Sunday, July 27, 2008

World Alexander Top 20 Prospects

The top 20 players in World Alexander without ML experience (based on my $14 million advanced scouting):

20.
Hector Beltran
New York
Juicers
Age: 21B/T: R/R
Born: Caripito, VE
Position(s): SS
View Hardball Dynasty Profile


Hector Beltran was signed in season 5 as an international free agent for $15 million. Projects to have solid defense as well as a big bat for the rebuilding Juicers.

19.
Malcolm Young
Richmond
Revolution
Age: 19B/T: R/R
Born: Laguna Hills, CA
Position(s): 1B/COF/DH
View Hardball Dynasty Profile


Malcolm Young is a borderline player on defense, but this 19-year old former 1st-round draft pick wields a big bat for the Revolution, with power against both lefties and righties along with 100 speed.

18.
Chuck Helling
St. Louis
Arch Angels
Age: 21B/T: L/L
Born: Houston, TX
Position(s): 1B/DH
View Hardball Dynasty Profile


Chuck Helling is another defensively challenged player who can flat out hit the ball. Another former 1st-round pick, Helling will crush righties while still doing a respectable job against lefties for the Arch Angels for years to come.

17.
Alex Pulido
Honolulu
Tsunami
Age: 22B/T: R/R
Born: Rio San Juan, DO
Position(s): SS/IF/OF/DH
View Hardball Dynasty Profile


Alex Pulido is one of a batch of talented youngsters coming up for the Tsunami. Pulido signed a $21 million contract out of the Dominican Republic, and he boasts great speed and defense along with the ability to hit for average and power.

16.
Donne Higginson
Santa Fe
Inferno
Age: 22B/T: L/L
Born: Forney, TX
Position(s): 1B
View Hardball Dynasty Profile


Donne Higginson is another player whose defensive ratings leave him without a real home on the diamond, but his offensive ratings make him right at home at the plate. Higginson was a steal by the Inferno in the season 8 draft, slipping to 26th.

15.
Alfredo Gonzalez
Helena
Loggers
Age: 21B/T: R/R
Born: Fantino, DO
Position(s): P (SP1)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile


Alfredo Gonzalez was another international free agent out of the Dominican Republic, signing in season 6 with the Loggers for $12.5 million. He boasts solid stamina, splits, control, and velocity, along with really cool shades.

14.
Bo Champion
Philadelphia
Wild Cats
Age: 21B/T: R/R
Born: Skokie, IL
Position(s): P (SP1)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile


Bo Champion was picked 3rd overall by the Wild Cats in the season 7 draft, and projects as a top-of-the-rotation pitcher for them for years to come. Excellent velocity along with 3 "plus" pitches will make him a nightmare for hitters when he hits the big leagues.

13.
Wes Rigby
Augusta
moose
Age: 21B/T: R/R
Born: Exeter, CA
Position(s): DH/1B
View Hardball Dynasty Profile


Wes Rigby is another 1st-round pick with a poor glove but a great bat. A career .361 hitter in the minors, Rigby will look to continue the hot hitting when he takes over the Augusta moose's DH job in the near future.

12.
Bob Holt
Rochester
Big and Tall
Age: 21B/T: S/R
Born: Waynesboro, MS
Position(s): SS/IF/OF/DH
View Hardball Dynasty Profile


Bob Holt was acquired by the Big and Tall in a trade with the Juicers after being selected 3rd overall in the season 6 draft. He's got a ton of power with the bat and a solid glove at SS to go with it.

11.
Fred Riggs
Augusta
moose
Age: 21B/T: L/L
Born: Oak Bluffs, MA
Position(s): P (SP2)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile


Fred Riggs is another prospect in the Augusta moose minor league system. Originally drafted by the Big and Tall, Riggs was acquired in a season 7 trade. Although his stamina makes him questionable as a starter, his great sinker and slider make him a great candidate for a job closing games.

10.
Jimmy Grimsley
Kansas City
Fresh
Age: 19B/T: S/L
Born: Belt, MT
Position(s): RF
View Hardball Dynasty Profile


Jimmy Grimsley is another former 1st-round pick who should be able to rack up the hits like crazy one day in the big leagues. A career .381 minor league hitter, he will rarely strike out and should hit for his share of extra base hits.

