IBC Bosox Beantown Brawlers Minor Leaguers
Aguilar, Ray RHP ATL W L SV ERA G IP H R ER BB KO HR
1/18/1980 04/03 to 08/27 AA 3 4 1 2.71 35 93 81 39 28 20 91 8
F/A Signee 2003 08/31 to 08/31 AAA 1 0 0 1.80 1 5 2 1 1 2 5 0
Sporting News top 100 73
The Braves signed Aguilar after his 1999 contract with the Rockies was voided. In December, the Braves opted not to add him to the 40-man roster and hence left him exposed in the December Rule 5 draft.
Fortunately for them, he wasn't selected. Aguilar has pitched only five innings in Triple-A, but in every other level he's been dominant. Particularly impressive was his performance last season in AA-Greenville: 93 innings, 91 strikeouts, 20 walks, 2.71 ERA. He was even more impressive in 2002 at AA-Myrtle Beach, although that's probably the best pitcher's park in the pros. Even so, his ceiling as a reliever is quite high. And he's in an organization that knows a thing or two about developing arms. ETA: 2005.
Aybar, Eric SS ANA AVG G AB R H RBI 2B 3B HR BB SO SB CS
1/14/1984 04/03 to 08/30 AA 0.308 125 496 83 153 57 30 10 6 17 54 32 9
F/A Signee 2/16/04
BA Team Rank 8
BA Position Rank 11
Background: Former scouting director Donny Rowland and international supervisor Clay Daniel made several return visits to the Dominican to evaluate Aybar. The younger brother of Dodgers third-base prospect Willy Aybar, Erick lowered his asking price from $250,000 and signed for $100,000. He and Alberto Callaspo have formed all-star double-play combinations in the Pioneer and Midwest leagues the last two years.
Strengths: One scout coined Aybar and Callaspo “Hoover and Oreck,” because they vacuum up everything. Aybar is flashier with natural shortstop actions and has a strong and accurate arm. He also runs a tick faster, has more thump in his bat and drives the ball more consistently.
Weaknesses: Aybar doesn’t exhibit the same type of bat control as Callaspo and tends to be more of a free swinger. He has the tools for shortstop, though some scouts are concerned about his size and project him as more of a utilityman down the road.
The Future: Aybar and Callaspo will take their highlight-reel show to high Class A in 2004. Callaspo eventually will face strong competition from within the system in Brandon Wood.
Q:  Bren from Boston asks:
Can you comparecontrast Wood and Aybar a litle bit? What does each of them have to do to reach the majors and beat the other out for that shot?
 A:  Jim Callis: Brandon Wood hits the ball with a lot more authority, while Aybar is a better runner and a flashier defender. If they both progress as expected, Wood probably will have to find another position in deference to Aybar's defensive wizardry.
Barthmaier, Jimmy RHP HOU W L SV ERA G IP H R ER BB KO HR
1/6/1984 2003 R 1 1 0 2.49 8 21.2 19 9 6 7 18 0
2003 Rookie Draft #64
BA Team Rank 10
Background: Barthmaier could have gone in 2003’s supplemental first round, but several Southeastern Conference football programs recruited him as a quarterback, clouding his signability. When the Braves passed on him, other teams followed suit, but Barthmaier had told Astros area scout Ellis Dungan that he was open to turning pro. He signed for $750,000 as a 13th-rounder—$125,000 more than Houston gave Hirsh as a second-rounder.
Strengths: Barthmaier is loaded with physical tools. He has size, athleticism and arm strength. He throws a heavy fastball at 91-94 mph and should add velocity. His slider is a second power pitch, registering as high as 85 mph. He soaks up instruction quickly.
Weaknesses: Because he divided his time between two sports, Barthmaier is raw. He used to throw his slider with a football motion, and he barely has used a changeup. He throws across his body and varies his arm slots, so he’ll have to clean up his mechanics.
The Future: Barthmaier will need plenty of time to develop. He’ll begin the 2004 season in extended spring training and report to short-season Tri-City. He probably won’t see full-season ball until 2005
Q:  Ken from Georgia asks: Does Jimmy Barthmaier have the arm to be a #1 or #2 pitcher? I have seen him pitch and he has a heck of an arm
 A:  Jim Callis: Yes, he has that kind of ceiling. He already throws 91-94 mph, hits 85 with his slider and has an athletic, projectable body. But to temper expecations a bit, he's light years from the majors right now and very few guys reach that ceiling.
Q:  Jared Klewein from Marietta, GA asks: Who would win the award for, "Best Astros Prospect, Age 19 and Under"?
 A:  Jim Callis: Jimmy Barthmaier, though he turns 20 in January. Very athletic pitcher who could take off after giving up football. Could have played QB in the Southeastern Conference had he wanted.
