of, Braves
17. Drew Thompson, 2b, Twins
18. Jeff Lyman, rhp, Braves
19. Miguel Sanfler, lhp, Dodgers
20. Emmanuel Garcia, ss, Mets

Quotes about each:

Jose Tabata

"With 6.5-second speed in the 60-yard dash and a powerful stride, Tabata led the GCL with 22 stolen bases"

"Though he still tends to give at-bats away, he had the best approach at the plate of the trio."

"Tabata is powerfully built and his home run potential will evolve with experience."

CJ Henry

"He’s already 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds with tremendous speed, and he'll add legitimate power as he gets stronger and becomes more refined at the plate."

"His hitting ability is behind his other tools, but he generates outstanding bat speed and the ball jumps off his bat when he hits it solidly."

"Henry has outstanding feet and body control, as well as soft hands."

"There's some question whether he'll remain at shortstop because he has a hitch in his throwing action."

Austin Jackson

"he’s the fastest of the three, with 6.4-second times in the 60-yard dash. He showed off his superior athleticism most on defense, where he was exceptional at running balls down in the gaps."

"His arm was strong and accurate, though it's not in the class of de la Rosas—possibly the strongest in the GCL."

"At 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds, Jackson is not as physical as Henry and didn't hit a home run, but he should grow into average power."

"He has a good swing path for his age but had the poorest approach to hitting among the Yankees' outfield prospects. "

"He chased a lot of breaking balls and had a tendency to drift at the plate."

I don't like Tabata being rated behind Andrus considering that he statistically had a better season, but I can deal

[38Special]

By comparison, last year's list:

1. Luis Soto, ss, Red Sox
2. Gaby Hernandez, rhp, Mets
3. Greg Golson, Phillies
4. Kyle Waldrop, rhp, Twins
5. Neil Walker, c, Pirates
6. Christian Garcia, rhp, Yankees
7. Marcos Vechionacci, 3b, Yankees
8. Jay Rainville, rhp, Twins
9. Christian Lara, ss, Red Sox
10. Greg Burns, of, Marlins
11. Jose Campusano, ss, Marlins
12. Juan Portes, 3b, Twins
13. Jamie Hoffmann, 3b, Dodgers
14. Carlos Carrasco, rhp, Phillies
15. Anthony Swarzak, rhp, Twins
16. Jesus Flores, c, Mets
17. Johan Silva, of, Braves
18. Carlos Gomez, of, Mets
19. Willy Mota, of, Red Sox
20. Scott Mitchinson, rhp, Phillies

[Steph19]

Looks pretty good to me. I wonder what Austin's power potential is? 15-25 HR guy? (Assuming he makes the bigs, that is)

I've heard about that hitch in CJ's throwing action before. I wonder if the Yankees will fix it in minicamp or won't bother in anticipation for a move to the outfield.

[38Special]

Looks pretty good to me. I wonder what Austin's power potential is? 15-25 HR guy? (Assuming he makes the bigs, that is)

I've heard about that hitch in CJ's throwing action before. I wonder if the Yankees will fix it in minicamp or won't bother in anticipation for a move to the outfield.

Hard to project since he hit none next year. We'll see next year in full season ball.

If theres a hitch in his throwing action it would be nice to fix it, but Estee Harris also has mechanical problems with throwing, and 2 years later its still the same.

[dabomb2045]

CJ has potential....but I REALLY wish we drafted Hansen

[38Special]

I think its hilarious seeing Craig Italiano at #3 on the AZL list, after posting a 6.75 ERA. Yeah he throws a consistent 97-98 at age 19, but even BA says "The pitch often is too straight, however, and he needs to develop more consistent command of it".

Also, how many kids who throw 97 consistently at age 18-19 make it 5 years without having a major arm problem? I guess you cant hold it against him that he has such talent, but i'd worry.

CJ has potential....but I REALLY wish we drafted Hansen

That's nice.

[dabomb2045]

I think its hilarious seeing Craig Italiano at #3 on the AZL list, after posting a 6.75 ERA. Yeah he throws a consistent 97-98 at age 19, but even BA says "The pitch often is too straight, however, and he needs to develop more consistent command of it".

Also, how many kids who throw 97 consistently at age 18-19 make it 5 years without having a major arm problem? I guess you cant hold it against him that he has such talent, but i'd worry.