9.
Matty Oliva
Honolulu
Tsunami
Age: 21B/T: S/L
Born: St. Thomas, VI
Position(s): P (SP1)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile


Another Tsunami prospect from outside the US, Matty Oliva signed for more than $25 million in season 8. He should be able to log more than 200 solid innings for more than a decade when he is called up.

8.
Bosco Hyers
Milwaukee
Brewers
Age: 20B/T: R/R
Born: Iaeger, WV
Position(s): 2B/CIF/COF/DH
View Hardball Dynasty Profile


Bosco Hyers has one of the most powerful bats in World Alexander, but he can also hit for average and draw his share of walks, making him a dangerous threat when the Brewers call him up to the big leagues.

7.
Bosco Hyers
Milwaukee
Brewers
Age: 20B/T: R/R
Born: Iaeger, WV
Position(s): 2B/CIF/COF/DH
View Hardball Dynasty Profile


Due to Wayne Hamilton's low durability and his inept defense, he slipped to the 4th round in the season 5 draft, where he was snatched up by the Maulers. He'll most likely be forced to DH in the big leagues, but he'll be a monster at the plate, with great power, a great eye, and the ability to drive the ball against both lefties and righties.

6.
Luis Lopez
Rochester
Big and Tall
Age: 21B/T: R/R
Born: Stockton, CA
Position(s): P (T1A)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile


Luis Lopez is another Big and Tall prospect acquired via trade. If a spotty health history and somewhat low durability don't hinder his production and development, he will be another ace to add to the Big and Tall's staff.


5.
Ivan Alfonzo
Helena
Loggers
Age: 20B/T: R/R
Born: Santa Teresa, VE
Position(s): RF/1B/LF
View Hardball Dynasty Profile


Ivan Alfonzo signed with the Loggers out of Venezuela for over $14 million in season 7. He boasts tremendous power and a great ability to make contact and drive the ball, as well as a great eye and solid defense in the outfield. At only 20 years old, he's ML-ready and could be a record breaker in the future.

4.
Emmanuel Machado
New York
Juicers
Age: 20B/T: R/R
Born: Morgan, UT
Position(s): 2B
View Hardball Dynasty Profile


Emmanuel Machado was the 2nd overall pick in the season 7 draft, taken by the Juicers (formerly the Madison Hops). He's got solid speed, contact, and power, and a tremendous ability to absolutely crush the ball against both righties and lefties. Look for a high slugging percentage from Machado, though not necessarily due to a ton of HR's.

3.
Marco Taylor
Rochester
Big and Tall
Age: 22B/T: L/L
Born: Eloy, AZ
Position(s): 1B
View Hardball Dynasty Profile


Marco Taylor is yet another Big and Tall prospect that ns220 acquired through a trade. Originally drafted 32nd by the Tsunami in season 5, Taylor has been traded twice and now finds himself in the stacked Rochester minor league system. His poor defense would make him a great fit as a DH on an AL club, but his bat will make up for whatever mayhem he creates at 1B. Expect 50+ HR's a year from Taylor for longer than a decade when he gets the call up.

2.
Mateo Rojas
Augusta
moose
Age: 25B/T: L/L
Born: Damascus, VA
Position(s): P (SP1)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile


Mateo Rojas is another great prospect in the moose's minor league system. Already 25 years old, he's still got room to grow. He features a great change up and slider along with a decent curveball and 4-seam fastball to keep hitters off balance.

1.
Will Zoltan
Honolulu
Tsunami
Age: 20B/T: L/L
Born: Warrensburg, MO
Position(s): P (SP2)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile


Will Zoltan earns the title as World Alexander's top prospect due to his absolute pinpoint control, great velocity, and how impossible it is for lefties to make good contact against him. Zoltan and Matty Oliva will be a tough pitching duo to beat when they reach the big leagues for the Tsunami.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Oakland Acorns - Season 9 - "Season's Change - Can The Results?"

Season 9 begins where many seasons do, with hopes. For the Oakland Acorns, hopes begin to move toward respectability. This year Oakland will push several draft picks from seasons 4-5-6 up to the Big League Club. An overhaul of the pitching staff and defensive core will show management if they have what it takes to stay in the show. All of these changes were made with the hope of better showing than in the previous 2 seasons.