Bruney, Brian RHP AZ W L SV ERA G IP H R ER BB KO HR
2/17/1982 04/04 to 06/12  AA 0 2 14 2.59 28 31.1 29 17 9 13 28 1
F/A Signee 2002 06/17 to 09/01  AAA 3 1 12 2.81 32 32 24 12 10 18 32 0
BA Team Rank 8
BA Position Rank 2
Background: Along with Sergio Santos, Bruney is one of few high school draftees who have panned out for the Diamondbacks, who are increasingly leaning toward college selections. A full-time closer for the first time in 2003, he responded with 26 saves. In November, he allowed the ninth-inning homer to Mexico's Luis Garcia that eliminated Team USA from the 2004 Olympics.
Strengths: Bruney's fastball and slider are plus offerings. He can put three digits on radar guns but gets better command when he throws 95-96 mph. His slider took longer to develop, but El Paso pitching coach Claude Osteen helped him turn it into a hard, 85-86 mph breaker last April. Bruney also has the perfect mentality for a closer, a burning desire to take the ball and a short memory.
Weaknesses: Bruney is a reliever because there's effort in his compact delivery and he has just a passable feel for his changeup. He throws it mainly against lefties, and it moves away from them. He's working to hold runners better.
The Future: Bruney should earn a role in Arizona's bullpen in 2004, possibly in the eighth inning. Among their relievers, he's the best suited to be the long-term closer.
Cabrera, Fernando RHP CLE W L SV ERA G IP H R ER BB KO HR
11/16/1981 04/08 to 08/30 AA 9 4 5 2.97 36 109.0 96 41 36 40 115 8
via Trade
BA Team Rank 5
Background: After being used almost exclusively as a starter in his first 31/2 years in the organization, Cabrera moved to the bullpen in late June last year. He finished the season as Akron’s closer, converting his last five regular-season save opportunities and turning in three scoreless outings in the playoffs.
Strengths: Cabrera throws an overpowering 92-96 mph fastball and a splitter that’s an effective No. 2 pitch. His stuff and his temperament are suited for a late-inning role. His fastball command improved in 2003.
Weaknesses: Cabrera needs to make hitters more aware of his splitter, which would make his fastball more effective. His slider and changeup lag behind his main two pitches, though he won’t need them as much in relief. He must improve his fielding and ability to control the running game after giving up 27 steals in 31 attempts (87 percent) last year.
The Future: Cabrera will begin 2004 in Triple-A. He’ll reach Cleveland after he shows command of more than his fastball. The Indians don’t have an obvious closer on their current roster, and Cabrera could fill that role in time.
Q:  Kris from Burlington asks:
Is it feasible to see Cabera in a set up role this year? Who is the closer in 2006 Riske or Cabera? Thanks
 A:  Jim Ingraham: Yes. Cabrera will compete for a bullpen spot on the big league club in spring training. It's not out of the question that he could be the closer even as early as 2005.
Cash, Kevin C TOR AVG G AB R H RBI 2B 3B HR BB SO SB CS
1/14/1984 04/03 to 08/30 AA 0.308 125 496 83 153 57 30 10 6 17 54 32 9
F/A Signee 2/16/04
BA Team Rank 8
BA Position Rank 11
Background: Former scouting director Donny Rowland and international supervisor Clay Daniel made several return visits to the Dominican to evaluate Aybar. The younger brother of Dodgers third-base prospect Willy Aybar, Erick lowered his asking price from $250,000 and signed for $100,000. He and Alberto Callaspo have formed all-star double-play combinations in the Pioneer and Midwest leagues the last two years.
Strengths: One scout coined Aybar and Callaspo “Hoover and Oreck,” because they vacuum up everything. Aybar is flashier with natural shortstop actions and has a strong and accurate arm. He also runs a tick faster, has more thump in his bat and drives the ball more consistently.
Weaknesses: Aybar doesn’t exhibit the same type of bat control as Callaspo and tends to be more of a free swinger. He has the tools for shortstop, though some scouts are concerned about his size and project him as more of a utilityman down the road.
The Future: Aybar and Callaspo will take their highlight-reel show to high Class A in 2004. Callaspo eventually will face strong competition from within the system in Brandon Wood.
Q:  Jeff Sullivan from Belchertown MA asks: Are the jays still high on C Kevin Cash?
 A:  John Manuel: I think so, but 2003 has revealed that the most likely scenario is Cash as a 40-games-a-year backup to Quiroz long-term. Cash's ceiling is .260.320.400 or .450. He has never been a great hitter; as a junior at Fla. State, he hit .317-14-58, and the bats were just getting tuned down that year. He'd be in a lot of Top 10s for other organizations, though. The Jays are very, very solid 1-22 or so.
Cate, Troy LHP SEA W L SV ERA G IP H R ER BB KO HR
10/21/1980 04/03 to 08/29 A 9 11 0 4.11 27 160.0 165 79 37 37 153 10
2002 Draftee 05/30 to 05/30 AAA 1 0 0 1.69 1 5.1 4 3 1 2 6 2
BA Team Rank 26
 
Capellan, Jose RHP ATL W L SV ERA G IP H R ER BB KO HR
8/20/1985 04/09 to 09/01 A 1 2 0 3.8 14 47.1 43 23 20 19 32 2
F/A Signee 2004 06/19 to 07/09 R 0 1 0 2.65 5 17 18 7 5 8 17 0
BA Team Rank 11
 
Fritz, Ben RHP OAK W L SV ERA G IP H R ER BB KO HR
3/29/1981 04/03 to 07/01 A 4 7 0 4.91 15 77.0 83 49 42 34 77 3
2002 Draftee
BA Team Rank 17
Q:  Bren from Boston asks:
What do you think about pitchers Shane Komine and ben Fritz? Where would they fit in the organization ? 11-15? 16-20?21-30? Lower? Also, what about former Oakland property Bill Murphy, where would he have fit in oakland's system? Where would he be ranked in Florida? Thanks for taking the time for the chat!