That's nice.

seeing as how Hansen fills a more pressing need....and he has much more upside then Cox...I dont see that as being a crazy statement

[38Special]

seeing as how Hansen fills a more pressing need....and he has much more upside then Cox...I dont see that as being a crazy statement

what is it about this thread that forces the vomiting of Hansen > Henry? This argument has been discussed a million times since the draft, and this thread is about what we DO have. Hansen's arm problems within a month of signing should bode well for his future, and i hope the Red Sox reap all of his benefits.


What are other people's predictions for the SI list?

I'm thinking that Nunez, Schmidt, and Gardner will be the Yankees to grace the list. Poterson probably would have if he hadnt slumped the last month, but hopefully he can bounce back next year in Charleston.

[dabomb2045]

what is it about this thread that forces the vomiting of Hansen > Henry? This argument has been discussed a million times since the draft, and this thread is about what we DO have. Hansen's arm problems within a month of signing should bode well for his future, and i hope the Red Sox reap all of his benefits.


What are other people's predictions for the SI list?

I'm thinking that Nunez, Schmidt, and Gardner will be the Yankees to grace the list. Poterson probably would have if he hadnt slumped the last month, but hopefully he can bounce back next year in Charleston.

I didnt like passing up Hansen...and I still dont....thats all im saying...no need to get hostile

[Steph19]

I'm thinking that Nunez, Schmidt, and Gardner will be the Yankees to grace the list. Poterson probably would have if he hadnt slumped the last month, but hopefully he can bounce back next year in Charleston.

Yeah, agreed. Reegie Corona didn't put up the numbers to get there and Poterson played himself off the list. Nunez and Schmidt should be guarentees with Gardner somewhere there.

How about Larsen? He's often overlooked by everybody but he did put up some good numbers. Stuart also put up good numbers but I imagine a lot of relievers do in that league.

[sugmasterflex]

Tabata should be in the top 3, he's in the same class as McCutchen and Bruce.

[38Special]

I think an appropriate question to throw out with regards to the GCL: Who do you think will make the big jump to Charleston next year, and who will stay behind and stick in Staten Island

Nate Phillips
Joel Perez
Jose Gil
CJ Henry
Angel Fermin - There's a name i forgot about. How did he not make the top 20!? .305/.360/.526. 2nd in the league in slugging, 1st in doubles. Only 19 years old.
Jose Tabata
Wilkins De La Rossa
Austin Jackson
Francisco Castillo
Domingo Cabrera
Anderson Amador
Rolando Japa

[just-blaze]

seeing as how Hansen fills a more pressing need....and he has much more upside then Cox...I dont see that as being a crazy statement

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. After watching the whole season and especially today, I deem outfield defense as the most pressing need.

I much rather pick the best talent available. CJ Henry has five tool potential and with all due respect to Hansen and his good fastball, Id rather have the position player.

And, Why do you think that Hansen has "much more upside" than Cox?
Just wondering?

[27IsNext]

CJ has potential....but I REALLY wish we drafted Hansen

Schmidt.

[Buzah!]

That top 20 is a joke. Tabata was the best prospect in the league, and the team that won that league did so because they had the largest concentration of talent, not three guys in the middle of the top 20. Fermin, de la Rossa and some of the arms should have made it.

[Dooley Womack]

what is it about this thread that forces the vomiting of Hansen > Henry? This argument has been discussed a million times since the draft, and this thread is about what we DO have. Hansen's arm problems within a month of signing should bode well for his future, and i hope the Red Sox reap all of his benefits.


What are other people's predictions for the SI list?

I'm thinking that Nunez, Schmidt, and Gardner will be the Yankees to grace the list. Poterson probably would have if he hadnt slumped the last month, but hopefully he can bounce back next year in Charleston.

38, if you can go off-topic for a post, what are your impressions of Hansen overall, discounting his "tired arm"? I ask because I respect your opinion regarding players in the minors and future prospects.

Same question for Buzah! (if he reads this).

[Yankees1962]

Another case of BA being bias against the Yankees which is why I'm going to let my subscription runout. No need to reward an organization that can't keep bias out of their reporting. How do the Braves and Marlins rate having 4 prospects each while the Yankees have 3 on that list? Both of those clubs finished with a below .500 record while the Yankees led the league in wins.

[mbn007]

I think its hilarious seeing Craig Italiano at #3 on the AZL list, after posting a 6.75 ERA. Yeah he throws a consistent 97-98 at age 19, but even BA says "The pitch often is too straight, however, and he needs to develop more consistent command of it".