Expectations of management are attainable and realistic, 75+ wins. Not a lofty goal by any means however it is something the franchise has only done 3 times. The Acorns are depending upon young pitching and young leaders to develop to take them to the brass ring. Last season, 75 wins would have put the Acorns in the hunt for a division title, a fact that has not been missed by management.

The Acorns GM Pengoman has attempted to keep his draft picks and bring them up aggressively through the system. The last two # 1 draft picks Jeff Fischer and Brandon Watson have been moved to the AA club, along with former 4th round draft pick and FA Pickup Nick Andrews, to be the next wave for the Acorns. While the system is not over flowing with talent, there are a few difference makers who should help bring stability to the Oakland Franchise.


Acorns Top Six Prospects:

# 1 (23) Season 7 - Jeff Fischer (3B) has all of the tools to be a superstar in the Big Leagues. Steady defensively and has the power and patience to be the clean up hitter for years to come. Management will have to resist the temptation to bring him up sooner than they should.

Projected ML debut: Season 11

Jeff Fischer:


# 1 (4) Season 8 – Brandon Watson (SP) is the future of the Acorns Pitching Staff. While averaging better than a strikeout per inning, Watson potential is high and like Fischer will force management to be patient and not rush him through the system.

Projected ML debut: Season 11




# 1 (15) Season 6 – Miguel Rodriguez (SS/CF) could be the Acorns Wild Card. Hits for average with a touch of power, but thus far has been a bit of a defensive liability. 30 errors last season has forced management to move him back to CF. If defensively he can achieve his projections, Rodriguez will find his way to the Big Club, perhaps as a late season 9 call up with a full time position in season 10.

Projected ML debut: Season 10



Acquired Season 8 Trade – Willie Duran (C) could be the next Acorns Field General. The Acorns traded for Duran to provide the young pitching staff someone who could manage a game. Duran can get on base offensively and with a 36.2% Caught Stealing percentage keeps runners honest, Duran will replace Brace Keller at the end of Season 9 if not sooner.

Projected ML debut: Mid-Late Season 9



Unsigned FA Pickup Season 8 – Nick Andrews (C) Picked up in season 8 after being unsigned in season 7, the former 4th round draft pick of the Madison franchise. Andrews has shown a solid bat and is getting his change to prove he can call a game. The Acorns have talented catchers in front of him but will force Louis Sabel and Willie Duran to remain at the top of their games not to allow him a spot in on the Big League Level.

Projected ML debut: Mid-Late Season 11




# 1 (5) Season 5– Torey Gordon (SP) has been the guarded project for the Acorns. Gordon’s ability to strike hitters out while not having a strong 2nd pitch is why Gordon has not been moved up faster. Management wants Gordon to fully develop in the minors before giving him a taste of the show. With an impressive 31-17 minor league record, the numbers show he could be a quality 4th or 5th starter in the Bigs.

Projected ML debut: Season 10

Season 9 Power Poll!

Perennial power Rochester Big and Tall is adding another award to its trophy case.

The three-time Alexander World Series champions, which dominated the Season 8 regular season before falling just short of another title, received five of six first-place votes in the inaugural Alexander Power Poll.

Led by Cy Young winner Jimmy Springer and sluggers Harvey Young, Erubiel Martin and Harry Mateo, the Big and Tall won 120 games in Season 8 and are already off to a strong 5-2 start in Season 9. GM ns220 has four All-Stars in the Big and Tall starting rotation and a returning All-Star at every position except third base. Not even the loss of All-Star right fielder Damian MacFarlane, who landed on the 60-day DL with a herniated disk in his neck, is expected to slow this powerhouse.

The poll’s No. 2 team is the Indianapolis Lancers, the defending World Series winner and champion in three of the last four years. The Lancers, which received the other first-place vote, are led by All-World catcher Rudy Aldridge, the National League MVP in each of the last six seasons. Rounding out the Top 5 are three American League clubs, No. 3 Montgomery Maulers, No. 4 Buffalo Blue and No. 5 Texas Texas Rebels.

The rest of the Top 10 is No. 6 Ottawa Rough Riders, No. 7 Colorado Springs Field Mice, No. 8 Kansas City Fresh, followed by No. 9 Pawtucket Patriots and No. 10 Las Vegas Dreamers.