 A:  Casey Tefertiller: Bren, Already answered on Komine, but Fritz is interesting. He had a year of real ups and downs, and when he was up, he was almost unhittable. He is in about the middle of the top 30, and some expect him to emerge as a closer-type at some point in the future. Minor injuries really hampered him this year. Murphy would have been in the top 10. No idea where he fits for Fla. Ask Jim Callis when he does his next chat.
Galvez, Gary LHP BOS W L SV ERA G IP H R ER BB KO HR
3/24/1984 04/03 to 07/01 DSL 6 3 0 1.64 14 71.0 66 26 13 10 65 n/a
2002 Draftee
BA Team Rank 21
 
Q:  Kevin from Springfield,MA asks:
Will Gary Galvez get his visa problems be squared away this year, and where do you see him playing, GCL, Augusta? 
 A:  Jim Callis: It's my understanding that his visa problems are cleared up. He'll be 20 this spring and probably will wind up at Augusta.
Gomes, Jonny OF TB AVG G AB R H RBI 2B 3B HR BB SO SB CS
11/22/1980 04/03 to 08/25 AA 0.249 120 442 68 110 56 28 3 17 53 148 23 2
F/A Signee 2002 08/26 to 09/01 AAA 0.316 5 19 2 6 1 2 1 0 2 5 0 0
BA Team Rank 10
Background: After suffering a mild heart attack in December 2002, Gomes recovered to make his big league debut last September, doubling off David Wells in his first at-bat. He tied for second in the system with 17 homers and continued to slug in the Arizona Fall League, where he nearly earned a spot on the U.S. Olympic qualifying team. His brother Joey is also a power-hitting outfielder in the Rays organization.
Strengths: An aggressive hitter, Gomes hits the ball with authority. He has plus power from left field to right-center. He runs well in the outfield and on the bases.
Weaknesses: Gomes must continue to refine his approach in order to make more consistent contact. His defense is rough, but it’s not from a lack of effort. If he played football, Gomes would be described as having a non-stop motor. His arm strength will keep him in left field.
The Future: Gomes’ strong AFL showing will help his chances of sticking in the big leagues in 2004. He may need time in Triple-A, but he could crack the Tampa Bay lineup as a DH at some point this year.
Hannaman, Ryan LHP BAL W L SV ERA G IP H R ER BB KO HR
8/28/1981 04/03 to 06/12 A 4 4 0 4.71 13 63.0 66 41 33 32 77 7
F/A Signee 2004 07/14 to 07/23 R 1 1 0 4.38 4 12.1 8 6 6 7 14 0
BA Team Rank 11 08/08 to 08/29 A 1 3 0 3.79 5 19.0 14 9 8 17 22 2
 
Hannaman came to the Orioles from the Giants as part of the Sidney Ponson swap. A strong season in the Sally League in 2002 garnered him some attention, and last season he looked good while splitting time between the Cal and Carolina Leagues. He has great strikeout potential, but he needs to improve his control and do a better job of preventing homers. He's a project for the O's, but he does have potential. ETA: 2005.
Hawk, Shane LHP NYM W L SV ERA G IP H R ER BB KO HR
9/10/1981 06/27 to 08/22 A 0 0 0 0.00 6 12.2 6 1 0 4 12 0
2003 Draftee
 
Hawksworth, Blake RHP STL W L SV ERA G IP H R ER BB KO HR
3/1/1983 04/04 to 06/25 LA 5 1 0 2.30 10 54.2 37 16 14 12 57 0
F/A Signee 2003 06/30 to 07/27 HA 1 3 0 3.94 6 32.0 28 14 14 11 32 2
BA Team Rank 1
BA Top 100 92
Background: He pitched just 87 innings in his first full professional season because of persistent ankle problems, but Hawksworth established himself as the organization’s brightest light. He was a prominent prospect at a Washington high school but fell to St. Louis in the 28th round in 2001 because of a perceived strong commitment to Cal State Fullerton. At the last minute, though, he decided to enroll at nearby Bellevue (Wash.) CC, so the Cardinals retained his rights. They signed him the next May as a draft-and-follow for $1.475 million, making up for their lack of a first- or second-round pick that year. Hawksworth earned a promotion to high Class A Palm Beach last year after just 10 starts at low Class A Peoria, still enough to rank him as the Midwest League’s top pitching prospect. He had a small spur in his ankle that bothered him all season and limited his running. He tried to pitch through it and did for the most part, but the Cardinals finally decided to shut him down at the end of July so he could have the spur removed. He should be at full strength for spring training.