Also, how many kids who throw 97 consistently at age 18-19 make it 5 years without having a major arm problem? I guess you cant hold it against him that he has such talent, but i'd worry.

How many even make it 3 years before an arm injury? They will no doubt baby him, but it is a worry.

[mbn007]

Someone asked who the Yankees may land in the top 20 from the NY Penn League. I decent question.

The bullpen should be well represented with Stuart and Schmidt. Seccomb has a shot as a starter, but I doubt it though. Others in the league were as good, or slightly better.

Larsen and Nunez should be there, no questions asked. Not sure if Gardner makes it, as there always seems to be a Yankee bias in these lists. But his 18 Sbs, and a very high number of runs scored in 70 games should factor in.

[lem]

I think its hilarious seeing Craig Italiano at #3 on the AZL list, after posting a 6.75 ERA. Yeah he throws a consistent 97-98 at age 19, but even BA says "The pitch often is too straight, however, and he needs to develop more consistent command of it".

I used to go to school with his sister. Not that that is in any way relevant...

[Seamonk]

It's tough to bark about anti-Yankee bias when we placed 3 in the top 11....

[Yankees1962]

It's tough to bark about anti-Yankee bias when we placed 3 in the top 11....

When two teams with below .500 records place four players each in the top 20 than I have a problem.

[ryanm1058123]

CJ has potential....but I REALLY wish we drafted Hansen

My stance is.. you can easily take a college reliever when you have two first round picks, but when you have 1, CJ is the right pick..

That being said, we saw who was on the list last year, and among the two, they really feel off the board. Guys like Tabata, Henry, and Jackson need to build off this year.

[Seamonk]

The GCL Mets had the best record in the league, but they barely had 1 player in the top 20.

The Minors aren't about record.

It's about individual performance.

[Yankees1962]

The GCL Mets had the best record in the league, but they barely had 1 player in the top 20.

The Minors aren't about record.

It's about individual performance.

Then you need to look at the stats because the stats back up more than 3 Yankee players.

[ICEBERG18]

19-B Jones- 3.86-ERA 35IP 25-H 15-ER 0-HR 16-BB 41-SO *Made list*

18-C. Volstad- 2.33-ERA 27IP 25-H 7ER 1-HR 4-BB 26-SO *Made list*

18-A. Thompson- 4.50-ERA 32IP 42-H 16-ER 1-HR 10-BB 41-SO *Made list*

18-R. Tucker- 3.69-ERA 31.2IP 35-H 13-ER 0-HR 16-BB 23-SO *Made list*

18-J. Lyman- 4.24-ERA 34IP 41-H 16-ER 2-HR 7-BB 28-SO *Made list*

20-M. Sanfler- 3.79-ERA 40.1IP 40-H 17-ER 4-HR 25-BB 41-SO *Made list*

18-F. Castillo- 1.79-ERA 41IP 25-H 8-ER 1-HR 14-BB 34-SO

19- D. Cabrerra- 2.30-ERA 31.1IP 23-H 8-ER 2-HR 9-BB 37-SO


Jordan Schafer over Angel Fermin?

Jonathan Egan over Jose Gil?

Im convinced that our GCL team was so stacked that Baseball America thought they would have looked crazy if they put 7 Yankees on they're list.

[gdn]

I don't think this is an appropriate thread for the following, but I couldn't find one that was, either. So, this from John Sickels:

Prospect Tidbits
By John Sickels

Tim Battle, OF, Charleston Riverdogs (New York Yankees)

One of the more fascinating players at the A-ball level this year was Charleston outfielder Tim Battle. A third-round pick back in '03, he is an exceptional athlete with both power and speed. He's also quite raw. His numbers this year in the Sally League are intriguing: he hit .256, but with 33 doubles, 11 triples, 16 homers, 50 walks, 40 steals, and 195 strikeouts in 525 at-bats. That's right, 195 strikeouts. Battle has the physical tools to be a superstar, and he's still just 20 years old, so he has lots of time on the clock to develop. His walk rate is adequate, so I don't think his strike zone judgment is a lost cause, but 195 strikeouts just isn't "a lot of strikeouts," that's an extreme result. When not striking out, Battle hit .412 this year.

[sugmasterflex]

Jordan Schafer over Angel Fermin?

Jonathan Egan over Jose Gil?

Im convinced that are GCL team was so stacked that Baseball America thought they would have looked crazy if 7 Yankees made they're list.