The Alexander Power Poll committee was psanders84, ns220, danmam, evancavan, zovakozi1 and grissom97. The next Power Poll will be released at approximately the Game 60 mark; all league members are welcome to participate.

The complete poll follows, with club name and total points based on 20 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 20th-place vote.

1. Rochester (119 points)
2. Indianapolis (110)
3. Montgomery (105)
4. Buffalo (91)
5. Texas (80)
6. Ottawa (78)
7. Colorado Springs (77)
8. Kansas City (75)
9. Pawtucket (72)
10. Las Vegas (52)
11. Baltimore (48)
12. Santa Fe (39)
13. Milwaukee (38)
13. New York Break Your Backers (38)
15. Honolulu (35)
16. St. Louis (33)
17. Richmond (27)
18. Jackson (24)
19. Charleston (19)
20. Little Rock (14)
20. San Diego (14)

Also receiving votes: Oakland 11, Augusta 11, Helena 11, Montreal 8, Vancouver 8, Cleveland 6, Iowa City 2, New York Juicers 1

Thursday, July 17, 2008

1.

Pros: Pulido has a solid bat that projects to hit in the middle of the order with solid power. He has the glove to be an average SS, however, the plan is to move him over to 3B or CF where he would be a very good fielder.
Cons: Range limits his value at SS, and batting eye is only average.
ETA: Late season 9, start of Season 10
2.

Pros: Zoltan a LH starting pitcher projects to have plus control and dominate lefties, he should also be above average getting right handers out. He throw 4 pitches, 2 plus (FB, Slider), an average curveball and below average Change. Zoltan should be a front of the rotation starter once he matures.
Cons: The only con is his average durability, however, he has good Stamina and should be able to provide 200 innings a year.
ETA: Late season 10, early season 11
3.

Pros: One of the top international prospects in season 8, Oliva gives the Tsunami another high end lefty starter who already has very good control and projects to dominate lefties. Oliva throws 5 pitches including two plus pitches (curveball, 4 seam fastball). Oliva also projects to be a solid #2 starter.
Cons: The only thing potentially could derail Oliva is his relatively average ability against righties, if he overcomes that he should help round out the rotation for years to come.
ETA: Late season 9, early season 10
4.

Pros: Kaufman projects to be another middle of the order bat at LF with very good power and batters eye.
Cons: Would like his ability to be able to hit righties be a little higher, however, he should be at least above average against righties, while pounding lefties.
ETA: Season 11
5.

Pros: A right handed starting pitcher who projects to fill a #4/#5 spot in the rotation. He shows potential for good control with three plus pitches. And should be better than average getting out both lefties and righties.
Cons: Low stamina
ETA: Season 11
6.

Pros: A right handed starting pitcher who could fill a #5 spot in the rotation, but better served as a long man. Projects to have plus control and above average against righties.
Cons: Only 1 plus pitch and a second average pitch. Not suitable as a starter. Lefties could be a problem
ETA: End Season 10/Season 11
7.

Pros: Ueno is a solid lefty starter who projects to back of the rotation/long man. Projects to have plus control with two above average pitches.
Cons: Age, already at 23 may be hard pressed to reach his potential. Righties could prove to be a problem
ETA: Season 10/11
8.

Pros: Lankford projects to be a solid every day DH. Lankford projects to have decent power and can kill right handed pitching.
Cons: Limited defensively to DH, slightly above average batting eye.
ETA: Season 11/12
9.

Pros: Solid 4th OF on a major league team, with a decent eye.
Cons: lack of power and average ability againt right handed pitching limit him to a part time role.
ETA: Season 10/11
10.

Pros: Solid setup man with good control and very good against right handed hitters.
Cons: Health, average ability against lefties, and lack of a dominate pitch.
ETA: Season 11

Ottawa Top Ten Prospects

The Rough Riders are coming off their third straight playoff appearance with Season 8 ending in a hard fought but disappointing 3-2 series defeat at the hands of Rochester in the divisional round.

With future Hall of Famer and team ace Antoine Day turning 35 and a strong lineup (3rd in the NL in runs scored) filled with hitters in their prime the Rough Riders believe their title window is now. Ottawa gave up their Season 8 first round pick to sign Type A free agent and season seven AL MVP Terry Pratt in an attempt to get over the hump and have also scaled back their international scouting efforts to free up more money for payroll.