Strengths: Hawksworth has the highest ceiling of any St. Louis pitching prospect since Rick Ankiel. His fastball usually ranges from 90-92 mph, but it was clocked at 96 in the seventh inning of one start. He could pitch at 92-94 consistently as he fills out, and he has started pitching off his fastball consistently after relying too much on his offspeed stuff as an amateur. Both his curveball and changeup are potential above-average pitches. His curve has good rotation and his changeup has good fade. Hawksworth also has a good approach to pitching and admirable toughness. He makes pitches when he needs to, and when he gets ahead of hitters he puts them away.
Weaknesses: Fastball command is Hawksworth’s biggest need, as it lags behind his control of the curve and changeup. Again, that’s a function of his younger days, when he dominated hitters with his offspeed stuff and used his fastball sparingly. He can pitch to all four quadrants of the strike zone but doesn’t always do so consistently. In part that’s because, while his mechanics are smooth, his release point varies. Hawksworth needs to pitch a full season, not only to prove he’s healthy but also to soak up the experience that only innings can bring.
The Future: Because the ankle injury slowed him down, Hawksworth could return to Palm Beach to start the 2004 season. But he’ll likely spend a good portion of the season in Double-A Tennessee. One Midwest League manager said Hawksworth would be in St. Louis in no more than two years, and that’s not an unreasonable prediction. He projects as a front-of-the-rotation starter in an organization that desperately needs pitching help.
Q:  Kris Arthur from Downers Grove, IL asks: What chance does Hawkesworth have to make the Cardinals' rotation this year? In two to three years what kind of starter do you think he could be? #1 or #5 or something in-between? Thanks!
 A:  Will Lingo: I think it would be a stretch to think he'll be in St. Louis in 2004, but he should move quickly and if injuries strike as usual and he performs well in Double-A, who knows? More likely, though, you should look for him sometime in 2005. It's tough to place the No. 1 tag on anybody, because there are so few true No. 1 starters. And Hawksworth hasn't pitched above Class A yet. So while that's a possibility for him, let's just say front of the rotation for now. He's certainly closer to No. 1 than No. 5, though.
 Q:  Nick from NY asks: Blake Hawksworth has really moved up quite a bit in the past year. How would you rank him with other top pitching prospects like Angel Guzman, Greg Miller, Jeff Allison and Clint Everts? Thanks.
 A:  Will Lingo: I think he's a legitimate premium pitching prospect. I would rank him in the middle of that group (, but aside from a particular order I would just say that in an organization that's very thin on impact players, Hawksworth does have that potential.

Hawksworth can hit 95 mph, though 91-93 is more usual. Scouts say his curveball and changeup are above average, and he throws strikes. On the stat side, his K/BB and K/IP rates are both very solid, and I don't see anything in his numbers to make me think the scouting reports are inaccurate or exaggerated. He looks like a solid Grade B+ prospect to me, and if he comes out with quick success in 2004, that would go up to A- very rapidly. He could be a No. 1 or 2 starter eventually, and is a major overlooked prospect. - Sickels
James, Chuck LHP ATL
1/1/1983
2002 Draftee W L SV ERA G IP H R ER BB KO HR
BA Team Rank 23 06/17 to 08/18 R 2 1 0 1.25 11 50.1 26 9 7 19 68 1
 
Komine, Shane RHP OAK W L SV ERA G IP H R ER BB KO HR
10/18/1980 04/06 to 05/14 A 6 0 0 1.82 8 54.1 45 12 11 9 50 1
Via Trade 05/19 to 08/25 AA 4 6 0 3.75 19 103.1 108 51 43 30 75 6
BA Team Rank 23
Q:  Trent from Oaktown' asks:
RHP Shane Komine has done nothing but succeed in College at Nebraska and again last year with Kane County and Double-A Midland. How come this guy gets no respect? Where does this guy rank amongst our top 30 Prospects? Can we expect him to take Jim Mecir’s bullpen spot after the end of the 2004 season? 
 A:  Casey Tefertiller: Shane, Because he stands only 5-9, Komine will have to continually prove himself at every level before anyone believes he can be a quality major-leaguer. This is the curse of the short pitcher. However, Jeff Brantly had a darned good career, and he is about the same height. It is hard to project when he will reach the majors, since he will have to convince at each level. He ranks in the lower third of the A's top 30, but he is one of the reasons the A's system is so unconventional this year. He could emerge as something special in the future.
Linden, Todd OF SF AVG G AB R H RBI 2B 3B HR BB SO SB CS
6/30/1980 04/03 to 08/16 AAA 0.278 125 471 75 131 56 24 3 11 40 105 14 4
F/A Signee 2002
BA Team Rank 5
Background: Linden was the Pacific-10 Conference batting champion and the Cape Cod League’s top prospect in 2000, then led Louisiana State in home runs after transferring in 2001. He has moved rapidly through the system since signing late in 2001, when he negotiated his own signing bonus after a needlessly protracted holdout.