I'm still wondering how Tabata is only the 7th best prospect in the league. Fermin should've made it. Hey, they had to find a way to get a Red Sox (Egan) on the list .

[sugmasterflex]

Make sure to bombard them w/ questions during the chat later on today.

[sugmasterflex]

I think an appropriate question to throw out with regards to the GCL: Who do you think will make the big jump to Charleston next year, and who will stay behind and stick in Staten Island

My guesses:

Nate Phillips - SI
Joel Perez - SI
Jose Gil - C-ton
CJ Henry - C-ton
Angel Fermin - C-ton (I agree w/ you, how does a 19 yr. old w/ a nearly .900 OPS not make the list???)
Jose Tabata - C-ton
Wilkins De La Rossa - C-ton
Austin Jackson - C-ton
Francisco Castillo - C-ton
Domingo Cabrera - C-ton
Anderson Amador - SI
Rolando Japa - C-ton

[Yankees1962]

My guesses:

Nate Phillips - SI
Joel Perez - SI
Jose Gil - C-ton
CJ Henry - C-ton
Angel Fermin - C-ton (I agree w/ you, how does a 19 yr. old w/ a nearly .900 OPS not make the list???)
Jose Tabata - C-ton
Wilkins De La Rossa - C-ton
Austin Jackson - C-ton
Francisco Castillo - C-ton
Domingo Cabrera - C-ton
Anderson Amador - SI
Rolando Japa - C-ton

Don't forget that some of the players that were at SI would be going to C-ton next season, example being Nunez going to C-ton over Henry.

[Kulish29]

Would CJ be able to move to CF or if he moves to the OF is he more of a COF guy?

[Steph19]

Would CJ be able to move to CF or if he moves to the OF is he more of a COF guy?

He'd probably be a corner OF. He's got the power potential to hit in that spot and out of our big three GCL guys, he's probably the least capable OF (at the moment.) If they're all on the same team and all playing the outfield my guess would be that Tabata plays LF, Austin Jackson plays CF (He's the fastest of the three and the best OF) and CJ plays RF.

Wow. What an outfield that would be.

[gdn]

Make sure to bombard them w/ questions during the chat later on today.

It's starting right about now. He better have a good reason for leaving off a few Yanks with extremely strong seasons.

[38Special]

Q: James Patterson from Tampa asks:
I know you guys can't have seven million Yankees on the list, but the likes of Jose Gil, Wilkins De La Rossa, Francisco Castillo, Angel Fermin & Domingo Cabrera had better GCL seasons than most of the kids you put on the list. Anyway can you please give me a run down on the players i listed?
A:

Allan Simpson: The Yankees won the league title and had their share of prospects, but remember we're judging these players on the basis of their future worth, not present performance. It's hardly fair to say Wilkins de la Rossa, who was 20, is a better prospect than fellow outfielder Jose Tabata, who played most of the season at 16. De la Rossa, however, barely missed making the list. Castillo, whose fastball touched 94-95, and Gil, who was converted from a first baseman to a catcher this yea and displayed a quick releaser, also narrowly missed selection.

[gdn]

Well there you have (some of) it:

http://www.baseballamerica.com/chat/...05091901&rnd=1

Q: James Patterson from Tampa asks:
I know you guys can't have seven million Yankees on the list, but the likes of Jose Gil, Wilkins De La Rossa, Francisco Castillo, Angel Fermin & Domingo Cabrera had better GCL seasons than most of the kids you put on the list. Anyway can you please give me a run down on the players i listed?

A: Allan Simpson: The Yankees won the league title and had their share of prospects, but remember we're judging these players on the basis of their future worth, not present performance. It's hardly fair to say Wilkins de la Rossa, who was 20, is a better prospect than fellow outfielder Jose Tabata, who played most of the season at 16. De la Rossa, however, barely missed making the list. Castillo, whose fastball touched 94-95, and Gil, who was converted from a first baseman to a catcher this yea and displayed a quick releaser, also narrowly missed selection.

[38Special]

I asked:

How close were Junior Contreras (.291/.401/.500) and Angel Fermin (.305/.360/.526) to making the top 20 for GCL? Both are 19 years old and Fermin has cut down his strikeout numbers significantly since he was signed out of the Dominican Republic.

[27IsNext]

Would CJ be able to move to CF or if he moves to the OF is he more of a COF guy?

Most likely corner outfield, since his only downside is lack of a strong arm.