Given this win now focus and the graduation of starting pitchers Charles Suzuki and Rookie of the Year Alberto Oliva, the Rough Rider system is a little thin at this point with a handful of future major leaguers but holes in the system in terms of impact bats and both starting and relief pitching. Here are the top ten

1)


Dennis was acquired in a Season 8 trade centered around former number 1 draft pick Luke Lincoln. Duffy shows excellent command with four pitches including an excellent sinker and slider that can generate K's and ground balls and will be especially tough on righties. Questions remain about his ability to get lefties out consistently and his ability to go consistently deep into games. He projects as a number 2 starter with an ETA of season 11

2)


An international bonus baby from Season 6, Belliard projects as an above average gap hitter, especially against lefties, with the ability to take a walk. He's a solid catch-and-throw guy and shows the ability to call a strong game. He's a gamer who will play day-in-day-out although injuries are a bit of a concern. He will start this season in AA, with an ETA of season 11 which is the final year of Terry Pratt's deal

3)


LaRocca was acquired from St Louis in the Garrett Fox deal. LaRocca has elite plate discipline and should be a strong 15 HR/.850 OPS hitter with speed at the big league level. Defense is a bit of a concern, but it looks like he'll be able to play an adequate second base which preserves his value. Health is a concern, and he'll probably need a quasi-platoon. LaRocca will play in AAA this year and could take over at 2B in Season 10 if Norberto Manzanillo leaves as a FA

4)


A first round draft pick, Cepicky does not have elite stuff but throws four pitches including a very good sinker and slider that generates ground balls. Command is average at best, but Kevin shows the ability to attack hitters on both sides of the plate. Cepicky projects as a back-end starter and will likely be the first man called up in case on an injury in the starting rotation.

5)


A fourth round steal, Tejera's throws five pitches including a plus-plus 4-seamer with late rise that makes up for only OK velocity and a curveball and forkball that both generate lots of ground balls. Command is only OK and righties can hit his breaking pitches, but he started to put it togehter in Season 8 with a 9+ K/9 rate in Lo-A. Projects as a mid rotation starter with an ETA of Season 12


6)


A solid third round pick, Powell is a solid defensive backstop comparable to Belliard defensively with a better game sense compensating for a weaker arm. Powell has put up consistent .800 OPS seasons at every level, and will likely hit adequately at the big league level. Already 25 he could hold down a big league starting spot, but is blocked in Ottawa and is potential trade bait and injury insurance

7)


A 9th round steal, started to show results with a good year at High-A after a disasterous year at AA in Season 7. Shows most of the attributes of a top reliever with 3 pitches including a great fastball and slider, decent command and, although he is death on lefties, the ability to get out hitters from both sides of the plate. Pitches to contact and fly balls more than ideally for a closer and doesnt have a rubber arm, but will definitely make it as a lefty specialist with some upside. ETA Season 11.

8)



This supplemental first rounder is a poor man's LaRocca, will play an above average second base with plus range but doesnt come with the batting eye or make square contact as much as LaRocca. A little bit of a safer bet than LaRocca given durability and makeup, but less potential to be an above average starter. Could see big league time this year.

9)



This first round pick is a horse who can eat innings and attacks righties well with three plus pitches, but will be hindered by his stubbornness at throwing his below average fastball and slider. Was an all-star at Hi-A in Season 8 and will start season 9 at AA. He's already fairly polished and could see time in the back of the rotation as early as season 10

10)



A first round pick, Jennings is limited defensively to LF and 1B and does not have the power to be an elite player at these positions, but his elite batting eye, ability to hit lefties, and makeup means he will likely have value as a 4th OF/bat off the bench or a platoon player. Injury susceptibility is a concern. Could see time by Season 11

Best of the rest
Miguel Gardel-Saw some time late last year as an added bench bat for the playoffs, likely will see the same role next year

Chad Richardson-Last year's first selection (2nd round), his bat will likely prevent him getting a starting job but will see the big leagues as a utility man due to his elite glove that plays anywhere

Jeremy Anderson-Best power bat in a weak system, wont hit for enough average to start but a potentially valuable bat off the bench

Ted Franklin-DITR, dominated A ball (albeit at 23), could be a Setup B guy

Paul Velarde-Lack of pure stuff hurts, but should be an AAAA guy