Strengths: Linden has good raw power and projects to hit 30 homers in the major leagues. He generally holds his own against lefthanded pitching. Though he’s a bit bulkier than when he signed, he still has good athletic ability, runs well for his size and has an average throwing arm.
Weaknesses: One club official summed up Linden’s offensive plan thusly: “He swings very hard in case he hits it.” That wild approach was exploited by Triple-A pitchers. His high leg- kick swing can get out of sync in a hurry, leading to slumps and strikeouts.
The Future: The free-agent signing of Michael Tucker and the re-signing of Jeffrey Hammonds throw two more obstacles in Linden’s way to San Francisco. He’ll likely return to Triple-A Fresno for 2004.
Q:  Cory from Toronto, Canada asks: Todd Linden. Real deal? It's been a while it seems since the Giants developed a homegrown bat. Thanks.
 A:  John Manuel: It has been a decade since the Giants drafted and signed a position player who became an everday big league regular--1993, Chris Singleton and Bill Mueller were both drafted that year. So yes, it has been a long time. Linden could end that drought, but it's not certain. He needs to tone down his swing (which gets out of kilter) but still maintain his power. He did the former but not the latter for most of 2003. 
Lo, Ching-Lung LHP COL W L SV ERA G IP H R ER BB KO HR
8/20/1985 06/18 to 09/02 A 3 7 0 2.85 14 75.2 66 27 24 27 48 1
F/A Signee 2003
BA Team Rank 10
Background: Lo signed for $1.4 million out of Taiwan’s Koio Yuan High, the same school that produced Chin-Hui Tsao. Lo tied for the short-season Northwest League in losses in 2003, but his 10th-place finish in ERA is more telling of how well he pitched. The Taiwanese national team hoped to use Lo in the Asian Games, but the Rockies denied permission so they could limit his workload.
Strengths: Lo enters his third pro season at 18 and he already throws an 89-90 mph sinker. He can turn his velocity up in key situations and should add more as he fills out his upper body. He has improved his changeup in his two seasons in the United States. He also has the mental toughness to battle through mistakes and adversity.
Weaknesses: Lo’s slider is inconsistent, though it shows flashes of being a plus pitch. He needs to throw it more often in order to improve it. As with many tall, thin athletes, he can look awkward and have difficulty repeating his delivery at times.
The Future: The Rockies won’t rush Lo as they let him build up strength. Headed to Asheville for his first year of full-season ball, he may not get to Colorado until late 2007.
Machado, Anderson SS PHI AVG G AB R H RBI 2B 3B HR BB SO SB CS
1/25/1981 04/03 to 09/01 AA 0.196 123 423 80 83 20 19 4 5 108 120 49 15
F/A Signee 2004
BA Team Rank 11
 
McPherson, Dallas 3B ANA AVG G AB R H RBI 2B 3B HR BB SO SB CS
1/25/1981 07/31 to 08/30 AA 0.314 28 102 22 32 27 9 1 5 19 25 4 0
Via Trade 04/30 to 07/30 A 0.308 77 292 65 90 59 21 6 18 41 79 12 6
BA Team Rank 3
BA Position Rank 3
BA Top 100 33
Background: It would be foolish to doubt the mettle of McPherson. Last season, he shot himself in a finger with a BB gun and didn’t skip a day. After returning from a bulging disc that sidelined him for most of April, he ripped nine home runs in 14 games, highlighted by a double and home run against a rehabbing Randy Johnson. When Johnson beaned him in his third trip to the plate, McPherson stared him down and then stole second.
Strengths: McPherson generates explosive power with good bat speed and natural loft. His ability to adjust has helped him become a more complete hitter. While improving his plate discipline, he has worked his way into hitter’s counts and anticipated offspeed stuff better. He has a plus arm.
Weaknesses: McPherson’s glove lags behind his bat, though he works on his defense as much as anyone in the system. He cut down on his errors last year thanks to improved footwork and accuracy.
The Future: Given the strides McPherson has made to become adequate at third base, talk of moving him to right field has died down. He could make Troy Glaus expendable with another monster year.
Munoz, Arnaldo LHP CWS W L SV ERA G IP H R ER BB KO HR
6/21/1982 04/06 to 09/01 AAA 4 3 6 4.75 49 55.0 52 29 35 27 63 n/a
F/A Signee 2004
BA Team Rank 10
Background: Munoz was pitcher of the year in the Dominican League after the 2002 season, and he paid for it. He barely had any time off before spring training, and his snapdragon curveball didn’t have its usual bite as he failed to impress in big league camp and started slowly in Triple-A.
Strengths: When it’s on, Munoz’ curveball is one of the best in the minors. He uses tremendous arm speed to get the same violent break as Barry Zito. Munoz’ fastball can touch 90 mph. Those two pitches account for his 10.9 strikeouts per nine innings as a pro and make him a scourge on lefthanders, who hit just .128 against him last year. He’s poised and controls the running game.
Weaknesses: Munoz continues working on his changeup and slider. He needs something more to get righties out after they torched him for a .339 average in 2003. The White Sox haven’t given him a chance to start because he’s a maximum-effort pitcher who wears down after one trip through the lineup.