[sir_captain]

Sickels on the GCL list:

"The only thing I see to complain about is that Tabata seems a bit low, considering his birthday."

[mbn007]

Q: Darron Wilde from Jefferson City, Missouri asks:
With all the yankees in the top does this mean there farm system value will increase?

A: Allan Simpson: That's a little premature because we're dealing with the lowest rung in the Yankees system, but there's no question there were some interesting players on the roster. What the Yankees did in adding players like Henry, Tabata and Jackson was add some athletes to a system that is very thin on athletic-type players.

He better not claim in 2 years that he knew, and was the first to call it, that the Yankee farm system is stacked!!

[mbn007]

Q: Kiley from Orlando, FL asks:
What kind of opinions did people have on Austin Jackson vs. C.J. Henry? Henry looks to me to have more upside because he centers the ball well and plays SS--and I think he'll play in the majors there, while Jackson is basically Mike Cameron waiting to happen.

A: Allan Simpson: Jackson and Henry were two of the best athletes in the entire draft this year and could become five-tool players. Both are pretty unrefined still, but we felt Henry has a little more upside because he's bigger and plays shortstop. Jackson's probably a little better hitter than Henry at this point because he has a good path to the ball, but he doesn't have a very good approach at the plate because he chases a lot of breaking balls. Henry generates great bat speed and should have power potential, but his swing is a little rough. It's not unfair to compare Jackson to Mike Cameron defensively because he is excellent at running balls down in the gap and has a 60-level arm.
=======================
I thought Jackson had a rifle. Guess not. But his arm strength looks solid. BTW, I do not see, as of now, how Jackson projects to a power hitter, so he may turn out to be a 4 tool guy.

[dabomb2045]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. After watching the whole season and especially today, I deem outfield defense as the most pressing need.

I much rather pick the best talent available. CJ Henry has five tool potential and with all due respect to Hansen and his good fastball, Id rather have the position player.

And, Why do you think that Hansen has "much more upside" than Cox?
Just wondering?

Hansen's stuff is much better IMO...I also face Hansen in college 3 times, and the kid is just nasty...one of the best sliders I've actually tried to hit

never saw Cox...but from I know about Hansen, and what Ive read about Cox...Hansen seems to have the better stuff and the higher ceiling

[ryanm1058123]

Hansen's stuff is much better IMO...I also face Hansen in college 3 times, and the kid is just nasty...one of the best sliders I've actually tried to hit

never saw Cox...but from I know about Hansen, and what Ive read about Cox...Hansen seems to have the better stuff and the higher ceiling

Again, when we didn't have a pick until late in the 2nd round, taking a college reliever was not a wise position. Boston had the luxury because they had 2 first round picks plus supplementary picks. We had none of that.

[27IsNext]

Hansen's stuff is much better IMO...I also face Hansen in college 3 times, and the kid is just nasty...one of the best sliders I've actually tried to hit

never saw Cox...but from I know about Hansen, and what Ive read about Cox...Hansen seems to have the better stuff and the higher ceiling

Schmidt.

[dabomb2045]

Schmidt.

give me a rundown on Schmidt....and what are the chances Cox can be a factor in the pen for us next season??

[mbn007]

give me a rundown on Schmidt....and what are the chances Cox can be a factor in the pen for us next season??

0.27 ERA, 13 saves, 1 run allowed all season. Some 13 k's per 9 innings.

I would say he had a solid start in his pro career.

[gdn]

Didn't Schmidt allow only 5 hits against righties or something sick like that?

[hammer]

and what are the chances Cox can be a factor in the pen for us next season??

Depending on how he performs of course, he has a chance of making it to the bigs at some point during the '06 season. Most likely in the second half, especially if the Yankees need bullpen help in July/August.

[38Special]

Didn't Schmidt allow only 5 hits against righties or something sick like that?

As of the all-star break (for SI), his splits were as follows..

vs Lefties: .319 AVG - 2 BB - 3 SO in 19 ABs (6/19)
vs Rightes: .097 AVG - 5 BB - 35 SO in 62 ABs (6/62)

Over the entire season he likely faced between 121 and 128 batters (depending on how many double plays and HBP he got in the 2nd half).

So he ended up giving up 2 hits after the all-star break, in about 40 ABs

[gdn]

Hahahaha! That's almost unheard of, even for short-season! Damn. What does he feature? I know he's got a great slider and a 92-ish fastball, but he MUST have something else to be so dominant!