The Future: The Sox appear set with lefties Damaso Marte and Kelly Wunsch in their bullpen, but Munoz has intriguing talent. He figures to arrive in Chicago sometime in 2004 and has Eddie Guardado potential.
Murphy, Bill LHP FLA W L SV ERA G IP H R ER BB KO HR
5/9/1981 04/06 to 06/15 A 7 4 0 2.25 14 92.0 61 27 23 32 87 5
Via Trade 06/20 to 08/29 AA 3 3 0 4.09 11 55.0 44 25 25 26 34 4
BA Team Rank 7
Q:  Bren from Boston asks:
What do you think about pitchers Shane Komine and ben Fritz? Where would they fit in the organization ? 11-15? 16-20?21-30? Lower? Also, what about former Oakland property Bill Murphy, where would he have fit in oakland's system? Where would he be ranked in Florida? Thanks for taking the time for the chat!
 A:  Casey Tefertiller: Bren, Already answered on Komine, but Fritz is interesting. He had a year of real ups and downs, and when he was up, he was almost unhittable. He is in about the middle of the top 30, and some expect him to emerge as a closer-type at some point in the future. Minor injuries really hampered him this year. Murphy would have been in the top 10. No idea where he fits for Fla. Ask Jim Callis when he does his next chat.
Nivar, Ramon CF TEX AVG G AB R H RBI 2B 3B HR BB SO SB CS
1/25/1981 04/03 to 07/01 AA 0.347 79 317 53 110 37 17 4 4 20 23 9 9
Via Trade 07/02 to 07/29 AAA 0.337 23 89 11 30 12 2 2 2 5 5 6 1
BA Team Rank 3
BA Position Rank 15
 
Nix, Jayson 2B COL AVG G AB R H RBI 2B 3B HR BB SO SB CS
8/26/1982 04/03 to 07/01 AA 0.347 79 317 53 110 37 17 4 4 20 23 9 9
F/A Signee 2003 07/02 to 07/29 AAA 0.337 23 89 11 30 12 2 2 2 5 5 6 1
BA Team Rank 5
BA Position Rank 3
BA Top 100 94
Background: The brother of Rangers outfielder Laynce Nix, Jayson was a star shortstop/righthander in high school. He was moved to second base in instructional league following his 2001 pro debut, and adapted well enough that talk about a possible conversion to catcher was tabled. He tied for the minor league lead with 46 doubles in 2003.
Strengths: Able to drive pitches into either gap, Nix has plus power potential for a middle infielder. He has an excellent sense of how to play the game and is able to make adjustments. He shows leadership and is never intimidated. He’ll be known as an offensive player, but his range and speed at second base are solid average and he has a strong arm.
Weaknesses: Nix swings and misses more than he should when he gets too pull-conscious. He’s still learning the nuances of positioning himself at second base.
The Future: Nix hit in the first three spots in the Visalia lineup and will be best suited for hitting second or third in the majors. He’ll move up to Double-A in 2004 and should be in the big leagues to stay the following year.
Q:  Michael from Loveland asks: Will the Rockies be able to enter the FA market in 2005? Jose Vidro seems like the perfect second baseman for Coors Field. 
 A:  Tracy Ringolsby: The rockies payroll constraints will limit them this winter as well as next. Don't look for the Rockies to make a major investment in a second baseman on the free agent market two years from now. Jayson Nix should be ready and will be an impact middle infielder.
Q:  Cubman234 from Palatine, IL asks: would of any the rockie prospects fit in the cubs top 10?
A:  Tracy Ringolsby: The Rockeis top five prospects would be in the top 10 of any of the 30 organziations -- Tsao, Stewart, Francis, Jimenez and Nix.
Palmisano, Lou C MIL AVG G AB R H RBI 2B 3B HR BB SO SB CS
9/16/1982 2003 R 0.391 47 174 32 68 43 13 2 6 18 29 13 n/a
2003 Draftee
BA Team Rank 10
BA Position Rank 10
Background: Palmisano hurt his shoulder in 2002 and required surgery, but bounced back with a solid year in junior college that had some scouts calling him the best catcher in the draft. In desperate need of help behind the plate, the Brewers happily snapped him up in the third round. He earned MVP honors in the Rookie-level Pioneer League, leading the circuit in batting, on-base percentage and slugging. The only negative was that he broke his left ankle trying to bust up a double play.
Strengths: Palmisano is athletic behind the plate, with good quickness, soft hands and a strong arm. He also calls a good game and is a take-charge guy. At the plate, he has a quick bat and power to all fields. He runs well for a catcher.
Weaknesses: Palmisano arrived at the Brewers’ rookie camp with a definite hitch in his swing, and pitchers were able to exploit it. He made adjustments and the glitch wasn’t as noticeable. Sometimes he’s too aggressive for his own good, chasing high fastballs.
The Future: Palmisano will be put on a fast track. His aggressive nature and leadership skills should serve him well as he moves toward the big leagues. He should see high Class A at some point in 2004.
Q:  Michael Stern from Rochester N.Y. asks: Do you see Palmisano as a major league stud? His numbers this year were outstanding. Shouldn't he have been rated higher than # 10?
 A:  Tom Haudricourt: The Brewers really like Palmisano, on and off the field. He was MVP of the Pioneer League despite missing the last 3-4 weeks with a broken ankle, which tells you something. But ranking him higher than 10th would be tough, considering he's just getting started. All nine guys ahead of him have a better pedigree at this point. But Palmisano plays the right position in the Brewers' system to move fast.
Ray, Chris RHP BAL W L SV ERA G IP H R ER BB KO HR
5/9/1981 07/22 to 09/01 R 2 0 0 2.82 9 38.1 32 15 12 10 44 0
2003 Draft
BA Team Rank 13
 
Reed, Jeremy OF CWS AVG G AB R H RBI 2B 3B HR BB SO SB CS
6/15/1981 04/04 to 06/14 A 0.333 65 222 37 74 52 18 1 4 41 17 27 6
Via Trade 06/20 to 09/01 AA 0.409 66 242 51 99 43 17 3 7 29 19 18 13
BA Team Rank 1
BA Position Rank 4
BA Top 100 25
Background: Jeremy Reed was drafted in the second round in 2002, out of Long Beach State, where he hit .339 with 19 steals as a junior, winding up a successful college career. He'd led Team USA with a .366 average as a sophomore in '01. Reed continued hitting for average with the wooden bat, knocking Sally League pitching to the tune of a .319 average after signing. He has maintained his torrid pace in 2003. Promoted to Double-A two weeks ago, he is on fire at Birmingham, and must be considered one of the top overall offensive prospects in the game right now.
Scouting report: Reed is a classic left-handed hitter with a short stroke. He reads breaking balls well, but is also capable of driving a fastball. He can pull to the right-field gap, or hit to the opposite field as needed. Although he isn't a big player, he generates plus bat speed with his quick wrists, resulting in plenty of doubles. He isn't likely to become a big home run hitter, but should do just about everything else. Reed's strike-zone judgment has been very good, with a low strikeout rate, and plenty of walks this year to go with his high batting average. Although Reed's running speed is "just" above average, he is aggressive and refined on the bases, and should continue to steal at higher levels. He played first base in college, but has more than enough speed for the outfield, where he's played as a pro. His arm is average but accurate. He has split time between right field and center field this year, but I think he has enough range to play center.
Performance: Reed has been terrific as a pro, and his fast start in Double-A is certainly a good sign. Note the increase in his walks and decrease in his strikeouts between his '02 pro debut and this year. Obviously, we need to see what he does the rest of the year in Double-A before we know exactly how he projects, but there's little reason to think he will struggle. Reed's main weakness is against lefties: he hit .256 with little power against them at Winston-Salem, vs. .352 with lots of pop against right-handers. Solving southpaws will have to be on his agenda.
Health record: Reed has had no significant injury problems.
What to expect: The White Sox wanted Joe Borchard to be the Center Fielder of the Future, but he has struggled with contact against advanced pitching, and his prospect star may be setting. Reed hasn't gotten much attention yet, but he is poised to be the Center Fielder of the Future for the Sox if someone else doesn't seize the job soon. His speed and batting average ability are very intriguing, and if he maintains his strike-zone judgment, he will be a force to be reckoned with.
Upton, B.J. TB CWS AVG G AB R H RBI 2B 3B HR BB SO SB CS
8/21/1984 04/03 to 07/31 A 0.302 101 384 70 116 46 22 6 7 57 80 38 17
Via Trade 08/02 to 09/01 AA 0.276 29 105 14 29 16 8 0 1 16 25 2 4
BA Team Rank 1
BA Position Rank 1
BA Top 100 2
Background: The No. 2 overall pick in the 2002 draft, Upton may not even end up as the highest-drafted player in his family. Younger brother Justin, a high school junior, is a candidate to go first in the 2005 draft. By then, B.J. likely will be starting for the Devil Rays at shortstop—at age 20. After signing for a $4.6 million bonus in September 2002, Upton made his pro debut last year at low Class A Charleston. After looking overmatched in April, Upton made adjustments and hit .411 in July to earn a two-step promotion to Double-A Orlando. He showed the Devil Rays everything they could have hoped for and was named the top prospect in the low Class A South Atlantic League as well as the Arizona Fall League. You could make a case for Upton as the top prospect in the minor leagues.
Strengths: Upton is one of the few players who truly possesses five plus tools. His arm strength and speed grade close to 80 on the 20-80 scouting scale, and his bat speed is easily a 70. He’s a poised hitter with an excellent idea of what he wants to accomplish at the plate, and he’s capable of driving the ball to all fields. He showed the ability to work counts, even after his jump to Double-A, drawing an organization-high 73 walks. Considering his wiry frame, he has surprising raw power. Upton has enough pop to eventually hit 30 homers on an annual basis. Within the organization, only blazer Joey Gathright can top his baserunning talents. Defensively, Upton’s range and quickness are unparalleled, and his footwork is outstanding. He’s aggressive in the field and on the basepaths, and considers virtually any ball he can reach to be an out.
Weaknesses: Upton led the minors with 56 errors. Many came when he either sat back too long on grounders or tried to make difficult plays with his cannon arm. He worked on his footwork and double-play feeds to the second baseman in the AFL. By charging more balls, Upton should improve his defense and become an all-around star. The only other thing he needs is experience. Upton should continue to improve because of his athleticism and work ethic.
The Future: Upton is cruising along the fast track to the majors. The Rays have been looking for a cornerstone shortstop since day one—remember when they traded Bobby Abreu for Kevin Stocker?—and haven’t found one. Their wait should end in the near future with Upton. Tampa Bay hasn’t been shy about giving such players as Carl Crawford and Rocco Baldelli jobs in the big leagues before they were completely ready, and that could be the case with Upton as well. Unless he struggles at Double-A or Triple-A Durham, he should make his debut at Tropicana Field at some point in 2004. It’s not unrealistic to pencil him in as the Rays’ starting shortstop on Opening Day 2005.
VanBenschoten, John RHP PIT W L SV ERA G IP H R ER BB KO HR
4/14/1980 04/04 to 05/20 A 6 0 0 2.22 9 48.2 33 14 12 18 49 1
Via Trade 05/25 to 08/31 AA 7 6 0 3.69 17 90.1 95 46 37 34 78 5
BA Team Rank 1
BA Position Rank 10
BA Top 100 38
Background: Former Pirates scouting director Mickey White, always an unorthodox sort, stunned the scouting community in 2001 when he drafted VanBenschoten in the first round as a pitcher. While VanBenschoten was at Kent State, he also led NCAA Division I with 31 homers that spring and most teams saw him as a prototypical right fielder. He has certainly justified White’s decision, however. VanBenschoten has gone 24-12, 3.02 in 62 pro starts and was a standout in the 2003 Futures Game. He also pitched for Team USA in the Olympic qualifying tournament, delivering three scoreless innings in a quarterfinal loss to Mexico. VanBenschoten went 26 consecutive starts at one point without losing: his last eight at low Class A Hickory in 2002, then all nine at high Class A Lynchburg and his first nine at Double-A Altoona in 2003. The Pirates used VanBenschoten as both a pitcher and DH in his debut season with short-season Williamsport in 2001, but he has stayed strictly on the mound the last two years. He showed he still had his hitting stroke this season by going 4-for-12 (.333) with two doubles for Altoona.
Strengths: VanBenschoten has the makings of four average to plus pitches, the best of which is a 90-93 mph fastball that reaches 95 and has good movement down in the strike zone. His curveball is an above-average offering that he consistently throws for strikes. His slider and changeup continue to get better. VanBenschoten is athletic, which allows him to repeat his delivery and help himself in the field. In fact, his fluid mechanics make his heater look even faster. He’s free-spirited with a terrific sense of humor, and he rarely gets rattled him on the mound. He’s confident without being cocky.
Weaknesses: VanBenschoten tired late in 2003, losing five straight decisions in the second half and getting knocked out in the first inning of his only playoff start against eventual Eastern League champion Akron. The Pirates say his stamina won’t be a long-term problem and had no problem letting him pitch in the Olympic qualifying tourney. VanBenschoten has yet to gain full confidence in his changeup, a pitch he’ll need to succeed in the majors. He’s vulnerable when he leaves his pitches up in the strike zone. He still needs more experience pitching against high-caliber competition after concentrating on hitting in college.
The Future: After making great strides in his three pro seasons despite his inexperience, VanBenschoten looks like he can be a frontline pitcher in Pittsburgh’s rotation. He has adapted to each level of the minors and likely will spend all of 2004 at Triple-A Nashville before getting a September callup. He should join the Pirates for good in 2005.
Zink, Charlie RHP BOS W L SV ERA G IP H R ER BB KO HR
8/26/1979 04/14 to 08/06 A 7 9 0 3.90 24 136.0 123 69 59 64 94 10
Via Trade 08/01 to 08/30 AA 3 2 0 3.43 6 39.1 21 16 15 14 18 1
BA Team Rank 17
Rob Neyer's Charlie Zink Article
Q:  Rob Lamoureux from Greenwich, CT asks:
Thanks for the list and the Sox update...I wondered where Charlie Zink ranked in your estimation? Do you consider him less "projectable" (if that's a word) because he's a knuckleballer?
 A:  Jim Callis: Zink will be in the middle of the 11-20 range in the Prospect Handbook. We use "projectable" all the time, so it must be a word. Knuckleballers aren't projectable, per se, becasue they're not going to get bigger and stronger and throw harder. Zink is a wild card. It's hard to rank him or even compare him to someone else because there aren't many knuckleballs. Boston minor league pitching coordinator Goose Gregson told me that when he was with the Dodgers years ago, Charlie Hough told him that if he ever saw a knuckleballer who was starting out and could throw one quality knuckler out of 10 to stick with him, because it takes a while to master, and 1-of-10 indicates some potential. About 30 percent of Zink's knuckleballs were effective in 2003, his first year as a full-time knuckleballer, so the Red Sox are very encouraged by him.
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